Take for example a "routine day." Routine is a relative term. Often she'll wake up early, say 5am, and camp out on the living room couch, fall into a deep sleep until 8:00 and be very alert for awhile. One constant is that if she overexerts herself, she needs a long rest before she can rally again. Generally, later in the afternoon she's more alert and engaging. We have dinner early and go for a five or ten minute walk if Peg's up for it. And our family ritual before bed is watching "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart." That's a "normal" day.
She's thin as a rail, but of course smart as hell and focused like a laser beam on keeping track on her caloric intake. She manages to take in over 2,100 calories a day in that long climb to get back to her normal weight.
This morning before Zoe woke up we took a walk around the park that's two blocks away from our house. She had to rest at a picnic table halfway around, and the walk pretty much knocked her down until early afternoon.
She thoroughly enjoys visits from friends. It's hard for her to focus on reading (or even listening to music or watching TV) for more than a few minutes, but having a good friend drop by for conversation, a hand massage or being read to is an experience she engages in on a whole other level. Kind of a crap shoot as to how long the visit lasts-- when she's poohed, she's really and thoroughly depleted and hopes you understand when she says, "I really need to stop now and rest."
Her attitude is good, and her weight has stabilized. We're going to start shifting her from emergency-nutrition processed food--the high-calorie "steak dinner in a can" stuff--to more balanced smoothies less loaded with high fructose corn syrup and the other nasty crap she's put up with to keep her weight from going into freefall.
If anyone has held back on calling Peg because you don't want to be intrusive... please call. I'm self-employed so I'm usually here to shag calls, and if she's not in a good place to talk, I'll let you know. But she really appreciates connecting with y'all. 916-965-1950. Just be prepared for a short visit, although if she has the energy, she can chat for a bit.
2 comments:
Hi Guys,
It's always so uplifting to read your cheery notes. I've fallen behind, as I've had a series of houseguests, but would love to connect up again. I'll give you a call.
By the way, if you have any insurance troubles, remember that I was a medical law expert who specialized in insurance companies, doctors, nurses and hospitals. It sounds like you guys have it all under control, but if you ever want some help, let me know....
Tons of love,
Lori
Hi, Eric and Peggy!
Peg, I had such a vivid dream about you last night. I was sitting next to your bed and stroking your hair to comfort you, and your doctor came by and showed me that you really
prefer a neck/shoulder rub! Silly me, I should have known... especially after the buzz cut. :)
Anyway, the dream told me it was time to get in touch. I have been following your blog, but
haven't written because, a week after I got your news, I found out that my sister's breast cancer has recurred-- it is now Stage IV.
I HATE this disease with every ounce of my being, respect for buddhist philosophy not withstanding.
I have spent the last month immersing myself in research about cancer in general and breast cancer in particular, including all conventional and alternative therapies. I've learned a lot. My sister has responded well to an emergency course of radiation to shrink some dangerous bone lesions, and a hormonal treatment. And, she is taking some supplements that I have concluded can't hurt and might help.
Naturally, being the bossy doctor that I am, I have the urge to give you advice. I will refrain, however, since I know you ain't stupid and, while not bossy, are in fact a doctor yourself. If you have any interest, though, in talking about what I've gleaned in the alternative therapies area, please let me know.
Meanwhile, I hope you can sense somewhere in your cells my love and healing thoughts across the miles.
Your friend, Roberta
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