Sunday, December 28, 2008

Sunday on Cape Cod..

Today was spent at Barry's parents house. His brother Matt and his wife Wendy, along with their 4 children, came down from their home to spend time with us. So for the first time in a long time the whole family was together. And yes, I did take pictures and as soon as I get home will post some on this blog.

It was a different kind of day. In just looking at Tim interact with his cousins, all the kids are growing up so fast. And the common denominator was the subject of college. Like I said, it was so nice to listen in on their conversations. Tim told me later on that it was his first time that he can remember talking to one of his female cousins.

A bit tired right now. As Maureen would say, "a lot of input."

PS. Was sad :( to hear that Maureen is home and had to call out sick for tomorrow. Feeling yucky. Sad to hear but more impt. to be separated. Don't need to get sick ourselves.

As Maureen would say: adios.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Surprise Mom and Dad...

Barry, Tim and I surprised my parents and went to Cape Cod. And they were truly surprised. I had told my sisters and brother that we were going and to keep a secret. Also told a couple others who did what they were told to do. Good job!

We left for our journey at 4 a.m. right on time. Stopped to see his cousin Deb and her parents who live in Ct. Barry had brought her a computer from spare parts as hers just died. One person's trash is another person's gold. Basically a new computer, glad someone is using it. We visited for a couple of hours, hadn't seen them for a few years. Then we got back on the road for another 2 1/4 hrs.

At about 4 p.m. Barry gave me permission to call my dad and I did. Before telling him where we were I told him that I felt a desire for lobster. Finally I told him where we were. Talk of surprise. Sure did surprise him.

My away message today said "Family is best medicine." That was a clue I had left.
I am so excited to be with family. It's been a long year. And just glad to be alive.

To everyone that helped me keep this secret, THANKS!

Friday, December 26, 2008

'twas the day after Christmas

And Tim and I were at the mall by 10 a.m. I bought another pair of jeans and a top, at a store I wouldn't have been in for it not to be a sale. Christopher Banks. And a couple more pillow cases. I must say for what we've been through that it all came out to be a nice Christmas. Plus we didn't go overboard. Tim got just what he asked for, which wasn't much. As for us, we were just thankful beyond words just to be alive. And you can quote me on that! Not many people can say that honestly.

I didn't plan on it, but when I lied down for nap I basically slept the whole day. I find myself doing that again since I'm off the steroids. The dr. told me that it has nothing to do with them, but I disagree. Will know for sure when I go back on them for the cyberknife. I just felt really good last week.

That's it for now.

Thankful for yet another Christmas to celebrate.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Happy Birthday, Barry

Yes, today is Barry's birthday. Happy Birthday.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

It feels great to be alive..

Tim took me to a mall today. And the whole time I was thinking, it feels great to be alive! At times I just stood still. Thinking of the past few months. Where I've been and where I'm about to go. And for the first time in a long time I had nice clear thoughts in my head. Sort of put the past in the past. The words that are said during these days have an extra special meaning this year: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And for those of you that are having trouble still, believe me your time will come. You will also feel the joy that I'm presently feeling. Just keep focused on the future. Stay positive.

I've been there.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Got fitted for another Mask-cyberknife once more

Today Barry and I went to Pittsburgh for me to be fitted for another Mask/cyberknife once more. The actual mask took about 5 minutes to be molded on my face. The wax they use is hot, and they just rested on my fact for about 5 minutes. Is made out of many holes so one can breathe. This procedure was much easier than the first one I had a few months ago. I was still in the hospital and as Eileen remembers that was not a good day for me. A lot easier today. We then took this mask that was created across the street to another hospital to have an MRI done, with and without the mask on. This took about the longest. Think it was more than 90 minutes, not sure 'cause I actually was able to doze since I took an ativan before. The next steps involve the dr. co-ordinating where the radiation is going to be aimed. This could take about 10 days. Probably after Christmas. And voila, procedure was complete and we left Pittsburgh. By the way, we only had lots of rain today. You can keep the snow.

