Friday, January 16, 2009

Pictures of Jane at hospital........




These pictures were taken yesterday at the hospital. Jane did look good and had a good visit with her friend Doreen. Thanks for sending the pictures to me and Moe. All our love and prayers are with you Jane today.........

AWAKE SINCE 4 AM!!

Jane's mind is perfect. She had known I was to call her at 7AM and right at 6:59AM she calls me and tells me in a very hoarse voice that she has been up since 4am and that u know maureen that at 4 am u have to take someone's temperature and wake them up!!! States I can't talk any more as I have to rest up for 1pm. I think the conversation lasted less than a 10 second countdown. I am glad Jane is still in control as she has been in the past. U go Jane and my final words were take the VERSID-that pre med that makes u relax and not remember getting on the operating table. Here comes the positive energy wave/prayers from Holliston in 10 below zero weather so it might move slower---today. Told her of recent posts quickly. May u do tons of cat naps today and breeze thru todays surgery. U know everyone loves u bunches!! adios moe

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Jane the funny one tonight.........

I just got a phone call from Pretty Patty and she told me what Jane told a doctor that went into her room and asked what she was having done tomorrow. Leave it to Jane....She told him she was having breast implants and a penial implant. She is too funny...I wouldn't have thought of it in the first place, never mind saying it. Good for you Jane. We will all be saying a prayer for you tomorrow and know you will come thru with the grace you always show. We all love you very much.................
Eileen

A SURPRISE PHONE CALL

my caller id says it is jane's cell and could it be. Well it is jane and she shares the following information with me. Several doctors saw her today including the lung surgeon and her lady cancer md's assistant-don't know names. They say go for it at this stage. She begins to cry and says this will be the last procedure she goes thru-how much more can i take". I told her to ease her mind and focus her energy on resting for the operation tomorrow. She knows after this discussions need to be made as to how much more treatment will be.She is ever so excited to mention to me that Mr Joe Hopkins-u know he is 89 years old maureen visited and also woman from the Dean's Office at the College-? name sorry-she took couple pics and will send to me.
It has snowing most of day and school cancelled for tim tomorrow. Told her I forgot to mention the iv's needed yesterday as her blood pressure was low and her pulse was high-u know she wants the details posted!! She will be in the hospital for 7 days. She knows of postings received and thanks u all for same! She did have a lot of pain after the echo today-on oxycontin and between morphine meds like at home. Left me with telling me her mouth was dry from talking, she had a roomate and they moved her to another room and that she was NPO after midnoc for the operation tomorrow. I will call her in am. P>S> JANE after i printed this the first time i pressed publish post and the whole thing disappeared as it did for u other night!! must be a kay moment!! ADIOS MOE AND LETS TRY TO POST AGAIN

"I'M EXHAUSTED"

jane says short while ago-"too many doctors to remember who,echo testing,my mind is exhausted and too full to think" Barry and Tim with her. Surgery set for 1pm tomorrow. I won't talk to her til the am as she is beat! She is short of breath when she speaks. Says she needs to sleep.

jane just called

and said they were going to do it tomorrow morning at 730am!!

"good morning and I can't wait to brush my teeth"

Just spoke briefly to Jane and received the above quote!! She sounded stronger in her voice and said she was on and off awake until midnight and then her door was shut.Stated she was more comfortable than yesterday with the oxygen. Also said she had the staff put on her chart that she had decided to have the fluid removed. I told her of posting responses-calls to all etc. We talked about a lot in probably less than a minute. Isn't it weird that so much can be accomplished in that short span of time and then at work u might sit in a meeting for hours and accomplish absolutely ZIPPO!! I did mention that me and barry as her health care agents would help her along this journey as she had requested us to way back when.Her response was "yes" Told her I would catch up with her later and to rest. adios moe

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

DECISIONS TO BE MADE!!

Just talked to Barry after Tim and he visited Jane. He said they met with a lung surgeon-discussed options of treatment of fluid in the lungs-needle drainage,talc powder etc.-would this return again-to do or not to do? Right now on hold-spoke to Jane quickly-less sob-says need to make decisions-told her for tonight just try to rest her mind,get comfort with the oxygen-she had just awaken from a nap. I also asked her to promise me not to get oob by self so she would not fall. Mentioned phones ringing a lot-told me her room across from nurses station. Is in 203 WEST upmc-farrell. I definately told her i am posting for her and she appreciates responses. I did notice the single word answers of YES that happened in the past. Barry did say that the steroid issue would not be good at this point. I personally think I would go once for the drainage as i think it would make her more comfortable with the breathing. Whether or not it would help would not be known in less u tried. My what decisions to be made!!!! If anyone sees her tomorrow snap a pic of her for the blog and send to eileen as she can post on blog! Once again thanks for your concern and prayers. adios moe May u rest tonight comfortably Jane!!

ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD FOR JANE!!

It is moe posting for Jane. I had talked to her last night and knew she was going to the doctor today. Yesterday I had asked Barry to call me after he took her to the appointment. I spoke to him at 11:30 and he said the Pittsburg Md and her local cancer Md. directed them to go directly to the Farrel hospital-not sure of spelling. After testing done, Jane just called me and said she was just admitted to the hospital-spoke briefly as she is exhausted and still with shortness of breath-on some oxygen-xray still shows fluid in the lungs-she said plans are to remove the fluid but doesn't know when. I asked her if she mentioned the imbalance mentioned and she said yes. She asked me to post on her blog-once again let us all help her climb out of the "road ruts" adios moe

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Making an appt. to see Dr. in a.m.

I have a 9:30 a.m. appt. with oncologist. Going to mention to her my latest symptoms, especially getting tipsy while just walking Then I'm going to call my neurosurgeon to tell him. Maybe the 2 doctors can put their knowledge together long distance to see what could possily be up. Today was in bed practically the whole day. And when I have a.m. phlem it's so painful to bring it up. I sort of hearing a weasing noise when I breath. All is all, I'm pretty uncomfortable especially when I tear up.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Did I just do that?

These past couple of days I've been noticing my body doing things that I have to be honestly honest about. Like today, twice I've caught myself leaning a bit too the left and the need to stop myself. I have to give the same medicine that we gave my mother as she was going through dementia. Limit the driving or just eliminate it so no one gets hurt. These are tough words to say and even to type. The process of change it's a tough one to handle.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Titan radio for church

I was up but not about for church this a.m. For some reason I am not fast in pulling myself together. So I knew it was on the college radio station and I was all set. Under the covers and in my jammies. Now you can't beat that. Oh yes, just forgot something that makes that statement false. I had to miss seeing my friends and having nice conversations. And I was so looking forward to 2 steppin'.
Hard to visualize what was being done with a potato.

We ended up getting about a little over a foot of snow. And no, dad, I didn't even touch it.

Can't even remember what I did today. Must have just slept, slept and a little more sleep. Just walking around the house I seem to run out of breath. I think if this becomes too much for me the liquid can be drained. Just not sure how that is determined.

Thanks for stopping by.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

See what you are missing, Janet and Chuck?

 

 
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A real man's boot.

 
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Guess who took this picture?

 
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Our creek.

 
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My angels by the creek can barely be seen.

 
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Mail call.

 

 
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About 12 " snow. Am thankful for the top being paved.

 

 

 

 
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Yesterday and my doings

I can't retype all that I typed because it took me so long, plus I can't remember it.
I had a MUGA heart scan in the afternoon after going out to lunch with Barry. He dropped me off at the hospital and went for his own blood work at cancer center. I was early for my appt. and they were early. Worked out perfectly. Carrie and Kerry (unsure of spelling) were the technicians who worked the machine. The reason I got messed up on my blog was because I was trying to find a picture of a MUGA machine.
Which I did but by the time I went to put it on my blog***you got it. Gonzo.
I had run out of business cards promoting my blog so just told the techs the website address. They found it in no time and just loved to look at the entries and pictures. Then they wrote the address down on a piece of paper to look at later.
Everyone has been so kind. But as the saying goes, be nice to others and they will be nice to you. Nothing genious about that.

