Well I am back. Face book has replaced my every day "life with nancy" antics.... I don't know what to say.
Having work done on my house. New electrical box. New siding, wood, not the plastic stuff. New paint....same colors...cocoa brown & road hazard yellow..... Insulation in the attic. Carpet out, vinyl flooring in. I have wood paneling in the living room with carpet i call oatmeal ...need to replace it with a light soft vinyl with a tumbled stone smaller pattern....since this house is a 60's vintage , which I love...it needs a small flooring pattern..... Getting shutters in the bedroom windows so I can get rid of the 80's looking pouffy curtains. The bathroom needs redone...but that can wait....it is functional & I really do like the look of the bare sheet rock walls with the wallpaper paste stains etc...very much like old old old house ruins.
The country place is suffering from neglect. :( There are hardly any of the plants still alive :( The living area has been taken over my field mice, even though I have lots & lots of the green poison out.... they are eating it.....little chewing marks etc.....green mousie poop everywhere.....maybe they are getting immune to it??? And I can't get the tractors out for probably 3 weeks!!! I accidentally ran the big tractor into the garage door :( messed up the bottom panel...the size is not a standard size....16 foot...so the panel has to be special ordered...takes 2 weeks! So the grass & weeds & wild flowers are deep. The trailer has been taken over by critters too, it needs work...water leaks repaired, wood cabinet doors with too much water damage need to be replaced....which means they all have to be replaced....I do not want to sell it...it is a great extra bedroom for the country.....but I would love to buy a small Casita, or an Airstream Bambi....the Bambi would probably cost more than my house!!!
I am still not over or accepting that Doug is gone....it is still like he is working late & will be home any minute.....it is hard.....I am hoping getting work done on the house ..making changes will help me....he really taught me well, but I still would love to hear his input on the changes I am planning.....I still reach for him next to me in the bed at night.....I am supposed to be talking to a therapist but I don't see how talking to someone can change things !!!
Jeff Brown, from Humphrey Electric just stopped by....they are going to do my electrical for a VERY GOOD price :) Doug has so many friends there that I keep up with.... when Jeff said I am still part of the family...I almost cried.....
I love having friends who are willing to help....even though it is sooo hard to ask.....they volunteered to help out, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.....Since I am really a do it your self-er...I am thankful when friends realize I am in over my head & offer help. :)
I need to get back to my walking after midnight & following my rules to live by so I can loose some weight....I have gained back most of what I lost during the 1st summer after Doug died of being the landscape/gardener/rock hauling "help" I have a pile of rocks collected on the vacant lots behind me to move....I want to build a raised bed garden so it will be ready for next spring when I hope to retire....I have several trees & shrubs to plant....vitex & burr oak.....I would love to buy the lots behind me so no one will build there...real property is valuable....but right now it is expensive....
Anyway I am off for the summer & might do some travel to see friends & family....as long as I can get there in the trucks....no way am I getting on an airplane....if they do not trust me with a full bottle of water or shampoo/conditioner or my swiss army knife...they are not going to get my $$$
My kitty babies are OK...the princess has learned that "NO" means roll over on your back & look cute with curled up paws & irresistible soft tummy exposed....what a princess...I have never had a cat that I would call a princess till her....she prefers pink toys & pink blankies.....the boy kitty of the house looks on with disdain...rarely greets visitors but was accepting of both electricians who visited the house....could he tell they were like Doug? The boy kitty is such a sissy... the house telephone ring....one clap of thunder, or doorbell ring, or guest he doesn't like & I have to get the flashlight out to find him....this is particularly tiresome when I am leaving for work in the mornings...he is really great at hide & seek....his favorite hiding place is under the big bed scrunched down between the storage suitcases where the flashlight won't find him....little #$*&...
The hummers are sucking down hummer juice here at the house....we have the black chinned hummers..a beautiful purple/violet neck....also have wrens trying to nest everywhere....cardinals, blue jays...have not seen jays here for a while.....we also have doves, hoot owls, screech owls, geckos, lizards, snakes, mosquitoes, skunks, opossums, coons, stray cats, house eating squirrels, coyotes...thank you for he eerie night alerts in the backyard!! , snakes - copperheads & harmless, & wild Canadian geese....the geese NEVER shut up...all night they quack....I wish them no harm but I wish they would sleep like my pet geese used too...oh to have the luxury of having peafowl, geese, ducks, chickens, guineas...I need to retire!!!! & become a farmwife.....
I also want goats like my friend Marilyn...they keep the yard in check :)
Well how was that for a catch-up summary? :)
Friday, May 17, 2013
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Starting Over
Friday January 13th, 2012,
Ok since it has been over 2 years since I wrote I am starting over :)
I am inspired by a few blogs I subscribed to found on pinterest.
Pinterest is a addiction with no cure:) I love it. I have even made a few things I have pinned.
One blogger gal is getting a phd in chemistry but blogs about diet & running. She posts pics of what she eats every day. She eats a lot!! Seems like a lot for one who is trying to loose weight. I need to learn how to quickly & easily transfer pics from phone & camera to computer so I can do the same.
Anyway,I am writing now because I am supposed to be preparing syllabi and e-campus for classes that start Monday :(
Y'all know how I work...anything but what I'm supposed to be doing until the last panicky minute & then it gets done.
I lost 50 pounds last summer, but have gained some back because:
1. working doesn't allow me to play in the yard all day;
2. work doesn't allow me to walk 2 miles every night after midnight...have to get up at 4:45am;
3. I broke my toe and one can't walk far with a cracked up toe....it is mended now but still gets angry on long walks;
4.current sinus infection cough/crud....went to doc today, got 10 days of giant pink antibiotics & a steroid shot;
5. holiday willpower succumbed to wine & Chivas....but not whole bottles at a time anymore. Those are my excuses.
Trying to maintain a weight loss/lighter body is such a pain. Fat was sooo easy.
But i got rid of my fat clothes and have new tiny little clothes?? I pick up a shirt and immediately think it is going to be to small & tight & revealing....but wow it fits.
I do not watch TV any more. Cancelled cable so don't have a signal. I don't miss TV.
