Posts
Good Evening. While I am watching Dancing With The Stars I wanted to write to you to give you an update on my man. Gary is hanging in there. He has had an emotionally difficult few days as anyone would and should in his position. Cancer is so ugly on so many levels.
Gary had chemo today and we suspect that the reason that he feels so sick right now is because he is detoxing from the methadone and the lyrica. He takes both of these drugs 3X a day and he is now down to 2X a day. His body hurts and on top of the DT's he is now starting to feel the effects of the chemo with a touch of nausea. With all that being said he is not having anymore speech problems! YEAH!!!
We will go back to Dr. Barth's tomorrow for hydration and probably every day this week for blood counts and hydration. Gary will have his BIG scans at the end of this week and we will know whether or not the treatment in working.
The boys are loving baseball and I do have a funny Jax story...........
Jax is sitting on the couch the other day and lets out a HUGE MAN SIZE belch! He says, "Excuse me. I just finished my beer!" What the heck? He had a rootbeer can and was covering the root so that only the beer was showing. This is the price we are paying now for having 2 children prior to giving birth to him!
Nate's story was picked for Imagination Machine and that is tomorrow morning. We will do that before heading up to the docs office. Jana is one of Gary's nurses and she takes extra special care of Gary! We are so lucky to have her.
PRAYER:
1. Gary's red cells hold and he will not need a transfusion
2. Pray for Gary's mental well-being. Pray that he can focus on getting better and not thinking of all of the "what ifs".
I hope all of you have a wonderful evening. Smile and live in the present!
Love to everyone,
L
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
SATURDAY
Gary is home! He came home on Thursday surprisingly and is resting comfortably now. He went to Nate's game on Thursday and I think he did too much too soon. He is extremely tired.
Dr. Barth actually took gary off of some of his medications (pain). We think his pain meds are responsible for causing his speech issues. Yesterday was his first day with one dose of each med taken out of his regimen and he did really well.
His numbers are up and holding so he will have chemo most likely on Monday.
He is on blood thinners and I have to give him a shot at 9 AM and 9 PM in his stomach every night for about 4 days. Hopefully once he is re-evaluated on Monday we can stop the shots.
I have to get ready but have a few prayer requests for you.
1. Gary is due to have his BIG scans next week to see how the cancer is doing. We want this cancer to be shrinking significantly and so this is what we are asking you to be prayer specific about this week.
2. Pray that we can get Gary off of most of the narcotic pain meds. The speech issue is very frustrating to Gary and he doesn't need anything else to be frustrating him at this point.
3. Pray that our kids remain stable and able to cope with this. Pray that they do not become angry.
So sorry it took me so long to update. The past few days have been a little crazy!
Love to all,
L
Dr. Barth actually took gary off of some of his medications (pain). We think his pain meds are responsible for causing his speech issues. Yesterday was his first day with one dose of each med taken out of his regimen and he did really well.
His numbers are up and holding so he will have chemo most likely on Monday.
He is on blood thinners and I have to give him a shot at 9 AM and 9 PM in his stomach every night for about 4 days. Hopefully once he is re-evaluated on Monday we can stop the shots.
I have to get ready but have a few prayer requests for you.
1. Gary is due to have his BIG scans next week to see how the cancer is doing. We want this cancer to be shrinking significantly and so this is what we are asking you to be prayer specific about this week.
2. Pray that we can get Gary off of most of the narcotic pain meds. The speech issue is very frustrating to Gary and he doesn't need anything else to be frustrating him at this point.
3. Pray that our kids remain stable and able to cope with this. Pray that they do not become angry.
So sorry it took me so long to update. The past few days have been a little crazy!
Love to all,
L
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Hi everyone. I am at Hoag and just getting ready to go up and bring Gary has apple fritter. I wanted to give you a quick update.
