Anne didn't sleep well last night, as her hip was bothering her again. I awoke several times as she came back to bed and by morning she was just wasted. She couldn't sit long enough to eat breakfast and ended up laying on the couch as I finished getting ready for work.
She didn't want to take anything because she had a funeral to attend, but since it wasn't until 10:30 I got her one any way and told her it'd probably wear off by then.
Long story, short version: she took the pill and napped until it was time to get cleaned up. Then she picked up her friend went to the church, staying to the end. Another teacher that was there noticed that Anne was starting to have trouble and offered to take her friend home so that she could attend the reception while Anne headed home.
During lunch I ordered dinner from La Vecchia through Delivery Diner. Then I ran over to Whole Foods and picked up a bottle of chianti. Since I'm no connoisseur, I asked the lady working there for her recommendation. She said that she'd just got in some Peppoli Chianti Classico and that it was very nice (and only $29).
A surprise came to work today: Anne had a dozen roses delivered! 6 red, 3 white and 3 yellow. I have to tell you, I lost it. Here she is, laid up at home, sending me flowers! I had to lock myself in the men's room until I pulled myself together.
So, our anniversary dinner (16 years!) consisted of mushroom raviolis, sauteed spinach, sour dough french bread and wine. For dessert I brought out some hand-made chocolate bars from Chocri; white for Anne and milk for me.
Then, she did it again. Anne presented me with a card that just said it all and the tears flowed. This time, though, I didn't cry alone. We just held each other and let it all out.
Once we'd dried our eyes well enough to see again, we watched Sleepless in Seatle where "Annie" finds her one true love. It's a great movie and one of our favorites.
Good night and God bless you,
PS
Chocri makes some wonderful custom chocolates
http://www.chocri.de/ (they're in Berlin, Germany)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Anne's cards
You can truly feel the love from all these cards for Anne. She lays on the couch every day and gazes at them! Thank you, everyone. They really lift her spirits!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Smooth sailing
Anne had a good day today. No pain to speak of.
John called this evening and they chatted for a very long time. The conversation started out about her health and then quickly moved to the wedding stories (thanks to Margaret!) and I could hear her laughing as I retreated to my office.
Barbie is taking her to an infusion tomorrow, so she'll probably be taking a nap by the time I get home. I'll probably bring dinner if she's too tired.
Movie of the night was Dumb and Dummer - When Harry Met Lloyd. This is one of those stupid-funny movies that seem to tickle you in places you haven't been since high school. Thank you, all, for your continued support!
John called this evening and they chatted for a very long time. The conversation started out about her health and then quickly moved to the wedding stories (thanks to Margaret!) and I could hear her laughing as I retreated to my office.
Barbie is taking her to an infusion tomorrow, so she'll probably be taking a nap by the time I get home. I'll probably bring dinner if she's too tired.
Movie of the night was Dumb and Dummer - When Harry Met Lloyd. This is one of those stupid-funny movies that seem to tickle you in places you haven't been since high school. Thank you, all, for your continued support!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Slow down a bit
Anne went with a friend to console Judy, whom I'd mentioned yesterda having lost her mother. They spent several hours talking and eating and talking some more.
While she was out my drummer came over and went over this second hand kit that I'd picked up for $100. We swapped out the best parts to leave at home and the rest I'll be taking to the Saturday jam. I replaced all the beater heads and cleaned up the shells. It's a fairly respectable setup now and any guest drummers shouldn't be too disappointed.
Then, while I was having lunch, Shane came over to remind me that I'd missed his birthday party. He showed me what he'd gotten and I invited him to the movies. We saw Sorcerer's Apprentice and it was great! Good story; good acting; superb special effects; plenty of comedy interspersed.
When we got home, Anne was having some hip pain again. I gave her some Ibuprophen and a hot, wet towel in a 1-gallon ZipLock. She took a nap and was much better upon waking.
Josh is coming up this weekend and we're all excited. This time he's going to have a nice place to bed down! Perhaps we'll have a chance to make some music. Who knows?
While she was out my drummer came over and went over this second hand kit that I'd picked up for $100. We swapped out the best parts to leave at home and the rest I'll be taking to the Saturday jam. I replaced all the beater heads and cleaned up the shells. It's a fairly respectable setup now and any guest drummers shouldn't be too disappointed.
Then, while I was having lunch, Shane came over to remind me that I'd missed his birthday party. He showed me what he'd gotten and I invited him to the movies. We saw Sorcerer's Apprentice and it was great! Good story; good acting; superb special effects; plenty of comedy interspersed.
