Many of you have been inquiring about how my wife is doing, so I thought I would post this update. It’s based on an email message I sent out to my co-workers.
Alas, we got bad news last week from her oncologist. The last chemotherapy she received did not arrest the growth of the cancer in her liver at all. That drug was pretty much the last chemotherapy agent in his arsenal, and so he’s ending her chemotherapy. She will be taking some pills that have shown a little success in slowing cancer, but that’s about all she can expect from them. He has given her 3 months to live, unless the pills prove effective. In that case she may have up to 6 months.
Right now we are getting hooked up with the local hospice people, who seem really great. A nurse will be visiting us this afternoon to discuss a future transition into in-home hospice care. She sounded really nice on the phone, and we are looking forward to meeting her.
In the meantime, Barbara and I are fully enjoying each day together. Barbara hasn’t had that much of a problem with pain, as the pain pills she has seem to control it pretty well. Her main problem now is continuing weakness. I’m helping her out more and more in all the little activities of life, and surprisingly haven’t seen them as a burden, but as an opportunity to be of service to her after all the many years she has cared for me. I’m actually taking pleasure in all these simple activities of helping her.
Thanks again for all your prayers and concern. We both appreciate them so much. Barbara has encountered people from all over the world through the Internet who are praying for her and sending their loving concern for her. It’s truly amazing how a technology that everyone feared would result in depersonalization has in fact brought us all closer together.
Michael
July 8, 2008 at 12:01 pm |
Michael, I pray that your time together with Barbara will be sweet fellowship. My heart breaks for the two of you.
Please give Barbara my best.
July 8, 2008 at 12:07 pm |
My best to you and your wife, Michael.
July 10, 2008 at 12:57 am |
I found your blog while searching out info on XP SP3 issues that I’m having (I can install it but then cannot access the internet).
I just wanted to leave you a note in support for you and your wife, as my mother is also struggling with cancer (stage 4 invasive ductal carcinoma, metastasis to lungs and liver, dxed 5/07, terminal). Mom has just started what she is calling “the chemo of last resort”, in an attempt to slow the disease down enough for my sister’s children (3 yrs and 3 mos, respectively) to build some lasting memories. We haven’t much hope for success in the case of the youngest, but so long as the chemo doesn’t rob her of the enjoyment of her time with her grandchildren, she is willing to give it a shot.
Mom’s doctors have been amazed at how much quality of life she’s retained so far. She was able to continue working (after dropping down to part time, 12 hrs/wk), although she has put in her notice for the end of this month. At the end of March, Mom even delivered my sister’s youngest boy (home birth, the midwife was stuck in rush hour traffic). Naturally, she now considers him *her* baby.
I am very encouraged to read about how well Barbara’s pain has been managed and hope to be able to say the same for Mom when she reaches the same place in her struggle.
All the best to you both, my hopes that you both continue to find moments to enjoy and hold close as events progress, and my wishes that you will always find strength when you need it most.
July 10, 2008 at 1:13 am |
First of all, thanks from both of us to Rob and Thoughtfix. Rob, I saw your call for prayer on FriendFeed and we really were touched by your concern.
Brenda, thanks for your wonderful note. Your mom and you will both be in our prayers!
Michael and Barbara