Tuesday, March 4, 2008

a little venting

So yesterday was a good day for Mom. Her pain was much improved and she even managed to go food shopping for her own self after her radiation appointment! She also did a load of laundry which, to me seemed like pushing it, but I guess she just wanted everything to be in order for Clancy's arrival. Sorta sweet. It's really great to have him here. He arrived last night. I went up to see them at Mom's after my internship. Mom's good friend and neighbor Jennifer Cooper was there too (thanks Jennifer for your fabulous energy!), and it was great to just talk about other things, hang out, be together and laugh. There's something about plain ol' laughter that's such strong medicine these days.

I got really worried about Mom though as I sat there watching her last night. I could tell as soon as I walked in the door that she'd overexerted herself yesterday. She just looked really wiped out and in a bit of pain. The wheeze started to come back a bit the longer I stayed and she started to cough more too. She said this happens every night - the cough returns a bit - but I dunno, I just left with a weird pit in my stomach, feeling helpless as usual.


I know that the radiation is helping her neck and that she's in much better shape now than even a week ago, but the whole "one step forward, two steps back" element of this situation really gives me the howling fantods sometimes.
I'm just sayin.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh love and love and love to you, darling.

and thank you for not holding it all in. let it out and let us try to hold you.

love,
kristie

Malachy Walsh said...

hang in there.

your mother has a beautiful beautiful spirit and laundry can't dampen it!

and keep venting. it is good for the soul.

Unknown said...

Dearest Janet, Sarah and Jennifer...
I want you to know that if any of you need anything - however dumb - I and others are more than happy to: bring food, clean, do laundry, laugh, wear bow ties, read, listen, talk, sit in silence.....

Nothing but huge love an admiration for all of you. Janet you and your most wonderful daughters have been ever present in my thoughts.

more love coming at you - Eva Burgess

Gemma Whelan said...

Sarah,
How brave you all are - of course you feel stressed and should vent.
It's wonderful that Clancy has arrived now.
Breathe.
Give her lots of hugs from me.
And thank you.
Love,
Gemma

Steven Patterson said...

It was great to see Clancy the other night. Your mom really seemed re-energized - far less drained, far less in pain, far more her "old self" which was wonderful. PLEASE see to it that she doesn't overdo or let all those of us who want to spend as much time as possible with her wear her out. Leaving tomorrow till the end of April. Hope when I return she's gonna be up and kickin' the pricks again. Love y'all.