I can't remember when our life wasn't dictated by cancer, which involves doctor visits, chemo treatments, blood workups and now transfusions.
Ron's blood count Thursday was very bad. Doctor ordered transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets for Friday. As always, the medical issues involve long stories that I'm not in the mood to write about. To get to the point, yesterday was a very very long day.
We were at Memorial Hospital by 7:30 AM. Ron was too weak to walk; I got a wheel chair. By 10 AM he was hooked up and RBCs were running into him. That sounds simple, but there was blood drawn, antigens cross checked and waiting to find out if there was blood locally or if we would have to wait until some came in from Syracuse (3 hours away!).
Once he was good to go, so to speak, I took off to do some planned shopping. I got a new cell phone; canceled Sprint/Nextel (HATE that company) and went with Verizon. Got a cool phone and am having fun playing with it.
Then went to Best Buy and got my new laptop computer. I love it!!! Another tech toy that makes me happy. It's gonna rock with speed and power, and I can't wait until we're hooked up to Verizon's faster Internet connection and I can sit downstairs and write.
Both phone and computer were planned purchases. Love it when a plan comes to fruition.
Ron's transfusion didn't go quite as planned. A very long story; not gonna write it here. Nuf to say that they didn't get both bags of RBCs into him and we have to return to the hospital Monday by 8:45 AM. They SHOULD have gotten both bags into him and because they didn't, Ron again has to get up early and we have to drive the 28 miles to the hospital.
Again I have issues with the medical establishment, and I will be following through with Ron's oncologist.
The good news is that Ron is feeling better. Far far far from 100%, but he is breathing better (when low on RBCs, one gets very breathless); he is more alert; he is talking more; he slept less today.
Michele is on vacation so I don't have Ember care for at least the next week and a half and maybe two weeks. I haven't seen Em since Tuesday, but tomorrow Michele and Em are coming down for a visit. (That's an indication of how much better Ron is feeling.)
Weather - Second rainest June on record. It's still raining, mixed with sun.
Exercise - Does worry and crying count as exercise? Probably not, huh. Shopping does, though. :--)
Random thoughts - When I reach the point in my life when I'm sick enough to need help, there won't be anybody here. Hopefully I'll check out easily and quickly. Why do people pray, finish their prayer with "Thy will be done," and wonder why nothing happens? I'm missing Mica's graduation party at Maureen's this weekend. Bummer.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Beautiful Day!
Summer has sprung. Yesterday and today the temps reached into the low 80s. Today in particular was a beautiful day: sunny, bright blue sky, fluffy white clouds.
It was a busy day. In no particular order: ran errands around town (library, recycling, store, mail, computer geek place); helped Ron with his shower and getting dressed; made breakfast for both of us; made lunch for both of us; mowed the lawn; made supper; did dishes; walked across the creek through the cemetery; read; watched a little bit of TV.
I'm pooped. Tomorrow will be as busy a day. Ron has two doctor appointments; one is just for blood work. We'll get lunch someplace, probably a take-out because Ron may be too tired to walk into a restaurant. He'll wait in the truck and sleep while I activate new cell phone service with Verizon and then I'm going to buy a laptop computer. Yeahh!!!
Ron's appetite has been better the past two days. Both days he actually ate three, albeit small, meals. He asked for specific things like a PB&J sandwich or a grilled cheese with ham sandwich and soup. This is very good. He is two weeks out from treatment day 1 and one week out of treatment day 2, so it's not surprising his appetite has returned. I hope it continues because he is up to 19 pounds weight loss since June 1.
There was a deer and a fawn under the apple tree last evening. It's the first fawn I've seen this year. Soooooooo freakin' cute!!! Full of spots and scampering around.
It was a lovely evening to sit on the swing. I wish Ron had felt well enough to come out with me. He hasn't been outside in days. It was warm and sunny and there was one deer grazing under the apple tree. So very peaceful.
Weather - This June has been the second most rainiest June in the history of weather records in the Capital Region of New York State. It has rained 19 out of 24 days!!
