Radiation/Day 13

Internet was down last night. Boy did I feel lost without it.

Found out today at work that someone in my department is moving to another department. His name is Matt and for all those busy days at work, he was the other person usually answering the calls with me. I will truly miss him as he is one of the "good guys." I'm happy for him, sad for me. And I realize that management probably doesn't even realize that this is a loss to the department. Oh well. He's going to be working with a friend of mine called Leya (she left our dept. end of last year). Funny how things work out.

When I got home from picking Tim up from soccer, I found an aloe plant on my doorstep. There was no note. I was so pleased to get such a thoughtful gift. I could not figure out who left it there. A short while ago, my neighbor Eleanor B. called to tell me that she had left the plant for me. Just another angel in my life! I had spoken to her over the weekend and told her that Aileen had given me some aloe pieces and that I was using them. Just another kind gesture. Thanks.


Barry goes for his 6th chemo treatment tomorrow. I won't be going with him, but plan to visit with him after my 3 p.m. radiation treatment. Isn't that nice: one in chemo/the other in radiation. Who could have predicted such an event? He wanted to go solo and hope to sleep some while there. I'm going to bring him a special dessert when I see him.

Radiation/Day 11

When you put system down and a Monday together: you get a bad day on the job. No need to say anything else.

Went for my 11th treatment today. Got to meet with my doctor for the weekly checkup. All is going well. Next week, after my 15th treatment, I will have blood work to check to see if everything is actually AOK.

Tim goes back to school tomorrow. And I hope for a better day at work.

Tim and I slept in camper last night for something different. Eileen, you said the rain was soothing as you slept in camper in April: last night it kept me awake! It would come down heavy at different times during the night. I think I'll be napping this afternoon...

Off to church. Checking out a new one to see if they play more upbeat music.

Church results: shorter mass and music a bit better. But not like the church we went to on Long Island. I never realized how modern that church was until we left and came here.

Before Barry went to work we made a trip to Dutch Isle for some ice cream. In front of the restaurant the town has one of those signs that displays the speed you are traveling. While we were sitting there a buggy flew by so fast. And we thought of TimBa. If only he was with us to videotape that, plus we wondered if the buggy's speed showed on the display! He certainly was going more than 35 mph. Where were you when we needed you?

I took a nice afternoon nap (continue not to have sweats). Tim rode his bike for about 3 miles.

After dinner, Tim and I did short walk.

All in all, a pretty nice weekend. But then, it was a pretty nice week!

I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful meals that were delivered to us. And to Michelle S. who co-ordinated the schedule. They were truly a blessing. I've called her and for now the angels can have a break. But she has told me that I can start it up at any moment. And I also want to thank everyone who has taken Tim to and from an event. I know this will continue but I am truly appreciative. I've learned to accept help along the way.

Here's to a new week. Tim is now a freshman, new classes, and new activities. He will be playing in the band at our first football game this Friday. Even though I'm not much of a school football fan I think I will enjoy just seeing him play each game.

I've had my third night of sleep without experiencing any night sweats! My first night was when Tim had arrived. Perhaps he brought me good luck, or perhaps the medication is working. Either way I hope it continues. Sure does make my life easier.

Haven't done much today. After a busy work week I do enjoy my weekend. A time to relax from work and radiation. So far radiation is a piece of cake compared to chemo. Hope it continues to be that way for the remaining 5 weeks.

Tim had soccer practice again today. This past month has been a busy summer month for him. Started with band camp and practice, and then soccer camp. I think he's going to have a busy school year. He doesn't even have a study hall this year. Jammed pack with classes. But that's a good thing. I am confident he can continue to do well in school along with enjoying the sport of soccer.

PS. Hoppe: I did take a nice nap today!

After dinner we went for ice cream at Dairy Queen. Dutch Isle was closed at 6:30 p.m.. Hard to believe that. And we had our hearts set on that place. Soon it will be closed for the season.

A great week

It's Friday and as I look back at this week I say: what a great week! It's been a long 5 months but this week was one of the good weeks. We got to see Vinny and Darlene from LI and of course cousin Tim. Lots of good memories to keep close to our hearts. Have a safe trip home, Tim and as you may have said in the past "slice of heaven." (memory a bit gone, or similar words!). And as everyone knows, we always have room at the inn. And when you return, we'll even have more Amish for you to see. By the way, I think we satisfied your requirements: Beef Jerkey, Vodka, and Pizza.

Off to work but it's already a good day. I get to wear jeans today. That's a plus in itself.

And when I come home tonight, I will have 2 weeks of radiation done. It is going very fast in my opinion.

