Barry and me. What a body!

  

These men were the chefs for the day.

  

I thought this was a good picture. Dog looking at the roasted pigs.

  

My first pig roast!

  

Farewell to Leya

After work today, our department went out to bid farewell to my friend who is moving to San Antonio. She got a really good job there and I wish her the best. She was the one who told me about this job opening from the very start. I had once worked with her. As I told her, she's one of the good ones. And will do just fine. She will be missed.
I had such a good time with the group, non stop chattering the whole time. I do think I made a good choice in moving to this department. Very friendly people.

Friends

While shopping at lunch today, I met a woman who has been a faithful bloggin' poster: Gerri. It was very nice to finally meet her. Her comments along with everyone else's, have been muchly appreciated.

I may not write every day, but please know that your thoughts keep us going.

Thanks..

PS. Day 2 of school is complete. First football game is this Friday.

A new school year

Today was the first day of school. Hard to believe that Tim is a sophomore now. Harder to believe that summer is over for the kids. Not like the old days, when kids were able to be kids during the summer. Now it is all about planned activities and camps for kids. Oh well.

Looking forward to first football game this Friday (well that probably will depend on the hurricane effecting us). Hoping it is dry enough for us to attend. As you may remember, football is a chance to socialize with our friends. And of course to listen to Tim play in the band.

I'm still here....

Sorry for not bloggin'. Gave myself a late summer vacation from bloggin'. So here's a quick update on our lives.

The past two weeks Tim had soccer camp which took up a lot of time. It was held in the morning and afternoon for over 3 hrs. each time. It is now over, thank googness. I missed having him at dinner time, not that our dinner is anything fancy. But he is good company.

School starts on Tuesday. I am wondering where the summer went, like a lot of other people I'm sure. It seems between band and soccer camp, the time went too quickly. From what I remember in my childhood, summer was a time away from school. A time just to enjoy being off. Times do change. Tim's band practices actually started the week he got out of school, and still continue at least once a week.

Today Tim had another soccer scrimmage. Didn't win but at least it was time spent practicing for the real season. He has made the varsity team, quite pleased at that.
It was a hot day, Barry didn't come. He sweats even in air conditioning, so didn't need to be outside. He has been sleeping better at night though.

After the soccer scrimmage, Tim went swimming at a friend's house. Can you believe that it was his first time in a swimsuit this summer! Never went to town pool at all. And considering how hot it was today, it was a perfect day for the pool.

Tonight he is at a party to celebrate the end of soccer camp. Certainly is ending the summer with a busy schedule. Oh yes, one more party tomorrow night for another friend in his class who is turning 16.

While he partied tonight, I cut the lawn.

My new job is great. I really like it and the people in the department. I only wish I had made the change sooner. I'm being kept busy, but without the constant ringing of a helpline telephone. Able to concentrate on deskwork. A friend of mine in the dept. will be moving to Texas, and we are having a party after work for her on Friday. I'm going to miss her but know she will do great.

Well, time to pick Tim up from party.

First day on new job

Today was my first day for my new job. From just the first day, I feel that this is a good fit for me. Since the department has been short staffed, there is a lot of catching up to do. I was just doing some data inquiries to help one of the ladies in the department today. And I was also able to go out to lunch with the department! This never happened in my other department since no two people could go to lunch at the same time. It was very enjoyable having nice conversation at lunch. Nicer also because I knew them before I got this job.

Barry was unable to sleep last night. Think it's the steroids. Hopefully he'll sleep tonight. Other than that, no complaints from him. Doing quite well with this treatment.

Barry's 4th chemoembolization complete

Just got home from Barry's 4th treatment. More to follow. He feels good. It was a good day for him yesterday.

After eating lunch I just woke up from a 2 hr. nap. Actually Tim is now home and he is also sleeping. And if you want to know, yes: Barry is the 3rd on the house doing the same thing!

