We had one of our monthly visits to the child psychologist today.
She is still very pleased with how we are managing things and the kids seem to be as much at ease with the situation as can reasonably be expected.
They will be spending time at both sets of grand parents this holiday which will spare them some of the grind of me going to hospital five days a week.
The sessions still provide value in getting the kids to talk openly about what they are feeling and there is also an appreciation on both sides of the fence from Kitten and I.
Not only do we have to have differenct perspectives but the treatment plan keeps changing and the forum acts as a useful focal point for us to make sure that we have our act together before we go.
When I refer to different perspectives it is perhaps difficult to understand that comment from the outside, but it is easy to understand that there are always different priorities in any situation within a family. At the moment my first priority has to be my own recovery, but of course I still have to play my role in the family. Kitten perhaps has the tougher job of keeping the equilibrium on a daily basis. Naturally, the children don't understand the whole picture and their needs and my needs must be balanced out.
Then there is Kitten, of course. Her role is draining. She needs an appreciation and also and outlet. Joining a gym has been good for her because it takes her away from the house into some designated free time. As it happens she is out for an end-of-term meal with the school mum's tonight.
My years of party lifestyle mean that I have no great desires outside rehabilitation and day to day. I've been there seen it, done it and worn the t-shirt so am quite content (as much as a Swordfish can be).
I am happy to roll my social occasions into group events and, speaking of which, I have just got tickets for the Chelsea vs Manchester Utd Community Shield match at Wembley on Aug 8th for Notoplip, Sonic, Huffty and me.
Another good day out in the bag.
Message for Kitten
ReplyDeleteIt is very tough having to hold things together and try and put a brave face on things (even when you don't think you have the energy to do so), it must be worse for you because of the children.
People say I was a trojan keeping all things together (including all my feelings) but I was lucky, I had my work as my escape valve. I think you need to have some form of outlet from all what is happening and to be able to think of other things apart from "cancer" once in a while and not feel guilty because you forgot about it for 5 mins.
Take care and if you need anyone to talk to and rant at about what is happeing please ring me.
Hello Annstonefamily - such a long name!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely message, there is some good support out there for all of us.
It's a strange thing being the person in the middle as I never know which direction I'll be moving in next. You take a deep breath and hope that the decisions you make are right at the time.
I've joined a gym which is great both mentally and physically - yipee says my waistline! But, you know, no matter where I go or what I do, I don't ever feel I forget or put aside what is happening.
Swordfish and I both agreed recently that it would be great to be able to forget about his illnesss completely for 24 hours. Not side tracked or be distracted but to feel completely free.
But that will not happen. Even when he gets through this illness we will still live with it forever.
Keep smiling and I'll be in touch x
Kitten
ReplyDeleteYou know I am always thinking of you both.
Keep in touch
Teach x
Teach, thank you to you and your staff for looking after my children this year.
ReplyDeleteHere are some words of "wisdom" for you....
"Remember to stick to what you believe in, even if it attracts criticism along the way".
Swordfish.