This photo was taken over a month ago - when Stephen was beginning to lose his hair and beard - resembled a pirate! Looked good, and seemed to be coping really well after first session of latest chemo, but is sadly now unrecognisable.
His appearance changed dramatically 2 weeks ago and things have not been easy with most of my time taken up trying to keep him comfortable and as happy as is humanly possible, given the circumstances.
He is now having difficulty in climbing the stairs and walking has become a problem. Stephen has reacted very badly to this last two sessions of chemo (has final (4th) session next week) - which seems to have weakened him and he looks yellow this morning. His hair and beard have gone walk about and his face is badly swollen with steroids. Would be unfair to post a picture of him in his present unrecognisable state.
Slow-release morphine has been prescribed during the day and a separate dose of morphine is given at night to help Stephen sleep.
Rang the Hospice this morning and asked for help with therapies to make him feel better and help him relax - reflexology and massage for example - plus some restorative yoga for myself.
Saw Upper GI consultant yesterday - had xray and am to have an endoscopy on Saturday 26th September (which I understand is akin to having a hosepipe thrust down your throat.)
A weekend experience I could do without.
On a lighter note - my grand-daughter Polly, and her (coxless pair) team-mate Jen won gold medals at the European Championships in Poland 2 weeks ago. Will post a pic of them, later.
Polly is the blonde - 6'1" - and Jen, (ex Cambridge Blue - now studying medicine at Edinburgh with Polly) is a magnificent 6' 3"! The girls look marvellous together - like tall beautiful trees.
I am so proud and their success brought a badly needed bit of sunshine into our lives . .
Many many congratulations to Angela whose work is being showcased in the October and future issues of Popular Patchwork. Well done! I told you so . . . . . and there'll be lots more . . . .
I'm very sorry and extremely disappointed that the publication of my 2010 BOM Beginners Heirloom Sampler for the magazine has had to be postponed indefinitely but, as I'm sure you can appreciate, present circumstances make it impossible to give time to anything other than Stephen's needs for the foreseeable future.
Maybe later . . . . .
You can see the results of this year's GPQ samplers at popularpatchwork.com (click on sidebar) and then click on Babs Sampler Beauties!!
Patsy Thompson has a new DVD out. Feathers - version 3. I've ordered one. Might not have time to sew but I can sit with Stephen, relax, and enjoy Patsy's latest work. Her on-line 'free machine' tuition is second to none and to be highly recommended. I've learned a tremendous amount from her. Click on the side panel which will take you directly her website (www.patsythompsondesigns.com).
5 comments:
Congratulations to the girls - you must be a very proud grandmother. I love your analogy of the tall beautiful trees.
I hope you are able to keep strong with what is going on as it becomes very hard as Stephen becomes more and more dependant upon you. Thank you for sharing a photo of Stephen at a happier time.
Hope the endoscopy goes well and that it is all down to stress in the end. Maggi x
Thankyou Maggi. Yes, things are difficult for Stephen and I have the feeling he's giving up the struggle as he would have no truck with the Hospice a few months ago.
Standing next to the girls is exactly like being in the midst of tall trees - hence the analogy. Lovely girls. Are Scottish champions and entered the European Championships as part of the GB team. Will be interesting to see how far they can go. But let's face it - their studies must come first.
My problem was acid reflux starting mid July. Stress induced I'm sure. Babs
hi, i just wanted to say i have been following your blog for sometime in my reader and have been following how you and Stephen have been getting on and you both seem very strong and Stephen seems to be putting up a good fight and to read all the details about your day to day life gives some outside of that insight into the process of what happen and how people cope and it makes me appreciate mine my families current good health, cancer runs in my partner family very strongly and i always worry that in later stage of life my partner may have it.
it must be very hard for you but you seem like a very strong person and so devoted to your husband. i hope you do not mind what i have said and i hope i have not made you feel emotional i just wanted to let you know i have been reading and admire your strength and Stephen's strength x P.S Although i may not comment i read the blogs i follow daily so my thoughts are always with you
Thankyou so much. Your thoughts and good wishes are much appreciated.
Congratulations to the girls!
Our thoughts are with both you and Stephen. My dad had a huge zest for life and would not give up. It was a very difficult time for my mum to have him at home but they made the most of it, with help from local resources as we are all so far away. Acceptance is a very hard thing.
Keep strong,
Fiona.
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