My dear husband died on March 31, 2009 of Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Mike died at home…I was his care giver. He was diagnosed June 9, 2008 with lung cancer and on July 3, 2008 we learned it had spread to several areas in his body…mostly his bones. Pretty much since June 2008 I wasn’t taking very good care of myself. I gained approx. 15# back and had a lot of ups and downs with my blood sugar. Actually I ended up NOT being under a doctor’s care any more and just a couple weeks before Mike died I got a new doctor. However, with his death and all that goes along with it…funeral planning, family around and then being alone ~ I still didn’t get down to watching my health.
But this week (on Monday) I started keeping track of my blood sugar again and watching what I eat. Right now I’m living with my oldest child/daughter and her husband in a different town. That has helped me some and the fact that both of them are doing Weight Watchers really is helping me.
I’m needing the support of other diabetics and I think I’ll get it on this site.
Edie, that is why i joined today…i to need the support, of other diabetics, im surrounded by people (including 2 daughters) who have no idea what diabetics go thru…and how some foods can be dangerous for us…this can be a very lonely battle…when i read your story, it reminded me , of how we tend to loose ourselves giving to others in a crises…im hoping like you for support, and friendships… hang in there
Thanks, Christie. One of the many reasons I miss my husband is though he didn’t have diabetes (it’s in his family and mine) he was very supportive right from the moment I was diagnosed.
Glad you finally decided that you need to pay attention to yourself for a while. It’s always much easier to give to others without thought to yourself and your needs. The people around here are a real mix of personalities, knowledge of diabetes as well a other health subjects, and humor.
I am so proud of myself. Today I chose to get dressed after my shower and go out that darned door. It’s not been really nice weather-wise, so today was a real gift. I ran errands that didn’t need running. I went into a tropical fish store and found a breed of Betta fish I didn’t know about. So, come payday, I’m buying another 2-3 fishies!! Well, I digress … I stopped in at Walgreens and somehow got involved in a discussion with another customer about diabetes and found out her father and uncle have diabetes. (I think it started with a discussion about big, fat pens.) She thanked me sooooo much for telling her some things that she didn’t know. Turns out that I left her with my card and the address of this site so she and her relatives could cruise and learn on this site. I played up on the fellowship aspect of this site. I am hoping that you, Edie, and my new friend from Walgreens will be able to cull out all the knowledge you can possibly use!!
Thank you, Lois, for writing. I’m about ready to go to bed (been so tired since Mike died) but decided to check on mail first. I’m not good with exercise…not just laziness but my hips give me problems. However, this afternoon I took a walk to my son-in-law’s (where I’m staying) dad’s house to spend time with his step-mother. We visited and worked on a jigsaw puzzle. They don’t even live a block away from where I’m staying.
Dear Edie, I am also sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad that you found our community. We are like a family of people who understand life with diabetes. I’m glad that you joined our family.
Hope that you can already feel support surrounding you!!!
Hi Edie,I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. May God Bless and keep you in his arms always and help to lessen your burdens. You have come to the right place for your needs.There is lots of compassion and great teaching here. I have found so much comfort since I have been a member of this site and I’m sure you will too! Check out the groups also you may find one that is suited to your needs also. But just about everyone and every place here is great and the people are so full of so much knowledge! Good luck and welcome to our little community! We are so happy you found us!
I am sorry for your loss, and share feelings with you. M y mother in law was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and also is spreaded to her bones and colom. We do not know what to ezpect right now, but by reading your testimony I can relate and get ready. Again, may God give you the strenght and peace you need!
Thank you, everyone, for the welcome. I am feeling support from you already. I’ve already smiled several times since I joined you all yesterday. I’m not doing the best today ~ just wanting to eat before it’s time to eat. I’m trying to keep busy but then I get so sleepy ~ then I want to eat something. So now I’m drinking too much coffee to just wake up. I know that isn’t good for me either. I forgot to check my bs yesterday but felt okay. Today I’m gonna make sure I check on it. Again ~ thank you all!!
Myriam, thank you for writing. What have the doctors said about your mother-in-law’s chances? Is there a possibility of remission? The doctors did give Mike a chance at remission…and he fought a good fight before he could no longer deal with the pain…and it kept spreading. I’m here for you too ~ concerning your mil. Does she live far or close to you?
Thank you, Renee. I know I don’t have any regrets! Yes, I think Mike would be proud of me. I know he told me he was thankful for me, my love and caring for him. There is a lot more to our story that made this past year a wonderful yet sad year (bittersweet as they say). We loved each other very much. He didn’t like it (and felt bad) that I was struggling with taking care of myself.
Hello Edie!
It must be terribly difficult losing your dear husband and friend. I am sorry for your loss.
Stay close to family and friends.
It is time now to focus on your needs. I am sure that is just what your husband would want for you joy and good health.
Edie…so, so sorry for your loss. You have had a tough year and are surely missing your dear husband. I am so glad you are here…such a supportive and knowledgeable group. We all know some of what you are going through. Welcome.
Dear Edie sorry to hear about your loss please accept my condolences. I’ve experienced having a sick husband and having to take care of myself so I can sympathize with what you had to do. We are here for you to support and share so welcome.
Dear Edie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. The grief and stress that you are expriencing at the moment alone will through your sugars off. Maybe you could have your daughter or a home nurse take care of your sugars for a little while so that you can just sleep through the worst of it. I’ve lost a son so I know how hard grief can hit you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You
I am sorry for your loss! I couldn’t imagine my life w/o my hubby. I would prob put myself on the back burner. You are apart of an awesome diabetic community. If you need anything or need to vent let us know. You are awesome, now it’s time to take care of you. Step by step, day by day.