Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Family is the best.

I'm so excited that 'cousin Tim and his wife will be able to visit us while we are on the Cape in July. It truly will be a time to see the whole family. That's what life is truly about! I can almost taste the fresh lobster and shrimp. Dad, you better save some for us..

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

I hate paperwork.

Tonight I finally got around to filing about 4 months worth of receipts/bills. They had been previously filed on my stairs! So it was a productive evening..

Monday, May 29, 2006

Back to work

This weekend was so beautiful. Temps today got up to 90 degrees. Am thankful for air conditioning. Tim and I did a lot of yard work this weekend. Tim did weed whacked our neighbor's yard and then did our yard. And I know that is a lot of work since I tried it once. It had always looked easy. Barry put up some brackets on the deck so that I could hang flower trays. Looks very nice. Yesterday he also put together the smoker we gave him for Christmas. I think he would have liked it better had it come already put together! It was a weekend for cooking on the grill.

This morning I worked for about 5 hrs. at the bank. Everytime our bank buys another bank the conversion takes place on holidays. Lucky us! It makes it impossible to enjoy a long weekend. But I still have a dream, and that dream is to work at the local college. Have had that dream since moving here. And I'm not going to give up.

My father has asked that I write about Barry since I haven't written about him for awhile. It's been a nice weekend for us. The three of us have spent the whole weekend together. I think Tim was a bit upset having to do the yard, but I've explained to him that things have changed. What Barry used to do, can now be done by him. And in the end, it all worked out. We are so looking forward to going to the Cape in July. It's something I think we need especially with the things happening in our lives. Can't wait to see family. Today at work people talked about BBQ's and family get togethers, our time will be in July!

Friday, May 26, 2006

TGIF

Yesterday I met with my oncologist for a 6 month follow-up. He told me that it's not uncommon to have cholestorol go up and down for about a year after treatment. I told him (and he said OK) that I was going to try garlic pills for awhile. He did mention that the drug for high readings can cause muschle aches and liver damage. For now I am going to go the herbal route. I don't have to see him for another 6 months.

And today was my follow-up appt. with my surgeon. All is healing fine. So I'm finished with that dr. Yeah.

Can't believe Memorial Day weekend is here. And yes, we bought another bank so I have to work on Monday. Yuck. What a way to ruin a long weekend.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Nothing much happening

No news is good news. Been a couple of quiet days here. Finally bought some plants to make up some bags and baskets. About time. The weather is finally getting nice.
Got the results of my blood work from last week. Cholestorol is high. Dr. wants me to take lipetrol (not sure of spelling). Not doing that right away. May look into taking garlic pills as an herbal treatment. Just don't want to take any more drugs. Tomorrow I go for my follow up appt. with Dr. G my oncologist. Been a few months. Have seen him socially as he's a neighbor. He instructs a spinning class, exercise done on stationery bikes while listening to some good music. Have heard that it's a lot of fun, and it's done very close to where I work. I would be able to go there from work. Will at least go for one class to see how it is. Since last year I've gained about 15 lbs. Just wish I could stop wanting to eat. Exercise and me don't work out too good.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Tim's first recital

The day started off very cool, about 39 degrees with drizzle in the air. It eventually did clear up a bit but the temps were still in 50 degree range and windy.

Tim was in his first recital today at the local college. There were about 20 students who played either the flute or the piano. One duet was a mother and daughter flute team. I told Tim not to get any ideas on that one! And there was one other adult student. It was very enjoyable. Tim did a great job. The teacher certainly did a great job with the students, a very professional recital. It makes me second guess my decision on not having Tim take lessons with her next year. I had decided to not continue next year since it's about 25 minute ride to her house. Am hoping to get someone closer to teach him. But after seeing this production it does make me think twice.

All in all a very nice weekend.

Tim was in a recital today that included flute and piano students.

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Saturday, May 20, 2006

Relay for Life

Barry arrived home late last night. I don't know how one can drive for so many hours without a break, but he did. It was important for him to wake up in his own home for the only true day he will have off before going back to work. Was able to get some rest in today.

Tim refereed a soccer game in the morning. And after lunch he went to a recital practice which is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. His first recital with about 20 students. Looking forward to it.

