Wild Day....So sorry my apologies to everyone...

Well to start off with, Tim is holding his own...still suffering pain in his fractured leg due to the rod and screws - could be a combination of things: such as the healing process, the weather and maybe the infusion again...still not eating much at times but we are working on that...he's worried bout money stretching out to cover the regular bills let alone the insurance premiums every month...then supposedly I won't be covered by supplemental health insurance as secondary to medicare cuz I'm not old enuff...brb dog needs out :D
So that means my pre-exiting condition is or will never be covered by any insurance that will pick me up if at all...somehow that doesn't sound right...will have to check it out...

Otherwise everything has been going pretty good up til yesterday morning when our son-in-law called and I talked with him a few minutes and then all of a sudden I got lightheaded so I bent over to help control it...threw the phone at Tim and said to talk with Gary...I tried standing up and the feeling still came over me and I'd try sitting but couldn't sit straight up, I was bending at the waist again...kind of in a panic but talked myself down as much as possible...

Tam was in Vegas and I said not to call her to just call 911-waiting for her would take too long...he couldn't drive nor could I the shape I was in...so he called a friend who just had hip surgery few weeks back and might add is doing super good in healing...Lori came over and Red came with his wife. I had to walk out stooped over afraid that feeling would come over me again...the last time I went thru something like this was in 2000 when I had a rapid heart beat before taking Tamra to school and thought I was going to pass out...I thought that was scary but think this was worse because my blood sugars were good and blood pressure normal actually better than good...my words weren't slurred and I could raise my arms above my head and talk at the same time so figured not stroke...but still felt like I was going to pass out every time I tried to straighten up...

The ER was trying to rule out everything...CT brain for stroke, chest x-ray (not sure the reason for that or that I remember what they told me), blood work make sure chemicals were in balance...I did have an IV drip of potassium and magnesium as they both were low...so it's come down to inner ear problem...they gave me antivert to help but because I started to get soooooo antsy like I was ready to climb the walls and scream they gave me benadryl to help calm me...something in all of this started out making me sound like I was on a happ:D pill or been drinking...then all of a sudden I'm not sure what to say...I remember little bits and pieces but that I couldn't handle it!!!!!!...I can't stand to be soooo tired and yet feel antsy that I climb the walls...maybe my RLS (restless leg syndrome) added to it to...I don't know...I DO APOLOGIZE to everyone if I said or done anything out of line...like Tim and Tamra were telling me, they have never seen me like that before and even Lori said what a BIG transformation in my character...she was even worried for me...I would say I am allergic to something or combo of things set it off...

I don't even remember eating but there was something about having some acai juice and mixing magnesium powder in it and pouring it over bacon and trying to drink it off the paper plate...I know it wasn't funn:D at the time but to hear it now it sounds funn:D...sorry. I am soooooo sorry to my husband and especially to our daughter Tamra when she was only trying to help...I guess after trying the couch and not working I went into the bedroom and went to bed...because of her dad she came in woke me at 8:30pm and I think we ate Arby's so if I don't have any of this totally right she can correct me...I believe I was up for awhile not sure if I got in myspace or facebook last night...if I did I hope I was good with everyone...come to think of it I was on facebook and finally decided it was time to go to bed when my head hit the desk while dozing...lol...omg, I was a total mess last two days...I never want to go thru that again...whatever brought it on...then to have my character totally change...as today progressed on and took more naps and got the benadryl out of me and felt I had my faculties back I started feeling more myself...but I am continuing with the earplug in my left ear and using the travel sickness pill every 6 hours as needed when I feel that feeling starting to come over me again...so far its been pretty steady every six hours too...the hospital even called today to see how I was doing and to make sure I was taking the travel sickness pill...which I did after more of the benadryl wore off...

Right now I'm not sure whats going on and I just want to bawl...it just seems one thing right after the other and I'm strong and optimistic but enough...to see him today and this evening has me concerned...he says he's alright but his body language is saying otherwise...I think I really had him worried and still do...I don't think or I should say he doesn't want to be left alone again...by losing another wife...in death...that's why if anyone was to go it has to be him first not me...in a lot of ways I feel I'm stronger than him but yet he is strong-look what he has already gone through...but even that can be more than enough for one man...there was a question posed just recently asking where I thought I would be in 10 years time...I honestly answered "Living with one of our daughters"...oh, I don't want to be a burdened to them...

