Grin and bear it
Gilly awoke this morning feeling dizzy, and this sensation remained with him all day long.
Brad, the social worker from the CLSC made a return visit, at Gilly’s request, the goal being to determine what could be done to help me. The three of us had a long chat, and in the end, he asked permission to present our case to the CLSC team next Wednesday. He agreed to request the services of an occupational and a physiotherapist as per my plea, and plans to meet with the four of us as a family in early June. He gave Gilly carte blanche to contact him as needed. As for me, he feels confident that I am handling matters well. He let me know that I can access the services of the CLSC as needed. He believes that the blog is serving as my therapist. I have a whole host of amazing, caring listeners. Writing each night allows me the chance to express my fears, hopes, frustrations and opinions on a daily basis in a healthy manner. Thanks, devoted readers, for being there with caring hearts and open ears (or eyes, in this case). Your feedback has helped me to continue arranging my thoughts and placing them in a safe spot.
It was a poignant meeting in many ways. We aired some concerns and discussed certain issues for the first time. For instance, Gilly admitted he is scared to some extent, but he purposefully stamps out negative feelings and thoughts in order to move on; he just doesn’t go there. I was taken aback by his raw description of the amazing coping mechanism he is clearly aware of and consciously manipulating. This is truly representative of Gilly’s nature; the brave, positive resilient man I married. “Grin and bear it.”
Brad sat silently for a moment, almost wistful, and said that we have touched him with our mutual love and devotion, and he is fascinated by our strength as a couple, so much so that he is almost tempted to remove himself from the case. He quickly assured us that he will continue to manage the case, and that it was indeed a pleasure to meet with us today. He only hopes to find himself in a married relationship of this kind one day.
Sheryl came by with a beautiful plant to brighten our day, which was helpful, since it jogged my memory that it is actually her birthday today! Happy B-day, life long buddy! Gifts for us on her special day. I ask you!!! She’s used to me forgetting, and always forgives me. Every year, I get her day mixed up with Joy’s, whose birthday is on the 18th.
Over lunch, Gilly revealed a secret he has kept for two long, painful days. He has a toothache. My first instinct was to get on the horn and call Marvin (our friend and luckily Gilly’s dentist), but I hesitated out loud, which got Gilly’s back up (he thinks I’m overcautious. To some extent, he has a point, but not entirely). I wondered if it is safe to have dental work while on treatment. Bleeding…chance of infection…what are the odds? I thought it would be best to check with Dr. Kavan’s nurse, since I am pretty certain it is the chemo that plays havoc with blood counts. I put in a call to Maria at the Neuro, whose message said she’d be out of town until Monday. I called the clinic and left a message. In the meantime, Gilly called Marvin, who agreed that we’d need the go ahead from the doctor first. The clinic returned my call while Gilly was on the phone with Marvin (like a situation comedy) and left me a message with another nurse’s number to call (I know, mom, I should have call waiting, but it’s not our style). It’s now 9:44 P.M. and that nurse has yet to return my call.
I called Vigit You from the Jewish and left her a message that we would be there soon for radiation, and so could she possibly find out about the Temodal and dental treatment. When we arrived,Vigit happened upon us, totally unaware of our dilemma. I told her the story, and she said she didn't think it would be a problem, but she’d go check. She returned soon after to say that the doctor on the premises insists that Gilly’s blood be drawn before a decision is made as to whether or not it is safe. I could be a nurse, ya know!!! I knew it was potentially dangerous before Vigit did! I think I’ll stick to teaching though.
I soak up all sorts of information from waiting room pamphlets while passing time in the radiation clinic. This afternoon, I found it interesting to read that dental problems frequently occur during the course of radiation in the head and neck region.
Gilly’s mouth is very sore this evening, I hope he receives the all clear to have this problem taken care of sooner than later. It will affect what and how much he eats.
All these symptoms and side issues are part of the ‘quality of life’ package we were warned about beforehand. Gilly’s tough, and complains very little, but I’d give my eye teeth to remove his pain and discomfort.
Liylah enjoyed the scrumptiously flavoured flap meat I had left on the counter (frozen solid) for dinner. New lesson learned; nothing, but nothing remotely food-like should be left on the counter in our absence. I’m a slow learner!
