tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post9018885437300129911..comments2023-05-24T23:33:57.516+10:00Comments on My Unwelcome Stranger: Where have I been? Where to from here?Denis Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-33624388388215100212013-11-26T15:06:03.106+11:002013-11-26T15:06:03.106+11:00I'm finding with the onset of dysphasia and he...<b><i>I'm finding with the onset of dysphasia and head seizures that my concentration has fallen to near zero. At the moment at least I’ll suspend one of my most enjoyable occupations - of responding to comments - in the hope of finding a time when I’ll get some back. Please be assured that I've read every one and thank you deeply for them.</i></b>Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-19591654632039939882013-11-03T17:00:47.934+11:002013-11-03T17:00:47.934+11:00Like so many others I say thank you for your insig...Like so many others I say thank you for your insights and your wonderful capacity to so often change the way we, your readers, think. Very good wishes to you and Tracey. My thoughts are with you both. Anne P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-77107296324243304072013-11-03T10:09:34.127+11:002013-11-03T10:09:34.127+11:00I won’t try to comment individually on all these w...<b>I won’t try to comment individually on all these wonderful responses, but I thank you all deeply for making these comments, which I hope people will read because to me they are an integral part of the posting. I’ll accept with grace though don't always agree with the compliments which are far too generous. Apart from that you can generally take the view that silence signifies agreement.<br /><br />But just a couple of things – I'd also like to think KVD was right on the ‘entertaining’ comment but that if someone was genuinely entertained, then worse things could happen! <br /><br />I'd adjust Karen’s slightly so it read “a man supported by a brave, brave woman.”<br /><br />zmkc will have made a friend for life with Tracey for her comment! As the comment about me was far too generous I forgive you for being right about … the other bit, Zoë.<br /><br />On Ros’s I would also echo my sentiments in adjusting Karen’s, and I know Dave would agree fully – there's another brave, brave woman, and I feel that about the thousands of care-givers who act not only out of duty but out of love. I don't know how I could bear it if I thought what Tracey does for me is purely out of duty, but I take comfort from knowing that can't be so because of the additional scores of things she does that someone acting solely out of duty would not do.<br /><br />I'd urge anyone dealing with any aspect of brain tumour treatment and/or care to note carefully Virginia's advice.</b><br />Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-66571800054138043802013-11-03T07:25:27.511+11:002013-11-03T07:25:27.511+11:00I met the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia team las...I met the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia team last week. They were so beautiful, so caring, so alive. I don't know if readers of your blog know of them so thought perhaps to share their phone nu,net and website for any of your readers who don't know the. The only national Australian organisation for the brain tumour patient, family and caregiver. Freecall number: 1800 857 221<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-40540567493305102652013-11-03T07:20:50.586+11:002013-11-03T07:20:50.586+11:00Without a doubt you are still you! And it's be...Without a doubt you are still you! And it's beyond imagination you type and tweet so often whilst meeting these challenges. It's a rare gift to share with such honesty, humour and style an experience that frighten many. The insights have been invaluable as my closest friend has experienced some of the same things you have told us about. You help take away fear for others when faced with the diagnosis. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-87127166681467332312013-11-03T03:13:46.957+11:002013-11-03T03:13:46.957+11:00If one can have gratitude towards an illness, I am...If one can have gratitude towards an illness, I am grateful to your tumour, Den,that it has left (so far, at least) your personality and cognition intact.<br /><br />A few years ago, Dave's slow but inevitable decline because of MS began to throw up more profoundly difficult below-the-waist issues. His Neurologist, John King, ordered a new brain MRI. He saw there were no new demyelinating brain lesions, even though there was continuing atrophy of the spinal chord. We were jubilant. <br />John said: "Many people with MS can walk and can use their bowel and bladder quite normally. But they have lost their ability to think. If I had to choose, I know which one would be my choice." Of course. A "no-brainer" as they say in the industry!<br /><br />John's remark will always stay with me and helps me through many dark moments. Like now, when I've been woken out of a deep sleep to work physically hard at 2 a.m. to urgently lift and push and pull down and roll and pull-up and tug and heave ....to get Dave successfully...this time...to the toilet...<br /><br />It's now 3 a.m. I am, it goes without saying, wide awake. Playing here in your blog, Den. Dave is snoring contentedly and comfortably beside me. His bowels and legs and other bits in that region are no longer working as we'd like.<br /><br />But, my oh my! What a prodigous brain and sparkling personality continues to delight us all.