Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 10:47 AM

Hey, Nigel. Howzit? My thoughts are always with y'all, and one of them is "I wonder if he's (meaning you) been writing music?"

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 11:52 AM

Pete, have to answer your post with a pm.
Bruce, as always, good to hear from you. Yes, I've been busy 'scribbling' away! You can hear some of my efforts at: https://soundcloud.com/nigel-paterson-music.
       Pleased to report that Jane's Doctors have modified her pain control & whilst not pain-free, she is feeling more comfortable.
       With Love,
                      Nigel & Ann.
                      xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 02:32 PM

Glad to her it, Nigel.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 05:05 PM

I'd like to add my support to Nigel, Ann and Jane, Billy and Wendy, and everyone else who may be undergoing treatment, or looking after someone who is. Patients and carers alike need support.

If I should wake on Christmas Day to find
All the power of nature mine to do with as I please,
I would not cease from labour until every anxious mind
Lay calm and every restless heart found ease.

With my best wishes,

Henry

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 07:30 PM

Thank you Henry. Welcome.

Let me a minute to refresh where I'm at. I've returned twice to the hospital for overnight stays, the last being a week ago After. the first shot nothing really happened and my hemoglobin actually went down when I had the blood work last Wednesday before the second shot. I went in to the hospital and got three additional pints. When I left, my hemoglobin was 9.3 and I felt much better.

Today I went for the third shot. From what I have read and heard from medical friends, Aranesp works reasonably quickly but in terms of bone marrow this means 2 to 6 weeks or so. I was hoping that I could at least maintain or maybe drop only a tenth or two. I awaited the bloodwork results and found I was at 9.8. My joy knew no bounds. We'll see where we are next week and what the Doc has to say and go from there but this was at least encouraging and I ain't felt too encouraged lately.

To all my fellow travellers aboard this thread...........Please keep posting. I think of you all and check in often. I think I'm going to leave a note more often though........even if I have nothing to say. Best thoughts to all and a request for Nigel to give Jane and Ann a "Spaw Hug" and I'll send him a really big hug to pass around. Matter of fact, ALL of you need to be considered as "Spaw Hugged!"


Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 07:42 PM

watching & sending love to all

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 08:55 PM

A Janiehug back at ya', Spaw!

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: rumanci
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 09:07 PM

Hugs, love, hope - holding fast here and feeling better for being Sp.a.whugged too! Backatcher all.
rum

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 10:58 PM

Nigel, I'm glad Jane's pain has been eased somewhat and hope even more can be done.

Spaw, hang in there!

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 11:29 PM

It's late, so I'll post an update, tomorrow.Glad to hear the better news from you, Spaw and that Jane has some relief.

Henry, your poem is beautiful. thank you for sharing.

kat

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 08:11 AM

Henry, the poem is beautiful, lovely sentiments!
Spaw, thanks for the hugs,
Hugs all round from me!!

Billy and I went to a concert last night, first time out together for months, we saw The Mellstock Band,A Celebration of Christmas,readings from Thomas Hardy and Dickens, lovely singing of traditional songs and carols, we had a wonderful evening. They are at Cecil Sharp House on Saturday so do go if you are in London?

Love and hugs to all the crew,

Wendy

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 01:55 PM

pleased to read of encouraging updates.
good one henry.    pete.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 02:21 PM

Yes indeed, Spaw, hang in there. Nobody wants to see AHEM! DECORUM GNU!

It's Friday, I have just aquired 5 lobsters weighing in at 7 pounds in total and I am having a shot myself. I dunno if it will help my hemogobblins but I'll just have to keep at it to find out.

OH! YES! Happy Winter everyone! And, on this festive occasion, God bless us all.

And I give special thanks to Him for $6 a pound (COOKED) lobster. I think I'll get cracking in short order.

Wish youse all were here. With yer own lobster, of course.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 11:03 PM

I'll be away from home for about a week. I'll have only my smart phone. I'll be looking at Mudcat and thinking of everyone here but probably won't add comments.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 07:09 AM

A Seasonal welcome to Henry P; Beautiful poem. You are officially a member of the Rainbow Crew!
       As we approach the end of what has been one of the toughest years for Ann & myself, I want to express my thanks & eternal gratitude to each & every one of you. Your posts have comforted, informed, amused & conveyed Love & Care above & beyond what one could ever reasonably expect from a fellow human being. You have become True & Trusted Friends on whom I rely & depend. Oblivious to your own health issues & problems, you've stood shoulder to shoulder with Ann & myself, strengthening our resolve, drying our tears & shining much needed light into those dark corners of our lives, into which one is so reluctant to look.
       For us, 2013 holds no 'miracle cure'. Jane's treatment continues. We progress through good days & bad; good weeks & bad. 'Treatable, but not Curable' has become something of a Damoclean Sword.
       Ann & I send you our Love. It is our fervent wish that the New Year brings to you all: Health, Happiness, Peace & Life's Blessings on your Family & Friends.
                              With Love & Gratitude,
                                                                Nigel & Ann.
                                                                xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 08:43 AM

I think this place and this thread have become the source for all that Nigel has said for ALL of us. Karen and I have gone through so much at times and been given such strength from Mudcat over the years that we realize the great benefit. The difference here is that this thread has become a wonderful collection of others willing to share in positive ways for each other and open to all who play that way. We refuse to allow each other to become negative if we possibly can.

