Vivian had some of her worst moments in the past couple days and then has rebounded to show some strength. From an entire day where she ate and drank almost nothing, to drinking 4 glasses of electrolytes and eating a piece of bologna and some fruit. Yesterday she went over 7 hours without any morphine - something she hasn't been able to do in nearly 3 weeks. She is still receiving pain medication with trans-dermal patches, but it was nice to have a good part of a day where she was chatting with people (real or imaginary) and wasn't constantly sleeping. "Good" days like these tend to get your hopes up with thoughts of how she is possibly getting better... it's about all that's left to hold on to right now. We know and understand the reality, but take comfort in seeing Vivian chuckle or smile when seeing a friend's face.
There have been many friends and family stopping by and helping out here and there, which has allowed Serge some time to run errands, finalize paperwork, and "putz around" as he calls it - things like building a ramp so its easy to get Vivian out on the deck for some sun, designing his own iPad stand so its easier for her to do FaceTime chats with Sarah and John in Lansing, and illuminating a large stained glass window that's been in the family for decades. Ultimately it's good therapy.
Remember to keep visiting John's Flickr page for Vivian as new photos are constantly being updated. There are currently over 500 photos!
Vivian was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on January 6th 2012. She immediately started chemotherapy and along with some pain management started feeling better. At the end of March she started having severe abdominal pain. New scans revealed that tumors had spread throughout her liver and pancreas. That's where this blog picks up. Vivian passed away on April 26th, 2012.
Dear Vivian,
ReplyDeleteI thought of you when I read this today: "There are several kinds of love. (One)is an outpouring of everything good in you-of kindness and consideration and respect-not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. (This kind of love)can release in you strength and courage and goodness and wisdom you didn’t know you had." You have touched so many lives with this kind of love. Thank you! I pray for the comfort of you and your family.
-Cathy Stants
Thinking, thinking, thinking of you, Vivian. There are so many people washing you with prayers for moments with family and friends. You are our gift.... Gretchen
ReplyDeleteWish we were closer so that we could help our wonderful friends at this time. We are very gratful that there are so many wonderful people who are close by and can help. You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily. Have enjoyed looking at all the pictures. It brought back so many great memories. Sent a few to John, wished a few that we found were better, and know that there are others (the question is.. where are they?). Since they can not be found (or, sad to say, not really taken) we would like to share them his way.
ReplyDeletePicture #1-Helping a very young couple move into married housing on campus and as we recall it the apt. was the size of a walk in closet.
Picture #2-Atlantic City, the Burness compound, 10 people, one bathroom.
Picture #3- Four people on a porch in the cold drinking hot buttered rum. We were told by a very wise person that hot buttered rum tasted better when you drank it under these conditions. Have made it since and she was right...it does taste better when you drink it on a cold night out on the porch with great friends.
Picture #4- Paul and Sara's wedding - oh that's right...really don't have any because even though there are 365 days in a year Paul and our daughter, Kelly, picked the same wedding date. The picture of us all camping and sharing wedding pictures is posted.
There are many other moments like this and we are glad that even though pictures are not available they are tucked firmly in our memories.
Love,
The Sekeraks