I had the greatest morning. The swim class had a post-class party (covered dish goodies and coffee) for my birthday. Just getting together is special. But the hostess had everybody tell some tidbit about me. So unexpected and so emotional for me and something I'll keep with me forever.
----------------------------------------
I think John has had enough of doctors for a few days. He cancelled this afternoon’s appointment for a second opinion. His cancer is not something unusual, and he is happy with his team. Now the next appointment is on Tuesday with the oncologist - the quarterback of the team. We’re hoping that the treatment schedule will be set up then.
-----------------------------------------
This special day ended with a special dinner. Missy, Tina, Carol & Stephen joined Jean, John, and me for a carry-out Chinese dinner. Great company, great food, and just the right amount (i.e., no leftovers).
Life is good!
Friday, March 20, 2015
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Music
Today was a lovely quiet day. It rained off and on all day, but no doctors’ appointments.
Jean came - first time we’ve seen her in several months, so it’s special to have her here.
We went to String Theory tonight. It was an unusual program - all percussion. Neither of us particularly likes drum solos, so we were apprehensive about the music. But this was not what you normally think of when you say “drum solo”. It was SO much more.
The three musicians played a variety of percussion instruments, as a group and solo. There were six or seven pieces in the program, none more than about 5-8 minutes long.
Far and away, our favorite piece was Musique de Tables by Thierry de May. It’s about 6 minutes long and is not like anything we’d heard before. Click here to listen. Please listen to at least a few minutes of it - it’s amazing. The sounds are very subtle, so turn the volume up on your speakers (I promise it’s not one of those things that will jump out with a loud noise). Just remember to turn it back down later. I’d love to hear your comments about the piece.
Jean came - first time we’ve seen her in several months, so it’s special to have her here.
We went to String Theory tonight. It was an unusual program - all percussion. Neither of us particularly likes drum solos, so we were apprehensive about the music. But this was not what you normally think of when you say “drum solo”. It was SO much more.
The three musicians played a variety of percussion instruments, as a group and solo. There were six or seven pieces in the program, none more than about 5-8 minutes long.
Far and away, our favorite piece was Musique de Tables by Thierry de May. It’s about 6 minutes long and is not like anything we’d heard before. Click here to listen. Please listen to at least a few minutes of it - it’s amazing. The sounds are very subtle, so turn the volume up on your speakers (I promise it’s not one of those things that will jump out with a loud noise). Just remember to turn it back down later. I’d love to hear your comments about the piece.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Tough day
We were gone for nearly 12 hours today - starting at the Y and finishing up at the hospital.
In the morning, John had the CT scan for the set-up for his radiation treatments. Then we killed about an hour until nearly noon, waiting for time to go back to the hospital for his biopsy.
The preliminary pathology didn't show any abnormality, but the doc is waiting for the final report in five or so days. John is not happy about this procedure or the doctor. He had a really bad coughing spell in the recovery room and feels like he got no help at all for it. By the time I got called back to the post-op area, he was still doing some hard coughing, but not like he said he had been doing before that. In any case, we finally got home about 5:30, and his coughing has been minimal.
He got some coffee and some ramen noodle soup, and was feeling better by bedtime.
Tomorrow Jean comes and we go to the String Theory concert. Should be a better day.
-----------------------------------------------
Remember a couple of months ago when I so highly recommended the book, Being Mortal? Please click here for an short exceptional article on the question every doctor should ask.
In the morning, John had the CT scan for the set-up for his radiation treatments. Then we killed about an hour until nearly noon, waiting for time to go back to the hospital for his biopsy.
The preliminary pathology didn't show any abnormality, but the doc is waiting for the final report in five or so days. John is not happy about this procedure or the doctor. He had a really bad coughing spell in the recovery room and feels like he got no help at all for it. By the time I got called back to the post-op area, he was still doing some hard coughing, but not like he said he had been doing before that. In any case, we finally got home about 5:30, and his coughing has been minimal.
He got some coffee and some ramen noodle soup, and was feeling better by bedtime.
Tomorrow Jean comes and we go to the String Theory concert. Should be a better day.