Here's a summary of what happened since yesterday (from what I recall):

Got the hospital at 6 a.m. and Barry was hooked up to his IV for liquids. At 8 a.m. he was taken for CT scans and didn't return to short stay until 11 a.m. A long 3 hrs. for him. He then was prepped for his chemo treatment. At noon he was taken for his treatment. Earlier in the morning I called to see if I had a remove at the Family House, guest accomodations for patients' families who are going through serious health issues. I was so happy when I was told they had a single room for me. Here is the link to their website. Please check it out. If and when I win the lottery, my first donations will be to the Cancer Center locally, UPMC Liver Cancer Center and to this non profit organization. They truly deserve the monies.

http://www.familyhouse.org/welcome.asp

I stayed at the McKee place, just a couple of blogs from the hospital.

After Barry was taken for his treatment, I went to the Family House to check in. It was cleaner than any hotel I've stayed at. So friendly and helpful, having any possible needs you could mention. I did take a couple of pictures using my cell phone, and will attempt to download them for you. A single bed, desk, TV, shower and the whole house was nicely decorated. Could not beat the price of only $25.00 per night.

Barry did not appear on the floor of his room until 3 p.m. Had to wait an hour for his room to be cleaned. The nurses ended up moving a bed from another room into his room since cleaning dept. never showed up to clean it. Barry never minded, just continued to snore in hallway. I was the one that minded, for his own privacy. And I knew that vital signs should be checked every 15 mins.

The whole afternoon, he slept and snored. Occassionally I went out to the end of the hallway and worked on puzzles that were there. Have never made puzzles but this was so relaxing, a nice break. Barry never required pain meds during this chemo which was a blessing for him. It was at about 8 p.m. that he was allowed to sit up from being flat on his back. And for the first time he had a conversation with me. He ate the sandwich that I had bought in cafeteria at lunch, along with his favorite cookies and had some Ginger Ale. As he was eating, he was given benadryl again and quickly was back to nodding off. Dr. G stopped in to check on him. The CT scans showed no change in tumors, which we have learned to take as a good sign. After, I felt that I could leave him knowing he was fine. All this earlier time I was just sitting next to him, leaning back in chair just trying to relax.

It was about 8:30 when I left the hospital and walked to a Wendy's for a bite to go. I ate my dinner on the front porch of the Family House, rocking in a chair. If only someone could have taken my picture. By 10 p.m. I was in bed for the night.

Got back to the hospital by 8 a.m. and Barry was awake. He was in good spirits. Dr. G made his morning rounds and discharged him. We left the hospital at 10:30 a.m.

All in all, a very good chemo treatment. No growth in tumors, no pain from chemo. Barry never required pain killing meds this time. And I had a great place to go to after the day was done. Next time I've learned this: once Barry is back in his room, since he just sleeps, I will go back to my room and also rest. There is no need for me to sit there all day.

Again, thanks for all the prayers, as they are working.

Tomorrow is my first day on new job. Take care. And do check out that link.

PS. *******************
Since some one is sending SPAM links to my blog, I'm back to having to approve the postings. So bear with me.

PSS. *******************
Forgot to thank Lisa and family for taking such good care of Tim while we were gone. It was so nice knowing that Tim was in good hands. A load off of my mind. Again, thanks!

Tim's marching at the local fair this evening. I did not go, thought if better to say home with Barry. Who by the way, continues to be a real trouper.

One job ends and another will start

After 3 1/2 years in present job, today was my last day. And it ended like I remember most days to be: very busy. Got there 1 hr. early to get work done from Friday, and worked through our lunch hour. End result: 10 hr. work day. The one thing good about it was that my new job starts on Thursday. And I'm pretty excited about that. Something new and a chance to work once again with someone I had worked with previously.

Tomorrow Barry goes once again for his chemoembolization treatment. I've decided that it was best to go by myself, not take Tim with me. Too long of a day for him. If I'm not mistaken this will be his 4th such treatment. He will be having his CT scan done before the treatment. Usually it is done a week before but doing it the same day saved us a trip into the city. Fingers crossed and prayers are being prayed for good news.

This is the picture that got published in our local newspaper. Am very proud of it. Amish boy looking down the street towards the fair.

  

I made the news...

