Hi Stephen. I know we've only met a few times in person, but since the Miles and the Matchett families are so very intertwined, we here in the Miles-McLean house feel connected to you all. We've been very lucky over the last 8 years or so to spend a fair amount of quality time with Beth as school and work have brought her to our part of the country with regularity and we've been delighted to have some great visits with Ben as his work has brought him to DC.
Monday was Ward's 98th birthday and the C&R activities coordinator at Panorama was kind enough to coordinate a Zoom call that day to celebrate. All of the siblings plus spouses were able to be there as well as most of the grandchildren, the great-grands and even Hope's sisters. Ward was completely up to date on your news and treatment and several in the group have been keeping up on your blog. So, much Light coming your way from the entire Miles clan.
What a strange time to be going thru what is inherently a trying adventure. I don't know if you know/remember that our oldest son suffered a severe traumatic brain injury about 20 years ago when he was 10. He was in the hospital for 5 months and I lived in his room the entire time. Thus, your sharing of the ins and outs of your days interacting with nurses, OTs, PTs, speech therapists and the always elusive doctors (especially the "specialists") has an eerie familiarity. I can't imagine navigating all that at a time when family and friends cannot be there bedside as much as possible. Being a patient's advocate is so very difficult and being your own patient advocate is even more so. I deeply admire your perseverance and positive attitude at this point.
I'm really glad to hear you have a palliative care specialist on board already - there is so much they can help with. In my experience, those drawn to that specialty are a special class of people - and an invaluable part of a care team. So many healthcare systems don't engage them early enough in the process.
We will continue to follow your journey. And send prayers and Light your way. Hugs from DC. (the real DC)
Hi, Stephen. As you must know, David calls Nellita to read the latest posting so sometimes I wait to hear the "bedtime story" version, other times I catch up here. Meanwhile it seems the rules in the world keep changing, just like Fluxx! Sending all good thoughts & xo, ~ Carol
Hi Stephen, I'm always so glad when you posted an update on what's going in with your treatment.
I think about you a lot, always sending you positive energy.
Hi Stephan, Amy Baker alerted me to what you are going through. Although it has been years, I have such fond memories of everyone at Friends Meeting and esp you. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I went through my own cancer journey three years ago and came to have a visceral experience of the power of prayer through that. So you are in my prayers from far away Portland OR. Lots of love and light. Holly Van Houten
Hi Stephen, Wow, that's quite a head trip! I hope you are holding up with your usual grace and humor. Know that I am loving you from afar and wishing for all good things.