The last day has brought a few changes that will be difficult for me to deal with. First, WWWendy, who is coming this afternoon, has two other jobs, both of which have been at least partially on hold because of the Republican plague. Next month, she has to return to both, full time, which means she’ll have a lot less time to spend on me, when I need it most. I’ll have to juggle patch changing with home health nurses, get showers on a less regular schedule, and take long and excruciatingly painful Lift Bus trips to the doctor, if I’m able to do that at all. As frustrating as that is to me, I have to recognize that she can’t give up her main employment to take care of me, when I won’t be around that long anyway. In addition, I heard from my Oncologist yesterday. She wrote me that, even without contrast, the my CT Scan in the ER is so obvious that there is no need for another. She wrote that I can go back to chemo or go into the home hospice program. Chemo would likely kill me from septic shock, like it almost did twice before. That’s a terrible death, IMHO. In any case, I’m going to have to spend the next few days reorganizing my life. I’ve left out a lot of info, because there is so much that I don’t know yet. I’ll keep you posted as I learn more. Happy Hump Day.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:52 (average 4:55). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
Short Take:
From YouTube (a blast from the past): Jefferson Airplane -White Rabbit-
Ah… the memories! RESIST the Republican Reich!!
Don’t Let Republicans Steal YOUR Future!!
13 Responses to “Personal Update – 2/24/2021”
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Cartoon: A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States. *wiki
JA: One of my favorites. Boy, could Grace sing!!
Oh! Tom, I’m so sorry about your news and your life changes….I wish Wendy well, with her schedule changing, as I pray for your wellness too. Praying for your comfort, during this hard time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. I feel so bad for you. Offering up Caring Prayers to you, Tom. Please take good care.
*This just in: “Taxes took down Al Capone. Just sayin’…”. ~ Lisa L. ~
2. “Sad that the GQP doesn’t want to help anyone but it’s donors.” ~ Xavier M. ~
3. “People who leaked incriminating Cancun Texts messages are ‘as-holes’ who can’t see me happy.” ~Ted Cruz~
4. “The American people never got to see trump’s tax returns while he was sitting in the Oval office. My bill to end Washington corruption would force all federal candidates to make their tax returns public – without years and years of lawsuits like this. That’s just plain wrong.” ~ Elizabeth Warren ~
5. “Democrats assist and govern during the hard times. Republicans obstruct and obfuscate…Lipstick on a pig.” ~ Paul M. ~
TJI #3 -What a crybaby! Ted, they did not send you to the Senate to make you happy, but to work for them. You ain’t doin’ that.
TJI #4 – 100% correct. It should have been law from the time Federal Income Tax was established. And it should include State and local tax returns as well, where they exist.
This may or may not sound morbid, but you have every right to decide how you will die. We all go there, one way or another, obviously, but if one has options, one might as well exercise them. Still, it is unfortunate that you have to jump through some new hoops, at this point in your journey.
‘Toon: A good day!
PFP: Hippie Anthem! I love it!
Oh dear. None of that is what we wanted to hear. TC, we love you, and this is hard for us too (and that certainly goes for Carrie B*, who thinks of and prays for you every day, even when she doesn’t come to the site because issues.) A lot of love and prayers from a lot of people will be coming your way. I hoope they help a little.
TC, you may well be aware of this, it being your home town and all. In any case, kudos to Portland parks bureau director Adena Long.
“York, [Long] said in an interview, is ‘a figure that in my mind that we need to do a better job of proactively and thoughtfully celebrating.'”
Or, as I would put it, about damn time.
Cartoon – It always boggles my mind how a decision that couldn’t be enforced was such a milestone for the power of the judiciary in the U.S.
Blast – This song may have done more than even the work the title derives from to define the phrase “down the rabbit hole” which we seem to be needing every day now. It’s also very easy on the ears. The Hampton String Quartet thinks so too.
*”My heart is hurting, but I know many of us are not far behind, so save us place near to you and stay fulfilled knowing how much you have given to so many. Hang in there, TC!”
No, this isn’t what you wanted to hear, TomCat, or any of us. But we don’t matter, only you. You have to make decisions that are right for you. And for you only.
We all dreaded the day that WWWendy’s loving care wouldn’t be enough, no matter how little or how much time she had for you. But that day has come and you now have to make choices that are best for you. Leave anybody else except WWWendy out of your considerations.
I know what I would do but the time for advice from the sideline is long gone. I think you know what to do too and it best you start to make arrangements while you’re still able. Whatever your choice, we’ll be in contact with you and travel your last road with you as long as possible. Though far away, you’re not alone. You’re in our thoughts. Always.
Cartoon: A day to remember.BFTP: Great song.
I’m sorry to hear the news you’ve been given by your Oncologist yesterday. Wasn’t what we were expecting at all. I had been praying for your visit that was planned for tomorrow. I hope you’ll be able to really take your time and figure out what’s the best for you and your health.
I’m happy to hear that Wendy is going to be able to get back to work at her regular jobs. I’m sure it’s a big financial relief for her and her family. As for Wendy not able to be there for you, I know it’s going to be hard. Doesn’t she have a friend or relative that came over when she went on trips, that can come over to take care of you a couple of time to make up for when she isn’t coming? Or even your nurse come over more than once a week?
I will be praying that there’s some simple solutions/ways to help you out.
Take care, TC
Dearest TC –
While this news is not what any of us wanted to hear, we all knew it would come at some point.
No doubt Wendy, like all of us, is devastated by this development. Probably even more so since she’s had the biggest chance to get to know the old, lovable TomCat.
Every state has different criteria and protocols for their Hospice Care. I did a quite an extensive Google research for Hospice Care in my Mom’s area, and fortunately both she and I were pleased with the selection.
I would recommend you do your “Due Diligence” research in selecting a Hospice Care – and pick as many brains as possible to see what others have experienced.
And please – PLEASE – let us know what we can do to help ease your final transition! That includes Wendy, as I suspect she’ll be involved in some manner. And let her know we’re here to help in any way she would like.
(Either here on in an email.)
Ditto what JD said.
Here in OR virtually all hospice services are home based and my Medicare Advantage Plan has a superior package. More info here.
I will make sure WWWendy has your info.
Thanks and Hugs to all!
I’m with Nameless on this–and if there are questions on different choices on hospice, will be happy to tap into my friends who are health professionals with connections in your area whose work includes this phase of life and option TC. Prayers for these decisions added to those ongoing.
OH, Tom! 🙁 Sorry you won’t have WWWendy to help. We’re all probably glad she’s got her jobs back but I wish it could be another way and I imagine she wishes that, too!
Reading through these responses (sorry…I don’t usually do that) makes me glad for you because you have so many friends who care. I wish I were closer–I’d be willing to do anything I could to help you. I’m very glad you live where you do and have a few options on your difficult decisions ahead…it could be a lot worse, m’dear!
I had hospice for my late husband and quickly learned that it’s a compassionate and comforting service. The difference in his comfort level was amazing, once he’d begun. I don’t know your family situation but I do know this…anyone who loves you will be glad about the hospice care, too.
Please do two things for us—first, let us know how it’s going and second…please let us know how we can help.
Tell me your favorite charity….and tell me what would be your favorite thing to do on a warm-ish spring Sunday. What’s your favorite accomplishment? I’ll organize a virtual party for you, TC. Beer? Or wine? What’s for lunch? xoxo pam
home hospice is a wonderful option if given….sorry it is at this point, but I think you have prepared yourself the best possible…it is about you….and what you can do