Well, he got his meds at 11pm with his magnesium drink and hopefully he'll rest peacefully knowing I am doing better...I think I will sleep on the couch tonight and make sure he does okay through the night after all that has gone on last couple of days...Tam will be home tomorrow as she will be taking me to my doctor's appointment first thing MOnday morning at 8am...so I will keep all posted...again my apologies to everyone and you all have a happ:D safe Sunday...good night...:D

Too long in updates...

Too long in giving you all updates and my apologies...it has been a long week and next month will be even longer and harder on one particular day July 17th when we have to be in Georgetown for 8 hours plus the drive time to and from....

Tam's fiance Shaun is having problems with his back again...docs, x-rays, MRI's...now off 5 days til results come back...depending on results either surgery or steroids shots...he will be in our prayers as well...his dad Ken is doing really good...

But to the updates...our niece who is having clot issues is still off work on short term disability and went in for a follow-up and found out why she is having so much pain...gall bladder...she is very high risk for surgery...her own doctor told her no doctors would touch her because her survival rate would be...doc couldn't even give her a 1% survival rate...she could die on the table...she has opted out and on heavy pain meds...doctor said she doesn't need her gall bladder, to let it die off and hopefully get through the pain with medication...we really feel for her and have her in our prayers daily...

He had labs done on Monday 8th at the hospital here in town and then on Wednesday 10th, we went to Georgetown and saw his oncologist...he was a bit low in phosphorus and slightly anemic...we told doctor about the infusion of zometa last month and how much pain it caused him and a bit of nausea and coldness he had for about a week...doctor recommended he try it again and if still the same reaction to stop getting the infusion...but while he was getting the infusion to add the phosphorus to it...to continue on the "Sutent"...so when we got home I ordered the last refill of "Sutent" and to be delivered on Tuesday by FedEx...got a new script for his lortab and a long acting pain patch to help him cut back on the pain pills...the patch last for 3 days at 25mg fentanyl if he needs stronger dose then go to two patches...hopefully this one won't make him sick like the morphine pain patches did...he's finding out he is becoming more sensitive to other medications...my mom is the same way...but then all you have to do is listen to your body and it''ll let you know if the medication is right or wrong for you...then on Thursday 11th, we went to the hospital here and he got set up for the infusion for 2 hours we were told...ahhhhh....what?...the doctor decided to add potassium to the infusion and it has to go in slowly otherwise it would affect his heart...see you need potassium for your heart to function properly among other chemicals...so instead of 30 minutes it was 2 hours...uhhhummmm...try 3 hours...along with zometa...so we opted as you can tell for half the potassium on Thursday and to come back Friday morning for the other 20mg of potassium in an IV drip or infusion...it was only 2 hours....yeaaaaaaaaaa :D...

We stopped to get lunch and check the mail...ate lunch...he took nap...I washed clothes, put my Taco soup in crock pot for four hours and baked a blackberry pie...ohhhhhh, that was soooooo good....you know it was good enuff to use as a blackberry jam too...I can use the same recipe for any type of berry pie...I have never made a berry pie...usually apple, peach, cherry and of course good ole' pumpkin yummmm...tehe...never thought to make a berry pie...then Smith's last year in season had them at the store and I bought one...oh, it was good and have been looking for the pies again this year...nothing yet...but a friend Tony gave me the recipe and so simple...I tyvm....:)

We got next months appointments scheduled...monthly labs July 15th here at hospital then the CT of abdomen and nuclear Bone Scan (where he lights up like a Christmas Tree-why you say?...because on the monitor he lights up green...tehe...a lit'l humor there) in Georgetown...then back on Wednesday 22nd to see oncologist for the results to see it the "Sutent" is continuing to slow down or stabilize the cancer cells...last report tumor shrunk some in the kidney and stabilized the tumor in the liver but a mixed bag that the cancer was still spreading in the bones...doctor is hoping for better results this time on the bones...otherwise, doctor will be changing his meds for treating...I was reading there is a new one out for the kidneys but not sure what doctor's thoughts are on it...we'll wait and see next month...so we have another breather for another three weeks...