Tomorrow Tim has volunteered to take me to a mall. I've been nagging everyone lately. And to think I'm not a shopper usually. But for some reason it's in my head to go shoppping. I've been thinking about what I've been through these past few months, how lucky I've been feeling. Who would have guessed that I would have gone through 2 procedures with the brain within a few months of each other. I call it a second chance on life. And for me to be without pain is such a greatful relief. Any more blessings I get are a bonus to me. I truly feel blessed.

Hard to believe next week is Barry's birthday and Christmas. House is all decorated. No cards have been mailed. May just send out some electronic email to update people who don't realize what has happended to us these past couple of years.
Whatever I do, it will be simple.

Again, thanks to all!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Christmas luncheon with my department

I'm going to the Christmas luncheon with my department today. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Should be lots of fun. Hard to believe that it's only been 2 weeks since I had last surgery. When I was going to bed, lots of things were swirling in my head. One of them was this: any one can put up a tree, but decorating it with love is another story!

As planned I went to the luncheon. It was a great time. Then I took the time to go throughout the different departments to say hello. Now that was a treat in itself.
It was a nice day for me. I will have no problem sleeping tonight.

Tonight I got to see Tim and the High School chorus perform in the Christmas Show.
Yes, we are still able to say Christmas. It was my first chance to see him as a Chamber Singer. I really enjoyed that.

Happy Birthday, BECKY

To all my bloggin' buddies, it is a real special treat to tell you that it's Becky's birthday today.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Angels truly walk amongst us

We are truly blessed to have settled in this town. My parents were able to see this first hand when they were here in April 2008, only a few short months ago. They saw what we had already seen, felt what we've already felt. My heart is filled with love because of these angels. We got to experience these feelings during the past couple of days. One night the local Presbyterian church stopped by and sang Christmas Carols. And tonight our tree became a Christmas Tree with the help of a parishioner and her tiny elves. Heck, they would have cleaned my toilets had they needed to be cleaned! Let's not forget the balsam Christmas centerpiece that was delivered today. Again, words can not say how greatful we are.

Thanks.

Our church stopped by the other night and did some caroling to cheer us up. It worked. Thanks.

 
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Yesterday my stitches were removed. Picture of Dr. M. neurosurgeon, and myself.

 

 
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Angels from our church stopped by tonight and decorated our tree. Priceless. We have so many friends supporting us.

 

 
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Christmas Centerpiece was delivered today.

 

 
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Cyberknife once again....

Yesterday was productive day in the city. Got my stitches taken out of my head. And today I can't wait to shower that area. It has been suggested, and I will have it, to do cyberknife once again. I will go in to the city this Friday to be fitted once more for a new mask. Can't recycle the old one, facial may have changed a smither of an inch. Therefore the radiation would be off. I may need about 3 treatments, followed by MRI and eventually back to chemo. Considering it's the middle of December and these things take time to map out, I would think it's going to be first of year to get back on track with the chemo.

Just wanted you to know.

Been there, done that!

Happy Birthday, Pat. (chemo buddy) Hope you enjoyed the day. You deserve it.



PS. I continue to feel like a brand new person. It's a wonderful feeling.
Other than a voiceless voice, I am doing great.

PSS. 11:10 a.m.
I'm not worried about cyberknife this time. May have something to do with it not being the first time for me.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Another day great to be alive

I woke up this a.m. by 8 a.m. and immediately felt that it was good to be alive. Had not felt that way in months. I felt a need to go shopping out at the outlets so I eventually grabbed Tim to drive me there. Actually he did quite a lot of knick knack shopping for himself and I didn't buy anything for myself. But that's OK, as I was walking around the stores I felt good to be alive.

After the outlets were done, I came home and took a much needed nap. Woke up just in time to be sung to by carolers from local Presbyterian Church that we attend. I don't think I can ever remember that having been done to me in all my life. They all came on a tractor. Songbooks in their hands, and full of joy in their songs.
A truly touching moment. Thanks to all who came and once again brought joy to us.