Barry and I ran to outlets. He got a couple of pans. Got home at 4 p.m. and I went to lie down. I think you will know the answer to this question: what time did I get up? You got it. After midnight. I missed dinner, Tim making good brownies and Barry baked some muffins. That's why I was still up at 1 a.m. last night.

We have been having snow all day yesterday and today. No accumulation yesterday, but during the night it came down bucket loads. I think we have about 1 foot and it's still snowing now and into tomorrow. I hope it stops for church tomorrow.
Barry and Tim are outside shoveling and snow blowing.

I have seen some changes in my body lately. Even when I walk (especially in a.m.) I lose my breath and it aches on my left. I've been taking prescription strength ibuprofen along with an anxiety pill. I feel the best when relaxing on the recliner.
Even when I just empty the dish washer that takes my breath away. That's why Barry has told Tim to do that job for me. May take him awhile but it gets done. And isn't that what it's all about?

Well, I've got to go see how the boys are doing outside. I used to love snow removal. Most people dislike it, but I always enjoyed that and cutting the grass.
Call me weird.

I lost all that I just typed!!

Boo hoo. I just lost all that I typed. Considering the time, you'll have to wait until tomorrow. Sorry....

Friday, January 09, 2009

MUGA Heart Scan today 1:30 p.m.

Yesterday I didn't get up until noon. Not that I was asleep the whole time. Checked to see if Tim had 2 hr. delay at school. He didn't. But that didn't matter because he was sick. Some kind of flu. When you put eyes hurt together with being chilled/hot you get the flu in my opinion. He actually got up before me. I asked him if Barry had mentioned anything about me to him, and he said he did. His response was the same as all the other times to me. He said it's OK, you'll (I'll)
make it through it, you've done it before. He gives me inspiration. From that point on yesterday I was my same old self. Take away the pain and I am left with my positive outlook.

Eventually I showered and got into some clean jammies. My afternoon was full of visitors. It was a great afternoon. Lisa H. stopped by because a little birdie told her I was having a difficult time. She shared a prayer and had a nice conversation.
Linda F. had given me a beautiful heart necklace this week which I showed Lisa H.
Next thing I knew she was taking off a pair of heart shaped earrings she had been wearing. It was her gift to me so I would have a perfect match. You can't beat sincerity like that.

(off the subject: last night my sister Maureen called. She was crying out of concern for me. I said not to cry. Her remark was remembering what kind of environment we live in. All the caring people. Truly sincere people.
The kind of people when they offer to do something, they mean it. I agreed with her. She stopped crying right away.)

Later in the evening (unplanned which makes for a better time) 4 of my friends stopped by to say hi. One brought rosary beads (made from rose pettles) blessed by the pope. We shared so many laughs as I lay in my recliner. My illness was not the center of conversation which was nice. I had told them of the earrings being given to me, and of the comment I should have made to Lisa H. I should have said hey, I like your car! Perhaps she would have given that to me.! I think they were here for about 2 hrs. but I never looked at the clock. When asked how I was feeling, I said that pain was minimal in the position I had been in. Alright if I don't take deep breaths. I truly enjoyed the evening. An evening of not watching TV.

Tim had gone to bed while my friends were here. You know he's sick when he does that.

And now for today. Tim woke up and he did go to school. I got up at about 9:30 a.m.
Will shower and get ready for my MUGA heart scan today. From my past memory I think it takes a total of two hrs. Barry will be taking me as he has his own stuff to do.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Liquid or something on my lungs. What else?