-----------------------------------------------
Remember a couple of months ago when I so highly recommended the book, Being Mortal? Please click here for an short exceptional article on the question every doctor should ask.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Ten Things Tuesday
1. Tuesday is for the grocery stores. My time at Aldi and Walmart keeps getting shorter, though.
2. John went for pretesting for the laryngeal biopsy tomorrow, then did some exercise time.
3. John had to do some phone calls about tax questions.
4. I called to the repair service about the dishwasher that wouldn’t start last Sunday. They set up an appointment for Thursday.
5. The repair service called to say they’d had a cancellation and was it okay if the repair guy came today. Well, duh!
6. The dishwasher was working an hour later!
7. I had gotten a box of leftovers out of the freezer to thaw for supper. It was unidentifiable, so went down the disposal.
8. I tried another package of freezer leftovers, plus an Idahoan mix. This one was a winner.
9. John is npo after midnight.
10. It looks like Sue and Jean will be here at various times over the weekend. Yea!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Birthday miscellany
We met with the radiologist this morning, and finally met with the Nurse Navigator. These are all such nice people. They really do everything they can to make this difficult journey as easy as possible. He scheduled one more appointment this week. John will come in before his laryngeal biopsy on Wednesday for the specialized CT scan to set up the radiation treatments.
---------------------------
We finally got to play bridge this afternoon. Not that the cards were all that good, but it was still good to get out. We went straight from there to Bonefish Grill for my birthday dinner. John always has the same thing - the appetizer of mussels for his dinner. I had grilled scallops and shrimp this time. Whatever - it's all good.
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Then home to watch the women's basketball selection show. The Lady Vols are(is) a #2 seed, and the Lady Mocs are (is?) a #7. They're in the same bracket and play the first two games in Knoxville. This means that, assuming both of them win their first games, they will play each other in the second game. Not our favorite scenario, but …
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We talked to Margaret tonight. She’s having a tough time. I wish we could help her more. Mostly all we can do is listen. Love you, Babe!
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Happy Birthday to me!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Sunday Stealing
The One Thing Meme
Stolen from: Survey Haven
One Thing .....
that makes you smile: seeing family, puns (oops, that’s two)
that makes you cry: I never know - crying is usually a surprise
that you love to do on the weekends: get together with friends and/or family
that you do for only yourself: get a massage
that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear: actually, there’s just underwear there
that you do before going to sleep: put eye drops in my eyes
that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking: turn on the coffee
that's in your purse: wallet
that you actually LIKE to clean: nothing
that you DETEST cleaning: everything
that other people would find odd about you: that I like going to a movie by myself
that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill: yarn
that you feel you HAVE to do before you die: live every day to the fullest.
Stolen from: Survey Haven
One Thing .....
that makes you smile: seeing family, puns (oops, that’s two)
that makes you cry: I never know - crying is usually a surprise
that you love to do on the weekends: get together with friends and/or family
that you do for only yourself: get a massage
that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear: actually, there’s just underwear there
that you do before going to sleep: put eye drops in my eyes
that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking: turn on the coffee
that's in your purse: wallet
that you actually LIKE to clean: nothing
that you DETEST cleaning: everything
that other people would find odd about you: that I like going to a movie by myself
that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill: yarn
that you feel you HAVE to do before you die: live every day to the fullest.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
A pretty good day
A plan might be coming together.
John was getting very frustrated about a lack of movement in various events that needed to happen before he could start his treatment. While not sleeping last night, he decided that he would go to the Cancer Center this morning and talk to some folks “face to face”.
His pulmonary function test was scheduled at 8 a.m., so that was first. After that, we went next door to the Cancer Center to see what we could accomplish.
It was amazing. John talked to the scheduler (twice) and to the doctor’s nurses. They agreed that Dr. A would want to have the laryngeal biopsy done before setting a treatment plan. While those folks were talking and planning, I got on the phone to Dr. L’s office and through several phone calls, got the biopsy set up for next Wednesday. John will see the radiologist on Monday, and see Dr. S for the second opinion on Friday.
All of this is to be followed by an appointment with Dr. A the following Tuesday to review all the findings and to set up the treatment schedule. Hooray!
And all this was done before 9 a.m. So we had time to get to coffee with the swimmers and get much-needed haircuts. We were definitely not great at duplicate this afternoon. But we get to have Kate and Wayne here and had lasagna for dinner.
All in all - a pretty good day!
John was getting very frustrated about a lack of movement in various events that needed to happen before he could start his treatment. While not sleeping last night, he decided that he would go to the Cancer Center this morning and talk to some folks “face to face”.
