Believe it or not, I continue to do my walking. Heck, for me that's a record! As of this a.m. (and it will probably go back up on vacation) I have lost 6 lbs. My goal is to lose 9 more lbs. But with all that seafood I plan on eating, I will have to continue to do my walking. Still can't get into some clothes from last year.
Even brought shorts and tank top to work to change into for my walk during my lunch. Much more comfortable than wearing pants. Put my head set on and I'm ready to roll.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Tim went to doctor this a.m. for physical and to go over his recent headache. Dr. told him to try over the counter migraine medicine first, and if after 1/2 hr. the headache is still there to take a pill that was given to him. Has only had a couple of these headaches in over a year, but at least we have something to relieve it.
While Tim was at band practice tonight, I walked with BJ since her son was also a band member. It was perfect timing, unplanned. I think we talked about spinning the whole time we walked. And we walked for 1 and 3/4 miles, more than I usually walk. Went by fast with good company. Thanks!
While Tim was at band practice tonight, I walked with BJ since her son was also a band member. It was perfect timing, unplanned. I think we talked about spinning the whole time we walked. And we walked for 1 and 3/4 miles, more than I usually walk. Went by fast with good company. Thanks!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Spinning
After work today I participated in my first (and hopefully not my last) spinning class. The teacher of this class happens also to be my oncologist. And what people have told me about him is true: his class is HIGH energy. I may not have been able to keep up with them, but at least my legs were moving the whole hour.
"How is taking a Spinning class different than just riding a stationary bike?
Spinning class makes riding a stationary more bike fun by adding variety and visualization into your workout. A motivating group setting, energizing music and inspiring instructors make Spinning class an incredible experience."
The lights are dimmed and the music is upbeat. I can't believe how much I sweated. It was a lot of fun. I actually told Dr. G that he should be paying me to take the class, instead of vice versa! Got home and took a couple of tylenol. My butt was a bit uncomfortable. But was told not to get discouraged by the first class. After vacation, I will return to another class.
"How is taking a Spinning class different than just riding a stationary bike?
Spinning class makes riding a stationary more bike fun by adding variety and visualization into your workout. A motivating group setting, energizing music and inspiring instructors make Spinning class an incredible experience."
The lights are dimmed and the music is upbeat. I can't believe how much I sweated. It was a lot of fun. I actually told Dr. G that he should be paying me to take the class, instead of vice versa! Got home and took a couple of tylenol. My butt was a bit uncomfortable. But was told not to get discouraged by the first class. After vacation, I will return to another class.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
A social day.
Last night I went to a girl's night out party which was very nice. Lived elsewhere and never had done that. Guess that's what makes this country so nice. Had a lot of laughs with my friends. Thanks!
And this afternoon, the three of us went to a graduation party in the neighborhood. It was for Dr. G's daughter, one of Tim's friends. We certainly will miss her. She was Tim's walking to school buddy. It was a great day for a party, thank goodness the rain stayed away for this day. I was also able to cut the lawn today. Tomorrow will be Tim's turn to weed wack the yard. Even did my one mile walk at the track while Tim went to the golf range.
Tim's at the bonfire now for the graduation party. When he went there, we went for some ice cream at the local stand.
All in all, a great day.
P.S. Tim has not had any additional headaches since last week. Will be going to see doctor on Tuesday for a physical/checkup. Thanks for asking.
And this afternoon, the three of us went to a graduation party in the neighborhood. It was for Dr. G's daughter, one of Tim's friends. We certainly will miss her. She was Tim's walking to school buddy. It was a great day for a party, thank goodness the rain stayed away for this day. I was also able to cut the lawn today. Tomorrow will be Tim's turn to weed wack the yard. Even did my one mile walk at the track while Tim went to the golf range.
Tim's at the bonfire now for the graduation party. When he went there, we went for some ice cream at the local stand.
All in all, a great day.
