Mission Accomplished

At the beginning of May, Bill began a very intense project.  He began putting a roof over our deck and converting it to an enclosed deck.  It's taken quite awhile because of chemo side effects getting in the way, but today the deck is totally enclosed!  Mission accomplished! 
When Bill feels well enough, the overhang needs to be put up on the deck, and the painting begins!
Tomorrow Bill begins a new round of chemotherapy.  There will be 2 "cocktails": one the same as before, one different.  Instead of 6 hours, the infusion should only take 3 hours.  That is so much better.  However, we do not know how this new chemo will affect him.  We'd 
appreciate continued prayers. 

Just A Nice Day

Bill worked several hours on the deck and has 99% of the screens up!  Tomorrow he plans to finish the screens.  I will have to take some pictures and post them.  Bill put the deck on our house in 1994 and we have used it extensively.  Last year we decided we'd like to put a roof over the deck and screen it in.  With all Bill's cancer treatments, we didn't expect to have it screened in this year.  This is an added bonus!

Shannon took Jess to the Library then stopped off at a park to play.  Jon took me out to breakfast, the Graubner Library so I can renew my card and download books on my iPad, then he went to the show.  I worked all day on paperwork and washing clothes.  It was just a nice day. 

I'm Published !!!

Well, sort of.

Since I began this blog last September, I have printed each month's blogs and put them in a binder.  It's taken up alot of paper, ink, and since my printer wants to over-write lines, I have to redo alot of pages.

One night when I was almost finished blogging, I noticed a message that I could turn my blog into book form.  So far I have had two books made.  One for September - December 31, 2010, dedicated to my wonderful husband, Bill.  The second book is dedicated to my mom and goes from January - June, 2011.  It is very special, if I do say so myself.  I am thrilled that I can have these books for many years to come.  So, I guess you could say, "Ive been published!"

Reading

I have read books for as long as I can remember.  I take after my mom, who used to inhale books and had quite the extensive home "library".  I, too, have quite the library in our home, and keep adding to it.  Now that we have an iPad and I have an iPhone, I've enjoyed downloading certain books.  Free ones are always the best.  I must say, though, that reading a book on an iPhone is a bit challenging.  The print is oh, so small,  and I read so fast (who wouldn't on a small screen?) that I have to keep swiping the screen to turn the pages.  It gets a little tiring.  When Bill is done with the iPad, I can switch to reading it on that.  I've decided that I enjoy the paperback book the best. 

Over the years I have read for enjoyment and learning.  I have also realized that I have read to escape reality.  Some days the only way I could cope was by reading a novel and visiting someone else's life.  That really doesn't sound very healthy, does it? 

After Bill was diagnosed with cancer, I was unable to read for months.  For some reason, I just couldn't.  I'm not sure why, since you'd think that I would definitely want to escape the reality of living with cancer.  Over the past several months I've begun to read a little more.  I don't think it's a way of escape anymore.  I'm back to reading for the sheer enjoyment of the printed word, and it feels very good to relax and enjoy something I truly like to do. 

A Bad Day For Bill

This has not been a very good day for Bill.  He tried eating eggs for breakfast, but that set off over 4 hours of severe pain and vomiting.  He was in bad shape.  He had several kinds of pain medication and finally after hours, he was pain-free.  He's decided he won't be eating anymore (we hope for just awhile).  He'll rely on tube feeding only.  Please continue to uplift him in prayer.  We're assuming the esophogus tumor is growing again and stopping food from going to the stomach.  He is scheduled for chemo again next Thursday. 

Tuesday through Friday Re-Cap

Early Tuesday morning Bill and I left for St. Ignace.  Thanks to Jon, Shannon, Jane and Chris for helping make this 4-day get-away possible.  They had Jessie-duty. 

We safely arrived in St. Ignace, checked in at the hotel, which overlooked the lake and Mackinaw Island, then went out for a drive and dinner.  Wednesday we were going to go to Sault Ste. Marie but it was rainy and we decided to drive back down across the bridge and go to a few places we've not been to in Mackinaw City.  Then we went back across the bridge and drove around St. Ignace and went into a couple stores and a museum we've never been to before. 