I am holding my own and using my down time to relax by visiting and chatting with all my new friends and farming tehe...FarmTown...whoooo hooooo...talk about diversity of ppl...from Belgium, England, Philippines, Canada, Australia, Chile, Scotland, Spain (only Tatakoa showed me a translator to use so we can talk and maybe I'll learn some Spanish too-that was fun) UT, IN, NC, MO, AK, LA, CA, GA and many more, oh and of course good ole' NV...:D...my apologies for not getting on today yet...needed some sleeping in time and blogging as well...I have them not as often but get hit with it still...it's been one of them days where I'm fighting back the tears off and on today...sorry :( but I be ok...I always am...:)~ that's strawberries to you...tehe...

Our weather has been pretty mild except for the winds...had a few days of over 100 degrees but it'll hit with a vengeance soon enough...hopefully, we won't get hit with any 120's...lol...so I think I have covered all the basis...oh, maybe not...our youngest on Monday will be moving to Vegas to share a place with some friends as it will be closer to her job and college coming up again in September...but she will jaunt home to check on us...told her not to fret she has to do it one of these days anyway...now is just as good as a later time...she's been somewhat of a caretaker LONG enuff for her mom when he was working and now her dad...she needs to get her life started...:D lvu babes...

I hope this finds elf...eryone having a happ:D and fun weekend being safe careful and very much loved and surrounded by family and friends...prayers are with you all...:D

Doctor today....

He saw the doctor today actually this late morning...x-rays are looking good...shows this big Ole rod in his leg to help hold together while his leg heals and especially round the tumor area and the cloudiness in the x-ray is doing what it suppose to-healing...but the long rod is there if it was ever to change down the road...or if it wasn't healing properly this past five weeks...

The doctor also said he could go off his blood thinners (coumadin) and it should be out of his system in about 3-4 days and then if he needs it go back to using naproxen with his lortabs...naproxen also acts as a form of aspirin too...

He is suppose to start using his walker/cane/crutches - which ever suits him and put weight on his leg and over time more weight but to realize he can't go with any of those choices for the rest of his life...hahaha...doctor said he was taking it well and upbeat...what else can you do but that and try to defy the odds...

We met a nice lady from church and she kept thinking she knew our daughter - she did and finally came over to say hi and well wishes...we her too...recovery from knee surgery...just so many people needing prayers...MaryAnn not sure what's going on in her life - saw pic of her strapping young man who graduated...others making decisions in their lives moving, school, etc...family members needing surgery and friends as well...I pray that our niece who hasn't been home long from the hospital with meds for fighting blood clots - right now is going through surgery for her gall bladder and she is soooo high risk....mom still having problems again with hands swelling and in pain from the gout...steroid therapy didn't work for long nor the other medication used...a friends father not needing heart surgery just stints and glad to hear he's feeling a lot better...Tim talked with him a few days ago...praying that my scrappers hubby is holding and continues doing good...just so many and knowing you can't get them all mentioned in here...so this goes out to all near and far, sick and healing, whatever your needs are, you're in our prayers...:*)

A happ:D note ...TO ALL THOSE FARM TOWN ADDICTS out there...LOL...be safe and have a good week to elf...eryone....boo

p.s. Belated Happ:D B-days to those I've missed and those coming up in June...happ:D b-day Jamie Wade...

Oh so long...

Oh, so long in blogging...there hasn't been much to tell...each day can be different from the other but not different...

The pain has lessened but not so if he sits too long then the rods (long and short) connecting together at hip give him more trouble...he found the right combination of pain med...but pharmacy says you can't take that much but yet all of his doctors say he can...so now his pain strength is right but the tylenol part is 175 mg less each time for taking it...so you know when in pain the bite (temperament) is stronger and when no pain you have a happ:D camper and is sunn:D all the way round...

Plus he still is unsure whether he wants to continue the infusion of Zometa...it has made his bones hurt that much more...especially in the areas of the tumors...so we will see come next month...actually on June 10Th...if he does another one or not...at $5313 a whack...thank goodness for the insurance...

