It has begun

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Sandra has had a final talk with her doctors this morning, they’ve taken out her central line and therefore stopped the antibiotics and extra fluids she was getting through it. We don’t know how long it will take for her to …. cross over to the western lands, but the end game has begun.

I’m not happy about it, but I do understand it. And anyway, at least we got to celebrate her birthday yesterday: a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

EDIT: speaking of that Sunday roast, a big shoutout to Hoopman Irish Pub on Leidseplein. We had no luck in finding a pub or restaurant which could cater something like this until my brother’s girlfriend rang them up and they immediately said they would be more than happy to do so. They quoted a price of some 170 euros to provide a meal for twelve, but when it was actually time to pay they said it was on them. There was no reason for them to do that, I would’ve been more than happy to pay for what was an excellent meal, but they went through all that trouble just because they wanted to show some kindness to strangers. So erm, if you’re ever in Amsterdam, look me up and we’ll have a pint there.

Least I could do.

(As somebody whose sentimental side mostly comes out through music, Fairport Convention’s “Meet on the Ledge” always had the chills running down my spine, but this last year it never fails to choke me up.)

6 Comments

  • Ken MacLeod

    October 17, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Oh, man. Very sorry to hear that. I had no idea – somehow missed all your posts about Sandra, so this is a shock. Sympathy and solidarity to you both.

  • Jay Vos

    October 17, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Thinking of you and Sandra now.

  • Gideon.

    October 17, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    So very sorry to hear it; our thoughts are with both of you.

  • JeN

    October 17, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and love are with you both.

  • Robert

    October 17, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Took my dad several days. Every day he woke up he was upset because he had woken up. Until one night his breathing got slower and quieter, and eventually stopped. In his sleep, at home the way he wanted, just days later than he wanted.

    At the risk of repeating the blindingly obvious:

    This could be fast, or it could be a lot longer than you expect. The body is amazingly tough, and amazingly fragile.

    Even when Sandra seems unresponsive she may be aware of what’s going on around her. Especially touch — just sitting holding her hand will mean a lot, at levels below the conscious.

    You’re going through the mangler right how. Don’t neglect yourself while you’re look after her — and especially afterwards. Lean on your friends if you need to — many people are shy about offering help because they don’t want to intrude, so don’t be shy about asking for help if you need it.

    Can’t offer much substantive help from across the ocean. For what it’s worth, my thoughts are with you both.

  • vic

    October 18, 2011 at 7:32 am

    Oh Martin – oh Sandra. I am so sorry – we are both thinking of you. Sterkte.