Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Update on Tabby - March 20, 2013

This is a difficult entry to post.  So much has happened since the last update, and much of it within the last 24 hours.  I'm not sure where to begin, but I suppose it should be with Tabby, and an explanation of the image to the left.

We saw Tabby's doctor yesterday to get the results of the CT scan she had on Monday.  The results were that the cancer has grown.  The new treatment did nothing.  Tabby's mother was with us when we heard the news.

The doctor told us it was time to consider hospice care.  For those who don't know, hospice is either a nursing home or in-home care for the terminally ill.  The purpose is to treat the symptoms that come along with dying to make the patient as comfortable as possible until the inevitable happens. What we've known all along just hit us like the proverbial ton of bricks.  There will be no more chemotherapy.  There is no more chance of survival.

I cannot begin to relate to you what it is like, the terrible knowledge that I'm going to lose the other half of my soul.  I cannot begin to fathom the deep ache that Ruth, Tabby's mother, is feeling at the impending loss of a child.  I can't even begin to imagine what is coming for our children at the loss of their mother at such a young age.

Out of this, came a small moment of happiness.  Because of Tabby's condition, she can't actually work. She's been out of work for a year, which means we halved our income and (due to medical bills) we doubled our output.  The point of this isn't to complain, so bear with me.  The home we're living in now, well, to borrow a political phrase, the rent's too damned high.  We can't really afford to live there anymore.  So yesterday, while I was out getting another round of medication for Tabby from our local supermarket, I took a detour through a neighborhood near Plum Creek.  I don't know why I did, other than I kept wondering what was back there, so today my curious nature got the best of me.  As I drove around the tiny subdivision (seriously, there are a total of four streets), I found a house, just one, that was for sale.  A one-story house (Tabby can no longer climb stairs very well...) with a larger square footage than the one we're currently in.  I called the relator and made an offer.  The owner accepted, with VERY little down and payments nearly $200 lower than what I'm paying now.  The house has a beautiful tree in the back yard under which Tabby can sit, and she loves the house.  To make a long story short, if I can get the financing together (I think I can), we're moving.  Tabby won't be doing any of the lifting or anything... That'll be me and whomever I can bribe with beer and pizza.  But the house will be a quiet, serene place for her.  That's the point.  That's what has to happen.  My youngest will stay at her same school, see her friends, and is generally thrilled.  The house is what we've been hoping for.

I am, beyond a doubt, devastated.  Tabby is heart-broken.  I don't know how long I have left with her, but we intend to make the best of it.

Love to all of you.

SAJ

17 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry, Scott. And for your daughters. But Tabby picked a great father, and I know your children will be in capable, loving care. Enjoy every moment you all have together.

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  2. Scott, Tabby, family and friends - I hope that your time together is awesome and that it will stay in your hearts for eternity. I'm at a loss of expression for you all. I love you guys.
    I am moving at the end of this month but most certainly can help you move after that. I have a truck, beer and pizza so your good on that end.
    Please call me to help.
    Love Matt

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  3. Wow. This is certainly not the news we've been holding out hope for, but we love you guys and will be there bright and early on moving day (and any other time you need/want us there).

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  4. So sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and good wishes go out to you and your family at this time.

    Maureen Kowalski
    aka leggs1959

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  5. I'm so, so sorry to hear this. I don't pray very often, but I'm praying for you guys.

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  6. I love you and you and your family will be in my thoughts. Best of luck on getting the house. Small blessing at monumental time of grief. Take care and let me know if there is anything I can do.

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  7. Scott, I am so sorry. I cannot imagine the pain and fear you are facing. Stay strong. I am praying for you, Tabby, her mother and your girls. Hospice is scary, but the nurses are always amazing and Tabby will be in wonderful hands with their care and your love.

    If you need anything, just say. We will come to you in droves.

    Jessica Vann

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  8. i don't have the words, Scott. My heart is broken for your family's pain.

    I shall light a candle for you.

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  9. Sending you, Tabby, and your family love, laughter through the tears, and peace. With the stories you've shared with us, she will live forever.

    Carey

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  10. I don't know you, but as a widow I know some of what you're going through. Praying for your family.

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  11. I would love to help but the beer and pizza isn't enough to pay for tickets to Texas. Love and energies go out to all. Your Pittsburgh friends think of you all often.

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  12. Words can not begin to express my feelings for the two of you. Knowing you both has enriched my life and made me all the better for it. Tabby will always be a part of my life as you are Scott. Sending Warmth, Love and Serenity your way. May the sun warm you and the tree shade you and Mother Earth give you strength. Neighbor Bob

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  13. This is a hard, hard time for you all. Try to take joy in the happy moments--and there will be happy moments--and keep going through the rest. Many good thoughts for all of you.

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  14. My love and prayers/meditations to you and your family, Scott. There are no adequate words, so just this: LOVE. Tons of LOVE, always.

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  15. My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. Tabby is an amazing woman and I'm lucky to have your and her influence in my life.

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  16. Very sad to read this news. My heart goes out to all of you.

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