Thank you to all who have expressed their love and support to us over the last couple of days. The ability to travel together via blog comment, Facebook private messages, texts, emails, Facetime, Skype and phone calls is wonderful. We are also deeply aware that we (and others impacted) are being supported through prayers, conversations, acts of kindness and general mindfullness.

Community builds rich and deep as we commit to carry each other in our hearts and minds - and occasionally let them know that we are doing that. We therefore take the opportunity to let you all know that Sue and I talk about and pray for each of you - by name if we know you are sharing our journey, and also as a 'group' of sojourners that encompasses all of you. You are a gift to us, and the least (and often the most!) we can do is serve you in prayer as you proceed on your own path through life with all its joys and challenges.

Club Hospice is proving to be a stunning resort venue. There almost nothing that you can't do, or get, or be. Nothing is too much trouble it seems. You can:

  • Stay up as late as you like
  • Sleep in as long as you like
  • Take a nana-nap anytime
  • Order cooked breakfast in bed
  • Have a bath in bed (if you really want to!)
  • Shower with your spouse (or friendly nurse)
  • Have as many visitors as you want at any time of the day or night
  • Have your pets visit you (cant work out the logistics for our pond fish!)
  • Bring in your own coffee machine and pods
  • Watch whatever you want on TV
  • Play whatever music you like
  • Enjoy 'in-room' birdwatching
  • Have as much salt or sugar in/on your food as you like
  • Drink alcohol (they even have a happy hour 'Jolly Trolley' that comes around each afternoon)
  • Smoke (outside on the verandah of course)
  • Lock the door and (if you are capable) have intimate.... conversations....

So far the only thing that we have tried to do and been told off about was to use a hot water bottle!! Go figure?

Medical Update

Summary: Sue's pain levels are significantly lower now and are not spiking as much as a result of movement, position or eating. Last night was the best night of sleep she has had in months. This morning she is largely 'pain-free' when in bed (at least when compared to recent levels). Right now, this has come at the cost of her being very drowsy and, at times, a little dissociated. She appears as if she is 'semi-sedated' at times, though that is not the aim or intent. The next step is to fiddle the drugs and dosages to find a better balance between pain and alertness such that something akin to 'normal life' can be resumed, even if in a modified way. However, the break in the pain now is most welcome and the 'price' is acceptable while she is under direct care.

For those with a medical or pharmaceutical background, or relevant lived experience, Sue is currently 'enjoying' an astounding cocktail of drugs including:

  • Morphine subcutaneous via pump
  • Ketamine* subcutaneous via pump
  • Morphine (up to hourly) by subcutaneous injection for breakthrough pain 
  • Fentanyl subcutaneous injection
  • Methadone 
  • Pregabalin
  • Dexamethazone
  • Haloperidol
  • Nexium

* Yes, Ketamine is the same drug that is often called 'horse tranquilizer' and is distributed illicitly as the 'party drug' Special K (not to be confused with the cereal!!)

All in all, we are well satisfied with where things are, and are heading. We spent some time first thing this morning recounting how grace-filled our lives are. This is no false gratitude, forced positivity or foolish delusion or denial. Life is very very good.

We read Psalm 3 together in a wonderful moment of lucid praise soon after waking. Among the verses that spoke loudly to Sue were:

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

The Psalm finishes with the line, may your blessing be on your people. Sue drifted back to sleep soon after, repeating those words in a whisper - may your blessing be on your people, may your blessing be on your people.

We therefore take up that phrase, that invocation, and join in saying to you and those important to you,

May God's blessing be upon you this Easter.