Spontaneous Week Off

[kybearfuzz]

Last week, I noticed that my work had slowed down considerably. Strangely, given the upcoming holiday, no one had called dibs on taking the week, so I jumped on it. Having no specific plans though, my days have been oddly empty of plans.

On Monday, I headed down to visit family, which always seems to involve drama. Some of it is understandable considering what is going on, but the rest is unneeded icing on a very bitter cake.

As I've written before, my older brother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It's spread from his colon and liver now to his lungs. He's been doing chemotherapy with no success and the bulk of responsibility for his affairs and transport has fallen to my sister. I can't sugarcoat it, he's wearing her out and my mother isn't helping because she can be just as demanding on her. We found out Tuesday that my brother's chemo has been ratcheted up to three days a week every other week. My sister is currently unemployed and she's not been looking for a job because there's no way she could work and handle my mom and brother with a job.

I feel guilty for not being able to do more from a distance. The twin tries to help, but mom won't call him for help and my older brother doesn't seem to want to either. The situation will be even worsened when my sister has to go to the hospital next month for a hysterectomy. We will manage, but I'm not sure how yet.

On the lighter side, I had a double-header softball game Tuesday night. We won both games, the last one by a single run, but it felt good. I had some decent hits, so I was happy.

Now I need to do a bit of yard work and such. Looking forward to some good movies this weekend.

Comments

[putzmeisterbear.livejournal.com]

I'm glad your able to keep a good attitude during this ordeal. Hope you have a great weekend.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Thanks furry bear :)

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Sometimes the best thing we can do is to simply keep our own head together - which is also a contribution because you're not adding to the drama.
Best wishes to your family, and congrats on that softball win - it's great that you can still find some good news.
Have a good weekend, and scare yourself silly at the movies ;0)

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I'm trying very hard not to contribute to the drama. My sister was so upset when she found out about our brother's chemo changes that all I could do is listen. I feel guilty about that, as so much of this has been unfairly dumped on her.

And I'm planning on hitting the Chernobyl Diaries this weekend. I'm sure it'll be radioactive zombie goodness or such. :D

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your brother and how hard things are on the family.
Big hugs Mark!!!!!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Thanks Sean :)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you're having so many medical issues and such drama in your family. I have learned several lessons while being in the hospital. I will never criticize my mom again when she complains how bad the food is at a hospital; nor will I criticize my dad for complaining about taking a dozen pills every morning. I've taken more pills ... It's a bitch to get the pills down over and over. The pills are spread out five times a day; finally, I had to ask if the antibiotic was available in liquid form, I could not swallow the horse size pills any longer!

Good luck with your family. You can only help as much as they will let you.

Big HUGS!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Ugh! I can't imagine what you're going through, especially the horse pills. I often joke that we should be thankful they aren't suppositories.

Big hugs! :)

[mort-83.livejournal.com]

we should be thankful they aren't suppositories.


You say that like it's a bad thing. *snort* LOL

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

I've a close friend who was diagnosed with lung cancer about 3 or so years ago. Never a smoker, always led a healthy life, he appears to just be unfortunate in the genetics lottery. It's hard trying to be helpful. He's got a very supportive partner and good, if distant family. My advice to myself is to just make sure he knows that I'm around and available.

But it's hard, very hard.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I fear that the best I can offer most of the time is money -- money for gas, money for incidentals, etc., to my sister because I can't drive down to help with the routine things. And I feel amazingly guilty for the situation but I have no power to change it.

[mort-83.livejournal.com]

Aiyiyiyi...

Sorry about all this, Mark. It's tough being away..hope your sister can get through all this. At least you can be an ear for her.