Gary had the filter put in yesterday. Piece of cake for Gary! He came out and up to his room and consumed a Famous Star, onion rings and a root beer! He was awake for the procedure and watched as they put the filter in place and opened it up! He said it was pretty cool.
The doctors are trying to get his clotting levels acceptable so that they can release Gary. If all goes as planned then he will come home tomorrow early afternoon. Sigh of relief......
I was able to get out and go to Taco Tuesday last night. I find myself having trouble having normal conversations with people. My whole life it seems revolves around cancer and treatment and hospital stays and medication. To actually be with people and talk about random things was so foreign. I don't know what I am trying to say but maybe it is that I am socially challenged. I will try harder to be normal everyone. I promise!
The boys are doing so well and Nate's story was picked to be a part of the Imagination Machine! Only a handful of stories out of 100's are chosen and the actors will be performing Nate's story on April 1st! We are so proud of him and really excited! Zach had a glowing report from his teacher and we are so proud of him as well. We have not met with Lori to discuss Jax but I know how awesome he is too. It is such a blessing to know that as of now our kids seem to be adjusted and weathering the storm. God has protected our kids hearts and minds and for that I am so very grateful.
Gotta go.
Have the best day of your life! God wants you to do that!
Love, L
Gary had the filter put in yesterday. Piece of cake for Gary! He came out and up to his room and consumed a Famous Star, onion rings and a root beer! He was awake for the procedure and watched as they put the filter in place and opened it up! He said it was pretty cool.
The doctors are trying to get his clotting levels acceptable so that they can release Gary. If all goes as planned then he will come home tomorrow early afternoon. Sigh of relief......
I was able to get out and go to Taco Tuesday last night. I find myself having trouble having normal conversations with people. My whole life it seems revolves around cancer and treatment and hospital stays and medication. To actually be with people and talk about random things was so foreign. I don't know what I am trying to say but maybe it is that I am socially challenged. I will try harder to be normal everyone. I promise!
The boys are doing so well and Nate's story was picked to be a part of the Imagination Machine! Only a handful of stories out of 100's are chosen and the actors will be performing Nate's story on April 1st! We are so proud of him and really excited! Zach had a glowing report from his teacher and we are so proud of him as well. We have not met with Lori to discuss Jax but I know how awesome he is too. It is such a blessing to know that as of now our kids seem to be adjusted and weathering the storm. God has protected our kids hearts and minds and for that I am so very grateful.
Gotta go.
Have the best day of your life! God wants you to do that!
Love, L
Monday, March 24, 2008
VENA CAVA FILTER
Gary is having this procedure done either tomorrow or Wednesday. The following description will help you to understand what he is having done. Dr. Barth believes that Gary would have to take too high of a dose of blood thinners and he would be at risk for excessive bleeding as a result. The filter will aid in Gary being able to take a much lower dose of cumadin(blood thinners).
What is a vena cava filter?
A vena cava filter is a small, metal device about an inch long, shaped rather like the spokes of an umbrella. The filter is placed in the vena cava, which is the large vein in the abdomen which brings blood back from the legs and pelvis, towards the heart. If there are blood clots in the veins in the legs or pelvis, these could pass up the vena cava and into the lungs. The filter will trap these blood clots and prevent them entering the lungs and causing problems.
Why does Gary need a vena cava filter?
Other tests that we have had done have shown that Gary has a clot in the vein in his leg and that the 2 he has now have passed upwards into the lungs and are causing significant problems. Generally, these problems can be treated effectively with blood thinning drugs, called anti-coagulants, but in Gary's case it is felt that a further method of dealing with the blood clots is required.
So - another day - another adventure in medicine! Gary is on the 7th floor in his own room - thank God! He has a beautiful ocean view. He will hopefully be home by the end of the week. His blood infection is under control. The clots he has in his lungs are being carefully monitored. The clot in his leg is being monitored as well. The heparin is used to help to prevent further clots. It does not dissolve the current clots. The body will break these clots down and absorb them in time.