Thursday was a beautiful morning, but the boat ride to the Island was a bit choppy.  Too choppy for Bill and just right for me.  The choppier the better for me.  Our 9:00 departure included an extra 10-minute trip under the Mighty Mac.  Both Bill and I have been to Mackinaw Island more times than we can count and have practically done everything there is to do.  The one thing we wanted to do, and did, was to take a private 2 1/2 hour carriage tour through the island.  It was VERY nice.  Our driver was born and raised on the island and had many stories to tell.   This is the only picture I got of the two of us - just before our way back on even much choppier waters - fun for me, not so fun for Bill!

Our short 4-day trip ended on Friday morning when we left early and headed for Frankenmuth.  Now, we've also been there more times than we can count, but Jon wanted some stollen bread and chicken seasoning.  We also went to Bronner's.  

We had a very nice, relaxing couple of days.  It was only marred by the fact that Bill was unable to eat solid food.  That was a great disappointment to him, but he's a trooper and said he wasn't going to let it ruin our trip, which he didn't. 

We've Returned

Bill and I arrived home late this afternoon.  Tomorrow I will download pictures and let you know all we did.  I could have done it while away, but, get this:  I forgot my password!  I use it every night.  How could I forget something like that?  Makes one feel very, very stupid. 

What A Beautiful Day

If every day could be like today (weather-wise), it would be pretty-near perfect.  Blue skys, beautiful swirly clouds, a soft breeze and temperatures in the 70's. 

Spent the entire day preparing for Bill and I to leave in the morning.  We are going away for a few days of much-needed together time.  Many thanks go to Jon, Shannon, Jane and Chris for making these days possible.  They all have "Jessie Duty" at one time or another.  Please pray that Jessie will do OK with us being gone.  At least she'll have Shannon, who's been gone for a week.  She's REALLY looking forward to her return!  Pray for safety on the roads, much needed rest, and together-time.  Thanks!

If we have internet access where we're going I'll blog.  If not, don't worry.  We'll be back soon.

A Very Fast Sunday

Today was a whirlwind of activity.  Jess and I had our usual breakfast together and watched John Hagee.  Gave her a bath and then I got ready for church.  "Traded" the van and Jessie for Jon's jeep at church.  Bill and I were able to attend church together.  That was very special.

Came home and fixed a very light lunch and visited with my friend, JoAnne, who came over for about an hour.  We've been playing phone tag for what seems like a month, so we took a one-hour slot to get caught up.  Then the four of us, along with Diane and Randie, went to our cousin Carol and Gerry's house for a  BBQ.  It was such a nice time - thanks so much Carol and Gerry for hosting us.  The food was teriffic and we were able to visit with not only Debbie (she cared for Mom before she passed away), but their two sons, Gerry and David.  It was fun just to sit, visit and laugh.

Just pulled in the driveway and Chris came over for about an hour or so.  We enjoyed fall-like weather on the deck.  Put Jess to bed and now I'm doing my blog.  Next is paperwork.  Or maybe not. 

A Good Day

Jess and I went to the bank, Walgreen's, McDonald's for lunch and Walmart.  She survived without any problems, which made for a good morning for me.  Although, once we got home she said, "Stay home, Dad!"  Guess she had enough. 

For the past several days Bill has not been able to eat.  Today he ate 3 meals without any problems!  Wahoo!  I'm so glad for him. 

Looking forward to going to church with Bill.  Jon will go to first service, then we'll trade Jessie-in-the-van for Jon's jeep and we'll be able to go to the second. 

Happy 30th Birthday, Shannon!!!

Jessie's aide, Shannon, has a special birthday today.  Not to mention a week of vacation.  What could be better?  Anyway, Happy Birthday, Shannon - you are very special to Jessie and us!  Hope you had a gread day.

These past several days have not been good eating days for Bill.  We're not sure what's going on, but food just doesn't want to go down.  He is in alot of pain when he eats, so he's resorted to can nutrition again.  Hopefully, when chemo starts, it will shrink the tumor and he'll be able to eat again.  Chemo is scheduled for September 1.

