Another Visit

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Went for my second visit to see Irish Maria yesterday, this time with my family.  She is in good spirits.  She had us in stitches; giving us the low down on her autistic son’s behaviour when he went to visit her on Friday.  Apparently, he gave the lady across from her quite a show.  He was licking the glass doors, which grossed her out.  This kind of encouraged him to take it to the next level; where he, as Maria put it, stuck his hands in his trousers (digging for gold) and threatened to unveil himself, despite everyone telling him not to take it all off.  He was going to attempt to do the Full Monty.  Horrified, the lady asked the nurse to remove him.   Later, I think the lady’s husband apologized to Maria, once he realized her son was a “special needs” child.  Maria took it all in stride.  

Now to update you on Irish Maria’s condition.  She said she was alone on Sunday when the doctor came and told her she had a choice… either to remove the tumour and prolong her life, or wait 3-4 days in which she would die of a brain hemmorrage (sp?).  She decided to keep on fighting and get the tumour removed.  They had to take a part of her skull to get it out.  She now has to be very careful that she doesn’t hit her head.  I must say she looks better than I have seen her in a long time.   Her “headache” is gone and so is her bad mood.  Maria is also now eating, thank heavens.  She lost her appetite for months, and is currently very underweight.  

The doctor told her that she would have some permanent damage on her left side and some balancing issues.   I have yet to see her walk, but she claims that she is able to get up and go to the washroom on her own, which is a good thing.  I’m glad she doesn’t have to rely on nurses to get her to the washroom.  It gives me bad memories of being in that hospital.  If you haven’t read that blog in which my husband almost killed me trying to get me to the washroom (January 27, 2012… The Missile Launching), it is worth the read, if you get the chance.

Unfortunately, even though the 5 cm tumour has been removed, she is not done.  There are a few more cancer spots that have popped up on her brain scan.  The doctor said they can radiate the spots locally or do a full head radiation treatment.  However, as a result, she may have problems with balancing, mobility on her left side, and memory loss too.  I’m hoping that she won’t have any of those side effects.  I know the doctors give you a worse case scenario, but perhaps they can radiate the additional spots with minimal damage.  I don’t think she is going to do the whole head radiation treatment.  

Her mother and brother + sister-in-law is coming to Canada next Sunday to see her.  Irish Maria said her mother is a lot like Mrs. Bucket on that British show, “Keeping Up Appearances”.  Maria promised her father who is in his eighties and couldn’t come to see her in Canada, that she would visit him as soon as she is able.  I really want to see that happen.  

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I have been very busy lately and have not had the time to post my older blogs/diary from Feb. 2012 to 2013.  But I did find one that I just posted which I really would like you to read.  It will explain who Irish Maria is and why I admire her so much.  You can check it out on my previous blogs on the date below.

Irish Maria (May 3, 2012)