Have the best of all this Holiday Season and allow the New Year to renew the power and the hope.

Much Love,

Pat and Karen Patterson

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 11:58 AM

I agree, PatSpaw, and I have to admit, I feel a bit sheepish. I didn't write a usual holiday letter this year because I had a hard time thinking of positive things to write about. It has been a struggle and I haven't been able to do much, esp. on my own. I've become very dependent on Roger.

But reading Nigel's beautiful, poignant words, and your own, I realise I am always blessed because of Mudcat and my friends here and, of course, by my family, etc.

Thanks for the shining example of grace under pressure to Nigel, Ann, and family and to everyone else who has contributed to this thread.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 04:39 PM

kat... cool... thanks.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 08:46 PM

The title song for the latest Mudcat Seasonal CD. On the CD performed by Animaterra's Womens Chorus, and, I think, written by Animaterra.

Thank you Noreen and the other folks joining in.

What folk music is, really, and the power of just being folks aware of connection.

With gratitude to all, and wishing each and every one of you peace and joy.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 11:19 PM

this is an amazing thread where I get inspiration each time I open it.

love to all

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: maeve
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 07:48 AM

The lovely song to which Janie linked (Date: 23 Dec 12 - 08:46 PM) is "The Comfort of Singing Voices" written by Alouette Iselin and arranged by Animaterra. Bradfordian took a line from it for the title of the latest seasonal Mudcat cd, "Until the Dark Time Ends".

Nigel and crew- My words are sporadic and there's very little singing going on here, but all the thoughtful attention I have in me is yours.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 08:05 AM

no singing here, either I'm listening to the midnight news which means it's 12.04 on Christmas Day.

love & hugs to maeve & everyone on this thread.

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 08:58 AM

wishing all a joyful christmas that takes the edge off from all the worries of lfe and peacefulness in your homes. God bless    pete.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 09:52 AM

I'll second that, pete. Pete.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 01:46 PM

thanks maeve.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 02:41 PM

I have no words. I am just here. Thanks all.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: fat B****rd
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 03:50 PM

Pete said it all. Love to all.
Charlie and Ann Stenger.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 04:44 AM

Its Christmas morning here,

Wishing everyone on the Rainbow all the blessings of Christmas, a peaceful and precious New Year.

Thank you everyone for the being here,a difficalt year was made easier by your love and kind thoughts.

The sun is shining here in Frinton, may it shine on us all and bring in a happy day.

Wendy xx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 09:15 AM

Merry Christmas everyone.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 06:23 AM

Janie, thank you so much for the link to: "The Comfort of Singing Voices". The final line of the chorus: "...when the dark time ends." goes right to the heart of the matter, particularly after Christmas Day spent with Jane, her Sister, their Families, Ann & myself. We were twelve in all. Jane managed to spend part of the day with us all, stretched out on a sofa, gifts at her feet, which, for the most part remained unopened. It was heartbreaking to see this dynamic, energetic young Lady brought so low. Our Grandchildren did their best to make merry with the giving & receiving of presents, but I found the juxtaposition of Jane's frailty & the Youngster's excitement almost too much to bear. Ann & I spoke very little during the drive home; we didn't need to, our thoughts were practically audible.
         Stay close, my Dear Friends. I have a feeling that Ann & I are going to need You more than ever in 2013. Your continuing Love & Support is beyond price. Take good care of Yourselves,
         Wishing You All a Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year,
                                                                                           Nigel & Ann
                                                                                           xxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 06:50 AM

no words, just love & hope

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 12:37 PM

i hope that jane did derive some comfort and emotional strength from having family around her,even though she might have been exhausted by it too.
sometimes silence is more expressive than speech and a loving look ,more eloquent than words.
posted with a prayer    God bless   pete.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 27 Dec 12 - 05:20 AM

Dear Pete, you've summed up our situation perfectly. Jane loved her house-full of Family & she was, all too quickly, exhausted & emotionally overwhelmed. The unspoken thought that this could be her last Christmas was palpable & I'm sure, added to her ultimate distress later in the day.
               I intended to mention in my previous post that it is a measure of the trust & respect that our Thread has increasingly engendered that some usernames have been 'sloughed off', enabling me to meet you, as it were, 'in the flesh'! Your right to privacy is yours & yours alone & I am touched & grateful that you have chosen to relinquish that right on my behalf.
                            With Love to You All,
                                                          Nigel & Ann.
                                                          xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 27 Dec 12 - 05:55 PM

What sandra said... hang tough.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 28 Dec 12 - 02:19 PM

still here xxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 28 Dec 12 - 08:00 PM

Nigel & Ann, my thoughts and hopes are with you!