For dinner we went to Tim's girlfriend's house for a small Christmas gathering. It was such a nice time, and I thought to my self had this been 2 weeks ago I would not have been able to sit for that period of time without an ache or two.

Yes, Eileen you have a good memory. Tomorrow I meet with Dr. Mintz radiologist surgeon from 10 days ago and then go across the street to another hospital to meet with Dr. Burton about the possible need for additional radiation to my brain. Either way, I can take the news. Have already done so once, so what's another time?

State Champs!

From local newspaper:

HERSHEY — They are nicknamed the Burrs, but Saturday afternoon at Hersheypark Stadium, it was more like B-r-r-r!
West Catholic High football team's overwhelming offense was chilled by Wilmington's “Hounds Hammer” defense, particularly on the game's penultimate play for the PIAA plateau. Shane Wagner tripped up Burrs' quarterback Curtis Drake at the goal line on an extra-points try in the 2nd overtime, enabling Wilmington to win the Class AA commonwealth crown via a 35-34 victory.

Wilmington wins state title in double-OT thriller


Congratulations also go out to band for staying by the football team throughout the season.

Friday, December 12, 2008

It's GREAT to be ALIVE

It's coming back to me. The good feelings. Every day is getting better. Am feeling more like myself from months ago. And continue to thank God especially for allowing me to go through all this. I call it learning to live.

Amazing how things can change. At least for the presence that is positive! And that's all you should live for, the present.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Every day is a bit easier...

Each day I'm allowing myself to accomplish the stuff which I had put off. Like cleaning out my drawers. Taking it easy, no rush. But am enjoying it. And now my drawers are in order. Still have to ponder my checking account statements from April! In just looking around the house, it just seems to be in good shape. Tree isn't up yet, but that should happen soon. Wreath is up and our welcome lights are always on in the windows.

And emotionally I feel so much better than I had the past couple of months. I do believe that my body was crying 'cause it knew something was bad inside and was getting bigger. Just a feeling that I have. It seemed that I cried almost daily over just little things.

Did not take any additional pain meds today for the first time. That is good news.
Looking forward to seeing surgeon and radiation oncologist on Monday. I'll be having my stitches out of my head and then will meet to discuss the need if any for future radiaition of my brain.

So yes, I'm at ease finally. Last night at the band concert I was trying to think back over the past few months of what has happened to me, and it was just a blur. I think blurry things are put in your mind for a purpose.

Every day is a bit easier...

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

One week post surgery. Christmas Concert!

As the title says, I went to see Tim perform in the school's Christmas Concert and it's only been one week since surgery. People were so shocked to see me, and I had such a good time. At times I would just close my eyes and listen to the music. Since he's a senior this year, these are the last of the performances in High School.

Went all day without nap. I rested before the concert in my bed but didn't fall asleep. Actually for the first time in a long time I yawned as I left the concert.

Oh yes, last night I went to be at 2 a.m. and slept right through until 7:30 a.m.
Got Tim off to school and then I went back to bed until 10ish. Nice sleep.

Did hear from dr.'s office about my MRI. This was comment in the email:

The MRI of the brain showed no findings to suggest residual tumor.

I see my neurologist this coming Monday to remove the stitches that are still in my head. And then I have an appt. with the radiation oncologist to see if he suggests more radiation such as cyberknife. That should take up much of the day.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

T'is Tuesday

This a.m. I was up and dressed by 8:30. That's incredible for me. And then I changed a couple of beds and did some laundry. Don't worry, I knew when to stop.

By the afternoon, I am feeling in the area of the chest plate the feeling you get when you have been nursing and it's that time. Weird. But have had that feeling in the past. So I did take some medicine for the discomfort. Not sure what will happen when the steroids are all out of my body. Wondering if I could possible stay on them just so I am not feeling this feeling.

