Understanding Respite Care

Respite care is something I heard talked about before we started Rich's treatments.

But of course ... I am tough as nails and can deal with anything, right?

Actually that isn't quite correct.  

Rich's daughter offered to come up this week and give me a break.  I was pretty sure I didn't need it.

She arrived and ...

... suddenly I wasn't rushing to 'get this done' or 'that done' at break neck speeds.  I wasn't trying to plan out my every move to make everything super efficient.

And yesterday I stood alone in the house and felt perplexed.  I wasn't on a time schedule for the first time in a month.

I was free to do what I wanted.

I didn't have to go to work, I didn't have to drive to the hospitals, and I didn't have to do anything.  If I wanted to, I could read a book or watch birds.

It felt odd.

I felt as if in limbo.

So then I decided to do the next sensible thing.  Farm work.  I occupied my time by 'making' fence'.  Certain areas of the property are usually mowed by now, but haven't been.  So I made electric paddocks for 3 of the mules, they can rotate from one near the house, one near the area where we store round bales, and another area alongside the driveway.

I was able to talk to Rich last night in a video chat, a new experience for all of us as our grand daughter and I set it up.  It was fun.

Rich's reports from the doctors is uplifting.  Only 3 more chemo treatments are left!

He gained 3 lbs this week.  So we are so far beating the 'feeding' issues that come along with throat cancer treatments.

The extreme fatigue is expected when bombarded with chemo and radiation at the same time.

His time at his daughter's house has been helpful.  He is interacting with the kids and visiting with his daughter when he is awake.

This was a concern last week when it seemed he wanted no social interaction with anyone.

So here we are.  Another week done.

Who's counting?

Oh we are for sure.

Rich comes back today while I am at the Range getting my Qualifications done for my Armed position.

I miss him.

But I surely did need the Respite Time.

Respite:

noun

1.

a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: