Well yesterday I did overdid it.

I went to the radiology clinic and then decided I could stop for a few groceries on the way home.   Big mistake.    The left side of my chest got so sore and I had so much trouble getting air in that Bart had to take me to emergency.

I AM OK but learned that I can't do anything but rest for the foreseeable future.  Got home at about 8PM last night and spent most of today sleeping.

A valuable lesson.   I am SICK and might as well admit it:)

It will be OK.   I am so glad that Leslie and Bill are coming to help.  It will give Bart and Barb a break and will be nice to have someone in the house.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Allelulia.

I am weak as a newborn kitten BUT do not feel at all nauseated.   I am SO grateful.   I am even able to eat quite well, though I did learn quickly to avoid spicy.

Tomorrow morning I will consult with the radiology doctor.   I told some of you that I know that his last name is Ziegler.    Isn't it funny how comforting such a thing as a name can be when a person is kind of nervous.   Just like having a Packer fan for a surgeon:)

George and Betsy are still safe and sound .  I heard today from Nora who called to check on me.
Altogether a good day

Dia Dhuit
Mary

So.   I  have survived my first Chemo treatment.   Went in this morning at 9:30AM and was home at about 1:30PM.    (They keep telling me to eat and then fill up eating times with appointments:)

I am quite weak.   I am just resting.   BUT so far I have not experienced any nausea or other symptoms that I was cautioned to be aware of.   So I am willing to spend the next couple days weak and resting.

I am more worried about my Bart.   He had all of his upper teeth removed this afternoon at the dentist.   Poor guy has had so MANY teeth problems.   At least once the replacement dentures are in, he will not hurt.

Also worried about George and Betsy.   At this point, no news is good news as they were fine on Sunday and are in communication with Eileen.   Poor Houston, they cannot get a break.   I cannot even fathom 48 inches of rain.

Leslie and Bill are going to come to stay with me on Saturday and stay for a week.  It will be good to have someone in the house as I do get so tired and weak.    Bart and Barb could use a little break too. Barb and I were musing the other day as to how so much is difficult health wise with all three of us right now.

I am so happy that they are coming.

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

  

We are experiencing a beautiful day here in Lawton OK.    I wish I could send half of it to my brother George and his wife, Betsy who are in Richmond TX.

I called yesterday and they were hunkered down and really felt that they could ride Harvey out.   But things are no better and sound even worse.   I am praying and hope all of you will also. 

Tomorrow I will have my first chemo infusion.   New experience.    I usually like new experiences but am not happy about this one.   However - it is the road I must take to be healed, and healed I will be!!!!     

I am still receiving cards of encouragement and cals from friends and relatives daily.   How blessed am I.

Bart and Barb stopped by after her doctor appointment to help me make my bed.   I just wanted clean sheets tomorrow after the chemo.    We had a visit before they headed home to crash.

So.  Pray for me in the morning.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

HI

Yesterday, Dr. Trachte put the medi-port in my left upper chest.   I was just too tired and sore to post last night.

Barbara and I had to laugh today.  She has been reminding me to use my left hand because of the surgery on my right side.   Now what do I do:)

I was very uncomfortable and having trouble getting air in for a while yesterday and during the night,   BUT after a good afternoon nap, I am feeling much better.    As Dad would say.   "I might live." 

My neighbor and Celtic friend Robbi walked down to visit me this afternoon.   I love company so that was a pleasure.   She is an amazing woman.

I am watching the coverage of the devastation from Hurricane Harvey.   When I see some of the trees literally toppeled overe with the roots exposed I am reminded of my childhood.

We lived near a woods.   We played in that woods.   At least a couple of times there were storms bad enough that they toppeled some of those OLD BIG trees in the woods.   We would go out to play and use those old root bases for forts and shelter.   What a childhood.   My "woods" is now all houses.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another busy day.    I saw my surgeon, Dr. Trachte, this morning.   He is pleased with my progress and says that I CAN drive if I want to.  

Bart will still come with me to doctor appointments as they seem to involve more intense treatments AND it doesn't hurt to have a couple of sets of ears and eyes knowing what is happening.

Tomorrow I will get the "port" implanted in my upper chest so that they can give me the chemo treatments through that rather than a new source of entry every time. 

My first Chemo is on Tuesday.   I have FIVE different prescriptions ready for any possible reaction.  Whew.

Well, I don't usually get the reactions they mention for meds.   Maybe I will luck out:)


Until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another Day another Medical professional:)

Today, Bart took me to the Cancer Center at CMM for my instructions on what will be coming up and expected of me starting next Tuesday when I will get my first Chemo treatment for this cancer thing that is inside me.

A wonderful nurse sat with me and went through reams of paper  - instructions and information - on what will happen and what could possible be expected.   I now have four thick folders of STUFF.   I will start my own library soon.   I AM really glad they do this.   At least a person has some idea what to expect.   After all, they will be trying to destroy evil cells in my body and it is not a pretty sight.

