Sep 25, 2024
Elliot Lake
In April, I finished what would turn out to be my final cycle of chemotherapy.
In April, I was hospitalized in Midland, Ontario, for the first time for a partially obstructed bowel.
In April, I finally relocated from Midland, Ontario, my home for a decade, to Elliot Lake, Ontario, my parents' home for the same time period, and a place where they could assist in my increasing care needs.
In July, the obstructed bowel reoccured, canceling my Great Canadian Roadtrip Adventure, landing me back in hospital.
Briefly, for a couple hours, I was clear of this condition. But it quickly returned, I returned to hospital, and we made the difficult decision to end most interventions and transfer to hospice.
It is now late September. I've been in hospice for 76 days. I called the apartment I moved into back in April home for 76 days. I've lived in hospice half my time here.
I don't really know what to think or make of this, but I've had some fudge procured to celebrate, for a milestone is a milestone, even when it's a confusing one.
Scrap-Book Post
Apr 18, 2024
I've been discharged, I'm home. We're pretty much where we were on Monday. I've got instructions on how to manage this new condition, but managing is all there is to do. There is no cure, no further treatment. This is just another part of my life now.
Apr 18, 2024
Not sure if I'm more tired of the pain or being extremely high all the time.
From the comments
James Petrosky: Someone in the room has decided that we would all love to hear their country music. I made sure to pack multiple pairs of headphones so I wouldn't accidentally expose anyone to dinosaur podcasts. I'm extremely frustrated but unable to do anything about it
Apr 18, 2024
Not sure if I'm more tired of the pain or being extremely high all the time.
From the comments
James Petrosky: Someone in the room has decided that we would all love to hear their country music. I made sure to pack multiple pairs of headphones so I wouldn't accidentally expose anyone to dinosaur podcasts. I'm extremely frustrated but unable to do anything about it
Apr 16, 2024
It's not all bad, my doctor's ordered full fluids lunch included a doctor's ordered vanilla ice cream
From the Comments
James Petrosky:And I got tea! Coffee this morning was pretty disappointing. I should have tea after meals more, I always really enjoy it in hospitals
James Petrosky: Ron Bedison I'll get into the habbit for a few weeks at a time, then go visit someone or something else to break the cycle, and forget I was doing it. Before this round of chemo, I was having tea and cookies most days in an attempt to eat 5 smaller meals. Chemo ruined that one.
Becca Simmons: My more rural family always drink coffee after a meal. Like, always. It's honestly really nice and idk why I don't do it except around them
James Petrosky: Becca Simmons my parents do the same, and the way they make coffee it would be so easy to make a cup of tea, too, but I never ask. It's a nice little ritual, especially if you pick your deserts to go well with coffee
Apr 15, 2024
I'm not having the best day
From the comments
James Petrosky: I had the tube after surgery. The tube was my least favourite part of my time in hospital post surgery. I don't think I've ever agreed to something I wanted less than the tube this time
Mica Richard: At least you're a cute elephant? Seriously though feel better ❤️
Apr 14, 2024
Last night, at around 9PM, I ate a slice of pizza. By the time I was done eating, I knew something was very wrong. My whole abdomen hurt with an intensity only beaten by my pre diagnosis cancer. I should have gone to the ER at this point, but went to sleep instead.
I woke up in still significant, but much reduced, pain and knew I had to go to the ER. I was reasonably sure that what was wrong with me was a bowel obstruction. Tumors along the intestine are a common cause, and unfortunately I have those.
It was a partial bowel obstruction. The doctor knew it as soon as he read my history. Unfortunately proving it with tests took the whole day.
I've been admitted, hopefully not for too long. Since my obstruction is partial, just letting my bowels do their thing, while controlling pain and keeping me hydrated, under observation, might work. I haven't been spoken with about other options yet.
Apr 14, 2024
Guess who's been in the ER all morning! When I finally get out of here I need to pick up a new laser pointer and some catnip because it was that friggin pizza that did it to me
From the Comments
James Petrosky: No idea what's wrong yet, should have realistically come in last night but I was too tired to make decisions. Have had an xray or two.
James Petrosky: I've been between 5-8 pain for 16 hours now and that's getting a bit exhausting
Mareile S. Håland: Dr Thomasin MD! 😮 She tried to warn you!