Monday, June 15, 2009

Margie: Good spirits but pain from radiation

Margie is still just Margie: Loving life, talking on the phone, walking the grounds, getting together with the Spanish language table for the fun of practicing her rusty Spanish.

She was disappointed that her sister Jane couldn't visit this past weekend, but she really knows how hard travel can be when you are weary!! She took the weekend to finish up the small edits on her book. She finished on Sunday!!!!! Steve has been being a huge huge help by working with her and connecting her to a professional editor. Hooray!

Okay, on the downside, because her radiation treatment has been extended and intensified, she is now acknowledging significant pain at the site. You can imagine (some of you may have experienced it) the pain of a deep and persistent burn. Donna (not only my partner but an expert in paliative care) recommended that the DR prescribe something more effective than Tylenol. On Sunday, Dr. Weissenberger interrupted his liturgical reading at church to call in a stronger med for Mom, and by evening she was feeling much more comfortable. She may be less steady on her feet at first, since the drug has that effect. If you visit or talk with her, please remind her to be especially cautious. Controlling pain is important and very possible, but watching out for those side effects goes hand in hand with the process. Another thing to remind her of is lots of water as well as Miralax to counter the constipating effects of the medication.

Another good side: Along with Margie's birthday coming on the 24th, at that time she will be within a day of completing the radiation cycle. YAY!!!! Call to congratulate her on both.
She will have the joy of a visit from the San Diego family (Steve, Linda, Ellie, Tyler) over the weekend just before her birthday, though this will be mixed with services for their friend Bob Sinclair, who recently died after a long and difficult cancer journey. Steve will speak at the service.

Ceci (moi [actually je]) will arrive on the afternoon of the 23rd to be there for Margie's Birthday and to celebrate the end of the radiation treatment. The healing and pain from the treatment will last longer, of course, but this marks a time for mom's body and spirit to regenerate the way we know it can.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Dear Everyone Especially Margie I so much wish I could spend time with you. It is so good to hear of all the love you are getting. I only want to add mine and Franke Raquel Tims and my dads from Ecuador.We all love you so much. Happy Happy birthday!
Good news to hear about pain meds thanks to Donna.
Lots of love to Annabel Ceci Steve and families

Besos from the Vogls