We are so lucky that we turned around and went back to Hoag on Saturday! Pulmonary Embolisms can be fatal and many times are if not caught in time! God is always watching out for us!
Gary and I have been spending a lot of time watching Arrested Development. It is such a funny show and P&C brought the DVDs to us because the show was cancelled after 3 seasons. I can't figure out why yet because it is so funny!
I have to go now and do laundry.
PRAYER SPECIFICS:
1. Be with the radiologist who does the procedure. Pray that once inserted that the device does what it is suppose to do and protects Gary from further clots and PE (pulmonary embolisms).
2. Pray that Gary's counts climb and stay stable so that he can go through chemo next Monday.
3. Pray for patience for Gary. This time being in the hospital is a little different. He is totally coherent and not in pain. He is in NO MOOD to be in the hospital - especially since he feels fine.
4. Pray that the cancer is going BYE BYE!!!!
Our love to you all,
L
What is a vena cava filter?
A vena cava filter is a small, metal device about an inch long, shaped rather like the spokes of an umbrella. The filter is placed in the vena cava, which is the large vein in the abdomen which brings blood back from the legs and pelvis, towards the heart. If there are blood clots in the veins in the legs or pelvis, these could pass up the vena cava and into the lungs. The filter will trap these blood clots and prevent them entering the lungs and causing problems.
Why does Gary need a vena cava filter?
Other tests that we have had done have shown that Gary has a clot in the vein in his leg and that the 2 he has now have passed upwards into the lungs and are causing significant problems. Generally, these problems can be treated effectively with blood thinning drugs, called anti-coagulants, but in Gary's case it is felt that a further method of dealing with the blood clots is required.
So - another day - another adventure in medicine! Gary is on the 7th floor in his own room - thank God! He has a beautiful ocean view. He will hopefully be home by the end of the week. His blood infection is under control. The clots he has in his lungs are being carefully monitored. The clot in his leg is being monitored as well. The heparin is used to help to prevent further clots. It does not dissolve the current clots. The body will break these clots down and absorb them in time.
We are so lucky that we turned around and went back to Hoag on Saturday! Pulmonary Embolisms can be fatal and many times are if not caught in time! God is always watching out for us!
Gary and I have been spending a lot of time watching Arrested Development. It is such a funny show and P&C brought the DVDs to us because the show was cancelled after 3 seasons. I can't figure out why yet because it is so funny!
I have to go now and do laundry.
PRAYER SPECIFICS:
1. Be with the radiologist who does the procedure. Pray that once inserted that the device does what it is suppose to do and protects Gary from further clots and PE (pulmonary embolisms).
2. Pray that Gary's counts climb and stay stable so that he can go through chemo next Monday.
3. Pray for patience for Gary. This time being in the hospital is a little different. He is totally coherent and not in pain. He is in NO MOOD to be in the hospital - especially since he feels fine.
4. Pray that the cancer is going BYE BYE!!!!
Our love to you all,
L
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Life Support
No. Gary is NOT on life support. Before I took off I wanted to thank everyone for being our "life support"! The very second you all found out that Gary was "in" again you jumped into action! Last night Gary and I just needed to be quiet together.
Normally, come one, come all and bring in the calvary. But, just being together and not talking and praying and just being was what we needed last night. Thank you all for giving us that time.
Gary is in the Critial Care Unit and I am not sure how visitation works. He is on the 3rd floor. Gary is NOT happy that he is in and he wanted me to keep this time a "secret". Right. A secret hospital visit. IS that possible? We have 3 kids and I work at our church and today is Easter. What would I say? Oh, by the way, I feel like taking some time off THIS Sunday. I know it's Easter and all of our kids are singing and the little ones are having an Easter Egg Hunt but I think THIS Sunday I will just hang out! RIGHT GARY! That would go over really well! Nice try. Please call Hoag to see what their policy is before you come. I would do that and then let you know but I will not have internet once I leave this computer and like most of you know sometimes it is hard to get your cell when you are in a hospital room.
