Marita's appetite was better again today: she had three meals, including toast, yoghurt, soup, juice and tea. Although she is still very weak (sitting up was hard), she was happier and brighter. She slept less during the day, having had a good night's sleep. We are hoping that some of the food is getting through, so that she is able to get some ( Read more... )

On Wednesday Marita moved into a room in the hospice area down the corridor from the acute care rooms she'd previously been in. She asked to move there as she wasn't getting enough help, especially at night when the family hasn't been with her. The new room has a large window and door to the outside; this admits a lot of sunlight. The care and ( Read more... )

acmarita asked us to post this suggestion for people who are considering sending her flowers or who would like to do something for her. -- R and SIf you are concerned about the likely plight of our grandchildren in the face of global warming, you could give me a wonderful present by taking on part of my erstwhile major project: doing whatever you can to ( Read more... )

Marita has moved to the room next door, which has windows into daylight. This is much more cheerful than the old room's windows which only showed a dark alley.

She's still only consuming small amounts of liquids -- and most is coming back up.

She's being strong, but feeling weak.

The procedure to insert the stent (during which they also inserted a temporary nasogastric tube) was a rough ride for M, and the day after she was particularly weak. In the couple of days since then, she has seemed a little brighter -- and she has been needing less pain medication ( Read more... )

Some good news...

The surgeon successfully implanted a stent at the bottom of M's stomach. Also, he drained the built up gastric fluid which was making her feel so bloated. We hope this will help her to eat and build up her strength.

M said it was the first time in days she didn't feel the bloating pain in her stomach.

0600 ( Read more... )

Chemotherapy still postponed until M's eating again.

To that end, an endoscopy is planned for Friday evening, during which the surgeon plans to insert a stent into the stomach to ease obstruction.

M and I had quite a long walk around the east wing this afternoon.

C and I spent most of our day with M today. She was lively and in good spirits; we took a stroll around the east wing of the hospital building to a little garden courtyard ( Read more... )

Somewhat grotty last night until medicated.

All your messages are a fantastic support.
It is amazing, having C, R, F, S here, with S at weekends.

Plan is: X-rays, consult, then chemo this morning.
& foll Tuesday.

Love to you all.