Brad, the social worker from the CLSC made a return visit, at Gilly’s request, the goal being to determine what could be done to help me. The three of us had a long chat, and in the end, he asked permission to present our case to the CLSC team next Wednesday. He agreed to request the services of an occupational and a physiotherapist as per my plea, and plans to meet with the four of us as a family in early June. He gave Gilly carte blanche to contact him as needed. As for me, he feels confident that I am handling matters well. He let me know that I can access the services of the CLSC as needed. He believes that the blog is serving as my therapist. I have a whole host of amazing, caring listeners. Writing each night allows me the chance to express my fears, hopes, frustrations and opinions on a daily basis in a healthy manner. Thanks, devoted readers, for being there with caring hearts and open ears (or eyes, in this case). Your feedback has helped me to continue arranging my thoughts and placing them in a safe spot.
It was a poignant meeting in many ways. We aired some concerns and discussed certain issues for the first time. For instance, Gilly admitted he is scared to some extent, but he purposefully stamps out negative feelings and thoughts in order to move on; he just doesn’t go there. I was taken aback by his raw description of the amazing coping mechanism he is clearly aware of and consciously manipulating. This is truly representative of Gilly’s nature; the brave, positive resilient man I married. “Grin and bear it.”
Brad sat silently for a moment, almost wistful, and said that we have touched him with our mutual love and devotion, and he is fascinated by our strength as a couple, so much so that he is almost tempted to remove himself from the case. He quickly assured us that he will continue to manage the case, and that it was indeed a pleasure to meet with us today. He only hopes to find himself in a married relationship of this kind one day.
Sheryl came by with a beautiful plant to brighten our day, which was helpful, since it jogged my memory that it is actually her birthday today! Happy B-day, life long buddy! Gifts for us on her special day. I ask you!!! She’s used to me forgetting, and always forgives me. Every year, I get her day mixed up with Joy’s, whose birthday is on the 18th.
Over lunch, Gilly revealed a secret he has kept for two long, painful days. He has a toothache. My first instinct was to get on the horn and call Marvin (our friend and luckily Gilly’s dentist), but I hesitated out loud, which got Gilly’s back up (he thinks I’m overcautious. To some extent, he has a point, but not entirely). I wondered if it is safe to have dental work while on treatment. Bleeding…chance of infection…what are the odds? I thought it would be best to check with Dr. Kavan’s nurse, since I am pretty certain it is the chemo that plays havoc with blood counts. I put in a call to Maria at the Neuro, whose message said she’d be out of town until Monday. I called the clinic and left a message. In the meantime, Gilly called Marvin, who agreed that we’d need the go ahead from the doctor first. The clinic returned my call while Gilly was on the phone with Marvin (like a situation comedy) and left me a message with another nurse’s number to call (I know, mom, I should have call waiting, but it’s not our style). It’s now 9:44 P.M. and that nurse has yet to return my call.
I called Vigit You from the Jewish and left her a message that we would be there soon for radiation, and so could she possibly find out about the Temodal and dental treatment. When we arrived,Vigit happened upon us, totally unaware of our dilemma. I told her the story, and she said she didn't think it would be a problem, but she’d go check. She returned soon after to say that the doctor on the premises insists that Gilly’s blood be drawn before a decision is made as to whether or not it is safe. I could be a nurse, ya know!!! I knew it was potentially dangerous before Vigit did! I think I’ll stick to teaching though.
I soak up all sorts of information from waiting room pamphlets while passing time in the radiation clinic. This afternoon, I found it interesting to read that dental problems frequently occur during the course of radiation in the head and neck region.
Gilly’s mouth is very sore this evening, I hope he receives the all clear to have this problem taken care of sooner than later. It will affect what and how much he eats.
All these symptoms and side issues are part of the ‘quality of life’ package we were warned about beforehand. Gilly’s tough, and complains very little, but I’d give my eye teeth to remove his pain and discomfort.
Liylah enjoyed the scrumptiously flavoured flap meat I had left on the counter (frozen solid) for dinner. New lesson learned; nothing, but nothing remotely food-like should be left on the counter in our absence. I’m a slow learner!
posted by Gilly at 8:52 PM
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