A Challenging Day

Nothing went as "planned" today.  It began with Jessie having a melt down that took us 1 1/2 hours to get through.  It was nasty outside and we had to go to the grocery store.  We were almost done at Kroger's when Bill's nose started bleeding - it kept it up off and on for almost 3 hours.  So, a trip to the ER where he had his nose cauterized.  He's also spent the day throwing up.  Without getting too gross, we think it's his saliva that is not going through the esophogus.  Prayers for this would be appreciated.  In all, it was a crappy day for Bill.  Thank you, Jon, for making a nice chicken dinner, and having it ready for me when I got home.  That was so nice.  And, delicious!  I'm going to bed in a few minutes and hope that tomorrow will be MUCH better.

Elvis

About a month ago Jon and I saw Santa Claus while at a local restaurant for breakfast.  If you are a daily follower, you'll remember the picture I posted. Today, Bill and I were at the nursing center to see Mom and who was there for a birthday party?  ELVIS!  I tell you what, this guy was really good.   Wonder who I'll see next?


Bill felt better today so he went with me to see Mom, who seems to be doing well.  She still hasn't been up and using her walker much, but she's cooperating with physical therapy and seems to enjoy it.  Yesterday she had a ball between her knees and the PT said that she was done and reached for the ball but she wouldn't give it to him!  That was pretty funny. 

"I've Never Seen A Foot Like This"

I had a foot doctor's appointment early this morning due to extreme pain in my right heel for over a month.  What with everything going on, I haven't had time to check it out.  I did today, and wish I could just stick my head in the ground - or maybe my foot!

This new doctor seemed a bit cool at first.  He asked alot of questions, then went in to review the xrays.  He returned to the room with a big smile on his face and said, "Do you want to see your xrays?"  "Do I have to?" I replied.  He kept smiling.  I followed him to another room.

"In all of my 17 years of practice, I've NEVER seen a foot like this one."  (I was supposed to be happy about that?)  I have 3 bone spurs under my heel and one on the heel.  It is very arthritic, I have no arch and blah, blah, blah.  I finally asked if there was anything good about my foot.  "Well", he said after a long pause, "This little spot right here looks pretty good."  (OK, I hear you-all laughing.  Not funny!)

His recommendation was to wear a removable cast up to my knee whenever possible, buy a New Balance pair of shoes and go to physical therapy twice a week.  I wore the cast for several hours this afternoon and it alters my back and hips and using the stairs is out.  I don't have time for PT.  I'll go see what I can find in a NB shoe.  I have worn Birkenstock shoes for 11 years and NEVER an enclosed pair of shoes.  Always clogs or sandels.  I've never had problems with my feet in 11 years.    This will be a challenge for me. 

When I was ready to leave, I told him I was glad to be able to add to his career experience in that my foot was so unusual.  He said that he was going to take a picture on his cell phone of the xray before he went home.  "Just don't post it on the internet!", I said.  He laughed and assured me he wouldn't.  Like anyone would recognize MY foot!

 

A Crummy Day

It all started with a headache before noon and worked its way up to a very bad headache by 2:00.  I rarely get headaches anymore, so when I get them, I can't function.  Went and sat in my chair with a hot compress on my eyes for 2 hours.  Felt a bit better, but I know it's still there - lurking around waiting to come back when I least expect it.

Bill felt crummy today, too.  Jon was tired from his 3 straight 12 1/2 hour days, and Jess was simply crabby with a little OK mixed in.  We'll just chalk this one up and go to bed.   

Blessings, Grandma!

Bill, Jessie, Bill, Ruth and I went to the nursing center this morning to make sure Mom's move was all in order.  She seems to be doing well.  I just can't get over how nice her room is - or all the rooms, for that matter. 

Jess had a hard time at first because she wanted to go to Grandma Jonas' room!  I finally got her steered in the right direction and she was OK once she saw Grandma Sutton.  She occupied herself with her iPad for awhile.

When we were ready to go, Jessie gave Grandma a hug, kiss and a blessing.  She tend to put her hand on someone's head who is sick or hurt.  Alot like a blessing.  Who knows?  Maybe she has a special connection that we don't.

Bill had a very bad day today.  Quite sick, fatigued and in quite a bit of bone pain.  He's taken all his meds for those side effects and has spent most of the day plastered to the couch.  We hope tomorrow will be better.