When we got home, Anne was having some hip pain again. I gave her some Ibuprophen and a hot, wet towel in a 1-gallon ZipLock. She took a nap and was much better upon waking.
Josh is coming up this weekend and we're all excited. This time he's going to have a nice place to bed down! Perhaps we'll have a chance to make some music. Who knows?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
No news is good news
Anne has had very little pain these last few days. She is progressing through the chemo routine and is about half way through her second cycle. There will most likely be a third cycle before her doctor discusses any other options. But she looks good and feels fine (I should know. I get to feel her! Hahaha...)
We've received several books from Jim and Bob, and several videos from Cheez and Dan. Tonight we enjoyed Talledaga Nights, which was full of many funny moments. We both got a laugh out of "We're going to be making animal noises!". LOL
Let us not forget the many goings-on this month among family and friends:
The wedding in Long Island seems to have been quite a challenge for Margaret and Dan. More from the natives than from any visitors. But, many good wishes for a long and happy marriage to the bride and groom. The circle of life continues to grow.
Greetings to Guam! Charlotte and hubby Doug are seeing the sights and enjoying the culture there. Apparently, it rains a bit every day just like Hawaii. Nice!
We send our condolences to Stan and Jane who lost Stan's mother.
Our condolences are also going out to Judy who, also, lost hers.
We've received several books from Jim and Bob, and several videos from Cheez and Dan. Tonight we enjoyed Talledaga Nights, which was full of many funny moments. We both got a laugh out of "We're going to be making animal noises!". LOL
Let us not forget the many goings-on this month among family and friends:
The wedding in Long Island seems to have been quite a challenge for Margaret and Dan. More from the natives than from any visitors. But, many good wishes for a long and happy marriage to the bride and groom. The circle of life continues to grow.
Greetings to Guam! Charlotte and hubby Doug are seeing the sights and enjoying the culture there. Apparently, it rains a bit every day just like Hawaii. Nice!
We send our condolences to Stan and Jane who lost Stan's mother.
Our condolences are also going out to Judy who, also, lost hers.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Continued calm
Anne is continuing to do well. Very little pain today as she went for her bandage change and she'll have a week off until her next infusion on Tuesday.
We went to Costco to see if they had a bigger body pillow for her. As it turns out, they were about the same size or a little shorter. But, instead of a cotton cover, they were covered with a micro-fiber velour. This makes them look nice and feel soft to the touch, but they'd actually be too hot to sleep on. A problem we already have in our bed!
So, we moved on and picked up a bunch of fresh fruits, some tomatoes, etc. before doing the obligatory pass through the books and videos. She picked out Marley and Me (we loved that movie) while I grabbed the special collectors edition of 300 (which I've heard was good, but haven't seen) which they had for $12!
Thanks for just being there for us! Here's a little something for you: http://www.quotehug.com/
Monday, July 19, 2010
Reprive!
Anne was nearly pain-free today and I'm so happy I could shout it from the roof tops!
The new dosing schedule seems to be holding it at bay well enough that she can get up, move around and even go out. Best of all, we actually got a good night's sleep last night.
Here's to hoping things stay that way until the doctors can decide what's going on and whether there's a better regiment for her. She spoke with the doctor's office today and they are looking into the time-release thing.
Anne has an appointment with our chiropractor tomorrow. He's so good and has taken care of many of our aches and pains over the years. In fact, he's the only one that new I had a pinched nerve between my shoulderblades some years ago. I was being referred to one doctor after another, the last one was sure that I had some kind of tumor!
Also, a mysterious package arrived in the mail today from a "TR Reis". It contained Foul Play on DVD! Of course, we had to watch it right after dinner. Thank you, whomever you are. You're an angel in disguise!
I pray that all of you will be blessed for your support,
Don and Anne
The new dosing schedule seems to be holding it at bay well enough that she can get up, move around and even go out. Best of all, we actually got a good night's sleep last night.
Here's to hoping things stay that way until the doctors can decide what's going on and whether there's a better regiment for her. She spoke with the doctor's office today and they are looking into the time-release thing.
Anne has an appointment with our chiropractor tomorrow. He's so good and has taken care of many of our aches and pains over the years. In fact, he's the only one that new I had a pinched nerve between my shoulderblades some years ago. I was being referred to one doctor after another, the last one was sure that I had some kind of tumor!
Also, a mysterious package arrived in the mail today from a "TR Reis". It contained Foul Play on DVD! Of course, we had to watch it right after dinner. Thank you, whomever you are. You're an angel in disguise!
