Apologies...

My apologies in loosing my right side widgets...was trying to change my background and thought I had everything saved before changing it...give me time and I'll have it all back on...

So while I'm on, I will bring elf...eryone up to date...:D...he saw Dr. Todd yesterday and got the staples removed and the post-op wounds are looking good...the doc has agreed that for now he can do the p.t. on his own...he's to return in four weeks and have x-rays to see how it's healing...the x-rays we got to look at yesterday were awesome...I mean in that you saw the rod and screws holding it all together and the fracture...just like in his arm...looks like playing tug of war and the rope would break in the middle...well the break was in the area of the tumor and looking at the x-rays the leg was pinned together pretty good as far as matching the the two sides together to hopefully heal itself...that's what they wanted to do with his arm and he said no...also his cancer hadn't been contained yet to keep it from spreading any further...with this break the docs had no choice but to go in and put the rod in his leg to help it heal as much as it can...

With both ortho and oncologist docs, they both agreed he can get started back on his "Sutent" which will be the 5th round but just 2 weeks late starting back on...don't know how this will affect the tests being done again at the end of June...may be postponed til middle of July...the tests referring to are the CT and whole body bone scan...which both tests take 2 and 4 hours due to the contrast he has to drink and then the nucleur shot for him to light up like a Christmas tree and this is all to see how the "Sutent" is stopping the progression of the cancer...we are now working at beating the odds again and pushing for that year...we get past that year then we'll push for that 2nd year :D...just like Patrick Swayze...he's beat the odds and putting up a fight...he's going into his 2nd year...recent fotos in the news showed he was almost skin/bone in the face :(...

A bit melancholy and not much to say...sorry....elf...eryone have a good day...:D

For each ONE of OUR girls...

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Doing better but a sorrowful day too...

First off, our hearts go out to the Jensen family in their loss of Shane. May Gods arms surround them in love and comfort each day. Our prayers are with the family and friends...

Tim is doing better today as far as getting in and out of bed...he still struggles to lift the right leg...he has learned to roll to his side and bring both legs down on his own and with the use of the walker and his jazzy chair he is getting around...he's concerned that he is wearing me down too much...I struggle in the mornings to help him as I'm slow to getting my energy revved up or as he says my 1st wind, 2nd wind or even 3rd wind which kicks in at about bedtime...lol...:D

His pain from the surgery is a lit'l bit less but the rod and screws still give him some discomfort...I think maybe yesterday was his worst day for pain and again I feel that the weather has a lot to do with it...CLOUDY and CHANCE OF RAIN...he didn't realize that the surgery would take so much out of him...now he understands what I went through with my knee/leg surgery in 2003...I didn't even want to move out of bed...I was in hospital 3 weeks, rehab 2 weeks and then had out patient p.t...

He has even lost his appetite somewhat too...thought it was picking back up from being in the hospital but not there since coming home...his coffee buds have come by several times this past week and I played waitress and served them coffee...tehe...that's sounds funn:D...I haven't waitressed for years...

Anyhow, his outlook is better this morning...wishes his appetite was better but that will come in time again..his appointment with the Dr Todd is on Tuesday and hoping doc is happ:D with his progress...he doesn't want p.t. to come to the house anymore...feels he/we can do on his own...oh, did find out the reason for the home nurse to come out is to check his protime (blood levels for coumadin-blood thinner)...the hospital didn't have time to regulate the right levels for him so once he's leveled out then it'll be checked about once a week...for 6 weeks not 3 weeks...I still continue to learn new stuff...


With Mesquite Days here, I hope elf...eryone is being safe and having fun...enjoy your weekend...

Small progress...

He is making small progress...still in quite a bit of pain from the surgery since the screws are in his knee and hip area as well...still some swelling...the 3 post-op wounds are looking good...just the bigger one is still draining yet a little bit...

The home health care nurse came out yesterday to check vitals, take pictures of the wounds and leave dressing changes but MOST IMPORTANTLY to check a drop of blood for his blood thinner level to make sure not getting too much or too little...the nurse used a small machine sort of like a blood sugar monitor but maybe 3x the size or if no one has concept of that try a small cell fone 3x...his blood thinner is at the right level so he took his coumadin yesterday at the same doseage...she will be back on Thursday to check everything again and will be here every 3 days until he is off the coumadin...hopefully in 3 weeks...

The physical therapist came out today...slowly but surely said Tim is making small progress...the pain is expected from surgery but after it's healed due to the cancer he will still have some pain...said Tim handles himself well getting in and out of bed with some of my help on lifting his right leg...went over exercises again that he can do laying in bed to strengthen the leg/knee/hip...he has a harder time lifting his leg and doing the side to side...easy out but hard coming back in with the leg...he needs to work on arm raises and weight arm curls, etc...Tim finds his previous fractured left arm is bothering him at times when he over uses it by pushing his body weight up, etc...

It has been a busy last couple of days for him as well as me...making phones call for this or that and doing follow-up calls on other stuff outside of him...he has an appointment with Dr. Todd on the 5th for staples to be removed and on the 11th for Dr. Joe and see if okay for the infusion and sutent...found out today that the stutent could make his post-op wounds bleed more and so we'll see what Dr Todd has to say on Tuesday and if okay then start his sutent on 8th...