His pulmonary function test was scheduled at 8 a.m., so that was first. After that, we went next door to the Cancer Center to see what we could accomplish.
It was amazing. John talked to the scheduler (twice) and to the doctor’s nurses. They agreed that Dr. A would want to have the laryngeal biopsy done before setting a treatment plan. While those folks were talking and planning, I got on the phone to Dr. L’s office and through several phone calls, got the biopsy set up for next Wednesday. John will see the radiologist on Monday, and see Dr. S for the second opinion on Friday.
All of this is to be followed by an appointment with Dr. A the following Tuesday to review all the findings and to set up the treatment schedule. Hooray!
And all this was done before 9 a.m. So we had time to get to coffee with the swimmers and get much-needed haircuts. We were definitely not great at duplicate this afternoon. But we get to have Kate and Wayne here and had lasagna for dinner.
All in all - a pretty good day!
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Limerick
A Word A Day has been about poetry this week. And today's poem form was the limerick. This is my first attempt. The best, funniest ones are usually dirty, and this one is neither funny nor dirty. But it is description of our life nowadays.
There was an old man from Hixson
With bad lungs. We’re tryin’ to fix ‘em.
He goes in for test
Along with the rest.
Chemo and radiation to mix in.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Roller coaster
We went for John to see the ENT doctor this morning. Dr. L wants to do a biopsy of the lesion on his larynx. We're waiting to see what the oncologist recommends as to timing.
We're still working on phone calls, trying to get all things scheduled. The second opinion hasn’t been set up yet. And I guess that needs to happen before they can set up a treatment schedule.
Pulmonary function tests scheduled for early Friday morning. Plus he got a call about an asbestos study being done by his 30-year employer, so they're going to be paying for some of this testing.
======================
In our “normal” life - if anything can ever be considered “normal” - I had my mani/pedi this afternoon. And a special treat - Jesse and Caroline came by for a little visit this afternoon. He’s out of the Navy now and is job hunting in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area.
This week has been one wild roller coaster! And it's only Wednesday.
We're still working on phone calls, trying to get all things scheduled. The second opinion hasn’t been set up yet. And I guess that needs to happen before they can set up a treatment schedule.
Pulmonary function tests scheduled for early Friday morning. Plus he got a call about an asbestos study being done by his 30-year employer, so they're going to be paying for some of this testing.
======================
In our “normal” life - if anything can ever be considered “normal” - I had my mani/pedi this afternoon. And a special treat - Jesse and Caroline came by for a little visit this afternoon. He’s out of the Navy now and is job hunting in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area.
This week has been one wild roller coaster! And it's only Wednesday.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Monday, March 09, 2015
Not the best, but not the worst, either
Well, today was the day for information from doctors. The first visit was to the oncologist. Dr. A is to be the captain of our team.
Not the best of news, but not the worst either. John has Stage III-A squamous cell carcinoma (non-small cell carcinoma) in the left lower lobe (LLL) of his lungs, with 4 left lymph nodes involved. His PET scans and brain MRI last week were clear. Dr. A says this is “curable” with treatment with chemo and radiation. His recommendation is for radiation with chemo give at the same time, weekly for seven weeks. The drugs would be Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. And he said the treatment would be “tough”.
John asked about getting a second opinion, so Dr. A’s office is going to set him up with a visit to another top oncologist here. We’re hoping to get that done in the next few days, so the treatment schedule can be set up and started.
Next we went to see the pulmonologist. Dr. B told us again what he had found. He’s going to set up full breathing function tests, and see John again in 3 months. He said he was 100% sure that this was due to John’s many years of smoking - even though he quit 30 years ago. Dr. B is also concerned about the possibility of a lesion on his larynx, and wants to be sure John sees the ENT doc. This is set up for Wednesday.
Not the best of news, but not the worst either. John has Stage III-A squamous cell carcinoma (non-small cell carcinoma) in the left lower lobe (LLL) of his lungs, with 4 left lymph nodes involved. His PET scans and brain MRI last week were clear. Dr. A says this is “curable” with treatment with chemo and radiation. His recommendation is for radiation with chemo give at the same time, weekly for seven weeks. The drugs would be Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. And he said the treatment would be “tough”.
John asked about getting a second opinion, so Dr. A’s office is going to set him up with a visit to another top oncologist here. We’re hoping to get that done in the next few days, so the treatment schedule can be set up and started.
