MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

AND MORE DOCTOR TIME

I went to my family doctor and he listened to me, did a few pokes and tells me I have fibromyalgia. He is sending me for therapy treatments for that which is body massages and my legs wrapped to get the swelling down in them. Luckily I am still only going two times a week but I have to stay twice as long in order to get my foot treatments and the new treatments. The gal wrapped my left leg and foot on Wednesday and I couldn't find a shoe big enough. I even went to WalMart...zilch. I stayed home Thursday and elevated my leg most of the day. It doesn't feel too bad today. I had to take off the bandages though cause they started coming off and since I didn't know how to redo it myself, I will wait til Monday for the therapists to do it again. I am supposed to have both legs bandaged next week so I hope they give me some of those velcro hospital shoes or I'm going to have to stay home from work again. This is costing me!

Well, I hope you are all ready for Christmas. I have the gifts but it is the wrapping I dread! Ho, Ho, Ho.

MORE THERAPY

I went to my Podiatrist today after therapy and he thinks I need to keep going with the therapy because my pain level has gone down. My leg pain is better too. I still have to stand still when I get on my feet because my foot hurts when I stand on it and I limp when I walk. I guess that therapy is better than having an operation. So now I am continuing the therapy 2 times a week and go back to the Podiatrist in a month. More time off work and more cuts in pay. (sigh)

HOPE YOU ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON. REMEMBER THAT JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

IT IS 14" DEEP AROUND HERE!

Well the big ice and snow storm hit us Wednesday evening into Friday morning. Thanks to David's brother we have our driveway scraped off. David took a vacation day and spent it shoveling snow off the sidewalk and cars for about two or more hours. He also went in and got a few groceries for my mom & scraped off her car too. She hasn't been feeling well all week. I felt sick & had a headache so stayed home from work Thursday & Friday. I didn't go for my therapy today b/c of feeling ill and, besides, the roads were bad also.

Jen & Decovin came Tuesday night. Jen was going to go to Bunco Wednesday but the weather caused them to cancel it. She couldn't go home b/c of the weather.

I was supposed to get a haircut Thursday night but we had to cancel due to the weather. So here I sit with the same cruddy hair you saw me with last. I feel a bit dowdy today.

AFTER THANKSGIVING BUMMER!

We had a very good Thanksgiving dinner at Janette & Danny's. We enjoyed seeing everyone. There was a good crowd but Janette's house is big enough to accomodate all of us.

However, by the time I woke up Friday morning, the turkey was fighting with the side dishes I had eaten. I spent all day & evening going between my bed and the bathroom. My ribs are very sore and my stomach is still tender. David ended up being host to my family a day early. Jeff, Marianne, Katrina & McKendra, Marianne's folks-James and Nancy spent the night Thursday. My Mom, Judy, Melodie, Quentin, & McKinley & Christy came Friday to go ahead and fix our turkey as Jen,Bob, & Decovin weren't coming down. I just stayed quarantined in my room and slept when I could. I am sorry guys...hope no one else got my bug.

David said Katrina came and sat on his lap and asked where Grandma was and he told her Grandma was in the bedroom because she had a bug. He said she looked at him really seriously for a long moment thinking about it and then said, "We have to go get that bug out of Grandma's mouth. My doctor kit is at home though." I talked to all of them by phone before they left and Katrina asked me about my bug. I didn't know about the previous conversation so I didn't understand her at first other than she sounded really worried about me having a bug in me. She was also trying to tell me she would bring her doctor kit and take the bug out. She was so animated and matter of fact talking about it. It was really sweet of her to think about me.

I go back to the radiologist Tuesday morning and my therapist Tuesday afternoon. I talked to the therapists about my leg and ankle last time and one of them did a new manipulation of my foot, plus the ultra sound and the steroid machine. It has felt better this week so hope this means it will go away and no operation!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

WHY...? I DON'T KNOW!!!

I don't know why but it seems the more I exercise my ankle, the more my ankle & leg hurts. I have another 2 weeks of therapy before I see my doctor. Hope I can still walk by then. I may have to call him tomorrow.

David's back is hurting from digging and hefting on the Church Time Capsule yesterday. He may have sprained it.

We are going to David's sister's on Thursday and then my side of the family will be here at our house on Saturday. Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving!

THERAPY....

I have 4 exercises to do 2-3 times a day and a boot to wear at night. It actually felt better this morning after wearing the boot all night. It keeps my foot at the angle it needs to be kept to keep from pulling my tendonitis apart all the time.

