I am sitting here next to my mom in our family living room. Having her here is beginning to add normalcy back in our lives. She came home on Tuesday after a month in Princess Margaret Hospital On a very positive note, her blood count is going up along with her platelets and electrolytes. I don't exactly understand what it all means, but we were assured that these are all good signs. We are being as positive as we can right now, and we're looking forward to the next step in my mom's treatment.
It was a great relief to have her home after spending an entire month in the hospital including all the Christmas and New Year's holidays. As beautiful and spacious as her room may have been we were all getting a little sick of the hospital, and bumping into distant friends and colleagues who would innocently ask. "And how were your holidays?". As much as we loved and appreciated the help and consideration of the nurses and doctors at PMH, I had a feeling my brother; my dad and especially mom were looking forward to a change of scenery.
On several occasions in the past few weeks, mom was allowed to come home and stay overnight. Her overall reaction to the chemo treatment had been good as she had very little nausea and no fevers. Living a ten minute car ride from PMH was a plus. Mom's doctor, the thoroughly professional, funny and charming Dr. Lutynski, granted her day passes based on her response to the treatment. For her, it was a bit like having "a sleepover" at her own house. She was able to bring home her new collection of stylish pyjamas, books and magazines and then cuddled up with her new blanket on our living room couch.
The chemo seems to have had some recent delayed side-effects which have altered my mom's behavior. She has developed a throat virus which means she has constant pain in her throat. This has meant eating very bland foods and not talking. Now, this is definitely not normal for my mom. It takes some adjustment to watching her eat porridge and Jello and asking her a question to which she doesn't answer or offer an opinion.The doctors and nurses alike have assured us that all these are normal side effects and that we shouldn't be worried.
Another reaction to the chemo is that my mom has a buzzed head now. On one of her "sleepovers" I decided I would be the barber and shave it, which turned out to be a pretty unique experience for both of us. When she allows her head to be totally bare and puts on her glasses she looks like a professor of Feminist Studies. There are also moments when she puts on her exotic collection of Indian silk scarves and she looks like Lupe Blavatsky, the fortune teller. The latest addition is a new wig, which gives her a gentle, pixiesh look. Cancer is tough but there is rarely a dull moment.
She is slowly getting into the rhythm of being at home again with the family. With the invaluable help of our abuelita, Dora, we are all trying to make life at home as normal as possible. However, we do miss the nurses. These exceptional women were especially amazing, with their constant care, respect and sense of professionalism. They have been nothing but supportive and positive. As they had to deal with mom every four hours she soon discovered their unique and personal stories. Having come from areas as diverse as India, Italy, Greece, Vietnam, the Philippines, the Ukraine, Russia, Newfoundland, and beyond, their stories were a microcosm of the Canadian experience. We have spoken often of the many times we have passed by Princess Margaret hospital without being aware of how fortunate we are to have such a remarkable hospital so close to home.
On behalf of Sebastian and my mom and dad, I want to thank all of you for your many acts kindness and concern that we have experienced in the past month. It helps a lot knowing that you are all out there supporting us.
Liam
P.S. We’re sorry that we haven’t been able to respond to all of your email and phone messages. As well, my mother has been unable to see visitors, due to her recent throat virus, but she promises me that once she gets better she is going to eat a huge hamburger and fries with a nice cold bottle of beer, and then she will call all of you.
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