I pray that all of you will be blessed for your support,
Don and Anne
Subsided
The past six days have been a real struggle for Anne. The pain has only been manageable while reclining. Any attempt to sit up or stand resulted in "screaming" pain in her hip and shooting down her leg.
The prescription changes to 2 pills every two hours only dampened it slightly, but with the added result of having to wake up all through the night to keep it there. Then, today at the infusion clinic we were told that it would be possible to take 3 pills and 2 ibuprofen every three and, maybe, four hours!
As soon as we returned home we started her on this new dosage and waited to see what the effect would be and how long it would last. Good news! Not only was Anne able to go four hours, but she was able (for the first time in day) to sit and stand without immense difficulty!
Oh, we'd met an angel and we're so happy! Thank you, Erika! Also, she recommended that we ask the doctor for some sort of time-released medication to reduce the number of pills that Anne is having to take and I made that call as soon as she was comfortable again.
Looking forward to a good night's sleep!
Don and Anne
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Moderate
Anne's pain wasn't as severe as it had been for the past week. Dolores gave her a ride to the infusion clinic today and they did NOT feel the need to give her any morphine! Yeah! Although her pain is still present, it's at a level that is being managed by her new prescription. This, my friends, is certainly a relief!
Movies for the night: Dancing at Lughnasa and Tootsie. Both of which she slept through! At least she's sleeping and not cringing in pain. Thank God for small favors!
And thank all of you for the energy you keep sending her. You're the best thing she has going for her!
Bless you and bless your loved ones,
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Unsettled weather
Last night was OK, once she settled down to sleep. But she woke up with pain this morning and I didn't leave for work until I was sure that it was on a managable level.
Barbie came and took her to the infusion clinic for her injection and while she was there the doctor ordered another shot of morphine. When they got home Anne was a bit "loopy" and immediately laid down on the couch. We thanked Barbie (she's been a god-send) before she had to leave for work and, then, Anne nodded off to dreamland.
The doctor, also, changed her meds back, but this time with more pain killer and no Tylenol. So, I ran to the pharmacy while she slept. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep ahead of the pain tonight. If we succeed, I think she'll have a much better day tomorrow.
Keep your thoughts on Anne. My Girlfriend is in a weakened state and needs all the heavenly help, positive energy and just plain good thoughts that your spirits can send her way! You've all done a really primo job so far and I hope that everyone can keep it up. I know it's tiring, spiritually, so take your rest and keep up your strength. Anne's army is fighting the good fight and we will prevail!
Love and and hugs all around,
Don and Anne
Barbie came and took her to the infusion clinic for her injection and while she was there the doctor ordered another shot of morphine. When they got home Anne was a bit "loopy" and immediately laid down on the couch. We thanked Barbie (she's been a god-send) before she had to leave for work and, then, Anne nodded off to dreamland.
The doctor, also, changed her meds back, but this time with more pain killer and no Tylenol. So, I ran to the pharmacy while she slept. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep ahead of the pain tonight. If we succeed, I think she'll have a much better day tomorrow.
Keep your thoughts on Anne. My Girlfriend is in a weakened state and needs all the heavenly help, positive energy and just plain good thoughts that your spirits can send her way! You've all done a really primo job so far and I hope that everyone can keep it up. I know it's tiring, spiritually, so take your rest and keep up your strength. Anne's army is fighting the good fight and we will prevail!
Love and and hugs all around,
Don and Anne
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
New schedule
Yesterday was quiet. Anne read a book while I listened to some tech podcasts.
Today, however, she wrestled with hip pain. Dinner was cut short because she couldn't sit long enough for us to finish. So I laid her on the couch and rubbed her down with the oil. After some soothing she was finally able to fall asleep.
After a short nap, she said she wanted to see a video. Obviously still in pain, I retrieved A Fish Called Wanda. Reclining in her chair, I applied more oil and started the video. An hour and a half later Anne was laughing her hysterically and feeling much better. It's wonderful what a few endorphins can do for you!
The P.A. said that Anne has about three more cycles of chemo to go through before they'll take another P.E.T. scan. This was disappointing because we thought there'd be talk about surgery soon. None-the-less, Anne's taking it well and is determined to do whatever it takes as am I. We'll see this thing through with your help.
Speaking of which, she told me tonight how much she loves being close to her family once again. She relishes every conversation and, if I'm gone, relives the moments with me when I return. Oh, and she virtually glows with excitement over a Skype call! Thank goodness for such wonderful technology.