After Tim got home, I had been antsy being inside all day. So I asked him to drive me to dollar store. In and out of there in less than 10 mins.

Have not heard from surgeon. Will call office tomorrow.

Monday, December 08, 2008

A pretty good day IMO

Had another good night's sleep (once I eventually fell asleep). Steroids are still in my system making it difficult to fall asleep. Geez, wasn't I just writing of how much sleep I was getting! and being tired all the time!

Got up with Tim when he went to school even. Then just went back to bed and rested
until Barry got up. He's been so good to me. Takes good care of me as I would expect. Went to oncologist office this a.m. for a prescription and saw my friend Ann and her office buddy Jane. Nice seeing them.

By the p.m. when Tim came home my arm was getting stiff, not painful. So I took a pill and then lied down. Am thinking of washing my hair again today. It's got so much dried blood, etc. in the area of incision, just dabbing the area right now.

Did not hear from surgeon today on my MRI results. I did email him and left a message. Probably will contact me tomorrow. No rush really, am not going anywhere.
Just need time to heal.

Again, thanks!

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Best night of sleep in such a long time..

Was in my bedroom by 11 p.m. and still after listening to my clock radio it was 1:11 a.m. Just layed there with my decadron (steroid) which is slowly being reduced daily for about 15 days. Next time I was up for bathroom and I don't know what time that was. And voila, 7:45 a.m. came up and I said to myself "Geez, that was a GOOD sleep." I needed that. Took my meds and hopped back into bed for a couple more hours and then partially listened to my church service on the radio. And I was able to stay in my pjs'. Got dressed for the day and already blogging. right now whatever pain I had is mostly in the past. My headturning excersises are working, just need to work on the up and down of head. No complaints.

Forecast is snow showers most of the week. Inch or 2 daily. Tim's gone for paper and then will shovel a bit. He has to be at local Nutcracker Suite for NHS, total of 4 hrs.

Now I'm heading downstairs. Am being very careful in my walking as I'm not a steady walker right now. But that will improve. Heck, I just had someone cutting muscles and bone in my skull on Wednesday. Incredible. And it took just 90 mins. Wow.

Thanks for your continued prayers. They are working.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

I AM HOME

And yes, it's Jane. Writing once again. Short but with lots of gratitude.
A long week but I slept through the night, best time all week.

Thanks for following me on this journey.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Welcome Home Jane....

I just want to say welcome home to you. Enjoy your own bed and jammies.....You will get a good nights sleep I hope. I also want to thank everyone for saying prayers for you during your hospital stay. I love you, Barry and Tim.
Love to all
Eileen

Jane's stay in hospital....

DO YOU BELIEVE JANE IS HOME!!

I just got home from work and called Jane's cell and she answered me and said she was at home. EXHAUSTED-got meds etc. Talked quickly. Apparently busy day this am-had fallen sometime at hospitalchecked out and ok to go home. She is very tired and will be sleeping in her own bed tonight. Talk about a drive thru brain surgery huh!! Adios moe

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Jane today....Pretty Patti took the picture...


I spoke with Jane tonight for a few minutes. She was in alot of pain, but pretty good spirits. Thanked me for helping with her blog. Love to all...Eileen

PAIN IS A GOOD THING!!

Talked to Barry after work and he handed Jane the phone and I was sooo happy to hear her clear speech, her total mental awareness. her complaining of head hurting her-pain means u are aware which is a good thing, telling me her head/neck area looks like someone beat her up. Patti had called me 7am and told me she had just seen Jane and would send me a picture she took. Eileen will post soon. She has been moved out of ICU area and to another floor. Remember a year ago she told us to take pics so her story could be better told. Adios and I will tell her who has blogged and thanks to all for the morale support to family and Jane. adios moe

This is where Jane spent her time yesterday....

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

SPEECH IS AOK!!