Exercise - I've tried to get in walking but there isn't always time. On days I have Ember, I get up at 5:30 and it's after 7:30 PM when I finish supper dishes. That's a 14-hour day, and I'm too damn tired to give more of myself, especially knowing Ron may need whatever energy I have left.
Random thoughts: Why didn't any of Ron's four children call him on Father's Day? For that matter, why didn't any one of them send him a birthday card last month? He shrugs off the hurt more often than not, but it does hurt him, and therefore I don't shrug it off. Ron is part of MY family and when people fuck with my family, I get pissed!!! ... and I don't forget... ever. Payback's a bitch. :--) Does it really matter what kind of laptop I get? I have a few items that are required, but most if not all of them are met in just about every brand.
It was a busy day. In no particular order: ran errands around town (library, recycling, store, mail, computer geek place); helped Ron with his shower and getting dressed; made breakfast for both of us; made lunch for both of us; mowed the lawn; made supper; did dishes; walked across the creek through the cemetery; read; watched a little bit of TV.
I'm pooped. Tomorrow will be as busy a day. Ron has two doctor appointments; one is just for blood work. We'll get lunch someplace, probably a take-out because Ron may be too tired to walk into a restaurant. He'll wait in the truck and sleep while I activate new cell phone service with Verizon and then I'm going to buy a laptop computer. Yeahh!!!
Ron's appetite has been better the past two days. Both days he actually ate three, albeit small, meals. He asked for specific things like a PB&J sandwich or a grilled cheese with ham sandwich and soup. This is very good. He is two weeks out from treatment day 1 and one week out of treatment day 2, so it's not surprising his appetite has returned. I hope it continues because he is up to 19 pounds weight loss since June 1.
There was a deer and a fawn under the apple tree last evening. It's the first fawn I've seen this year. Soooooooo freakin' cute!!! Full of spots and scampering around.
It was a lovely evening to sit on the swing. I wish Ron had felt well enough to come out with me. He hasn't been outside in days. It was warm and sunny and there was one deer grazing under the apple tree. So very peaceful.
Weather - This June has been the second most rainiest June in the history of weather records in the Capital Region of New York State. It has rained 19 out of 24 days!!
Exercise - I've tried to get in walking but there isn't always time. On days I have Ember, I get up at 5:30 and it's after 7:30 PM when I finish supper dishes. That's a 14-hour day, and I'm too damn tired to give more of myself, especially knowing Ron may need whatever energy I have left.
Random thoughts: Why didn't any of Ron's four children call him on Father's Day? For that matter, why didn't any one of them send him a birthday card last month? He shrugs off the hurt more often than not, but it does hurt him, and therefore I don't shrug it off. Ron is part of MY family and when people fuck with my family, I get pissed!!! ... and I don't forget... ever. Payback's a bitch. :--) Does it really matter what kind of laptop I get? I have a few items that are required, but most if not all of them are met in just about every brand.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Scooter and Happiness
Em was thrilled with her scooter. For some reason, instead of "hiding" when she heard me park in front of her house, she looked out the window and saw me carrying the scooter. Her face lit up like the sun and she was yelling, "Grandma Marla got me a scooter. It's beautiful. It's pink. A scooter." If it had cost three times as much, it would have been worth the price for me to see her reaction. "Thank you, Grandma. Thank you so much for my scooter. I love it. It's perfect. I love you. Thank you so much," words she kept repeating.
Whether she really loves it or just is happy with her most serious desire being filled is something we may never know. She is showing great pride in ownership and has ridden it up and down her block half a dozen times, helmet high on her head.
Ron has chemo yesterday. It was only Gemzar, which is easier on his system. He got an injection of.....?? damn, can't remember the drug, but it's similar to Procrit, which is a booster of red blood cells. Today his friend Walter is taking him up for a shot of ??? (again can't remember name), which will boost his white blood cells. His RBC count yesterday was not good. No wonder he's so tired.
