Chris June 1st & Onwards

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Gwen had posted this last night at The Fence. I'm copying it here because I felt it might get lost in chat and continued prayers are needed for them both. Jackie

Well folks it has been a long day here on the west coast. The news for Chris is unfortunately not looking very good. They did the scope today and discovered two things, a huge ulcer that caused the bleed but of more concern for his doctor is what he sees beside it. They were unable to do a biopsy today as the surrounding area is too fragile so will schedule another scope in two weeks. His doctor strongly suspects that what we are seeing is cancer. I really hope he is wrong with all my heart. My mother had esophageal cancer and I was her caregiver. I don't think I need say more. I really had to pull out all the stops today to find some inner strength as I will need to stay strong for Chris if this is what we are facing. I need to stay upbeat and positive so I am really appreciating all the messages, love and support that has been flooding in. People I don't know but whose lives my husband has touched in his efforts over the years. And of course from our wonderful extended family here with COPD Canada. Please keep those prayers going folks and lets hope the doctor is wrong on this one shall we. My DIL has been a tower of strength in the last few days and my son phoned today to say he is cutting his business trip short and flying home tomorrow. Chris is in remarkably good spirits all things considered but very tired so sleeping a lot.
Linndie love, thinking about you alot today and so glad you are home. It must be such a relief to have that behind you. I will try to call you when I have some "home time" that is not too late to call.
Thank you all again for you messages and prayers. It is truly appreciated.

As an added note: Although the organization has sent Chris a card, if you would like to send one individually, please PM or e mail me and I'll give you their home address and/or Gwen's e address if you don't have it. (I'm not sure what patient services the hospital he's in has and this way Gwen can take them in. )

[sandy07]

Had to check in before leaving for Edmonton. My thoughts and prayers are with Chris, Gwen and family . Hoping the doctors are wrong. Just want them to know that I am wishing them the best.

[bobbioh]

You are both in my thoughts and prayers. You are both wonderful people !! Bobbi

[lindab]

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[John]

Gwen & Chris

[susanny]

I hope that Chris heals quickly from this ulcer and that the dr. isn't correct on the rest. Prayers for a healing, and strength for this difficult time for you both. Waiting is a hard game. I hope you were able to get some sleep last night, Gwen. What a great family you have.

[aero63]

I hope the doctor's are wrong and that the wait period goes by so quickly. My thoughts go out to you and your family. The one time I spoke on the phone with Chris, he was so kind and understanding. The help and offers of help were touching. I haven't forgotten.

Gwen, I am sure with the help of the family, you will all lean on each other through this time and find the strength you need to get through it.

My heart goes out to you both and your family. Please take care of yourself and get some sleep

[martie]

Gwen, I believe in postive thinking and I think that with all of us praying postively that Chris is going to be well!! My prayers are with you and your family and I do hope everything is going to be fine. Take care of yourself too, sweetie. God Bless all of you.

[Bill W]

Our thoughts,prayers and hope are with you.

[dray]

Gwen,
My heart and prayers go out to Chris and you. You know we are pulling for you both.

Sincerley
Dave

[helen]

Gwen and Chris, you´re still in my thoughts and prayers.

[gwenwigley]

Hi Everyone,
Just got home as my son arrived this afternoon and said go home Mom you look terrible!! I love my kids but hey I thought I was holding up pretty good. Have to admit I'm pretty tired though, could use a bit of sleep. Anyway the good news today is Chris was well enough to be moved up to surgical on a regular ward and even better he got clear fluids today instaed of sucking on ice cubes. He phoned me first thing this morning and said "Guess what I've got?" Big drum roll Apple Juice!! Well I guess when your desperate that might look pretty good, . My son also picked up a Internet dongle or whatever it is he needs to get his portaqble hooked up to the Internet. It's totally beyond me!! So look out folks Chris is probably going to be on line again pretty soon. Looks as if he will be in hospital for a couple of weeks or until they can do the next scope and biopsy and then maybe we will have a direction/plan etc. Sometimes the waiting and not knowing for sure is the hardest as you don't really have a plan to go with. Anyway, Chris is still in good spirits. I suspect he's flirting with all the pretty nurses but he's pretty hog tied with tubes so I'm not to worried.
Thanks again everyone for your good wishes and support. It sure means a lot. And Linndie why wouldn't we worry about you. You are a very special lady!