While at my sisters for the New Year I caught up on the Bravo housewives, like soap operas, you can miss a lot but things don't change :)
Anyway my sister is as the pinterest poster says "one load of 'stuff' away from being a hoarder" so naturally I brought some of her stash home....clothes she can't wear anymore that I can & she buys expensive, an antique chest and & pile of antique linens.....all good stuff :) and some stuff I scored at a New Orleans antique shop...a New Orleans plate, a red & blue stars stain glass hanging, a mink stole, a baby doll like I had.....and some stuff I got at New Orleans Goodwills.
Since I was sick & there were crowds of people in town for sports etc. we didn't do any of the tourist things I wanted to do. French Quarter for beignets, voodoo shop, & above ground cemeteries....I wanted to feel like Alva Starr in This Property is Condemned, walking through old New Orleans scenery....these will have to wait for another trip.
Back to the point I was heading for.....I watched a few episodes of Hoarders on my computer last night....I don't think I am in danger, but I need to get rid of more stuff!!!!
I only have 2 kitties, but they have a lot of toys! I have hoards of holiday decor, too much for this small house, but I use different ones each year....oh well I can rationalize over my stuff as well as the hoarders do over trash!
I think Doug was my enabler....I would at times want to get rid of some of my stuff but he would convince me to save it for when we build a new house....and he would encourage me to do my junk shopping because he knew I enjoyed it. He was my wino enabler too....always made sure I had wine in the ice box.
I don't feel like he is really gone. He is still my voice of reason & common sense, & I always have stuff to tell him...I am sure he is watching over me...he just can't make me get where I'm going on time :) he was right about that :)
Life is different.
That's enough for now.
Bow
Ok since it has been over 2 years since I wrote I am starting over :)
I am inspired by a few blogs I subscribed to found on pinterest.
Pinterest is a addiction with no cure:) I love it. I have even made a few things I have pinned.
One blogger gal is getting a phd in chemistry but blogs about diet & running. She posts pics of what she eats every day. She eats a lot!! Seems like a lot for one who is trying to loose weight. I need to learn how to quickly & easily transfer pics from phone & camera to computer so I can do the same.
Anyway,I am writing now because I am supposed to be preparing syllabi and e-campus for classes that start Monday :(
Y'all know how I work...anything but what I'm supposed to be doing until the last panicky minute & then it gets done.
I lost 50 pounds last summer, but have gained some back because:
1. working doesn't allow me to play in the yard all day;
2. work doesn't allow me to walk 2 miles every night after midnight...have to get up at 4:45am;
3. I broke my toe and one can't walk far with a cracked up toe....it is mended now but still gets angry on long walks;
4.current sinus infection cough/crud....went to doc today, got 10 days of giant pink antibiotics & a steroid shot;
5. holiday willpower succumbed to wine & Chivas....but not whole bottles at a time anymore. Those are my excuses.
Trying to maintain a weight loss/lighter body is such a pain. Fat was sooo easy.
But i got rid of my fat clothes and have new tiny little clothes?? I pick up a shirt and immediately think it is going to be to small & tight & revealing....but wow it fits.
I do not watch TV any more. Cancelled cable so don't have a signal. I don't miss TV.
While at my sisters for the New Year I caught up on the Bravo housewives, like soap operas, you can miss a lot but things don't change :)
Anyway my sister is as the pinterest poster says "one load of 'stuff' away from being a hoarder" so naturally I brought some of her stash home....clothes she can't wear anymore that I can & she buys expensive, an antique chest and & pile of antique linens.....all good stuff :) and some stuff I scored at a New Orleans antique shop...a New Orleans plate, a red & blue stars stain glass hanging, a mink stole, a baby doll like I had.....and some stuff I got at New Orleans Goodwills.
Since I was sick & there were crowds of people in town for sports etc. we didn't do any of the tourist things I wanted to do. French Quarter for beignets, voodoo shop, & above ground cemeteries....I wanted to feel like Alva Starr in This Property is Condemned, walking through old New Orleans scenery....these will have to wait for another trip.
Back to the point I was heading for.....I watched a few episodes of Hoarders on my computer last night....I don't think I am in danger, but I need to get rid of more stuff!!!!
I only have 2 kitties, but they have a lot of toys! I have hoards of holiday decor, too much for this small house, but I use different ones each year....oh well I can rationalize over my stuff as well as the hoarders do over trash!
I think Doug was my enabler....I would at times want to get rid of some of my stuff but he would convince me to save it for when we build a new house....and he would encourage me to do my junk shopping because he knew I enjoyed it. He was my wino enabler too....always made sure I had wine in the ice box.
I don't feel like he is really gone. He is still my voice of reason & common sense, & I always have stuff to tell him...I am sure he is watching over me...he just can't make me get where I'm going on time :) he was right about that :)
Life is different.
That's enough for now.
Bow
Sunday, July 5, 2009
UPDATES
UPDATES:
Sunday July 5, 2009 Rain
Doug continues to get a little better.
Filling out endless forms has qualified Doug for social security disability starting immediately.
So now Doug is officially not going to return to work....he is also on long term disability through his employer & we've still got alot of stuff to figure out....insurance, retirement....me going back to work....
Our big issue was settled by the doc….Doug wants to drive….I’m afraid he is too weak, light-headed & chemo brained to drive.
The compromise….Doug can drive short distances and no highway!
So one of the first trips he takes is to the Dodge house ( not a dodge house anymore but they will do service, but I can’t pay with dodge bucks) to get the oil changed in my truck….highway necessary…..”no I stayed on the service road”….I think he totally compromised the compromise.
Anyway it is nice that he can drive to physical therapy & walmart & Albertson’s & Edward Jones & the bank & the barber and Ace hardware (he got me the garden cart with bicycle wheels that I wanted)….& maybe church.
He was going to go to church today but didn’t feel good.
He canceled on going to the Ranger game with the guys too.
We did go to an Independence Day barbecue at friends up in Sanger.
Jean was in town staying with us & she went too.
Food was great, watching the skeet/trap shooting was great, visiting with friends was super & the fireworks were spectacular.
We’ve got another busy week ahead....chemo Thursday, PT on MWF.
Tomorrow is wound care, for the MRSA infection on Doug’s bottom….it is healing nicely and looks like the infection was stopped by the antibiotics….but we have to go to wound care 3 times a week….down from every day….since I am capable of changing the dressings etc…see what being a capable person gets me….Nurse Nancy at your service….I can give shots, IV fluids & now wound care.