Some days it's tougher than others for me to keep a stiff upper lip, so to speak. Some days, or moments, tears just seap out of my eyes almost without my knowing it. There is fear that this is the beginning of the end, though my mind tells me that Ron's extreme fatigue, he's sleeping 18+ hours a day, is due to the chemo. I am full of fear of how I will handle all that will eventually have to be done.
All I've ever wanted is a simple life. I subscribe to the idea that the more one has, the more one has to take care of, insure, worry about, etc. I don't need stuff. I don't like to have stuff. I married a man who has stuff. No, he has STUFF. Some of the stuff will go to his children, but most of it is not family-related. Hmmmmmm...wonder if they'd be interesed in the old yellow bathtub in the cellar? Or how about the furnace that was replaced last year. Maybe the washer that was replaced last month by a new one. Don't forget the bucket truck, the pontoon boat and trailer and two work trucks that bear the company's name to name a few other things.
I am ahead of myself and our situation as it is now, but I am seriously concerned that the amount of work involved when all is said and done will be more than I'm physically capable of doing.
Weather - Rain, clouds, chilly damp temps. Lousy June.
Gas prices - They continue to go up. I paid $2.75 at the Glenmont Cumberland this morning.
Exercise - Ha!
Random Thoughts - Hope I am successul at switching my cell service from Sprint/Nextel to Verizon tonight. Piece of advice: Do not use Sprint! Em is sleeping right now and has been for an hour. I hope she wakes up happy.
Whether she really loves it or just is happy with her most serious desire being filled is something we may never know. She is showing great pride in ownership and has ridden it up and down her block half a dozen times, helmet high on her head.
Ron has chemo yesterday. It was only Gemzar, which is easier on his system. He got an injection of.....?? damn, can't remember the drug, but it's similar to Procrit, which is a booster of red blood cells. Today his friend Walter is taking him up for a shot of ??? (again can't remember name), which will boost his white blood cells. His RBC count yesterday was not good. No wonder he's so tired.
Some days it's tougher than others for me to keep a stiff upper lip, so to speak. Some days, or moments, tears just seap out of my eyes almost without my knowing it. There is fear that this is the beginning of the end, though my mind tells me that Ron's extreme fatigue, he's sleeping 18+ hours a day, is due to the chemo. I am full of fear of how I will handle all that will eventually have to be done.
All I've ever wanted is a simple life. I subscribe to the idea that the more one has, the more one has to take care of, insure, worry about, etc. I don't need stuff. I don't like to have stuff. I married a man who has stuff. No, he has STUFF. Some of the stuff will go to his children, but most of it is not family-related. Hmmmmmm...wonder if they'd be interesed in the old yellow bathtub in the cellar? Or how about the furnace that was replaced last year. Maybe the washer that was replaced last month by a new one. Don't forget the bucket truck, the pontoon boat and trailer and two work trucks that bear the company's name to name a few other things.
I am ahead of myself and our situation as it is now, but I am seriously concerned that the amount of work involved when all is said and done will be more than I'm physically capable of doing.
Weather - Rain, clouds, chilly damp temps. Lousy June.
Gas prices - They continue to go up. I paid $2.75 at the Glenmont Cumberland this morning.
Exercise - Ha!
Random Thoughts - Hope I am successul at switching my cell service from Sprint/Nextel to Verizon tonight. Piece of advice: Do not use Sprint! Em is sleeping right now and has been for an hour. I hope she wakes up happy.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Fun of Buying
Yesterday, Ember asked me, "Grandma, can you buy me a scooter?" The question was prompted by her watching a little boy on a scooter. She asked for a girl scooter but said if the store didn't have any, a boy one was OK. My response was, "Yes, Em, Grandma will buy you a scooter." She said, "Thank you, Grandma," with total seriousness in her voice and confidence that I'd come through.
Of course, she's asked everybody in her life for a scooter, with total confidence that that person would come through. LOL
Today Grandma Marla came through!! I'm one for buying little things: bubbles, a new ball, a book, and even though the scooter was on sale for only $23.00, it represents more than bubbles or a ball. I can't wait till she sees it. She will be soooooooo happy.
