Hi everybody!!! Short and sweet tonight.
Al didn't sleep great last night -- I blame nerves; he's made up for it today. The bronchoscopy was short and sweet as well. Evidently Al had quite the coughing jag after they spritzed his throat to deaden it, so Dr. Berquist had a hard time getting the scope in. He's still quite swollen and reddened, which Dr. B attributes to the radiation, and said that will continue to get better as time passes. He was only able to do a 'brief' exam, which showed his airway is much clearer, which the doc says is 'very encouraging'.
When I asked about the biopsy, he looked at me like I was from another planet. "There's no need; we know the tumor is cancerous." He said it should continue to shrink -- for 2-6 MONTHS -- from the radiation and chemo, and wants to do another bronch in 2-3 months, once the redness and swelling has reduced further. He was amazed at how much more activity Al's doing now -- like riding his bike AT ALL, let alone across town and back (I didn't tell him about mowing the lawn!) -- and reminded me that in April, he couldn't even walk across Lowe's without getting winded.
Al expected nothing less, if you listen to him. You know better when you look at him! So I am 'guardedly optimistic'. Seems this is the first GOOD news we've had about this tumor, and I frankly don't know how to react to good news yet. I'll let you know what we hear from Dr. Beck on Thursday.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Seems it's really working!!!
xoxoxo
Sharon
Monday, August 29, 2005
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Update on Al #31
My horoscope for today was:
While I was plugging along in the dirt (and painting those weed trees with RoundUp), Al was in the garage troubleshooting some things on the car. (See photo of one VERY sweaty Al with the OTHER love of his life!) One of them had to do with the 'kick down', so OMG, now it really runs like a bat out of 7734, and the other was the cursed cruise control. It was kinda humorous, because I rode along with him for the first test drive (mainly the kick down thing), and then he'd pop out back to tell me he was going out again. A bit later he'd pop back out to me to tell me he was going again. I hadn't realized an HOUR had passed, and he'd been in the garage most of that time. He wound up talking to the cruise company several times on the phone, who finally told him to return it for exchange; well the store no longer carries them, so he'll be following up with the compnay for a direct exchange of some sort.
We actually discussed driving out to Russell for a visit, as he's feeling quite well, and hasn't seen his mom for a few weeks, and we hadn't seen Nathan (my nephew) since he came home from Germany last week, but vetoed it to get things done around here. And I want to work some this weekend to get a head start on being gone for end of month.
Anywho, we got cleaned up early afternoon and decided to head out to Red Lobster for our ritual anniversary supper of King Crab. At 2:30 in the afternoon, they seated us in the lobby to wait for seating. It wasn't that there were so many customers there at the time, the hostess explained, but that they didn't have the staff to handle the customers who'd come in! We left feeling lucky we'd had to wait, because while we were waiting to go IN, out walks this beautiful young woman closely tailed by my oldest nephew!!! BYW would be Nate's girlfriend, Desi, of course, whose sister lives here in Salina. So they sat down to chat, we had a nice little visit, and I gave them directions to Shelley's.
And yes, Stacy, Al was able to savor his King Crableg meal (thanks for asking!). We decided this was ONE thing we should definitely not change this year.
We came home, and I popped into Chat and Al entertained himself -- resting somewhere cool in the house. Sunroom ladies, I'm sorry I didn't make it back to Chat tonight!!! Al came up and wanted some smooth ice cream, so we bopped out to DQ. On the way over there, we drove past a dear friend we haven't seen in AGES, and decided we'd stop by her house before going home. Well, she'd seen us too, and turned around to DQ to touch base!!! So we went by Lynn's house, and talked about everything under the sun, caught up a little, and lifted our spirits even more -- until 11:00 this evening.
People, I can't even remember when I was out of BED at 11:00 in the evening, let alone just coming home at that hour!!!
So, all in all, I must definitely call this a GOOD day. It's felt so normal, like a regular summer Saturday. I actually allowed myself yesterday to fantasize about getting GOOD news from the doctor this week. Things are looking up.
