karenulijohn

Yesterday Harvey became a Radiation Graduate.  His only disappointment was finding out there was no class picnic!  Over the eight weeks of treatment, we met and conversed with some very nice people.  He met other patients in the “robing room,” and I visited with other caregivers in the main waiting room.  One couple, also from Lincoln Hills, were “graduating” today.  In spite of the discomfort and fear that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, everyone seemed to be in good spirits and willing to share experiences and feelings.  To some extent, I will miss these interactions, and I will continue to pray for healing for these individuals.  Other than follow-up visits with his doctors, Harvey is hoping the medical establishment will leave him alone for six to eight weeks.

It has been a difficult week since Harvey came home from the hospital.  The first few days he may have overdone it a bit.  On Friday, we put in an appearance at a potluck with a group of good friends we have known since we arrived in Lincoln.  They were happy to see Harvey looking so well.  On Saturday, our daughter and family visited, and we had lunch at the Waffle Barn.  In the afternoon, the boys had naps, and the girls went shopping.  Sunday we attended church services, and of course, many people stopped to greet Harvey.  After church, we joined good friends for lunch at Red Robin.  By the afternoon, he was back in bed for the rest of the day.  His heart rate and blood pressure have remained stable, but the medications have upset his stomach somewhat.  So now, in addition to not having much appetite, we have to be careful that what he does eat doesn’t interfere with his colitis.  Weakness and exhaustion have kept him pretty close to the bed or recliner until Wednesday.  We had a lovely lunch after radiation, and he spent a great part of the day doing small jobs around the house.  It was a remarkable change.  However, the catchphrase “two steps forward, one step back” clearly applies here.

As a wife and caregiver, I see and hear more of the ups and downs than visitors, friends and family.  When friends call to talk to Harvey, you wouldn’t know there was anything wrong.  His voice is firm and strong, he laughs, answers questions directly, without hesitation, and his sense of humor is totally intact.  This is in sharp contrast to my experience of him sighing, groaning, collapsing on the bed, and not answering my questions or hearing my voice.  Maybe I should just give him a call!