Last week was a busy week again. On Monday my son and I went to Home Care Resources, a store that stocks items which are helpful for people with disabilities of various kinds. We looked at a sit-to-stand lift there for Wayne, my husband.
I had broken the bow of my glasses on Sunday evening, so on Monday I also tried to get a new bow for them. Well, I was not able to get a replacement bow for my glasses, so I had to order a whole new frame. They did not come in until Wednesday. Unfortunately I can not see reading without my glasses, so for two days I was running around with tape on the side of my face as a kind of make shift bow. I looked like a nerd, but at least I could see to read. I was very happy to get my new frames on Wednesday.
Thursday I had my six-month oncologist appointment. Everything looked good as far as no sign of cancer. I do have lymphodemia, however, in my right arm. This means my right arm is somewhat swollen because of improper drainage of lymph fluid. This is a complication of my having had my lymph nodes taken out under my arm when I had my mastectomy a few years ago. Things like heavy lifting or repetitive motion which I do in attending to my husband’s needs can bring this on. So I have to see someone about that on Tuesday of this week. It should not be serious, but can not be left unattended.
Friday they delivered the sit to stand lift for my husband. The lady from the store came out to demonstrate it also. She said she would come out again tomorrow if we wanted her to give another lesson. I think I will have her do that. I still have some questions and things I am puzzled and frustrated about in the use of the product. Although I was excited about this product first, I know already it is not going to be a perfect answer in meeting all my husband’s needs.
One really bright spot about the week was a visit from my youngest sister and her husband. (My other sister came out in June, as you may remember.) This sister and her husband were here from early afternoon Saturday to early afternoon today. So the visit was short but sweet.
Also a special treat for Wayne was that my son and my brother-in-law devised a way to carry my husband, Wayne, wheelchair and all, down into the basement of our home. It is a finished basement, and Wayne had never even seen our basement since we moved into this home in February of this year. I always had felt a little sad about that, so I was so happy about this for him.
You are a disruptor. The delivery of health care starts with you, continues because of you, and ends with you. Let's disrupt together to make the world better for family caregivers. 
Bette
Hi Sharon,
I will be praying on Tuesday for you as they look again at your arm. I am so glad your sister was able to come for a visit, and that Wayne was able to see the basement–that is very exciting. I’m anxious to hear more about the lift. I’m sure there are different ones to choose from, please let us know how this one works for you. I hope you have a good day today and I’m so glad there were bright spots for you in what was a really challenging week.
Denise
Hi Sharon–I hope everything went okay yesterday and today. Were you able to get the hope you needed with the lift? And, what treatment have they recommended for your arm?
So glad you had a visit from a sister!!
Karen
Sharon,
It’s great to hear that you got a lift. I, too, would like to hear more about it. I have seen a couple of different types. They are certainly not perfect, but should be a big help. How great that your brother-in-law and son were able to get Wayne down to see the basement. I hope you had a good visit with your sister.