I had another medical adventure last night. Honestly, I need a different hobby.
It was a long week; after my infusion Tuesday morning I had to go downtown (driven by a kindly volunteer) for an article, rather than home for my usual nap. Yesterday I got the article in and went with friends to dinner and choir rehearsal; I was still awfully tired, but I didn't want to miss.
We were using the post-break to record something; after the first take, I had to sit down, because I was feeling woozy. The next thing I knew, a paramedic was asking me how I felt. Apparently I slumped over (dropping my folder on a colleague's foot), eyes open and completely unresponsive, and stayed that way for more than five minutes. They thought I'd had a stroke.
I missed what sounds like an incredible response: one woman (another alto, of course) organized people - call 911, get a cold compress, take her pulse (happily, yet another alto is a nurse) - and those who lacked other duties gathered in a circle around me and prayed. Once I was wheeled out, they sang Compline.
One friend went with the paramedics and me to the ER; three others followed. One of our priests showed up; she stayed until I was given the all clear. (It was a fun group.) And we were there for almost six hours.
Happily, I'm just anemic (thank you, chemo), have a minor infection, and am exhausted: I fainted. It was a pain (and I wrecked the recording session), but I am incredibly touched by the outpouring of love and concern I've had today. One thing about having cancer is that you swiftly learn who your friends are - and I am blessed by many and kind friends. A lot of them, most of whom I've never met in person, are right here on the Ship. Deo gratias.
It has been said (by me) that cancer isn't a journey - it's an adventure. I think you just proved the point! A glass of red wine now? So glad to hear that you were surrounded by good people who knew what to do. Carry on!
Ross, TBTG for your team of good friends (choir folks are wonderful), caring clergy, and competent medical personnel. And for your good humor. As I have said before, you are one tough cookie.
Ross, TBTG for your team of good friends (choir folks are wonderful), caring clergy, and competent medical personnel. And for your good humor. As I have said before, you are one tough cookie.
Hear, hear! I also agree very much with the comment about sense of humour, maintained in the face of such multi-problems.
I had 1 tsp (measured) of Scotch last night (Talisker Storm for those interested in that kind of detail). Over-tired as it's been a huge week from all directions (Christchurch mosque massacres, friend to pick up from the airport in the middle of the night which is 2 hours each way, then a day of Sightseeing, then Shabbat Eve dinner including The Young Lovers (who of course are damned veeganz in addition). Followed by a Bible Study (Purim/Book of Esther) with Number 2 Son in English and Hebrew - alternating chapters read aloud and commented on, words looked up, bits repeated for clarification, etc.
Today we "anticipated" my birthday (technically 24th) and made a linked up WhatsApp with the other "children" in Aotearoa-New Zealand and opening of prezzies "live" Surrounded by LOVE - feel I will live forever now
I remain awestruck (awestricken?) by the grace, determination, and, yes, humor of all those on this thread coping with cancer.
Indeed. Seeing a friend with cancer battle and beat her expected life span by a good number of years amazed me -- she lived life to the full. I and her niece always said we'd curl up and die overnight if we got the news; the strength, good humour and courage of her, and you all, is amazing to see -- and a good corrective. :not worthy:
Galilit: wow. Thanks for sharing. It's the morning of the 24th here, so Happy Birthday! Here's to many more, and sharing in the joy with you for the surrounding with love.
See how Good Things can (sometimes) come out of Shit*y Things?
My own experience (nowhere near as traumatic as those of some on this thread) brought home to me the truth of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, inasmuch as succour was to be found in Unexpected People.
Yes. It was not I, of course, but Mr Ll who collapsed dramatically and publicly, but the generosity of the response from those around us still comforts me today and I take strength too from all your stories here.
Thank you - on to Day Two - having even had one text yesterday saying evening from a local friend on the grounds that "It's already your birthday in New Zealand!
I am so thankful to you all who are going through the evil C word for sharing your journeys with us. I am praying for you all.
Blessings on the Feline Ministry to the Sick!
So well said I had to borrow it, the Feline Ministry got to me, too.
Ditto on the Happy Birthday to Galilit!
Aside from all the other things I admire about the people on this thread there's the stories like Rossweisse's where, to an agoraphobic like me, the going in the first place is just incredible. I had to really push myself to go to my book club yesterday and I didn't have 58 excuses not to go.
Ross - Praise indeed for the Feline Ministry to the Sick. Ours were great while I was going through my little "blip" (Except for when Bib would lick my bald head with her raspy tongue!!)
