Regina H.

About Regina H.

Our story started 21 years ago when I , my hubby’s caregiver had a brain aneurysm. I the current caregiver had to relearn to talk, walk, not choke on food. It took 2 years for me to normalize. I remain hemiplegic.

Hubby’s stage 4 Gleason 9 prostate cancer with Mets to spine and rib cage was discovered this past May 2020 when he had BPH requiring surgery. The surgery included positive biopsy which surprised us as Russ never had any symptoms at all. We are getting adjusted to the concept he is very ill.

I am Russ’ primary and only caregiver as family lives thousands of miles away in multiple states. Russ chemical side effects especially the hot flashes followed by chills are debilitating. He cannot get full restful REM sleep as they plus the need to urinate frequently keep him awake nights.

My most important job is to provide ongoing positive reinforcement and feedback to Russ. A positive outlook is required to survive and heal. I know this for a fact having too close a call myself.

We frequently joke about our conditions. Who will go first? Who is feeling better at the moment. We have to laugh. Better than crying. We won’t let our conditions demoralize us. Life is to be enjoyed.

Between covid19 and cancer and brain bleed damage our household could be a miserable existence. That will not happen. We have each other, 40 years together, and we take care of each other. All else is peripheral to our lives.

I am looking forward to another 20 years with Russ. The fact that he’s 76 and I’m 70 only encourages me more. We can do it, no question about it. I’m not ready to die, neither is Russ.

We have a lot of travel to do in the next 20 years. Together.