Palliative Care is New?

Palliative care, by definition, is health care for seriously ill patients that treats the entire patient, both the major illness troubling them, but also side effects, other ailments, overall health, lifestyle, diet...in short, it is FULL healthcare instead of partial.  I was shocked that this was not the approach of every doctor in every facet of healthcare.  Complete care should be part of dealing with ANY major illness, and surely Cancer.  Cancer treatments are mixtures of radiation, chemotherapy and other medications that doctors really know less about then they will ever admit.  Some treatments they will actually tell you, "We are not sure, but it works".  Well, that certainly explains all of the unique personal side effects...most of which, are the cause to discomfort with Cancer...shockingly, most of these go untreated.  Further more, doctors seem almost resistant to asking about those kind of things...like a person who doesn't look at the scary parts of a movie.

Recently, I contacted some organizations about Palliative Care and how different it was to the care my wife did and still receives.  I hope they reply.  It is interesting that I find her hospital and doctors on the list of "Palliative Care" facilities in Virginia...it would be nice to hear someone explain.

Working on Reading

Working with little man has been quite challenging.  I suppose, in an effort to push little kids (and caring parents) to the breaking point, Petersburg City Public Schools expect 1st graders to be able to read on their own after Christmas break, despite most of them not being able to read well going into the break.  For me, this meant a challenge to prepare my son...to, basically, teach him to read on our own.  I have to admit, his teacher this year has done ok with him, but he still has a long way to go.  This weekend will be a reading extravaganza.  This is something else I do pretty much on my own.  I wish Melissa would help more, but she has no patience for him...and vice versa, for that matter.  Perhaps a tutor is in order.  Hmm....one that washes dishes as well would certainly seal that deal.

Trying To Remember How To Have Fun (Cont...)

So, our attempt of New Years fun ended at 9pm.  Melissa's stomach has been a very long, on-going issue that the doctors seem fine with just allowing to continue.  It only takes a short time dealing with doctors to realize how corrupt and inept our medical system is in America, not to say that it is still not one of the best in the world.  Where most doctors fail is not treating the entire patient or not giving "palliative care".

What is Palliative Care?

Here you go:   http://www.getpalliativecare.org/whatis/

Then, on the list of centers offering "Palliative Care" I find Melissa's hospital.  What?  Yep...they claim to offer "Palliative Care" when, in fact, they only treat cancer and nothing else.  They could care less of your quality of life...they just treat cancer and leave the rest for you to deal with.  Maybe toss a couple pills at your issues, maybe give you a pat on the back or tell you, "This is normal for her condition"...well I no longer care what is "normal for her condition"...most doctors try to find solutions...and hers could care less, it seems.  Sure, they make suggestions, but it is their job to provide this care.  When you go to a restaurant and order a meal, they don't just bring you the recipe, they serve you the meal.

Trying To Remember How To Have Fun

New Year's resolutions, to me, seem silly.  Most of us choose dieting, quitting smoking, working out...something productive and positive, only to fold a month later, falling into our old habits.  This year, I was surprised Melissa wanted to go out for New Year's Eve.  I am not sure I can even stay up until Midnight.  That made me think...did Cancer cause us to forget how to have fun?  There is some aspects of adulthood that certainly have that effect, but the drive to seek out and have fun is definitely lacking for me and Melissa.  After the last year of challenges, you could see where fun may have slipped down the priority list some.

So, for my New Years resolution I am going to try to relearn how to have fun.  Focus on enjoying the little things more...a laugh...a good movie...a great song...her smile...playing with my son.  Chances are if I am having more fun, everyone around me is too...that's what I want for the New Year.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2014 here we come!

The Christmas Bounty

Christmas Magic

As you can tell by my last post, the stress of the season was upon me...and I was breaking...about the time we got a very nice gift from a family that helps a different struggling family every year.  We never asked for help, but did we ever need it.  I suppose it was another sighting of that special Christmas magic.  Needless to say, for once, I could just sit back and try to make the best of every moment instead of worrying.

I am also working on something to help Melissa with her motivation and energy issues...so I will keep you all posted.

Ready for Christmas!

Somehow...perhaps, through fate alone, I am pretty much ready for Christmas.  Like last year, I did almost all the shopping.  Melissa was feeling ill, so she did not go out shopping.  Nope...I did it all again.  Melissa has not felt well in months.  Dr's will not call me back and, frankly, I am pissed about it.  All her Dr's seem willing to attempt anything to cure her cancer, but then leave her helpless with the many things left ailing her, like circulation issues, lack of motivation/energy, and this stomach issue.

So, if anyone was wondering, yeah, I still want my damn wife back for Christmas.