The house was too quiet when I came home from work today. No men in the house. Barry working, cousin Tim gone and Tim at soccer. Eventually Tim came home and we went out to McDonald's for quick bite. And then to Staples for some school supplies. School starts next Tuesday for Timster.

I cut the lawn while Tim washed my truck. Thought that was a good deal. And now Tim has a friend sleeping over.

Enjoying Tim's company

Barry was able to show his cousin more of our country today. Tim pokes fun at our country living here, but deep down inside I think he wants to be Amish. But I don't think Amish live near the ocean, and that's a requirement for him.

I had my 9th radiation treatment.

The 2 Tims did some target practice out back with our Tim this afternoon. They seem to enjoy that.

We went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner which was about 10 miles away. To cousin Tim it felt like it was an hour away. But for us, it was just a short ride. And if I may say so, they had good sangria. This is a must for a Mexican restaurant.

And as I sit here typing my thoughts for the day, I realize that cousin Tim will be leaving tomorrow. And I realize that I don't have any pics of him and myself. That's what happens when you take the pictures. The time sure did go too quickly but am so thankful that he took the time to come visit us. It certainly did brighten Barry's spirits. Thank you.

The 2 Tims got a chance to play with the pellet gun. 

Barry and Tim. Home on the range. 

Tim relaxing after a day with the Amish. 

Cuzzin Tim arrives today

Barry will be going to pick up Cuzzin Tim at airport this a.m.

Radiation/Day 8.

Barry picked up Tim at the airport. Actually the plane was a bit early. Before Barry had even left for the airport, he bought some beef jerky for him. One of his requests for the visit. They arrived at the house shortly after noon. It was so great to see Tim. It's been too long in between visits. And I've said this before when my family was here in April: Family IS the best medicine. Not only do I feel it, I know that Barry is truly enjoying his cousin's visit.

We went out to lunch at Rachel's and then I took off for my daily radiation treatment. It was actually nice not having to run back to work after the appointment.

Barry went to work for a couple of hours. This allowed me the time to give Tim a tour of the Amish countryside. He kept saying to me "show me some Amish". He was able to get good footage of some local Amish (OK to photograph if not asked to pose) as I made a purchase of fresh tomatoes. Eileen, you would have loved to see the young 'uns. So cute.

While Tim was at band practice, the three of us went out to dinner. He compared the area we live in to being like Alaska frontier! I think Tim is in culture shock being in this area. While sitting outside this afternoon with him, he was amazed that he only saw 2 kids riding bikes and perhaps a total of 5 vehicles on our road. And mom, he also likes the sound of clip/clop of the horses. He needs to be close to the ocean like my father. But for now in my life, the silence of this area is so soothing to my soul.

Well, it's a little before 11 p.m. and the big boys are in bed already. A busy but enjoyable day. Unfortunately I have to work tomorrow, but this will give Barry and his cousin time to be together.

Radiation/Day 7

Actually the # of days is going pretty fast. The woman I met last week named Sue finished her treatment today. Gave her a hug for good luck.

I got a special delivery at the bank today from a special lady, Aileen. It was delivered to a woman I know at the bank, Sue M. It was a piece of aloe from her plant to be used on my radiated area. Aileen, if you are reading this I want you to know that Sue M. thought you were one special lady. She really enjoyed talking to you. She's seen you somewhere else. I agreed with her.

All set for Tim#1 tomorrow. Or as someone might think, George Clooney. Can't wait to see him. He's always been very special to us/me. We've been married 25 years so I've known him for a little more than that. After all, look who our son Tim was named after.. One of the good guys.

Radiation/Day 6

1/6th of my way done with treatment. Really is going fast in my opinion. Met with my dr. today. Once a week that happens.

Barry's boss from LI, Vinnie and his wife Darlene stopped by and took us out to dinner. It was great seeing them. They had been to a wedding in Pennsylvania and always do take the time to visit us. They're on their way back home now. Glad it's them driving all the way and not me. I hate that ride on Rt. 80.

Nothing else to report. It's already a good week and it's going to get even better. Can't wait for Wednesday to come.

One week done with radiation. Can you see me glowing? I light up my back yard. 

I'm having a "hair-a-bration"! Nice and soft. I love it. I love just touching it. Barry calls it "chicken feathers." 

A resting day

Tim slept over at Ben's house after being treated like a King at the Indians game. He kept talking about how nice the accomodations were, and that the Indians even won the game. It's nice to see how the other half lives. He will remember that treat for a long time.

Barry and I both got up late again this morning. And I don't have any guilt about it. Just seemed to be tired a lot. Can't wait for a good nights sleep. Even took an afternoon nap (Tim did also on the couch).

In the morning we all did yard work. Barry and Tim did weed wacking and I did more lawn mowing. We all worked up a good sweat.

