Dear Friends
It's New Years Eve and I am sitting next to Ellen as she rests. The day has been quiet and finally, after another day of rain and gloom, the sun has been shining brightly through the living room window. It's been a long and difficult week so a little sunshine is much appreciated.
Ellen has continued to decline each day. She sleeps most of the time and drinks or eats very little. Her sister, Beth and I tend to her needs. A health care aide comes each day to bath her. Friends and family come and spend time next to her, holding her hand, speaking softly to her. She is treated with such tenderness and love, I know she must feel it in their touch. She is more wakeful in the mornings, more alert and during this time there are fleeting moments when I am sure she feels my presence. Her eyes rarely recognize me, but I know she is comforted by my voice and touch.
This process, transition from life to death, is painful to witness, but it is also a beautiful experience. I feel blessed she has allowed me to be a part of it, to allow me to care, comfort, and stay with her through these past weeks. I am amazed by her strength and comforted in turn by her peaceful acceptance of all that is happening to her body. She has taught me for so long how to truly live every moment and now she is teaching me how to let go. It is such a gift.
I have appreciated, so much, all of your support, kind words and prayers. Your simple messages have brought me comfort when I have needed them most. And I know, I believe, Ellen has heard you all.
love,
cathy
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Day
Dear Friends
It's Christmas Day. I am sitting next to Ellen who is lies sleeping in a hospital bed placed in the center of our living room. We are alone and quiet while her sisters, who have been here almost constantly for over a week, attend Christmas mass.
Ellen's cat, Iggy, her companion of 14 years is curled up next to her. It is beautiful to see them find comfort in each other.
Ellen has continued to decline in a short period of time. She is confined to the bed, unable to move as the right side of her body becomes weaker. She eats and drinks in small amounts. She sleeps lengths of time induced by pain relieving morphine. She cannot communicate, but understands those who come to visit. Words are no longer neccesary as she speaks with her eyes and a sweet smile for those lucky enough to catch her awake.
I sleep next to her at night, here on the sofa. I wake up often, checking on her, caring for her, telling her how much she is loved. I know she hears me, but I know she is going deeper and deeper into a place which is hers alone. Yesterday I went to the Father Seelos shrine to pray. Not for healing anymore, now I pray for her freedom. It will be so hard to lose her, but I know she is getting ready to leave.
I am asking you all to continue sending your words of love. I know they comfort her heart when I read them to her and I find great comfort in them as well.
I know she hears you.
much love,
cathy
I know she hears you.
It's Christmas Day. I am sitting next to Ellen who is lies sleeping in a hospital bed placed in the center of our living room. We are alone and quiet while her sisters, who have been here almost constantly for over a week, attend Christmas mass.
Ellen's cat, Iggy, her companion of 14 years is curled up next to her. It is beautiful to see them find comfort in each other.
Ellen has continued to decline in a short period of time. She is confined to the bed, unable to move as the right side of her body becomes weaker. She eats and drinks in small amounts. She sleeps lengths of time induced by pain relieving morphine. She cannot communicate, but understands those who come to visit. Words are no longer neccesary as she speaks with her eyes and a sweet smile for those lucky enough to catch her awake.
I sleep next to her at night, here on the sofa. I wake up often, checking on her, caring for her, telling her how much she is loved. I know she hears me, but I know she is going deeper and deeper into a place which is hers alone. Yesterday I went to the Father Seelos shrine to pray. Not for healing anymore, now I pray for her freedom. It will be so hard to lose her, but I know she is getting ready to leave.
I am asking you all to continue sending your words of love. I know they comfort her heart when I read them to her and I find great comfort in them as well.
I know she hears you.
much love,
cathy
I know she hears you.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 20
Dear Friends
In the many times we have written in this blog, both Ellen and I have tried to keep the news positive, always looking forward with hope. This time, I can't give you such an optimistic spin. Ellen declined again this past week, not such a dramatic change, but she became physically weaker and more withdrawn. I hoped it was just a reaction to the chemo, but by the end of the week I had to accept it as tumor progression. After consulting with the Doctor, Ellen's sister and I made a decision to call Hospice. Since Ellen can barely verbalize needs and is now quite weak I was concerned about both her safety and taking proper care of her. Obviously, this was a very difficult choice to make, knowing where it now will lead.
This was a long, hard and painful week. I feel great sadness as I lose a little bit more of this amazing woman every day. She is so strong and full of grace I can't help but accept this is the journey she chooses to make. All I can do now is just love her and stay close.
And that is what I am asking you to do as well. She can understand the messages you send as I relay or read them to her and I know she finds comfort in your prayers. Please keep her close.
love
cathy
In the many times we have written in this blog, both Ellen and I have tried to keep the news positive, always looking forward with hope. This time, I can't give you such an optimistic spin. Ellen declined again this past week, not such a dramatic change, but she became physically weaker and more withdrawn. I hoped it was just a reaction to the chemo, but by the end of the week I had to accept it as tumor progression. After consulting with the Doctor, Ellen's sister and I made a decision to call Hospice. Since Ellen can barely verbalize needs and is now quite weak I was concerned about both her safety and taking proper care of her. Obviously, this was a very difficult choice to make, knowing where it now will lead.