I went to the Relay for Life walk in the afternoon. I was able to walk once again with Jody who is my number 1 bosom buddy. Our friends from last year were also there, along with Michele. It was great seeing everyone again. As I walked around the track for the survivor's lap, I did not shed tears this year. Perhaps it was due to so many tears that were already shed this week. I don't know why. I also got to thinking how much stronger I am now than I was a year ago. Sure I have weaknesses, but my strength is more powerful. I am so blessed to have such good friends to walk with me, at the Relays and during the other days.

Thanks.

True bosom buddies for life. You can't beat friendship. It's what keeps me going.

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This is what the Relay is about.

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WE are survivors! Me, Jody and Lynne

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Thursday, May 18, 2006

Withdrawal

As I continue to be honest on my blog, here's what's been happening with me the past couple of days.

The past couple of nights I've been having some very bad dreams, the type I would normally attribute to after I have eaten msg. I would wake up very sweaty. Plus since yesterday morning I've been having vertigo problems, the weird feeling of emptiness in my head/dizzy when just moving around. Took tylenol during the day yesterday, and was in bed by 7:30 p.m. Didn't get up until 3:30 a.m. for bathroom break. And the vertigo continued today. I made an appt. to see my doctor this afternoon. While waiting in the office, something popped into my head. For some reason, out of a different routine perhaps, I had stopped taking effexor at bedtime for night sweats. I honestly can't remember the day I stopped taking it. Don't ask me how this happened, but I'll blame it on chemo brain. Hence, withdrawal had set in. I am blessed in the fact that one symptom common to this type of withdrawal is thoughts of suicide. Thanks goodness that symptom did not come into play! The dr. agreed totally with what I had just told him. And the stiffness in my neck was a bunch of built up stress. Wonder why? He's a good dr. and does understand what we are going through.

The dr. gave me a few weeks of the medicine to take, but 1/2 the current dosage. I have already taken a pill to get it back into my system. This way I can attempt to wean myself off. But he told me to monitor myself, to see how I do with the night sweats. I now know why they say not to stop taking medication without consulting a dr. It's a terrible feeling.

Am looking forward to seeing Barry come home. I only wish it wasn't such a long trip for him to make. Tomorrow is his last day there, but unfortunately he'll be there in the afternoon. And after being there all week, I know he'll want to come home right away. I just hope that he rests a bit before the return trip.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Rain rain go away

We continue to have rain, but not as bad as Massachusetts. Thank goodness. Hopefully it will stop soon.

Last night Tim and I ate at a local restaurant. Pretty good food. But tonight I decided to be creative and make a new dish. It was delicious. Tim went back for seconds. Here's the link:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_25022,00.html

If I can make it, anyone can. It's considered a 30-minute meal, not sure exactly how long it took me to make. Definitely one I will make again. I always have chicken tenderloins in freezer which makes it very easy.

Barry's been doing OK at his seminar. One thing he is noticing is the heavy smoke in the restaurants. A smell that we can do without. Times do change. I can't understand how anyone can enjoy puffin' away while having a meal. Beats me.

Well, that's it for today.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Happy Mother's Day!

For Mother's Day today I woke up and cooked Barry a nice breakfast. He left at about 9 a.m. to travel to a training seminar in Illinois. Why he likes to drive I will never know. I think it's about a 9 hr. drive (600 miles), but time will tell. He'll be there all week and I'm sure we will miss him a lot. He could have flown but chose to drive. Flying in an airplane while going through chemo is not the best thing to do due to so many recycled germs. And he's looking at the bright side of the trip, a chance to see more of the USA.

Tim and I are headed to church soon. He has a soccer game later this afternoon. So far the sky has not opened up to rain. Just a cool cloudy day, unlike last year when the temps were in 70s. (I looked back at my blog to find that.) I haven't even made up baskets of flowers yet due to the cool weather we've been having.

Update: Barry had to take detour on trip due to at least a 10 mile backup (fatality involved) and that part of the road could be closed until evening. Thank goodness for CB radio. While on the many miles of detour he had stopped for a quick burger lunch and called us.

Tim and I ended up not going to away soccer game. Found out that it was over 1 hr and 15 mins away. Another soccer parent and I debated about going and made adult decision not to go. Am I glad about that. Shortly after deciding this, the sky opened up with thunder and the rains came. Good napping weather! My way of celebrating my special day! Actually Tim ended up in his room napping, too. Soon we may go for chinese buffet.

