Day 1 of chemo for my mother: Finally, after an agonizing decision and lots of emotion, we are at the C&W getting the first treatment. Mother was brave on arrival but it took over 2 hours to get started due to the upfront paperwork that needs to be done but as soon as the proceed started, mummy was pleased with the perfection of the nurses who tap her body for fluid. She is mightily sqimmish and with rolling veins, she is a tough patient to work with but... they nailed it first time and couldn't have been a better start for mummy. The treatment went as well as can be expected all things considered. The team warm, professional and the room was filled with people who spoke fondly of the overall care they were given. We were the last people to leave and headed home to wait and see how the chemo would manifest itself. Stay tuned. We sit with fingers, toes and everything else in between crossed.
MacMillan therapy: Yesterday, at the advise of my wife who is heading back to the US on Monday, I went and met with the MacMacilan team at the Chelsea and Westminster to talk about getting some councelling help. Right from the start, I was stunned at the warmth and commitment to help. While there wasn't an appointment for over a week, the volunteer said he would speak to the Dr to see if I could be sooner. 1 hours later, while I was sitting in the outpaitent room with my mother, the chap came and found me and asked if I was available in 10 mins for an appointment. Bingo. I jumped on the opportunity. I met with Russ who was highly recommended and I can now validate his reputation as spot on. We spoke (well, I spoke a lot!) for an hour and he asked excellent questions and made spot on comments which I have gone away and thought about.
Night times/Me time: I have found its very important for my sanity to retire away from family life in the evening to meet with others or take my wife away for alone time. At the beginning of being in London, our immediate family unit was spending practically all the time together but it wasn't working. After hitting a wall this past Tuesday, I requested a night off and met up with a friend. The best move I have made since being here. It is imperative to look after yourself as a relative of the patient. With family flying in to see my mother, a table of 6+ is too much for my mother and as we spend a good chunk of the day with her, taking time off in the evenings is a great outlet.
Work/Being on the road: The simple fact is this entire sitation is horrid and earth shattering. Being away from my home, cat, work and general homelife is tough as one faces both a physical and emotional battering. I wish a few times a day to be home on my sofa sitting and watching some crap tv show while sipping wine listening to our cat puffing next to us. In addition, without being aware, some of my healthy habits aren't being addressed like drinking water and exercising. Critical elements to stay healthy. Being on the road messed you up.
Next post: Promise to be more suscinct and less rambling!
