Green - sort of smiley
I do have things to smile about - spring seems to have finally arrived. We had our yearly 'hill clean up' yesterday. We clear the rubbish from the hill in front of our condo. I got my exercise (and a scrape on my nose) climbing up and down to clear the candy wrappers, beer cans, and my friend found a slew of drug paraphernalia. It is an ideal place for camping as the hill has flat areas that are hidden from view. Although the bylaws people go through regularly, it is still an attractive alternative to the drop in center for the homeless.
This is my sort of smiley : my friend Lorraine is being fast tracked through the medical system as her results have not been good. The fast track is the smiley part; the rest, not so much. She had a PET scan last week that showed 2 areas of concern - her lungs and uterus. She is booked to have a bronchoscopy tomorrow (a tube down in to her lung to do a biopsy). She was told that the tumor was in a difficult place to access and to be prepared for complications. She is also going to see a cardiac specialist because her EKG showed that she had a minor heart attack. It has been a horrendous time for her. Our mutual friend and I have been trying to support her as much as possible.
Today, we are off to Lorraine's to walk dogs. Joe takes the energetic, bouncy one, and we walk the older slow dog. It is good for Lorraine to be out in the sunshine. We comment on the homes in the area, commiserate about the fate of the world, and share our black humor - she says there are not many people who can laugh with her when she discusses her possible demise!
So, things could be better but they could be worse. One day at a time.
Have a great week!
Lisa: I am thankful for the 37 years we shared on this earth. I so wish it could have been much much longer (bittersweet). I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
This is my sort of smiley : my friend Lorraine is being fast tracked through the medical system as her results have not been good. The fast track is the smiley part; the rest, not so much. She had a PET scan last week that showed 2 areas of concern - her lungs and uterus. She is booked to have a bronchoscopy tomorrow (a tube down in to her lung to do a biopsy). She was told that the tumor was in a difficult place to access and to be prepared for complications. She is also going to see a cardiac specialist because her EKG showed that she had a minor heart attack. It has been a horrendous time for her. Our mutual friend and I have been trying to support her as much as possible.
Today, we are off to Lorraine's to walk dogs. Joe takes the energetic, bouncy one, and we walk the older slow dog. It is good for Lorraine to be out in the sunshine. We comment on the homes in the area, commiserate about the fate of the world, and share our black humor - she says there are not many people who can laugh with her when she discusses her possible demise!
So, things could be better but they could be worse. One day at a time.
Have a great week!
Lisa: I am thankful for the 37 years we shared on this earth. I so wish it could have been much much longer (bittersweet). I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
Replies
Reminder to myself:
Do not keep telling someone who is severely ill that they are going to be okay. Just laugh at their jokes. This is the \"uncomfortable comfort\" that the ill person needs now.
Marlene, this is a true gem for me to learn this morning! Thank you.
Much love,
Leda
Marlene, Lorraine is in my prayers every day. I know what a good friend she is to you.
Hugs, Terry
You always have things to do... so cool!
Thinking of your friend, and glad she has a sense of humor. I\'m glad that she has you to help her through this. Love you lady, Angela
Reminds me if me and Barbara..... Laughing at that weirdest things....black humor for sure! Like her one boob bra....hanging on to her wig with all her might in San Diego, and other adventures.....flirting with doctors while picking on them..... Hey, that\'s what friends do, right??? RIGHT!
Love you Sooo much!!!!!!!
Pucking on them for heavens sake!!!!
Today Lorraine was cleaning out her office. As we walked, she told me that she had 3 sorts of items and documents - stuff nobody would want after she is dead, stuff she needs now, and stuff she will need if she doesn\'t die! She had 2 bags of stuff nobody will want ever! I told her not to be hasty about throwing stuff out - she assured me she wouldn\'t because \"you never know and I am being optimistic\". She agreed that she was a stubborn little person so she is going to fight this.
She has always been a fierce advocate for the elderly; she needs to put that same energy in to her own health.
Cheers, M
M
Your friendship is priceless! and Lorraine must know this, as I do. Enjoy the change of seasons for me, we\'re just about the same. Rainy today, and I\'m under the covers. Love you, Abby
Friends can help get us thru a lot of difficult times. You no doubt provide Lorraine with the support & encouragement she needs. You are so kind & caring Marlene. Hugs to you sweet friend.....Vick
You and Lorraine have a beautiful friendship - helping each other in different ways. Laughter with a good friend is the best medicine in the world!
Joanna x
You are walking this path WITH Lorraine and what a priceless gift this is for both of you.
I hear you on the Green Smiley sort of days and glad you could share what is positive and what also feels fragile and tender.
Hope that scratch on your nose heals okay and what a service that is to do that cleaning up. You are so very involved Marlene, with many wonderful things and I know it gives you a boost.
Prayers for Lorraine and for you that you continue to be guided as how best to be in relationship with her. It feels as if those prayers are being answered. You are AMAZING!
With love,
XO Joanie
Wow, I hope the update is good.
Share lots and lots of love -- the greatest force for healing we have for sure.
((hugs))
:-) Patricia
Marlene, what a wonderful friend you are to Lorraine as not everyone is willing to companion another on a difficult journey. How well many of us know that. Since Ed died I have lost a couple of friends who seem to believe losing one\'s child is contagious and wow, can I clear out a room at work now! So we know..you being with Lorraine and just supporting her with humor, with kindness, with walking the slower dog with her and Joe pitching in just makes me proud to call you friend. Much love, Linda