P.S. Tim has not had any additional headaches since last week. Will be going to see doctor on Tuesday for a physical/checkup. Thanks for asking.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Feeling much better today
Barry was much better today. Am glad to be able to write that. Actually stopped in at work to check out a couple of things. I was surprised when I came home and Tim told me he was at work. He went to the cancer center this morning and got his neulasta shot ($5,000). Thank goodness for insurance. Between the two of us we are worth lots of money!
Finally had some much needed rain last night and this afternoon. Love the sound of rain. Had not had rain for a couple of weeks.
Tim got a new set of golf clubs today. So he's all set to play some golf.
Finally had some much needed rain last night and this afternoon. Love the sound of rain. Had not had rain for a couple of weeks.
Tim got a new set of golf clubs today. So he's all set to play some golf.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
That's life....
I got to the hospital by 9 a.m. today. Barry was asleep when I arrived. Had just got shot of morphine. He awoke shortly afterwards. Had as restful a sleep you can in a hospital. So many noises and interruptions just while I was with him. His doctor arrived and gave him the OK to be discharged. I think the only thing Barry ate while in the hospital was a cookie and drank some ginger ale. I definitely ate more than him! This was the first time he left the hospital with me pushing him in wheelchair to the door. Discomfort and light headed, and glad to be going home. I think it was about 11:30 a.m. when we left the hospital.
After his doctor gave him the OK to leave, he went to see the elderly man in the bed next to Barry. 80 years old and just told that he has pancreatic cancer that had gone to his liver. A frail man as it is. After going over his limited options due to his health, the man's comment to Dr. G. was "That's life." Again, so many stories to be told.
We got home and I cooked burgers on the grill for Tim and myself. Barry immediately went to bed. After I ate, I did the same and slept for a couple of hours. It's always a couple of exhausting days when he has treatment. I am thinking of staying at a Ronald McDonald type of hotel near the hospital next treatment, to save on driving back and forth. Am hoping that Tim can come with me next time to keep me company. This way I won't worry about him while I'm gone.
Barry's moved downstairs now to watch some TV with Tim. While Tim did band practice, I got back on the track and walked a mile. I've been doing 1 -2 miles a day (except yesterday). Enjoying it which is strange.
After his doctor gave him the OK to leave, he went to see the elderly man in the bed next to Barry. 80 years old and just told that he has pancreatic cancer that had gone to his liver. A frail man as it is. After going over his limited options due to his health, the man's comment to Dr. G. was "That's life." Again, so many stories to be told.
We got home and I cooked burgers on the grill for Tim and myself. Barry immediately went to bed. After I ate, I did the same and slept for a couple of hours. It's always a couple of exhausting days when he has treatment. I am thinking of staying at a Ronald McDonald type of hotel near the hospital next treatment, to save on driving back and forth. Am hoping that Tim can come with me next time to keep me company. This way I won't worry about him while I'm gone.
Barry's moved downstairs now to watch some TV with Tim. While Tim did band practice, I got back on the track and walked a mile. I've been doing 1 -2 miles a day (except yesterday). Enjoying it which is strange.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Treatment 3 is done!
We left for Pittsburgh today at 4:30 a.m. and I've just returned home at 10:30 p.m. A very long day for us.
Today's treatment seemed to be the worst for Barry of the 3 he has had. More pain than the first. He did receive morphine and some other drug for the pain. I would say that on the whole, we did not have much conversation at all today after he came to the room. He was just in such discomfort in the belly area. I was just there for support mostly. The only thing he had was a sip of water all day. As in the past, I had bought a sandwich for him to eat but he never ate it. I did tell the night nurse when I left him at 8:45 p.m. that it was in frig for him. Every treatment is so different. I'm sure he didn't even realize that I left him when I did. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Barry got to explain the process to a woman who was undergoing this chemo treatment today for the first time. Always nice to talk with someone who has been where you are going. She has had breast cancer, went into her spine and now liver. You truly meet many people with so many different stories to share.