Wednesday I have to get estimates to get Doug’s truck repaired….in the big storms a couple of weeks ago a neighbor’s tree fell across the bed of the truck.
Didn’t do much damage but the truck has less that 3400 miles on it….it is still so new.
A large limb fell across the front walkway & we couldn’t get out the front door….I sawed it up and got it out of the way all by myself…see what I’m capable of ;)
Gil & Larry & Gil’s electric chain took care of the tree on the truck….Doug & Choco supervised…..I hauled the brush into a big pile that is now killing the grass in the front yard.
I have discovered Facebook…wow….how does it know who to suggest as potential friends…..it has hooked me up with folks that I know, but don’t even have “friends” in common with ?
And Jean has me wanting an iphone….the Koi pond app is addicting….but…no I’m not getting an iphone no way.
Jean did manage to sway me to get a wireless modem and she did the painful set up…..2 long calls to tech support …we lost internet connection during the first call….
So now I can use the computer in all 3 rooms of our little home....& now I can stay up late playing with the computer without bothering Doug….the line is in his bedroom.
Still no knitting but I did finish weaving ends in on 3 potholders and 2 scarves….and I sewed reflective tape to an orange hunting vest so if I get a notion to go walking after midnight I’ll be visible.
That’s all for now.
Love Nancy
P.S. Tufa purrs for Doug now.
Sunday July 5, 2009 Rain
Doug continues to get a little better.
Filling out endless forms has qualified Doug for social security disability starting immediately.
So now Doug is officially not going to return to work....he is also on long term disability through his employer & we've still got alot of stuff to figure out....insurance, retirement....me going back to work....
Our big issue was settled by the doc….Doug wants to drive….I’m afraid he is too weak, light-headed & chemo brained to drive.
The compromise….Doug can drive short distances and no highway!
So one of the first trips he takes is to the Dodge house ( not a dodge house anymore but they will do service, but I can’t pay with dodge bucks) to get the oil changed in my truck….highway necessary…..”no I stayed on the service road”….I think he totally compromised the compromise.
Anyway it is nice that he can drive to physical therapy & walmart & Albertson’s & Edward Jones & the bank & the barber and Ace hardware (he got me the garden cart with bicycle wheels that I wanted)….& maybe church.
He was going to go to church today but didn’t feel good.
He canceled on going to the Ranger game with the guys too.
We did go to an Independence Day barbecue at friends up in Sanger.
Jean was in town staying with us & she went too.
Food was great, watching the skeet/trap shooting was great, visiting with friends was super & the fireworks were spectacular.
We’ve got another busy week ahead....chemo Thursday, PT on MWF.
Tomorrow is wound care, for the MRSA infection on Doug’s bottom….it is healing nicely and looks like the infection was stopped by the antibiotics….but we have to go to wound care 3 times a week….down from every day….since I am capable of changing the dressings etc…see what being a capable person gets me….Nurse Nancy at your service….I can give shots, IV fluids & now wound care.
Wednesday I have to get estimates to get Doug’s truck repaired….in the big storms a couple of weeks ago a neighbor’s tree fell across the bed of the truck.
Didn’t do much damage but the truck has less that 3400 miles on it….it is still so new.
A large limb fell across the front walkway & we couldn’t get out the front door….I sawed it up and got it out of the way all by myself…see what I’m capable of ;)
Gil & Larry & Gil’s electric chain took care of the tree on the truck….Doug & Choco supervised…..I hauled the brush into a big pile that is now killing the grass in the front yard.
I have discovered Facebook…wow….how does it know who to suggest as potential friends…..it has hooked me up with folks that I know, but don’t even have “friends” in common with ?
And Jean has me wanting an iphone….the Koi pond app is addicting….but…no I’m not getting an iphone no way.
Jean did manage to sway me to get a wireless modem and she did the painful set up…..2 long calls to tech support …we lost internet connection during the first call….
So now I can use the computer in all 3 rooms of our little home....& now I can stay up late playing with the computer without bothering Doug….the line is in his bedroom.
Still no knitting but I did finish weaving ends in on 3 potholders and 2 scarves….and I sewed reflective tape to an orange hunting vest so if I get a notion to go walking after midnight I’ll be visible.
That’s all for now.
Love Nancy
P.S. Tufa purrs for Doug now.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
OK, I know I need to get with the blogging again.
Here goes.
Doug’s schedule is keeping me busy.
He has blood tests every Monday at the clinic in Lewisville and Chemo every Thursday.
He was going in on two more days for a liter of IV fluids…but now, finally, I get to administer the fluids at home !!! :) A home health care infusion nurse met with us yesterday and got us set up and trained. Now we will only have to go to the clinic Mondays & Thursdays. He has physical therapy 3 days per week.
Pt is really helping him. The therapist is working on balance, walking, steps, strengthening legs, stretching. He is supposed to be up and walking for 15 minutes at a time….that is still hard….but we’re working on it…..Viki and I sit on the porch and have a glass of wine and watch Doug walk back & forth….I don’t want him to get out of my site, so he walks about 2 houses away in both directions.
In addition to all our clinic and PT appointments we are applying for social security disability and/or retirement as well as long term disability through his employer….I am so sick & tired of forms….but to our surprise so far meeting with social security employees have been pleasant and quick…..not what you would expect when dealing with government employees….they have been very helpful…..now we’ll see if I still feel that way if Doug’s application gets denied and we have to appeal.
I am also dealing with the ever present medical insurance screw-ups….and bills & invoices & explanation of benefits etc….what a drag but I am on first name basis with the insurance gals….they don’t even ask me for all the ID numbers etc….they know who I am.
Even keeping up with all Doug’s meds is challenging as sometimes prescriptions get changed weekly so I run out of pills before the insurance says I can refill and no one pharmacy stocks all the meds so one day this week I had to go to 4 different pharmacies: WalMart, Savon, Walgreens, & Texas Oncology.
Doug really is doing better.
He can stand long enough to cook now…he fixes eggs for himself every morning…..he doesn’t like my cooking or lack thereof…..he made spaghetti & stir fried squash & sausage earlier this week and is making BLT sandwiches tonight.
He invited Viki over to eat with us tonight….Viki will bring the wine…Larry is still working down at their farm.
