Its been a tough two weeks for Kathleen. More pain meds… New pain meds… New doses of pain meds. Pain Crisis… Common word, pain. She pretty well has to use the wheel chair full time as standing or walking around is too painful and just wipes her out.
She did have one amazing night out on the previous Wednesday. Kathleen is part of a local service club (Zonta International). She joined it a few years ago because she wanted to give back to her community, but not just locally as she liked the international aspect of it as well. She also respected very much the way the work was done and how dedicated and committed the women were. When she got sick last year, she had to give up her participation with the group, but the group certainly did not give up on her. Throughout, the women of Zonta have continued to reach out to Kathleen and its been such a sustained source of support for both of us. All the phone calls, visits, flowers, cards, emails, blog comments add up to such a foundation of support. So, it was an emotional night for her, to say the least, when she attended her first meeting since her initial diagnosis.
It seems the pain free moments are fewer and fewer for her and there have been some awful moments. Her primary pain med is via sub cue and it tends to get blown faster than it should. When that happens, the pain meds just accumulate in the tissue un-absorbed and she gets in a world of pain like Wed night. Changed the site. Fixed for now.
I haven’t been posting too much lately. In some ways, “nothing new to say.” Things are just hard. Our friend Jan is here still and that is an indescribably huge help. But she does not have the magic cancer-be-gone wand either. So its more of the same for Kathleen.
Chemo day today and back to the chemo cave. It almost didn’t happen as her platelet count was 58 yesterday. Had to re-do the test today. 76. 75 is the cut off and even that is a pushed value. Its hard to look for the light in the cave. But the love and support that our friends and families give us certainly are a huge help in finding those moments. ‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate, but thank you.
Some pics from the last 14 days.
In front of the Apple Tree
Enjoying the hot weather on the long weekend
Wonderful brunch with Jan, Elaine, Bonnie and Don
Shoes of love 🙂
Visting in Q-Bay on Chemo Day
—Mike 
in the cancer bubble 
Mike, thank you so much for the update. Kathleen, the shoes look great, I could use a pair of those..Think of you often.
love and hugs
love you both — and the apple tree.
Thanks for the update. I wanted to mention that I love my Kathleen keychain. Every time I see it I say a little prayer to the spaghetti monster for you… Apparently it’s not working too well given all the pain. Also, Jordan wants me to tell you that our fish had babies this week. Three and counting. The weird thing is that there’s only one adult that looks like the babies… Maybe the dad fertilized the eggs and then died, but more likely it was something completely miraculous. Love you guys.
Dear Mike and Kathleen,
I wish I had that magic wand to make all the paiin dissappear. Beautiful photos. Esp. like the one of Kathleen and the magnolia tree.
Love Judy
Hi Mike and Kathleen,
Oops, apple tree. I have my distance glasses on.
Love Judy
It was so lovely to see you at the ZontaKW meeting Kathleen – you are a true inspiration to us all.
Was at Relay for Life in Southern Alberta last night with my Mom who is a breast cancer survivor. We were thinking of you and had you in our thoughts and prayers – hope they sustain and envelope you, letting you know you are loved and thought of often.
Love and hugs,
Valerie
It was excellent to see Kathleen at our meeting – I’m so glad she was having a reasonable night and able to come. She has stayed connected with our Zonta activities and we feel her presence. Her commitment to what we do and her sense of humour has stayed intact. The two of you are remarkable. Sending hugs and wishes that this sunny weather brings more smiles into your lives.
Dear Kathleen and Mike, Thanks for sharing this update and these photos with your circle of support and caring.
Kathleen, so lovely to see you out on the street, With apple blossom beauty and fab purple boots on your feet, Such an expression of delight as you dig into your ice cream treat (yum), Enjoying the company of loved ones; a photo gentle and sweet, Your “shoes of love” sure look darling on your feet, and they take you to places with loving thoughts underneath, Even during your “Q Bay” session, hope it was made nicer to be in the presence of a great medical team and caring company. Thinking of you daily and sending loving thoughts and big hugs of friendship and support. XO
Kathleen, it was lovely to spend time with you, and Jan and Elaine, and enjoy such a yummy lunch too. It always is. You are truly an inspiration, and continue to be while enduring this unending pain. Our wish is always to wave that magic wand for you too and make it go away. We appreciate it very much that you joined us that afternoon, and spent time with us in your darling garden. Could feel the love around us! I love my key chain too! Thank you so much! Love and Hugs, Colleen and Terry
Wonderful to see you out for our Zonta meeting and to see your smile again in person. I love the photo in front of the blossoming tree. Spring is always a sign of hope and I hope to see you again soon.
Dear Kathleen and Mike,
thinking of you.
alice
It is very difficult to read this blog or hear Mike talk about your trials and tribulations. The strength that you two possess is truly humbling. When I see Mike in the mornings, I get a glimpse of what is currently the state of things from the pain in his face. Some mornings he looks happier and I can tell that things are going a little better at home; however it rarely lasts. I can scarcely fathom what you are going through. Seeing the pictures of you together at different venues is heart warming. Your love for each other palpable through the images. I keep hoping for the best for you.
Thank you Kathleen and Mike for the visit to our Zonta meeting. It was wonderful to see you, but I’m sure you were very tired after the outing. Hoping the pain gets better soon and lots of love sent to both of you.