And like the other two times there, a room mate of his was diagnosed with cancer: pancreatic cancer. He's a frail 80 year old man. And later in the evening his condition went another direction because he lost feeling in one of his feet. Possible blood clot from an earlier procedure he had years ago. Just a shame.
Good night.
Today's treatment seemed to be the worst for Barry of the 3 he has had. More pain than the first. He did receive morphine and some other drug for the pain. I would say that on the whole, we did not have much conversation at all today after he came to the room. He was just in such discomfort in the belly area. I was just there for support mostly. The only thing he had was a sip of water all day. As in the past, I had bought a sandwich for him to eat but he never ate it. I did tell the night nurse when I left him at 8:45 p.m. that it was in frig for him. Every treatment is so different. I'm sure he didn't even realize that I left him when I did. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Barry got to explain the process to a woman who was undergoing this chemo treatment today for the first time. Always nice to talk with someone who has been where you are going. She has had breast cancer, went into her spine and now liver. You truly meet many people with so many different stories to share.
And like the other two times there, a room mate of his was diagnosed with cancer: pancreatic cancer. He's a frail 80 year old man. And later in the evening his condition went another direction because he lost feeling in one of his feet. Possible blood clot from an earlier procedure he had years ago. Just a shame.
Good night.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Things
Yesterday Tim had one I researched to be a migraine headache. We had gone to the track early in the a.m. and the temps were already in the low 80s. He jogged, I walked the usual laps. Early in p.m. he complained of having tunnel vision in one of his eyes (before that he was lightheaded). Shortly after that, he was in cabinet looking for tylenol. I knew he had headache because he's not a pill person. He had a similar headache last year so he knew to tell me the symptoms this time.
He ended up sleeping most of the afternoon, the headache just stayed there. After researching online, I did find information on migraines. Gave him cold cloth for his eyes and more ibuprofen. By 7 p.m. it was much better. Only hurt when he would cough or get up quickly.
Since I had a doctor's appt. this a.m., I mentioned this to the dr. I've made an appt. for Tim to see him next week. Today Tim is feeling all set.
Tomorrow a.m. Barry will be going for his 3rd chemo treatment in Pittsburgh. Will be a long day for us. And as usual, will post when I get home.
Take care.
He ended up sleeping most of the afternoon, the headache just stayed there. After researching online, I did find information on migraines. Gave him cold cloth for his eyes and more ibuprofen. By 7 p.m. it was much better. Only hurt when he would cough or get up quickly.
Since I had a doctor's appt. this a.m., I mentioned this to the dr. I've made an appt. for Tim to see him next week. Today Tim is feeling all set.
Tomorrow a.m. Barry will be going for his 3rd chemo treatment in Pittsburgh. Will be a long day for us. And as usual, will post when I get home.
Take care.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Saturday, June 17, 2006
4th and final Relay for Life today
Today I walked my 4th and final Relay for Life for an hour. Actually rode my scooter to it. I was able to walk with two of my friends from my job. Am glad I went early in the morning as it was a very hot day. But my legs are certainly feeling it tonight. Tim did lawn duty for our neighbors the past couple of days. He enjoys that job. And later in the evening he helped Barry clean off the roof of the trailer with some bleach. Getting ready for good ole' Cape Cod. Can't wait.
Yesterday I got another rejection letter from the college for a job I had applied for. I guess they don't know talent. Just not meant to be. But there's a job opening coming up where I work which I will apply for this week.
Yesterday I got another rejection letter from the college for a job I had applied for. I guess they don't know talent. Just not meant to be. But there's a job opening coming up where I work which I will apply for this week.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Walk walk walk
I continue to walk, even during my lunch time at work. Each day I try to walk at least 2 miles. Instead of walking tonight, I cut our lawn which took over an hour, and that does work up a sweat doing that. And I am enjoying listening to my tunes as I walk. Really gets me going.
Turned down ice cream again at work today. Had my fruit instead.
Turned down ice cream again at work today. Had my fruit instead.