I just can't get over what a difference the past couple of weeks have made for Al. He's physically feeling better -- though he realizes he has no stamina and has a long recovery ahead -- and he's eating more (still supplementing with Boost/Ensure several times a day), but he just LOOKS so much better. Except his beard -- the part under his chin hasn't grown back in yet, and this looks weird to me! He's gotten a bit of a tan, and looks pretty normal -- albeit 43 pounds lighter than this time last summer. Feeling better and being able to DO a few things has also lifted his spirits a great deal, and though we talk about being tense for Monday, you'd never see it in him today.
Guarded optimism, right???
Well, please continue to keep Al in your hearts for good news on Monday (we probably really won't KNOW anything then), and a clean slate when we return to Dr. Beck Thursday afternoon. You'll hear from me again as soon as I know anything.
Off to bed.
xoxoxo
Sharon
This is a day where you could greatly benefit from spending some time outdoors in quiet reflection, dear Leo. Even a half-hour's walk through a city garden will help you feel more rested and grounded. You have been working especially hard lately, and need some time to refill the well of your soul. Don't deny yourself some down time. Otherwise, you are at risk of burning out.
So, naturally, since Doug & Pam had decided not to visit this weekend, I heeded the stars, and spent the morning working in our yard. I filled up half a dumpster with weeds and prunings, and to look around, you'd never know I'd done a !@#%$*! thing!!! But it felt so good.
While I was plugging along in the dirt (and painting those weed trees with RoundUp), Al was in the garage troubleshooting some things on the car. (See photo of one VERY sweaty Al with the OTHER love of his life!) One of them had to do with the 'kick down', so OMG, now it really runs like a bat out of 7734, and the other was the cursed cruise control. It was kinda humorous, because I rode along with him for the first test drive (mainly the kick down thing), and then he'd pop out back to tell me he was going out again. A bit later he'd pop back out to me to tell me he was going again. I hadn't realized an HOUR had passed, and he'd been in the garage most of that time. He wound up talking to the cruise company several times on the phone, who finally told him to return it for exchange; well the store no longer carries them, so he'll be following up with the compnay for a direct exchange of some sort.We actually discussed driving out to Russell for a visit, as he's feeling quite well, and hasn't seen his mom for a few weeks, and we hadn't seen Nathan (my nephew) since he came home from Germany last week, but vetoed it to get things done around here. And I want to work some this weekend to get a head start on being gone for end of month.
Anywho, we got cleaned up early afternoon and decided to head out to Red Lobster for our ritual anniversary supper of King Crab. At 2:30 in the afternoon, they seated us in the lobby to wait for seating. It wasn't that there were so many customers there at the time, the hostess explained, but that they didn't have the staff to handle the customers who'd come in! We left feeling lucky we'd had to wait, because while we were waiting to go IN, out walks this beautiful young woman closely tailed by my oldest nephew!!! BYW would be Nate's girlfriend, Desi, of course, whose sister lives here in Salina. So they sat down to chat, we had a nice little visit, and I gave them directions to Shelley's.
And yes, Stacy, Al was able to savor his King Crableg meal (thanks for asking!). We decided this was ONE thing we should definitely not change this year.
We came home, and I popped into Chat and Al entertained himself -- resting somewhere cool in the house. Sunroom ladies, I'm sorry I didn't make it back to Chat tonight!!! Al came up and wanted some smooth ice cream, so we bopped out to DQ. On the way over there, we drove past a dear friend we haven't seen in AGES, and decided we'd stop by her house before going home. Well, she'd seen us too, and turned around to DQ to touch base!!! So we went by Lynn's house, and talked about everything under the sun, caught up a little, and lifted our spirits even more -- until 11:00 this evening.
People, I can't even remember when I was out of BED at 11:00 in the evening, let alone just coming home at that hour!!!
So, all in all, I must definitely call this a GOOD day. It's felt so normal, like a regular summer Saturday. I actually allowed myself yesterday to fantasize about getting GOOD news from the doctor this week. Things are looking up.
