Sunday, January 01, 2006

Happy New Year Everyone!

First of all, my apologies for my rant and negativity.
It was very disrespectful, and I was going to delete it, but maybe it's best that I reveal my true self, warts and all. It's not all peace, love and lollipops all the time for any of us, right?
I actually had a good visit with my dad, and my cousin and her boyfriend were so supportive of me. They live in a beautiful house that they built last year in Plymouth, MA on Cape Cod. I stayed with them and my cousin lent me her car. It snowed last night...I DROVE in the snow. OMG California has spoiled me. It was fine - no skidding.
The drive into Boston this morning was SO beautiful. All the bare trees covered with snow. Just heavenly. I love the smell of snow...
My dad is ok - but he contracted a very nasty staph infection from an IV that was inserted incorrectly...and it's awful because he complained about pain and swelling early on, but his concerns were ignored (natch) and it wasn't addressed until the infection got out control and his hand ballooned. So he's angry and I don't blame him. Staph is highly resitant to antibiotics, so now they're playing the "let's try this antiobiotic" game - he's on a second one for 2 weeks. It really worries me, because antiobiotics wipe out all the good bacteria and before you know it your're looking at infection after infection...and his liver is already compromised. It's pretty scary. And he can't re-start his treatment until the infection clears. The first round of treatment was effective - the tumor responded to it, so that's hopeful. They used a biological agent instead of chemo, so that made me feel good. I know chemo is helpful, but I have mixed feelings about it. It can destroy the immune system, as everyone knows, so many people die from infections, rather than the cancer itself.
I wish he would consider alternative or rather, "complementary" natural therapy, but he won't have any of it. Oh well.
He was happy that I came and I took care of him as best I could - went shopping for pjs and slippers, etc (those johnnys are hideous!). He was thrilled. He kept saying the slippers I bought him were "sexy!" hmm... I even bought a toe nail clipper and scissors and clipped his toenails (YUCK! but I used surgical gloves). So that makes up for my mean post, right?
He's a pain in the butt, but he's actually a good patient. He just talks too much and asks a million questions. I'm sure he drives most of the nurses crazy!
I wasn't able to talk to his doctor (or any doctor). His oncologist was away - but she'll be back today, I think, so I'll know more in a day or two.
I'm flying back today...one day early. They're supposed to get more snow and I don't want to get stuck here - my daughter has a school performance this Wednesday and I can't miss that! Plus I'm volunteering in the Green Room -that should be fun!
I wish only good things to all of you...and if you are lucky enough to have healthy parents, give them lots of hugs!

6 comments:

Rose said...

Sue,

Happy New Year! I am glad to hear that you have reconcilled with your dad. And I agree with you not deleting the post. I even have some older ones on my blog I'm not too proud of, but I think it's important to recognize where we have been. That's the only way we can move forward, right?

I wish you the best in the upcoming year, sobriety, peace, happiness, and love. I had one glass of wine last night at midnight, and yes, I stopped at one. I'm very proud of myself. (Won't make a habit of it, though.) My Andrew also had one, but he is unfortunately not too well. (Has a bit of a cold.) Noneoftheless, we had a marevelous New Year's.

There are great things coming this year, I can feel it.

Jack

Mike S said...

Your back Sue!Welcome back,hope you had a great time in Boston.
Happy happy New Year 2006 to you
and the family!!

Nabonidus said...

Hi Sue, I agree with Jack, I'm glad you didn't remove the griping post. Honest is a good way to be.

I'm really glad to hear that the visit went well after all. Except that it really sucks about your Dad's hand, the infection!!! :o
I really hope it responds to the antibiotic! xoxoLisa

E.L. Wisty said...

Sue,

I'm sorry to hear about your dad but also happy that you were able to reconcile with him. I agree with both Jack and Lisa: it's not all happy happy all the time, and it would be dishonest to show cheerful appearance in such a case.

Happy New Year and all the best in whatever you do in 2006!

Maria

Suesjoy said...

Thank you so much Jack, Mike, Lisa and Maria!
Things are much better with Daddy-o and he's even ordering a laptop for me (even though I probably don't deserve it!).
I spoke to his oncologist today and she said things will be touch and go for him these next three months (he has jaundice and the infection) so that's pretty scary. I'll just pray like crazy and try to bite my tongue when he drives me crazy!
Take care guys.
Hugs,
Sue

Fleur de Bee said...

Your poor Dad! I am glad you visited and shared with him! I reconcilled with my Step Mom although it is a different light than your story. Perhaps swap it in email one day!

I can't top Jack's post (not that I am trying) but her's took the words out of my mouth so I second all she said!


X-Molly