I was quite pleased to see that a photo I had sent to the local newspaper was published today! First one ever for me. I had emailed it to the newspaper earlier this week. It was a photo of the back of an Amish boy looking down the street at our local town festival last weekend. Notice that it was the back of his head. The Amish do not like to be photographed, and this was tastefully done. Honestly, I didn't even look through the lense when the picture was taken. I took the picture just by holding the camera in front of my waist and pushing the button, just hoping to get a good picture. It worked.

I have just one day left to work at my present job. Today was one of those days with no lunch break, hectic to say the least. My only comfort is I only have 8 hrs. left to work in that department. Today was supposed to be a party for me after work, but that had to be postponed until another day.

Next week Tim starts 2 weeks of soccer camp. He's also going to play golf for the school team. He's been asked by the golf coach to play and is looking forward to it. Has had clubs for a few years and has shown interest in playing. He's quite excited to have the opportunity to play another sport. Normally I would not allow him to play two sports at the same time, but since there is a shortage of players for golf this has been approved by our athletic department. I think he'll do fine. A chance for him to learn. And heck, most corporate deals are made on golf courses! A good sport to know.

A brand new family of turkeys have arrived

  

Chain saw art

  

Hand loomed rugs for sale

  

Amish market place at the Town Fair

  

Amish boy looks down the street

  

Music that touched my heart today

  

A song dedicated to us

This weekend our town is having a street festival. My neighbor had told me that she and her friend were going to be singing Christian songs in the afternoon. So I went down and got a front row seat. Unknown to me, she dedicated a song to "a neighbor who went through cancer, along with another family member and who always had a smile on her face while doing so." Can you believe that! I must admit, as I sat alone in the front row, that I shed tears as she so graciously sang the song. Once again, angels walk among us. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends! Thanks, Terry and Mary

No SPAMMIN' on my blog

Spammin' my blog is when someone leaves an anonymous comment on the blog, just a few words. But in the short comment there is a hyperlink that they want you to click for you to be sent somewhere else. That somewhere else is a place they want to benefit from you visiting. This has happened to me, but now I'm in the driver's seat and am taking ownership of my blog. I have fought cancer, I don't need to fight spammers.

Tim's back home from band camp. He was gone all week. I sure did miss him. It's amazing how much these kids learn in just a few days. Memorization of the music and the marching that goes along with it. Truly wonderful to watch. House was too quiet.
Football season, here we come!

Trying to stay cool

Today I was told that they are having a going away party for me next week at my job. A bunch of us are going out after work to a Mexican restaurant. Am really looking forward to that. It was a choice between a food day at work or restaurant after work.
And since you can't really enjoy yourself at work with the phones ringing I chose the restaurant. Should be lots of fun.

Am so tired of the heat. Every day it's in the 90s with humidity. I guess next February I'll be wishing I had some of this heat.

I have gone two days this week to spinning. Today I felt a bit out of place though at this class. I think I was the oldest one there, others looked like they didn't need to exercise at all. Very young and in their workout attire. And the music that was played was not the type I would ever listen to. I don't think I'll go back to this day's class again. Too loud and I just had trouble keeping up with them.

Have been eating out a lot this week. Tomorrow I've been invited for a girl's night out at local restaurant. Unless something changes, I'll be there.

PS. Had my first follow-up visit with my radiation oncologist today. Everything looks great. Only thing he said I should do is to have colonoscopy. Had that on my "to do" list this year but... He gave me the name of a doctor who uses the pill camera for this exam. You swallow what is a small video camera (size of jelly bean) and it takes many many pictures in an 8 hr. period. You wear something around your waist that records the insides of your body as it makes it way through the dark tunnels. Will look into that. Just hard to think of making an appt. since I'm starting a new job shortly.

I let Tim get in driver's seat

It's been so hot and humid lately. Have enjoyed staying inside after work. Have kept up with spinning exercise. This week I went twice after work. A lot of fun, a lot of sweat. It's about 45 minutes of high energy exercise listening to good music.

This evening Tim and I did head back to the local college track. I walked a little over a mile, he ran for quite a few laps more than I did! That's youth. It was such a beautiful site. There was a boat in the lake with a couple of guys in it. Had a small trolling engine on it. Something you don't see often. Usually only see people fishing there. It's not a large lake by any means. I did hear that a few years ago it was actually a swimming place. One of these days I have to bring my camera and take pictures of it.

