Harry’s Grim Future
Harry saw the oncologist on Monday and the prognosis was worse than expected. The hospital will try a mixture of chemotherapies but they said that doing nothing would also be a choice.
They were kind, they had the top Professor in the hospital there and they took it all slowly and deliberately, explaining every step, treatment and side-effect. But it was all chilling and more or less an end.
He is not emotional like his sister and has hardly said much since we returned from the hospital. What is going on in my mind, I have not a clue.
Would I behave differently? I don’t know, but I suspect I’d want to talk and give my children and grandchildren all of the gory and funny details of my life. I can be very talkative. I suspect too, I’d be drinking a lot but does that matter. Harry doesn’t. But then smoking was probably the wrong choice.
Alison, this is tough on all of you, but for him it’s a terrible kind of gift. Like Mary, Harry knows that he will be leaving you soon, and can see to it that all is put right. May you find strength to help him through it.
Henry
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Allison, I’m so sorry for both of you. I wish there was something I could do or say.
I did notice that the doctor talked about doing nothing. There is something to be said for dying with dignity and without all of the side effects of chemo.
I am glad you and Harry can make an informed choice.
Tom
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Thanks, Boys! I know that you’ve been through all this, Henry, so it makes it hard for you.
alison73
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Yes, it’s 2 years today since the funeral, but I’m mostly OK now. Just beware of being drawn into the vortex yourself. Our bodies are very sensitive and vulnerable to stress – but you know that, Wondergal!
Henry
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 3:22 am
I have a good man to look after me. He’s a widow too. He is a very great help.
It would be awful if I was handling this crisis alone. But at least Harry has his full senses. That makes it better for me, but does it make it better for Harry?
alison73
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 7:28 am
Terrible news and yet honest. It is not easy to find anything to say it all just seems so cliched. Harry has had the uncertainty of life taken away from him, just possibly he might see value there that we cannot see from our vantage points.
There will be many tears shed for you and for Harry.
doll
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:52 am
This is the part of life we are never equipped to deal with. Try the best to avoid suffering and accept the inevitable with grace. Life is not fair, we simply play the hand that’s been dealt us and make the best of it. Peace.
SanderO
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 12:03 pm