Today was more of a rollercoaster than most. With the assistance of our wonderful physical therapist, Myles rolled outside, partly under his own arm/leg power, to sit in the sunshine on a beautiful 60-degree January day for some laughs with old friends. Alao today, after listening to advice from his doctors, Myles made the decision to stop all treatment for his cancer and move to a hospice facility to enjoy whatever time he has without any more treatment side effects.
As we've learned over the past three years, nothing is simple on this journey. So, our latest lesson is that despite having arrived at the hospital last weekend with left-side paralysis resulting from bleeding from one of the >20 metastases to his brain, extensive cancer in his lungs, some liver mets, and some pelvis mets, he's not 'acute enough' to qualify for inpatient hospice, which is where he wants to be. Since that's what he wants, of course I'll make it happen. But now it's just more of a Hospice Hotel....
Which leads us to the best line of the day. Myles's doctors and nurses have been wonderful. They've understood how difficult it has been for us to wrap our heads around the fact that about one week ago, Myles was going about his life and working full-time, and now we're reviewing hospice brochures like we're choosing a vacation destination.
They share in our frustration that Myles isn't sick enough for hospice and we laugh with them that Myles is too healthy. One especially witty nurse, on her way out of Myles's hospital room, looked back over her shoulder and said, "Just let me know if I can do anything to make you more critical!"
So, Tuesday morning, I will contact the hospice destination-of-choice and book a room. Myles is looking forward to moving somewhere less hospital-like than the hospital, the facility looks lovely, he'll still be able to roll outside to the gardens, the kids and I will spend lots of time there like we do now, and most importantly, Myles finally gets control back over this situation and will live his time left, however much that is, on his terms.
We are incredibly proud of him.
- Marcie
Marcie and Myles- I am so grateful for your beautifully written posts (past and present). Your humor and grace are affecting my choices every day!
ReplyDeleteI'm a friend of Danny Glusman who has shared Myles' story with me. Know that his courage touches many he has never even met, and that Glenn Memorial church lifted his name in prayer, Sunday. God bless you all on your journey together.
ReplyDeleteknowing how hard Myles is fighting, y'all are fighting for a miracle makes our prayers LOUDER and STRONGER than ever. Please know the BESKIND family has and continues to touch so many people you know and do not know with your courageous fight and not giving up. Your sense of humor through the tearful times, your FAITH in every second of the day, the beautiful people you are INSIDE and OUT..have motivated to only do better in life and not to take for granted a single second or breath. Love and prayers always and GOD BLESS! WE LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteHey Myles and Marcie
ReplyDeleteElizabeth forwarded me your blog and I'm just catching up. Please know that you'vetouched people you've only briefly met--whether it be on runs or at social gatherings, y'all have a huge net of influence and your story and reaction to it will leave long lasting ripples for all who are blessed to know you.
Just found out about this here at Slalom/Two Degrees. Myles, we have the whole crew over here sending thoughts and strength to you and your family. ~ Alex
ReplyDeleteMarcie and Myles - I have been following your blog since Phyllis sent it to me last week. My parents wanted me to share that they are also sending their thoughts and prayers - in addition to all of mine. Lots of Love, Laura
ReplyDeleteMyles,
ReplyDeleteIn my mind, you ALWAYS have been and will continue to be an inspiration to many.
Love to all the Beskinds!
Diane Majerus
Sending our love to you, Marcie and the kids.
ReplyDeleteMyles
ReplyDeleteYou've always been the smartest person in the room and now you're the bravest. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family....keep fighting the fight
Myles, we met in Tom Paintings writing class when he first started teaching at Paideia. At that time I had no idea you had this story inside of you. Over these past three years I have read about your journey with adversity while you continued to make light of a very heavy subject. You have touched our lives from such a short distance and I hope you realize that you have reached so many people with your wise words. The impact you have made by living your life fully is a testament to your strong admirable character. You are a hero to all of us daily. Stay strong, keep the faith and more than anything know that you have done some major butt kicking. Martha Henson
ReplyDeleteYour words have touched our hearts with each blog post. Wishing all of you strength and peace. With love,
ReplyDeleteBetsy LeBeau
Myles, your Two Degrees/Slalom family is thinking of you and hold you in our hearts during this time. Your posts are beautifully and courageously written and inspire us to transcend our fears and fight when life challenges us. Blessings to you and your family. PattyB
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family. You both write with such eloquence and your story has touched my heart. Love and prayers. Beth Madans Janes (you remember Mark's sister haha)
ReplyDeleteMyles:
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about you a lot lately and it occurred to me that every time I walked out of your office, I felt better than when I had walked in....
I believe that everyone you have met is better for the experience.
It's been a pleasure and an honor.
May God be with you and those who love you.
Pat
Myles, Marcie, Ali, Josh and Adam,
ReplyDeleteI hope this next move for Myles is more comfortable and comforting to you all. Thank you for sharing this journey, your strength and your amazing grace with us all. May you continue to draw strength from your love.
Myles,
ReplyDeleteReading your blog and following the journey that you and your family have been on has brought new meaning and clarity to the terms courage, class and resilience. While our paths have crossed professionally, your name has frequently come up as we have moved in similar circles. Know that the people I have talked to only hold you in the highest regards. You are an inspiration to us all, the grace and dignity you exhibit demonstrates the best of the human condition. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Stuart Langer
Myles,
ReplyDeleteSeeing your name in the AJC results for Peachtree in the late '90's inspired me to start running distance races again. That led to some success and many friends... especialy my wife. We seldomly really know the changes we make in others lives, but thanks for the push!
God bless you!
J.R.
Myles, Marcie, Adam, Ali and Josh,
ReplyDeleteYour "old" CVS teacher sends love and prayers. May joy and peace be with you as you are together in these days...as I remember the Beskind family, there is JOY there! Myles, my church (Glenn Memorial) is praying for you too.
Much love to all.
Judy Musick
Myles,
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are truly inspiring. Thinking of you and your family and keeping you all in my prayers.
Carryn
Myles,
ReplyDeletePrayers for peace and comfort. Your insight and humor have been such a blessing to so many. Thinking of you and your family. BHS doesn't seem that long ago.
Sending love and prayers to you all. Each of you has touched the lives of others in so many positive (and humorous) ways. Wishing you peace on your journey.
ReplyDeleteMyles, I told you once that you were MY HERO. You continue to be just that!
ReplyDelete"The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart." - Buddha. Thank you for showing us all the way through your loving example. Love, love, love to all of you. Peggy
ReplyDelete