It has been a very rough week. I went from finishing five books last week to none this week. Which actually isn’t that much of a shock, because things are… a lot right now. A member of my family has been poorly for a few months now, and it seems that they finally know what’s wrong…. but it’s been two weeks and no one has actually done anything about it. In the meantime they’re getting worse and having a horrible time. I’m frustrated because I’ve spent literally years dealing with the medical system and no longer have a “wait for the busy doctors” mentality when gravely ill. Were I nearer, I’d be considering storming offices and demanding that they be helped. But I can’t do that, not even so much because of physical distance, but because they wouldn’t hear of it. The stress of not being able to get help is not doing great things to my brain. In addition to which we have just found out one of our three cats has lung cancer. This isn’t entirely a shock as she’s been losing weight for a while now. But the vet last year said that she was just getting older and weight loss is normal for older cats. They didn’t find anything in the exam, and sent her home. Turns out they should have done an x-ray because there was a tumor in her throat. It’s too late now, and I’m trying really hard not to be furious. I keep telling myself that she’s 14, and has had a good life. I’m telling myself at least she doesn’t have to go through a scary and painful course of treatment that might not even fix the issue. I’m telling myself we might not have been able to afford treatment anyway, then it would have been a year of knowing she was getting worse and not being able to help. I’m telling myself at least this way she gets to be at home with us and we can spoil her and let her do all the things she’s not normally allowed (like eating nibbles of cheese when we’re grating it) and show her how loved she is during her final days. But I’m still angry and, weirdly, mostly upset she probably won’t live to have another season in the literal sun. In the summer the sun streams through our skylight and provides hours of sunbathing that this particular cat reveled in. During the winter the sun isn’t high enough, so I’ve just been waiting for the light to return so we could move a cat bed into a sunbeam for her. I’m very upset that she won’t likely live long enough to enjoy it. I don’t know why, but this is the thing that seems to be sticking in my mind the most right now.
Anyway, I know that was a bit depressing, and I apologize. All things considered we’re not coping too badly, and we are doing our best to focus on the bright sides. Even when it’s a bit tough.
Just Shelved
Well, I’ve got nothing to report this week – I’ve managed to not complete a single book! This is partly because I’ve been reading an actual paper book (see below), and also partly because my attention hasn’t been able to stick to what I’ve been reading properly due to things happening in my life (see above). I have been reading, just not to completion.
Currently Reading
I read about half of Toksvig and then I felt I hadn’t been paying adequate attention and started again. As a result, it’s taking longer than usual. I haven’t touched Manhattan Beach or Sheets this week, no idea if that means anything in regards to me actually returning to them and finishing them. I’m reading The Fortnight In September as a paper book, which is perfect for it as you need to really take your time over it. It is, however, taking me longer to finish in this format.
Up Next
Still no clue at all whatsoever what I will read next. Could be one of these. Could be something I haven’t even discovered yet. Could be one of the other thousands of books I have waiting to be read that I absolutely, positively am going to get to soon. Ahem.
That’s it for me this week! What about you guys? Did you read any corkers this week? Have you read any of the books I’ve listed this week? Any you’d like to read?
A weekly post that encourages bloggers to share what they have read in the past week, what they’re currently reading and books they’ve recently added to their TBRs. Originally started by Sheila at Book Journey, it is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
[…] you may have read in my last Monday post, I’ve been having a bit of a tough time recently. I have a family member who is ill and not […]
I am so sorry that a person you care about is not taking action on health issues, and I’m very sorry about the failure of the vet to properly test your cat. I understand completely how frustrating it is when terrible things weigh on one’s mind. It’s especially rough when it feels like there is nothing to do to change things.
I do hope you get a chance to read Underland (or is it Under Land?) one of these days. I’m very curious about it.
Thank you. It’s not so much that they aren’t, as that their medical team isn’t following up. But I think that’s fairly common these days! I have had Underland on my TBR for so long – I’m very curious about it as well! I remember it being a big release the year it came out and getting a lot of positive reviews.
Sorry to hear that your life has been so stressful. My thoughts are with you. I’m hoping things get better soon. You do have an intriguing assortment of books to distract you. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Thank you so much. Life is balanced in the downs as well as the ups. This too shall pass! Thanks for your kind words. Happy reading to you as well!