This was a long, hard and painful week. I feel great sadness as I lose a little bit more of this amazing woman every day. She is so strong and full of grace I can't help but accept this is the journey she chooses to make. All I can do now is just love her and stay close.
And that is what I am asking you to do as well. She can understand the messages you send as I relay or read them to her and I know she finds comfort in your prayers. Please keep her close.
love
cathy
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December mornings
Hello Friends
As usual, it's early morning. We've had several days of gloomy weather with rain and it's almost enough for me to wish we were still in sunny Florida. If it weren't for the occasional shrimp po-boy, we might have fled the city.
Ellen has up and down days, mostly due to the stages in the chemo treatment she took in late November. It affects the bone marrow and her ability to create new red blood cells so at this point her counts are low and she feels really tired. The good news is she is also feeling better some days. If the chemo wasn't having some effect on the tumors she would be declining rapidly. Hopefully, she will begin to have more energy in the coming week, so she can enjoy Christmas.
We have been enjoying a bit of the city, sometimes going to the levy by the river, sometimes a ride through the French Quarter or an ice-cream adventure. She loves trips to the Father Seelos Shrine which is part of a Catholic Church located in the Irish Channel. It's been comforting for her to spend time there in the chapel. On weekends, there's always a Saints game to watch, usually with good friends or family around her. All of it has made the effort of moving here worthwhile as I know she is finally happy and home.
I want to thank all of you again, for all your support and kind thoughts. Ellen has been so appreciative of all your gestures of love. She can't read your cards and can't talk on the phone very well, but she knows you are supporting her and is very much touched by all of it. Me too.
more later.
love,
cathy
As usual, it's early morning. We've had several days of gloomy weather with rain and it's almost enough for me to wish we were still in sunny Florida. If it weren't for the occasional shrimp po-boy, we might have fled the city.
Ellen has up and down days, mostly due to the stages in the chemo treatment she took in late November. It affects the bone marrow and her ability to create new red blood cells so at this point her counts are low and she feels really tired. The good news is she is also feeling better some days. If the chemo wasn't having some effect on the tumors she would be declining rapidly. Hopefully, she will begin to have more energy in the coming week, so she can enjoy Christmas.
We have been enjoying a bit of the city, sometimes going to the levy by the river, sometimes a ride through the French Quarter or an ice-cream adventure. She loves trips to the Father Seelos Shrine which is part of a Catholic Church located in the Irish Channel. It's been comforting for her to spend time there in the chapel. On weekends, there's always a Saints game to watch, usually with good friends or family around her. All of it has made the effort of moving here worthwhile as I know she is finally happy and home.
I want to thank all of you again, for all your support and kind thoughts. Ellen has been so appreciative of all your gestures of love. She can't read your cards and can't talk on the phone very well, but she knows you are supporting her and is very much touched by all of it. Me too.
more later.
love,
cathy
Friday, December 4, 2009
December Mornings
Hello All
It is early morning here. Ellen is asleep and I am, as usual, up and finding things to do.........
Ellen is stable, growing a little stronger physically, but still having difficulty with communication. It's frustrating for her as she can understand what others are saying to her, but cannot form the words to express herself. We have formed a whole new language with each other that includes a lot of sign language, nodding, and blank stares. Somehow, many times, we actually understand what the other is trying to communicate. Somehow, most of the time, we both end up laughing at how ridiculus we both are.
Since coming home, we have been enjoying the city, but mostly enjoying the frequent visits of friends and family. I think it's the highlight of Ellen's day for people to knock on the door and spend a few minutes chatting with her. To me, it's such a showering of love and it is exactly why I wanted to get her home to New Orleans. Some days are good and full of laughter and some days are hard, long and painful, but I know for her every one of them is precious and appreciated. She is really a strong and amazing woman.
I know some of you might be more comfortable with emailing as a response to this blog--you can connect with me at: porcelainheart@cox.net.
More later
love,
cathy
It is early morning here. Ellen is asleep and I am, as usual, up and finding things to do.........
Ellen is stable, growing a little stronger physically, but still having difficulty with communication. It's frustrating for her as she can understand what others are saying to her, but cannot form the words to express herself. We have formed a whole new language with each other that includes a lot of sign language, nodding, and blank stares. Somehow, many times, we actually understand what the other is trying to communicate. Somehow, most of the time, we both end up laughing at how ridiculus we both are.
Since coming home, we have been enjoying the city, but mostly enjoying the frequent visits of friends and family. I think it's the highlight of Ellen's day for people to knock on the door and spend a few minutes chatting with her. To me, it's such a showering of love and it is exactly why I wanted to get her home to New Orleans. Some days are good and full of laughter and some days are hard, long and painful, but I know for her every one of them is precious and appreciated. She is really a strong and amazing woman.
I know some of you might be more comfortable with emailing as a response to this blog--you can connect with me at: porcelainheart@cox.net.