It Takes Alot Of People To Move One Person

Mom Sutton was transferred to Shelby Nursing Home today for rehab.   Diane and Randie went to the hospital to make sure all was well on that end and brought her personal stuff to the nursing home.  Bill and Ruth left the Gaylord area right after church to come and help with her transition and admission.  They got there at the same time Bill and I did.  My Bill was pretty sick but was able to make it.  Chris came and took care of Jessie!  Wheh!  I am glad this part is over. 

Both Chris' mom and my mom were in Shelby this past year.  It was a little hard to go through those doors again, but not too bad.  I saw some "old" faces that looked familiar.  They have redecorated every room and they are beautiful.  Mom's room overlooks a courtyard and reminds me of a hotel room.  It is very, very nice.  I know she doesn't want to be there, but I do hope she enjoys her beautiful surroundings.

She won't be bored, that's for sure.  PT came to evaluate her even before she got there!  She had a nice dinner and her room mate and her husband are very nice people.  Let's pray that Mom will acclimate to her surroundings and to getting back to walking and taking care of herself again. 

P.S.  Nothing wrong yesterday.  Just was too emotionally drained and too tired to post.  Sorry.  Especially to those of you who read this every day.  I am humbled to think that there are many of you out there that read "me" every day.  Thank you.   

Day 2

For having chemo yesterday, Bill did really good for most of the day.  His face and head was pretty red from the steroids, but he was able to go to the hospital to meet with Care Management regarding his mom, along with Ruth.  He had to be home by 1:30 p.m. to take the shot he gets 24 hours after chemo finishes.  He had "lunch", then began to get sick.  Spent the rest of the day on the couch.  Not bad for day 2.

Coupons

Bill cringes when I get a Kohl's flyer in the mail with a peel-off sticker revealing the percentage I can get off items.  My last one was 30%, so you know where I was yesterday.  He should be excited, as most items were for him and I even got $20.00 in Kohl's bucks.

Well, in today's mail I got two (early) birthday cards.  One from Family Christian Stores and one from Hallmark.  They both included coupons !!!!  FCS was 33% of and Hallmark was 20%.  When I showed him my cards and coupons he just stared at me and handed me the cards back.  Wonder what he was thinking?

The infusion session went well for Bill.  He made it home and had "lunch" before he started feeling pretty sick.  Let's hope, and pray, that he'll not take 14 days to begin feeling good again.  Last month was 10.  We'll see.

Bill's mom's BP continues to fluctuate between very high to about normal.  Sometimes she feels good and sometimes she doesn't.  We have to go meet with Care Management tomorrow because they want her to be released and go to Rehab.  I hope that Bill will be able to go with me. 

Prayer Needed Again

Please remember Bill tomorrow as he has another round of chemo at 9:30 a.m.  We hope that the side effects of this treatment will be minimal. 

Bill's mom is still in the hospital with numerous blood clots in both lungs.  Ruth has been staying with her each day.

Jessie has been alot better since her medication change, but with all these changes again, she had a break down tonight and cried for an hour.

Me - well, let's just say that I am having a hard time with it all.  Just sayin'.

Hospital Friends

Ruth spent the day with her Mom.  Bill and I went for about 3 hours or so.  Nothing new to report about Mom.  She's just laying around, trying to get comfortable. 

I introduced Ruth to one of the cashiers in the cafeteria as my "hospital friend".  That got me to thinking that I have hospital friends, post office friends, bank friends, grocery store friends, etc.  People that I see on a regular basis in the business world that over the years I have struck up a friendship.  We never see one another anywhere else but where they work.  Interesting.  Do you have friends like these?

Happy 98th Birthday, Grandma!

Today is Grandma Sutton's 98th birthday.  Unfortunately, she's spending it in the hospital.  She has blood clots in both lungs.  (I didn't blog last night because I didn't get home til late from the ER and was just too tired.)

Jon went to see her this morning; Bill, Jess and I went in the afternoon, and Ruth drove down from upnorth to be here in the late afternoon and evening.  In all, I'm sure she had a nice birthday, just not where she would want to be.

I'm sure that you-all will read this and pray for this situation.  Thanks so much.

Happy 28th Anniversary To Us !!!

Twenty-eight years and almost 4 hours ago, we said "I DO!"  Bill and I have been blessed with a wonderful marriage and two wonderful children.  If you look closely at the picture, I'm sure you'll recognize many people!

To celebrate our special day, Bill and I went for a nice hundred-mile ride.  First we dropped off some furniture at his cousin's house, had the oil changed in the van in Richmond, then drove to St. Clair.  We usually sit along the boardwalk, but today decided to drive to Port Huron.  It was such a beautiful day. 

