Dear Family and Friends...
Here is the written email Journal of Moms Journey from
The December 2014 Prognosis to the January Diagnosis...
and all through Freaky February and March Moving Madness..
This is a string of all the emails prior to the Blogs creation...
Our goal is to share the Experience with our family and friends,
and create cohesive synergy with thise of you who are able to support
us and the many others in our lives who have or will be experiencing this fight too!
Kind over Matter is Moms Mantra...
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 4:46 PM
Subject: Pinky Tuskidaro & Fonzie (Sherron & George) have their own Blog! NO MORE EMAIL UPDATES!
|
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2015 11:52 PM
Subject: Sunday's Itsy Bitsy Beautiful Pink Poka Dot Butterflies to match Pinky Tuskidaro Cutsy Comfy Socks
Subject: Sunday's Itsy Bitsy Beautiful Pink Poka Dot Butterflies to match Pinky Tuskidaro Cutsy Comfy Socks
Sunday's Report...
Itsy Bitsy Beautiful Butterflies with Pink Polka Dots
to match her fav Pinky Tuskidaro Cutesy Comfy Socks...
Rosie cheeks from sitting in the sun nursing her tender swollen neck and throat...tough morning with no verbalization..Rad fallout sucks!
The later part of the afternoon worked out well with a feast of blenderized Chicken Noodle after setting up the new Up/Down Under BedBox..
Who knew it had not only 5 positions but 3 Massage Zones....Yabadabadooo...Like a Vegas Motel Bed only not!
Bathtime Bubbles make life good anyday of the year...and to top it all off
there was the those cute little pink butterflies that found there way onto Mom's nails...with three coats of Sally Hanson Hard as Nails ontop!
Did I forget the Butterscotch Pudding....Nope...New addictions die hard! Yum! ..
"But HEY PINK LADY! No dessert yet.. you have to finish your soft boiled egg First!"
DD
Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2015 11:06 PM
Subject: Fw: Let's Kick Cancers Ass!!
Tonight's Saturday update is dedicated to both Sherron and a good friend Dave from Search and Rescue who announced to us all Wednesday that he was just diagnosed with a multiple myeloma forcing him to take a leave from work and SAR
Dave and his wife Kathy planned a special get together tonight called Let's Kick Cancers Ass!!
After class today...Mom was jazzed about the ass kicking party idea
and helped me work on the Superhero card and the wrapping of the Superman/Gladiator costume presentation that I made on our families behalf to Dave and Kathy....
They had a great idea how to handle the bad news head on...See the party invite below and pictures attached...
Mom had a fair day.....last delivery of stuff...lots of sun and rest...82lb+ today
DD..
Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2015 10:12 PM
Subject: Re: Let's Kick Cancers Ass!!
| Dave, Kathy
When I stopped to think about Dave, Crushing Cancer All I could see and feel was RED… Whether it be Dave Dressed in his RED SAR 5 Drysuit or Red SAR Coat or T-shirt it was all RED...
The colour of Dave’s passionate personality as he takes No prisoners when he sets his mind or our minds to a mission He excites us and makes shit happen!
In the same context I couldn’t help but see him As a Superhero of Sorts, A Man of Steel, A man with a Vision , Tenacity & the Hammer 2Get-r-dun!
As many of us have shared in this Cancer Crushing shit with our Family and Friends
we hope to strengthen your resolve as we swarm behind to support you and yours as you FIGHT ON! KICK ASS we are WITH YOU!
D-MAC=
The Best of Superman, Thor and Gladiator...
Red.....Caped.....Crusaders
Drop that Hammer on that "C"word Sh$#!
See Pics from tonight. ...The Couple of Steel....
DD 
Regards
.
deand@rcmsar5.ca (604) 537-5383
.
 
|
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2015 10:12 PM.........................
Subject: Bad Rads March 6th....................................
| Spent most of the day dedicated to Rads..
