That being said, I have been EXTREMELY busy with her care as well as some personal issues of my own. Where to start, …... the chemo has truly taken a toll on her to date. She has her ups and downs (more downs than ups recently). Confusion continues to be a huge side effect to-date and I can only leave her alone for a very limited time. (while she sleeps) For example, she woke me up almost every hour last night thinking it was time for her doctors appointment that we didn't have.
At this point, I have secured all her meds (too be safe) and implemented a simple system that alerts me if she gets up at night. As most of you know, I have spent a better part of the last 18 years medically serving cancer patients all over the world. That being said, I had no clue as to the true impact of these deadly diseases on the care givers at home. WOW!!!
Most recently, I had some business travel and requested the assistance of Carilion Home Health........ No words can describe my TOTAL disappointment in their operation and their staff skills. ( Next time I will call HOUSEKEEPING instead…...... I wouldn't refer them to my worst enemy) My experience to date with home health has been nothing but total dismay, to the point that I will leverage all my skills, contacts and resources to be an instrument of change. (Warning.......If anyone is reading this beyond a Director level position at Carilion, please take note,.......... change is coming and you will know my name before my quest ends).... OK, got that off my chest.... :-)
Tomorrow she starts her second round of chemo therapy at the cancer center at Lewis Gale in Salem. Due to my upcoming relocation/business travels, I must return to Minneapolis around May 20th returning to VA around June 15th. Please pray for improved progress in her health before that time...... Also, I may seek/need assistance from time to time during that departure and I will list those needs on her blog seeking volunteers.
Thanks again for all your continues support, assistance and prayers!! Heading to bed "without spell check this evening" Sorry.........Kindest Regards.. Steve
4 comments:
Jerri is fortunate that she has a son of your devotion and caliber. Caregiving is stressful and will take an emotional and physical toll without adequate support. I like your approach at relieving stress with a cool beverage down by the creek. Let me know how and when I can help.
Larry
Thanks Steve. I know that this is a very trying time for you as well. Let Mom know we're thinking of her avery day and praying for her. We miss her here at work. You are doing a great job taking care of her. Blessings, Jim and Donna Cassell
Unfortunately there are people at work who did not treat Jerri very well. They should be ashamed. I hope they are proud of themselves. They will be the first ones to act concerned about her now. Jerri knows who these people are and who is sincere and who is not.
Please tell Jerri we still pray for her and think about her every day. I have not been at Lewis Gale since July 2cd, and I worry about her. I hope to hear some good news soon. Blessings, Jim and Donna Cassell
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