AZ Ticket In Hand;Leaving OK..7/9/09..I am anxious
 

I have my ticket in hand for AZ, to be with my sis as she has the pancreatic cancer surgery on 7/13/09. I am very anxious..it is real now.

I saw my psychologist today, and the visit seemed odd for me.Discussion over the issues with PM doc's office and their incompetence via scripts filled in timely manner and other stuff. The last statement he made to me was to try to have a good time while in AZ.
Also, I will need to book an appt. with him once I get back from AZ.

Maybe it is because I am going on this journey alone, without hubby at my side. The last time I flew was in 1992, for my Mom's funeral. I traveled alone, from N.H., to OK, that time too.

I will be in AZ and will witness my sis in her hospital bed, after the pancreatic cancer surgery. I will be strong and help her in any way I can.

I have issues with this hospital scenario, as my father had colon cancer, and I pretty much lived at the hospital for 6 months, dressing his open wounds, as they would not heal because of the cancer. Dad didn't want anyone else,(nurses)to clean out his wounds, because he thought I did it better and it meant less pain for him. He was cut hip to hip, open wound, and I cleaned the wound and made sure the tubes stayed unblocked. The tubes functioned as my Dad's evacuation system.
It was a difficult time and to this day, I can't believe I was able to do it!
Dad died in the hospital,1983.

I see PM doc on 7/7/09, off to AZ on 7/9/09,sis surgery on 7/13/09. I am to return home 7/25/09. I know that my sis' situation is not my Dad's situation...I am just having difficulty processing this truth.

Why can't I just let it go...Can I have a good time in AZ this trip? Thanks for letting me vent.:grouphug:

DEW,
Sweet one of ours,
You are Not going there to have a "good time". You're going on "family affairs".
And, as vulnerable as you are, you must make sure, before you go, that your doctors will take a call from you and promise to return it! You must do this!

Because, you trip is not about you having a "good time", it's simply about you being there for your sister, who is very ill.
And, you've got to be able to beat back your pain, (that's why I say, have YOUR doctors On Call! Always), so you can tend to the task you've undertaken!
(I know, I've done this same sort of thing before, and I'm NOT going to get into that here).

So, before you even Think about leaving, be sure with ALL your Doctors, and their STAFF, that your calls will GET THROUGH! And, BE Returned!
Be sure that you take enough meds, or, have them available, via YOUR DOCTORS, at a calls notice!
You must take care of yourself, before you can take care of someone else. You are NOT a martyr!


Yes, DEW,
We ALL know that you're going to be Strong, and Be there, for your Sister!
But, You won't be the only one. (so, you'll have a chance to rest, take it!)

Be in touch with your doctors, even if you don't NEED to be, let them know what's going on, with you, your sister, and how it's affecting you!

I slightly disagree with your psych doctor. This is not a "Fun Trip". Where's his reality?
This is a full blown "Caring Trip", all about your Sister, Not You! (I do NOT want to seem cold).

The Bottom line remains..... You must be sure, that you're in good hands, BEFORE you step foot on a plane! BE SURE those doctors will answer, or return your calls, if your pain flares, and BE SURE, you have enough medication, to carry you through.

And, take a rest, now and again, for YOU! Don't wait, until it's too late! Your body will tell you.

I offer all of my love, thoughts, and prayers!

DEW, I know you will pull through this!

Keep the Faith!

Pete
asb

love you,Pete, my friend.:hug:I will have everything in check before I leave on 7/9/09. My psychologist is on call for me anytime I need him. I will have to get that assurance from the PM doc, on 7/7/09.

DEW,
Take my phone # with you, OK?

I, as always, will be here for you, anytime, day or nite. OK?

We'll talk before then.
I know, that you're getting a little "worked up", and true, it IS, So much to absorb, and to take yourself into... to take upon yourself. Yes, A Lot!

I just want you to be sure, that you have your doctors in line with you! Alright?

And, I'll be here for you @ anytime! No matter what time of day or nite, OK?

You are NEVER alone!

I Promise!
Because YOU deserve that!

All my prayers and love, :hug::grouphug::hug::)

Pete
asb

It is so hard on you, I know. You were amazing with your dad. His love and trust in you was something to be proud of. I know you will be able to help your sister, both physically and emotionally. Please take my number also, and you know I'm here 24/7 for you. before the surgery, both you and your sister should try just to relax, enjoy each others company, and try to have things cooked/setup for when she comes home from the surgery. How long will she be in the hospital this time? know we love and care for you

Love and hugs
Mary

Dew,

Your psychologist's comment "try to have a good time", when he knows your sister is in hospital... I mean, what an insensitive thing to say!

It's going to be hell to get through this with your RSD but I know being with your sister is important to you, and I think it's important to her too. I hope you won't get flares and that you will be able to think about your own needs as well. You have RSD after all and this is going to be a terrible strain on you. Please take time out for yourself during those days that you are with her, so you can get plenty of rest and take care of yourself and your RSD.

I hope you both manage to get through this. This is a pretty major situation for two sisters to be in as you are both hurting and in need of some comfort.

I pray, that God will look after yourself and your sister, and the rest of the family.

For instance, if your sister might need rest, and I think she will, you might get in the pool, and do your PT.
And, take your time, slow down and "Breathe".

It's All gonna work out fine, Linda!

You are such a fine person, and we're ALL gonna be there "in spirit" with you!

Just go along with the plan, breathe deep, and keep the pain out, as best you can.
This will all be good!

Love to you!:hug::hug::hug:

Pete

Hi Dew,

I hope all goes well with your sisters surgery and that you have a safe journey.

I have flown to Vegas from the UK with RSD so can relate to feeling nervous. The plane journey was pretty tough on me and it REALLY limited what I could do whilst we were away. I think I was in a flare for a good few weeks afterwards also. My parents wanted to go to Florida later this year but I just don't think I will be able to cope with it all that well as it is a 10 hour journey, plus it will be really hard for me to get time off college. I really hope you don't end up in a flare like me!

If you can, try and move as much as possible during the flight., I know it will be hard but it should try and help with the swelling hopefully. Speak to your doctor also to see if he can suggest anything to help you during the flight. I know my doctor created an 'emergency RSD pack' of pain meds for if I went into a bad flare.

Your sister is really lucky to have you and i'm sure she appreciates everything you are doing for her, especially seeing as you have RSD and have a lot going off in your own life right now!:hug:

I know you are going away for your sisters surgery but try and have a good time yourself, in between all of the hospital visits - you deserve it!!!

Take care hun and please keep us posted as to how the journey goes and send our love onto your sis and family!

Hi Linda,

As hard as its going to be, you can only take one day at a time and try to relax. There are still a few weeks between now and when you leave, and then you will have a few days with sis before the surgery. Anxiety makes us flare (as I have found out all too well), so take it easy on yourself and remember that a "Failure to plan is a plan for failure." So try to cover all your bases before you leave - get all your stuff packed, your meds ordered, maybe extra meds in case you need them, etc. Instead of dealing with a heavy bag at the airport you could arrange to UPS a box in advance with most of your things and have it delivered directly to your sister's house. That way all you would need is a small carry on to deal with when you fly.

Good luck, XOXOXO Sandy