Happy Hunting and remember why we celebrate this day! HE IS RISEN for all of us!
XO
L
Normally, come one, come all and bring in the calvary. But, just being together and not talking and praying and just being was what we needed last night. Thank you all for giving us that time.
Gary is in the Critial Care Unit and I am not sure how visitation works. He is on the 3rd floor. Gary is NOT happy that he is in and he wanted me to keep this time a "secret". Right. A secret hospital visit. IS that possible? We have 3 kids and I work at our church and today is Easter. What would I say? Oh, by the way, I feel like taking some time off THIS Sunday. I know it's Easter and all of our kids are singing and the little ones are having an Easter Egg Hunt but I think THIS Sunday I will just hang out! RIGHT GARY! That would go over really well! Nice try. Please call Hoag to see what their policy is before you come. I would do that and then let you know but I will not have internet once I leave this computer and like most of you know sometimes it is hard to get your cell when you are in a hospital room.
Happy Hunting and remember why we celebrate this day! HE IS RISEN for all of us!
XO
L
Happy Easter
I will miss Easter Services tomorrow. All of our kids at church are singing and they have been practicing for a month singing "He Is Risen"! They have been doing such a great job and I will unfortunately miss it.
I had planned on sharing some funny blog time with all of you as this week my BRAND NEW Treo 755 DIED DIED DIED DEAD WORKING NO MORE and to top it of.............I did not back anything up and Sprint could not retrieve any info. My ENTIRE calendar and ALL of my contacts. I already missed one event and have no idea how many more I will miss. My life that was planned and mapped out on my phone has been erased! I was really bummed about it and it really affected me until today. Everything got put back into perspective for me once again today.
Gary is in the hospital right now. I just got home not too too long ago. He was doing well and he had a blood transfusion today. We left at 3:30 from Hoag (the transfusions take 5 hours) and he was shaking and burning up. He was grabbing his chest and he could barely breath. We got close to home and after speaking with his docs we got back on the toll road and headed back to Hoag.
I am still not clear as to exactly what is going on with Gary. He was in the Er with a temp of almost 104 and excruciating pain in his chest and upper back. They thought he had a bad reaction to the blood transfusion??? Then, they thought he might have pneumonia. Then a kidney infection. They did rule out a heart attack - YEAH. Then, after a CT w/ contrast, they inform us that they are fairly certain that he has 2 pulmonary embolisms - one in each lung. That would be 2 blood clots in his lungs stemming from his legs. Wait a minute..........back up. He has been doing so well. How does this all the sudden happen after a blood transfusion??
So, I will spend my night researching the burning questions I have before I head back up there. He is not in a private room as he is in the CCU - Critical Care Unit (it sounds so serious). I will leave for the hospital around 5 AM.
They are watching him around the clock as they are administering Heparin (this drug scares me and it could just be because I have not educated myself as to the effectiveness of this drug).
The kids will come to see Gary tomorrow and I am sure our Easter plans will change due to the circumstances beyond our control.
Today is a new day. I hope you all enjoy your Easter Sunday. We are having such beautiful weather!
Please keep Gary in your prayers today. Pray that these blood clots go away and pray that he has no further complications.
I am soooo tired! I am off to research!
Love & Hugs
Lisa
I had planned on sharing some funny blog time with all of you as this week my BRAND NEW Treo 755 DIED DIED DIED DEAD WORKING NO MORE and to top it of.............I did not back anything up and Sprint could not retrieve any info. My ENTIRE calendar and ALL of my contacts. I already missed one event and have no idea how many more I will miss. My life that was planned and mapped out on my phone has been erased! I was really bummed about it and it really affected me until today. Everything got put back into perspective for me once again today.
