Well, we are getting adjusted to the new routine - which is mainly less appointments! Callum still has issues with leg pain, but we have tried some new things and it seems to be a bit better. He still gets sleepy now and then, but the med he has started using for pain is a steroid and helps with his appetite. It also usually helps him have a bit more energy. However, he doesn't get out often, and does have limited stamina to be out for too long. He had a few good days this week, with only a few bouts of nausea. Overall he is doing pretty good. We will be going to watch Stu kickbox Sat night - we hope to be the lucky charms and see him win!
We have been able to enjoy being with family and friends - we are so lucky to have so many people care about and support us.! Here are some recent pictures:
As you can see, Cade gives us a laugh every now and then!
After some support from a psychiatrist, I finally received approval for short term disability from end January to May 20. They will assess for long term disability based on my next appointment with the psychiatrist. It is nice to not have to worry about that for now!
PART TWO
We would never be where we are without the help of some world class doctors. Yes, Callum has been very determined and positive - and that has made an incredible difference! But we need to credit the doctors who have helped along the way. I can't say enough good things about the oncologist we have had for the last 1 1/2 years. He was compassionate, honest, patient (even with me!), complimentary, has a sense of humour, extremely knowledgeable, and able to calm me down (no easy feat!). I will deeply miss the visits with him, and the regular support he has given both of us. He has offered to answer any questions or be of help if needed, but we no longer can look forward to regular visits. Perhaps I am going into withdrawal!! Next week would have been our regular visit week....but not to be. I am not sure I know why I feel such a strong connection to him, but I think I know. He had taken over Callum's file in Dec 2009 and we had only one visit with him before Callum was hospitalized with sepsis. Our second meeting was our first emotional meeting - "he is very sick and will be here a few days" followed by "do you know if he wants help with breathing" and "as long as its reversible, right?". What a conversation to have with someone you hardly know. I literally put Callum's life in his hands. Maybe that is it it, he helped give Callum at least 15 more months since then. He was so respectful with me and helped me understand the honest, (and scary) facts, our choices, and supported and respected my decision. He answered all my questions, and politely would tell me when I asked something he couldn't answer. And that is how it has been for over a year. We could go to our appointments, and I could be worried, angry, sad - it didn't matter - and he always, and I mean always, would tell us what he honestly thought, what the plan would be, and I always left feeling so much better. Well, except for our very last appointment. It was hard to leave that appt feeling good - but it wasn't his fault. In fact, he was very human, and nearly apologetic that he couldn't do more for Callum. Yes, I will miss him. Very much.
The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention... A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words. Rachel Naomi Remen
TTFN
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