We had been putting off going out to early vote for city council members and finally had to do it today...since Tuesday will be the actual election day and it's liable to be busy because many may have put it off like us...we got there and were the only ones voting until after leaving and some other voters started showing up...

I made a stop at the pharmacy to pick up the blood thinners enough to get him through for 10 days at dosage doctor wants him to take...seems to have leveled out and after seeing the doctor this coming Tuesday, we'll know more on how soon he can put weight on his leg and how long on the coumadin...a chance he may be going off of it after seeing the doctor...

I still set the alarm to make sure he has meds at 3 a.m. and then up again at 7 a.m....I have over slept a couple mornings this week...he intentionally let me sleep...may be good...somehow, it feels like it throws my day off...like today, Tamra home and it makes it feel like Saturday not Friday...

We heard today our niece needs more prayers...she had an appointment with doctor to see how she is doing but also complaining of discomfort...seems she has gall stones...don't know much else on the blood clots situation yet...the stints and meds assume are working...when it rains it pours...she was thinking about going back to work part-time...sounds like she would be pushing it...

I don't have much more to tell so with it being a Friday...yeaaaaaaaaaaa....I wish you all a safe and happ:D weekend...:D

Happenings...

Happenings since last posting is mixed...niece is holding her own so far and still at home...her sister got back home with her family in Georgetown...

My mom come to find out she has gout...yes, gout in her wrist/hands...it can show up in any joint area and be painful/swollen...the doctors have her on prednisone and tapering her off and then try non-steroid medicine to see if it continues to help...course the steroids spike her blood sugars so she has to be careful in what she eats...me too...

We have family members who had a surgery on her hand (broke and had 3 pins put in) and one needing surgery on his hand...our prayers will be with them both in speedy recovery and going through the surgery...

He's had his infusion of zometa Tuesday but not so sure he wants to continue with getting it each month...it has made him feel awful...now, his healed fractured arm is bother him to the point that tonight he has put the brace back on...he has even started throwing up thinking it was going to be a burp...he got surprised and good thing I was quick...:( so I'm trying to convince him he needs to eat a little something every few hours to make sure he as something on his stomach because the meds could be affecting him when he doesn't eat since having the infusion...he just has so many things going on and but also trying to find the right combination for the pain meds...this is why he may sleep alot so he doesn't have to feel the pain til it wakes him up...like I said a mixed bag of things going on...

I have to say I have been on facebook several times and don't particularly like it as well as myspace...but because of several people...I got back on to keep better in touch...but our youngest, Tam got me hooked in playing this game...ohhhhhhhhh, wow...I have hustled to get work to get where I'm at in the past five days...it is a destresser for me at late evening...I'm building my farm and enlarging it quite nicely...I do think so myself :D ...

Anyway, I have met and chatted with some nice people...one from NC and LA and even Chile...who has sent blessings for him...the more I talk to people, I am realizing how much we all have in common to a point...that this is a small world and we all are connected in some small way or another in diverse ways...just watching Patrick Swayze's story fighting cancer...how him and his wife feel which is what we have said and feel too...now with Farrah's story this past Saturday night on NBC...my prayers are with her and Ryan but feel from her status of watching it may not be long and she'll be in God's hands...it's what I'll be going through when his medicines quit working for him...like going to services of family/friends whom passed...reminds me of what I will have to go through...but positive side...he's a fighter and so am I and together we'll get through this until that time comes...

On the lighter side, I think...lol...I've said we've been having warm weather this past week of 100 degrees...ugggghhhh, it hit 106 today off back porch and that is in the shade....yeah....not/nor have I ever gotten used to this hot weather and I'm originally born and raised in Alaska for twenty-five years and now here since 1985....:D....

Well, elf...eryone I'm going to say good night and wish you all a good week and pray for all...be safe, someone helps you, pay it forward and then maybe we can have a ripple effect and in some way make some changes however small or large...much love to all :D

More prayers needed...

I have more news of others needing our prayers...my mom's left wrist/hand are swollen like her right thumb/hand was...pray all okay...makes me think she has a spider/s nesting somewhere...