Jess and I had a Wendy's picnic with Chris at the new pavilion at Bruce Twp.  Very nice.  Great weather day for a picnic.  And, there was only one man out there and NO KIDS.  Yah!  Jessie had a nice quiet lunch. 

The Doorbell

I don't want to share my day today, so I'll tell you what happened the other day instead.

Years ago we bought a doorbell and two push buttons for his mom.  We put the bell upstairs in the hallway and one button on the wall by the chair she spends her day in and the other one on the night table next to her bed.  So, if she had a problem in either location, she'd just have to push the doorbell and we'd hear her. It broke awhile back and I threw away the doorbell and the two buttons remained where they were, until I decided to throw them away the other day. 

Taking one off I accidently pushed the button.  From somewhere in the distance I heard a doorbell.  I push it again - it rings again.  Now I'm really confused, as I was sure I threw it away.  (You need to know that this doorbell doesn't just chime ... ding, dong.  It rings:  Ding, dong, ding, dong. Ding, dong, ding, dong. x2)

I go into the garage thinking it got put out there and push the button several times.  Nothing.  I went back into the house and stood near an open window and pushed several more times.  That's when I realized that someone was yelling next door and their front door kept opening and shutting.  I pushed the button again - sure enough, the sound came from next door and the yelling got louder.  "What the heck!  Who's ringing our doorbell?  Where are they? Etc., etc., etc."

I went outside and over to their yard and pushed the button again (OK, that really wasn't necessary, but I was having such fun!).  More yelling.  Finally I knocked on their door and explained the situation.  My neighbor wasn't impressed, but I gave her the button and told her she could have an extra. 

As an afterthought, I should have kept it and not told them the story.  You see, almost every day my neighbor lets her cat out and he doesn't like to come in.  So, she bangs on a pan and yells his name.  Surprise, he doesn't come.  I should have kept the button and when she began her cat-calling, I'd push the button! 

Grandma's Wheelchair

Today just didn't turn out as I'd hoped.  First we got up and going fast for Jessie's speech class but at the last minute her teacher postponed until tomorrow.  So, the four of us went out to breakfast.  That went well. Then we took a little drive to Great Lakes Crossings.  Usually when we go to a mall we put Jessie in Grandma's wheelchair.  Unfortunately, Grandma's wheelchair is with Grandma up north.  That was just not acceptable for Jessie.  She couldn't deal with Outdoor World walking.  Not to mention there were 4 bus loads of day care kids there on a field trip.  She just worked herself up to a royal panic attack.  She cried for almost an hour and kept insisting we go home and get the wheelchair.  That just about did the 3 of us in. 

Spent the rest of the day doing wash and cleaning.  Julie, Kylee and Lynzee brought KFC for dinner and we ate on our deck.  We were going to go to Stony Creek with Jess but I just couldn't take another round of crying.  We had a nice time visiting.

Amanda

Today Jessie's very first aide, Amanda, came for lunch.  We had a very nice visit.  Amanda was with us for about 2 1/2 years and we feel like she is extended family.  How time flies.  She will be beginning her 4th year of teaching this fall.  She is missed.

I am very weepy tonight.  I really don't know why.  I am not depressed.  I am not sad, just want to cry.  Isn't that just nuts?  How do you explain that?  I think I'll just go to bed and chalk it up to another day.

A Busy Monday

Grandma and Aunt Ruth got off OK this morning.  We know Grandma is looking forward to spending time with her daughter. 

No screaming children to start a panic attack, so I would say that Girls Day out was a pretty good success.  We went to the post office, KFC for lunch, Advanced Medical for supplies and Target.  Jess seemed to have a really good time. 

Jon had a very rough day at work and is looking forward to the next 2 days off.  Bill worked several hours on the back deck.  It is really looking wonderful.  A semi-good day for eating for him. 