Gary is in the hospital right now. I just got home not too too long ago. He was doing well and he had a blood transfusion today. We left at 3:30 from Hoag (the transfusions take 5 hours) and he was shaking and burning up. He was grabbing his chest and he could barely breath. We got close to home and after speaking with his docs we got back on the toll road and headed back to Hoag.
I am still not clear as to exactly what is going on with Gary. He was in the Er with a temp of almost 104 and excruciating pain in his chest and upper back. They thought he had a bad reaction to the blood transfusion??? Then, they thought he might have pneumonia. Then a kidney infection. They did rule out a heart attack - YEAH. Then, after a CT w/ contrast, they inform us that they are fairly certain that he has 2 pulmonary embolisms - one in each lung. That would be 2 blood clots in his lungs stemming from his legs. Wait a minute..........back up. He has been doing so well. How does this all the sudden happen after a blood transfusion??
So, I will spend my night researching the burning questions I have before I head back up there. He is not in a private room as he is in the CCU - Critical Care Unit (it sounds so serious). I will leave for the hospital around 5 AM.
They are watching him around the clock as they are administering Heparin (this drug scares me and it could just be because I have not educated myself as to the effectiveness of this drug).
The kids will come to see Gary tomorrow and I am sure our Easter plans will change due to the circumstances beyond our control.
Today is a new day. I hope you all enjoy your Easter Sunday. We are having such beautiful weather!
Please keep Gary in your prayers today. Pray that these blood clots go away and pray that he has no further complications.
I am soooo tired! I am off to research!
Love & Hugs
Lisa
Monday, March 17, 2008
Our Simon Cowell
I watch Oprah from time to time and I am sitting here while Gary's sleeps watching this story about this family whose daughter has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Their daughter is 3 years old.
This family drives over 100 miles every day to get their daughter to and from treatment. They are in facing the loss of their home as one of them has had to quit their job to be with their daughter. So, Simon Cowell has stepped up and paid their mortgage - $162,000.00 worth! As he understands this will not change anything have to do with their child's life he hopes it will ease some of the burden. He told the family that he is their guardian angel.
All of you have helped to ease our burden in so many ways - notes, cards, visits, gifts, monetary gifts, time, meals, gas cards and the list goes on miles long it seems. You are our Simon Cowell!
Unless you have traveled down this road you have no idea how overwhelmed with heartfelt thanks our family is. It is sickenly difficult being in the position we are in and we really could not do this without all of you! Our kids do not understand but someday we will sit down with them and really make sure they know how blessed they were growing up!
Thanks to all of the "Simons" out there! Even if you are cranky like the real one! We love you anyway!!
Love, L
This family drives over 100 miles every day to get their daughter to and from treatment. They are in facing the loss of their home as one of them has had to quit their job to be with their daughter. So, Simon Cowell has stepped up and paid their mortgage - $162,000.00 worth! As he understands this will not change anything have to do with their child's life he hopes it will ease some of the burden. He told the family that he is their guardian angel.
All of you have helped to ease our burden in so many ways - notes, cards, visits, gifts, monetary gifts, time, meals, gas cards and the list goes on miles long it seems. You are our Simon Cowell!
Unless you have traveled down this road you have no idea how overwhelmed with heartfelt thanks our family is. It is sickenly difficult being in the position we are in and we really could not do this without all of you! Our kids do not understand but someday we will sit down with them and really make sure they know how blessed they were growing up!
Thanks to all of the "Simons" out there! Even if you are cranky like the real one! We love you anyway!!
Love, L
SAY GOODBYE TO THE TOLL ROADS UNTIL FRIDAY
Hold on............believe it or not..............we do not have to go back to Dr. Barth's office until Friday! I am more than shocked and am so happy not to have to drive to Newport every single morning. I can work in the boy's classrooms this week and get a little more "normal" going on! We are so excited........as long as Gary's behaves! He has gained 7 LBS in a week and we need to keep feeding him! As long as he eats and drinks plenty of non-caffeinated beverages he will remain at home each day!