7 PM. Barry has arrived at the hotel. Thank goodness. A very long trip for one person to drive. Now I can relax knowing he's there.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

A day without rain

It turned out to be a pretty decent day. Tim and I were able to cut the lawn today. We also got invited out to dinner with two other families. Of course our friend the Beckster organized it all. We are truly blessed to have such good friends. So much for the much needed diet. But heck, there's always tomorrow...

Thanks! for the friendship.

Friday, May 12, 2006

MUGA results

I met with a cardiologist today to go over my echocardiogram and MUGA heart scan results. Since my sister is a nurse, I asked her for a copy of the reports to show her directly. Because I knew that once I left the office, I wouldn't remember all the technical terms she mentioned to me. The bottom line was that the heart does show some weakness due to the chemo drug I had for breast cancer. The numbers are lower but I was reassured that it's not to the point that I need to be worried about it. She explained that since I stopped the chemo a few months ago, that the heart could remain as is or even get stronger as time goes by. She has recommended another MUGA scan in six months. She said that swollen ankles, bloated belly, shortness of breath are things to look for. I laughed when weight gain was mentioned. Heck, that's me! But I've read and she agreed that having cancer can cause the weight gain. When I see my oncologist this month for my first follow-up appt., I'm going to inquire on when I can stop taking effexor for the night sweats. I am a bit concerned since I've been reading about bad side effects when you stop this medication. This med can also cause weight gain. I seem to be on the diet: see food and eat it! And I definitely didn't like her scale.. Lots happening in our lives right now. Somehow I've got to get motivated and walk.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Cancer

Today's news:

MIAMI, Florida (AP) -- Colombian-American singer Soraya, who won a Latin Grammy for best female album in 2004 and worked to educate Hispanic women about breast cancer, died Wednesday after battling the disease. She was 37.

She died in a Miami hospital, said Lorena Oriani, a spokeswoman for her record label, EMI Latin.

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We've got to come up with something to stop cancer from touching so many lives. Truly another tragedy.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Back to work

Barry returned to work today since his second chemo treatment. Am sure he'll be tired later. House already seems so quiet without him.

Nothing new here. Which actually is good news! Tim did buy a new piccolo. Is planning on playing that for marching band which includes all the football games, rather than the flute. I can't believe how small the instrument is. Very cute.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Happy Birthday, Eileen!

I rode my scooter to work today. A bit chilly in the morning, 39 degrees. Had some hot chocolate when I got there. But I knew the afternoon ride would be warmer. It's nice being able to save some pennies with gas being so high. Last year I only rode it once or twice. I do enjoy it.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Weekend is over

Where did the weekend go? It seems that time itself just flies by too fast. This weekend Tim and I did lawn duty, and he actually showed me how to use weedwacker. I now have a new outlook on that job. Harder than I thought it would be. But the end result was a nice looking yard. Plus doing yard work makes me work up a nice sweat. Love being outdoors. Also washed my truck.

This afternoon Tim had another away soccer game. And they lost. I know that my father always asks for that. Had thought of staying home and just sending Tim there, but felt a bit guilty as I've always gone to see him play. I also enjoy talking to our friends while the game is on. A nice time to socialize. By the time the game was done it was a bit cool. It was a late afternoon/early evening game.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Tim's confirmation

Tim was confirmed this evening by Bishop Bradley. It was such a beautiful ceremony. His sponsor is a good friend of ours Tom. There were 81 boys and girls being confirmed. I was so proud of him. I only wish that he had the feeling as I did when I became Catholic as an adult 5 years ago. I was so pleased that Barry was able to see this ceremony, if only due to him recently undergoing chemo. Tim had a chance to kiss the Bishop's ring but chose not to! All the kids looked so nice dressed up. And as you can see, I was quick to download a couple of pictures for everyone to enjoy. It just seems like yesterday that he made his first communion.

It was a perfect ceremony. Tim looked great, and we're not that bad either!

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This is a picture of Tim and his sponsor Tom, along with Bishop Bradley.

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Wednesday, May 03, 2006

MUGA scan today

This afternoon I went for a MUGA heart scan. Took about 2 hours. Nothing to it. And they did tell me that my cardiologist (who ordered it) would be the one to read it today. So that is good news. Should have results within a day or two.

Tomorrow is Tim's confirmation. Have to go directly to church after I get home from work. An extra special treat is that Barry will be able to come. This was not going to be since he would have been working. It just seems like yesterday that he made his first communion. Where does the time go?