Thank you all for prayers, calling and coming by to check on him...the offers of help...you are kept in mind when the time comes when I can't cover it all or get too tired and run down...

Elf...eryone take care be safe and enjoy your day tomorrow...:D

Released home...

I called nurse Cindy this morning after getting up and she said he would be released sometime today...he had a few things he needed to do...she also had to consult with the ortho doctor and do paper work before he was released...

He had visitors, he did his p.t. anxious to get out...by the time I got there he was
ready to go home and he was just seeing the doctor...nurse Cindy still had to do the paperwork yet after doctor saw him...write up the orders for home health nurse to come in starting tomorrow and check on him, do a blood prick for coumadin levels so he gets the right dosage at least for 3 weeks every 3 days...check post-op wounds and give me more dressing changes and do p.t. with him...

Nurse Cindy said he had to get all the way to the nurses' station before he could go home with home care...lol...he made sure he got that far too...feisty...omg...since we've gotten home, he's settled down quite a bit and calm as a kitten...uses his walker like he's suppose to and there are a few times I remind him about like to breathe as he is exerting himself, as explained to me if you don't breathe as you exert yourself your body temperature goes up...now I know why mine goes up cuz I don't breathe properly at times...a BIG difference again from yesterday...

We get home around 4pm and its been busy for awhile...finally calmed down around 6pm and I ate dinner and he sacked out...very long day for him...he's doing really good...I'm happ:D for that....moved the hospital bed around a little for now til we know what is really going to work and then probably make some more changes...we did notice or should say Red, one of his coffee buds said needed to rig up something that he could grasp better when he's getting into the van...the handle above the passenger seat was a little too high...will work on that one....

He has to see ortho doc in 10 days and reschedule 3rd time an appointment with Dr. Joe in Georgetown and see when he can get the infusion of zometa and when he can start back on his "Sutent"...he should have started on the 23rd...

I will be sleeping out on the couch til I know or the home health nurse feels he's strong enough to be doing things on his own during the night and/or the ortho doc ...so I'll be busy for a while and maybe a bit tired...

Sorry, it's now 11:05pm and just getting back to finish blogging...needed to help him get settled for the night, change dressings as there was drainage and put some ice packs on his hip and knee...til 3am for pain meds unless he wakes sooner and needs something...lol...work out and a half...wow...maybe this will help me to drop a few pounds again...:D

Well, I think I covered most everything...will keep you posted on how he's improving...you'll have a good day and be safe...:D

Improving...

He is improving by about 50% from yesterday (Friday)...to see him get up out of bed and use the walker half way down the hall and back with more ease and understanding of what he needs to do without hurting himself again...like no shuffle of feet or twist turn...found out today that the elderly or someone with compromised bones shouldn't shuffle/twist/turn, too easy to break/fracture their hips...don't get me wrong...he's still in pain because of the surgery but also from the cancer (which that part will probably never totally go away)...

He's spaced his pain meds a little further apart today but not much and he gets the last of the IV toradol tomorrow...it's an anti-inflammatory med...also he's on coumadin a blood thinner to prevent blood clots after surgery...He has to stay on them at least 3 weeks...He was off the oxygen last night but when I got there today late morning...he had it back on and then I noticed blood in his tubing from IV...is he supposed to have blood in his IV???...lol...I was told yes...his RBC (red blood count) was low and that's why he got dizzy this morning and his blood work was showing low too...so oxygen back on for most of the day to help get oxygen flowing back through his red blood cells plus the pint infusion of blood to bring it back up to good levels...he's to let the nurses know at anytime if weak, dizzy and they'll check blood right away and start another infusion of blood...otherwise, it will be checked again in the morning...the way it was explained to me on blood loss was whenever any surgery done on any major/large bone it will have more blood loss/draining after surgery as it heals...
A couple of ice packs were used today to help with the swelling from surgery...he has 3 sights for dressing changes...at the knee where screws were put in...at the hip for the others and the incision in low back side to put rod in...

He is not to put any weight on that leg/hip for at least 6-8 weeks or it could break on him again and possibly be worse...so, I learned a few more things to help assist him at home when the time comes if needed...I have pretty much already done some of it before Thursday...he found at times it was awkward to get up and lift the leg and down to the floor so I would help him...

Not much of an appetite today...their food isn't bad...I suggested the burger yesterday and he liked it...had another one today for dinner but only half...plus his 1/2 cup whippy type ice cream...I had the turkey breast sand tonight and last night it was a chicken salad sand and apple...

He had several visitors today...good to see everyone...his coffee buds, family that came down for the reunion today...which it's the first time he's missed it...Tam at work in Vegas and Charli back in Indiana...both God Sends to us...:D

Tomorrow is the day the doc/nurse determines his status and how soon he'll be released and where...so I'll have more updates tomorrow...hope I've covered everything...

We appreciate everyone reading the blog it really helps to keep all informed...trying to make calls to whom and give all info can get time consuming and chance of leaving people out and we don't mean for it to happen...again apologies if we have overlooked anyone...

You'll have a good day tomorrow and be safe take care and be happ:D ...I know when I'm tired I'm silly...:D

Post-op...

