Strange Notations From a Laborious Life

 It’s a dull and rainy day here in south Canberra and I find myself at a loose end. My father and I have been clearing my backyard, cutting down trees, clearing brush and making trips to the tip to drop off the detritus. However, it’s come to a grinding halt today with rain having set in and not appearing to want to clear. It’s a housebound day and there isn’t much to do.

 I am off work for the week as Linda has received her last round of chemotherapy and I am home as her carer in case anything goes wrong. She has sailed through the treatment for the most part, just the odd hiccup and the crushing tiredness of the chemo patient which most of us have heard about but thankfully not had to endure. I must say I am not missing work and could get use to this life.

 The side-effect of all this is that life has been put on hold for some months as Linda goes through the paces of treatment and recovery and though she is over the worst there is still a significant period of radiation therapy to come which is not as invasive as chemotherapy but will no doubt be uncomfortable.

 It was a a shock of course to find out that Linda was ill but after the initial news we settled down to a routine and we have managed to maintain what her GP called “a new normal” which is an appropriate term as I have found out.

 I have learnt that chiming in with well intentioned comments such as “you will be fine” really doesn’t mean much to a person confronting the reality of dealing with cancer and that “silent” support, just “being there” for a patient is probably the most important thing in the world. You don’t have to say much. Being physically available and present is the most important thing to someone dealing with such a situation.

 It’s embarrassing to reflect on one’s own travails when dealing with a partner’s illness as I am not the one coming face to face with my own mortality but it can be a stressful and reflective time for anyone thrust into the situation which I find myself.

 Linda has been very courageous in her battle and her prognosis is good. All of the doctors and nurses involved in her treatment have been very positive and very professional. The field of breast cancer treatment has been well-financed and it shows. I can’t heap enough praise on those we have dealt with over the course of the last four or five months.

 Linda has “spat in the eye of the devil” and come up trumps and although there is still a ways to go we are over the hump and the future beckons brightly. 2016 is shaping as a better year for us.

 It’s been a difficult period and really has written off the year for us. Hopes, plans and dreams have been put on hold and I have been given a new insight into a life and situation which I have never had to endure. And hopefully won’t have to endure again.

 Until next time take care and don’t take each other for granted. You never know what may be around the corner.

 Have a nice day.