Hi Kathy

You are from a large family and lovely that you have family wedding to look forward to and that they can come over.  How exciting.   We had a few New Year fireworks (more bangs than prettiness though) round the area (strangely more on the 2nd!!!!). I am an only child and hubby one of three (both his siblings just moved to Isle of Man to retire and keep each other company (brother in law's wife went too and they are now sharing a home which requires renovation).  We got a new year text from them.

Hubby managed a few mouthfuls of cereal this morning and got up into the chair and then decided he prefers 'his space lying on the floor in front of the fire' than the bed for day time.  Hope I can get him up, though goodness knows what the nurse will think when she comes by (dressings due for a change today) so will stay in until she has been and then take a walk to post box (in all my rush to get supplies in yesterday walked there and back without posting my letter !!!). I can ask nurse today about  frame/wheelchair to make things a bit easier for hubby, who is now starting to accept help (albeit not happily) but in the meantime our son in law has borrowed chair from his Mum (long term mobility user).

Glad everyone enjoying their food treats.  I ended up with large jacket potato topped with beans and cheese (oops sorry there's that word again). The open packet of shortbread now finished so provided I do not open other tin(have put it out of sight!!) can try and be good.

Hopeful of going out with a friend for a couple of hours this evening and then daughter and family popping round tomorrow to see if Dad up to 'a ride out'. Will see what tomorrow's weather brings but think it would be nice change of scene/company for him and at the moment he is okay with idea.

Having lived in OZ for so long no doubt you are used to the high temps and adjust your chores around the coolest part of the day/night.  If I could have a steady temp of around 24 deg that would do me ha ha. Find hotter than that rather tiring.   Today we have a balmy 10 deg and sunshine at the moment. No doubt we will get a rude awakening when winter returns!

Have a peaceful day.  Jules x

Good afternoon Jules,

I am forced to agree with Sueanne and say that Spring is almost here.  As far as I'm concerned it is only eight weeks away or to make it seem shorter I have decided to countdown the winter using a different method.  I now have just two cold games of golf until Spring.

It is obvious that cancer is really taking its toll on hubby and I am not surprised that his breathing difficulty is worrying you.  Like everyone else here I do wish there was more I could do to help you both other  than hammer away at this keyboard but I guess we should just be grateful for what technology alows us to do.

Hope you can have a peaceful weekend and sending good luck as always on a Friday assuming you get to bingo later.

Take care my friend.

Garf. xx

Hi Garf and all my forum buddies

Today has bought many changes and hubby now receiving care both from me and nurses.  He is extremely poorly and this evening we have had  the 'twilight team' in who have fixed up continuous morphine syringe driver. Children have spent much of the afternoon and evening here, GP advises that nature will take its course but bless him, he is pain free and pretty relaxed. I am now on leave and will be by his side though he, the GP, our kids all shoved me, figuritively speaking, out to bingo for a break this evening  - did not bring back any reward for them.. Fantastic support from social services too who had out of hours service install key safe so that nurses can let themselves in (three times a day at present and overnight nurse if and when required. Can see my laptop being a faithful friend during then wakeful hours (favourite games - bejewelled and bookworm!!).  Have so much to  be thankful for and will continue to chat as and when feel able.  

Garf, really hope the weather/ground conditions allow those golf balls to 'fly' along the fairway towards Spring.  Today we had a tortoiseshell butterfly indoors and our daffodils are around 4ins tall in the front garden. Cannot believe how mild it has been today but will help with energy bills!!

Peaceful thoughts to everyone.  Jules x 

Hi Jules,

So sorry to read your latest post that hubby has been very poorly.  I hope the syringe driver is helping him. You know we are all here for you.  Hope x

Hi Jules ..... I have been away for a week and was so sad to see how poorly your hubbie is.  You are such a wonderful friend to so many of us on the forum and I just wanted to say that I am thinking of you all and sending you hugs and love x

Hi Jules, I just read your latest post and I'm so sorry to hear that your husband is having a difficult time. My heart goes out to both of you and your family. Just know that you will be in my heart and my prayers as you go to the next level of this horrendous journey. Please take the time to nurture yourself in whatever way works for you.

Hugs XXXX

Lorraine 

Hi Hoprr, Max, Lorraine

Thank you all for your kind words.  Currently waiting Doctor to come in to administer extra medication as hubby being kept awake with 'rattlesnake' in his throat (not sure how else to describe it!!). Coffee will be my best friend as afraid to fall asleep just now.

Hope - thanks for listening and hope you and family are well.

Max hope you had a good hols and that you doing okay.

Lorraine - bless you for being here when you too are going through hell. Be good to yourself.

Jules x

Hi Kathy

Thanks for info.  It woke him up but he told me he is not in pain just struggling to sleep. Spoke to doc on phone and they are coming in as there is other drugs that can dry up secretions which they will administer. As saw Dad in similar problems nearly 7 years ago, albeit in hospice, have similar understanding as you - not that it helps much as you know. Jules x