They put some new fangled unit on the back of my heel and the ground patch was put on the back of my ankle. Then they hooked it up. It got hot and tingly and hurt a bit at first but she turned it down and it felt better. It put some kind of steroid through my skin to help the swelling. I will have a heat sonagram tomorrow. I will go Tues. & Thurs. afternoons for 4 weeks. Fun! Not!

For those of you who know Dr. terminology, he officially diagnosed me as Retro Calcaneal Exostosis (a type of spur) & Inertional Dextro Tendonitis. It has started to make me limp somewhat and now the left side of my leg hurts and it makes my balance when I first get up really wobbly. If it hurts too badly, it makes me wince and I get set right back down.

I get so tired at work. Not used to working I guess. lol

AND THE DR. SAID...

I have a fractured bone spur growing into my achilles tendon. He said therapy was reccomended but that it was a 50/50 chance it would work but he wants me to try that first. If it doesn't work, then an operation to remove the spur will be the way to go. That would be a 3 mo. recovery time line. I start therapy next Tuesday.

My radiation areas look like I have been to a tanning salon on that side only. I am brown. It looks a bit wierd!

I feel like I am out of the loop on my grandchildren. I haven't seen them for 2-3 weeks now. Jeff is gone so much now that we haven't gotten any updated pictures. The ones of Decovin have been cute and even entertaining with his different faces.


David has been working long hours but he did have a holiday yesterday so we visited all the parents in one day. My mom in the morning. His dad & Loree at mid-day and his mom & Sam in the mid-afternoon. We had about a two hour visit with all of them. Not long but it has been so long since we have had time to go anywhere together, it was now or never!

This afternoon we are going to visit with our nieces at Linda & Eddie's. We actually visited with Les & Wade yesterday morning when Linda invited us up for breakfast with them. Michelle & Troy & boys are coming today. We haven't seen them since the family birthday get together in August. We got back home at 8:30--Kim & Keith came with their kids too. It was a nice afternoon. Michelle is looking good. She has just one more chemo treatment left on Monday.

I'd like to thank my sister-in-law Linda for all the meals she has made for us. They were appreciated very much. I also thank those of you who have sent cards. They always made my day whenever I received them.

I am going back to work on Monday. I didn't get to talk with my boss on Friday but assume I can come back then. I'll let you know...

A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

I am feeling better. Thanks for all the prayers and encouraging comments. David & I met Jen, Bob, & Decovin at Powell Gardens yesterday. It was a bit too windy but it still was nice out. They had lots of scarecrows along the walkway and all were dressed different. Interesting. The fall foliage was pretty and peaceful but we are anxious to go back when the flowers are in bloom. Today my calves and achilles tendonitis are telling me that perhaps the mile walk I took was a bit much for first time out in a long while. Oh well, I enjoyed the day tremendously. How did you like the pictures we took that I sent out?

I am going to put off going back to work for another week. I want to make sure I am not going to be sore wearing a bra all day. My boss has hired another agent to help him and I have helped her with computer problems by phone so I will go back next week for sure.

Have a good week.

ANOTHER DR. VISIT

One visit leads to another...I went to see my family Dr. so I could get my prescriptions redone but he also wanted to see how I was doing with the radiation and all. That was nice of him. He told me to get some Eucerin lotion for the burned areas and that does make it feel better. (just wonder why my radiologist didn't tell me about it???) He also gave me something to help me sleep and something for the pain of the burn. I have been groggy all day today. He said it would take 4 days to get used to it so I will give it 4 days I guess. I said something about the achilles tendonitis still hurting me and that I have to stand a minute before walking to get used to the pain plus my knees to start working so I can walk. He is sending me to a podiatrist who may put a brace on my foot to help the tendon tear heal up. So I have an appointment for that next Thursday.

Ruth, my cheery attitude is slipping away...lol.

Hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween last night. We went to Christy's in town and took Mom too. Jen & Bob brought Decovin down in his bumble bee costume. He was cute as could be. They didn't stay long as they went up to see Bob's folks and Grandparents also. All in all, Christy had over 135 trick or treaters. We had them come in and show off their costumes to all of us. It was fun.

Well, my meds are making me sleepy again. Nap time!