When we got to Port Huron I got myself a lunch at Wendy's and then we went and sat almost under the Blue Water Bridge and watched the rapidly moving river.  Two very large ships almost snuck up on us.  For such large ships, they sure are quiet.

After I ate and we were done watching, we went to the mall and looked around.  Back down to Cracker Barrel, but only to look around their wonderful store.  When we got to Imlay City we went to the Save More store, and I spent only 61cents!  We bought some vegetables and fruit at the stand at 35 Mile Road, then on home.  Julie and Kylee were there to drop off some cookies and visit.  In all, it was a very, very nice Anniversary Day.  Thank you, Jesus, for blessing Bill and I with each other!

A Usual Day

Friday is breakfast out day for Jessie and Shannon.  I went to breakfast with my friend, Julie.  Bill welcomed the new washer and dryer into the basement and Jon worked.  Jess, Shannon and I went to Meijer's then I came back and put my feet up and rested for a bit.  Nothing unusual, just everyday stuff.  Bill also worked on the deck.  There's still going to be plenty of time to sit out there and enjoy it.

A New Washer

Yesterday when the repair man came to see what was wrong with our washer, he gave us bad news.  The drum was rusted and soon to leak and the agitator's timer is shot.  I asked him how old he thought the machine was since neither Bill or I could remember.  He said that they stopped making them 15 years ago.  I'm sure it must be at least 20 years old then.  So, Bill and I went to my favorite appliance store, consulted my favorite salesman and we will have a new washer and dryer tomorrow!  Why get a new washer and not buy the dryer to go with it?

Bill is extremely tired.  Of course, he went with me this morning then worked on the deck for a couple hours in the nice crisp air in the afternoon.  Who wouldn't be tired?  Other than that and pain in his leg, he's not doing too bad.

Another EEG Done

Bill came through his EEG well again.  He just compains that they don't let him sleep long enough!  The doctor told us that his esophogus looked better than last time, but that he had trouble getting through to the stomach.  Most likely the cause of not being able to swallow food.  Anyway, he took biopsies and if they show cancerous tumors again, maybe Bill will have to have more radiation.  If it doesn't, (let's pray for this scenerio) he may go back in and stretch the esophogus and see if that helps.  Time will tell.

Jessie had another good day again - until 9:00 when it was time for bed.  Oh, well. 

Another Test For Bill In the Morning

Because Bill is still not able to eat food, another EEG has been scheduled for 8:00 a.m in the morning.  Please pray that all will go well, and that we can find out why he is unable to swallow food.  According to the radiologist/oncologist, it shouldn't be the tumor that is shrinking.  Who knows.  This means that I have to go to bed early - we have to leave at 6:30 a.m. !!! Ick!  At least Bill is an early morning riser. 

Jessie's aide was sick today so Jess spent the day with me.  As you know, we have changed her anxiety medication, and today another girl woke up in her bed!  It was a wonderful day with Jessie.  She was nice, funny and good to be around.  That hasn't happened in months.  We took Jon for an eye appointment, came home then went to the laundromat because our washer won't work.  We walked to Buscemi's for pizza and breaksticks for lunch, then after 9 loads of wash, $25.00, and 2 hours, we came home.  It was such a nice day with Jessie.  

A Story Not Told Before

Bill and I get a calendar-a-day by e-mail and the story below was one that came a couple days ago.  As soon as I read it, I felt I needed to copy and print it here, then tell my story:

A GREAT CO-WORKER

When our son Danny was 11, he was a newspaper carrier, up and out at 4:30 A.M. When I told him that his father and I worried about his safety at that hour, he said, “Mom, don’t you know God walks with me?”

Danny told me that a beautiful collie greeted him every morning at the beginning of his route and accompanied him the whole way, then disappeared. We don’t know where the dog came from; no one in our neighborhood owned a collie. On Sunday mornings—when his father took him in the car to deliver the thick edition—the collie didn’t show. How did that dog know he could take Sundays off? Because there are angels in this world, and he was one of them.

MARY MORRIS DOBRICK, CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA

MY STORY ...  In 1968 my family moved out to Shelby Twp.  I attended Utica High School for my 11th and 12th grades.  Not only did I hate school (even though I did well), I hated the dark (still do) and hated walking to the bus stop in the dark.  There are no street lights down that street and I walked to my friend, JoAnne's house, then we went on to the bus stop together. 

God knew I was afraid and sent an Angel in the form of a very large dog that met me at the place where I was the most afraid.  He walked next to me all the way to JoAnne's house, then left.  I never saw that dog during the day or night.  Just in the early dark mornings I walked to the bus stop.    