So that was the fun of buying for me today. I also bought a couple necessities but that's not nearly as much fun.
Had my 6-month checkup for BP and blood work today. Things are mostly OK. I then met a friend at Panera's for a late breakfast. We drank coffee and chatted for an hour.
Ron's is feeling horrible. His fatigue is total exhaustion. It's a tremendous effort for him to get out of a chair. I "force" him to get up and do a couple of walks around the house every few hours. He's thinking slowly; his mind isn't as sharp, probably because it's too much effort. His appetite today was better. I had a small roast beef with gravy, potatoes and corn muffins for supper, and he ate well. He also had breakfast and a small lunch. He hasn't eaten three meals, albeit small ones, in quite a few days.
Dealing with cancer is a journey that is taken together but with the travelers using different modes of transportation. We hope to arrive at the same place together, but along the way what we see and experience are totally different. No matter how much love there is, I do not know what it is to live in Ron's shoes, or as is most often the case, slippers. He cannot know the anguish, guilt, fear, trepidation, worry and concern I have.
Weather - Today was supposed to be lovely. It fell short. The past four weeks have really sucked.
Random thoughts - I wonder if the new sandals I've been wearing, which feel great on my feet, are contributing to the increased pain in my knees? Maybe I walk differently in them? What kind of cell phone service should I get? I am smiling thinking of Em's Princess Scooter with its pink basket and multi-colored handlebar streamers. Ah the joy of living vicariously through one's granddaughter. The hot rod is being picked up by the transporter guy Saturday. Tomorrow the check clears. :--)
Of course, she's asked everybody in her life for a scooter, with total confidence that that person would come through. LOL
Today Grandma Marla came through!! I'm one for buying little things: bubbles, a new ball, a book, and even though the scooter was on sale for only $23.00, it represents more than bubbles or a ball. I can't wait till she sees it. She will be soooooooo happy.
So that was the fun of buying for me today. I also bought a couple necessities but that's not nearly as much fun.
Had my 6-month checkup for BP and blood work today. Things are mostly OK. I then met a friend at Panera's for a late breakfast. We drank coffee and chatted for an hour.
Ron's is feeling horrible. His fatigue is total exhaustion. It's a tremendous effort for him to get out of a chair. I "force" him to get up and do a couple of walks around the house every few hours. He's thinking slowly; his mind isn't as sharp, probably because it's too much effort. His appetite today was better. I had a small roast beef with gravy, potatoes and corn muffins for supper, and he ate well. He also had breakfast and a small lunch. He hasn't eaten three meals, albeit small ones, in quite a few days.
Dealing with cancer is a journey that is taken together but with the travelers using different modes of transportation. We hope to arrive at the same place together, but along the way what we see and experience are totally different. No matter how much love there is, I do not know what it is to live in Ron's shoes, or as is most often the case, slippers. He cannot know the anguish, guilt, fear, trepidation, worry and concern I have.
Weather - Today was supposed to be lovely. It fell short. The past four weeks have really sucked.
Random thoughts - I wonder if the new sandals I've been wearing, which feel great on my feet, are contributing to the increased pain in my knees? Maybe I walk differently in them? What kind of cell phone service should I get? I am smiling thinking of Em's Princess Scooter with its pink basket and multi-colored handlebar streamers. Ah the joy of living vicariously through one's granddaughter. The hot rod is being picked up by the transporter guy Saturday. Tomorrow the check clears. :--)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Bits and Pieces
Ron's fatigue from the chemo leaves him unable to do most chores. He's so tired that he's not even working on his hobbies, the latest of which is checkering and carving gun stocks. Just about all the chores of keeping the household going are mine now. It's fine.... no big deal... but it's made it apparent how much I had come to like having someone with with whom to share maintaining a house.
It's also become very clear to me that I don't have the energy or stamina to work continuously as I could just a few years ago. I do some now, some later, some tomorrow and don't beat myself up that it's not all done at once.
Ron's schedule is much like that of a baby. He sleeps for 2-3 hours; is awake for 2-3 hours; then sleeps again.
