cmd and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

[cmd]

Last edited Sat Jan 28, 2012, 08:31 PM - Edit history (1)

I've been vomiting, had extreme comstipation followed by extreme diarrhea. I spent the morning in the ER and a lot of time cleaning up messes. Will this ever end? I was doing well, then everything crashed at once.

Mr. cmd is back on medical transport. Out neighbor just fell on the walk and banged up his head. Mr. cmd just had enough time to eat a hamburger before he left again.

Please say it is over.

update: It's not over. My hair is starting to fall out. Bald is beautiful.

[Uben]

1. Comiserator

I feel your pain, cmd. For the past three nights, Carol has had diarhea, a virtual poopstorm. She was constipated for a couple of days before that, and when it broke loose, it broke loose! Six times last night, five so far tonight. Since she is unable to care for herself, that means I take the reins, and the lack of sleep the past week has taken it's toll on me. I am trying to be her 24/7 caregiver, since her dependence is of a personal nature. I cannot afford to get sick, yet I cannot find the time for the sleep I so badly need. I have her best friend coming over this morning to sit with her so I can try to catch some winks, although I will have to get up if the poopstorm does not subside. Plus, I am going to have to go pick up a lift chair for her today
My mom has rheumatoid arthritis and my step-dad is doing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. I was the go to guy when they needed transport to appointments before this, but I haven't been available to them for obvious reasons. Sometimes it just seems the hits keep coming. We do what we can, as best we can.

God bless you, hon, and I do hope your situation improves in the coming days.

Uben

[cmd]

2. You have to get some help.

Perhaps your local health department can steer you to someone who can come in every day until this subsides. The American Cancer Society might also be able to help you; and I think they have a 24 hour hot line.

I thought I was doing better today, but ended up with the big D again this morning. It wasn't as bad as yesterday, but I still needed a shower.

I guess we are all doomed to a few more days of misery. Give Carol my best. Hugs to both of you. cmd

[Uben]

3. I have checked around.....

YEsterday, I contacted a local rehab center who has respite rooms for short stays for occasions just like this. They provide 24/7 care, but it costs $250/day with a 4 day minimum, so that will be used as a last resort. Our local hospice would probably provide some help, as well. But, I always did most of the housework cleaning, except laundry and cooking, so it's not so bad. I just haven't taken a break to do anything the last couple of months. We always had our weekly date to the casino for entertainment, and I am an avid disc golf player, but those have been sacrificed in order to cope with illness.
We always vowed to help each other if an occasion such as this arrived, so I am just keeping my promise for that. I really don't socialize a lot. I enjoyed the occasion ride on the Harley, but this time of year isn't real conducive for that. So, I just do what needs to be done. I am hoping things will get better and she will regain her strength eventually and be able to carry out daily tasks without any trouble. People tell me those days are coming, but they seem distant right now.

[KC]

6. I spoke

To one of my favorite RNs in the rehab facility that I'm in. She is going to start doing home health to sit with a child with some disability . She will work 12 hour shifts 3 or 4 days a week . I asked her how they got her name and she said the home health agencies have or should have a list of either RNs, CNAs or LPNs that are available for patients and ins covers it when through home health whereas most won't cover a private nurse that you hire on your own.
I'm not sure if you've already checked into this but just thought I'd mention it.
Carol is so lucky to have you in her life! Please take care of yourself too!

[Irishonly]

4. My heart breaks for all of you

CMD is right Bald is beautiful and it is part of the warrior costume you wear while you are in treatment. Everyone pays the price of chemo. The person fighting cancer goes to hell and back daily while their loved ones heart breaks. I remember my daughter telling me she wished she could do the chemo treatments for me. She was only nine years old. My heart shattered for her that day. Cancer is horrible.

Ulben, I hope you can find some help soon. I worry about you. You have the heart of a giant.

CMD, I hope Mr. CMD is back and resting.

[cynannmarie]

5. Uben and CMD and your loved ones...

it hurts my heart to think of how hard this is for all of you. You are brave and strong to keep plowing through but it has to be so tough, day after difficult day. Familiar terrain for me as a former patient and my devoted care giving husband who had to be superhuman for awhile. How he managed I will never know.
I found light at the end of the tunnel eventually, and I certainly wish that for you.
Uben, please try to get some help so you can have a little break. It will do wonders for you, and your wife will benefit by your increased stamina and refreshed dedication.

[Uben]

8. Thank you

I am taking her to the rehab facility today. They can give her 24/7 care. She's been having a hard time breathing tonite, and that's not good. In fact, it's 5:00 am, and I'm waiting to see if she's getting any better in the next 30 minutes or so. If not, I'm calling an ambulance to take her to the hospital. I will be checking her into the rehab facility today. I was going to Saturday, but they needed to contact her oncologist and she was not on call this weekend, so they will contact first thing this morning. She is supposed to go in for a blood draw today, then I will be dropping her off at the rehab for a few days. She gets so short of breath with the smallest of tasks.

Her best friend came over yesterday to stay with her for a while so I could get to town and get some supplies. Her friend's mom stayed at the rehab a few times, and she convinced her it was the best thing to do. I was feeling guilty about dropping her off there because she really didn't want to go, but we both realize it is the best thing for her right now. I could sure use the break, as long as I know she has the best of care. It's only 10 miles from the house.

I'll post again this evening and let you guys know how it went.

[cmd]

9. You are doing the right thing

Right now Carol needs the help of more than one person - and you need to recover. Do not feel guilty. That is destructive. We have to push forward. Sometimes in will be an inch, sometimes a millimeter; but always forward.

I HAVE to get my head shaved today. Hair is flying everywhere and I'm tired of pulling it out of my mouth.

Take care, cmd

[Ecumenist]

7. God bless you CMD.

I will pray for both you and Mr CMD as well as Uben and His lovely wife.

[geckosfeet]

10. Oh dear cmd. Indeed a difficult day.

Best wishes for your comfort.

[crunch60]

11. Thinking of you cmd, it will get better. Please take a look at the

images and inspiring stories in this wonderful book. Try your local library, or maybe Amazon has a copy.
-----------
Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas is a heart-felt compilation of extraordinary photos of some extraordinary women. It is a pictorial essay that will grab your attention with stories of triumph, conviction, power and bravery-- a book that Lesley Daley (author/photographer) wished was available when her thirty-five year old husband was diagnosed with cancer. Driven by her own desperate need to find "comfort" with cancer, she produced this book.


http://www.goddessbook.com/book.html

We are warrior goddesses!