Hugs to all.
Gwen

[Deleted]

Good News Gwen,

I am so happy your son is there, and hope you can get some rest. I am thinking of you and Chris with prayers and love my friend. Rich said he sends you and Chris his best and hopes everything will be okay.

Love ya both Linndie

[susanny]

When the ones we love become so frightenly ill, I think it shows up rather quickly on our faces, maybe even immediately. I'm sure you looked to your son the way any loving wife would have. Hope you took his advice and got some rest. Kinda hard to shut the mind down, though. I know it's probably a big pain to have Chris in for so long, but you/we know he is being watched carefully and taken good care of. Please try to remain upbeat, we are praying for a healing here!

Sue

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Great news in several ways I think Gwen! And; I hope you "konked out" You undoubtedly needed it! It sounds like your son got Chris a wireless Internet connection. This is good; especially since some hospitals won't allow it. Think of it as another bit of luck on your side. You guys are on a roll now!

I'm glad you have such great family support and I'm so very pleased to hear that Chris got moved. Hopefully they're wrong about how long he'll need to be in but... from what you've said about the Dr and the staff (as well as his family ) It sounds like he's in VG hands!

[bobbioh]

thats great you have help. and the internet will help him pass time. just dont let him get to spoiled . as always your in my thoughts and prayers.... bobbi

[wendyco]

it's so great that your family it there to help....prayers for you and Chris

[susanny]

Hope you both had a good day today. Thinking of you both and wishing only good things.

[chrisw]

Hi Folks!
Sorry it took so long to get on to the forum - but a little something hapened to slow me down a bit!!
I don't really have anything to add to what Gwen has said. The only discomfort that I have is tubes sticking in to me in multible places (and most of you know how that feels ) and the delights of a "Clear liquids only" diet .
I am by nature a phlegmatic (you might want to have some fun looking that up) person so I am handling this pretty well considering we have no idea what is around the corner, and we are heading toward that corner way too fast - but it is very rough on Gwen. Sometimes (maybe most of the time ;D ) it is a lot harder on the caregiver than it is on the patient.

I thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.

[John]

Hi Chris; Good to hear from you! love your attitude . Sue & I went over to the shrine tonight for some serious prayer & meditation . (plus a great diner @ our favorite restaurant We lit quite a few candles for all in need for our on line family . including yourself ,your wife Gwen ,Linndie & Rich & a few more who have asked privately for candles .Click on the thumb print and claim one for your self's

[maryaz]

I don’t get here often but sometimes I don’t know how I time it. I am so sorry to read about Chris. I just acknowledged him in another post in COPD section and had no idea he was writing from a hospital.

Gwen and Chris you are both in my thoughts and prayers. I will try to get back and keep an outlook on updates. Gwen I can really relate to the ‘waiting and not knowing’. Just keep busy and try not to dwell on any of it. Take care yourself too.

[susanny]

It was sure good to see you this morning, Chris. You sound like you are ready for anything. I think you are right about it being harder on the caregivers. They love so much and their hands are tied. They can't hug the pain out of the one who's hurting, which they are used to being able to do with other hurts. They can't heal with sheer love and determination. So we end up, both sides, putting on brave faces and hiding what we are really feeling.

Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. And do give each other that hug. Though it may not heal the illness it can certainly heal the heart. We are all here working on the healing through prayer.

Sue

[aero63]

Chris,
Great to see you post. I love your attitude. Yep, sometimes it is harder on the caregivers. Yuck, clear liquids. They never seem to fill you up.

My thoughts are with both you and Gwen, and the family. I am still sending wishes for good news and a very speedy recovery.