Managing at home

Yesterday, I brought Mr D to a herbal practitioner. It was his request. He wanted to have an accupuncture session to relieve the bloating in his tummy. Well, the doctors couldn't do anything about it, so we're turning to various different forms of alternative treatments. The accupuncture sessions are not meant to cure the cancer, but only to help ease him from the discomfort he's experiencing.

Today, we're expecting his new bed to be sent in. Yes, that was the first thing he requested for, when the Macmillan nurse asked what equipments we wanted. It's been months since Mr D suffered backpain, and sleeping on the spring mattress provided by the landlord has not helped at all.

It is pleasing to be informed that here in the UK, there is a good amount of support provided for cancer patients. For instance, yesterday, through the occupational therapy unit, we received:

• a bath board

• a bath seat


• a bath step modular


• a rollator frame


• a perching stool
  
• a toilet frame


• an urinal bottle

There will also be district nurses c0ming in everyday to check on Mr D. I've asked about getting a disabled sticker (he is also considered that now) but have been sent scurrying here and there like a crazy rat. The people at the hospital said to go to the GP. The GP said to ask the reception. The people at the reception said they don't know, and I'd have to come in when the Manager was in! I'll get this sorted out soon, InsyaAllah...

On a different note, I must say that I am blessed to have such wonderful people around me, Alhamdulillah. I am probably having more trouble accepting the fact that there are so many kind people offering a helping hand out there, than the news of my beloved husband's health condition. Some offer encouraging words, others offer plates of food. Some give words of advice, others give handfuls of money. Some come with smiles on their tear-streaked faces, others send text messages from afar. Some fly across the oceans from Malaysia and Qatar, others endure the long-drive on the motorway. Some scamper for the computer to check on www.pausetoreflect.blogspot.com first thing in the morning, others pick the telephone to check on the latest updates. But all in all, everyone is kind enough to give a small prayer or du'a for the best for Mr D. This is one of the biggest lesson that I have learnt - that the Almighty will always send 'somebody' to help you when you are in difficulty.

In my tahajjud prayers, the zikr that I recite at the last sujud goes like this (when translated):

"O my Lord! let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honor and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honor; and grant me from Thy Presence an authority to aid (me)." Surah Isra (17) verse 80.

With this, I thank the Lord for sending us well-meaning friends and relatives...