I am requesting prayers for a dear friend who has had a lot going on in her life these last few years...good in tween it all...losing Joe few years ago who had heart surgery some years before...finding another love in her life :D...losing her mom just a couple months ago and now her dad Tyke (apologies if name spelled wrong) needing open heart surgery...the saying, "Will it ever end"...I have heard quite a bit here lately...:(

I don't know what is going on in others lives but our prayers are out there for all of you...somehow we all can be an inspiration to each other and for all...we can make a difference...my blogging may be helping someone go through their process of happenings...Patrick Swayze's special back in January...made me understand we aren't the only ones having the same feelings...a lot of what was said in his special...all I could do was "omg, that's what we both are feeling"...just get out there and talk and know someone does understand what's going on....if you are reading this in time and have a chance...watch Farrah's special tonight on NBC...my understanding is after you watch it you'll want to go hugs your own and cry a lot...

I heard someone say on TV...maybe it was Ryan's...forgive me if I don't remember all of the beginning..."It was something but it was easier to die"...not sure I agree with that...dying isn't easier...not when you see your loved one suffering at times, dealing with the pain but not wanting to be on too much pain meds...to trying to be a good caretaker as well as a spouse or whatever the relationship is...Patrick has it much easier as he has all his limbs to use still...whereas he has dealt with a fractured left arm and now a fractured leg/hip...hoping heals enuff for him to at least put some weight on with use of cane or walker later...wondering why he has to do exercises if there's a chance of him breaking/fracturing more bones....tried to explain that his muscle toning will help keep the bones strong as much as possible and also help with circulation...

He wants some sort of normalcy back...I am just so thankful for his friends who come over and have coffee here with him...to one special couple who have their health issues too, who have brought over homemade soup and bread last week and this week...omg talk about some mean soups...chicken noodles and now beef barley to die for...wow...I feel guilty cause they, like I said have health issues...hope his doctor's appointment today is encouraging on news for his knee/s...

So for all of you out there near and far, family/friends or strangers reading this..."May the White Light of the Holy Spirit" surround you in his loving arms and keep you safe and help you through your happenings...God Bless you all!!!!.......

Be safe and have a gr8t weekend...much luv to all :D

Good news...

Good news...our niece got released home yesterday but not back to work for awhile...she has to give time with meds and less stress...her body telling her to slow down...too much work can get ya in trouble...

Lates on him nobody understand that...lol...Latest on him...he had his appointment with cancer doctor on Monday...doc Joe placed orders for his infusion on Tuesday 12th at Mesa...after stat on blood work to be sure the dosage is right...doctor said due to him starting back on his sutent a couple of weeks later after hip/leg fracture and based on the mixed test results from end February on CT and bone scan...refresh mem...tumor shrunk in kidneys, tumor in liver stable but still spreading in bones...doc may change his med from sutent to another...he was wanting to do the infusion to have tried to prevent these pathological fractures from happening...so play by ear and see if next doc visit he changes or waits til after next set of Ct and bone scan done again...change med...

The trip to Georgetown always seems tiring for him and he slept most the day off and on...the home health nurse still comes in twice a week...checks his blood for the right dose on blood thinner...still don't have adjusted right...he was doing 2mg then went to 4 mg for 3 days but then his blood level for blood thinner was too high so went off of it 3 days...rechecked and back on 2 mgs but wee bit too long again...so, he's doing every other day of 2mg then 4mg then 2mg etc...his blood will be checked again on Friday...it may still get adjusted again...

It was an early morning yesterday...we got to the hospital and didn't have to wait long to register for labs stat...then go up to 2nd floor and nurse's station said it would be done in ICU...by the time we got there and nurse Diane set up his IV and let it slowly drip...she had results in and he was to be given the full dose of 4mg of zometa...he lay on the bed for comfortableness...his hip/leg still bothers him but FOR SURE not like on day of incident or for several days after surgery...once she started the drip of zometa it took right at 25 minutes and shortly after that Tam came in and we headed home...he did ask what the side effects were...feeling bit gaggy...got home and slept most morning...kept saying rest of day his bones hurt not like before but differently...especially in the areas of where the tumors are in his shoulders, leg/hip, previous fractured arm..."not sure what that zometa is doing but it sure is taking hold of those areas"...