The hospital was 3 machines shy of a full set as as the imagery was broken creating some serious patient backlogs. ...
Long car ride back home....
Napping in afternoon made all difference so we could have a birthday cake replay at 6pm
And learns Grams secret:
"How to open a Cheez Whiz container with a strap wrench"
Followed by a skype call with Marilyn and Pat.
The worst will come tomorrow and Sunday
Resulting Radiation discomfort swelling and discharge will mean family visits are going to have to be avoided Sat and Sunday....
We'll give you any updates we can on her situation...but please call our cells this weekend as we will be encouraging her to stay low key..
DD
|
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2015 6:35 PM.........................
Subject: Hula Luau March 5th....................................
Thurs March 5th
Met Doc Sherron Duncan
And our Homecare nurse Ross from Saskatoon
Got curlers in for big Party...
Wrapped presents
Then Hula party...
Weight back to 80+
Bad bout of indigestion after dinner....
Radiation tomorrow. ....
DD
Daniella....lov the mini wag photos...send more
                              
|
Date:Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 8:08 AM
Subject:Mancave Monday
After a long Sunday..where Sherron won the Academy Award for best patient in a new home hostess Role....
Sherron had a rough monday early morning...up several times with breakthrough pain..
And substantial tissue ejection from her tongue an throat as she expelled gobs of mucus ooze..as she does most days in the first half of the Day...The second half of the day was better although the radiation swelling took precedence as she was feeling her throat close enough that breathing was laborious several times...unless rhings dont improve soon the Friday zap will undoubtedly be canceled indefinitely...as it has cost us 3 days of feeding with only 1/2 of the fluids we had last week and only 1/4 of the soup meat mega mix...not enough..We all got a little high of the fumes mid Day given the off gassing of the Macho Mancave Makeover...as friends Dan and Scott came over to help me get phase 1 of "Days Auto Detailing" off the ground....Small Slurpies & Ginger Ale still beating out beer..In the last picture Sherron is seen holding a white baby robe given to her at my baby shower 47yrs ago by a girlfriend from the bank..... it was in possession of the Keoghs after Marilyn had requested it for Ryan and returned to us several years ago. ..Memories help win the mind over matter war..here on the frontlines...Where Icis in freezies are fight for us instead of against us....George is also sad in this new hood he has not been asked for bottles, money, or to clean up broken glass, mr wongs poop or 103's moldy wall board...
DD
Subject:Fw: Radiation Show: Gram Day ver 2.0 Freaky Friday
Joan, (George Day Clan)It was really great getting a chance to speak with you last weekend... ( Barb weeks ago )If you could send me a list of Day family folks I might put on my daily update email list..Please also relate to everyone in the Day Clan our commitment to "Granmpa George" as we consider him to be the patron Saint of Sherron or "Gram Day" as my kids say...The years have flown by...but we were there as were you over the many decades...in Ruskin with chief the dog, on Wall st in the corner ground apt and from Dundas to this great new home near us in South Surrey George has always been her Rock..through Abdominal Cancer and Korsikoffs in the 80 and 90s to the horrible health issues of late..... "Grampa G" has always been the bottom line...We're obviously committed to both of them and are really trying now in this last window to bridge George into relying on us for the long haul especially when she leaves us all.Tomorrow we are continuing to get them settled and manage the daily nausea and pain...The boys and I doing outdoor furniture and flowers in honour of the Ontario snow shitkickicking you fine east coast clans are suffering through.Sunday we are getting ready for the Grandpa G Mancave transformation which begins with us painting the walls, installing plywood wall panels and florescent light boxes before my old garage team comes in to do the epoxy floors and cabinets...Monday morning. ..Email or call me anytime:Dean Donnelly12919 22A Ave6045375383Mail@deandonnelly.comDD
Subject:Fw: Radiation Show: Gram Day ver 2.0 Freaky Friday
Hi extended family...
