Thursday, February 28, 2013

Could I get a helping hand......plus

Someone sent an email with the caption above and tons of pictures like the ones below. I decided to share just a few of my favorite ones but they were all so cute.
Like I said - there were tons of cute ones but these kind of "popped" for me. I had my appointments yesterday at the Duke Pain Center. We were there for about 6 hours in all. I met with the young man who had to put me through a LOT of questions to determine if I would be a candidate for biofeedback and other alternative ways of coping with pain - which I am. Then we met with Dr. Fras who explained what she wanted to do to manage the pain with medication. Once I remove the last Fentanyl patch tomorrow, I will start taking the other medication the following day while trying to come off the Oxycodone. If it works, that will be the medication I take from now on. It may be a lot while I'm doing both but that will be necessary until I'm off the Oxycodone. Once I have started the new medication, it should keep the level even throughout each day instead of the see-saw way the Oxycodone works of going up and down. My appointment today was my second appointment with the doctor I am seeing at Duke for my Follicular Lymphoma. I had recently agreed to be part of a program called COPE that tries to identify the different emotions cancer patients have when talking with their doctors. I had to answer many questions first over the phone and then today my appointment with Dr. B was recorded. I was asked even more questions before and after this appointment - again - all about the "feelings" experienced when interacting with my physician.  One very positive thing that happened today was our meeting with a pharmacist. When the nurse came in to get some information, we mentioned that I had questions about how to take both the new drug and Oxycodone together while coming off the Oxycodone.  Anyway she came in and answered all our questions and we both feel much better about the transition and the new medication. We also both liked Dr. B much better after this visit and all got a big laugh about how "good" we made each other "feel" and it had "nothing to do with the tape recorder" sitting on her desk.  Anyway - it was another long day. I still have the raspy, juicy cough I've had for several days now so we are thinking I more than likely do have a bad cold.  I am also thinking that is why it has been hard for me to stay warm the last few days too.  I listened in to most of the meeting tonight - long enough to hear that Eric has been made an ELDER!  I am so happy for him and sent him a text message right away telling him. Oh - one more thing about the bio-feedback guy - he was thrilled to learn I not only am on Facebook but that I also have a Blog! I just got off the phone with Deb - she came through the second eye surgery fine yesterday. I also got a text message from Kelly telling me she and Sherry had arrived in Vegas!!! They are having a long weekend out there and I'm sure they will have fun. Can't wait to see pictures of their trip. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

New pictures of a new life....

I have been dying to see Katrina and Brandon's newest addition to their lovely family so today Dwight took me to visit. I knew we couldn't stay long because Dwight had a dentist appointment but the sun was shining and it wasn't as cold as it has been so he decided today would be a good day.
I hate pictures of myself but decided to go ahead and share this one. Katrina was getting a shower before having to pick up their son from school so Dwight and I visited with Emerson Kate, Kenna Kat and Brandon. Miss Em was very alert and even smiled a few times. At first I kept thinking she looks a lot like Kenna Kat but now I can see both of her older siblings in her face. All I know is these two young people make some beautiful children.
I brought the gifts I got for all three kids. I couldn't believe this little doll's dress fit her new blue PunkyPal. She seemed to really like her new friend.
The little white bunny with the lace heart on it's chest is for Miss Em...it has lavender in it. The other white bunny is for me. I ordered these from my friend in Honolulu who makes them.
I also wanted to share the little hand-made post card thank you note I received from Katarina. She is so talented. I'm sorry she and I didn't get to spend any time together today but maybe next time. I enjoyed my short visit with Brandon. I am so proud of both of these young people....

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Simplify....plus a new addition....