I was late getting there this morning...more closer to noon...heard that his brother came to visit before I got there...he had physical therapy to use walker non-bearing weight on that right leg/hip just a touch toe and all the way to his room door and back and sat in chair for a short bit...hurting...he was in bed when I got there...

At that time, occupational therapy showed up to do an assessment as far as dressing himself, etc and how and what he did to shower...to help decide what was needed for him to do to get stronger and pretty much when he came home do all on his own but be available to help...

Lunch rolled in and he scarfed it down and was ready to get in bed and sleep...uhhh, he no sooner was resting and physical therapy showed up and he refused to get out so they did therapy in bed with the leg-foot slide, side-side, leg raise...in between a few more visitors and another visit from occupational therapy...he didn't get out again so they worked on the arm-curls, raise up arm, couple others not sure proper name for them...he sacked out again...

Several visitors but by the time dinner rolled around he was getting feisty, hurting, and due for pain meds again...he wanted my help and I snapped at him to calm him down that I couldn't help him get back to bed cuz he was still learning the proper way to go from the chair to the bed after...he hollered for the nurse and he's at the end of the hall...told him to push the call button...the nurse came in and helped and he got his next round of pain meds and an IV of toradol which is an inflammatory med...doc said to give to him for the next 48 hours...

The nurse this morning did tell me for now that Dr. Joe didn't want him to start back on his sutent or have an infusion of zometa until he saw Tim...so it could be delayed again for a couple weeks until he feels able to make the drive to Georgetown and see Dr. Joe...

He seemed to be resting good, a few moan and groans so I rested on the little couch for couple hours and as much as I wanted to stay there again tonight...I couldn't, the shortness of sleep this morning when I came home around 2 a.m...I find left me trying to find that inner strength I usually come up with but just not quite there today...plenty of faith but with my health and lack of sleep...I find that I am easily tearing up and trying to fight them back...I told him I had to come home to get some stuff done and get to bed and get at least 8-10 hours sleep to get my stamina back to get us both through this...he understood...

Depending on the insurance approval and how he gets through the therapy and how far he gets with it will depend on whether he comes straight home from hospital or go to the rehab therapy facility...he doesn't want to go...wants to come straight home...that sounds like me in 2003 with my knee and calf surgery...I've done some of helping with him here at home before all this came about yesterday morning...the nurse and doctor are concerned how much I can do/handle with me on oxygen 24/7...they want to see him get down the hall to the nurses station before he goes home...its what I had to do when at the rehab therapy facility...

Anyway, trying to get a couple of things done around the house, post to blog and get some laundry done...so can go back tomorrow...late morning seemed to work out good this morning...so I'll try to be there around 11 a.m. and be there most the day...as for vac/mop house which should be done tomorrow...guess will do it Sunday with Tamra's help again...then go over to see him and spend the day...

If Tam and I have missed anyone with news or updates, we apologize...another reason for me to come home is my poor baby Jack...lol...stays in his bed, won't eat or go out til I come home and he's running circles around me and hopping on the top of my foot telling me he wants out or feed him...then he's all happ:D as a bug in a rug...yea, ain't that cute...:D

Elf...eryone take care be safe enjoy your wkend...:D

Appointments cancelled....

A lot of you probably have already heard...appointments got cancelled...he woke me up with a blood curdling scream yesterday morning bout 3:30 a.m....said his leg was really hurting...got some pain meds in him and he was resting...to make a long story short for now...called dr's office cancelled appointments and doctor said to take him to Mesa ER...thought possible blood clot...

I couldn't get him up so I called for an ambulance...EMT's thought dislocated hip...ER doctor had x-rays taken and he has a fractured hip right side...more than likely ortho doctor will put in a few screws to hold while healing...

Yes, they had him pretty well sedated for all the excruciating pain...I was with him all day until 2 a.m. this morning til I finally came home to get some sleep, otherwise I wouldn't be any good for him....
He got admitted and surgery was scheduled for about 6-7 p.m....I came home to change my ox tank out and eat and get his DNR papers just in case to back up his verbal DNR...since he is high risk...I got back to hospital and he's already down in prep for surgery...I get down there and it's delayed about 3 hours...ortho doctor would call 45 minutes before to give the surgical team heads up...Dr. Todd got in from Georgetown about 10 p.m. and said he would be putting in a rod from his ball socket down to the knee and securing at the knee with two screws and then up at the ball socket...surgery would be about an hour and depending on patient be in hospital about 3 days...Dr. Todd came out and said hardly not bleeding as blood was crossed matched in case of extra blood needed...he came through with flying colors, no problems...would be in recovery for bout an hour and then be back in his room...

I'm draggin butt this morning...email server still down if anyone wondering why I haven't answered any emails...since 22nd...they still working on it...cancelled another appt for Monday with another doctor...get self ready, eat, run and fax some papers and head over to sit with him again...

I called and talked with the nurse and Dr Joe is to call back and advise on the zometa infusion as the hospital can do it while he's in there and how soon he can start his sutent since he was to be back on it yesterday...he's feeling alot better this morning...a lot less pain but still on them...he wasn't quite too happy about being told he had to get up already today and get to moving around carefully :D of course, to see how he's going to doing with this rod in his leg/hip...he didn't want to but agreed the surgery was done to help him get out of pain and get up and moving again...!!!! So, I said I'd be over in couple hours so I could finish up what needed to be done here...