He's losing weight. For the first time I'm very worried about the near-term outcome. His appetite is good. He's still eating his cookies and snacks as well as meals. He's eating smaller meals, but not small enough to account for a 7-pound weight loss in just a few days. His arms and legs are thin looking. His stomach has flattened. He's just not robust looking any more to me. He looks sickly. He's very white, part of the cause which could be from not being out in the sun as he normally would. I'm hoping that all this is due to the chemo drugs because the only other "choice" of cause is the cancer spreading.
The house is quiet. The TV is not often blaring because Ron is sleeping so much. I like not having the TV on but I'd gladly take the sound if he meant he wasn't ill.
We eat at odd times, or Ron eats at odd times. By the time he's ready to have breakfast, which thankfully he still makes himself -- and it can take him an hour after getting out of bed to be starting breakfast -- it's after 10 AM. It can take him half an hour to make breakfast -- an amount of time it's always been because he is a slow mover. So he's eating breakfast around 10:30; lunch around 2:30 or 3; and supper at 7 or 8 PM. By 8 PM, I've already eaten and am ready to call it a day.
I miss my husband, and I wonder if he'll ever be back.
Weather - We've had a couple of nice days. Today especially was almost picture perfect. The temp reached high 70s; the sky was bright blue; and fluffy white clouds occasionally wandered through.
Random thoughts - I'd love to get a wooden play ground/swing set for Ember in our back yard. I'm not a big fan of Wal-Mart but I bought a fantastic pair of sandals there last week. The brand name is Earth Spirit and the shoes are sooooo comfortable. The check WAS in the mail and is safely deposited. Laptop computer here I come.
It's also become very clear to me that I don't have the energy or stamina to work continuously as I could just a few years ago. I do some now, some later, some tomorrow and don't beat myself up that it's not all done at once.
Ron's schedule is much like that of a baby. He sleeps for 2-3 hours; is awake for 2-3 hours; then sleeps again.
He's losing weight. For the first time I'm very worried about the near-term outcome. His appetite is good. He's still eating his cookies and snacks as well as meals. He's eating smaller meals, but not small enough to account for a 7-pound weight loss in just a few days. His arms and legs are thin looking. His stomach has flattened. He's just not robust looking any more to me. He looks sickly. He's very white, part of the cause which could be from not being out in the sun as he normally would. I'm hoping that all this is due to the chemo drugs because the only other "choice" of cause is the cancer spreading.
The house is quiet. The TV is not often blaring because Ron is sleeping so much. I like not having the TV on but I'd gladly take the sound if he meant he wasn't ill.
We eat at odd times, or Ron eats at odd times. By the time he's ready to have breakfast, which thankfully he still makes himself -- and it can take him an hour after getting out of bed to be starting breakfast -- it's after 10 AM. It can take him half an hour to make breakfast -- an amount of time it's always been because he is a slow mover. So he's eating breakfast around 10:30; lunch around 2:30 or 3; and supper at 7 or 8 PM. By 8 PM, I've already eaten and am ready to call it a day.
I miss my husband, and I wonder if he'll ever be back.
Weather - We've had a couple of nice days. Today especially was almost picture perfect. The temp reached high 70s; the sky was bright blue; and fluffy white clouds occasionally wandered through.
Random thoughts - I'd love to get a wooden play ground/swing set for Ember in our back yard. I'm not a big fan of Wal-Mart but I bought a fantastic pair of sandals there last week. The brand name is Earth Spirit and the shoes are sooooo comfortable. The check WAS in the mail and is safely deposited. Laptop computer here I come.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Random Thoughts
JUNE 10, 2009
A year ago today the temp went into the 90s. Why don't we remember these things?
How does one explain to a 3-year-old the meaning of a logo? Why did I even use the word logo with Em? LOL
Ron's skin condition continues to improve. He's not feeling all that well today. Just out of sorts. Maybe it's the cancer. We have no idea if it's dormant or spreading.
I've been trying to walk in the cemetery daily. I haven't always been successful, but today I was.