Next we went to see the pulmonologist. Dr. B told us again what he had found. He’s going to set up full breathing function tests, and see John again in 3 months. He said he was 100% sure that this was due to John’s many years of smoking - even though he quit 30 years ago. Dr. B is also concerned about the possibility of a lesion on his larynx, and wants to be sure John sees the ENT doc. This is set up for Wednesday.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
Saturday, March 07, 2015
Sunday stealing
Threes Meme
From Remember the Stars
1. Three things that scare me: The current Congress, people carrying guns, getting Alzheimer’s
2. Three people who make me laugh: David Hyde Pierce, Robin Williams, can’t think of a third one right now.
3. Three things I love: My family, my friends, springtime in Tennessee
4. Three things I hate: Hate, stupidity, intolerance.
5. Three things I don't understand: The current Congress, intolerance, ignorance
6. Three things on my desk: Desk calendar, calculator, pencil cups
7. Three things I'm doing right now: Watching the Lady Vols win over Kentucky, answering these questions, I’ll be knitting when I finish this.
8. Three things I want to do before I die: Clean out a lot of this mess so the girls don’t have to do it, continue to travel, watch the grandchildren get settled into their lives.
9. Three things I can do: Knit, cook, love
10. Three things I can't do: Play a musical instrument, run, understand people who hate
11. Three things you should listen to: Your heart, your head, your gut.
12. Three things you should never listen to: Someone who tells you to do something you know is wrong, gossip about a friend, Fox news.
13. Three things I'd like to learn: I’m not really in a learning mode right now. I like to improve things I already know how to do.
14. Three favorite foods: Ice cream, salads, soups
15. Three beverages I drink regularly: Plain water, coffee, tomato juice
16. Three shows I watched as a kid: Remember, I’m old! We didn’t have a TV when I was a kid.
From Remember the Stars
1. Three things that scare me: The current Congress, people carrying guns, getting Alzheimer’s
2. Three people who make me laugh: David Hyde Pierce, Robin Williams, can’t think of a third one right now.
3. Three things I love: My family, my friends, springtime in Tennessee
4. Three things I hate: Hate, stupidity, intolerance.
5. Three things I don't understand: The current Congress, intolerance, ignorance
6. Three things on my desk: Desk calendar, calculator, pencil cups
7. Three things I'm doing right now: Watching the Lady Vols win over Kentucky, answering these questions, I’ll be knitting when I finish this.
8. Three things I want to do before I die: Clean out a lot of this mess so the girls don’t have to do it, continue to travel, watch the grandchildren get settled into their lives.
9. Three things I can do: Knit, cook, love
10. Three things I can't do: Play a musical instrument, run, understand people who hate
11. Three things you should listen to: Your heart, your head, your gut.
12. Three things you should never listen to: Someone who tells you to do something you know is wrong, gossip about a friend, Fox news.
13. Three things I'd like to learn: I’m not really in a learning mode right now. I like to improve things I already know how to do.
14. Three favorite foods: Ice cream, salads, soups
15. Three beverages I drink regularly: Plain water, coffee, tomato juice
16. Three shows I watched as a kid: Remember, I’m old! We didn’t have a TV when I was a kid.
Friday, March 06, 2015
Five things Friday
1. The setting full moon this morning was awesome!
2. Sunshine and blue skies brightened everybody’s spirits.
3. John’s cardiologist doesn’t need to see him again for a year. The medication prescribed for his A-fib is working as expected. One doctor off the list, at least for a while.
4. The UTC Lady Mocs easily won the semi-final game in the Southern Conference tournament.
5. The UT Lady Vols easily won the quarter-final game in the Southeastern Conference tournament.
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Enough of winter, already!
I absolutely crashed last night. I gave up at 9:30!!!! I left John with basketball games and he was a happy camper. I didn't get up until after 7 this morning. That kind of sleep doesn't happen unless it's really needed.
Today, basketball started at noon and continued until nearly 11. The Lady Mocs won their first tournament round handily, beating UNCG 78-44.
We met Carol and Stephen at Red Ginger for dinner. They’ve been in FL for several weeks, and it was good to visit with them.
Today swift and severe storm hammered Kate & Wayne in KY and Jean in Nashville. Margaret and Bobby got ice. Our valley got rain.
Spring WILL come soon!