Haven't written about Barry lately. He's been feeling some pain in his shoulder and liver area for past month. But you know, he never complains. I only know it because I ask him how he's doing. Takes the alleve and keeps on going. Knowing what he is going through, I try not to complain about any aches I have. One thing that amazes me, he has not lost his hair with this chemo treatment. Even though he's getting same adriamicin that I had. Strange but good.

Oh, one other thing. After Tim and I walked, I let him get in the driver's seat of truck and drive up the driveway! Can't believe that in February he'll be getting his learner's permit. He told me that I don't get out of my comfort zone (or something like that) and be daring. Then I let him back down the driveway. And you know, he did it by using the rear view mirrow. Pretty good. I always have to lean out the stupid window. Kid is growing up too fast.

Next chemo treatment for Barry, which is August 15th, I'm taking Tim with me. He'll be company for me. This way I won't have to worry how he is doing at home. And if there is accomodations for us at the local housing/hotel for patients' families. You don't know until the day of the hospital visit. I've put in a reservation already. And you know, it could be a good boost for Barry to have him there.

Tim heads to band camp tomorrow for the week, and Barry also is heading to a business training seminar all week. Sure am going to miss them both. It just happens that both are at the same time. Good thing is I don't have to cook! (not that I have been doing that much)

YEAH... NEW JOB FOR ME!!!!

Got word this a.m. from Human Resources that I got the job in the other dept! After almost 3 1/2 years I'm moving on. Can't believe it. More to follow....

I start new job on Aug. 17th, my last day at present job will be the 14th. Barry's next chemo is the 15th/16th, and the new department is very accomodating for me.

The job is a lateral move but as you know, money is not everything. I've been unhappy way too long in the job that I've been doing. When I came home from work today, Tim greeted me with a big round the shoulder hug and a smile. Ask anyone, he knows. Life is too short not to be happy. And I need to be in a more positive environment. Now I will be able to focus on one specific department rather than a whole bank's department.

If you get the chance to talk with me directly, understand that I'm not on speeed when I talk: just truly excited! And I'm going to be working for my friend who also left my present department for bigger and better things. Can't wait until Aug. 17th.

WOW what a day...

It's been one of those uplifting days, even though that was not even planned. Today's sermon was about having plans, and how sometimes our plans change. We may have our own plans but God has HIS plans for us. It was one of those sermons that just hits you in the heart, and I get the pen and paper out to write down just a few words to remember later.

In the evening, after Tim and I went to local ice cream store, we went to the college track to do some walking/running. There was a lot of activity at the college. Tim told me that it was Missionary week there. I could not believe all the people walking around the campus. As I was walking I could hear music in the amphiteatre which quickly caught my ear. I'm a sucker for music. After we did our exercise, we headed up in the car to see what was happening. As we drove up, a girl's voice called "hey Tim K". I thought, geez a small world! Not knowing that it was a girl from his school who was attending the missionary event. She talked of a great speaker (Tony Campolo) they had, and invited us to attend the next event. We drove home, I did an online search of the college and the missionary conference and did find out that it was an evening open to the public, and that David Bailey (a Christian singer) was also going to perform. This man's name and story was told to me last year when I was going through chemo. Jody had mentioned to me that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor (now also a cancer survivor for 10 years) and had been told he only had months to live.

To make a long story short, Tim and I changed and went back to the concert and evening of prayer. It was full of Christian singing, the kind I adore. Words to the songs appeared on a large screen so you could raise your hands/clap your hands and sing/dance to the songs. This was followed by a very moving minister. I can't recall his name, but will look it up later. David Bailey was truly moving as he sang . After his performance I did go up to him and state that I was a cancer survivor along with my husband. I'm not ashamed to say that I shed tears this evening, tears that cleanse my soul. I truly get moved by song and do truly enjoy upbeat Christian music. For some reason the Catholics don't have that going, at least in our church. And for me, feeling the faith in song is so meaningful to me.

It's truly been a great day. One not planned at all, but aren't those the best kind of days.

The missionary conference is in town all week and I've been invited to be a part of the evening music whenever I can.

