Sunday, December 31, 2006

Happy new Year

This a.m. we went to a different church. Tim had a friend sleepover, and he was to come with us to our church. At the last minute, I asked if his church was an upbeat music type of church. He said not really, but that his older brother was going to cantor at the morning mass. And I know that both of these boys have such beautiful voices. That was it. We took off to their church and surprised his parents when we walked in. We sat in front of them. It was a small church but with such great warmth. They had usher greeters at the door, and the priest who was lined up to go down the church shook our hands as we entered.

I was truly glad that we went to that mass. His brother sang beautifully. Was especially pleased to see a woman from where I work there, only a couple of weeks from having a stroke. Heard that she was back at church within a week of having it. Apparently a quick healer due to her young age.

Brought Tim to his girl friends' home this afternoon. I took advantage afterwards and too a nap. Ask Barry. He'll tell you that it was not a nap, but a marathon sleep. Felt good.

Well, got to get dressed. Get ready to celebrate the New Year coming in. I saw a sign on a local board today:

May your troubles last as long as your new years resolutions!


Happy and of all things, a Healthy New Year.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Thanks Katie for the carrots. Please come back to see me when it's warmer!

  Posted by Picasa

My mother treated the horses to carrots when she would take a walk.

  Posted by Picasa

We only had turkeys in our backyard this week. No deer in site.

  Posted by Picasa

My mother and I in God's country. Nothing like the country.

  Posted by Picasa

Christmas Eve with Barry and my mother.

  Posted by Picasa

A fast week

This week went by too fast. Totally enjoyed having my parents here this week. Worked out great since Barry had some days off from his job, and Tim had no school.
The week consisted of some nice meals, both homecooked and restaurants. Barry did a couple of walks with them and even today we went walking together at the local track.

My mother did good while here. Is dealing with dementia/alzheimers which is a terrible disease. And considering she was in a different environment I think she handled it very well. As is often the case, long term memory is not effected. This at least can be a blessing. She also has a pretty good appetite.

In fact while I was driving them from the airport last Saturday, my dad mentioned that he was looking to sell my mother's car. He had not thought of Tim being a driver in a couple of months. Both Barry and I thought the same thought at the same time: good car for Tim. So we will be buying it from them and getting it in February some time. Barry has already envisioned my driving it to work a lot since it has better gas mileage than my truck. I think it's a perfect fit for our needs.

Again, had a great time with my parents. Have to admit that I shed tears as I left the airport. But have to put them aside and be thankful that they were able to travel here for this special visit. This was the first Christmas in many years that anyone has come to see us. I am so lucky to have had them here. As I told my mom, we are lucky to be mobile.

After I got home, I stopped by the Beckster's home for a quick visit. After finding out that none of us had New Year's Eve plans, she has arranged a get together for a few couples tomorrow night. This is the best way I can see of ringing in the new year. Friends. That's what it's all about.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas!

As expected, and I'm glad to say so, I'm just getting online at 8:20 p.m. Christmas Day. Too busy enjoying family. Santa arrived safe and sound.

You can tell when your kids are getting old when they ask to go to someone else's house for a holiday meal. This happened today when Tim went to his girlfriend's home.

Barry and my father went for short walk today. My mother and I never left the house. Just stayed inside. Even that was nice.

Tomorrow I head unfortunately back to work. At least Barry will be able to have a few days off with my parents, along with Tim.

Again, Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Another nice day with family

Tim cooked Mom and me eggs this a.m. Then we went for walk up to see and feed the horses. Have been taking pictures to remember this great visit.

We went to 5 p.m. mass since I was a eucharistic minister at that time. Church was filled on all sides. Our newly formed children's choir sang songs before and during the mass. Just 2 months in the formation of this choir but you would never know it. Beautiful voices which I truly enjoyed.

As soon as we got back from church, Tim went to another church service with a friend of his. Both times he was dressed up so nicely.

Well, other than that a quiet relaxing day with family.

And just in case I don't sign on in a.m. :

Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year to all my friends and family.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

A safe trip to God's country

My parents arrived safe and sound this a.m. to where I call God's country. My 7:30 a.m. they were in Pa. It was so great seeing them. All 3 of us went to the airport to pick them up. We then went out to breakfast at a local restaurant. Came home and then went out to Sam's Club for some meats for rest of week. Wasn't even that crowded considering it's Christmas weekend. Tim cooked us hot dogs on the grill, and later on Mom and I went to feed the horses up the road. I was so pleased when she remembered the clip clops and the Amish buggies. Both dads rested a bit.