<br />Roshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13339472107640597921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-9567602059585165042013-11-02T22:47:31.018+11:002013-11-02T22:47:31.018+11:00I only know you from your blog and twitter, Denis,...I only know you from your blog and twitter, Denis, but Joan's comment says it all. This blog and your always generous presence online have touched many and we are truly grateful. Jackie Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06322613989851869319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-33352611640791621852013-11-02T20:51:22.299+11:002013-11-02T20:51:22.299+11:00You're still you - and what a person you are. ...You're still you - and what a person you are. Almost worthy of your wife, which means you are practically unique amongst menzmkchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08972549292961948240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-91811327647050585102013-11-02T17:27:08.510+11:002013-11-02T17:27:08.510+11:00Or it may have been a simple mistake (I made one a...Or it may have been a simple mistake (I made one about 35 years ago, I recall) or possibly even one of your many South American followers, suffering under the misapprehension that 'entertaining' translates to something like 'moving' or 'worthy'?<br /><br />Anyway, I like to think so. kvdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-9218701767051004012013-11-02T14:17:18.326+11:002013-11-02T14:17:18.326+11:00take care denis and family hugs & xxxxxxtake care denis and family hugs & xxxxxxnellienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-56086992656375806702013-11-02T08:18:00.920+11:002013-11-02T08:18:00.920+11:00You are a brave, brave man xYou are a brave, brave man xAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00189754509071350499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-13356972978042844812013-11-01T22:11:30.883+11:002013-11-01T22:11:30.883+11:00i had one of those conversations with my mother to...i had one of those conversations with my mother today, Denis, where i told her the last year i had with my brother was a blessing. knowing his days were numbered, i made more effort and spent more time with him that year than i had in the previous 5 years. a precious, precious year, Denis … who knew dying could be as great gift as living? much love to you, to Tracey and your family. xt<br /><br />traceyb65https://www.blogger.com/profile/08109018150566511128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-87221064107101213202013-11-01T20:11:27.129+11:002013-11-01T20:11:27.129+11:00I hope a lot of people find this blog and read it ...I hope a lot of people find this blog and read it - and then go out and appreciate each day! catdownunderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06959328192182156574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-45598411659599365122013-11-01T17:36:48.600+11:002013-11-01T17:36:48.600+11:00Bravo.
xxRBravo.<br />xxRRoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13339472107640597921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-55699473186478265162013-11-01T16:48:05.589+11:002013-11-01T16:48:05.589+11:00Full marks Denis (and Tracey) for your tenacity an...Full marks Denis (and Tracey) for your tenacity and positive spirit. Joan is right in that you have given the world a gift. Thankyou for sharing it all with us. Judehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15835007888988507288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-23210241965165430042013-11-01T15:54:48.618+11:002013-11-01T15:54:48.618+11:00Denis, I hope you don't mind but I've atte...Denis, I hope you don't mind but I've attempted to publicise your blog by linking to it in a comment on an SMH article by Dr Teo today, which is about the upcoming Walk4Life.<br /><br />I just think you are both amazing men, both blessed with formidable support, and anything which helps reduce the mystery and fear of this dreadful disease deserves the widest possible reading.<br /><br />kvdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-24220273060469047112013-11-01T14:05:35.451+11:002013-11-01T14:05:35.451+11:00The person who clicked 'entertaining' as t...The person who clicked 'entertaining' as their reaction to this needs a brain transplant.Traceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09920294359715307782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-45285912715195156322013-11-01T10:34:01.226+11:002013-11-01T10:34:01.226+11:00I just realised that what I said sounded a bit lik...I just realised that what I said sounded a bit like a sympathy greeting card. What I really meant, but was too constrained to say, was: All my love to you, Tracey, and Christian in this gut wrenching, tearful, heart rending, impossible time. I'm not saying goodbye yet, though. You're tough as old boots and will be here for a while yet.Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04715081266571704126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-42323051595684339762013-11-01T10:16:17.403+11:002013-11-01T10:16:17.403+11:00I don't know why, or if there is a "why&q...I don't know why, or if there is a "why", your brain and your left hand have been spared what has afflicted the rest of your body. But whatever the reason or the coincidence, it has enabled you to provide a profound gift to the world, in that you can clearly, rationally, and compassionately document your situation for the benefit of others. No doubt the benefit extends to yourself, as well, in giving you a raison d'etre denied to most other people in your position.<br /><br />I'm sorry to learn that the Avastin has probably come to an end. You are still here and that is a miracle. By "miracle" I don't mean something supernatural, as there is no such "super" to "natural". Either something is natural or it doesn't exist. I mean you, with the support of Tracey, Christian and the medical profession, have defied the odds and I suspect you will continue to do this for some time.<br /><br />All my love to you, Tracey, and Christian at this increasingly complex and difficult time. JoanJoanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04715081266571704126noreply@blogger.com