It is becoming more obvious each and every day how much I need to keep things as simple as I possibly can. With that being said, I will share a few pictures of our visit with Zandra and her family and a few others to get caught up and introduce a new addition to our little family.
Zandra was pleased with how many people were still around to attend the Memorial Friday the 8th. We both enjoyed seeing some old classmates from our high school days, including the blonde woman talking to Zandra.  She was a big help to Zandra's Mom when she still lived here.
We were happy to have Zandra and her entire family - all eight of them - for dinner that night. Amy (shown above) is three months older than Kelly.  She was just a baby when Zandra moved to Florida.  
Eric is about a month younger than Douglas.  Their due dates were very close but Douglas was early and Eric I think a little late.  Eric is going to kill me but this really was the best picture I got of him. I can't remember if Zandra knitted the scarf or Amy...oh well. It belongs to Amy's daughter, Alexa. 
I love this picture of Alexa and Page. It isn't a great picture of Page but it reminded me of one I took of them when Alexa was younger than Page is now and she came to visit with Zandra.  They seemed to enjoy each other's company in spite of their age difference.  Alexa is about seven years older than Page. She is a smart young lady with a good head on her shoulders. I have a picture on here somewhere showing her riding the barrels in a Rodeo. It was awesome.
This is Eric's lovely wife Crissie. Their sweet little girl has been diagnosed with Epilepsy and Crissie is working out of the home now in order to be with her all the time. I am getting ready to order a tee shirt that people will wear in a walk called Team Bailey and will result in the proceeds going to a fund to support Bailey's treatments and bring Epilepsy to the forefront in people's minds.
 Crissie works tirelessly in her chosen profession and for this little girl. Bailey's allergies hit her hard. I'm thinking it must have been cat hair because her little eyes and nose were running and her face was red as a beet. Bless her little heart. Crissie gave her a Benadryl and she went to sleep.
This is the best shot I got of Douglas. I enjoyed watching our kids interact and get along so well with each other including the two daughter-in-laws. I couldn't get a good shot of Chazz or Mike - if you look back at the first picture, you will see Mike standing in front of the door to the Mausoleum. I am so happy Zandra has Mike in her life.
I like this picture of Dwight, Kelly and Zandra. Kelly is making the creamed potatoes that go with Dwight's famous BBQ Chicken and Cole Slaw. He was planning to make a seafood pasta but they all wanted the chicken.  It is always delicious - no matter how many times he makes it - it's good.
I had my usual - Ensure. Thank goodness I still like it - makes it easier.
Dwight cooked breakfast Saturday morning for Mike and Zandra before they got on the road. They both loved the homemade sausage. Dwight was pretty whipped Saturday and got a good nap with Princess Miya. He really slept a lot on Saturday. Jen, Tony,  Boy and Biscuit came over Saturday afternoon and had dinner with us that night. Douglas always enjoys playing with Biscuit - who wouldn't? Of course, Page and Boy just picked up where they always leave off. I don't think they have ever had a real argument. Such a nice friendship to be witness to.  And now for our newest addition.
Marlan's newest granddaughter. Her name is Emerson Kate - isn't that lovely? So now Marlan has one grandson and four granddaughters. Talk about being an older brother - Katrina's little boy is going to have his hands full with two little sisters and two younger cousins. Such a sweet little family. There - I'm now caught up. Well - almost. I forgot to mention we had some lovely snow all day today.  It is still coming down very lightly and NO - it isn't sticking.  It would have been pretty if it had but I can't say I'm not glad it didn't stick.  I think the Northern part of our area got much more than we did and it probably stuck up there.  Now - I'm caught up...for now...sorta....maybe

Monday, February 4, 2013

I'm baaacckkk ---

I know - it has been a long time since I've written anything. I'm not going to try to mention everything that has gone on for almost a month so will just start fresh. I'm slowly accepting the news we got about my having to cope with pain from now on. Wasn't what I was hoping to hear but am now using a patch which will hopefully eventually help me get off the oxy every four hours. I went to Katrina's baby shower this past Saturday - my first social outing!
Yep - she is due the end of this week I think. She got some lovely things for the baby. They really make beautiful and useful unique products for babies these days.
 
KennaKat and Lani helped with the gifts. I'm sure Ari got some great pictures.  She is the one who took all their family photos awhile back.
Love this picture of Paisley. She is really growing up too. I tried to get a picture of her in her cute hat.
Always good to see Pat. He looks so good. I also got to talk for awhile with his lovely bride.
Garry is such a nut. I made the mistake of sitting in a regular rocking chair the first half of the shower before switching to my chair and paid for it on the way home. Thank goodness it was Judy bringing me home - being a nurse, she didn't have the same reaction to someone throwing up in her car as most people would. And yes, I caught it all without messing up her car. Made me angry at myself though. A lot of people were asking Katrina what she is naming her little girl but I'm not going to put the name here since it hasn't been written in stone yet. Was so happy I made it to the meeting yesterday morning. It was such joy being with the friends. Linda brought me home from the meeting. They are finally in their new home with their new furniture. I can tell she is happy about it. We can't wait to see it. I have really missed her and hope we can spend some time together soon. We are getting excited about the kids all coming this weekend. Kelly will arrive by plane Thursday night and Douglas and family will get in Friday night. The sad news is Zandra's Mom died. She was 89 years old and with her loved ones when she died. They flew her body home and the memorial will be Friday afternoon. They are all coming for dinner Friday night. Even though the reason we will all be together is sad, I'm still happy we are going to have some time together as families.  Big weekend ahead!