Will blog more lata so take care be safe have a Happ:D day post more
lata
me :D

Several things...

One that we need prayers for several people...Aubs uncle Kim who was in a four wheel accident last week...needs surgery and last word he was at UMC in Vegas...don't have any other word and need to check with Aubrey or Brenda...don't know if anyone is doing a blog on Kim to keep everyone posted...This is the latest I got tonight from Brenda on Kim...I haven't had an update this afternoon. He was hoping that he might be released today. We were just waiting for a good result to come back on the chest x-ray....his lung was collapsed and it has to be better before he can be released. He really did a number on himself. It's a wonder it didn't kill him.
His scapula (blade and socket) are broken and all of the ribs on his left side are too. They will have to heal themselves though. I'm sure his shoulder will need therapy.

Also, prayers are needed for Shane Jensen who got hurt on a job site and Tim has been kept informed by friends he has coffee with most every day...just got the blog on Shane and you can click the link for updates on him...

Also, my mom has been on several antibiotics to help with the pain and swelling in her thumb...it's been a week and swelling and pain still there but docs say will take a lit'l bit but feel it was from a bug bite suspect possible spider????

Now, for Tim...his "Sutent" will be here tomorrow to start back on time Thursday, April 23rd after his 14 days off from last round...we thought he was going to be starting back on it late cuz of the health insurance situation...whoo hoo...:D
and it was too late Friday to call the doctors office as they only do half days unless busy...so I called as soon as I got up this morning which was about 8:20 a.m....

The health insurance was reinstated retro to March 31st and all three of us are on it, at least til the end of the year (9 months)...qualified for the 35% (the percentage goes up to 110-150% for the extension and there's no way we'll stay on it he says)and its the same insurance he had through work, like nothing changed...same co-pays, deductibles, etc...so his sutent was $20 copay and not full price of $7500.00...yea!!!!...

His doctor's appointment was rescheduled for Thursday April 23rd and after he sees the doctor, he'll go down the hall for his infusion of zometa which will take about half an hour. I'll be glad for the infusion cuz he is finding more and more that it is hard to be on his leg...he's thinking about trying the crutches to see if it'll be any better...he got home from coffee tonight and he could hardly get across the room without the pain and of course he was due to take his pain meds again...he uses the cane a little but always the wheelchair...

Not sure or hope I've covered everything and mentioned everyone that are in need of prayer besides Tim...oh, and congrats to our niece who passed her test for phlebotomy at 100%...whoo hoo...:D

We are also starting to get our hot weather...last few days our porch thermeter has been reading 90 degrees...mornings are perfect...but to kool down towards end of week and 80 on Saturday when we have family reunion...hoping he's going to make it...he just got up and hollering from pain in leg...pray that the infusion works for him by strengthening the bones and taking a lot of the pain away as doctor says...

Well, it's dinner time so I need to get off here and Elf...eryone take care be safe blog more lata...

ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoo hoo...it's our 23rd ANNIVERSARY....

LVU HONEY BEAR :D




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Phone calls on insurance...

We got up bright and early...at least I did before him...630 a.m. and waited til he woke up...called the insurance about enrolling health insurance over to cobra insurance...

It's suppose to go to the 35% not 102% coverage premium payment amount like the stimulus package says...I am covered as well...Tamra has been on but to be put back on...that change has to come from works home office in putting her on and taking off Cajon since he passed away in 2005...we fig'd this had been taken care of a long time ago since the new cards in the beginning of the year didn't have his name on any of them...

We have to pay the 102% for the first month which is $1252 and once the enrollment is completed about $450 will be minused from the $1252 and the balance is suppose to go towards the 2nd month and third month is when we should pay the difference and 4th month we will start paying the $450 each month that we are covered...don't know if his work will still do the 18 months or just the 9 months but if we want an extension of I believe additional 11 months it could go up to 110%-150%...we'll see if we actually need it that long and if we would be approved for the extension...

I went online and set up the online account and it shows stuff pending until payment received and the enrollment agreement signed and sent in...I faxed the agreement but as a back up sent the form thru the mail as well...also went online to make the initial payment...by doing this we were told it would be processed within 7 working days...if agreement and check came by mail it would be 14 working days...we need results sooner so we can get appointments rescheduled and get prescriptions filled and order his next round of "Sutent" to arrive by the 30th if not sooner...to stay on schedule with his "Sutent", he should actually be starting them again on April 23rd...until we both see confirmation by mail or online changed from pending to final approval...no assuming...:D

Now to change the subject...our nephew Timmy's viewing will be tomorrow at Whipple Chapel Mesquite from 3-5 p.m. and the graveside services will be Wednesday, April 15th at 2 p.m...hoping the 50% chance of rain at services will hold off til afterwards...if windy I'll have to sit in the van...wouldn't be good for my lungs and the wind always takes my breath away...

Prayers are needed in family loss and those for health issues in healing...Elf...eryone be safe and good night...