I made it to church (and vested, and sang) this morning. I was a little shaky, though, so (with the choirmaster's agreement) I sat through it all. I see no need for a repeat performance with the paramedics.
Thank you all - we went to see the sea yeaterday and it was lovely. And all the way was spring green and wildflowers in abundance. I noticed the first jasmine today too
Cheaper than a psychologist!
I have been puny and woozy for a week now, wasting far too much time in a prone position (and unable, worryingly, to focus enough long enough to get my tax numbers together for the accountant). My oncologist has ordered an MRI of my brain for Tuesday, to make sure that I don't have another tumor there. All prayers, good thoughts, etc., gratefully received.
Comments
It was a long week; after my infusion Tuesday morning I had to go downtown (driven by a kindly volunteer) for an article, rather than home for my usual nap. Yesterday I got the article in and went with friends to dinner and choir rehearsal; I was still awfully tired, but I didn't want to miss.
We were using the post-break to record something; after the first take, I had to sit down, because I was feeling woozy. The next thing I knew, a paramedic was asking me how I felt. Apparently I slumped over (dropping my folder on a colleague's foot), eyes open and completely unresponsive, and stayed that way for more than five minutes. They thought I'd had a stroke.
I missed what sounds like an incredible response: one woman (another alto, of course) organized people - call 911, get a cold compress, take her pulse (happily, yet another alto is a nurse) - and those who lacked other duties gathered in a circle around me and prayed. Once I was wheeled out, they sang Compline.
One friend went with the paramedics and me to the ER; three others followed. One of our priests showed up; she stayed until I was given the all clear. (It was a fun group.) And we were there for almost six hours.
Happily, I'm just anemic (thank you, chemo), have a minor infection, and am exhausted: I fainted. It was a pain (and I wrecked the recording session), but I am incredibly touched by the outpouring of love and concern I've had today. One thing about having cancer is that you swiftly learn who your friends are - and I am blessed by many and kind friends. A lot of them, most of whom I've never met in person, are right here on the Ship. Deo gratias.
(((SusanDoris)))
Thank goodness for helpful and competent people around you. Rest well.
Continued love and best wishes to Ross, Susan and Firenze and Mr Firenze.
Thank you!
I did have some red wine. (It's helpful for anemia.) And I'm about to go back to bed with the members of the Feline Ministry to the Sick local.
<votive> {{{{Firenze and Mr F}}}}
<votive> {{{{SusanDoris}}}
Today we "anticipated" my birthday (technically 24th) and made a linked up WhatsApp with the other "children" in Aotearoa-New Zealand and opening of prezzies "live"
Surrounded by LOVE - feel I will live forever now
{{Galilit}}
Blessings on the Feline Ministry to the Sick!
Indeed. Seeing a friend with cancer battle and beat her expected life span by a good number of years amazed me -- she lived life to the full. I and her niece always said we'd curl up and die overnight if we got the news; the strength, good humour and courage of her, and you all, is amazing to see -- and a good corrective. :not worthy:
Galilit: wow. Thanks for sharing. It's the morning of the 24th here, so Happy Birthday! Here's to many more, and sharing in the joy with you for the surrounding with love.
My own experience (nowhere near as traumatic as those of some on this thread) brought home to me the truth of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, inasmuch as succour was to be found in Unexpected People.
Us Humming Beans are not all that easy to put down (sometimes)!
So well said I had to borrow it, the Feline Ministry got to me, too.
Ditto on the Happy Birthday to Galilit!
Aside from all the other things I admire about the people on this thread there's the stories like Rossweisse's where, to an agoraphobic like me, the going in the first place is just incredible. I had to really push myself to go to my book club yesterday and I didn't have 58 excuses not to go.
Ross - Praise indeed for the Feline Ministry to the Sick. Ours were great while I was going through my little "blip" (Except for when Bib would lick my bald head with her raspy tongue!!)
.....but thereby hangs a Tail.......
Happy birthday, dear Galilit!
I made it to church (and vested, and sang) this morning. I was a little shaky, though, so (with the choirmaster's agreement) I sat through it all. I see no need for a repeat performance with the paramedics.
We know this is Hell, but really...
Yes, BF puss us all in the shade with those puns...
Cheaper than a psychologist!
Ps 139:13 "fearfully and wonderfully made" ... indeed I am
I have been puny and woozy for a week now, wasting far too much time in a prone position (and unable, worryingly, to focus enough long enough to get my tax numbers together for the accountant). My oncologist has ordered an MRI of my brain for Tuesday, to make sure that I don't have another tumor there. All prayers, good thoughts, etc., gratefully received.