I was in pain this am. again. Think it has been 4th day. Called oncologist office and they scheduled a stat CT scan locally. Both were side by side. Barry drove me,
I had the test and they said to stick around for the results. Since Barry was out in truck, (12:45 p.m. and my appt. with oncologist 1:15 p.m.) I told him he could go home. I then called my neighbor Mrs. S. to pick me up when I was done at oncologist.
To make long story short, there was a bit of confusion. I was to go next door to oncologist and they would tell me outcome. Right then I knew somethin was not kosher. All along I have known by body, and today was no exception. She told me that I was getting that pain due to liquid out of lungs (I can't really remember what she said, should have some one come with me), the main pain is belt high left side waste. And she listened to my lungs and she could hear the liquid.

#2-I've inherited a large lymhph node on my left breast. I had for some reason found it myself the light before. Feels so squishy to me. Probably would show up as cancer knowing my history. And if it was to be drained, there could even be cancer behind me. I tell you, my lucky day.

That cancer is so fast moving. And it is so painful. Hard to breathe in and out.
She's ordered a MUGA scan for Friday at local hospital. Not sure on transportation at this time. SHe is doing another MUGA scan to make sure my heart is doing OK with the chemo. Think it was borderline when I started, so if it has decreased capacity
will have to change the chemo drug.

Still have to call dr. tomorrow to ask questions: is there pain relief, will this liquid dry up or grow, what's the next step?

Today my CT scan technician got to talking with me. I explained my blog, gave her my card that shows my blog address. She said I must inspire so many people and then asked for a hug. We hugged and couple of tears flowed from her eyes. I agree.

I'm not afraid of dieing, but it comes down to being able to say I've done a great job with Tim. One of my goals was accomplished: got him into a good college. My next goal is to see him graduate from high school this June 2009. People have told me that you can tell Tim is a good rounded off person. And that comes from his surroundings.

When I got home this p.m. I went to bed after Barry went to work 3:15ish. I just woke up at 10:30 p.m. Didn't know where I was. Tim was already in bed, heard he was coming down with something. Probably no school for him in a.m.

Just to breathe normal is very painful. My to do list will include a call to Dr. S.
oncologist.

Wasn't able to do lunch with Patti, but has been rescheduled for tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

No decadron for me, PA said...

When I don't write there's usually a reason. I did speak to my nerosurgeon's P/A
and she said that decadron is not given, too many side effects. After I hung up I thought of saying death is a side effect I'm living with. I had emailed dr. for him to call me back, but he had given my email to her to call me. Said I should call primary dr. or oncologist. He only deals with the brain. Mentioned also that I felt my speech was regressing from the surgery. My voice hesitates at time just like before. I'm aware of it, have to think before I talk. This was talked about in my 2nd email. She had to call me back as she was not aware of that one. She did and dr. suggested MRI to see if things are OK. Told her that I will get back to her if it occurs more regularly.

Pain: presently (past couple of days) I've been having pain when I breathe in and out. Also, on my left side of my body, where top of my underwear is hurts. Am not sure what body part is there. I was going to make an appt. with oncologist, but it does appear better this evening. Will call her if it is still there in a.m.

I'm going backwards I think. Back to my long naps. Back to being tired. Back to old speech. I wish I could go back those days before Christmas. Especially in church. I felt I was on top of the world. A zombie is what I call myself.

On to a good note. I'm looking forward (yes) to having lunch tomorrow with Patti.
Have not done lunch in a long time.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Cyberknife complete

The cyberknife procedure took about 2 hrs. I only asked for one break near the end. Went to the bathroom just to stretch. Dr. wouldn't prescribe decadron (steroid) which in my opinion was the miracle drug. He had mentioned going back on it after cyberknife as my equilibrium could be effected. Without it all I do is sleep and my pain is minimal. Like before I went to the Cape it hurts when I breathe in and cough. Don't know what that's all about. I just know the days I was on the steroid after coming out of hospital were the best days for me. I felt great. I may end up asking my oncologist for script. (or just go to nearest street corner!)
JOKE

Friday, January 02, 2009

CYBERKNIFE OF BRAIN COMPLETE!!

just spoke to jane quickly when i got home from work 415p-she is resting and said it took TWO HOURS!! ADIOS MOE

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Too much to remember...