I just can't get over what a difference the past couple of weeks have made for Al. He's physically feeling better -- though he realizes he has no stamina and has a long recovery ahead -- and he's eating more (still supplementing with Boost/Ensure several times a day), but he just LOOKS so much better. Except his beard -- the part under his chin hasn't grown back in yet, and this looks weird to me! He's gotten a bit of a tan, and looks pretty normal -- albeit 43 pounds lighter than this time last summer. Feeling better and being able to DO a few things has also lifted his spirits a great deal, and though we talk about being tense for Monday, you'd never see it in him today.
Guarded optimism, right???
Well, please continue to keep Al in your hearts for good news on Monday (we probably really won't KNOW anything then), and a clean slate when we return to Dr. Beck Thursday afternoon. You'll hear from me again as soon as I know anything.
Off to bed.
xoxoxo
Sharon
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Update on Al #30
Hi, all!!! Thought I'd drop you a quick note so you'll know what's up.
Al's CT scan is scheduled for tomorrow morning. We won't know anything about it really until next week. He's going to see the family doctor tomorrow afternoon; he goes every 6 months to see Bos, but we'd put it off.
On Monday, the 29th, he's scheduled for a bronchoscopy, and Dr. Berquist will have access to the CT scan at that time. They'll take biopsies of the area to see whether the cancer is gone. We'll see Dr. Beck on Thursday, September 1 for the results of both the CT scan and the biopsies, and figure out where to go from here at that point in time.
Meanwhile, Al's working on progressing to less soft foods by mouth!!! He's been dying for steak (too early for that yet), but managed grilled chicken on Friday at lunch, so got brave and BBQd ribs (another of MY favorites!) for supper on Saturday. Josh (his boss from Lowe's) bopped over on his supper hour to eat with us, and we had a nice conversation about what's life at Lowe's.
He spent Sunday taking it easy as he didn't sleep so well Saturday evening. Monday he was full of energy, but then today was pooped again. He's still coughing quite a bit as night falls, and wakes up with a coughing jag or four each night.
I'm just plugging away as usual. Work's settling into more of a routine -- now that I'm been doing my new responsibilities for a while, and have actually BEEN there routinely. I'm going with Al to see Bos tomorrow, and taking all day Monday off for his bronch. The anesthesia did some funny things to him last time, so we both thought it best if he didn't stay home alone.
I've spent a crazy amount of time completing the on-line Social Security Disability application. We have a telephone interview on Thursday morning, and then they'll gather medical records, etc., and make their determination. Expect the best, plan for the worst. Anybody who goes to this much trouble to fill out that application (10 hours and counting!) should automatically be granted approval!!
I have been incredibly rude by forgetting to thank Ed & Carol -- the best neighbors ever -- for being so generous with their time and effort. They have been trimming and mowing our lawn all summer long. I can't tell you how much it helps us toward feeling 'normal' to have that well trimmed lawn to look out upon. Al's just hoping he can make it look as well manicured when he's back to doing it again.
Nathan, hope you enjoyed your trip home. Let me know when you get over the jet lag, and we'll figure out how and when we can get together. We're excited to see you, and hear all about your adventures in Germany.
Josh, sounds like you've settled right into college life at KU. Even held your first party of the year, huh??? Hope you enjoy it; don't be a TOTAL stranger.
Pam, hope you found the camper at Lake Wilson where you left it. I didn't realize how severe that storm in Great Bend had been -- until Vic called me to ask whether I'd heard from you this weekend!!! THE KID visited for about an hour this evening -- a bundle full of energy and laughs; and of course, we had to have Cheez-Its, Milk and 'the football movie'!!!
Mom & John, it was good having you hear recently. Sometimes a girl just needs her mom. Hope we'll see you soon.
Doug & Pam, we're looking forward to seeing you guys this weekend. Just a lot going on this next week. Once I wrap my head around the details, we'll be good.
Marcia, I hope Gene's feeling better, and you're getting some rest. Would love to get caught up again soon; seems like forever since we've had the opportunity to Chat.
Rainy and Sandie, thanks for your search on my behalf. I believe I have some coming via UPS.