Insurance...

We finally got the cobra health insurance papers today in the mail...doesn't look too promising...lit'l confusing...sez one thing here and then sounds like they take it away there...they don't even have Tam (as long as she is a full time student the health insurance was covering her, not sure now) on but they do Caj (he passed away in 2005)...yeah...it shows insurance eligible for two months, is that only for 2 months or just to get it started...(April 1 to June 4) at $1252.00 for a month (102%) not at the stimulus package rate of 35%...so there are a bunch of questions come first thing MONDAY morning as soon as we get up when we make a call to the insurance company...

He's worrying too much and you can see it in him that things are going good and alls well then something shoots it in the butt...sorry, just being up front...we don't have the money to put out for appointments, medicines, etc. until we know for sure...so this may hinder his treatment plan...may not cover me either and don't know if have time for a medigap insurance and prescription part D enrollment...if there's 63 days laps in insurances then the pre-existing conditions won't be waived...yes, it does show fax number so when we decide Monday after we get the info, we can then go from there and get it faxed out on Monday...we have 45 days to get check sent in but 60 days to sign up for cobra...

Also, I have been busy making potato salad for dinner tomorrow to go with a ham...did laundry and vacummed and mopped...too busy...low back hurts...laz:D fixed pizza...lol...yum...stuff cheese crust pepperoni and thin crust bbq chicken pizza...

He's feeling low and just laying back...holiday weekend didn't feel like going to coffee tonight but might tomorrow afternoon...no one around for morning coffee today or tomorrow...

This week a lit'l discouraging but still hopeful...somehow the insurance part will work out...Elf...eryone have a safe holiday Easter...

Happ:D Easter....

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So far...

This is what we have so far...yes, he was terminated effective March 31, 2009 to which the health insurance gets termed and goes to cobra once we sign up for it...no, it doesn't affect the short term disability insurance check which are good til June 15th and that's why we thought the health insurance was good til then too...the employer is expediting the health insurance company to send paperwork asap to have us fill out and send back...which I plan on faxing if possible to get it back to them sooner...the employer said he is eligible but that's no guaranteed approval so he is waiting before anymore tests, appts etc are done...I will only get those meds of mine that have to be filled, when cobra goes thru I can send claim in and get reimbursed as it's retroactive...I've dropped it down from $1000.00 to $489.00 to get by on...also considering that I'll be approved to be on cobra too...

The doctor office also called back and said the appointments for the doctor and the infusion for zometa can be rescheduled hopefully for April 30th and even if he started his "sutent" a week late would be okay...his last day for this round is Wednesday April 8th and then off 14 days and due to start again on April 23rd. We need to have it shipped from the specialty pharmacy back East by Monday April 27th or Tuesday April 28th in order to get in time to start on Thursday April 30th if that is the new schedule...

Also, shortly after we made the phone calls, we got a call that said our nephew passed away from a heart attack...this not good our kids aren't suppose to go before us...that has been what five now in the family since 2005 that have passed away...

Let's pray that this year is better as the rest the year goes on...Elf...eryone take care, be safe, blog more
lata
me <3

"I am a Christian"...

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does... but Beautiful is just plain Beautiful!

by Maya Angelou

NO HEALTH INS...

NO HEALTH INSURANCE...found out today when I went online for something to look up and I was just on yesterday and it didn't say anything...didn't get NO info to sign up for COBRA before 3/31/09 UNLESS an oversight on EMPLOYER's part since he is still on SHORT TERM DISABILITY til June 15, 2009 and FORGOT to tell the health insurance company about the change...

I tried making some calls while he was at coffee and insurance company just says termed and I would have to call the employer on Monday...said thank you for helping and I will call to find out...

This puts me at not able to buy my medicines as I don't have Medicare Prescription Part D and his sutent to refill on April 15th and his infusion of zometa we won't be able to buy cuz the sutent is $7000.00 and I don't even know how much the infusion cost...

I do HOPE we get answers on MONDAY...that it is all an oversight and everything is corrected that day...I have pain meds to pick up for him tomorrow the latest on Monday...otherwise, he's out...he has had to finally to bump up his meds to every 4 hours...

He is now reading the info and I have to go and talk to him about all this...Not much can be done til Monday...have a good wkend...:D

Up...

He's upped his pain med lortab from every 5 hours to 4 hours...this weather isn't helping either...be glad when April 15th is here to get the infusion of Zometa...it'll help with the pain, strengthen his bones...

He didn't even go to coffee today...last few days I think he has pushed himself to go just to get out...

As for my blood work on March 17th, got results today and they were good...need to bring up potassium level more...doc very happ:D with blood sugar levels too and said to keep up what I'm doing...if not improve...ha ha ha...sometimes it would be easier if you didn't have to eat...

Winds around here have been gusty...caught me off guard when I came out of the store around noon today...it always takes my breathe away...the wind and heat you can keep...lol...

Well, not much else going on...hope Elf...eryone has a great wkend coming up!!!! Take care and be safe...:D

Sylvia Browne...

I happen to like Sylvia and not sure how some of you feel...but as Sylvia says, "Take with you what you want and leave the rest behind or throw away."