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 12 - 08:47 PM

I once held a priceless vase once--OK, priceless to me ($250,000-ish), no kidding. Was in New York and I was 17. It was some sort of Chinese dynasty thing. I tried to compare it to an Ode On a Grecian Urn and got lost. When we hold the lives of others we will feel our own degree of trust and confidence. When they hold our lives we become their children.

That stuff I wrote in my last email to you is true. This world has angels. Wouldn't be a world without them.

Please say hello to Jane for me. She has one seriously wonderful heart. And so too do you and Ann.

I think this may be the most important thread ever on the Mudcat site--no offense if you feel differently. The first time Pete wrote (that I saw) I laughed at his honest presentation of how he felt about God, the heavens and the universe. Later--about ten minutes--I felt the greatest sense of shame. Regardless my 'thoughts' of his thoughts, what the heck kind of person did I see myself as that I could have the arrogance to judge another person in that manner. Pete and I since have become friends.

Nigel, the honest baring of your soul has enabled so many of us to do the same. I meant what I said in my last email. It's as true as I can say things.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 06:44 AM

What I wrote on 12th January 2012 to start this thread was a 'cri de cœur', the personal outreaching of a scared & distressed couple, suddenly thrown into a medical maelstrom, at the centre of which was Jane, our eldest daughter. Everything seemed to happen so fast. A month before her diagnosis, Jane was playing Netball, swimming, taking the kids to school, cooking, cleaning, fulfilling the rôles of Wife & Mother with her customary energy & verve. The inexorable decline in her health over the ensuing months has to be one of Life's great cruelties; so unexpected; so persistent; so horribly immutable & defiant.
       The day before yesterday, Jane had to be admitted to hospital. Her treatment up to this point has always been administered as an Out Patient. At the moment & we are clinging to the fact that it remains a 'moment', she does need 24 hour care.
       Bruce says above that this thread: "..... may be the most important thread ever on the Mudcat site.....", & he goes on: ".... the honest baring of your soul has enabled so many of us to do the same." If our thread has engendered that depth of impact on peoples' lives, then we have created something of great, enduring value. I know how important this thread has become in our lives. Dear Friends, only you can assess it's importance in yours.
       The next 48 hours could well be the most critical for Jane yet.
       With Love & Eternal Gratitude,
                                                    Nigel & Ann.
                                                    xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 07:29 AM

I don't know if we are more grateful to have shared stories or to have shared yours or to have helped each other in more ways than I can count...........I do know and am absolutely sure that of the many threads which of this type that have run here over the years, none are on the level of this and the feelings it has brought to us all. None have engendered and built such a strong sense of love and community

Nigel, we will always be here for whatever we can provide as we know you will be for us. Much love to you, Ann, Jane, and the entire family as you move forward into this critical time.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 08:07 AM

Still here, as I'm sure a lot of us are. Don't forget to take care of yourselves.

The other Pete.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 08:16 AM

again I've got no words, apart from hope & love

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 08:24 AM

Holding all of you near in my thoughts.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: maeve
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 08:47 AM

From my dark time to yours; I send what lovely light I can find. There is so much when one lifts eyes to see.

We've had nearly a year of both the worry and the joy. May you all see much joy as the ship sails onward.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 09:57 AM

Having a bad day today, Billy has low blood counts and ulcers in his mouth caused by the chemo, booked in for a blood transfusion for next Monday, then my mother taken ill in the night with a high fever so I called the Dr out at 2 in the morning and sat by her bed all through the night.
Feeling very sorry for myself I popped in to see how everyone on board was doing and have reread the thread from the very first post!!

So now I am "computered out" but feeling so much better, how far we have travelled together,so many bad days that have been lightened by the love of the fellow crew members!

Love and thanks to you all, thinking of Nigel, Ann and Jane today with special love,

Wendy xxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 10:04 AM

Nigel, while I was reading from the begining you were posting so I have only just read that Jane is in hospital.

Sending you all our love.hope and prayers,

Wendy and Billy xxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 10:35 AM

Wendy, I have been amazed at your strength and support for others while you yourself have such a load to carry. There is nothing that can rip the heart or soul more than a sick child. It is such a sense of helplessness. But I'll tell ya, gal, it isn't and never will be hopelessness. I don't think anyone here knows that word.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 10:00 PM

The moon is bright and nearly full - and has, is or will be shining on all of you just as it is shining overhead right here, right now, at my particular latitude and longitude.

Sending hope, care and thoughts of comfort on moon beams.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Dec 12 - 12:13 AM

thoughts of comfort on moon beams - what a lovely image, thanks for posting it, Janie

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: maeve
Date: 30 Dec 12 - 06:59 AM

Janie's moonlight was streaming down through the skylight last night, between swirls of falling snow. The Great Horned Owl was out calling; thinking of you, Nigel, Ann, Jane, Wendy, Billy...all of you.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 30 Dec 12 - 07:20 AM

Can't say anymore than those heartening posts.