Sunday 3 October 2010

I Know it's Not Friday but...

I tried to post this yesterday but my internet access is variable at the moment and I lost a very long post (was timed out as I'd lost internet access) so here goes.....

I do have some gratefuls even though it has been a very hard week.

Basically, my Dad is dying and all we can do is make him as comfortable as possible. He's getting his wish, to die at home and I've signed a non resuscitation form (saddest thing I've ever had to do).

I'm grateful to..

 his GPs who sprang into action at the beginning of the week and organised medication and care.
 my OH ,David, who stayed with me as long as he could and left Max with me when he had to return south for work.
my nephew,Anthony, who has shopped for me and sat with Dad so that I could walk Max.
my brother for also sitting with Dad so that I could walk Max (and pop into the pub for a couple of drinks and a chat) and for coming home early with Sue, his wife, today and organising a Chinese take away (eaten whilst watching Strictly).
my SIL who is taking me out tomorrow, probably to the Metro Centre, for some respite and fun
to Max, my "hot water bottle" and comfort
to the District Nurses who have been wonderful with Dad
to the carers who have treated him with dignity
to my friends who have sent me sparkles and hugs and generally let me know they are thinking of me
to all Dad's friends who have visited over the last couple of days to let him know how well thought of he is (but why so many females?!!! I gather he's been a bit of a charmer at the local pub ).


I am definitely not grateful to the hospital he was in recently (no names but the initials DM will have meaning to people in the area) - they did an ultrasound scan of his kidneys which showed that his prostate cancer had spread into his liver...it would have been nice if they could have passed this information on to his GP...they didn't, so Dad was at home for three and a half weeks without the appropriate medication (morphine, as it is incurable).It also meant that we had to break the news to Dad - thanks Anthony for volunteering.
Sue xx

15 comments:

{Sarah} said...

Aww (((hugs))) Sue! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. As a hospice volunteer I know quite well how hard it can be to just sit back and make things "comfortable" ... Still though, its very inspiring to read that, through this all, you still have things to be grateful for, that's wonderful.

CRAZYCRAFTSHED said...

Hi Sue
Sending you Big Hugs,sorry about your dad,my thoughts and prayer's are with you and your family,
Love and Hugs
Dianne xx

Valerie-Jael said...

Hi Sue, I wish you all lots of strength for the coming days and weeks, and don't forget to take care of yourself! Hugs, Valerie

Joanna said...

Dear Sue, Having been through something very similar recently I have a pretty good idea of how you're feeling. Well done for being there for your Dad in what is probably the hardest thing to have to deal with. It's so difficult to watch him deteriorate, isn't it, and in pain. Keep strong, my friend. You are the best daughter by being with him and comforting him. Hospitals? Don't get me started!

Well done for finding the time and strength to post such a great list of gratefuls.

Sending love to you and your family at this worst of times.

xxxx

Hi it's Maria said...

oh sue, I'm in tears reading this, my heart goes out to you, sending you tons and tons of sparkles to help you through the rough time ahead...

you take care and remember there is always some here to talk to when you need them, hugs...

maria xx

Virginia said...

Oooh Sue you've brought a tear to my eye that you managed to find a grateful list in amongst the hardest of times - sending you all my hugs this morning, thinking of you and your family and your Dad I'll be thinking of you all in my thoughts and in my prayers!

Hugs

jackie(worcs) said...

Special hugs and sparkles for this difficult time for you and your family,
Jackie x

Diane said...

Sue my heart goes out to you.......

hugs Diane xx

jan said...

hugs and prayers Sue and family,and Max hottie and comforter, hugs Jan xx

dottygin said...

hi sue, im soooo sorry to hear this about your dad. im sorry i havent seen you post on fb as im in the middle of a 2 week holiday down devon. and im not able to get onto fb to socialise, so iv missed your postings. i want you to know im thinking of you, and i think your very brave, you may not feel like it at the moment but you are.
you take care of yourself sue. lots and lots of sparkles.
gina xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SusieJ said...

Thanks so much girls.
I really appreciate all the hugs,sparkles and prayers.
Sue xx

Carole said...

Hi Sue
I'm so sorry to hear such sad news. Thinking of you and sending you hugs and lots of sparkles at this very difficult time.
Carole xxx

sue-bubbles said...

Big hugs for you Susie, Much love, Sue xxx

tea_bag said...

Big hugs Susie, love alma xx sorry to here your sad news.

Carmen said...

Susie - my thoughts are with you and yours x x x going to message you.