Tomorrow, I will see my surgeon and then am free until Monday when I will have my consultation with my radiologist.   I need both chemo and radiation.

I will be having chemo every three weeks and it works out perfectly with the England/Wales trip.  Now if we can get the radiation to work as well.

Dia dhuit

Mary

An appointment with Dr. Aiku, my family practitioner, today.   She is pleased with how far I can come and repeated the mantra that I keep hearing.   EAT!!!   I am maintaining since I am home, but still am not really adding any pounds to me.    I keep trying.  Tonight I am going to eat a pork chop, corn and sliced tomato.   I had most of a burrito for lunch and am starting to drink Boost or Ensure to add calories and carbs. 

Tomorrow, I go to a class at the Cancer Center to learn about the chemo treatments and what is going to happen.   I am glad they do that.  I feel so lost in all of this medical stuff.  

I did ask if I could drive, but she said that I would have to have gone through Chemo and know how I am going to react to that stuff.   I hate being dependent on others but love that others are willing to LET me be dependent on them.   How blessed am I?

Dia dhuit

Mary

I slept through the eclipse.  

Had appointment with the oncologist which took HOURS.   By the time I got home all I could think of was food and rest.   I did both and am not sorry that I missed the event.  There will be pictures of it all over for weeks.  I will just enjoy them.

The next couple of weeks will be getting into the treatment part of my cancer.  Since I will be able to still to to ENGLAND/WALES I figure that it is all just a logistics thing.  RIGHT.   Just say Right.

Tomorrow I see my general practicioner.    Then the next day classes on what is involved in the chemo, then Thursday, my surgeon.  So by Friday, I MAY know what is happening in my life:)

Dia dhuit

Mary

A sunny warm day in Oklahoma.

I was home all day.  Still can't drive and though I know I could have gotten someone to drive me to and from church, the thought of sitting an hour in those hard pews for an hour, I knew was NOT a good thing.   Also I am still quite weak.

Got to remember, I am recovering from surgery and I am NOT 50 years old any more:)

This week will be busy.   Will be seeing the Oncologist on Monday and get a plan for the chemo and radiation therapy that comes next.   Then Tuesday, I will see Dr. Aiku, my family physician for the miscellaneous help I am sure I need.   I DO have some questions.   Finally, on Thursday, I will have a followup with Dr. Trachte,, my surgeon.  

So anyway, home all day.  Bart hurt his shoulder the other day and is resting for the week ahead as he is my chauffeur.   Barb has a sinus infection and is trying to heal.   I worry about her, she is rather run down and susceptible.   I hope this day of total rest will help.  Wish she could have an extra day or two thrown in.

Nothing exciting happened.  Nicky and I alone, lead a pretty quiet life.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A hot muggy day in Oklahoma.

I am really glad that I have not gotten too excited about the eclipse.  I will just try to enjoy the dimming of the skies and the obvious phenomenon.    One of my grandsons and his wife are going to one of the really big points.   Will be exciting to hear of their experiences.  

Also the  Powerball keeps growing.  I ALWAYS get a ticket to the Powereball in Dick's memory.  I use the "lucky numbers" that he chose for us 25 or so years ago.   Someday they WILL come up.  I will probably be long gone:)

It has been a busy day.  I talked to so many of  my friends and supporters.   I can't begin to tell you how blessed I feel with all the cards, calls, and well wishes that arrive each  day.

Monday I am seeing the Oncologists to determine a plan of chemo and radiation to get rid of this nasty thing that is still remaining in my chest.  I am so blessed, also, to be in a system that is offering care and plans to cure me.   I must be patient.   Not one of my great suites:)   Maybe, as one of my friends said, this is the lesson I must learn:)

Bless all of you.    I am so grateful for your support.

Dia dhuit

Mary

A truly lovely day.

Thanks for all the prayers and good vibes.   My joints don't hurt at all.

I am still, of course, healing and the right side of my ribs and lungs is sore, BUT I can now take a deep breath without a great deal of pain.   Am I lucky, or blessed, or both, or WHAT!!!.

Today was the Lawton Celtic Meeting.  There were five of us.  Patty gave a presentation on Yeats for us.   Boy is he an interesting person and I love his poetry.

Lake Isle of Inisfree

W. B. Yeats, 1865 - 1939

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee;
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping
     slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket
     sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

I had phone calls from friends and family.  Barbara Sadler, and Joanne Huehns, who have been  friends since GRADE SCHOOL called today.     Joanne, just as my Celtic friends were leaving.

So a busy day.  

Bless you all and I love you all

Dia dhuit

Mary

My Gosh --- It has been almost a month since I posted!!!!

Guess I have been distracted - Tee Hee

Well,   It has been a busy month with surgery and all.    But I am feeling a little better the past two days.    Did I tell you that my joints don't hurt at all?   The reason that I was going to have the scope of my knee,  the reason they did the pre op and found the stupid (YES STUPID) tumor in my lung, has completely gone away.    Believe me, I am NOT complaining about that part. 