Not much time to get the word out...too busy as you might expect...Please see these last few daily updates via my inlaws to Uncle Ron and Aunt Marilyn....Feel free to send warm thoughts via email:To me at mail@deandonnelly.com orSend George and her a note at georgeday@shaw.ca & sherronleeday@hotmail.comLove you allDean Marlene Ethan Hayden
Subject:Fw: Radiation Show: Gram Day ver 2.0 Freaky Friday
Here's a little update..Day 7 in the new place...We've been there 8-12 hours daily on average..Doing meds, baths, feedings and setting up food, furniture lights etc etc etcEverything is still terminal as its a fully metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in her tongue throat lymph nodes from her upper pallet & epiglottis down to her voicebox..So from here on in moving along as a Pallative care scenario..hospice in her home for now...And still fighting with her constant pain and nausea...constipation. ...excess unswallowed saliva and constant thrush...And sadly still fighting with lawyers and trusts daily also...We are making the best of the worst and we are definitely enjoying the 2hours back of commute time lost when they were back in Vancouver the past 9 weeks when her health really tanked..She and George need constant nourishment and monitoring. ..her meds are many and kinda dangerous if misused and although her weight is up from 75 to 80 this week..its a small gain...Everything goes through a straw...Best medicine for pain...and nausea:Love notes from Granmpa and orBack Massage from Hayden and ora body hug and kiss from Dean or Ethan. ..Send George and her a note at georgeday@shaw.caAnd sherronleeday@hotmail.comTalk to u maybe this weekend...Their new address is very serendipitous as its2-12919 17Ave. Surrey BCOCEAN GROVE ESTATEShttp://martysellswhiterock.com/mylistings.html/details-44865198
.
New property listed in Crescent Bch Ocean Pk., South Surrey White Rock
Much sought after OCEAN PARK GROVE duplex style RANCHER! Absolutely everything has been redone and it's better than new!! 1500 sq. ft, double garage, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and wide open floor plan with rich hardwood floors, gleaming granite counters, white kitchen, soft colors and sparkling new bathrooms. Easy walking distance to quaint Ocean Park shopping area, including specialty shops, Safeway, several banks, restaurants, pub, Starbucks and library. One level living (wheelchair accessible) with spacious house sized rooms. 19+ age restriction, indoor cat allowed. No dogs. MAINTENANCE of $344/month INCLUDES CABLE. Quick possession possible!DD2 12919 17 Avenue Surrey V4A 8T2 : Crescent Bch Ocean Pk.
Date:Sat, Feb 21, 2015 at 12:01 AM
Subject:Rad-showw Gram Day ver 2.0 Freaky Friday
We have been using basic ASL signs, sherades and notes on paper and the digital boogie board we got her along with a set of custom index cards showing the basic emoticons and symbols for things she might be trying to ask for or about.Radiation went as well as you would expect for a fearfull senior tethered face up to a spine board in a head and torso cast unable to open mouth or eyes for 20min...She still managed to win over the hearts of the technical team as the sweet when lightweight senior graciously thanks each tech eye to eye in a faint whisper before giving me the finger when I joked with her about being invited back again next week for another torchure session of Light gamma X radiation...The day ended well at home where we celebrated the End of Tu Vishvat and our Second Family Shabbat Dinner together in Ocean Park. ..Gram christening her new BBQ...George still waging war against nausea as seen each morning and again till late tonight...
DD
ooooooooooo
Subject:Infared Radiation tonight...
DD
Subject:Radiation in 72 hours
George...forgot to tell you this when I was there
This morning...
CT 11:00 am then casting at noon Radiation at 2:00pmI will be by for Dinner at 530is and tomorrow at 930 ish ..Game plan...still the same beef her up..InfoDr. John HayRadiation Oncologist and Member of the Colorectal Surgical Tumour Group.BC Cancer AgencyOffice phone: 604-877-6000 ext. 2660Dean
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 6:32 PM
Subject: Fw: Follow up for Sherron Day;
Kind over Matter, Matters Most, Thank You!