Today was an errand, laundry, vacuum day. Roasted a small pork roast for supper along with roasted potatoes. It was yummy!
Mica graduates from high school this month. We can't go to her graduation or picnic party because it's the same weekend Ron's grandson Jacob graduates high school.
Tony is in love. I'm happy for him; I'm sad for Ember. It is not a local relationship, and I imagine it will end up hurting Ember as her daddy gets more involved downstate.
Below is Em on the path to the back garage. She was picking up clues (or as she said, "cluuues" -- for what I have no idea) and putting them in her bug cage. More pictures of her visit from yesterday are above.
When the check from the hot road clears, we're buying a new mattress set and a laptop for me. Anybody got a recommendation for a laptop?
Weather - It's clammy today. Hardly any sun.
Exercise - I've been lazy more often than not, but have done cemetery walking when I have the time.
A year ago today the temp went into the 90s. Why don't we remember these things?
How does one explain to a 3-year-old the meaning of a logo? Why did I even use the word logo with Em? LOL
Ron's skin condition continues to improve. He's not feeling all that well today. Just out of sorts. Maybe it's the cancer. We have no idea if it's dormant or spreading.
I've been trying to walk in the cemetery daily. I haven't always been successful, but today I was.
Today was an errand, laundry, vacuum day. Roasted a small pork roast for supper along with roasted potatoes. It was yummy!
Mica graduates from high school this month. We can't go to her graduation or picnic party because it's the same weekend Ron's grandson Jacob graduates high school.
Tony is in love. I'm happy for him; I'm sad for Ember. It is not a local relationship, and I imagine it will end up hurting Ember as her daddy gets more involved downstate.
Below is Em on the path to the back garage. She was picking up clues (or as she said, "cluuues" -- for what I have no idea) and putting them in her bug cage. More pictures of her visit from yesterday are above.
When the check from the hot road clears, we're buying a new mattress set and a laptop for me. Anybody got a recommendation for a laptop?
Weather - It's clammy today. Hardly any sun.
Exercise - I've been lazy more often than not, but have done cemetery walking when I have the time.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Giant Steps!!
The post dated June 6 is short and sweet. I started it on June 6, but never finished it until today, June 9. In between much has happened.
First, Ron is soooooo much better!! We may never know what is facilitating the healing: prednisone? the antibiotic from the oncologist? deleting Simvastatin from his diet? As long as the healing continues, we probably don't care. I know he won't return to taking Simvastatin.
The new skin is as pink as a new-born baby, though it looks more tender. There are still a couple of areas that bear strong resemblance to being burned, but they are healing, albeit slower than other places on his legs.
Ron wore jeans yesterday for the first time in two weeks! Today he is driving his truck with no problem. We are soooooooooo relieved.
Because Ron is better, and his blood counts are on the rise, we brought Ember down for an overnight yesterday into today. It had been a while and she was asking to visit. We had a great time. Yesterday, Monday, was a gorgeous day here. She was able to wear a dress all day and played outside for hours on end. At the end of the afternoon, she played by herself in the yard while Ron and I watched her from the swing. She was so joyful, swinging, kicking the ball, picking flowers, and all the while singing. Because she took no nap, she went to bed early without a sound after she got into bed.
Today wasn't nearly as nice a day weather-wise. It rained overnight and everything was soaked. Nonetheless, it cleared a little and warmed up enough so that I allowed Em to put on her old sneakers and stomp in the mud puddles in the driveway. She was mud from her toes to her crotch... LOL.. and lovin' every minute of it. Needless to say she was stripped down to her bare bottom when I brought her inside, washed throughly with warm water and redressed in clean clothes. All the morning's play made her tired and she slept for over two hours. Grandma napped for an hour. :--)
Ron's hot rod has sold!!!!!!!!! A man from Kansas City, MO, saw it on the Internet site where it's been listed, fell in love with it and flew in the next day, along with his son and grandson. There was very little haggling on the price, and a phone call today from the buyer assured us that the check is in the mail for the balance due. We are happy because Ron definitely has no interest any more in driving it and the money will come in handy.