He woke this morning freezing...put 2 xtra blankets on him...slept some more and woke feeling warm...but this afternoon he cold again...after getting hot so the zometa got to be working and maybe also in conjunction with the sutent...

He made comment that after he heals from fracture and weight bearing on leg/hip again...he is looking forward to getting out and having coffee with his buds...:D that sure sounds like his old self, a fighter like me...everyone that sees him says he looks good and wouldn't know he had cancer cuz it's not really visible...

It's good thing he/we didn't have anywhere to go today...another windy day with gusts...can't handle that wind with my lungs...well, guess go for now...have some time to myself while he sleeps/naps I either nap with him or relax being a farmer...lol...most of ya'll knoz what I talkin' bout...have a gr8t evening...bye all...

Updates...

Updates...my mom is doing well from form of bug bite on her thumb/hand and her iron levels are back up and she's back to one shot a month...

Our niece - last update this morning...she came through surgery just fine, still on oxygen as still hard to breathe...the doctors got the filters put in to help stop the clots...there is still the one headed for her heart and docs are keeping an eye on that...so with filters and meds they're hoping dissolve the clots, she now has a fighting chance...hopefully, the docs won't have to go in and open her heart up to try to retrieve that one...will keep all posted...

Today was mostly trying to catch up on sleep...lol...like anyone ever does...It got windy here so I didn't go anywhere, besides hitting 100 degrees again for the third day (at least off our back porch) let daughter get mail and paper when she got back from Vegas...headed back tomorrow morning for work then back home again tomorrow evening til Tuesday morning...

She has found a room to rent with some friends starting next month for the summer but mostly for college next fall...she had her experience with college dorming and that was enuff...lol...some student neighbors not having courtesy to keep their noise down...

Our prayers go out to all who are having services these few days and that they find comfort as time heals all...

Elf...eryone be safe this weekend and enjoy Sunday...

Full Moon...

Oh so many things happening in town, with friends, family...like some are saying "omg when is it going to end"...I kept saying it's the full moon...don't think so now...too much...

Different families around town hurt in accidents/illnesses/some out of stupidity for attention, some serious...some fatal...in ours - nephew passing-heart attack...my Tim - surgery to help hold his leg/hip together to have chance to heal from pathological fracture around the tumor area of his leg(xray looked liked cracked egg when you tap to break one open to fry)...niece - blood clots in lung, also showing in lower extremities - needing surgery to give her some kind of fighting chance by putting in filters to help stop them til meds have chance to help dissolve them all...there's one already moving towards her heart...no further word yet...needing a lot of prayers for her...As Tim said earlier today, it's happening to all our young and not the older ones...

Update...he took himself off the stronger pain meds Dr. Todd put him on Tuesday...he just didn't like the way it was making him feel odd and his chest bothering him...since he changed back to the lortabs this morning he feels a lot better...he said that would probably be one of the meds he would use later on when nothing else works and the cancer treatment isn't working anymore...he can't see why anyone would want to be on that stuff and be doped up all the time...I don't like that feeling either and nor do the girls...

He got started back on the "Sutent" today and his coumadin (blood will be check again on Monday to make sure of the right dosage)...his cancer appointment is on Monday late
morning...hopefully, he'll get that infusion to help manage his pain as well along with helping out in strengthening them bones up too...

One of his coffee buds...wife made homemade chicken noodle soup (even the noodles) and some fresh homemade bread and chocolate chips cookies yesterday and brought over for dinner...omg talk bout a mean chicken soup...WOW...still eaten' on it tonight...actually had some at lunch too...wasn't that much but not big eaters either so still have enuff for 2morrow...:D~

If you haven't picked up on it yet...when I'z tired I get rather silly...come up with these goofy comments...reason I say this is...he was taking a nap yesterday and sometimes during his sleep his hands get to movin' and making different jesters and suddenly out of the blue his right hand comes up and shows the peace sign...all I could do was say, "Peace brother"...cuz I was tired it struck me funn:D and all I could do was laugh silly....I'm alright it's the other guy that's not....tehe

Well guess will make this it for 2night and wish elf...eryone a TGIF day 2morrow...if in I don't gets to blog b4 Sunday all you moms out there have a super duper gr8t day...





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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