Jail time

On my way out to work Friday morning, I stated to Dale that it must feel like he is in prison. He worked for 20+ years as adult probation & parole agent and knows prisons and jails. He quickly replied; "Yes, but my cell mate has work release and leaves every day!" True in a couple of ways; he is confounded at home, must be escorted in safety to hospitals, and is limited in his activities in the home. Downstairs is off limits unless I am home to assist him up and down the stairs. Myself, as the cell mate, once my work release is over for a day, come directly home and begin the care-taking needs with my schedule of activities revolving around medication administration needs, emergency transportations, and chemotherapy treatment schedules. So it is a bit of confinement for both of us.

However, we are not alone in this world. There are many (mostly women) that are care takers of spouses, children, friends and their main hope for a day is a successful, uneventful, and medical emergency free day. As I talk with Mom, my world has become like hers has been for a number of years, with increases in needs as years provide decreases in my step-father's health. We started to number a few of her friends and acquaintances that are in the same situation.  The men are failing, the women prevailing. Hmmm.

Health for Dale today is okay, although he is complaining that he does not feel right. That means many things. I hope the antibiotics are working like they should be, that he can make it until the next round of chemotherapy, and that round 3A will be smooth. Extra time between rounds is good in that he has more time to recover from the last round of chemo, however, it makes for the process to go on and on and on with the end not foreseeable because the "scheduled calendar" changes and Dale has more time at home in his cell, as he tries to be pleasant, uncomplaining and compliant with doctor's orders.