Weather - It hasn't been nice. The temps are a bit below average and we've been lacking in sun. The end of May and beginning of June have been a disappointment.
Gas prices - I paid $2.55 at BJs in Colonie last week.
Random thoughts - Tony told me tonight he's in love with Brianna. I knew. When they were down for supper on the 7th, I could tell. It's not going to be easy and I just can't think about it right now. Hot rod money will buy a new mattress set and Ron is insisting I get a laptop computer. I said, "Twist my arm!!" LOL
First, Ron is soooooo much better!! We may never know what is facilitating the healing: prednisone? the antibiotic from the oncologist? deleting Simvastatin from his diet? As long as the healing continues, we probably don't care. I know he won't return to taking Simvastatin.
The new skin is as pink as a new-born baby, though it looks more tender. There are still a couple of areas that bear strong resemblance to being burned, but they are healing, albeit slower than other places on his legs.
Ron wore jeans yesterday for the first time in two weeks! Today he is driving his truck with no problem. We are soooooooooo relieved.
Because Ron is better, and his blood counts are on the rise, we brought Ember down for an overnight yesterday into today. It had been a while and she was asking to visit. We had a great time. Yesterday, Monday, was a gorgeous day here. She was able to wear a dress all day and played outside for hours on end. At the end of the afternoon, she played by herself in the yard while Ron and I watched her from the swing. She was so joyful, swinging, kicking the ball, picking flowers, and all the while singing. Because she took no nap, she went to bed early without a sound after she got into bed.
Today wasn't nearly as nice a day weather-wise. It rained overnight and everything was soaked. Nonetheless, it cleared a little and warmed up enough so that I allowed Em to put on her old sneakers and stomp in the mud puddles in the driveway. She was mud from her toes to her crotch... LOL.. and lovin' every minute of it. Needless to say she was stripped down to her bare bottom when I brought her inside, washed throughly with warm water and redressed in clean clothes. All the morning's play made her tired and she slept for over two hours. Grandma napped for an hour. :--)
Ron's hot rod has sold!!!!!!!!! A man from Kansas City, MO, saw it on the Internet site where it's been listed, fell in love with it and flew in the next day, along with his son and grandson. There was very little haggling on the price, and a phone call today from the buyer assured us that the check is in the mail for the balance due. We are happy because Ron definitely has no interest any more in driving it and the money will come in handy.
Weather - It hasn't been nice. The temps are a bit below average and we've been lacking in sun. The end of May and beginning of June have been a disappointment.
Gas prices - I paid $2.55 at BJs in Colonie last week.
Random thoughts - Tony told me tonight he's in love with Brianna. I knew. When they were down for supper on the 7th, I could tell. It's not going to be easy and I just can't think about it right now. Hot rod money will buy a new mattress set and Ron is insisting I get a laptop computer. I said, "Twist my arm!!" LOL
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Baby Steps
Ron's skin condition, which last week seemed to be improving, took a backward step after I wrote that and he was miserable into the middle of this week. The second skin biopsy still indicates drug-induced lupus (DIL). Ron continues to be on prednisone and a pain killer and is still not taking Simvastatin, the anti-cholesterol drug that is associated with DIL. His skin looks as though it was severely burned, as though doused with chemicals, and is starting to heal. It is as painful as if it were burned and healing. It's ugly as hell.
Ron's blood counts were better Thursday, but still not high enough for chemo. The doctor has put off Week #1 of the treatment until next Thursday. The strength of the chemo drugs will be reduced by 20% in an effort to not have Ron's counts drop as low as they did. The doctor said that Ron's poorly-functioning kidneys cannot process the drugs as well as healthy kidneys, hence the severe blood count reaction.
Ron's blood counts were better Thursday, but still not high enough for chemo. The doctor has put off Week #1 of the treatment until next Thursday. The strength of the chemo drugs will be reduced by 20% in an effort to not have Ron's counts drop as low as they did. The doctor said that Ron's poorly-functioning kidneys cannot process the drugs as well as healthy kidneys, hence the severe blood count reaction.
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