Sylvia has this website that she does a web class once a month on. I sign in each time and have submitted a question hoping to have it answered. I believe this is the fourth month and she and her son Chris both answered my question. I changed it a lit'l bit this time cuz the question was brought up to me and I couldn't answer it...I didn't know...it kind of scares me but I know things will work out and I guess I knew deep down where I really belong...

You are welcome to go to her web class site and watch if you missed her class and you may even sign up and submit your question for next month...my question in the beginning was "How long do I have with my husband before he passes?"...after a couple of months I decided to change it because of the question brought up to me of...have I thought about where I'm going to live after he passes?...No, not sure. When you go to www.spiritnow.com you'll be on the home page and in the middle in a yellow box it says, "Missed Sylvia's Web Classes? Watch Here>>"...click and let it fully load and watch the whole video or if just my question then move the cursor/forward button to 44:44 minutes and she and Chris will read and answer my question.

Alicia: "Where will I be living after my husband passes, not sure what I'm going to do." Sylvia says, "I think you're going to be living in the southwest. And I wouldn't be too concerned about your husband, I don't see him passing that soon." Chris says, "He's got quite a long time to be around still."

This is so uplifting and joyous...:D

Attitude...

I liked this saying same/similar to being negative or positive...another saying is
"Be useful...but don't be used!"

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

- Charles R. Swindoll

"Don't ever let anyone down play you...What you have to say is WORTH saying...It may not be important to some but it very well is what others are needing if you are discussing it."...
- TC and AM

Aches...

He commented this afternoon that he has been aching bad today but is okay when he's still when laying down...the cool, windy weather again...the more he hurts the more he feels agitated and cranky...:(

He apologizes for that and told him its understandable...he has a different degree of pain from me...I have been dealing with sarcoidosis neuropathy since 1989 and now I'm noticing that the diabetes is adding to it...my worst pain is in my feet in the toes or just below in the bones (shins too)...our oldest gave me some Avon foot cream and it happens to have some numbing compound in it(lanacane?)...it has helped at night before crawling into bed...

At the doctor's appointment last week, I asked the doctor if we could try the gabapentin 300mg again...my biggest thing about medicines is if they make me groggy/sleepy I'll stop taking them after the first or second dose...it's been 3-4 years since I tried using the medicine but I was put on it 3x's a day (900mgs total a day) all I wanted to do was sleep...I fig'd if I just took it at night before bed I'd do alright...wrong...it done the trick for the pain but made me feel sleepy most of the morning and I just wanted to sleep...I don't want that effect...I would rather suffer the pain...

About a year ago, I was taking tylenol several times a day for the pain every day...but heard of a nutritional supplement that would be better than taking tylenol...so I started taking 2 gel caps daily of "Celadrin" 500mg each...essential fatty acid...it did the trick...because I didn't want the sleepy affect I decided to take an extra one at bedtime last night and it worked but also noticed it helped with the asthma I have...so, today I decided to take the 3rd one at 3pm eight hours after the first two...wow, it done the trick again and my breathing was doing good as I was trying to vacuum the house and then mop floors...oxygen up and taking plenty of breaks to rest up...took another one tonight about hour ago and it's doing the trick again...guess I'll be sticking to the Celadrin instead of the prescription of gabapentin...especially if it's taking care of two stones with one bird as the saying goes :D

I sure am glad to hear the wind has calmed down for the night...a bit kool though...thinking maybe I better set the heater on 72 just in case it gets too kool for him during the night...

I had a strong urge to sleep out here the other night in the family room on the couch to be closer to him but he would have been upset if I had...he says I need my rest too...maybe I will tonight...put the headphones on and listen to the music...well, for now I'm signing off and Elf...eryone have a gr8t week...prayers are still needed and appreciated...much luv to all...good night :D

Odd...

Odd and peculiar the bulge on his fractured arm...since he's had the brace off a couple of days...the bulge is gone and he says his shoulder doesn't feel like its slipped out of place or the gap between the two...he feels that maybe wearing the brace is pulling his shoulder out of place/socket...didn't get that picture soon enough of arm...if it happens again will be sure to take one and see if visible to eye...

Since the winds are coming up next week and cooler weather, we decided to go get his blood work today...we had to sit there about 45 minutes...forgot Thursdays are for vets to get blood work...which we didn't mind...

We ran a few errands and picked up few groceries...he waited in the van...he said he actually enjoyed getting out with me for a lit'l while even tho it wore him out...by the time we got home, we ate lunch and he sacked out for several hours...

On the warm and sultry day...been running A/C a lit'l bit and keep air bit cleaner from pollen...warmth...not sure I'm ready for the super heat yet...

Well, best be going and ya'll have a good day 2morrow...take care :D

Bulge....

Several things going on...he didn't sleep worth a beans the other night...I didn't last night...checked on him twice last night but also had to get up early for my doctor's appointment at 9 am fasting for blood work, new scripts, etc...I didn't get home til 11:30 a.m. and I was shaky and starving...good thing I had a snak bar on me and took a few bites to get me home and fix brunch...I had breakfast/lunch combined...lol...exceptionally tired and don't feel I'm getting my rest like I need...trying to do too much...ya think!...:D...