Subject: Fw: Follow up for Sherron Day;
Kind over Matter, Matters Most, Thank You!
Sherron Update...
Met with the Homecare Team today in White Rock...
Radiation may follow in 5 days...
If you are interested in visiting..
10-2pm 4-8pm work best
Please email Dean and George...or call...inside the times listed above..
Please be mindful of your time and Sherron's energy...She puts on a good show...
Any hi protein soups (we have a great blender as they must all go through a straw know via coffee mug) or lunches for George are appreciated..
Love Dean and George
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 8:35 PM
Subject: Thank you
Subject: Thank you
Hello Myrna and Bill,
Sherron and George are settled in to their lovely new home now and we wanted to take a moment to say Thank You for your support throughout these past few months and for the fabulous case of wine!
It wasn't necessary but we certainly appreciate it and are looking forward to several nights of wine tasting.
See you at Book Club on Weds Myrna.
M + D
Marlene Tompkins
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 12:26 PM
Subject: Re: Follow up for Sherron Day; Kind over Matter, Matters Most, Thank You!
Subject: Re: Follow up for Sherron Day; Kind over Matter, Matters Most, Thank You!
Hi Maria
We are meeting Ross here in about 30 min.Thx
Thanks again for all your transition help.
Her Pain Management Stabilized with the extra half patch.
Breakthrough pain is only 1-2 times daily..
Nausea is the beast now as we are using a few things to mitigate..
and if nothing else distractions like being outside or Roger Wittaker you-tubed via a smartphone do the trick.
In brighter news..we have seen a stabilization of her weight loss at 75lbs for the past 10 Days...
And a lot of great things have happened in that time...besides stabilizing her pain ,meds , sleep and eating
We have completed moving her in to the completely gutted and refinished suite just 80 hours days ago...
And already a long list of firsts have happened, for her someone who has always made due with less....
here's a short list of things that many might take for granted...
She enjoyed her first Bath/Soaker tub experience in decades,
She enjoyed sleeping in a new King Temperpedic Bed with new duvet..."like a princess in a fairy tale"..
She enjoyed tootling outside for several short walks...best yet was with her Grandsons over to the library across the street
and then onto the small strip mall where she discovered Slurppee's..at sticky's candy store.miraculously with no Lidocaine the frozen drink is a new favourite..
She enjoyed sitting in her own dining room at her own table with her own family (First Ever) follwed by the past 3 days and nights with a Valentines day Party to Boot!
She enjoyed sitting in her own living room on her new mega couch made for 8+ with her family (First Ever)
She enjoyed seeing the actual Sun light enter her home from over 12 windows (First time in 3 decades as she was facing north on Dundas)
She enjoyed also sitting in her new outdoor living spaces, sitting on chairs in the sun, as South Surrey has been clear skies all weekend.
....and many other great experiences ....
Kind over Matter, Matters Most,
Thanks Again!
We will miss your energy..
Take care...Invites always open...
Enjoy this Video.."You give me Fever!"
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 9:57 AM
Subject: RE: Follow up for Sherron Day; Kind over Matter, Matters Most, Thank You!
Subject: RE: Follow up for Sherron Day; Kind over Matter, Matters Most, Thank You!
Hello Dean
Just back at work today. Your email gave me that misty eye first thing this morning. Thank you for being one of those people/family members who make my job so real and beautiful! This is one of the reasons I know why I do what I do...working with families such as yours.
I will print copies for our charts re: forms and I also sent a package to Home Health --Fraser Health Intake so they should be calling you in the next couple of days. I just called them this morning to provide further info so I could give a verbal hand-over--awaiting their response.
Your mum has already touched our hearts --those who have met her--no wonder she has such a kind, caring son and husband as how could she not? I have no doubt she has been an incredibly loving to those around her and yes, I noticed those shiny eyes!