STILL HEALING

I saw my radiologist Dr. Smalley today and he said I am healing slowly but surely. I am still peeling and have a raw spot under my arm and am red, but healing, under my breast. The Dr. said again that due to how my skin reacted to the radiation, it was best to stop the treatments and just watch me closely. I have to go back for a recheck the week after Thanksgiving so he can check my skin again. He said he would talk with my surgeon and let her know what has happened and have her do another mammogram and sonagram in March of next year. I am hoping to get back to work next week.

Thanks Linda, for taking me today and Thanks Jen for taking me the weeks before. Jen & Decovin went back with Bob on Sunday. It sure was quiet this morning when we got up. I do miss you both but I know how you feel about being in your own home.

We were invited up to Jeff & Marianne's on Saturday. Mom came with us. James & Nancy cooked several dishes for us to try. They had rice, a chicken & vegetable dish, a noodle dish, sweet & sour chicken, curried beef, ham, seasoned chicken wings, chocolate coconut jello, sweet potato donuts & Marianne had requested my cranberry salad which I brought. It was all very tasty and we were all stuffed. Thanks James & Nancy. We met Jeff & Marianne's neighbors who came over for a short visit. They are from Sweden and have been here for about 6 months now. They have a 3 yr old girl & 5 yr old boy. The little girl doesn't understand or speak English much yet.

We are going to Christy's tomorrow night for Halloween. We will take our treats there to give out. Mom is going to come over also I think.

I have an appointment tomorrow with my regular Dr. in Paola. The office called today and made the appointment. He wants to do a check up in order to go over my medications and renew prescriptions. Aaargh! I am tired of Dr. appointments!!!

May you all have a good week and stay healthy. Thanks to all who have made comments on my blog.

OH HAPPY DAY!

I went to the radiation doctor today and I was ready to tell him I had decided to do the mastectomy if they wanted to do anymore radiation on me. Well, he started out by saying he was very sorry that I was in so much pain. He looked at my burns and said that my skin didn't react to radiation like other people. He said that I should stop the "neosporin plus pain" ointment and use only the vaseline gauze this week and gave me a prescription for Hydrocodone. He still wants me to come in next Monday so he can check me again to make sure I heal up. He also said he thought I should not have any more radiation b/c of how my skin reacted. When we first started all this he had told us that because my surgeon got the cancer out, I could probably do ok without radiation but they would have to watch me really close to make sure the cancer didn't come back so he suggested stopping the radiation and doing just that. He said the other choice was mastectomy. Well, I was so relieved. Guess which one I chose? Yeah, I'll play the "wait and see" game for now. Just pray for me please. Thank you God....OH HAPPY DAY!

WISH I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW!

Decovin's growl is cute and sort of sums up how I am feeling. It seems the burn is spreading and hurts more than it did the first of the week. I don't think I can handle any more treatments. I would like to have had it cut off yesterday b/c it was stinging and burning so much. I could use some mail from some of you to try and take my mind off things. I go back to the doctor tomorrow to let him see how it is doing. I don't think I can stand another round of radiation burn. I will have to ask what other alternatives I have now. I don't know. Yes, I am a whiner when it comes to pain. I'm sorry but I can't handle it very well after this long a time.

Grandchildren

Grandchildren are wonderful little people. Here I am covered with mine. They are all beautiful but, of course, I am predjudiced. I was able to get them all on my lap for a picture on Jeff & Marianne's moving-in day. It is great to have them all so close to us now.

AND THE BURN WINS...

I have been given a weeks hiatus from radiation treatment due to my burns. If I heal enough, I will get to continue again the following Monday.
I have also, as of Tuesday, taken a leave of absence from work until this is all over. I hate doing that to my boss but he said he understands.

Decovin has started trying to stand on his own now. Hard to catch him on camera as by the time you see him do it and you get the camera ready, he sits down. Jen has a cold. Bob has come down for the weekend. There is a Long Family Reunion tomorrow at Rick Long's place. Jeff & Marianne & her folks are coming down for it also.

RADIATION BURN

The bad news is I have a radiation burn plus a yeast infection which has begun under my left arm and breast. It is tender as well as uncomfortable. The good news is that the radiation is doing what it is supposed to be doing to the cancer area. He said that it was doing the job perfectly. Whatever! He also said they will just keep a closer check on me now. I wasn't supposed to burn so quick. I don't seem to do things like I'm supposed to. Today will be my 13th treatment. Jen is not feeling good & didn't sleep good last night. I had hives again so I stayed home from work. Decovin is teething and has been cranky which is a big change from his usual happy disposition. Jen got to feeling better by the time we had to leave & so did Decovin. He entertains all the other people waiting in the waiting room while I am in getting treated. They just love him. So do I.
P.S. I got in and out of the treatment room really quick today. It took less than 20 minutes. I still have the hives though.

