cherbourg

Kelly,

You might want to look up http://www.unjury.com. They make wonderful medical grade protein powders. I got them for my mom and I use them as well. They have a wonderful website.

I’m glad you found us but am sorry you had to! I’m sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Hugs,
Pam

Molly,

Grief has no timetable and no two people experience grief in the same way. I lost my mom to CC april 3, 2009 and I still have bad days. I can still be reduced to tears by smelling someone wearing my Mom’s perfume.

Here is a website that was helpful to me.

http://www.connect.legacy.com/

Come back to the boards as often as you need. We are all on different parts of the CC journey but we are all here for you!

Hugs,
Pam

Ashley,

My Mom was also on the fentanyl patch which was changed every 72 hours. She also had the immediate release morphine tabs for breakthrough pain. These worked very well for her.

Please keep addressing your Mom’s pain issues. Pain can be controlled and when it’s not it’s so wearing. You are a great advocate for your Mom and a wonderful daughter.

I’m sending prayers and hugs to you!

Pam

Hi Jennifer,

So glad your Dad has a wonderful advocate. One of the things I did for my Mom was to start a notebook. I made sections for labwork, CT scans, notes, a question section and also a folder for expenses.

I kept receipts for travel, gas, parking garages, food and mileage. All of these were tax deductible and Daddy had a complete record when it came time to file taxes and he didn’t have to hunt for anything.

I also made a spreadsheet that had all of mom’s medications, who prescribed them and the frequency taken. As her illness progressed it was so easy to just print the sheet before we went to appointments and hand them to the nurse.

I also had a digital recorder that my Dad could use to record questions and answers.

At every appointment I asked for copies of labwork, scans or anything and filed it in my notebook. I also kept a copy of my Mom’s power of attorney and medical power of attorney as well as the HIPPA forms.

I don’t want this to sound overwhelming but I can’t tell you how helpful this became. Mom was spared having bloodwork repeated when I could hand the doctor results done a day or so before by Mom’s regular doctor. I had copies of scans and reports at my fingertips.

I’m in the medical field and was the one that diagnosed my mom. Even with that experience there were times I had to keep asking and questioning doctors until I was satisfied with the answers. Just remember they are working FOR YOU!!!…..

My Mom was 77 when diagnosed and still working full time and walking 7 to 10 miles a day. She was involved in everything and she and my Dad were married for almost 58 years. This is a tough journey but we are all here for you! Please come often and bring your questions…

I’m sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Hugs,
Pam

Terry,

I think right now you are doing everything you need to do. I believe having a “neutral” counselor that you can talk and vent to is an immeasurable comfort. I believe everyone has the right and the need to grieve in their own manner. I’m holding you close in my prayers and sending sending virtual hugs. Be gentle with yourself…you’ve had so many loses on so many fronts.

Hugs.
Pam

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…..GRIEF AND GRIEVING HAVE NO TIMETABLE AND NO TWO PEOPLE WILL GRIEVE IN THE SAME WAY OR TIME SPAN!!!!

As I mentioned before it’s my southern upbringing and fear of prison that kept me from attacking some of the people I really thought I knew.

That said I believe most people have a fear of death and don’t really know how to deal with it. (or more importantly the aftermath). They can be so insensitive and at times down-rite RUDE!

I did let go of some “friends” that couldn’t understand my pain and kept telling me to get over it. I assumed (quite correctly I might add) that I knew me and my grief better than anyone and would continue dealing with it at my own pace. Most of my close friends now are the ones that have lost a loved one and really and truly understand how hard living without them can be.

All I can say is baby steps….just a little bit each and every day. You will get through this and at some point you will be ready to move a little bit forward…but at your own pace NOT someone else’s.

Come here often… we are all only a keystroke away.

I’m sending hugs, prayers for strenght and courage and love!

Pam
(besides…. us Southern Belles really don’t look our best in “Wanted Posters”….)

Oh Hans,

That was so beautiful and so Kris. I’ve sent you some photos I took on Saturday when I celebrated her life.

Travel safely when you head for home.

I’m sending prayers for peace as you start the next part of this journey.

Hugs….
Pam