Gary's platelets went up 10,000 over the weekend and Dr. Barht expects them to keep climbing. Gary can't have chemo again until they are closer to 150,000 and he is at 60,000 right now.
Dr. Barth is very, very pleased and I will go so far as to say happy with Gary's amazing progress. We will have some testing done in April but he warned us that the effects of the radiation will continue up to 6 months after the very last treatment. In other words, if we see dramatic progress in April then we can expect to see even greater progress mid-July!
I have to go but wanted to post and share our findings today!
Love, L
Gary's platelets went up 10,000 over the weekend and Dr. Barht expects them to keep climbing. Gary can't have chemo again until they are closer to 150,000 and he is at 60,000 right now.
Dr. Barth is very, very pleased and I will go so far as to say happy with Gary's amazing progress. We will have some testing done in April but he warned us that the effects of the radiation will continue up to 6 months after the very last treatment. In other words, if we see dramatic progress in April then we can expect to see even greater progress mid-July!
I have to go but wanted to post and share our findings today!
Love, L
Saturday, March 15, 2008
BASEBALL INFORMATION
Hi friends and family. Another day. Another post. No new news on the Gary front. He is resting this weekend as his platelets have dropped (the side effect is that you get really, really tired) and we will wait until Monday to see if he will need a platelet transfusion.
The boys all had games today and then we had a pizza party afterwards at Southern California Pizza. I think the vast majority of our league was there hanging out together and doing the whole baseball family thing. Maybe I see things a little differently than most due to our set of circumstances but our families in Viejo are all part of a great community that our family is a part of. Everyone seems to either know one another or of one another and our fields give our families a chance to really spend time together each week. Our fields are not just a place for our kids to play ball. Heck, the bulk of our HomeGroup Bible Study were all at the fields together today! All 3 of the boys have been on several teams and each year we get to know new families. Sometimes I regret not getting to know people more. This year is really hard because I am never sitting down for any length of time at the fields because I am trying to cover all 3 boys and their games.
I urge you to get to know the people on your teams - wherever you live and whatever your kids are invloved in. Several of our social groups have been founded on the ball field. Relationships are not only important for your kids but for your family as well.
How 'bout we talk about how I accidentally shaved Gary's head - B A L D! So, forever and a day Gary has wanted to "bic" his head. I have said NO NO NO NO NO repeatedly over and over again and again. I know it is a psycological thing but if the cancer and chemo is not going to destroy his hair then why should he voluntarily take it off? NOT. So, the other night I told Gary I would get the clippers out and cut his hair. I use a #1 guard which is plenty short for me. (I know this sounds like it is all about me but I highly doubt he would want me to shave my head bald unless I absolutely had to either - so ha!) I get him situated, I clip the guard on and away I go - talking (shocking I know) and watching TV and so on. I make the 2nd pass (it is 2nd nature and I am not looking at his head) and I look down to see a WHITE LANDING STRIP up the back of his head. I AM HORRIFIED AND I PANIC. I look down at the clippers and the plastic guard has popped off and is by my left foot. HOLY COW! I freak. I put the #1 back on and try to fix his landing strip but sadly it is too late and I end up not only having to shave the rest of his head but his beard as well. Now, he is left with stubble on top of his head and a goatee. He still looks incredibly handsome and I know it will grow back but it is amazingly ironic how things happen!
I need to get some rest. Tomorrow is family day and after church we are all getting in our jammies and just being a family. We have been going and gone every single night this week and I know Gary misses us tremendously and we miss him more than that!
Please remember to keep praying for Rose and also pray for all of the families (pray for eachother) that have been such a big part of our lives. The initial shock of Gary having cancer is over and I have been reading books about how people support you and love you and pray for you in the beginning and then fade away. Please don't fade away from our family. Keep us in your prayers and know that we pray for all of you every day! We love all of you and feel very peaceful and comforted knowing you all think about us.