Thank you all for the joy you're bringing,
Don and Anne
PS
The new schedule is up:
http://bay01.calendar.live.com/calendar/calendar.aspx#
Today, however, she wrestled with hip pain. Dinner was cut short because she couldn't sit long enough for us to finish. So I laid her on the couch and rubbed her down with the oil. After some soothing she was finally able to fall asleep.
After a short nap, she said she wanted to see a video. Obviously still in pain, I retrieved A Fish Called Wanda. Reclining in her chair, I applied more oil and started the video. An hour and a half later Anne was laughing her hysterically and feeling much better. It's wonderful what a few endorphins can do for you!
The P.A. said that Anne has about three more cycles of chemo to go through before they'll take another P.E.T. scan. This was disappointing because we thought there'd be talk about surgery soon. None-the-less, Anne's taking it well and is determined to do whatever it takes as am I. We'll see this thing through with your help.
Speaking of which, she told me tonight how much she loves being close to her family once again. She relishes every conversation and, if I'm gone, relives the moments with me when I return. Oh, and she virtually glows with excitement over a Skype call! Thank goodness for such wonderful technology.
Thank you all for the joy you're bringing,
Don and Anne
PS
The new schedule is up:
http://bay01.calendar.live.com/calendar/calendar.aspx#
Sunday, July 11, 2010
More visitors!
Anne's had a couple of very good days. Thursday and Friday she had some pain, but by Friday evening she'd gotten ahead of it with the meds. That was timely because Tara brought Jasmine, our granddaughter from Idaho, over to visit. Tara had the night shift so we invited Jaz to stay with us.
She and Grandma chatted for hours and I ran to Blockbuster for some videos. Anne wanted to see "Marley and Me", which we watched first so that she could make it through before her pumpkin hour. It was cute, but had a sad ending and we all cried.
Then I flushed her PICC line and tucked her into bed before starting the next movie, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief." Jaz and I watched it while eating peanutbutter cookies with giant chocolate drops on them! This was the second viewing for both of us and we traded barbs about the movie all night.
Saturday morning after Tara got got off work she came by to pick up Jaz and I made waffles covered in blackberries for everyone. Surprisingly, she had some. Being a nurse and a health nut is a tough combination. He diet is even more restrictive than our vegitarianism! But I don't use any oil on the waffle iron because it's teflon coated and that made enough of a difference for her.
Mid-day I went to a Blues jam, but left the living room computer running for Anne. Good thing, too, because after I left Margaret called. Anne was indisposed. So, she called again. Anne was busy. Then Anne called her and got no answer. Phone tag! LOL
Finally the two of them connected and they tried a Skype call. Without the guys home it was hit and miss, but they finally prevailed (I'm proud of you two!) and had a most enjoyable time. I'm told that the one distraction was whenever Anne called her "Cheese", Lady would get all excited. Understandable, if you know how much lady loves cheese!
Sunday was a lazy day. We slept in; took naps; ate late; walked in the park. Me and my girls... it's a beautiful thing. We finished the day with a PBS showing of Murder On The Orient Express and the usual flush. As I write this, Anne is reading in bed with Lady by her side.
Tuesday she sees the doctor again and we'll know where we're going after that. Thank you for all the cards, letters, Skypes, prayers and good-energy thoughts. I firmly believe that they are making a difference!
Bless you and yours,
Don and Anne
She and Grandma chatted for hours and I ran to Blockbuster for some videos. Anne wanted to see "Marley and Me", which we watched first so that she could make it through before her pumpkin hour. It was cute, but had a sad ending and we all cried.
Then I flushed her PICC line and tucked her into bed before starting the next movie, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief." Jaz and I watched it while eating peanutbutter cookies with giant chocolate drops on them! This was the second viewing for both of us and we traded barbs about the movie all night.
Saturday morning after Tara got got off work she came by to pick up Jaz and I made waffles covered in blackberries for everyone. Surprisingly, she had some. Being a nurse and a health nut is a tough combination. He diet is even more restrictive than our vegitarianism! But I don't use any oil on the waffle iron because it's teflon coated and that made enough of a difference for her.
Mid-day I went to a Blues jam, but left the living room computer running for Anne. Good thing, too, because after I left Margaret called. Anne was indisposed. So, she called again. Anne was busy. Then Anne called her and got no answer. Phone tag! LOL
Finally the two of them connected and they tried a Skype call. Without the guys home it was hit and miss, but they finally prevailed (I'm proud of you two!) and had a most enjoyable time. I'm told that the one distraction was whenever Anne called her "Cheese", Lady would get all excited. Understandable, if you know how much lady loves cheese!