Today, basketball started at noon and continued until nearly 11. The Lady Mocs won their first tournament round handily, beating UNCG 78-44.
We met Carol and Stephen at Red Ginger for dinner. They’ve been in FL for several weeks, and it was good to visit with them.
Today swift and severe storm hammered Kate & Wayne in KY and Jean in Nashville. Margaret and Bobby got ice. Our valley got rain.
Spring WILL come soon!
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
Wednesday testing
John had a PET scan and brain MRI this morning, and all went without incident. We were at the hospital at 6:30 and, to our surprise and pleasure, were home by 9:30. Naps were necessary, to be sure. But not before Missy had come by to visit and brought lunch.
Next visit is to the cardiologist Friday (previously scheduled for routine check for his exercise-induced atrial fibrillation). Then I'll go with him to the oncologist Monday morning and pulmonologist Monday afternoon. That should be, I hope, when we find out just what we're dealing with. And I assume they'll have treatment options and recommendations. So that's the big day.
Weather has definitely been the big news everywhere. It was 71 here at 7:45 pm, and has now (8:30) dropped to 62. Sleet/freezing rain/snow is supposed to start sometime around midnight. Kate & Wayne have already gotten several new inches of snow (on their way to possibly 12"). We shouldn't get more than 0.5" or so, which I hope will melt tomorrow. Crazy!
Next visit is to the cardiologist Friday (previously scheduled for routine check for his exercise-induced atrial fibrillation). Then I'll go with him to the oncologist Monday morning and pulmonologist Monday afternoon. That should be, I hope, when we find out just what we're dealing with. And I assume they'll have treatment options and recommendations. So that's the big day.
Weather has definitely been the big news everywhere. It was 71 here at 7:45 pm, and has now (8:30) dropped to 62. Sleet/freezing rain/snow is supposed to start sometime around midnight. Kate & Wayne have already gotten several new inches of snow (on their way to possibly 12"). We shouldn't get more than 0.5" or so, which I hope will melt tomorrow. Crazy!
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Rainy Tuesday
We’ve had rain all day - but it is needed. And at least it’s rain, not snow. Although that’s due to change tomorrow night. Jean has postponed her visit, and will come down a week from Friday with Kate and Wayne.
I had my routine visit with the optometrist today. My glaucoma is holding steady with the drops. I ordered a new pair of glasses. The ones I’ve been wearing are in pretty rough shape, and with a slight correction, the insurance will pay for most of it.
One of John’s friends has been in the hospital for nearly six weeks. He went in with pneumonia and and developed MERSA. He’s finally on the road to recovery and has been moved to a rehab facility to regain strength. John went to visit him today, so that got him out of the house.
We’ll be out and off early in the morning for his first test (PET scans) at 7.
Monday, March 02, 2015
Rescheduling
Since John’s tests were postponed, Monday went off pretty much as usual. At bridge, the cards were mixed, my bidding was not the best, and I did play a few good hands.
After swimming, I called Nurse Betsy to tell her why we weren’t at the hospital. She said she would check on things for us. When she called back, she said that more reports had been sent, and that things should be moving along. When we got home there was a message saying we should call to set up the tests.
Surprisingly, there was someone there at nearly 5 pm to do the scheduling. John's tests have been rescheduled for Wednesday morning early (be there at 6:45). I've had to reschedule his appointment with the ENT doc, but it's more important to get the testing done. One additional question we want to ask when we see the various docs after the testing is “Who is in charge of the treatment regimen?” Always more questions.
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We're getting predictions for more bad weather Wednesday night, but not to last too long. At least it shouldn’t interfere with medical stuff.
After swimming, I called Nurse Betsy to tell her why we weren’t at the hospital. She said she would check on things for us. When she called back, she said that more reports had been sent, and that things should be moving along. When we got home there was a message saying we should call to set up the tests.
Surprisingly, there was someone there at nearly 5 pm to do the scheduling. John's tests have been rescheduled for Wednesday morning early (be there at 6:45). I've had to reschedule his appointment with the ENT doc, but it's more important to get the testing done. One additional question we want to ask when we see the various docs after the testing is “Who is in charge of the treatment regimen?” Always more questions.
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We're getting predictions for more bad weather Wednesday night, but not to last too long. At least it shouldn’t interfere with medical stuff.
Sunday, March 01, 2015
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