Anywho, I'm off to review that application and make it official.
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
xoxoxo
Sharon
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Update on Al #29
Hiya everybody!!! Hope YOU're staying cool -- it's not so easy here when we're bumping triple digits every day. Sounds like it's going to cool a bit next week, so that'll be a welcome change of pace.
Nothing new happening here. Al's getting a BIT more food by mouth, but mostly pudding, fruit and fresh veggies. He's doing 8-10 bottles of Boost a day, and if he does ANY activity at all, he still loses 1-3 pounds!!! I think he's a bit frustrated he doesn't feel better than this by now -- puhlease, it's been two whole WEEKS since treatment ended!!! But we're impatient for him to feel well again, and more importantly, to find out he IS well again.
He tells me his throat is quite sort -- he blames it on all the coughing -- and he's been producing some tissue samples in his mucous again. He's been having problems sleeping deeply -- mostly dozing -- but that has gotten better since he moved back into the darkened bedroom with the hospital bed. (He'd been sleeping on the couch for a bit, as that was the only place he was comfortable.) Pain relievers don't help his throat feel better, so he slowed down on food by mouth and bumped up the PEG 'feedings'.
Meanwhile he's having weekly blood work drawn. No, I haven't called to see what the numbers are, but I know if there were anything to worry about Nurse Betty would be getting me on the phone. I've considered calling them for a stronger anti-anxiety med -- while the Ativan is really a godsend to me, it doesn't seem to faze him -- but he's fighting that concept as well. Tough it out, I guess. Damn, if I didn't know better, I'd think he were more stubborn than me.
I have it a bit easier. I'm sleeping well 6 out of 7 nights/week, and mostly not well because I've fouled up my pattern. I have the luxury of going to work every day and being distracted those hours of the day, and I have LOTS of hobbies I do indoors to beat the heat this time of year. I didn't even spend any time working in the garden last weekend -- decided it was too hot, and I was too tired!!!
Cleo, your bug that killed off the roses with the 'spider' webs has gotten all over my Cosmos; I had to cut out about half of them out by the pond.
Pam and Vicki have been stopping in pretty regularly, and have each taken turns of getting me out of the house to do something fun -- even if it's just having a Pepsi at the Mall or visiting the LSS.
Al did go out to Lowe's over the weekend and discovered -- to MY great dismay -- that his job was posted as needing filled. He wasn't terribly surprised, as they've held HIS position open these 3 months he's been gone, and they've assured him he will be welcomed back with open arms if/when he can go back to work. He glossed over it, but I think it upset him more than he'd like to admit.
WARNING, WARNING, WARNING: ARMCHAIR PSYCHOLOGIST ON THE LOOSE!!!
Right now, I think he feels a little forgotten and a lot alone. Stop by for a visit during the day. Pick up the phone to say hi. If he doesn't feel like visiting or isn't able to croak out a conversation, he'll tell you. Meanwhile, he knows you've thought of him. (Just don't tell him I asked you to call!) Drop him a card. Whatever breaks up the day will be very helpful towards his recovery.
OK, I'll be normal again.
Meanwhile, Rich -- call me tomorrow and tell me where we're going to have our birthday luncheon. And enjoy your last night in your TWENTIES!!!
Mooney, haven't heard from you guys. Did you fall off the planet??? I have a little 3rd of July thing to send you -- I was going to bring as a 'hostess gift' -- just haven't gotten it posted. What's going on with Becky now that she's all graduated?
Kroeger, how goes working for yourself?
Mom, thanks for the frequent notes and the beautiful birthday card.
Girls -- and you KNOW who you are -- thanks for the wonderful lunch break yesterday. I really enjoyed our visit -- as always -- but I think we should do this more often. Whatcha doing March 21???
Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'm finding this time period probably harder than treatment time. But I know it's all about the 'not knowing'.
Reminder: Al has a CT scan on August 24, followed by a bronchoscopy with biopsy on August 29. We'll meet with Dr. Beck on September 1 for the results, hoping the cancer will be long gone. If not, we go to Plan L.