April (middle) is when we will find out how Gary is responding to the treatment. Please pray that this course of treatment is obliterating the cancer.
Thanks to all of you!
All our love,
L
The boys all had games today and then we had a pizza party afterwards at Southern California Pizza. I think the vast majority of our league was there hanging out together and doing the whole baseball family thing. Maybe I see things a little differently than most due to our set of circumstances but our families in Viejo are all part of a great community that our family is a part of. Everyone seems to either know one another or of one another and our fields give our families a chance to really spend time together each week. Our fields are not just a place for our kids to play ball. Heck, the bulk of our HomeGroup Bible Study were all at the fields together today! All 3 of the boys have been on several teams and each year we get to know new families. Sometimes I regret not getting to know people more. This year is really hard because I am never sitting down for any length of time at the fields because I am trying to cover all 3 boys and their games.
I urge you to get to know the people on your teams - wherever you live and whatever your kids are invloved in. Several of our social groups have been founded on the ball field. Relationships are not only important for your kids but for your family as well.
How 'bout we talk about how I accidentally shaved Gary's head - B A L D! So, forever and a day Gary has wanted to "bic" his head. I have said NO NO NO NO NO repeatedly over and over again and again. I know it is a psycological thing but if the cancer and chemo is not going to destroy his hair then why should he voluntarily take it off? NOT. So, the other night I told Gary I would get the clippers out and cut his hair. I use a #1 guard which is plenty short for me. (I know this sounds like it is all about me but I highly doubt he would want me to shave my head bald unless I absolutely had to either - so ha!) I get him situated, I clip the guard on and away I go - talking (shocking I know) and watching TV and so on. I make the 2nd pass (it is 2nd nature and I am not looking at his head) and I look down to see a WHITE LANDING STRIP up the back of his head. I AM HORRIFIED AND I PANIC. I look down at the clippers and the plastic guard has popped off and is by my left foot. HOLY COW! I freak. I put the #1 back on and try to fix his landing strip but sadly it is too late and I end up not only having to shave the rest of his head but his beard as well. Now, he is left with stubble on top of his head and a goatee. He still looks incredibly handsome and I know it will grow back but it is amazingly ironic how things happen!
I need to get some rest. Tomorrow is family day and after church we are all getting in our jammies and just being a family. We have been going and gone every single night this week and I know Gary misses us tremendously and we miss him more than that!
Please remember to keep praying for Rose and also pray for all of the families (pray for eachother) that have been such a big part of our lives. The initial shock of Gary having cancer is over and I have been reading books about how people support you and love you and pray for you in the beginning and then fade away. Please don't fade away from our family. Keep us in your prayers and know that we pray for all of you every day! We love all of you and feel very peaceful and comforted knowing you all think about us.
April (middle) is when we will find out how Gary is responding to the treatment. Please pray that this course of treatment is obliterating the cancer.
Thanks to all of you!
All our love,
L
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Doc Office
Hi from Newport Cancer Center.
Imagine with me for a minute. We are walking towards the Cancer Center today and plastered on the door as you walk in is a sign that reads something like this:
This building contains chemicals that are known to cause cancer.
So, in essence, the Cancer Center - where people go to hopefully get rid of their cancer - is full of things that cause the disease? In other words, come get your cancer treated but hey if you don't have it yet you have a chance of getting it while you are here! Have a nice day! Irony.........I am still processing that one.
The nicer thing about coming to this particular office is that they have been kind enough to give Gary the room with the bed and TV. It is more comfortable for gary to be flat and it is much more private. The lights are out and we are watching LOVE BEHIND BARS!!
Christian women who marry men on Death Row! I must ask Steph about her brother-in-law who works on death row at San Quentin. Why in the world would anyone want to contact a Death Row Prisioner let alone marry them? There are no conjugal visits on death row you know! I realize there are ministries and people who come along side of these men BUT it makes absolutely NO SENSE how any woman could ever go so far as to fall in love or even marry someone who is going to be killed for a heinous crime they more than likely committed! I can't even begin to get my brain around that one!