Monday, June 12, 2006
No change in CT scan today
Barry and I were at Pittsburgh hospital by 7 a.m. this morning. He had a CT scan done, followed by a MUGGA scan. At 10 a.m. we arrived at this doctor's office. We didn't see the doctor until just before noon. And as you can expect, we saw the doctor for about 5 minutes. A very long wait. Wouldn't be bad if you knew before hand that it would be such a long wait. You could have planned around it, like get a bite to eat or nap in a chair without the anticipation of being called. From the beginning we were told the results would be one of three things: No change and shrinkage would be good signs, or the cancer could grow. It has stayed the same, no change. So we have to be thankful of this result. After two cycles of this treatment the cancer has not grown. Next Tuesday will be his 3rd treatment.
By the time we got out of the hospital it was about 12:30 p.m. We found a Costco on the way home and had hotdogs. A quick lunch since we had not eaten breakfast. Didn't get home until after 2 p.m. Barry quickly changed and went off to work. I went to the track and walked 2 miles. Tim played racquetball with a friend.
By 4 p.m. I was mentally and physically tired and took a nap. When I woke up I defrosted some 'sgetti sauce and meatballs that Meg had made us awhile back. Believe me, that was a blessing. To have a nice meal without having to cook after a long day. An angel!
That's it for now. Thanks for all your prayers.
By the time we got out of the hospital it was about 12:30 p.m. We found a Costco on the way home and had hotdogs. A quick lunch since we had not eaten breakfast. Didn't get home until after 2 p.m. Barry quickly changed and went off to work. I went to the track and walked 2 miles. Tim played racquetball with a friend.
By 4 p.m. I was mentally and physically tired and took a nap. When I woke up I defrosted some 'sgetti sauce and meatballs that Meg had made us awhile back. Believe me, that was a blessing. To have a nice meal without having to cook after a long day. An angel!
That's it for now. Thanks for all your prayers.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Sunshine continues
This morning while Tim played tennis with his friends at the college, I walked 2 miles on the track. Was another perfect day with no humidity. Can't beat that. Tim downloaded some of my favorite tunes into a MP3 player to listen to while I walked. That was great.
Later on Barry waxed his truck and I vacuumed mine. Tim went to another graduation party. The last one he'll be going to is in a couple of weeks for T. We've been invited to attend that and are looking forward to it.
In the afternoon I layed out on lounge chair and got some "color" as my father would say. Even fell asleep listening to my tunes. The only problem with the color is that I have the good old white spots under my neck. Last year I didn't spend anytime in the sun since I was going through chemo. Believe me, I'm not a person just to lay out in the sun anyway. First time in a long time I've done that.
And since I did some walking in the a.m., I treated myself to a real nap in bed when Tim got home. I figured I could do both. My legs certainly are a bit sore tonight. Not used to exercising.
Tomorrow we head to Pittsburgh for Barry's tests. Will keep you posted. Positive thoughts and prayers...
Later on Barry waxed his truck and I vacuumed mine. Tim went to another graduation party. The last one he'll be going to is in a couple of weeks for T. We've been invited to attend that and are looking forward to it.
In the afternoon I layed out on lounge chair and got some "color" as my father would say. Even fell asleep listening to my tunes. The only problem with the color is that I have the good old white spots under my neck. Last year I didn't spend anytime in the sun since I was going through chemo. Believe me, I'm not a person just to lay out in the sun anyway. First time in a long time I've done that.
And since I did some walking in the a.m., I treated myself to a real nap in bed when Tim got home. I figured I could do both. My legs certainly are a bit sore tonight. Not used to exercising.
Tomorrow we head to Pittsburgh for Barry's tests. Will keep you posted. Positive thoughts and prayers...
Saturday, June 10, 2006
A beautiful day
I accomplished a lot today. I dropped my truck off for yearly inspection at 8 a.m. and then walked around town for about 40 minutes. Once that was done, I went for scooter ride and got that inspected. So my inspections are complete. Even the camper is set for the year. Tim refereed his last soccer game of this season. It was such a beautiful day today. Felt almost like a fall day. Both Barry and I washed our trucks in the afternoon.