I have been very, extremely good about the wine intake lately…..went for over a week with out drinking and had one, just one little glass yesterday after mowing the front & back yards….maybe that’s why I haven’t been blogging :)
Well I haven’t been knitting or sewing either…not enough hours in the day.
I have been reading.....magazines....getting to know all the celebrities and beauty tips....and I finally finished the super trashy romance novel.....what a hoot...I would get embarrased reading it all by myself ....I do not recommend it... if this is what women are reading they have no right to complain about the guys reading the articles in Playboy.....haven't read a Playboy magazine lately but it really did have interesting articles and was not nearly as trashy as the romance novel.....I'm going to stick to chemistry and knitting and bird books.
OK that’s all for right now.
I’ll try to write more often.
Love Y’all,
Nancy
Here goes.
Doug’s schedule is keeping me busy.
He has blood tests every Monday at the clinic in Lewisville and Chemo every Thursday.
He was going in on two more days for a liter of IV fluids…but now, finally, I get to administer the fluids at home !!! :) A home health care infusion nurse met with us yesterday and got us set up and trained. Now we will only have to go to the clinic Mondays & Thursdays. He has physical therapy 3 days per week.
Pt is really helping him. The therapist is working on balance, walking, steps, strengthening legs, stretching. He is supposed to be up and walking for 15 minutes at a time….that is still hard….but we’re working on it…..Viki and I sit on the porch and have a glass of wine and watch Doug walk back & forth….I don’t want him to get out of my site, so he walks about 2 houses away in both directions.
In addition to all our clinic and PT appointments we are applying for social security disability and/or retirement as well as long term disability through his employer….I am so sick & tired of forms….but to our surprise so far meeting with social security employees have been pleasant and quick…..not what you would expect when dealing with government employees….they have been very helpful…..now we’ll see if I still feel that way if Doug’s application gets denied and we have to appeal.
I am also dealing with the ever present medical insurance screw-ups….and bills & invoices & explanation of benefits etc….what a drag but I am on first name basis with the insurance gals….they don’t even ask me for all the ID numbers etc….they know who I am.
Even keeping up with all Doug’s meds is challenging as sometimes prescriptions get changed weekly so I run out of pills before the insurance says I can refill and no one pharmacy stocks all the meds so one day this week I had to go to 4 different pharmacies: WalMart, Savon, Walgreens, & Texas Oncology.
Doug really is doing better.
He can stand long enough to cook now…he fixes eggs for himself every morning…..he doesn’t like my cooking or lack thereof…..he made spaghetti & stir fried squash & sausage earlier this week and is making BLT sandwiches tonight.
He invited Viki over to eat with us tonight….Viki will bring the wine…Larry is still working down at their farm.
I have been very, extremely good about the wine intake lately…..went for over a week with out drinking and had one, just one little glass yesterday after mowing the front & back yards….maybe that’s why I haven’t been blogging :)
Well I haven’t been knitting or sewing either…not enough hours in the day.
I have been reading.....magazines....getting to know all the celebrities and beauty tips....and I finally finished the super trashy romance novel.....what a hoot...I would get embarrased reading it all by myself ....I do not recommend it... if this is what women are reading they have no right to complain about the guys reading the articles in Playboy.....haven't read a Playboy magazine lately but it really did have interesting articles and was not nearly as trashy as the romance novel.....I'm going to stick to chemistry and knitting and bird books.
OK that’s all for right now.
I’ll try to write more often.
Love Y’all,
Nancy
Stuff I wrote but didn't get posted - old news.
MondayApril 20th 2009
Stuff
Hi,
We’re still in the hospital.
Since Doug’s K and Mg levels continue to remain below normal a kidney doc was called in.
K & Mg affect heart and muscle.
Doug’s heart continues to do strange things……irregular heart beat, a different regular rhythm each time it recovers, his pulse races sometimes and drops down into the 30s sometimes.
The kidney docs don’t seem to think there is anything wrong with his kidneys, but they put him on a med that is supposed to “spare” potassium, K….and have taken him off of all K supplements oral & IV….to see what happens???
I got a reply from the Myeloma support group and he said it sounds like the docs are throwing a lot of “stuff” against the wall to see what sticks.
Doug is OK today. A little tired, a little nausea….but he is eating and walking and reading and doing his exercises with the 2 and 3 pound weights.
The myeloma support group also recommended I switch to the Medical City docs.
But when we were discussing making the move to bigger hospital, things started picking up here……
The specific myeloma tests were ordered….we don’t have the results yet as it is not a quick test.
The kidney doc started his tests and tweaking of meds.
So we decided to wait and see what results we get.
One of the kidney docs actually said well as far as he was concerned we could go home Tuesday…..not going to happen…..we know we have to wait for the latest withholding supplemental K results…..plus they took Doug off a drug , Florinef, which is one that really perks him up….he is having trouble remembering things today and the master nurse said that’s probably because he is off the Florinef?????
He was taken off the Florinef because it might have been causing the K troubles……
OK now it is Tuesday May 5th, 2009
Doug is back on the Florinef.
We have been home since last Tuesday but I haven’t had time to write.
Since Doug’s electrolytes seem to be stabilized the docs decided to release him to my care L
We still have clinic appointments Mon. & Thur. and chemo on Thur.
Add to that physical therapy on Tues, Wed, & Fri. and I don’t get a day off.
Had the first physical therapy session today.
Doug needs to learn how to walk again….his hips are the weakest points according to the therapist.
I got Doug one of the 4 wheel walkers with a seat for resting.
He didn’t want one but now that he has used it he agrees it is much easier than the old 2 wheel walker.
We got two handicap hang tags for the trucks.
The nurse told me to go to the DMV…..but after waiting about one hour there I was told you have to go to the tax office.
No problem.
Doug stayed in the truck listening to sports.
Got the Tags and used one immediately at Skaggs.
Doug wanted to get fresh produce so he shopped with me.
I got wine.
Doug got tomatoes, bell pepper and cucumber for salads.
The Doc says the myeloma is under control?
The “M” protein spike is down and the free light chain test is “normal”
So now we are dealing with the effects of chemo on his kidneys and the weakness from being hospitalized so long.
He has an MRI scheduled for his spine, Monday the 11th to check for bone involvement.
