I do truly feel for you both, let alone what is felt for Evie having to go through this. I don't know personally, but I have a good imagination from pain I have experienced in the past. If Jim was holding her down, doesn't take much to guess. Again, you both know I am all ears for you offline when needed, so if you just want to yell at someone, you know my email. I won't get cranky, honest :)

People always look towards the person enduring pain, yet they often forget those who feel just as much in other aspects, ie. the carers. I can imagine what it would be like for you both in relation to feeling helplessness, being a parent myself and having my kids hurt seriously before. Logan has had more stitches than I think I have... and he did all that before 12. I guess as a parent I worked out why my parents had grey hair so early in life, with seven off us kids near killing ourselves, who wouldn't have grey hair.

You know you both have my support and understanding, though I do not obviously have the experience off caring for someone through cancer, that I can only guess. Hopefully I will never experience it myself. Please take care of yourselves during this, though i guess you both would have that down to a fine art nowadays? Just know I think your both amazing people... and I truly mean that from the heart, you are a true inspiration to humanity the way in which you handle everything that has gone on with your lives. Thank you. I believe the pleasure is certainly all mine since meeting you both, having you both here.

Kathy and Jim,

I truly hope and pray you have better days for awhile now. Please let Evie know I'm thinking of her and hope she feels better soon.

Take care all,

Hodge

I don't know you, but I wanted to send you my best wishes & all the positive vibes to all of you.

My MIL (now in remission, touch wood) had cancer. My FIL & SIL both have mental illnesses so it came down to my husband & me to be the main support (not that we minded, but it is stressful).

It goes without saying that it's awful (understatement) for the patient, but it's important for the carers to look after themselves too.

I can relate to the feeling of helplessness. My advice is to give Evie all the support you can, but to take time out for yourself & and as a couple. Balance & all that.

Good luck & take care.

Hi Kathy and Jim you are two very strong supportive people and Evie is very lucky to have you their to help her through this:claps:

Thank you all, your thoughts and prayers are most appreciated.

Wendy: Yes, bone marrow aspiration is probably the most difficult procedure for Evie, and she's had many procedures over the last while. She's had a couple of spinal taps as well, and remarks that bone marrow is indeed the more painful of the two. I have not heard of chronic meningitis. It sounds rather frightening!

Awakening: Sorry to hear of your family members with cancer, however very courageous of you to care for them on your own. It's sadly all too common that one sibling is saddled with the majority of caretaking responsibilites. Jim and I faced the same issue with his mother, with her Alzheimers. None of the other children were willing to care for her, so the task fell upon us.

Anthony: Thank you once again for your very kind words. And no, we have never found you to be cranky! :tongue: Quite pleasant, actually. I must admit to being selfish in that I am exceedingly grateful I was not present for Evie's aspiration. I simply can't stand seeing any of my children or grandchildren in pain, regardless of age or cause. It never becomes easier no matter how old they are. I find myself feeling so very guilty when I see them in pain, my first thought is always what a bad mother I've been, I think back to times when I've been cross with them and so on, and feel badly about it. It is rather silly, however automatic. And regarding taking time for ourselves, yes we have resumed going on our "date night" once weekly. Though there is not much to do out here in the country, but we do spend at least that one evening alone together. We are quite jealous of it, as it does help us get through the rest of the week.

Evie, Kathy, and Jim you are all in my thoughts and my multiple prayers. Evie ((((Super Big Hugs)))))) Kathy and Jim ((((Hugs)))) for you both too of course.....

My heart goes out to all of you. I am just at a loss for words.

Kathy,

Chronic Viral Meningitis isn't very nice, but non life threatening, so that's a plus. It's basically an inflammation of the spinal column, and lining of the brain. It's very painful, and your head feels like a volcano erupting. Entire back, head, and eyes hurt. You have to be in a darkened quiet room. That is almost impossible as you have to be hospitalized for about 5-7 days. But like I said it's not life threatening.

I do hope that Evie is feeling better, and that things are a little calmer today.

I understand your not wanting to see your children(Evie) in pain. As a parent it's very hard to see them hurt, and we are helpless to help. Don't feel to bad, I think it's a woman thing......

Take care,

Wendy

Portabella, Veiled, and Wendy, thank you once again for your kind thoughts. Veiled, truly it is not necessary to have the "right" words to say, there really are no words that would make any difference to the situation. It is simply gratifying to know you are thinking of us all. Jim and I are grateful, and I believe Evie would be secretly grateful as well, though loathe to admit anything of the sort at the moment. In any event, much appreciated.

Evie is somewhat better today, though not in the best of moods. That is quite understandable given yesterday's ordeal. She can barely walk at this point and is in a fair amount of pain. Thankfully, this usually subsides in about 48 hours, and her mood should improve as the pain reduces.

Wendy, I am pleased to know that your condition is not life threatening, however it sounds quite uncomfortable and bothersome nonetheless. I assume there is treatment or at least medication for pain that you may take? I wish you well.

Thank you all once again for your thoughts and prayers. It certainly does help to ease the situation on our end.

Kathy it is normal for a mother to have the thoughts of feeling guilty when your loved ones are suffering. I think we would rather it be us than them when they are not well. I could say to you dont feel guilty but it is natural and as long as we are there for them!
Jen