A Picture From Yesterday

Bill and I don't get our picture taken together very often, but Chris made us pose at yesterday's get-together.  I think it is a very nice picture.  And, it just might be our official 28th. Anniversary picture, as it will be the big day next Saturday, September 17.

It is rare that I do no work around the house.  Bill told me I had to do nothing today - had to take the day off, so to speak.  I try not to work on Sundays anyway, but it doesn't always work that way.  There's always something I need to do. 

However, I have spent almost the entire day on the deck.  Reading, playing on the iPad, taking a nap, just relaxing.  It it very hard to do, believe it or not.  I keep thinking of stuff I should be doing.  So far the only work I've done is clean up the kitchen after meals.  I have about 4 hours before I go to bed, so maybe I'll begin another book.  Or, if I can't get the iPad away from Bill, I'll play some games on my iPhone.  I must say, I do feel rested.

A Family Get Together

Late this afternoon we went to Bill's cousin, Carol's house, for a family get together.  Jon had to work, but Jessie went with us, willingly, since I told her that there were only going to be old people there.  (I think someone counted and there were 10 people over 80!).

We also celebrated Mom Sutton's 98th birthday (Sept. 19) and her sister Etta's 96th birthday (Sept. 18).  Pictured is Mom, Aunt Etta, and their youngest sister, Betty, who lives in Arizona. 

We had a very nice time.  Bill sat out in the detached garage with the men, and the women were in the house.  Unbelievably, Jessie was very good.  Of course, I took her DVD player, Apple ABC tiles and iPad.  That kept her occupied til we ate and then afterwards, too. 

A "Date Day" With My Men

Bill, Jon and I went out today for several hours.  We went to the Post Office (for mail), the bank (for money), McDonald's (for a $1.00 breakfast sandwich for me), Family Christian Stores (for a book for Bill's Monday night men's group), Sears (clothes for Jon), Kohl's (baby clothes for the Torres'), Steak and Shake (lunch for Jon and I and chocolate milk for Bill), Barnes and Noble (for a book for Jon), Christmas Tree Shops (just because), and Best Buy (to pick up a previously bought DVD/Video player that had to be reordered for Jessie).  Wheh! 

You're probably wondering how Bill managed all that.  Well, we pushed him in the wheelchair and he sat a couple times in the van and played on the iPad.  I kept telling him to keep his head straight so the shine off his head would light our way, and I placed several kisses atop that bald head.  Over all, he had a good day. He even came home and worked for about an hour outside on the deck.  VERY tired tonight, though.

Jessie had a doctor's appointment at 3:30.  From there we went to Walgreen's for prescriptions then Kohl's to look around again at baby clothes.  She did pretty good.  Right now, I can't wait to go upstairs and call it a day.  I've definitely done enough for one day. 

Mail For Dad

Quite awhile ago I posted that my mom had hundreds of return address labels - enough for a couple more life-times.  When I had her mail forwarded to mine after she passed away, I began getting address labels in her name with my address.  The other day I received mail for MY DAD with my address!  Not forwarded!  Goodness, he died in 1978!!! 

Bill didn't have a very good day.  Very sick, his peg tube area was painful and he had alot of bone pain.  Had a scheduled gastroenterologist appointment this afternoon.  Bill's peg tube is infected again, so back on an antibiotic.  This is day #7 - Peak Day.  Hopefully, he'll begin feeling better now. 

Post #2 ... Merry Christmas

Jon treated me to breakfast this morning, and as we were walking into the restaurant, "SC" was walking out.  He said good morning to me, and I said "Merry Christmas" to him, which cracked him up for some reason.  He hung around outside talking to his friends (he has quite the following you know) and after we were finished eating, I asked SC if I could take a picture of him for my daughter.  

Some of you may know that "SC" not only stands for Santa Claus, but Scott Calvin (from Tim Allen's Santa movies).  Jessie LOVES Santa Claus, and she knows that his other name is Scott Calvin.  When I got home I told her that I saw Scott Calvin at breakfast.  I wish you could have seen the look on her face.  She just stared at me.  I showed her this picture and one of her hands went up to her cheek and her mouth was in the "OHHH" position.  A Hallmark moment, for sure.

This SC was very impressive.  I hesitated in posting his picture, but he gave me a card with his web site, so here's some free advertising for him:   http://www.santa-in-the-thumb.com/.  

Who would have thought that my day would have started out with an encounter with Santa!  Merry Christmas, everyone!  Oh, by the way, he gave me a card that said that I was on his "nice" list !!!!!!!

