John is very weak and down to 143 pounds and has virtually no energy, all to be expected. But in spite of the expectations, it is hard to witness and hard to handle. I have no idea how someone who is alone could deal with this disease. I am just grateful I am here and able to care for him, a good man.
Also, in spite of the information we were given, that he would not even be nauseous, let alone throw up, he has been doing some of that more than he wants to. It does cause havoc when he can't keep his meds down, gets dehydrated, takes insulin and his blood sugar goes crazy. I know a lot of you have either gone through this yourself or had a family member or friend go through it, but I have not. Not one on one type of care. You think and feel you have things in control and they are going well, but then the rug is pulled out from under you.
He still has a positive attitude, but is quiet and doesn't say too much when he feels this badly.
For the last few days, he has felt like seeing company and that has been good for him. But, now today, it is obvious he will be in bed most of the day and getting food and liquids down him will be difficult. I just hope he keeps out of the ER, which is where this is heading, when he can't eat.
Tomorrow he has his third chemo treatment and then he as one more on September 4th, before we can get the scan to see how the treatment is working for him.
An important thing that I have to mention: Some good people in California and Utah have puts their heads together and co-ordinated a mass mailing of greeting cards, so our mailbox was jammed packed Tuesday with so many cards it literally took John one hour to go through them. I think he absorbed them slowly, so each and every word could have a healing effect on him. Then he would stop and look at me and make some sweet comment about the person or family that took the time to send him (us) good wishes. He really enjoyed the cards from the little kids.... how he loves them. He was buoyed up throughout the day.
Then, I read them alone. Overwhelmed with thankfulness for each and every one of you. I suspect the ones that promptly and promoted this massive act of kindness, you know who you are. It was so nice to hear and read words from so many good friends from Paradise, Chico and Sacramento area. It kind of brought us up to date on some of you, which was fun. It certainly did bring some joy into our home. We are leaving the cards out, to share with whomever wants to see them.
Thank you, again, for the ongoing, continual care and service you give the Miles family. We love you all.
You know all of your friends here in Calif. miss and love you to pieces. Thanks for the good updates. Chemo is the pits! No matter what they tell you. Watching Millie go through it was so hard. Give John our love....and you too.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be so hard on all of you guys, but I am so impressed with your good attitude. I loved talking with him yesterday. Still thinking and praying for you guys.
ReplyDeleteApril, I clicked on your name and noticed you followed the Wood Family. How do you know the Wood Family? He is our Stake President and my husband taught seminary with Sister Wood. Great Great People!!
Hi Nanc and John,
ReplyDeleteWhile the issues dealt with in your blog, are issues that most people would rather not have to deal with, I sure appreciate your updates!
As you know, we think you guys are amazing people!!! John is a great example to everyone in so many ways and especially regarding dealing with difficult challenges and maintaining a positive attitude. And you are the eternal care giver - to everyone who comes your way and you are extremely talented in so many ways.
We were helping our kids with the move when the email went out requesting the massive card effort, so we missed that email, but what a great idea! It was uplifting just to hear how successful it was and how you and John received the messages. :-)
Lisa and I enjoyed our visit with you a few weeks ago. It was our blessing to be able to spend that little bit of time with you. Thanks for your great hospitality.
As always, both of you are in our prayers daily and on the Temple rolls.
Love,
Gracie and Spock
Wasn't the mass mailing of the cards an awesome idea!!! I loved it! The journey you are on is a rough one, but I know you and John have the faith to get you through it. Make sure you take care of yourself, as well, on this journey. I appreciate the time you take to share updates wth us. Our continued prayers are will you, John and Lori and the rest of the family.
ReplyDeleteLove, the B's