I am working very hard on resting, eating and just trying to build strength.   Next Monday, I see the oncologist to get a plan for chemo/radiation in place.    Tuesday, I see my general practitioner, Dr. Aiku to get her input. and then on Thursday, I will consult again with my surgeon, Dr. Trachte.   So by the end of next week we should have a plan in place for the treatment of the remaining cancer in my lymph glands.   

Dr. Trachte said that I CAN go to London/Wales in early October and the Oncology department knows this so I intend to go on living until I am healed.  Then I will REALLY go on living.   How's that!!!  for a plan.

I'll try to post regularly now.  I need order in my life, and you guys are such a part of that:)

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another REALLY hot day.

Guess this is the case throughout most of the midwest.   I must remember that I am in Oklahoma and it IS summer.

I find that I am really tired.    Probably not getting the oxygen that I should.   But I plunged through the day and just tried to get things ready for the four to six days that I will be "out of commission" after the surgery on Wednesday.   The main thing is that those who are important to me know.  I am getting so much support that I feel enveloped in love.   Thank you all.

Dia dhuit

Mary

With all of these health problems, I will be less likely to be posting.  Just so you know.

We were over 100degrees and will continue to be triple digits for the next couple of days.   My plants are dying because I am so lethargic from this stupid mass in my lung, that I am not getting out to water and trim like I should.    I hate sick.   Dr. Trachte, my Green Bay Packer Fan Doctor, is going to take the mass out next Wednesday.    We could wait for a biopsy and some chemo, but as Dr. Trachte pointed out the Mass has to come out under any circumstances.    Let's get rid of the thing then treat any residual malignancy or problems.     I WANT THAT THING OUT OF ME!!!!!!!!!

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hot again.

I thought I had better post even if I have no news. (Weekend)   

I have been just trying to stay ahead of the pain.  Some days better than others.   Poor Nicky still cannot figure out why I do not take him out for walks.  

All else is well.    I am going to start hounding my health care providers at 8AM tomorrow morning.   Hope they are ready.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well.  Another HOT day.   In the high 90s.

I went out only once, after lunch to go to the bank and buy the things I was missing to make a batch of chili.

I heard from my favorite nurse, Debra, and from Humana, my insurance company that my process has been approved.   I expect to hear tomorrow that I will get my PETSCAN and  biopsy early next week.   Debra is working So hard for me.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

Still playing the waiting game.    I called Humana and got a different story from the doctor.  So I called the doctor back and they cannot proceed until they get confirmation on THIS event from Humana.    So I am pickle in the middle.

Debra from the doctor's office promised to contact Humana in the morning and try to get things going.    If I can just get a good night's sleep.   Last night was hell.

Bart stopped by this afternoon with our Abby for a visit.   A bright light in my day.



Pray for some answers and appointments for tomorrow!!!!!

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Waiting is the hardest thing to do.    If I have not heard anything by noon tomorrow, I am going to make some calls myself to see what is the delay.

Wouldn't be so bad but this all started three weeks ago when they delayed my knee scoping because of a "shadow" on the lung.     Good thing, actually as there is a mass.   But NOW there were delays because of holidays, weekends and WAITING FOR HUMANA TO APPROVE THE NEXT STEP!!!!  What do they think?

Woke up to RAIN.    Good timing actually.   Tru Green was out on Saturday and Dan mowed on Friday so my lawn is leaping for joy:)

Talked to Dolores yesterday and Nora today.   It means SO much to have conversations during the day.  Miss my condo buddies for that:) 

Went to the 8:30 Mass in the rain.  Came out to sunshine,  wearing my raincoat and carrying my umbrella.   Better to be prepared.

Nicky is accepting that the backyard is his to use as a bathroom.   He is not happy about it but I am afraid to take him for long walks when my knees hurt this much and I am so unsteady.   I gave the doctor's a deadline as I AM going to England and Wales in late September!

I am tired all the time but am working on getting black cow shapes for my wall hanging.   Sound weird but I have this vision and Dick used to say - "OH no.   Mary's got a vision."   (because it had to get done:) (At least in my mind.)

So.   Stay Well.

Until we meet again!

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is July in Oklahoma and HOT.   My thermometer shows 103 -  I know it registers high but it still is HOT.  There was a lot of humidity today so my knees and joints hurt all day.    I keep asking Bart where this dry hot weather I was promised is:)     I don't want to wish for that either because that means drought.   Which Oklahoma has finally recovered from.

I tried to do stuff, then rest, then do stuff.   Got my wash done, folded and put away.    Cut out the cow silhouette for my wall hanging project. 

This afternoon, I saw Dr. Toy.   Told him my knee woes.   Will see him in two weeks and he wants to get a copy of my PET Scan when I get it.


Dia Dhuit

Mary