Sunday was a lazy day. We slept in; took naps; ate late; walked in the park. Me and my girls... it's a beautiful thing. We finished the day with a PBS showing of Murder On The Orient Express and the usual flush. As I write this, Anne is reading in bed with Lady by her side.
Tuesday she sees the doctor again and we'll know where we're going after that. Thank you for all the cards, letters, Skypes, prayers and good-energy thoughts. I firmly believe that they are making a difference!
Bless you and yours,
Don and Anne
Monday, July 5, 2010
Set the mood
Good evening gentleman/ladies.
1. Get out your drink of choice.
2. open 3 tabs on your favorite browser.
3. On the first tab: http://bit.ly/WP8ZE
4. On another tab: http://bit.ly/boBxb8
5. On the last: http://bit.ly/c3wI9y
1. Get out your drink of choice.
2. open 3 tabs on your favorite browser.
3. On the first tab: http://bit.ly/WP8ZE
4. On another tab: http://bit.ly/boBxb8
5. On the last: http://bit.ly/c3wI9y
Sunday, July 4, 2010
E.O.
For those of you who may not know, "E.O." is short for Early Out! I spent most of the day helping Disability Resources/New2U Computers move into a new location. Lot's of hard work breaking down and packing up their PCs, printers, servers, etc. The good news is that the office called and said ComputerLand was closing early and we were all going home at 2:00!
Since things were wrapping up, I ran home to Anne and surprised her and Lady taking a nap on the new couch. Those are my girls!
Upon arriving home she informed me that she had a surprise. We went out to the car and there, squeezed into her Legacy was a huge area rug for the living room! (there are some bad stains showing since moving the furniture around. If you have reclining furniture, get the carpet cleaners to hit under them on a regular basis!) This thing was beautiful and normally $400. This weekend it was $100 with a 10% off sale on Sunday! They couldn't hold it for her until then, so Anne conviced them to sell it to her today at the sale price. Then she got 25% on top of that! What a horse trader!
Of course, the first thing we did was bring it in and lay it out. This rug has really brought the furniture, drapes and carpet "together." I don't pretend to understand what that means, or how she does it, I just know that the colors all seem to go together in a way that compliments and it makes the room look very nice.
Well, after all that work I decided to take a nap myself and stretched out on the recliner with the girls joining me on the couch. (ain't they cute?) It was after 6 when I finally work up with Anne making sweet & sour red cabbage in the kitchen! (I love that stuff and cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable; very high in anti-carcinogens!)
Unfortunately, the dog decided she wasn't hungry. So, after dinner we went on our walk without her. (cue the sad eyes in the window shot) Later, she redemed herself and I ran the "red bug" laser pointer for her. She really tore through the house, making up for her earlier lack of excersize.
Then we settled down and watched a Robin Williams video called License to Wed. Anne picked it up at JCPenny and it's a funny movie with a happy ending. We both liked it, even if there weren't any explosions, car chases or gun fire! Hahaha...
Love and best wishes for the holiday,
Since things were wrapping up, I ran home to Anne and surprised her and Lady taking a nap on the new couch. Those are my girls!
Upon arriving home she informed me that she had a surprise. We went out to the car and there, squeezed into her Legacy was a huge area rug for the living room! (there are some bad stains showing since moving the furniture around. If you have reclining furniture, get the carpet cleaners to hit under them on a regular basis!) This thing was beautiful and normally $400. This weekend it was $100 with a 10% off sale on Sunday! They couldn't hold it for her until then, so Anne conviced them to sell it to her today at the sale price. Then she got 25% on top of that! What a horse trader!
Of course, the first thing we did was bring it in and lay it out. This rug has really brought the furniture, drapes and carpet "together." I don't pretend to understand what that means, or how she does it, I just know that the colors all seem to go together in a way that compliments and it makes the room look very nice.
Well, after all that work I decided to take a nap myself and stretched out on the recliner with the girls joining me on the couch. (ain't they cute?) It was after 6 when I finally work up with Anne making sweet & sour red cabbage in the kitchen! (I love that stuff and cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable; very high in anti-carcinogens!)
Unfortunately, the dog decided she wasn't hungry. So, after dinner we went on our walk without her. (cue the sad eyes in the window shot) Later, she redemed herself and I ran the "red bug" laser pointer for her. She really tore through the house, making up for her earlier lack of excersize.
Then we settled down and watched a Robin Williams video called License to Wed. Anne picked it up at JCPenny and it's a funny movie with a happy ending. We both liked it, even if there weren't any explosions, car chases or gun fire! Hahaha...
Love and best wishes for the holiday,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