We are still planning on consulting for a second opinion at Medical City….but that is a chore for me in addition to all the other medical insurance phone calls I make every day…..how do folks who don’t have someone to handle all the other stuff survive?????
Now in other news:
I got my sewing machine out and stitched reflective tape to a hunting vest so I can go walking after dark.
I actually remember how to use the Bernina machine I bought in ’77.
Tufa the “new” kitty is at home with us now.
I can actually rub his tummy without losing my hand.
He really likes Doug and shares various afgans with him…..Little Kitty tolerates Tufa…..Tufa is keeping the 15 year old active…it just has not been cold enough in the house for Little Kitty to WARM up to Tufa….but summer is on the way…and the thermostat wars are already on….
I had the thermostat set on 75…..went shopping and got home to a humid 79 degrees.
Doug would be happy with 100 degrees all the time…..I think we need a balance just to keep the humidity down.
That’s all for now.
Ok now it’s Saturday May 9th.
I’ve been getting messages about not updating the blog.
Today Doug is sleeping all day. He had Chemo, Velcade and Dexamethasone Thursday so he was really hyper-up Thursday afternoon & Friday….now he will sleep all weekend.
We are babysitting Choco our across the street neighbors “baby” black lab.
Viki & Larry are doing their civic duty and manning the voting at town hall.
Choco was very hyper at first but now she is comfortable….Tufa has been ignoring the fact that there is a very large black dog invading his space.
The first time Tufa met Choco we thought Tufa was going to attack….he was in full panther on the prowl mode…..
They are not friends yet.
Choco was great friends with Kitty Three.
Ok that is all for now.
I hope I’ve caught up.
Thanks for the reminders to keep on writing.
At the clinic I found a poetry book by Jewel Kilcher….you know Jewel the singer….maybe I should start wowing y’all with poetry…..
Love,
Nancy
Stuff
Hi,
We’re still in the hospital.
Since Doug’s K and Mg levels continue to remain below normal a kidney doc was called in.
K & Mg affect heart and muscle.
Doug’s heart continues to do strange things……irregular heart beat, a different regular rhythm each time it recovers, his pulse races sometimes and drops down into the 30s sometimes.
The kidney docs don’t seem to think there is anything wrong with his kidneys, but they put him on a med that is supposed to “spare” potassium, K….and have taken him off of all K supplements oral & IV….to see what happens???
I got a reply from the Myeloma support group and he said it sounds like the docs are throwing a lot of “stuff” against the wall to see what sticks.
Doug is OK today. A little tired, a little nausea….but he is eating and walking and reading and doing his exercises with the 2 and 3 pound weights.
The myeloma support group also recommended I switch to the Medical City docs.
But when we were discussing making the move to bigger hospital, things started picking up here……
The specific myeloma tests were ordered….we don’t have the results yet as it is not a quick test.
The kidney doc started his tests and tweaking of meds.
So we decided to wait and see what results we get.
One of the kidney docs actually said well as far as he was concerned we could go home Tuesday…..not going to happen…..we know we have to wait for the latest withholding supplemental K results…..plus they took Doug off a drug , Florinef, which is one that really perks him up….he is having trouble remembering things today and the master nurse said that’s probably because he is off the Florinef?????
He was taken off the Florinef because it might have been causing the K troubles……
OK now it is Tuesday May 5th, 2009
Doug is back on the Florinef.
We have been home since last Tuesday but I haven’t had time to write.
Since Doug’s electrolytes seem to be stabilized the docs decided to release him to my care L
We still have clinic appointments Mon. & Thur. and chemo on Thur.
Add to that physical therapy on Tues, Wed, & Fri. and I don’t get a day off.
Had the first physical therapy session today.
Doug needs to learn how to walk again….his hips are the weakest points according to the therapist.
I got Doug one of the 4 wheel walkers with a seat for resting.
He didn’t want one but now that he has used it he agrees it is much easier than the old 2 wheel walker.
We got two handicap hang tags for the trucks.
The nurse told me to go to the DMV…..but after waiting about one hour there I was told you have to go to the tax office.
No problem.
Doug stayed in the truck listening to sports.
Got the Tags and used one immediately at Skaggs.
Doug wanted to get fresh produce so he shopped with me.
I got wine.
Doug got tomatoes, bell pepper and cucumber for salads.
The Doc says the myeloma is under control?
The “M” protein spike is down and the free light chain test is “normal”
So now we are dealing with the effects of chemo on his kidneys and the weakness from being hospitalized so long.
He has an MRI scheduled for his spine, Monday the 11th to check for bone involvement.
We are still planning on consulting for a second opinion at Medical City….but that is a chore for me in addition to all the other medical insurance phone calls I make every day…..how do folks who don’t have someone to handle all the other stuff survive?????
Now in other news:
I got my sewing machine out and stitched reflective tape to a hunting vest so I can go walking after dark.
I actually remember how to use the Bernina machine I bought in ’77.
Tufa the “new” kitty is at home with us now.
I can actually rub his tummy without losing my hand.
He really likes Doug and shares various afgans with him…..Little Kitty tolerates Tufa…..Tufa is keeping the 15 year old active…it just has not been cold enough in the house for Little Kitty to WARM up to Tufa….but summer is on the way…and the thermostat wars are already on….
I had the thermostat set on 75…..went shopping and got home to a humid 79 degrees.
Doug would be happy with 100 degrees all the time…..I think we need a balance just to keep the humidity down.
That’s all for now.
Ok now it’s Saturday May 9th.
I’ve been getting messages about not updating the blog.
Today Doug is sleeping all day. He had Chemo, Velcade and Dexamethasone Thursday so he was really hyper-up Thursday afternoon & Friday….now he will sleep all weekend.
We are babysitting Choco our across the street neighbors “baby” black lab.
Viki & Larry are doing their civic duty and manning the voting at town hall.
Choco was very hyper at first but now she is comfortable….Tufa has been ignoring the fact that there is a very large black dog invading his space.
The first time Tufa met Choco we thought Tufa was going to attack….he was in full panther on the prowl mode…..
They are not friends yet.
Choco was great friends with Kitty Three.
Ok that is all for now.
I hope I’ve caught up.
Thanks for the reminders to keep on writing.
At the clinic I found a poetry book by Jewel Kilcher….you know Jewel the singer….maybe I should start wowing y’all with poetry…..