My truck didn't even leave the yard today. I did only to take a walk with Tim this evening. Yes, I walked. He made me do it!

Other than that, it was a nice quiet day. No complaints. Tomorrow I meet with my radiologist oncologist to review my first week of radation. I meet every Monday with him. Has to make sure that they are lining up the points of radiation correctly.

One more thing: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!

Special treats

I got a package today from probably my longest known girl friends today, Mary Lou. When we visited her on Nantucket we went to see her sister Patty. In Patty's home there was a beautiful picture of house. It had the appearance that you were actually there and looking at it. Hard to describe/fence and all. Really touched me. And the gift was that same picture. Brought good tears to my eyes as I opened and read the note: You said you liked it, I hope you do. Because you're stuck with it! Something like that. Thank you Mary Lou.

Tim also got a nice treat today. Got invited to see Cleveland Indians play this evening with his friend Ben and family. He was excited to be invited, but guess what? Not just ordinary seats, they will be sitting in a suite! Can't beat that.
So today is a pretty good day for our family. Nice friends.

So, when he leaves for the game shortly, I think that will be my time to hit the bed.
Thunder and rain around. Perfect opportunity to take a nap. I still don't sleep well at night, but I think the pill I take in the evening for night sweats is helping. Not getting up as often. Someone at my job found one of those hand held fans, like you see at a Chinese restaurant. So at night I can fan myself when needed. Made of nice fabric. She said she found it at a flea market for a buck. Good buy.

When do 5 days equal 1 week?

Answer:

When you are having radiation treatment! I now have 1 week completed out of 7 weeks of radiation. Yeah, yeah. And I'm not even glowing in the dark...

TGIF. A much calmer day at work today. Thank goodness.

Radiation/Day 4

My how time flies when you're having fun. One week almost done with. Yeah.

As for a small world, it continues. I work with someone who also knows Sue who is ending her radiation treatment at the Center. And now Aileen knows her. And yes, she rides her bike all the time. Another nice person.

Another friend of mine is using aloe plant for her radiation treatment. Aileen, perhaps I could try that route. I could stop by the store during my lunch to get it.
Just post what's convenient for you. That would be great.

The girl who had jury duty at my job returns to work tomorrow. Another YEAH in capital letters. I was smart today. I actually took my whole lunch hour.

Just think, next week we get to enjoy TimBa. A triple YEAH.

Radiation/Day 3

Maureen suggested I have an advent calendar where I can open up the dates as I go through my radiation countdown.

Ditto for the job today....But one thing, I actually got an email from my supervisor saying thanks for the hard work these past days. That was nice. She and I have been the sole workers.

While waiting for my appt. I got to talking with the woman who goes before me. She actually lives in same town, one street away. Small world isn't it. Very nice woman, her name is Kathleen. Another woman there actually comes from a pool every day, now that's the life I want to have! Says her suit is sometimes still wet.

Tim played at the local county fair in the band this evening. Pretty active fair for such a country area. Lots of people there. I got stood up though. My son is growing up too fast. Decided he would rather hang out with the girls rather than me. How cruel is that!!? So I gave him the money and he was on his way to a fun evening. Me, I settled for some french fries by myself. Not what I had planned to do but at least he's happy.

Now I'm home. Tim's got a ride home with his friends. We're so lucky to have such good friends to take Tim places. Truly blessed.

One more thing. Opened up my mail to find that I got summoned for Jury Duty! But alas, I can't serve since I will still be going through radiation. Shucks. Would have been so much better than working. Just have to get doctor's note showing my medical condition. I can not miss any radiation.

Radiation/Day 2

It was day 2 for another hell of a day at my job, and day 2 for my radiation. Once again, only 2 of us working a Help Line. And it could be that way for the rest of the week. I'm not sure how much longer I can work under such conditions. I've been going in a bit early just to compensate for the time away for my radiation appt. in the afternoon. And not even taking a whole lunch. And to think this is the time I need to rest and get strong for these 7 weeks of radiation. Something's wrong with this picture. In my opinion, considering how hard I have worked these past couple of days, you would think a boss could say two small words to me: thank you. But I guess that is for dreamers. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if I was able to get a good night's sleep.

I leave work at 2:30 p.m. and go directly to my appointment, and back to work by a little past 3 p.m. While there, I talk to others and they can't believe that I'm running for radiation while working full time. You get to meet and talk with same people each day due to everyone being on a schedule. Nice people.

Well, enough of me bitchin' in plain English. Can't call it PMS!

Oh yes, as for people suggesting nice sounds to sleep by: I wish I could but I'm the type person who needs quiet while sleeping. Perhaps I've got to change my ways in my young life...