We had Mexican food for dinner. Fajitas proved to be too much for my parents. On our way home we thought briefly of going caroling at Beckster's home, but Barry didn't want to catch her once again in her Victoria Secrets!

Good night.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Birthdays...

I want to wish my friend Beckster a Happy Belated Birthday. And I also want to tell everyone that Barry's birthday is TOMORROW... So if you see either of them, please wish them well.
*****************

Tonight Tim and I went to see (or should I say listen to) our school's Christmas Concert. And yes, it is still called a Christmas Concert. We live in a small town and even though we may not be politically correct, the chorus is able to have such a concert. Once again, another reason why I love this town. So many talented kids, good kids. In a world where you hear so many stories of kids that have gone bad, it's such a blessing to see and hear good kids. From singing to playing instruments, we have a lot of good talent. The chorus was made up of 80 High Schoolers and 64 Middle Schoolers. I was drawn to going to it by overhearing a conversation of my friend the Beckster. She was explaining that the chorus is still able to sing Christian type songs in this day and age. And that her son would be doing a solo part in the concert. Put these 2 things together, and how could it not be enjoyable.
Even Tim was swaying with his friends at the back of the auditorium.

A great time.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Tis the season

Sorry I haven't blogged this week. Past couple of nights, I've taken Tim to do his Christmas shopping. He's actually a good shopper. Comes up with cool ideas.

Now off to bed. Couple more days and guess who comes? Can't wait.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

My parents are coming for Christmas!

I've just got confirmation that my parents are flying here for Christmas! Last minute planning, and boy are we excited. For the first time they will be flying, rather than the long drive. In the past Tim has gone to the Cape for Christmas break, but this year it chose to stay home (I think to be with Barry!). I can't remember the last time we were together for this holiday. Will work out good since Tim will be on break. Originally I had planned to go there for the holiday, but due to not having any vacation or time left of any kind I wasn't able to do this.

You see, miracles do happen! I'll even be serving at Christmas eve mass.

Monday, December 11, 2006

I've just spent a couple of evenings typing up my Christmas letter. Trying to sum up a year is quite difficult, but I do feel it's needed especially for people we don't see. I know how much I enjoy reading other people's yearly cards.

Barry continues to have discomfort in his abdomen/chest areas. Not sure what it's all about, just praying that pain is being caused by chemo drug destroying cancer cells. He's not one to complain, so I know he is not feeling that great. Even last night he was awakened by the pain.

Tim and I attended a mission meeting at our church tonight. He is going on his first mission with our church next July. Last year he had wanted to attend a mission, but I thought it best for him to be home with his dad. That was more important. He's looking forward to it this coming year.

Well, that's it for today. Time to hit the bed. One day done, 4 to go.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Colon update: no polyps and looks good

In less than one day I lost 7 lbs.! And for once in my life, you can't tell me that I'm full of sh*t. Off to colonoscopy.
Tim has 2 hr. delay due to first real snow accumulation. Roads look yucky to me.

3 p.m. update:

Got to hospital by 8 a.m. and walked out of the hospital at noon. Nothing to the actual procedure. I was totally under anesthesia. Fastest ever going under and waking up. As people will tell you, the worst is the preparation of drinking the salty mixture. At least for me. Barry's one who just gulps it down, me: took me about 15 mins. to drink about 4 ounces total liqued. Barry called me a "whiner!"
Actually I was ready to leave directly after the procedure, but had to drink some soda and just wait it out for discharge. BJ: nothing to it. And the best thing it's good for TEN YEARS! Can't beat that.

There's always a good comment that sticks in my brain to use on my blog. While I was in room waiting, Barry used the bathroom. As he came out he said to me, "I didn't even have to measure it.!" Made us laugh. So many times he is the one in the hospital with his chemo and always has to measure his pee. You see, there's always something to laugh about.

Afterwards, we went out to lunch and treated ourselves to DQ.

Now I'm headed to bed to take a nap.

Tim's off to his football game which is being played away tonight. Only wish temps would have been warmer for the players, band and fans. Keeping fingers crossed that they continue their winning record.

10 p.m.
Our football season has ended. Team lost tonight, and by a big score. Oh well, there's still next year. Marching band is finally done for the year. Can't wait to ask Tim how bad the temps were. P.S. BJ: you can still go shopping...

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Barry

For the past couple of days, Barry's been having pain in his chest/belly/liver area. This treatment was aimed for the first time at the other side of his liver. So we have to think positive, pain is good. Pain means the chemo is doing it's job, killing bad cancer cells. It's not like Barry to complain, and that's how I know he is having discomfort.