More later
love,
cathy
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Dear Friends
Cathy here. It is early Thanksgiving Day. I laid awake at 5:00a.m. and thought about all I am thankful for on this misty New Orleans morning...........
Ellen and I have made the transition home. It hasn't been easy, but we had a lot of help along the way and we are now settled. I can't begin to express how happy Ellen is to be back here, she and I were both in tears as we drove back into the city, and yes, she has already enjoyed her first beignets. I do believe being home has given her the strength to get through this difficult point in her illness and treatment.
This past weekend Ellen's cognitive ability declined rapidly. After a night in the hospital and a number of tests, it was determined the tumors had grown significantly in size. They grew so rapidly they bled in to the brain which in turn affected her speech and short term memory. She did receive a chemo treatment at the hospital, which she tolerated well and will hopefully suppress the tumors for awhile. She is home now, fatigued from the chemo, but feeling a little better. We are learning to communicate in a different way as Ellen can understand what I am saying to her, but cannot express herself.
Despite this turn of events, there are many, many things Ellen and I are both thankful for. We are home, in the city we love, with the beignets we love even more.
We have the most amazing friends and family, who have supported and loved us unconditionaly, who have helped me make the move possible for Ellen. All of you who have called and left messages for us, sent love to Ellen, have prayed for her; thank you so much. We have been carried home, lifted up by your love and support. I am so thankful for all of you.
I'll be posting updates more often now, so I can communicate to more of you what is happening in Ellen's journey.
Again, thanks and love to all of you.
cathy
Cathy here. It is early Thanksgiving Day. I laid awake at 5:00a.m. and thought about all I am thankful for on this misty New Orleans morning...........
Ellen and I have made the transition home. It hasn't been easy, but we had a lot of help along the way and we are now settled. I can't begin to express how happy Ellen is to be back here, she and I were both in tears as we drove back into the city, and yes, she has already enjoyed her first beignets. I do believe being home has given her the strength to get through this difficult point in her illness and treatment.
This past weekend Ellen's cognitive ability declined rapidly. After a night in the hospital and a number of tests, it was determined the tumors had grown significantly in size. They grew so rapidly they bled in to the brain which in turn affected her speech and short term memory. She did receive a chemo treatment at the hospital, which she tolerated well and will hopefully suppress the tumors for awhile. She is home now, fatigued from the chemo, but feeling a little better. We are learning to communicate in a different way as Ellen can understand what I am saying to her, but cannot express herself.
Despite this turn of events, there are many, many things Ellen and I are both thankful for. We are home, in the city we love, with the beignets we love even more.
We have the most amazing friends and family, who have supported and loved us unconditionaly, who have helped me make the move possible for Ellen. All of you who have called and left messages for us, sent love to Ellen, have prayed for her; thank you so much. We have been carried home, lifted up by your love and support. I am so thankful for all of you.
I'll be posting updates more often now, so I can communicate to more of you what is happening in Ellen's journey.
Again, thanks and love to all of you.
cathy
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Latest News
Hello again.
Cathy here, with an update on the lastest news.
Ellen had an MRI this past Monday with an appointment with Dr.Nick on Tuesday. The tumor area which had recent radiation appears to be stable. The blood which was clouding the MRI has been mostly reabsorbed and Dr.Nick could see the mass had not increased in size. Ellen does have two other areas which have "signaled", meaning there are tumor cells growing. They are small spots, but hopefully will respond to chemo treatment. Dr. Levin, at MDAnderson in Houston, will review her scans and determine if there is a clinical trial available which would benefit Ellen. The back-up plan is a round of chemo treatment which she would begin in 6 weeks.
In the meantime, we are moving! Ellen is very happy and excited about the return home. The movers come on the 9th of November and we should be set up in New Orleans around the 13th. Our new address will be: 1031 Fern St. New Orleans, LA 70118.
We are both looking forward to friends and family, streetcars and crawfish, love and laughter.
I will post another update soon. Thanks for all the loving thoughts and prayers.
cathy
Cathy here, with an update on the lastest news.
Ellen had an MRI this past Monday with an appointment with Dr.Nick on Tuesday. The tumor area which had recent radiation appears to be stable. The blood which was clouding the MRI has been mostly reabsorbed and Dr.Nick could see the mass had not increased in size. Ellen does have two other areas which have "signaled", meaning there are tumor cells growing. They are small spots, but hopefully will respond to chemo treatment. Dr. Levin, at MDAnderson in Houston, will review her scans and determine if there is a clinical trial available which would benefit Ellen. The back-up plan is a round of chemo treatment which she would begin in 6 weeks.
In the meantime, we are moving! Ellen is very happy and excited about the return home. The movers come on the 9th of November and we should be set up in New Orleans around the 13th. Our new address will be: 1031 Fern St. New Orleans, LA 70118.
We are both looking forward to friends and family, streetcars and crawfish, love and laughter.
I will post another update soon. Thanks for all the loving thoughts and prayers.
cathy
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