Let me try to remember what happened since I last posted:

My brother Doug and his daughter came to Cape to see us on Monday. It's his only day off, so any time he spent with us is a million dollars. It was great seeing both of them. Another chance for Tim to see a cousin. We went out to lunch at local restaurant. They came down in their motorhome. I had seen him (not that I remember) in April when I had my first brain tumor. So he was quite pleased to see me walking/talking.

Tuesday we went back to see his parents and to say good bye to them.

We heard about a snow storm coming east. So we talked it over and decided to leave Tuesday night instead of the next morning. The 3 of us napped in the afternoon hrs.,
had some scallops wrapped in bacon, and left the Cape at 8:30 p.m. We were glad we did this. Oh yes, we threw pennies out the window as we drove over the bridge. This means that we will return. I think it's something I made up years ago. But it works.

Barry and Tim shared the driving both ways. I got to stay in the back seat, blanket and pillow beside me. I didn't really sleep, but I had the luxury of not driving.
On the return trip Barry drove all but the last 3 hrs. I don't know how he did that.
We didn't get home until 6:10 a.m. All the driving was during the night. Not my cup of tea. We hit snow flurries where it always snows, Snow Shoe. At times they even close that part of Rt 80 because of the weather. The flurries didn't last that long. And then bad weather came the last 45 minutes or so of the trip. Tim was driving. It snowed along with mist. You could see temperatures rise and fall, nearing the 32 degree mark. I think this was Tim's initiation into winter driving.
At some parts of the trip you couldn't see ahead of you. White out conditions.
I was so glad to get off the main road and into my driveway. I sighed a bit of relief. And kissed Tim and Barry for a safe trip. Was glad I wasn't driving because if it was me, I would have pulled off the road and found a nice hotel!

Yesterday after arriving home in the morning we immediately went to bed. I think Tim was in bed within 10 minutes. I was the last person to wake up after a few hrs.
And I didn't even drive. Later in the day the boys were watching a movie and I went to take a nap. Tim had a New Years Eve party to attend later in the evening. Do you know what? I slept right through dinner, Tim going out to party and new years eve. I didn't even see the ball drop. Maybe it didn't! I was awaken at 1:30 a.m. when Tim and his friend came home from the party. I truly must have been pooped.

And today Barry was out to the store while I slept. Then the boys got up, and it was my turn to get out of bed finally at 9:30 a.m. I guess I had enough sleep. I didn't dare take a "nap" today.

Oh by the way. Dr's office called and I'm scheduled for cyberknife again tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. It's going to be for 90 minutes this time. And for just one session. Unlike before. I'm definitely going to take a pill to relax. At least I know what to expect this time.

Well, I hope I covered it all. You can't put a price on a good time. I'm blessed to have such a family considering that so many families are not close. And I'm blessed to live in such caring surroundings.

I want to wish everyone a healthy New Year. I am lucky. Who can say that they've been through 2 brain surgeries and are able to write and talk about it? None that come to my mind.

PS. As I drove away from my parents house that night, I did not shed any tears. I did all that I wanted to do. It was meant that Maureen came to see me recently as she was sick while we were there. I did miss seeing my oldest sister Eileen. She too was sick. She's the sister who likes to clean my house!

I just love their coal stove. We used to have one just like it.

 
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My brother came to see us. Even though he took time out to do his business.

 

 
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It was a nice surprise for me to see Stephanie, my niece. She came with her dad to see us.

 

 

 
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My parents. They were truly surprised when we visited them unexpectedly.

 
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We had such a nice visit with Barry's aunt, uncle and his cousin Deb.

 
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On the road. If you look closely at the rear view mirror, you'll see Tim sleeping.

 

 

 

 
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Christmas Day. I got Keds.

 

 

 

 
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Tim and his cousins. A traditional Christmas picture. Amazes me how much everyone has grown.

 
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Barry and his parents.

 
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Christmas with the whole Kaminske klan. All together, which is rare. A great day!

 
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