All he wanted to do was sleep today and that was good...he said he feels more rested even with the pain...he's sticking with the 5 hour regime on pain meds right now and will bump it up if more than what he can handle...why do they sometimes have to be stubborn, guess us girls can be that way too...lol...that's his make-up...he likes to have a lit'l pain so he knows he's still alive and kickin'...lol...like me if any medicine makes me groggy I won't take it anymore after the first dose...I feel tired enough from the sarcoidosis...

He's surprised the doctor who examined him for finalizing workman's comp case didn't notice his fractured arm...he still wears the brace, we have no idea if the fracture has even healed...uhhhh, dear duhhh it probably won't with the way the cancer is still spreading in the bones...lol...don't take this wrong...it's not being sarcastic...like talking to myself and duhhh ya think!!!!...lol...trying to find humor when situation not always the best to hide how one really feels....

After I got home from my appointment he proceeded to show me his arm...the left one (will have to get a pic and see if it shows it well enough for you to see) where it was fractured...above the fracture where the arm socket is suppose to be has sunk down and bulges...in between it feels like nothing is there. I asked if he wanted me to call the cancer doctor or our family doctor to check it out and he said no...there's nothing they can do about it because the cancer is still spreading in the bones and not contained yet. He definitely doesn't want the doctor to try and jerk it into place and refracture or cause another break...soooooo learning more new stuff as we go along and hoping for the best...

He is still going to coffee even with the hurt so he can get out of the house but yet he doesn't want to go any where else any other time...sometimes he forces himself to get out to go see his ma...it's been lately not weekly but every couple of weeks...he made himself go last week so we could tell her the mixed news on the test results...this time you could see the hurt in ma's eyes...she's seen pa go thru it and now Tim...because of all of this happening with pa and now him...his brothers are stepping back and taking a second look/thought and going to hang it up with work and retire soon...spend the quality of time with their families before it's too late and then not have much time with them...one the end of April and the other I believe he said at age 55...he'll be 49 next month...

I have headphones on listening to music and I'm hearing this lit'l sqeak...lol...turn around to see where it's coming from and it's Jack letting me know he needs something...uhhh, you have food and you don't want to go out...so I don't know...duhhhh, he finally decided he wants to eat...lol...

Well, it's getting late so will sign off for now as I need to get dinner on and not sure what and too tired...so maybe standbys...lol...I'll let you figure that one out...if you remember reading in past blogging...take care and hope elf...eryone had a fun St. Patty's day...

Fourth round...

Well today he starts on his fourth round of "Sutent" the chemo pill that is working good on the organs...not doing so hot on the bones (shoulders, arms, right leg/hip)...

We think we got his pain meds tweeked finally...though it could change down the way...doctor called yesterday and said the insurance approved the "Infusion for Zometa"...that will give him 61% more chance of working in slowing down the cancer in his bones along with the "Sutent" with an added benefit of lessening the pain along with the lortabs/naproxen and strengthening them too...

Our daughters are excited for the approval from the insurance and one has commented this in her blog...drew tears to my eyes and I let him read it too...

"So... I bet you are wondering why I complain so much and what was approved...well not so sure about the complaining...but the ZOMETA was APPROVED! Yay! I am so glad. I hope it helps with the pain, because my dad is in serious pain. I have not seen it hit him this badly, ever. With more pain comes more irritability. With more pain come less movement. He gets too aggravated and frustrated. He tries to stay positive, but it is really hard. It is a good thing he has my mom around... us girls I am sure help make him happy, but my mom truly gives him the strength to hang in and fight. I know that I do, and I know that my sister does, but I guess it is the connection, the special bond that my parents have that makes life a little easier, that makes the load less difficult to bear, that makes the sun shine on a cloudy day. My moms sweet nature soothes my dads emotions. It was definitely a match made in heaven. I know I sound so cliche... :) but to me it is all so very true."

Well, I guess I'll go for now and wishin' elf...eryone a TGIF day...whoo hoo...:D

Wow, been a week already....

Wow, it's been a week already...where does the time go anymore?...seems like it's been hectic or something going on and I haven't had time to myself like I might get in the evening to blog or whatever or let loose (cry to keep me going)...

Sorry, I re-read this and had too many errors...so am fixing them if you happen to get this a second time...again, I apologize.

He had those appointments for blood work, then the two tests (CT, bone scan) back to back and us missing naps...still trying to recoup and catch up...but also we have offered our home to daughter's fiance' and his dad...Shaun has been working 3 days a week sometimes 4 days...escorting his dad to doctors appointments, etc...his dad got laid off and filed for unemployment and then come to find out he gets turned down because he can't look for work...but got info that they are going to call and talk with him...mean time, he puts call into Social Security Disability and his phone appointment is today...Shaun trying to handle it all...so til things/economy turns around they are staying with us...we did some rearranging in the house...still recouping from that and the appts...with my sarcoidosis if I over do it...I get set back and my energy, etc is zapped out of me and sometimes takes awhile for me to recoup...