At 8pm I talked to Barry and Tim on way home from hospital. After a long while they were able to visit with her in icu-stayed about an hour. SPEECH IS AOK!!! Eyes all puffed up and bothering her-they tape your eyes shut during surgery-giving her eye drops which she did not care for. Jane very uncomfortable with chest plate etc-getting pain med. Crying which I would do so who cares!! Ativan given with the pain med. Barry and Tim almost home. I work tomorrow and Patti to work and she will call me at work after she sees her and I will post as soon as I can. Adios and yes there is a GOD!!
Thanks for the prayer wave!!!!

SPEECH IS AOK!!

This is for all who love Jane...thanks....

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Love Eileen

Jane Tues nite....

Surgery is done.....

Barry just called Moe and Jane's surgery is done. They will be able to see her in about 1 1/2 hours. Her speech is off a bit, but could be from being put to sleep. I am glad this is over for her now. Now is the time for her to heal and get home to her own bed and jammies....Lets all hope for a speedy return home for her. Thanks for everyone's prayers today for all the Kaminske's
Love to all
Eileen

I just talked to Jane...

This is Eileen this time.....I just talked to Jane. She sounded great. Her speach is so much better. Her surgery is in 90 minutes. Barry and Tim are there with her now. Please have happy thoughs and prayers for her, Barry and Tim for this hard time. My love to all her friends that are there in Pa.
Love you all
Eileen

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

SENSE OF HUMOR PRICELESS!!

Patti on a break and with Jane as she requested some sherbert couple minutes ago. Says surgery noonish a birdie told her-to take four hours or so prior to recovery and will go to neuro intensive care afterwards. Jane laughed and said she did not think she had four hours of work in her brain!!! how upbeat!! i told her of new blogs names as they happen night moe

JUST TALKED TO JANE AROUND 5PM

said the headache is much less-had been bad for a couple days! surgery to be tomorrow afternoon sometime. had mri brain and her head is marked up for surgery. she had read my blog entry yesterday this am but not the responses-i told her who had posted up to date-names and there is always excitement in her voice!! thanks to all adios moe

JANE IS ALREADY IN THE HOSPITAL!!

Just talked to Barry and he told me I could post on the blog. This am Jane continued to have the headache that would not go away and as a precaution the neurosurgeon instructed them to go directly to the hospital for evaluation. After a short er wait of less than 10 minutes it was determined that Jane needed to be admitted-was given some iv steroids and then up to hospital room. It is now necessary to have the brain surgery done tomorrow-Wednesday!! Jane and her family need that LARGE PRAYER WAVE TO START ASAP!!. Will keep u posted and yes Patti her nurse anesthesia friend was with her in the er and will make sure all goes well tomorrow-it is nice to have a friend close by. adios moe and ps jane last night we lit a candle for u at Fatima Shrine Christmas Lights in town. love u lots

Monday, December 01, 2008

JANE IS RESTING AND GETTING ENERGY NEEDED FOR THIS WEEK!!

It is Moe with a short posting. I have talked briefly with her several times between the necessary "cat naps" to build up all that necessary POSITIVE ENERGY for the surgery this week. Her blogging friends are definately part of her getting through all this mess!! I learned several things when I was with them last week. Barry-u are a tremendous help to Jane always-u cook, u drive,u never complain about your own health,u provide love to jane your wife and to tim your son!! Jane u always go forward with such an amazing attitude that I could never keep up with-your friends and family help u in so many ways!! I saw u ever so relaxed the night we saw Neil Sedaka at the college and at church on Sunday-I wish that shoulder pain would disappear! Jane is so proud of Tim-his band playing,school activities-trying out for the Music Man play,soccer,hunting,and just being a senior in High School. I want to especially thank Tim for sleeping on the couch so I could have his room. A great big BRAVO TIM for being accepted at Penn. State in Erie!! As I always tell Jane-keep up the POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Remember those 2 lucky charms u have now-HOPE AND HARMONY as they will get u through any times ahead!! love u lots and as i always say ADIOS moe