Yvonne- RE: Chemo Angels
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive January 2007:
Yvonne- RE: Chemo Angels
First, how is your little buddy doing now????
Secondly, I could use some ideas or advice. I requested an update on my buddy this week. She was doing OK for a while, but had a PET scan last month while we were on our cruise, and there are 2 spots in her lungs now. She was to have a repeat scan a week or so later and see the doc on Jan. 2 to discuss her options. That is all I know.
I had a sense something was *wrong*, because she'd email me probably every week or two, and keep me informed of how she was doing, and I haven't had an email from her in a while now.
I know what my gut is telling me now. :=( So my question is, what types of things might I be sending her?? (She is 48) TIA...
My buddy is declining rapidly. It is heartbreaking.
I am in a similar situation but am trying to be hopeful. This week, I sent her pajamas for the hospital. My next thing will likely be craft kits (if she starts being alert). If not, I will send balloons or flowers to her hospital room. My cards are to her and her parents. I simply keep saying that they are in our prayers.
(((HUGS)))
{{{HUGS}}}
Yvonne, how are your own children handling this? I feel for everyone involved...
My children are not taking it well. They have been actively involved with this, along with me.
They know it is in God's hands and all we can do is be supportive and try to be uplifting to our buddy. This is a more difficult volunteer position. it also has been the most rewarding. We WILL be a chemo angel again and again. It is a great program for the whole family to be involved in. Thank you for the prayers and PLEASE keep praying!
I would suggest doing something for her parents at this point. Maybe a gift certificate to a restaurant that they can get take out food from. While she is declining, they will probably want to stay by her side at all times. They won't take care of themselves. If she doesn't beat this, I would keep sending them cards to let them know you're thinking of them and their beautiful girl, tell them how much she means to you, etc.
While it can be emotionally draining to be the support person, it's so important and so fulfilling.
They'll all continue to be in my prayers.
Oh, I'd call before sending balloons or flowers, because sometimes they're not allowed.
Karen, I know I hijacked your post, but wanted to add those few things. Now, for your 48 year old woman. I have no idea what you've already done, but what about a nice journal? You could also send a package of blank note cards. I know that so many of the families I deal with say that they feel guilty for not sending thank you notes out to people, and that they love getting blank cards so they can do just that. You could also include a pack of stamps. Do you send her snail mail cards? I would send one weekly. If she isn't replying to your emails, keep sending them anyway. Does she have another contact person, or do you always speak with her directly? She'll be in my prayers, too.
Yvonne, how old is she? It's so sad to hear that she is declining. Your kids must be heartbroken.
I will keep her in my prayers.
Karen, i will keep your buddy in my prayers too.
13 turning 14 this month
Marcia, no apologies necessary. Actually, that's a great idea from you about a gift cert. to a restaurant!
I sent her a journal in the very first package I mailed to her last spring. I wrote a personal message to her in it. I also got another, inspirational journal and included it in my Christmas package. It was a *life* book, different sections/topics/headings that she could write things about to pass on to her kids and grandkids.
I send several snail mail cards weekly. Since I've been her *angel*, I've sent her picture frames (one with a GREAT inspirational message even...), jewelry, candles, bath salts, body lotions, fridge magnets (she likes those), special stuff for her skin for burns/dryness after her treatments, t-shirts, scarves, mugs, teas, you name it, I've sent it! I've even sent her shells I collected (she is a *beach* person, just like me) and some photos of beaches, etc. that I took because she paints water scenes in water colors (at least she did when she was feeling well enough ). I've also sent some crafty/artsy stuff that she could do with her 6 y/o granddaughter too.
I think I'll look for restaurants in her area and get some gift cards, etc. And the blank note cards are a good idea.
Like Yvonne, I am very involved with my buddy, and it is very hard when they decline. Some of them beat the disease, some don't, and I am feeling very sad and afraid for her now. I wish there was something more I could do for her. But as Yvonne has said, it is a wonderful thing to be involved in, and I will do it again too.
I know what you mean. I run an online group for Canadian kids with chronic or life threatening illnesses, and most of them have cancer. Some I have followed almost since diagnosis, and I've been doing it for over 3 years with this group. I really enjoy it, but have had my heart broken many times. Still, after losing a 6 year old nephew to leukemia, I know how important the support is for everyone involved. Keep up the great work!!
Marcia--thank you for the advice.
My buddy has had a couple good days. Hopefully our prayers are working.
|
Members