Another Missed Post

Everything's OK.  Just didn't post last night because of the storms coming through.  I shut down the computer and we all went to bed in between what was supposed to be two storms.  I don't think we got the second one.  At least we didn't hear it. Sure saw some nasty looking clouds for the first one, though. 

Jess had a wonderful day yesterday.  Jane and Rachel came and took her to lunch, out to shop and to the Nature Center.  Bill and I went out to lunch and then to Michael's.  Jon worked.  Not much else. 

Today I took Mom S. to church and late this afternoon her daughter, Ruth, came for the night.  Tomorrow Mom will leave with Ruth and visit her home for 2 weeks up north.  She's looking forward to her visit.

Happy Vacation, Shannon !

Much to Jessie's dismay, Shannon has left for a week's vacation.  Poor Jess, she got mad at dinner, I yelled back at her, and she had a total melt down and cried for Shannon for almost a half hour.  Ten days without Shannon is going to be a very difficult week for us, but I do hope Shannon enjoys every minute of it.

Bill hasn't had good eating days for the past 2 days.  Don't know what's up with that, but hopefully, tomorrow will be better. 

The Help

I had a very nice date day with my wonderful son.  He took me to the show and we saw The Help.  It was such a powerful movie.  I highly recommend it.  It was almost 2 1/2 hours long.  Take lots of kleenex, though, as it is very emotional.  From there we went to Brann's Steak House and he treated me to a nice steak lunch.  That was very special.  Jon and I used to do many date days, but we haven't done so many since he got a job.  I enjoy his company.

Bill worked on the deck today and I think he over did it.  He's extremely tired tonight.  More so than normal.  Maybe he'll have to take tomorrow "off".

Laughter ... The Best Medicine

Both Jess and I had doctor appointments this afternoon.  We left at 1:30 and didn't get home until after 5:00 p.m.  We did nothing but wait.  We waited in the doctor's waiting room, we waited for him in the back, we waited while they wrote out prescriptions as their computer system was down.  We waited at two pharmacies to get medications filled.  We waited 20 minutes in the drive thru at McDonald's for just pops!  We waited in traffic.  To keep Jess entertained in the van we sang to a Veggie Tales CD, and I yelled at the long line of cars at the top of my lungs (windows up, of course) which made Jessie laugh so hard she could hardly breath.  Although it took us what seemed like forever today to accomplish so little, we had a fun time together.  Laughter sure does help the soul.

Back In Our Face Again

Bill had two doctor appointments today - one with the urologist and the other with the cancer doctor.  He's done with the urologist unless we need him.  That's good.  With the cancer doctor, we received the CT results from last week's scan.  There hasn't been any change in the tumor on the esophogus and there are some new spots and several lymph nodes are larger.  Dr. H. talked about continuing with chemo for ever and quality of life.  It was all right back in our faces again.

This may sound silly, but when Bill's days are physically good and he's able to eat again, we tend to not think about the fact that the cancer is terminal.  We don't use the words "quality of life", verses feeling awful with the chemo.  It's not that we're not facing reality, because we are.  It's just that some days are so good that we "forget". 

For now, Bill has decided to go for another round of chemo, which will begin in about 2 weeks.  He would appreciate your prayers as he knows he's going to feel terrible again, which he is dreading.  We also ask that God would give us wisdom in making choices, and that these next 2 weeks before the chemo he will be feeling WONDERFUL, that he would be able to eat solid food, and get to do some things he's been wanting to do. 

Vacation Day

You didn't have anything from me last night to read because we left early yesterday afternoon and went to the Hampton Inn for a family over-nighter.  We all needed a change so I reserved a nice suite for us.  We had a very nice time. 

All but Bill went in the pool and hot tub.  I read a book, Jess watched her DVD player, played with her ABC tiles and played on her iPad.  Bill spent the entire time on the iPad, watched tv and just relaxed.  Jon hung out but did go home to sleep because he wasn't feeling very well.  He returned this morning for breakfast.  Jon and I went and picked up chinese for dinner and Bill was able to eat a decent amount.  Breakfast went well for him, too.  In all, we had a very restful time. 