God bless you.


http://www.davidmbailey.com/

http://www.tonycampolo.org/abouttony.php

Tony Campolo, professor emeritus at Eastern University, is the founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, an organization that develops schools and social programs in various third world countries and in cities across North America. He is the author of many books, his most recent being, "Speaking My Mind."

Nice bloggin'

I would like to thank my new bloggin' person who took the time to post comments by reading archive records of the blog. It's the positive feedback that I get, that keeps us going. This blog was created as a form of therapy for me. Took too much time to write down things in a diary form. Typing is so much easier. There have been times that I have thought of stopping the blog but have told by a few people who read it not to do that. There truly are a lot of caring people in this world.

Had lots of rain last night and this morning. Farmers will truly like that. Not much sun is shining today. But it's a perfect napping kind of day...

Keeping fingers crossed for positive news on job I applied for.

Well, I did take a nice 2 hr. nap this afternoon. Even was able to dream. Felt so good. After waking from my late nap, I got hold of Barb (my new friend whose husband was recently diagnosed with cancer) and arranged to meet her 1/2 way to deliver a meal I had made her. It felt so good making her a nice meal since I have been on that receiving end. So many people made meals for us last year, and now I know how good those people also felt. A great feeling. I also gave her husband a Survivor bumpersticker that I had bought awhile ago. Always knew (unfortunately) that there was going to be another person diagnosed with this terrible disease. A very nice woman has once again entered into my life.

I took this picture as we went over the Bourne Bridge.

  

I have known Mary Lou forever. A true friend.

  

Tim and his cousin fish side by side, but only catch seaweed!

  

Brothers....are special.

  

He may not catch any fish, but he has fun anyway.

  

My parents. Happy 85th Birthday, Dad.

  

Traffic traffic traffic

  

My brother the Chef. Lobsters ruled at the party.

  

Barry enjoying himself at the party.

  

This is Tim's favorite bird along the Canal.

  

The Canal has a 7 mile paved bike path which makes cycling fun.

  

Cape Cod Canal

  

The boys look out at the Cape Cod Canal. Very calming.

  

My 2 sisters and brother, along with me, at my father's 85 birthday party! Family is very important.

  

Friendship

I was so pleased to just read an email from the woman I met while camping on our way home. Her name is Penee and they are traveling in their large RV for a few months. I tell you, there are so many nice people out there. Usually just takes a quick hello and you've made a new friend!

I got an email from Barb (husband has pancreatic/liver cancer). Her husband just got his first IV of Vitamin C megadose. Very interesting way of treating cancer. Barry in fact had found something on internet when he was first diagnosed about this. Am anxious to share this with him.

Cancer touches another family

While on vacation I learned from Jody, that a man she knows was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which has spread to liver and lymph nodes. She had asked that I contact this man's wife to help her out. In fact Jody gave her my blog address. Chemoembolization had been mentioned to him, but recently a doctor said to wait a few months and do some kind of hormone shots right now. I have corresponded via emails with her and look forward to talking with her on the phone. She has her hands full, a mother of teenage triplets. As Jody was to me, I will try to be to Barb. Someone she can vent to. I have told her that good things can come out of bad situations, like friendships! Also told her that second/third opinions are quite OK. Be your best advocate. I wish her and especially her husband the best. Keep the faith.

Today I had an interview for another department within the bank. I left the interview knowing that I gave it my best shot. Am praying to get the job, as I've not been happy where I am. Don't want to get burnt out. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Will know within a week I believe.

I did take lots of pics on vacation. But have to take the time to organize them. Soon I will post some online.

Home sweet home

Woke up to rain this a.m. but the ride home was in the bright sunshine. Got home in about 6 1/2 hrs.

Glad to report that there were no truck or trailer problems. Everything worked just fine.

Trailer has been unpacked, sheets are being washed, and the grass has been cut with Tim's help. Boy, did it grow in 2 weeks. Tim will be weed wacking tomorrow for sure.

Was glad to see turkeys still in the neighborhood when we came home. Also bought some fresh Amish corn! Hope it's tasty.

That's it for now. A great vacation.

Vacation time is winding down...