He's still hurting and seems like it's getting worse...we're still trying to make adjustments to his meds...went from 1 every 6 hours and 2 at bed from 1-2 every 5 hours depending how he feels and 2 at bed...with naproxen 'tween...the cool weather isn't helping either...just feeling frustrated...he doesn't want to just lay in bed and give up so I've convinced him to bump up to every 5 hours and see how that works...also have a call put into the doctor...did the infusion get approved by the insurance and if so is there a chance we can get it sooner than April 15 (besides working with the sutent on the slowing it down, it helps strengthens his bones and helps take some more of the pain away...he doesn't want to do radiation for the pain as it will cause sores as well)...then do it again on the 15th as my understanding it's every 3-4 weeks...assuming it's the "zometa" that he will be getting in that infusion...????

I'm trying to hang in there and sometimes when I don't have my quiet time/nap or time at night to let loose sometimes I don't think I'm going to make it but then I talk to God at night and leave it in his hands...I do good for a short while...mostly day to day...

Do you ever feel like once in a while things pile up too much and you just want to throw everything into a pile and set a torch to it????....start fresh body, mind and otherwise....sometimes life gets too complicated and it shouldn't be that way...do too much, please too many...as a saying sez, "Be useful and don't be used"...now, I'm probably not making any sense...hahahaha...just letting loose....

I have my headphones on listening to music while writing this and Dolly's song "I will always love you" came on...that's one of our songs when we first met...he was asking what the names were so he could write them in his journal that Tam got for him at Christmas...oh now, "A Summer Place" is playing...Henry Mancini, sorry just checked its 101 Strings playing it...

Anyway, hope elf...eryone else is doing as best as possible with whats going on in this world/economy and phone rang...brb...doctor said infusion was approved for zometa and that he can go up to every 4 hours on his lortab but if he wants to do infusion sooner that April 15h to call and he'll set it up...he's awake and wanting lunch so will go for now...forgive any errors...much luv to all...:D

Test results...

Yes, we made the trip to Georgetown...tired now...has been a busy week and a half...not fully rested up yet...still going...need to make banana bread...he keeps looking for it...lol...

Well, weez bak...got lunch out of the way and he is laying down for nap
and I will be soon...Tam went back to Vegas this morn' again...yeah, she
came home again yesterday after class...working on art project and was
trying to get idea in head and see what art/craft supplies I have for her to
use...

Shaun still trying to move him and his dad's stuff over and just got off
work at 7am...now at 1pm he's helping a friend that lives in the same complex
and who he works with - to move his friend's big stuff...yeah, this economy has everyone hurting...anyway he'll be here little while to get sleep for work tonight...

I was up with Tam last night trying to help her in some way with ideas
and items to use...gotz to bed at 1am...up at 6am when alarm went off...got
ready and we left early for Georgetown cuz I had to drop off an empty oxygen
tank that Martina gave me two of last Friday at the hospital and she said she trusted me to bring in my other empty today...

Well, I know you're thinking get to the news...lol...ok ok ok....:D :D :D :D ;( :(
:( :(

Doc had mixed answers/results...good and somewhat bad....good the CT showed
the tumor in the kidney shrunk some and the liver no new growth...maintaining
there...nothing showing in his other organs...ORGANS...

Now for the bonees.........bONeS somewhat bad...its working but has spread that's
why it seemed dimmer to me....shoulders/arms, legs/hips...it's not in the ribs/spine yet like I thought it might might be...but that's why he's hurting more too....
Doc suggested chemo...he said no....he didn't want to be sick/puck...trips however
often to get IV chemo, would rather do the pill he's doing now...no radiation for the
pain and then have sores from it plus again the trips...so his medications routine for lortabs has changed and he's to play with it to decide what works and then go with it...instead 1 every 8 hours and naproxen in between...it's to be 1 every six hours maybe 2 at bedtime...with naproxen in between as needed...

Also getting approval from insurance for him to get once a month when he sees doctor an infusion of a bone strengthener called "e" something...can't remember name but will find out when Jackie calls and says insurance approved it or not...I called the specialty prescription mail-order pharmacy to have his next refill of "Sutent" sent FedEx and be delivered on Monday...so that's where it is so far...so it looks like its taking longer for the sutent to work on his bones...

He still has monthly blood to do and see the doctor again April 15th for office visit and then the "infusion" if it gets approved. Then see if based on how he feels to continue using "sutent' or try another chemo pill on a month to month basis or go till his 6th round of "sutent" and then do CT and bone scan again for results and make changes then....

We talked and we kind of fig'd this but still hopeful...he's fighting but he realizes its just putting off the inevitable...but giving him more time with us...:D he's also trying to think of me...you make the decision what you want and we'll work with it and get whatever scheduled...

So I think I have covered everything...feel like I'm antsy from being so tired...feel like I'm climbing the walls expression...lol...gotz to go he wants up here in 15 mins...

The wind has been blowing like the dickens here but not so bad in Georgetown...coming through the Gorge into town, I sometimes felt like the van was
going to get picked up and thrown around the way it blew...lol...

It's definitely my time to take a nap or I won't make it tonight and will be cryin' just to make it through the evening...have to watch Am. Idol to see who made the top 3 this week...lol...he picked the three last week and he's hoping again this week he picked the right ones...lol...

Elf...eryone have a good evening and don't let the bed bugs bite...:D :D :D :D
take care and much luv