PICNIC WEATHER!

We are having a wiener roast tonight for our family in the neighborhood, and a few friends. The great-grandparents and Decovin's other grandparents (Pam & Jim Plummer) are coming too. Decovin is pulling up to a standing position now. He doesn't always hang on once he is up, but he is learning to fall as softly as possible. I am 8 treatments down and 22 to go now.

5 DOWN, ONLY 25 TO GO (I HOPE!)

I have had 5 treatments as of today. It was faster today for the first time...only took 30 minutes compared to the 2 hours we waited on the second day. Of course they were having trouble with the machine that day so it put everything behind schedule.

Jen has taken me to all treatments but the one on Friday. Christy took me then. Decovin has been super good about all the traveling.

D has learned to crawl and has already learned how to tear down barricades and crawl as fast as he can before we catch him. He has started to pull himself up on things and gets on his knees now. He tried to stand up tonight, lost his balance and banged his head. First time he has cried about much of anything. He mostly smiles a lot and jabbers.

LITTLE CHARMER

Decovin is my little charmer! He is such a good baby and his smiles are so contagious. He just makes you feel good. Can't wait for all the grandbabies to be close.

1ST TREATMENT OVER

My first treatment was at noon today. It took 45 minutes by the time they set everything up and made sure all the tattos lined up ok to shoot the radiation. They said everything was perfect today with all the set up measurements they took last week so the rest of my treatments will only take about 10-15 minutes from now on.

DAVID'S BIG DAY.

Hi,

David went to his cardiologist today at 11:00 a.m. for his checkup and the Dr. said it was time to take the heart monitor out. David said, "Ok, when?" and the Dr. said, "How about now?" so David said, "Ok!" thinking he would do it right away which he was supposed to have it done at 1:30, but, the patient before him had complications with whatever they were doing to him so David didn't get taken in until about 6:00 p.m. When he was done, they had to take him up to a room on 4th floor b/c the pre-op rooms were closed for the day. I sure hope the insurance takes care of it. He was in it for about 2 hrs. due to his blood pressure being up. We finally got home around 10:00. He called me at work around 1:15 to tell me what was happening and said he wasn't supposed to drive home so Jen took me up to be with David and then she went to get her License tags for her new car. She and Decovin came back to sit with us and wait. I drove David's truck home. He kept me talking and we made it home ok.

THE CONTEST WAS RIGGED! :-)

There were only two in Decovin's age category & he won second place. The other kid was even crying that won first place! Decovin's trophy was cuter however. It has a crawling baby on a paperweight. It's ok. He's first place with all of us!

It's FIESTA Day!

LaCygne's Fiesta is today. We missed the parade but we are going to take Decovin to the baby contest this afternoon. Jen & Bob came last night. We were up late talking and playing with D. Christy & Mandy came over also. We just didn't get up early enough. Oh well, maybe next year.

Decovin is crawling all over the place. He now has 3 teeth too. He still smiles a lot and when he's really happy, he wiggles all over. So fun to have him around.

Have a good weekend.

I'VE BEEN TATTOOED!

I now have 5 tattoos. 5 small dots! They set me up to start treatments on the 20th instead of the 18th. The first treatment will take about 45 minutes and they will set it up at 12:00. From then on, it will be at 2:45 p.m. FUN TIMES!

RAINY SUNDAY

We barely got 1/2 tenth inch of rain here but it was rainy when we left for church so we went on up to the city to meet Mendy, Jim, & Christy for brunch. We did a little shopping after Mendy and Jim headed for Wisconsin for the week. It rained really hard up in the city...so hard we couldn't hardly see...but when we got home, we found out it had hardly done a thing here. David sowed some grass this morning and was hoping it would get a nice rain on it. He had to water it tonight. Well, so much for our big day. Hope yours was better.

T-REX CAFE

We went up to K.C. to eat out with Jeff last night and we let him choose where he wanted to eat. He chose the T-Rex since it looked entertaining. We had a couple of dinosaurs roaring at us every now and then. We have been there twice within two weeks. I think I will have to wait till the grandkids come before I'll want to go again. lol It is definitely a dining experience.

Jeff's Here!