Two Posts Today ... Post #1

For those of you who know Ed and Doreen Torres (former pastor at our church), they have obtained custody of their 7 1/2 month old niece, Shiloh.  As their youngest is 12, they are in need of everything for a baby. 

If you'd like to participate in a long-distance shower, please contact me.  I have a list of items that are needed.  I know that this will bless both Ed and Doreen.  Our church family and their 5 years here were very special to them.  I plan on sending them items in the next couple of weeks. 

If interested, call me, or send me a message through this blog - at the bottom of this page. 

Another Day At The Hospital

Thanks to all who prayed for Bill's Mom.  Her pacemaker replacement went well.  She came home, and other than being very, very tired, she is doing well.  Ruth will leave in the morning.  Bill's not himself lately.  Getting that crummy chemo feeling again. 

If you remember, please continue to pray for Jessie.  She has just not been happy lately.  Yelling, screaming, refusing to do what is asked of her.  It's gotten totally out of hand, and is very wearing on us.  I have no clue as to the problem.  Thankfully, we go see the doctor on Friday.  Maybe she can shed some light on her behavior. 

Labor Day and a Prayer Request

Aren't you supposed to work on Labor Day?  I certainly did and I'm paying for it physically.  Oh, well.  I am very pleased with my progress.  Jessie's room got totally cleaned (Jess helped a little, in-between crying and complaining).  The upstairs bathroom got completely cleaned and the skylight screen got put back on.  Now we can get nice fresh air in there again.  I also did many loads of wash. 

Bill's soon-to-be 98 year old Mom is having her pacemaker battery changed tomorrow.  Please pray for a successful procedure.  It should be an out-patient surgery, but they said don't be surprised if she stays overnight because of her age. 

Bill didn't have a great day, but not too bad.

Peanut Butter

After lunch today I had the hiccups.  Jessie looked at me, pointed to the kitchen and said: "Mom - peanut butter!"  That was just too funny.  For those of you that are new to my blog, peanut butter was the only thing that took away the hiccups that plagued Bill on a regular basis after chemo.  Jess doesn't forget much, that's for sure.

Tomorrow is clean-up day, as Jess "trashes" each area she's in.  She calls it a "MESS".  She'll say - "Mess again!"  That's not funny.  We currently have a mess in the living room, our bedroom and hers.  Since Aunt Ruth is coming for a couple of days, Jessie's bedroom is top on our list for tomorrow.

Bill hasn't done too badly today, although his peg tube may becoming infected again.  We'll see what it looks like in the morning.  He's still red from the steroids and very tired.  Otherwise, not too bad.  This is an added bonus compared to what we had anticipated. 

A Sudden Realization

Sometimes I think I'm just plain dense.  I feel so stupid.  Bill and I have grocery shopping together for just about ever.  He enjoys grocery shopping and I enjoy being with him.  Today as we were shopping at Kroger's the thought went through my mind ... here this man is helping me with buying all sorts of food, and he can't even eat it! 

Other than being very red and hot from the steroids, and tired from not being able to sleep past 3:30 a.m., Bill is doing remarkably well.  Thank you for uplifting him.  We even went to Home Depot today to buy paint for the deck.  Amazing. 

Hiccups

Hiccups have returned to Bill because of the chemo.  Only this time he can't eat the peanut butter.  Other than that and being a bit tired from being awake since 3:00 a.m., Bill has done remarkable well.  He's got a tremendous attitude and has felt well.  He is my hero.  Thank you, Jesus!

Mom Sutton's 2-D echo went as expected.  Jon came along to assist, and that helped a great deal.  She is scheduled for her pacemaker replacement on Tuesday, September 6.  Ruth is coming up from Georgia on Monday, where she's spending time with her girls.

Chemo Day ... Done!

When Bill first greeted me this morning, he was happy, making jokes.  I just stared at him.  It was chemo day - he is NEVER like this on those days.  This personality continued through most of the day until he began feeling sick from the infusions.  Still, every once in awhile, he'd crack a funny.  Interresting. 

We have a new concern.  I gave Bill's mom a pacemaker check on Tuesday and by Wednesday the clinic was calling to tell us that she needed her pacemaker battery changed - and soon!  The battery shouldn't have changed this much in the 3-months since the last check.  Tomorrow she is scheduled for a 2-D heart echo.  Please pray for this, as she is not tolerant of doctors or tests of any kind.  Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6.  By the way, Mom S. will be 98 on September 19 !!!!