Had to catch up on sleep this morning so didn’t get over to the hospital until later than normal. Luckily Kath’s mum is here in town and is a huge, indispensable help and presence in our lives throughout this. We spell each other off and she gives the type of care only a mother can. For example she doesn’t jab Kathleen in the ribs when she sleeps too much. I am kidding of course. Elaine does it too. But you know what I mean 🙂
I forgot how quiet the hospital is on weekends. Generally no one gets discharged and no elective procedures of course. The emerge department is very much isolated from the hospital so we see none of that here. The oncology ward is also much newer than the old Surgery ward Kath spent 7 weeks in. Where as it was designed with a Soviet era aesthetic, Oncology inpatient is the Ikea ward. White pine wood trim everywhere. It really is quite deluxe in comparison. At one point when we were watching Netflix shows on the ipad, it occurred to me to go get some food downstairs. However, the feeling was reminiscent of being at a resort and heading to the buffet. Seeing the IV tree quickly dispels any such notion, but it was fun to briefly entertain it.
Kath is back on the Nabilone, which is a synthetic marijuana drug. She finds it works well to control her nausea. Biologically it works different than gravol or the other drugs to fight nausea. As I wrote the other day, all drugs have various side effects and trade offs, some worse than others. This one does make her a little stoned. Not that I am saying I did any drugs when I was younger to know, like between the ages of 16 and 21, but let’s say if I did, I would recognize this as typical stoner talk. As she gets a wave of tiredness, a non sequitur might pop up out of nowhere. “Did I loose my black and white makeup bag?”… They are just waking dreams of sorts and all have been pleasant enough for her. Certainly much better than barfing! And nothing like those scary ketamine hallucinations from the surgery ward.
No word on when she might get to go home. Perhaps when they are a little more confident the gut pain has gone down and she is moving things again on her own
Here she is feeling the love of everyone both near and far!
(perhaps feeling a bit of the Nabilone too!)
—Mike 
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in the cancer bubble 
Dear Mike and Kathleen,
Kathleen you are simply amazing! There are no words to describe how truly incredible you are! Mike, even through these times of intense concern and worry, you still find it in you to make your blog readers laugh out loud (me being one of those people). These photos truly capture and radiate the essence of love and beauty. There is an incredible warm feeling emanating from Kathleen and her Mom. May the warm energy and the love be nurturing and healing. xo
Love that smile – for whatever reason! Love to both of you. Mike, we are with you too in spirit. Every hug to Kathleen comes with a big hug for you too. Praying for better days as always. Fran
Hi Mike and Kathleen,
With the new pain meds you must have enjoyed looking at our dancing christmas cactus tree.
Love Judy
Hi Mike and Kath – sending hugs from Ottawa. Praying this turn a corner for you soon. What a wonderful bond you can see in the picture of Kathleen and Elaine. So glad she is there to help. Love to all.
Teresa
A lovely picture of Kathleen and Elaine – hooray for synthetics! a “little stoned” is a much better alternative than other side effects. Glad to hear you got some sleep Mike – you both need to recharge. Sending warm hugs.
I don’t know, that second smile looks like a double-fudge brownie sundae smile to me – or did I just make you nauseous?
How beautiful, the love! It can defeat anything, it is so evident in these pics of Elaine and Kathleen. What a wonderful bond! If only all of the world could have this. Those smiles are so healing! Keep fighting Dear ones. (Looks like it would be ok to try some of those anti nausea drugs with you :)) sending more hugs! Colleen and Terry
A beautiful picture guys. All we are missing is Mike in the picture. The power triad.
We love to see the smile.
Bon and Don