Jeff flew to Kansas City today to house hunt and do some business...and to see us! He is spending the night too. It is so good to see him. He also brought pictures of McKendra & Katrina. I copied them and will send them out on Kodak Gallery as soon as I can.

My hand still aches and is a little swollen yet. It is very black and blue. My doctor said to put warm compresses on it now.

Hope all of you were able to enjoy the beautiful day in some way today.

ouch...

My hand hurts as much or more than my surgery site. It looks like the whole top of my right hand is going to be black & blue. It is still a little puffy too.

I got to see McKendra and Katrina on webcam last night when Jeff called to let me know he was getting on with them. McKendra is so cute. Can't wait to hold her in person. Katrina recognized Grandma & Papa & Aunt Christy right away this time. She is so proud of her little sister and kissed her for us. McKendra is pretty like Katrina who is still a little beauty. I saw Decovin on webcam this morning. He gets all smiles when he sees me. He is such a cutie and love bug.

Thank you to Phyllis for the Creme de Menthe brownies. They were delicious.

First step is over!

I am fine. Well, I have a little sore throat, some pain, I'm tired and my right hand is swollen up where the IV was put in but I am ok though. The next thing to do will be on Sept. 12th when they set up for my radiation treatments. They will put dye spots on me where they are going to shoot the radiation. Then the radiation treatments start on Sept. 18th. and last for 6 to 6 1/2 weeks, 5 days a week at Olathe Medical Center.

COFFEE

Thank goodness I am allowed to have water, sprite, cranberry juice, apple juice, & most important - 8 oz. of coffee (with sugar only) this morning until 9:45. I have to be at Olathe Hospital by 11:45. The lumpectomy will be done at 1:45 this afternoon. You may not hear from me for a few days. Thank you for your prayers.

A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE!

Ok, I made a decision. I talked with my general surgeon and she wants to do another lumpectomy to get a clean margin. It won't be a big one. She said about the size of a walnut. I will do that this Friday at 1:45. It will be an outpatient thing again. On September 12th I will go to the radiologist and get my pre-radiation markings and setup done. On September 18th I will start my 5 days a week radiation treatments which will be done at 3:30 p.m. So there you have it. My life for the next 2 months. Should be fun huh? Please pray that all goes well and I will do just fine. Thanks. Glo

Grandchild #3

WELCOME McKENDRA RENEE LONG

BORN 08/19/2006 at 08:47 A.M.

WEIGHT: 7 LB. 15 OZ. LENGTH: 20"

PARENTS: JEFF & MARIANNE

BIG SISTER: KATRINA NICOLE

THANKS FOR VISITING!

DOES LIGHTENING STRIKE TWICE?

We were woke up in the wee hours of the morning when a loud boom and flash of light preceded a loud clap of thunder. It seemed to be right outside our bedroom window we thought. Now I have always wondered if we built the house way too close to the big pecan tree out there and have often thought, "What if a limb falls off and comes into the roof and or my bed?" Well, it never has so we went back to sleep to the gentle sound of rain and thunder going off to the east. This morning David comes back in before heading to the church for planting shrubs and flowers, etc. and excitedly says, "Get the camera!" He took pictures of our tree with a corkscrew type lightening streak down it. It blew bark and strips of wood in the yard and pieces of strips went out in the driveway pieces were stuck to his truck as well. We will no doubt lose our big tree with the good pecans and nice shade for the kid's swingset. I just hope it can be done without doing in our house or shed or the kid's swingset. I will put a picture on here when he brings the camera back today if I can figure out how.

Cancer is a Scary Word

Most of you know that I have a stage O cancer in my left breast. This is not a fast growing kind or anything. It was contained in the stem of a milk duct. It is called Ductal Carcenoma In-Situ. I had a biopsy (lumpectomy) on July 27 and the surgeon said she might have to do another. I then had to consult with a Radiation Dr. who thought the surgeon got enough the first time., Cancer Dr. who thought a breast reduction should be considered, & a Plastic Surgeon Dr. who showed pictures of it all and made me wonder if I needed that kind of surgery at all. What I have gotten out of the visits is that I don't want a mastectomy unless I HAVE to (and I don't). That leaves 2 choices...Just radiation or a breast reduction plus radiation. I go back to the Surgeon on Tuesday and ask more questions and hopefully make up my mind. Until then I am in Limbo for now. I want you to know that I am not afraid of my situation. Nervous maybe...but I know that God is watching over me and that He will take care of me. In the meantime, I will certainly appreciate your prayers.