I visited Carol yesterday evening and saw a slight improvement but then, any improvement is welcomedย and appreciated. It is very difficult seeing someone you love having great difficulty guiding her fingers, hands, arms, legs, feet and toes …. and knowing that she loves walking, running and playing her piano.
Yesterday was the second day of the IV blood plasma stuff (my understanding and terminology of what is happening!), with potentially three more days to go. Apparently it is a very expensive concoction (to the hospital… not to us), so if she progresses well, the treatment program may be shortened.
Life around here is rather quiet and very “different”! Carol and I have been together since 2000 and so our home is managed by us both taking on certain tasks and helping each other as necessary. While I have no problems with taking them all on under these circumstances, it surprises me (I don’t understand why) just how much time is taken up with the additional chores. It is no doubt a combination of my routines currently being “out the window”, and the fact that so many jobs typically just got done without my involvement.
The quietness is resolved by having a radio on as Ray rarely makes a sound! Like theย previous paragraph comments, it is not so much that I don’t like a quiet home, it’s just that there are usually sounds of somebody doing something around here which are now missing!
Ray is being very good! He is, not surprisingly, a little clingy and he cuts his walks short so he can come back and check to see if Carol is back home. He has been doing very well with his separation anxiety training and will now handle 10 minutes on his own and still be quite relaxed when I return. For practical purposes, that means I can go to our local Convenience store and buy something if necessary. I need much more time to go to our regular food store but he’ll get to that point eventually!
Pawsitive healing thoughts flowing to Carol with digital ear scratches for Ray who sounds like he’s handling her absence remarkable well. Good dog, Ray!
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Thanks Monika. He really is doing very well in adapting to “Dad” doing everything! ๐
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Oh my, what a challenging time for you all. Hoping that Carol’s improvements continue to progress and that the three of you are together at home again. It is a shame that Ray cannot visit Carol in hospital, whilst he may not be certified as a therapy dog I’m sure that the contact would result in smiles all round and they’re worth so much. Best wishes.
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I really think that Ray would behave extremely well……. until he saw Carol, and then he would be extremely vocal and wake up everybody within 100 yards of him! It’s just excitement!
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Can’t blame him, who doesn’t get excite when they see someone they love. Take care.
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Yup! Cannot fault him for that ….. but he makes very loud “odd” noises as well. I don’t do that…. do you? ๐
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Our dogs do that as well, and I have to admit that sometimes I’ll play growl back at them ๐
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Carol, thankfully is getting excellent treatment. IVIg or plasma exchange are the proven treatments. I’m glad to read that she has shown some improvement. She remains in my prayers and you and, Ray as well.
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Thank you so much Yvonne. Who could have known that Blogging would generate such a supportive group of people! She had improved a little more yesterday evening, and they were planning her move to a rehab area so I think we can see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”. ๐
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Wishing continued improvement and the prayers going. Thanks for the update. I might have to scale back on commenting. I’m terribly busy with ill pets and trying to keep things going for my son. I will just have to see how much energy I have left at night. I will keep reading though. ๐
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No problem Yvonne. You’ve got to get your priorities right and, even though we may not hear from you, we know that we’re in your thoughts and prayers. ๐
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My thoughts and prayers are with all 3 of you. It’s amazing what life brings us. Just when we get in the swing of things, we hit another curve. Hopefully Carol will be able to come home soon. Glad the book was finished before all of this took place. Now, full concentration on getting Carol better, and working with Ray’s separation anxiety.
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Thanks Maria. Hopefully everything will return to normal soon.
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We sure hope the plasma treatments work and Carol is well again soon. I am sure she will appreciate you taking good care of the house, the garden and Ray while she recovers. ~Amy
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Today again saw a slight improvement so it is looking good! ๐
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You are making good progress, R. and being very brave. Both of you are. Soon things will be back to normal and you’ll both be stronger for it.
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Thanks Cupcake (and Cupcake’s Mom). Woof! Ray.
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Glad there are improvements showing up! It is never easy to see someone you love in such a condition most of all when they use to be full of life. I hope the lack of the familiar voice in your house will soon be part of the past. Much love to you and Ray and all the best to Carol ๐
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Thank you Erika. ๐
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You are very welcome, Colin ๐
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We shall continue to hold you all in our prayers and I get the impression that Ray has a fair understanding of what is going on. He will be fine when you go out as long as you are relaxed and visualise him being fine. Good luck with everything! :o)
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Many thanks. ๐
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Just as soon as you get your new routine down Carol will be back ๐ and that’s a good thing! Continued well wishes for all three of you!
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Thanks Michael. I (and of course Ray) are both awaiting the day when the “pack” is back together! ๐
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My thoughts are with you and Carol and it is a huge comfort to have Ray be such a great sport!
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Thank you Nena. Considering that he cannot possibly understand what is happening, he really is doing so well. ๐
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They never cease to amaze:)
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This must be hard on Carol too. Being sick is one thing. Being sick and not at home is another. It’s good news that Ray is adjusting, although slowly.
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Yes she must be really missing our usual day to day stuff, as well as coming to terms with all sorts of possible outcomes.
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Yes there are the outcomes. Always scary.
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Hi Colin. Ah, we’ve been married for just about the same time. Keep those improvements coming thick and fast Carol.
Will Ray be allowed to visit or is that a no-no ? All he best. Kris.
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Thanks Chris, Sadly Ray is not allowed in the buildings…. only certified therapy and service dogs! As wonderful as Ray is, he is definitely not a therapy or service dog! ๐
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