Tim went to another graduation party this afternoon. Tomorrow he has yet another one to attend. And while he was gone, Barry and I went out to an Italian restaurant for dinner. It was such good food, enough that I was able to have a doggie bag. And on our way home the moon was so bright and full. If only I could have taken a picture. A beautiful site.
Summer vacation is starting off quite nicely for Tim. Already went to play golf with a friend, and tomorrow morning they are going to play tennis. Looks like he will be busy this summer. Glad he's finally found someone that will golf with him. He certainly does enjoy being outside and athletic.
Tim went to another graduation party this afternoon. Tomorrow he has yet another one to attend. And while he was gone, Barry and I went out to an Italian restaurant for dinner. It was such good food, enough that I was able to have a doggie bag. And on our way home the moon was so bright and full. If only I could have taken a picture. A beautiful site.
Summer vacation is starting off quite nicely for Tim. Already went to play golf with a friend, and tomorrow morning they are going to play tennis. Looks like he will be busy this summer. Glad he's finally found someone that will golf with him. He certainly does enjoy being outside and athletic.
Friday, June 09, 2006
3rd Relay Walk today
After work today I'm going to my 3rd Relay for Life walk this year. Heading there early to walk the track for an hr. in preparation for the survivor's lap. For me I need a push at times, and thanks for that nice poem "anonymous." I need that.
As planned I did go to the Relay for Life walk where I met a few of my friends. I remember going to that event last year, a day after I had received a chemo treatment. What a difference a year makes. Being a part of these events means so much to me. It's an emotional event. Just makes me realize once again how many angels are on this earth.
I am off on Monday as Barry will be having CT scan done along with a repeat MUGGA scan. This will be first MUGGA scan since February when he started this new treatment. That monitors his heart as this chemo drug can do a job on the heart. I continue to pray for shrinkage of this larger tumor. We will then meet with the doctor to go over the results.
I had been thinking of not blogging for awhile. Thought that perhaps no one is reading especially with every one going on with their busy lives and upcoming vacation plans. But perhaps there are one or two out there reading without commenting. I can say that commenting does give me purpose. I will especially remember the latest poem. That was a good one! Thanks.
As planned I did go to the Relay for Life walk where I met a few of my friends. I remember going to that event last year, a day after I had received a chemo treatment. What a difference a year makes. Being a part of these events means so much to me. It's an emotional event. Just makes me realize once again how many angels are on this earth.
I am off on Monday as Barry will be having CT scan done along with a repeat MUGGA scan. This will be first MUGGA scan since February when he started this new treatment. That monitors his heart as this chemo drug can do a job on the heart. I continue to pray for shrinkage of this larger tumor. We will then meet with the doctor to go over the results.
I had been thinking of not blogging for awhile. Thought that perhaps no one is reading especially with every one going on with their busy lives and upcoming vacation plans. But perhaps there are one or two out there reading without commenting. I can say that commenting does give me purpose. I will especially remember the latest poem. That was a good one! Thanks.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Graduation
Tonight Tim and I went to the High School graduation held at the college. What a great group of kids. I was touched by one of the speeches given by the salutatorian ( I think that was his title). He ended his eloquent speech by hoping for a cure for cancer, and that he would not be the one to find it. I had to find him after the ceremony just to hug him for mentioning this dreaded disease which has touched my heart so deeply. I told him I wanted to give him a standing ovation for doing so. I also told him that perhaps he would be the one to find the cure. I can't explain, but there are just certain times that people can truly touch your heart. There was also talk of being a kind spirit, to always wear a smile. Such a nice evening which I'm glad I was part of. And another highlight was getting a hug from Megan before she entered the auditorium. She was in line, but took the time to approach me for a hug. And I thank her. Tim's close friend T. graduated tonight with honors and was the youngest in the class, not even 17 years old. Tim certainly does know how to pick kind friends. There was just something you can't put your hand on about this group of kids. I will truly miss seeing them at band and at school functions. I wish them the best!