Love,
Nancy
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Black Boogers and Green Fingernails
Black Boogers and Green Fingernails
Today is Monday April 13th, Happy Birthday Jean.
Doug is still in room 114 at Lewisville Medical Center.
He was doing better Thursday & Friday but Saturday he started getting weak again. Jean came and spent the night with me Friday.
Jean and her kids came in from Monroe for Easter.
They dropped Jean off at the hospital so they could visit with Doug, then go on to Lisa’s in Southlake.
Jean & I got “permission” from Doug to leave the hospital early.
We went home and Viki came over and we all had some wine.
Viki left and we had some more wine and played Wii…..we had a great time.
Some of y’all think I am a neat freak….while Jean was at the house I don’t think I saw my counter top or the top of the bed….she travels with a lot of stuff J Sorry Jean J
Saturday Doug’s folks sat with Doug at the hospital and when his buddy Skip visited he got recruited to take Doug for his physical therapy walk around…so I could stay home and get needed stuff done.
Jean & I did yard work and straightened up the garage.
We mowed, weed eated, put the plants out & watered them, picked up fallen limbs, pulled weeds….my gardening glove fingers wore out so my fingernails ended up bright weed green.
We worked hard…my arms are still sore.
Jean says I let her take a break around 2 to eat.
Well we didn’t get started until sometime between 11 & noon.
Jean took the opportunity to sleep late and I took the morning completing and faxing legal info stuff to the Allstate lawyers concerning Doug’s lawsuit related to the accident he had August 10th
I figured how to make copies and send faxes on the printer Daddy got for us.
We also learned you can’t make copies when kitty Tufa is sitting on the document feed. He was just sitting on top of the printer watching the blank paper feed into the machine.
We almost couldn’t get the mower started.
Jean knows some stuff….she twisted the spark plug cover and that did it.
She also lowered the mower to its lowest setting…..my yard is scalped…..she says well you won’t have to mow for awhile.
We got cleaned up and Jean ran to Walmart and Chilis. Mary joined us for Chilis take out supper.
Then they decided to make cookies and fudge….in my kitchen…..It was funny….they don’t think I have a clue when it comes to cooking but I had to find all the stuff they needed….even a veggie peeler…..and I didn’t think I had one…..but there were 3 in the top drawer!
Ok you need to peel & shred carrots to make carrot cake cookies J
They left around 8 and still had time to do more shopping on their way to Lisa’s.
They called me and told me someone’s cows were out on Turbeville lane, but the police were already there.
How neat would that have been….well I found these stray cows in my yard so I decided to keep them…..maybe next time.
I need cows…..first I need fencing….then I need cows.
Now that the land is cleared we can get the property surveys out, find the corner pins and HIRE someone to build some fences.
How did the land get cleared you might ask?
Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the big fire.
Y’all have probably heard about the wild fires in North Texas. Well when I got home from the hospital Thursday around 11 pm I had phone messages…..1 your barn is not in danger the wind is blowing the fire away from it……2 your barn is in imminent danger….these were around 3 & 4 pm.
We had heard there were fires up in Montague county but didn’t even think they would be on our property! I called neighbor Virginia at 11 and she reassured me the building and trailer were OK.
When I woke up the next morning I was a little fuzzy…I know there was something else besides Doug, the lawsuit etc…. that I was supposed to be worried about…..took me a cup of tea then I remembered…..the fires !!!!
Well the barn & Avion travel trailer didn’t burn…..pretty much everything else did.
I went to check on things Friday.
There were still active fires burning and smoldering.
I had to wait for fire trucks and equipment for awhile before I was allowed to proceed on Dye Mound road.
There were helicopters dropping water on the fires.
It is sad and neat and exiting at the same time.
I drove around the black moonscape and took some pictures….forgot once and started driving with the truck window down…..my hair and clothes got full of ashes….the truck still has a dusting of ash inside….I washed the outside off….but when you breath in black ashes well you get black boogers….gross….
Large trees are still OK, but places that were once impenetrable briar and scrub are now clear.
The entire top of the hill and the whole north side are black.
I really won’t have to mow much out there for a while.
Some folks pay to have property cleared with a controlled burn….Mother Nature did ours for us.
The big oak tree over the kittycat sacred piles of rocks graveyard was spared. Down by the tank I found a burned turtle.
I did a few country chores, no mousies in the building or the trailer.
I visited the neighbors. They are picking up the mail for us. Jim says all our mailboxes were knocked down last week, he put mine back up.
Jim just got a new dozer last week and he used it to help control the fires….he dozed a vegetation free fire brake around the barn and trailer…thank you, thank you, thank you…..
Virginia suggests she & I need dozer driving lessons in case something comes up when Jim is not available.
Then I headed back to the hospital….I had to wait again as smoke and fire equipment blocked the road so I went the long way around.
Easter Sunday was busy.
I went to Wanda’s for the Graff family get together.
Ate a great breakfast and made a plate to take to Doug & watched the kids hunt Easter eggs.
Went to the hospital and spent some time with Doug.
We did two laps around the nurses’ station, but Doug is again very weak and out of breath.
Then I went to the Mee family get together.
Then back to the hospital.
In spite of how bad all the following sounds Doug is alert but weak & sleepy. He is eating and completed the income taxes today.
Doug is having heart issues…..his heart rate is fluctuating…..and setting off alarms in telemetry when the rate drops too low.
He had fever and he just doesn’t feel good at all.
I need to talk to the cardiologist….the nurses & the doctor on call are suggesting Doug needs a pacemaker. In addition I think without saying the exact words they are hinting that Doug may not be getting the care & attention he needs here….”he is in a hospital….why don’t they do something about his symptoms along the lines of finding out what is causing them instead of just treating them and doing the “let’s wait & see””
So now I am really freaking out……I have requested to meet the cardiologist…..I have written a letter to the Dallas Myeloma support group asking for advice…..
The next step is to get in touch with the oncologists at medical city who did his stem cell transplant to get a “second opinion” to see if they think I should move him over to them?????? But they are part of the same Texas Oncology group…..Do I need to go out of the group???? I don’t know what to do.