When we got home Bill worked on the deck for awhile, Jon and Jess disappeared upstairs to their bedrooms and I took off the rest of the day.  Decided not to do anything and just continue resting.  It felt good. 

Before This Leaves My Mind

I didn't post last night and tonight I'll tell you why.  For now, I need to share with you a conversation before it leaves my mind:

We had Girls Lunch Out with Jon today.  While I was getting more pop, Jess said to Jon: "Grandma -  Heaven.  Happy."  Jon replied: "Yes, she's very happy, and one day we'll go to heaven with Grandma."  To which Jessie replied .... "No, thank you.  Stay home - daddy!"

My iPhone

I had to get a new phone a month or so ago and asked Bill if he would mind if I splurged and bought an iPhone. (Thank you, dear!)  I really like our iPad, and am thoroughly enjoying my iPhone.  I use it all the time, even to make phone calls now and then!  Also, I'm able to text which I couldn't do before because I didn't have a keyboard.  You'd think at my age I wouldn't get into all this techie stuff, but I really enjoy it. 

Bill didn't have a good food day, but a great physical day.  He was able to work for several hours outside on the deck.  He really felt good about that.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better food day.

Durag For Bill

Ever since Bill had his hair removed, I've threatened that I was going to get him an earring.  I really think he'd look great with one.  In the last two days he's been outside a bit working on the deck and his head is glistening with sweat.  So, I stopped off at the local motorcycle shop and picked him up a du rag.  Isn't he cute?  That's my man!

Maybe Tomorrow

Today wasn't a good eating day for Bill.  Maybe tomorrow he'll be able to eat more than he did today, which wasn't much.  Wonder what's the difference?  Yesterday he had the full breakfast and today applesauce wouldn't go down.  Go figure.  BUT, today was a great physical day for him.  He was able to spend some time working on the deck.  That made him feel good.  His garden looks great, too, doesn't it?  It's just taking everything a long time to ripen this year.  Too hot?  Too much rain?  Not enough rain?  Who knows. 

Just Like Old Times

You'll have to wait til the end of this post to find out about this picture!

Anyway, today was like old times for Bill and I.  We began at the hospital outpatient building at 8:30 a.m. for Bill's CT scan.  While he was "enjoying" his special drink, 1 1/2 hour wait and 10 minute test, I played on my iPhone, read part of a book, and listened to music.  I enjoyed my down time.

After Bill was done, we went to breakfast, and Bill was able to eat the entire meal: 4 sausage links, scrambled eggs, toast and milk.  He was thrilled.  From there we went to Ace Hardware (bought a traveling door alarm), Family Christian Stores (needed some boxed cards), Blinds to Go (family room blind broke), Best Buy (Jessie's VCR/DVD player smelled like it was buring up!), Sam's Club (because Bill was getting Sam's Club withdrawal), post office and home.  Yup, just like old times.  It was a great morning out.

Tonight I was having some one-on-one time with Jess in her room and Bill came in to see what we were doing.  Her "school" table was there with a coloring book on it and while Jess and I talked, he just quietly got the bucket of crayons and began coloring. He looked so serious, too!  Was he desperate for something to do, or was he thinking of "old times".   

LaPointe Up-Date

One of the blogs I follow reported today that there are only 20 cholera patients at the Centre Medical Beraca, and no one sick at the House of Hope.  Through all this, the hospital has been made a cholera treatment center.  They are hoping that they will not have to use it. 

A good day for all of us here in the Sutton household.  I am so very grateful for good days.  Bill had a good eating day.  In fact, we stopped at McDonald's this morning after a Square Deal run and I bought a sausage McMuffin.  Bill said it smelled really good and I offered it to him for a BITE.  One-half sandwich later, he was excited and I was still hungry.  Oh, well!

Eating More Each Day

Hooray! for Bill who is trying to eat more food each day.  It hurts a little, but he keeps at it.  He's also feeling so much better and doesn't need as many naps a day as he has been.  In all, he seems to be doing very well.  The infection around the PEG tube is even better.  We praise God for this.  Thank you for continued prayers.  They are appreciated.