Well, I'm going to log off this novella and go see what Al's up to by now. Thanks again for all your support, in whatever fashion you've provided it.
xoxoxo
Sharon
Nothing new happening here. Al's getting a BIT more food by mouth, but mostly pudding, fruit and fresh veggies. He's doing 8-10 bottles of Boost a day, and if he does ANY activity at all, he still loses 1-3 pounds!!! I think he's a bit frustrated he doesn't feel better than this by now -- puhlease, it's been two whole WEEKS since treatment ended!!! But we're impatient for him to feel well again, and more importantly, to find out he IS well again.
He tells me his throat is quite sort -- he blames it on all the coughing -- and he's been producing some tissue samples in his mucous again. He's been having problems sleeping deeply -- mostly dozing -- but that has gotten better since he moved back into the darkened bedroom with the hospital bed. (He'd been sleeping on the couch for a bit, as that was the only place he was comfortable.) Pain relievers don't help his throat feel better, so he slowed down on food by mouth and bumped up the PEG 'feedings'.
Meanwhile he's having weekly blood work drawn. No, I haven't called to see what the numbers are, but I know if there were anything to worry about Nurse Betty would be getting me on the phone. I've considered calling them for a stronger anti-anxiety med -- while the Ativan is really a godsend to me, it doesn't seem to faze him -- but he's fighting that concept as well. Tough it out, I guess. Damn, if I didn't know better, I'd think he were more stubborn than me.
I have it a bit easier. I'm sleeping well 6 out of 7 nights/week, and mostly not well because I've fouled up my pattern. I have the luxury of going to work every day and being distracted those hours of the day, and I have LOTS of hobbies I do indoors to beat the heat this time of year. I didn't even spend any time working in the garden last weekend -- decided it was too hot, and I was too tired!!!
Cleo, your bug that killed off the roses with the 'spider' webs has gotten all over my Cosmos; I had to cut out about half of them out by the pond.
Pam and Vicki have been stopping in pretty regularly, and have each taken turns of getting me out of the house to do something fun -- even if it's just having a Pepsi at the Mall or visiting the LSS.
Al did go out to Lowe's over the weekend and discovered -- to MY great dismay -- that his job was posted as needing filled. He wasn't terribly surprised, as they've held HIS position open these 3 months he's been gone, and they've assured him he will be welcomed back with open arms if/when he can go back to work. He glossed over it, but I think it upset him more than he'd like to admit.
WARNING, WARNING, WARNING: ARMCHAIR PSYCHOLOGIST ON THE LOOSE!!!
Right now, I think he feels a little forgotten and a lot alone. Stop by for a visit during the day. Pick up the phone to say hi. If he doesn't feel like visiting or isn't able to croak out a conversation, he'll tell you. Meanwhile, he knows you've thought of him. (Just don't tell him I asked you to call!) Drop him a card. Whatever breaks up the day will be very helpful towards his recovery.
OK, I'll be normal again.
Meanwhile, Rich -- call me tomorrow and tell me where we're going to have our birthday luncheon. And enjoy your last night in your TWENTIES!!!
Mooney, haven't heard from you guys. Did you fall off the planet??? I have a little 3rd of July thing to send you -- I was going to bring as a 'hostess gift' -- just haven't gotten it posted. What's going on with Becky now that she's all graduated?
Kroeger, how goes working for yourself?
Mom, thanks for the frequent notes and the beautiful birthday card.
Girls -- and you KNOW who you are -- thanks for the wonderful lunch break yesterday. I really enjoyed our visit -- as always -- but I think we should do this more often. Whatcha doing March 21???
Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'm finding this time period probably harder than treatment time. But I know it's all about the 'not knowing'.
Reminder: Al has a CT scan on August 24, followed by a bronchoscopy with biopsy on August 29. We'll meet with Dr. Beck on September 1 for the results, hoping the cancer will be long gone. If not, we go to Plan L.
Well, I'm going to log off this novella and go see what Al's up to by now. Thanks again for all your support, in whatever fashion you've provided it.
xoxoxo
Sharon
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