I am not going to “jump” today but it is 5 pm and we have not seen the cardio doc…..and I need to see what Doug’s doc says this evening….there has been some indication today that something was said on our behalf to the doc last night or early this morning…..or Doug’s vitals and the tele reports and nurses notes have caused increased concern and action.
That’s all for now.
Keep in touch.
Love,
Nancy
Today is Monday April 13th, Happy Birthday Jean.
Doug is still in room 114 at Lewisville Medical Center.
He was doing better Thursday & Friday but Saturday he started getting weak again. Jean came and spent the night with me Friday.
Jean and her kids came in from Monroe for Easter.
They dropped Jean off at the hospital so they could visit with Doug, then go on to Lisa’s in Southlake.
Jean & I got “permission” from Doug to leave the hospital early.
We went home and Viki came over and we all had some wine.
Viki left and we had some more wine and played Wii…..we had a great time.
Some of y’all think I am a neat freak….while Jean was at the house I don’t think I saw my counter top or the top of the bed….she travels with a lot of stuff J Sorry Jean J
Saturday Doug’s folks sat with Doug at the hospital and when his buddy Skip visited he got recruited to take Doug for his physical therapy walk around…so I could stay home and get needed stuff done.
Jean & I did yard work and straightened up the garage.
We mowed, weed eated, put the plants out & watered them, picked up fallen limbs, pulled weeds….my gardening glove fingers wore out so my fingernails ended up bright weed green.
We worked hard…my arms are still sore.
Jean says I let her take a break around 2 to eat.
Well we didn’t get started until sometime between 11 & noon.
Jean took the opportunity to sleep late and I took the morning completing and faxing legal info stuff to the Allstate lawyers concerning Doug’s lawsuit related to the accident he had August 10th
I figured how to make copies and send faxes on the printer Daddy got for us.
We also learned you can’t make copies when kitty Tufa is sitting on the document feed. He was just sitting on top of the printer watching the blank paper feed into the machine.
We almost couldn’t get the mower started.
Jean knows some stuff….she twisted the spark plug cover and that did it.
She also lowered the mower to its lowest setting…..my yard is scalped…..she says well you won’t have to mow for awhile.
We got cleaned up and Jean ran to Walmart and Chilis. Mary joined us for Chilis take out supper.
Then they decided to make cookies and fudge….in my kitchen…..It was funny….they don’t think I have a clue when it comes to cooking but I had to find all the stuff they needed….even a veggie peeler…..and I didn’t think I had one…..but there were 3 in the top drawer!
Ok you need to peel & shred carrots to make carrot cake cookies J
They left around 8 and still had time to do more shopping on their way to Lisa’s.
They called me and told me someone’s cows were out on Turbeville lane, but the police were already there.
How neat would that have been….well I found these stray cows in my yard so I decided to keep them…..maybe next time.
I need cows…..first I need fencing….then I need cows.
Now that the land is cleared we can get the property surveys out, find the corner pins and HIRE someone to build some fences.
How did the land get cleared you might ask?
Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the big fire.
Y’all have probably heard about the wild fires in North Texas. Well when I got home from the hospital Thursday around 11 pm I had phone messages…..1 your barn is not in danger the wind is blowing the fire away from it……2 your barn is in imminent danger….these were around 3 & 4 pm.
We had heard there were fires up in Montague county but didn’t even think they would be on our property! I called neighbor Virginia at 11 and she reassured me the building and trailer were OK.
When I woke up the next morning I was a little fuzzy…I know there was something else besides Doug, the lawsuit etc…. that I was supposed to be worried about…..took me a cup of tea then I remembered…..the fires !!!!
Well the barn & Avion travel trailer didn’t burn…..pretty much everything else did.
I went to check on things Friday.
There were still active fires burning and smoldering.
I had to wait for fire trucks and equipment for awhile before I was allowed to proceed on Dye Mound road.
There were helicopters dropping water on the fires.
It is sad and neat and exiting at the same time.
I drove around the black moonscape and took some pictures….forgot once and started driving with the truck window down…..my hair and clothes got full of ashes….the truck still has a dusting of ash inside….I washed the outside off….but when you breath in black ashes well you get black boogers….gross….
Large trees are still OK, but places that were once impenetrable briar and scrub are now clear.
The entire top of the hill and the whole north side are black.
I really won’t have to mow much out there for a while.
Some folks pay to have property cleared with a controlled burn….Mother Nature did ours for us.
The big oak tree over the kittycat sacred piles of rocks graveyard was spared. Down by the tank I found a burned turtle.
I did a few country chores, no mousies in the building or the trailer.
I visited the neighbors. They are picking up the mail for us. Jim says all our mailboxes were knocked down last week, he put mine back up.
Jim just got a new dozer last week and he used it to help control the fires….he dozed a vegetation free fire brake around the barn and trailer…thank you, thank you, thank you…..
Virginia suggests she & I need dozer driving lessons in case something comes up when Jim is not available.
Then I headed back to the hospital….I had to wait again as smoke and fire equipment blocked the road so I went the long way around.
Easter Sunday was busy.
I went to Wanda’s for the Graff family get together.
Ate a great breakfast and made a plate to take to Doug & watched the kids hunt Easter eggs.
Went to the hospital and spent some time with Doug.
We did two laps around the nurses’ station, but Doug is again very weak and out of breath.
Then I went to the Mee family get together.
Then back to the hospital.
In spite of how bad all the following sounds Doug is alert but weak & sleepy. He is eating and completed the income taxes today.
Doug is having heart issues…..his heart rate is fluctuating…..and setting off alarms in telemetry when the rate drops too low.
He had fever and he just doesn’t feel good at all.
I need to talk to the cardiologist….the nurses & the doctor on call are suggesting Doug needs a pacemaker. In addition I think without saying the exact words they are hinting that Doug may not be getting the care & attention he needs here….”he is in a hospital….why don’t they do something about his symptoms along the lines of finding out what is causing them instead of just treating them and doing the “let’s wait & see””
So now I am really freaking out……I have requested to meet the cardiologist…..I have written a letter to the Dallas Myeloma support group asking for advice…..
The next step is to get in touch with the oncologists at medical city who did his stem cell transplant to get a “second opinion” to see if they think I should move him over to them?????? But they are part of the same Texas Oncology group…..Do I need to go out of the group???? I don’t know what to do.
