Happy Birthday

Mum had a very full and happy birthday.

We had an appt with the specialist and he has ordered fro tomorrow more bloods and Xrays. Wondering if her poor kidneys are contributing to her weakness. Her scan a month ago indicated increase in size and number of lung lesions and a 'shadow' in the liver, most likely new spread (we were focussed on the blocked vessel at time).

Mum is losing breath and strength progressively and can now just potter around the house. Stairs are big trouble and getting going (shower, in/out bed or walk to car) causes her to puff and pant. She has trouble eating much more than a tiny serving at any meal, and can't drink fluids at the same time but waits until her fullness eases a little.

She had a nasty episode of 'visual disturbance' 10 days ago, and still don't know what that was. She is off the Dexa, and the top half swelling has gone down, thanks to unblocking the venacava vein. Now, though, it is possible to see the profile of lumps around her shoulders and neck (prob lymph nodes being reactive or affected by spread) She works hard at the breathing and is sore in the muscles. Just as the oedema in her head/shoulders was diminishing, her legs and lower abdo have been swelling for the first time, despite the pressure stockings.

How wonderful the discovery of letters under the house, mostly between Dad and Mum in the 1940's & 50's, but many others too. She was too unwell prior to the stent procedure to look at them but is now working through some with great joy and delight (there are 100s of letters up to 10+ pages). It gets better, on the trip out to her brother's farm (old family property in Golspie) last week, we discovered many more letters, and documents going back as far as 1916 WW1 and some between her parents. She is savouring and enjoying them. Need more time to continue her own recordings as well.

She had a precious afternoon with her long-term group (book study, friendship) and they treated her to a memorable ceremonial washing, annointing and communion - beautiful!

She squeezed in another trip yesterday to Goulburn to spend part of the day with 2 sisters and share together. She is encouraging them (you too) to record their life story - written or audio recording. She has had much satisfaction going through past memories and she is free of all the old baggage, wishing everybody would just open the doors to clean out their cupboards, so to speak.

Well, as Mum says every night,

"See you in the morning!" and hums a bar of "Morning has broken"

Love Beth

PS Thank you all for caring about Mum and us, practical help and staying in touch, etc..