We're one night away from being home from our vacation. Staying at a beautiful campground in Verona, NY. It's associated with a casino called Turning Stone. We went to the casino and had our dinner there. Did not spend any cash at the casino itself! For the first time this vacation, I had a swimsuit on and went in the pool. While there I spent over an hr. talking with a very nice woman who had pulled into the campground at same time as we did. They are from Nevada and own over 580 acres on a ranch. They are driving a large diesel pusher like my brother owns. Traveling for about 3months and going up through east side of Canada. Really enjoyed talking with her. Why is it that you meet the nicest people on your last day? May give her my email address to keep in touch. They also use laptop to communicate with family. Got to the campsite at about 3 p.m. Such a beautiful campground, no tents allowed. A nice pull through site with the luxury of 99 cable channels and wireless internet service. Life is good.

Hard to remember everything we did while on the Cape. Especially since I didn't blog daily. We had an early 85th birthday party for my father. It was done early to coincide with us being on the Cape. There was so much food there. Lobsters galore. We treated my father like a King. There was about 45 guests there.

Tim went whale watching one day with my sister and saw tons of whales. He really enjoyed that. She packed a nice picnic lunch for the two of them. He's looking forward to doing that trip again. He said it was funny when the whale watcher would stand up top of the boat, tell everyone the location of the sightings, and then all the people would go to that side of the boat and make it lean over.

Barry's cousin Tim and his wife Amy came to see us for two days. A shorter trip for them to see us on the Cape then in Pennsylvania. We were able to go out to with them for a couple of meals. It was great seeing them. The weather was not in agreement, so we were not able to ride the canal with them.

The time went by much too quickly. Did not do all that we had wanted to do, not enough time. But we did spend time with family which was a priority for us. I am certainly going to have to get back to the track for some laps. Had lots of seafood, could have had more ice cream! Didn't make it to Partee Freeze. Next time!

Tomorrow we leave here and head home. Til then....

Have not had luxury of internet while on the Cape. The time is going by too quickly. Not sure if we'll be able to do all that we wanted to do. Tim is actually gone for a whale watching trip with Maureen as I visit with my parents and use their computer. Barry's going to be working on Dad's computer after I sign off.

Weather has been nice. Enjoying the views of the Cape Cod canal. We've been watching a lot of DVD's each evening. The local grocery store rents them from a self service machine like a soda machine. All for only $1.00 each day. Can't beat that.

Well, time to sign off and enjoy family. Looking forward to seeing Cousin Tim and his wife tomorrow who are coming from Ct. Should be a good time.

Lunch at the beach

Since arriving on the Cape, have not had luxury of internet access at our new campsite. Right now I'm online at my dad's house. As they say, having a good time. Tim and I have played scrabble and yahtzee in the evening, rented DVD last night. Yesterday Tim and I rode bikes on the Cape Cod Canal, a 7 mile bike path. Very nice ride. (even though the wind was against us on the ride back). We've been enjoying the seafood, having it whenever possible.

Today we went to see my brother who is camping near Provincetown in his RV. In preparation for a sunny day at the beach, we took bathing suits and suntan lotion. Unfortunately, it rained most of the time we were there. You can never plan the weather. Once again, Doug went all out on cooking us a nice meal. Spaghetti and meatballs, hamburgs and hotdogs served under the awning of the RV.

And we got to experience traffic on the way back from the beach. And we have still some miles to go before we actually get back to our campsite. Have heard on the radio that there is the usual traffic backup. Not looking forward to that. I certainly don't miss traffic. Love my country living!

On our way...

We made it to our first stop at about 2:30 p.m. Staying at a nice KOA campground in Herkimer, NY. Have about 330 miles/5 hrs. to travel tomorrow to reach Cape Cod. Not including what could be heavy holiday traffic. Sitting in camper, using laptop and being online. I know some people, like Cousin Tim, would say that is not camping! Oh yes, the satellite dish is outside so we have cable also. Life is good. Cooked spaghetti (well, heated up jar of sauce Meg) and bratwurst on the grill for dinner. A nice dinner.

Not sure when we will be leaving in a.m. Time will tell. Very hot here. Temps in 80s. Til tomorrow....