10 July 2015

It is amazing how things can change in just a few days. 

The past week began badly with a struggle to manage the pain in my back. This came to a head on Monday when I could barely move or find any relief despite trying the myriad of pain relief options in my medicine cupboard.

But then on Tuesday, God sent his angels in human form to take charge.

After a call to my palliative care nurse, there was action. I shortly received a phone call from my GP, and she prescribed a different medication for nerve pain (Lyrica). Within an hour it arrived at our doorstep, courtesy of our local pharmacy, and I began to experience some relief within a few hours. Since then I have had a visit from a hospital support nurse and a home visit from my GP, with a few more medical adjustments - I really 'rattle' now with all my pills! But I must say it is all helping, and I am managing much better again.

Thank you God!

There have been other unexpected angels too – just when they have been needed the most!

·      Our home help finished last week, but we received a letter this week to say it has been extended for another 8 weeks! This gives us an hour a week to assist with vacuuming, bathrooms, floors – and boy are we ever appreciative for this support.

·      A card arrived, containing two licorice teabags – my favourites!

·      Unexpected phone calls to chat, or with offers of support

·      Friends popping in to offer help or take me to the library or to the pool for water exercise

·      Dale mowing the grass and Adrian doing our shopping

·      A friend who never fails to bring around his daily paper after he has read it.

You will never know how grateful we are for all these angels showing love and support in such practical ways.

So the end of the week has ended up much better than the start.

Brian is now doing much better, and is able to walk around a bit better each day, though he still needs to remember to elevate his foot. He no longer needs the cradle over his foot in the bed, so I am back in our bed again!

Here’s a photo – taken today – to show that we are now doing much better...

Both of us STANDING at our front porch!

I will see my oncologist next week for a monthly update. I am not expecting anything to change or happen quickly, and my GP suggests I allow things to settle for a few months and allow my monthly injection of Denosumab to strengthen my bones before any surgical procedures.

Perhaps I will need to continue to be patient.

Meanwhile, I am grateful to be released from the worst of my back pain, and that truly is an answer to prayer.