on August 27th, 2017 by Rebeccca
Yesterday we found the best way to get to Tim Hortons. Not that we are big fans of Tim Hortons, unlike 99% of the population. Although they make really good tea. Steeped tea. They must use a process approved by the Queen.
I scouted out the route on my own first, wandering through overhead walkways and through the maze that is the old hospital with its polished concrete floors and ceramic-tiled walls. Then we did it with Galen in a wheelchair along with my sister, Mary Ann and her husband and daughter (and dog). The steeped tea (with one milk) was perfect and the sour cream glazed donut was just what I needed to reduce my stress level. (I guess sugar reduces stress in the short term, but isn’t really good for your psychological health in the long term. Oh well, right now we are doing short term.)
Galen had felt so good the day before and we were so hopeful that he would continue to feel better with the magical palliative drugs. But from midnight onward he was very uncomfortable and distressed. I gave him a foot massage with some of Donna’s hemp hand cream (wonderful stuff from the Body Shop – I’ll have to get some) and then he fell asleep and slept for over an hour. He ate his chicken rice soup for lunch and promptly crashed again, trying to rest up so that he could enjoy his time with Mary Ann and family.
And then in the afternoon things seemed to start turning around. The dexamethasone seems to be kicking in. He was able relax on the comfy chairs in what they call “The Mall,” go over to Tim Hortons, receive three more sets of visitors, eat a bit of supper.
He says he feels like a human being again. He’s not delirious from too many opiates and he can enjoy the Haagen-Dazs ice cream I brought him.
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Galen
8 Responses to “The magic of dexamethasone”
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August 27th, 2017 at 9:02 am
Thanks for this. I think of you both daily and check your little house on my daily walks with the dogs. Please let me know if there is anything ( garden ect) that i can do for you.
August 27th, 2017 at 10:03 am
Good news. A cup of tea can cure most anything
August 27th, 2017 at 12:36 pm
Thank you Rebecca, I have been watching for posts; need to know how things are going. I’m happy to hear Galen is more comfortable. You two are constantly in our thoughts.
August 27th, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Thanks for the update Rebecca, sounds like you are taking good care of Galan, happy you found some good ice cream. All the best to you both!
August 27th, 2017 at 7:23 pm
May the Lord be with you and grant you the strength you need. So glad the pain is under better control. It is hard to think of anything else when in a lot of pain. I wish there was something I could do for you (besides pray). Will you post an address where Galen can get cards?
August 28th, 2017 at 4:42 am
Thank you for the update! It is appreciated. Glad to hear that the pain is being controlled. Tea and ice cream can make a difference! Chocolate chip cookies and cold milk can do wonders too. Prayers continue ——
August 28th, 2017 at 6:55 am
In the midst of our crazy summer schedule, we heard your devastating news. As your focus narrows into your day to day moments of comfort, know that we think of you. As I work on canoe repairs today, the image in my mind is Galen’s beautiful wooden trailer. What a creative gift. Ric and I send our love your way today.
August 28th, 2017 at 1:21 pm
what a great way to keep us all in the loop! For you in return to read our replies to Galen too- So glad there are options to keep his pain level down. We send our love and miss Galen’s twinkle in his eye that often let you know he hadn’t a clue what you said but loved you anyway!!