So yesterday, Norm began the day walking with a cane, by noon he needed a walker…and that was unsteady. At 3, he began to run a 103 degree fever. I had to have help getting him into a wheelchair to get him to the hospital. Thank you Mike.
With the emergency department completely full and Norm immune compromised, we were able to get him into a processing room. They did a lot of tests and took some blood cultures to figure out what is going on.
Most troubling is the attitude change, back to the anger…not only at me but at all the nurses trying to take care of him. I was so happy when the chemo seemed to be working to have my husband back, with a great sense of humor…this man with this sickness…he’s just angry.
Now, we are in the cancer ward. While we don’t know the cause of the fever, all the contagious possibilities have been ruled out. No covid, no RSV, no flu.
Still angry. I can’t imagine the thoughts going through his mind. He has to be confused, everything was going well and now he cannot take care of himself. He can’t even sit up by himself, let alone walk.
I try to give him the grace he needs in order for him to vent his frustration, but there comes a point where I need to step away and regroup.
I have to ask myself, how would I behave in a similar situation? I’m not sure. The anger seems to be related to the cancer…so he can’t help that.
I know of a woman who could not live with her husband because he threatened her life, he could live with his son, but she was in danger. I can’t imagine.
Where’s the joy?
I am thankful we live near a leading edge health care facility, UT staff have been great.
I pray that the Lord will continue to give me grace to extend to Norm as he fights this awful disease.
I rejoice that we have been able to get Norm in to someone who can give him the help he needs.
Where’s the joy? Though the road is hard and has a lot of bumps, God continues to provide for all our needs.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of god, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:4-8
TRICIA LATHROP 