I know I haven't posted anything lately about my mom and dh so I figured I should update . I will try to keep it short .

My mom is not doing well. She is in a skilled nursing facility until Tuesday when she will be released to go home. She had a bout of pneumonia and also had to be taken off of the heavy duty pain meds that were causing her to have dimentia-like symptoms. Now that she's off of those meds she is back to her old, coherent self . She has another month of chemo and radiation before she gets a realistic prognosis. We do know that she will not survive this cancer , barring some kind of miracle.

I'll be leaving Florida to go to Pittsburgh again on Wednesday, April 9. I bought a one-way ticket because I really don't know how long I'll be staying this time. My poor dh and sons will have to fend for themselves for who knows how long.

My mom really wants to go on a spa vacation and take my sister, me, my aunt and maybe a couple of others too. We are going to go the Bedford Springs in PA. My dad is footing the bill for all of us because this is what my mom really wants. We would do just about anything for her right now. As soon as she is done with her treatments, the oncologist's office said she can do whatever she wants. They believe, as do I, that keeping her spirits up is half of the battle.

Speaking of dh, he is still not back to work from his butt surgery. He is still having a lot of pain and he is a pain in the ****. Tim, dh, goes back to the surgeon on Tuesday for his follow-up. It took him quite a while to get over the fever he had from the infection. He still had a temperature of 101.5 on Thursday! It is gone now, thank goodness!

I officially start on Long Term Disability as of April 23. I've finally come to terms (I think) with the fact that I can't go back to work . It couldn't have come at a better time because now I get to spend as much time as possible with my mom and dad . I am a little worried about how this trip is going to take a toll on my health. I feel guilty for thinking about myself at all though. My extended family just does not understand the concept of "exhaustion" when it comes to MS. ARGH!!! You all know about dealing with non ms'ers and their take on what exhaustion is.

Well, I think I've rambled on long enough for one post. Oops, one more thing, I'll be missing in action from the boards most of the time when I leave home on the 9th. My parents don't have a computer. I don't drive much so I can't get myself to one very often. I will try to check in every so often because I will be going through board withdrawal for sure . to all!!!

(((Joelle))) I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.

joelle,

i'm sorry you're going thru this time right now.
i lost both my parents a few yrs ago and know what you're going thru.
it IS ok to think of yourself. it's a very stressful time and you need to look out for you while you minister to your family.

please consider getting a hospice organization involved with your family.
they are such a big source of comfort and info and support.
as long as you know the dx is terminal they can get involved months ahead.

i know it helped my family.
God Bless.
i'm sending prayers your way and your mom's way.

Joelle, Just want you to know that I am thinking about you. Hang in there! You can do it -- you are a Pittsburgh gal. barb

((((JOELLE))))

You know I'll be thinking of you and missing you around here!

When you go on that vacation....let time stop for a moment and enjoy it for every second...drink it in and cherish the moments. Get a stuffed animal of choice and never let it go. Get one for Mom too

Time moves so quickly, seems faster as we get older, but let is stop this time and don't worry about anything else, except to take care of yourself .

You know you and yours are in my prayers everyday. We'll be here when you get back...

you and your family are in mine and my families prayers and thoughts joelle, hang in there, and i agree lifting oens spirits can be the best med

Hi Joelle

Take care of yourself. It's tough to deal with parents and their stuff when you are having to deal with your own stuff at the same time. Just remember to take a little time each day for yourself.

I will be thinking of you while you deal with your mom and thanks for the thoughts about what I am going through with mine. My sister and I will be working with hospice for my mom on Monday. I have heard nothing but good about them.

Check in when you can and keep us posted. Best of luck with your mom's treatment, your dad, and your dh...and you, too.

Joelle

You know you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Everyone who suggested hospice is right - you can become involved with a hospice organization in the area long before you're to "that point". My Dad was in hospice for 10 days and I honestly do not know what I would have done without them - they are incredible.

I hope your visit home won't be as stressful as you're anticipating. Make your sister and brother help - I know, easier said than done.....do what we talked about - print out the material from the website and give it to them. Especially for your Dad - maybe it will help them all understand what you're dealing with.

Like I've said before...I wish I was closer so I could help you. Wouldn't we be a pair?? Your parents might just say "thanks, but no thanks"!!

I hope you'll keep in touch while you're up in PA. You know you can call me anytime day or night.

Take care - we'll miss you here on the boards. If we do see a post from you we'll know you're sitting on the counter in the bathroom holding your phone up in the air and typing!!

Quietly lusting for Joelle.

Because of her big heart, character, and the "I choose to fight back!" presence of mind.

(Because these intangible qualities are what are really attractive in a person).

Still praying for you, jo. Hope you have safe travels.