Tonight Tim and I went to soccer banquet. I was pleasantly surprised when it was announced that Tim got MVP for JV soccer. Very proud of him. Also got to see a friend who just had her first chemo treatment for breast cancer this a.m. Brought back so many memories for me. She was the caterer for the banquet, and boy does she know how to cook. I'm sure her mind was elsewhere, and I can understand that. But she's a survivor, and I know she'll make it.

Tomorrow is Tim's winter/Christmas concert. Looking forward to that.

And since our football team is going further on into their championship, the band will be traveling away on Friday to play for them. If they win that game, it's off to Hershey, PA! Wishing them luck.

Friday is colonoscopy time for me. Yahoooo.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Update on my health

I had a 6 months follow-up appt. with my oncologist on this past Thursday. Had him do blood work to check my cholestorol. It was once again confirmed that it is high and needs to be addressed. I will be seeing my primary dr. mid Decemeber. He was the one who had checked it a few months ago. Have talked to my sister, she and both of my parents have same problem. My sister has tried a couple of the meds for it, and has had bad reactions with muscle pain. That is one side effect that is mentioned. It doesn't help that I eat junk food and perhaps am a little stressed. But will try to do better if only for Tim.

Also mentioned to my dr. about the discomfort in my right breast which had cancer. Is thinking it's lymphodema related and has contacted a physical therapist to look into treatment for that.

Have also been having problems with my left knee. Unable to extend the leg straight, bad ache. Like under the knee cap. That's another body part I have to have my primary dr. look into through X Ray.

And finally, I'm having my first colonoscopy on Friday, Dec. 8. Not working that day. Will be put totally under anesthesia due to meds I take. Have put this off since I turned 50. But know it's something that needs to be done.

Other than that, I'm in good shape! I can't complain, lots of people in worse shape.
Like I say, you wake up it's a good day.

Barry's home

I got to the hospital this a.m. by 8. Shortly afterwards Dr. G. stopped by to give him the OK to go home. Unfortunately, paperwork and waiting for 2 small pills delayed our leaving until about 11:15 a.m. This was probably one of our latest discharges.

Barry slept OK. Had some morphine when I arrived, in preparation for the ride home. Has discomfort on the other side of liver this time, do to that side being chemo'd (not a word, I know). It appears that is next appt. will be extended to be a 10 week period instead of the 8 weeks we've been doing since Feb. 06. As long as the cancer remains the same size with the current treatment, we're in good shape. If before the next appt. the CT scan shows a growth change, this plan will be altered once again. You have to be careful on how much chemo drugs are given. All these months Barry's tests on liver functions have been perfect! And that is wonderful news.

I got to nap for about 45 mins. this p.m. Then I had to take Tim to a birthday party. Would have liked more time but Tim comes first...Barry on the other hand has not slept at all today. His face is flushed which happens after every treatment. But like the energizer bunny, he keeps on tickin'.

Friday, December 01, 2006

We're off for Barry's 6th chemoemolization

Have to be there for our usual 6 a.m. start of the day. Wish us luck.
And yes, GO HOUNDS!


UPDATED 8:50 p.m.

Just got back to the Family House where I stay overnight. Barry and I got to the hospital by 6 a.m. Since he had already had CT scans last week, this was not done today. The scans showed no change in the lungs and liver, which as cancer goes is good news. When Dr. G. stopped in to see him this evening, he told us that this was indeed good news. And that Barry would be around not just for weeks or months, but for years at this pace. His treatments could be spread out for more weeks, such as treatments every 12 weeks if the cancer stays as is. This was nice to hear.

Barry was done from his treatment by 11:30 a.m. Unfortunately the room that he was to go to did not get cleaned until after 2:30 p.m. I was over at that floor and saw the bed empty, but room not being cleaned. Quite annoying as the bed Barry had been on most of the morning does not have the best mattress. It was at 2:30 that I went to check in at my lodging. Today the waiting just got to me and I was whipped. Not very comfortable just sitting and waiting in a hard chair, especially since being up at 4 a.m. I literally just layed on bed with sheet over me. So mentally exhausted. Been a long year and 1/2, can't even imagine how long it feels like to Barry. Did call Tim to tell him I was going to nap. Was in bed for 2 hrs. and then went back to see Barry in his room. This treatment involved chemo aimed at the other side of his liver, creating a lot of pain. Barry's been given morphine for the pain, and slept most of the time I was there. I did feed him some jello before I left.

That's it for today. Heading to my room and into my jammies.

Of course, will check in with TIm to see if our team won.