Early to Bed, Often to Rise. . .
It is just before 8 pm here in Oakland, and Chester has just gotten in bed. He resisted going to sleep so early for a moment, but the fatigue was evident and I coaxed him into allowing himself the rest. I have just finished entering the 30-some new appointments we made today in the calendar, and will be doing a few tasks around the apartment before I myself join Chester in rest. Our nights are long and fragmented. Chester wakes up at least five or six times each night, and I am awake within moments to assist him at his bedside. Nighttime movement is particularly challenging, especially transferring out of bed to use the bathroom, so I am vigilant about waking up to spot him so there is less risk of falling. Many times we wake up, however, to simply get comfortable again. I am more aware than ever of how often our bodies need to move while sleeping to stay comfortable. Most of us do this without even surfacing from sleep. For Chester (and others), it is more of a process. I have learned how to arrange his limbs and pillows just-so for maximum comfort, and am happy to wake up and help him get settled, fall back asleep for an hour or two, then repeat. My dreams have become quick and frenzied, as I move in and out of sleep so frequently. Chester's dreams have been highly effected by the steroid he is on, and he looks forward to more peaceful dreaming to return as he tapers off of the medication.
Today was a full day of doctors. Dr. Tang removed the last set of sutures and prescribed a two week course of antibiotics to prevent any further infection. He is a bit concerned about the possibility of the wound reopening, so we are advised to be very cautious as it continues to heal. We want to do everything possible to prevent the need for another head-opening procedure.
Dr. Hartman, the medical oncologist that works with Chester on his chemotherapy treatment, also met with us today for a progress report and to monitor the blood clots in Chester's arm. Chester will be waiting another two weeks before starting the next round of intense chemotherapy to assure that the antibiotics have run their course. He should be starting again on chemotherapy right around the new year. Chester will also be continuing on a daily blood thinner injection for three more weeks to prevent more blood clots from forming. This means daily trips to the hospital to receive the injection. A peculiar daily task, as it takes half an hour to get in the car and to the hospital, thirty seconds to get the shot, and then another half hour to get back home. If nothing else, this daily trip allows Chester an excursion out of the house and we get to taste the fresh air, enjoy the afternoon light, and cruise around together for awhile. Today on the way home we stopped by Joe Kramer's to visit with our colleagues and pick up six pairs of pants that Jane had graciously fixed with elastic waistbands.
Such is the nature of our days: a full and busy schedule of medical and rehabilitation appointments. Dr Tang asked today "So how is the rest of your life going?" and Chester and I looked at each other in amusement and sadness both. On the surface, it seems that the medical schedule is all-consuming and does not allow for any other "life" to happen. But beneath that, there is a richness that begs to be acknowledged and celebrated. The simple pleasures, small moments of intimacy and connection with friends, and the unexpected humor of disability are all abundant in our days. It is one of my goals to maximize the pleasures and moments of joy for Chester, to find spaciousness amongst the hectic pace, to feel the rest of Life still in full swing. Last night as we were preparing for a shave and shower, we spontaneously started dancing together to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing". We cleared the floor and danced together, Chester spinning gracefully around in his chair and allowing our hands and breath to propel us together in dance. Tonight, as the tilapia and broccoli were cooking, we went outside and gazed at the near-full moon together. Small moments of pleasure, but fuel for our busy days. The emails, letters, cards, and gifts that continue to arrive daily are also a big source of enjoyment, as Chester is constantly reminded of how many people care for him so deeply.
May all of Your days be filled with pleasures, both simple and profound. And please join me and many others in assisting Chester in accessing the maximum amount of beauty, love, breath and enjoyment as possible during these challenging days.
Good night, and Rest Easy.
Today was a full day of doctors. Dr. Tang removed the last set of sutures and prescribed a two week course of antibiotics to prevent any further infection. He is a bit concerned about the possibility of the wound reopening, so we are advised to be very cautious as it continues to heal. We want to do everything possible to prevent the need for another head-opening procedure.
Dr. Hartman, the medical oncologist that works with Chester on his chemotherapy treatment, also met with us today for a progress report and to monitor the blood clots in Chester's arm. Chester will be waiting another two weeks before starting the next round of intense chemotherapy to assure that the antibiotics have run their course. He should be starting again on chemotherapy right around the new year. Chester will also be continuing on a daily blood thinner injection for three more weeks to prevent more blood clots from forming. This means daily trips to the hospital to receive the injection. A peculiar daily task, as it takes half an hour to get in the car and to the hospital, thirty seconds to get the shot, and then another half hour to get back home. If nothing else, this daily trip allows Chester an excursion out of the house and we get to taste the fresh air, enjoy the afternoon light, and cruise around together for awhile. Today on the way home we stopped by Joe Kramer's to visit with our colleagues and pick up six pairs of pants that Jane had graciously fixed with elastic waistbands.
Such is the nature of our days: a full and busy schedule of medical and rehabilitation appointments. Dr Tang asked today "So how is the rest of your life going?" and Chester and I looked at each other in amusement and sadness both. On the surface, it seems that the medical schedule is all-consuming and does not allow for any other "life" to happen. But beneath that, there is a richness that begs to be acknowledged and celebrated. The simple pleasures, small moments of intimacy and connection with friends, and the unexpected humor of disability are all abundant in our days. It is one of my goals to maximize the pleasures and moments of joy for Chester, to find spaciousness amongst the hectic pace, to feel the rest of Life still in full swing. Last night as we were preparing for a shave and shower, we spontaneously started dancing together to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing". We cleared the floor and danced together, Chester spinning gracefully around in his chair and allowing our hands and breath to propel us together in dance. Tonight, as the tilapia and broccoli were cooking, we went outside and gazed at the near-full moon together. Small moments of pleasure, but fuel for our busy days. The emails, letters, cards, and gifts that continue to arrive daily are also a big source of enjoyment, as Chester is constantly reminded of how many people care for him so deeply.
May all of Your days be filled with pleasures, both simple and profound. And please join me and many others in assisting Chester in accessing the maximum amount of beauty, love, breath and enjoyment as possible during these challenging days.
Good night, and Rest Easy.
posted by Chrys Curtis-Fawley at 7:28 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home