I am not going to “jump” today but it is 5 pm and we have not seen the cardio doc…..and I need to see what Doug’s doc says this evening….there has been some indication today that something was said on our behalf to the doc last night or early this morning…..or Doug’s vitals and the tele reports and nurses notes have caused increased concern and action.
That’s all for now.
Keep in touch.
Love,
Nancy
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Guess Where We Are????????
Guess where we are ?
Monday, March 30, 2009, after passing out and getting an ambulance ride to ER, we are back with all our old friends in the oncology floor at the Lewisville hospital :(
Today is Thursday April 2, 2009.
Doug’s blood pressure was in the gutter….64/44 for example…& his pulse is high….stays in the 90’s.
He is very very weak, just eating a few bites or taking pills tires him out and gets him out of breath.
After more tests the docs still don’t know what is causing his decline.
His symptoms are not typical for multiple myeloma or for chemo side effects.
He got Mg, Magnesium, and K, Potassium, and is getting 3 units of blood today.
He is slightly better today, was able to take a few steps with the physical therapists assistance.
But he is in no shape for me to have him at home.
He pretty much continued to get worse after we were discharged after our last stay.
I was finding it increasingly difficult to handle him.
He was only able to crawl about the house, and it was a big deal to get him into the truck for clinic visits.
He spent most of his time in bed or on the couch and I spent most of mine continuing the manic housekeeping :(
I am now officially off for the rest of the spring semester as well as the summer so we can fight the cancer as well as learn how to manage & care for Doug when he gets home….that said I am hoping he gets much better….at least walking and doing some things for himself.
I am so relived to be back in the hospital with the docs and nurses and hospital staff caring for Doug.
Even though I am here with him I don’t have to be up & on call 24/7
Who would have thought a hospital stay would give me time to catch up on e-mail etc.
I even finished 3 cotton garter stitch pot holders and an eyelash yarn scarf.
The kitties got spoiled having us home most of the time so Monday when we were gone all day & I didn’t return home till around 1 am Tufa had dragged all his stuffed animal toys from the bedroom into the family room….guess he needed company.
I have set up kitty entertainment centers out most windows….bird feeders….Tufa gets nose to nose with the squirrels through the glass.
The hummers have arrived so I’ve put out a few feeders for them too.
Tufa’s first birthday is April 14th. Little Kitty turned 15 Jan. 1, so I have kitties with a generation gap….the old man Little Kitty just looks at Tufa as if to say where do you get all that energy and why don’t you just settle down and snuggle up with me to keep me warm.
They pretty much get along, but snap at each other occasionally over who knows???
They share the food dished politely….they have completely different preferences for toys….
Tufa has large stuffed animals that he attempts to drown in the water bowls then finish the kill by chewing their heads off.
I bought a few dog stuffed toys at Walmart and they were headless and leaving soggy stuffing everywhere after only one day……no more inexpensive/cheap toys.
Round toys with no necks have a greater survival rate.
Little Kitty likes fur mousies and my hair bands and to strike all writing instruments off the counter and desk to the floor where they then require no more interest:)
I think Tufa prefers Doug for naps and laps….maybe he is just the one who is quiet & still and available most of the time…..Little Kitty has always been my lap Kitty.
They have wild games of chase and hide & seek.
I am hoping they will eventually be curling up together….maybe I need to turn off all the electric throws and blankets and put the AC on blizzard :)
Monday, March 30, 2009, after passing out and getting an ambulance ride to ER, we are back with all our old friends in the oncology floor at the Lewisville hospital :(
Today is Thursday April 2, 2009.
Doug’s blood pressure was in the gutter….64/44 for example…& his pulse is high….stays in the 90’s.
He is very very weak, just eating a few bites or taking pills tires him out and gets him out of breath.
After more tests the docs still don’t know what is causing his decline.
His symptoms are not typical for multiple myeloma or for chemo side effects.
He got Mg, Magnesium, and K, Potassium, and is getting 3 units of blood today.
He is slightly better today, was able to take a few steps with the physical therapists assistance.
But he is in no shape for me to have him at home.
He pretty much continued to get worse after we were discharged after our last stay.
I was finding it increasingly difficult to handle him.
He was only able to crawl about the house, and it was a big deal to get him into the truck for clinic visits.
He spent most of his time in bed or on the couch and I spent most of mine continuing the manic housekeeping :(
I am now officially off for the rest of the spring semester as well as the summer so we can fight the cancer as well as learn how to manage & care for Doug when he gets home….that said I am hoping he gets much better….at least walking and doing some things for himself.
I am so relived to be back in the hospital with the docs and nurses and hospital staff caring for Doug.
Even though I am here with him I don’t have to be up & on call 24/7
Who would have thought a hospital stay would give me time to catch up on e-mail etc.
I even finished 3 cotton garter stitch pot holders and an eyelash yarn scarf.
The kitties got spoiled having us home most of the time so Monday when we were gone all day & I didn’t return home till around 1 am Tufa had dragged all his stuffed animal toys from the bedroom into the family room….guess he needed company.
I have set up kitty entertainment centers out most windows….bird feeders….Tufa gets nose to nose with the squirrels through the glass.
The hummers have arrived so I’ve put out a few feeders for them too.
Tufa’s first birthday is April 14th. Little Kitty turned 15 Jan. 1, so I have kitties with a generation gap….the old man Little Kitty just looks at Tufa as if to say where do you get all that energy and why don’t you just settle down and snuggle up with me to keep me warm.
They pretty much get along, but snap at each other occasionally over who knows???
They share the food dished politely….they have completely different preferences for toys….
Tufa has large stuffed animals that he attempts to drown in the water bowls then finish the kill by chewing their heads off.
I bought a few dog stuffed toys at Walmart and they were headless and leaving soggy stuffing everywhere after only one day……no more inexpensive/cheap toys.
Round toys with no necks have a greater survival rate.
Little Kitty likes fur mousies and my hair bands and to strike all writing instruments off the counter and desk to the floor where they then require no more interest:)
I think Tufa prefers Doug for naps and laps….maybe he is just the one who is quiet & still and available most of the time…..Little Kitty has always been my lap Kitty.
They have wild games of chase and hide & seek.
I am hoping they will eventually be curling up together….maybe I need to turn off all the electric throws and blankets and put the AC on blizzard :)
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