And in 3 years, it will be Tim's turn. I know that this time will fly like all the other years. It was another good year for him, and I continue to be so proud of him in what he has and will accomplish. He's been through a lot since last March with 2 parents going through cancer, but he has pulled through as a true survivor. Not only is a good person and friend, he's also an honor student. He is the reason that we can smile while going through what we go through.
Best of luck to all graduates!
And in 3 years, it will be Tim's turn. I know that this time will fly like all the other years. It was another good year for him, and I continue to be so proud of him in what he has and will accomplish. He's been through a lot since last March with 2 parents going through cancer, but he has pulled through as a true survivor. Not only is a good person and friend, he's also an honor student. He is the reason that we can smile while going through what we go through.
Best of luck to all graduates!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Another school year comes to a close
Hard to believe that the school year is ending. Tim has 1 1/2 days left to go. The past couple of evenings we've been going to college track to do some laps: I walk about 1 mile, and he jogs about 2 miles. And he doesn't even sweat! Oh, to be young.
Even at lunch today I did some walking around the building. Even turned down McDonald's for breakfast and ice cream for afternoon snack. There's always so much food at work. Have to be strong and just say no.
Thursday night is graduation. Tim and I will be going. Will certainly miss this group of seniors. I think they're the best. A lot of good kids.
Barry's been told his next chemo treatment is June 20th. Not sure when the scans and heart test will be. Should be scheduled before the treatment some time. For some reason, the doctor's office did not schedule these appts. as they should have done. We're waiting to see what date they come up with.
Even at lunch today I did some walking around the building. Even turned down McDonald's for breakfast and ice cream for afternoon snack. There's always so much food at work. Have to be strong and just say no.
Thursday night is graduation. Tim and I will be going. Will certainly miss this group of seniors. I think they're the best. A lot of good kids.
Barry's been told his next chemo treatment is June 20th. Not sure when the scans and heart test will be. Should be scheduled before the treatment some time. For some reason, the doctor's office did not schedule these appts. as they should have done. We're waiting to see what date they come up with.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Another weekend.
The weekend went by too fast. But everything seems to be that way. Hard to believe that Tim just has 3 1/2 days left of school. Even he thinks the year went by fast. He's in the middle of taking finals, and so far is going quite well.
Yesterday he helped Barry work on his truck for hours. The work involved Barry being under the truck, and Tim was able to be a fetcher of tools and to lend a hand for tight fitting areas.
Today I felt old. You know your child is getting old also when he is driven to events (today a soccer game) by upper classmates. I think this was the first game I didn't go see him play. But it's a good thing and we're all getting older. We are just lucky to have such good friends.
While he was at the game (which they lost), I did some vacuuming and then decided to go to the college track to walk some laps. I walked 5 laps which Tim has told me equals 1.25 miles. Better than nothing. We've had so many rainy days this week that it felt good to be outside doing something. Never was able to cut the lawn. And I then came back home and took a nap. When I woke up the sun was out and is still out a few hours later. A shock to see!
Yesterday he helped Barry work on his truck for hours. The work involved Barry being under the truck, and Tim was able to be a fetcher of tools and to lend a hand for tight fitting areas.
Today I felt old. You know your child is getting old also when he is driven to events (today a soccer game) by upper classmates. I think this was the first game I didn't go see him play. But it's a good thing and we're all getting older. We are just lucky to have such good friends.
While he was at the game (which they lost), I did some vacuuming and then decided to go to the college track to walk some laps. I walked 5 laps which Tim has told me equals 1.25 miles. Better than nothing. We've had so many rainy days this week that it felt good to be outside doing something. Never was able to cut the lawn. And I then came back home and took a nap. When I woke up the sun was out and is still out a few hours later. A shock to see!
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