Let me know if any issues with getting in touch with home health in White Rock and I can liaise. If I hear of anything re: dates they will visit--I will let you know. I am here Monday to Wednesday this week.
With Sincere Regards,
Maria Lenardon
Home Health Nurse
Robert and Lily Lee Family Health Unit
604.675.3980
Sent: 12 February, 2015 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: Follow up for Sherron Day; Kind over Matter, Matters Most, Thank You!
Hi Maria...
So Sorry we missed you...
Her new digs are here 2-12919 17th Ave South Surrey in Ocean Grove....see here:
Be sure and check in next week!
We have been working round the clock to make this happen hours after the Friday closing..
fully furnished and full of LOVE for my mom and my dad George..
He's the unsung here ...as he is the "Chief Cook & Bottle washer" for so
many decades forget hours like most of us who have swooped in recently to assist him.
I have attached the signed Forms you left George...if that helps for you to forward
and maybe for your teams "Office Refrigerator" or "Post it board"...here's a friendly feedback letter including a few pictures
to remember what "Grace and Mitzvah" you and your care team bring to the world!
As you make lemonade from lemons which you receive often bruised, bandaged and wrinkled.... with in some cases a fast approaching expiry date.
I hope you will find it spiritually replenishing to know that you are truly caring for someone who such as yourself
spent a lifetime of giving unconditionally to all those around her ....touching nearly everyone who stopped to notice of her smile and shiny eyes.
As George, myself and other in the family have rapidly moved from having no awareness of any eminent life threats 3 months ago
to the stage we are today treating each visit like its our last. Our attention is sharply focused, our compassion enhanced, and our awarness of each moment keen.
Essentially this experience is as with the joy's surrounding the monumental moments at childbirth.
For parents and family this timeframe reflects the same urgency... to fully embrace each moment and
create as much fulfillment of the days hours and minutes remaining.
Prioritizing her pain management, nutrition first and then exploiting what's truly important:
Love, Laughter, Listening. Forgiveness. Just sharing the space of being present.
And, as Mom often says, "Keeping it real, Man!."
As we move through this process together, we truly appreciate all the "Kind over Matter" energy and assistance
Those like you bring to the equation in helping us & her live with continued grace as she slowly fades gracefully.
Best wishes to you and the Team from the Day & Donnelly Family's
Dean & George
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 2:32 PM
Subject: RE: Follow up for Sherron Day
Hello Dean
What will be the new address for your mum?
I will do the referral to Fraser Health once I get this.
Thank you
Maria Lenardon
Home Health Nurse
Robert and Lily Lee Family Health Unit
604.675.3980
Sent: 06 February, 2015 11:55 AM
Subject: Re: Follow up for Sherron Day
Maria,
after a morning consultation with Dr Amerish Joshi and our Family Doc's Moccia and Reznick
It is our conclusion that we get a patch as soon as possible and even a line as she is worsening fast.
Can you please put this to the attention of the Pallative Care Doc your team reports to and or Call Dr Moccia and help us with that.
Much appreciated I will try and call you shortly
Dean Donnelly
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2015 9:02 AM
Subject: RE: Follow up for Sherron Day
That is so kind of you to say and another reason why I love my job is because I get to meet families like all of you!!! Your mom, I I can tell, is a very special soul and so lucky to have you and your dad.
See you Tuesday. I am here until 4 today so feel free to get a hold of me if need be. By the way, may be a good idea to ask pharmacy how long you should wait before your mum tries to eat.
Ciao for now
Maria Lenardon
Home Health Nurse
Robert and Lily Lee Family Health Unit
604.675.3980
|
Once Upon a Time...There was a young lady ...who met and Married her SuperMan!
RUSKIN! That was a long time...1982 or 1983ish...Chief was a faithful retarded mutt that we will miss...
ReplyDelete