Gary's platelets are dropping fairly fast so we will need to come in tomorrow to get them checked. More than likely we will have to come here on Sunday for hydration and possibly a platelet or blood transfusion. Both counts are falling - platelets more rapidly than the red cells but he did just get a blood transfusion this past weekend.
We have been having beautiful weather. Easter is right around the corner and we are finally heading towards Summer! YEAH!!! I love the summertime.
We have baseball again tonight and the boys are looking forward to the weekend. Late nights from baseball make our mornings really difficult and slow. It is really hard for the boys to wake up. Their normal bedtime is 7:30 and they have been going to bed around 9:30. When they get home and they shower and have a snack and unwind and it is just so late. There is no solution for their bedtime so I will have to find another way to help them wake up more quickly. Maybe I should wake them in the morning by pouring ice cold water on their heads and blaring Metallica! Doesn't that sound truly obnoxious? I would never do that to them! They freak when I come in and simply turn the light on!!
Wait. I guess there are women in prison who have committed heinous crimes as well. I have not seen any Death Row Inmates but evidently there are men who want to marry these women as well. Simply weird. Don't they know that THESE women are actually facing the remote possibility of bring released at some point?
So, I guess I will sign off for now and get back to work. I am waiting for many people to call me back who I have called and asked how I can pray for their family. Our friend Rose who used to take Gary to and from radiation needs LOADS and LOADS of prayer from all of us. Don't get me wrong. We all need prayer but I promised Rose that I would make sure people are praying for her daughter, Tyshell. Tyshell is 15 and she recently had an emotional break after being completely fine and has now been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Rose has another teenager as well as 2 small children that she adopted. Rose is in her early 30's and is a single mother. Please just pray for her. She was strong enough to ask for the prayer and now that you know about Rose I empower you to lift her up!
Gotta go. Have a great rest of your day!
Love, L
Imagine with me for a minute. We are walking towards the Cancer Center today and plastered on the door as you walk in is a sign that reads something like this:
This building contains chemicals that are known to cause cancer.
So, in essence, the Cancer Center - where people go to hopefully get rid of their cancer - is full of things that cause the disease? In other words, come get your cancer treated but hey if you don't have it yet you have a chance of getting it while you are here! Have a nice day! Irony.........I am still processing that one.
The nicer thing about coming to this particular office is that they have been kind enough to give Gary the room with the bed and TV. It is more comfortable for gary to be flat and it is much more private. The lights are out and we are watching LOVE BEHIND BARS!!
Christian women who marry men on Death Row! I must ask Steph about her brother-in-law who works on death row at San Quentin. Why in the world would anyone want to contact a Death Row Prisioner let alone marry them? There are no conjugal visits on death row you know! I realize there are ministries and people who come along side of these men BUT it makes absolutely NO SENSE how any woman could ever go so far as to fall in love or even marry someone who is going to be killed for a heinous crime they more than likely committed! I can't even begin to get my brain around that one!
Gary's platelets are dropping fairly fast so we will need to come in tomorrow to get them checked. More than likely we will have to come here on Sunday for hydration and possibly a platelet or blood transfusion. Both counts are falling - platelets more rapidly than the red cells but he did just get a blood transfusion this past weekend.
We have been having beautiful weather. Easter is right around the corner and we are finally heading towards Summer! YEAH!!! I love the summertime.
We have baseball again tonight and the boys are looking forward to the weekend. Late nights from baseball make our mornings really difficult and slow. It is really hard for the boys to wake up. Their normal bedtime is 7:30 and they have been going to bed around 9:30. When they get home and they shower and have a snack and unwind and it is just so late. There is no solution for their bedtime so I will have to find another way to help them wake up more quickly. Maybe I should wake them in the morning by pouring ice cold water on their heads and blaring Metallica! Doesn't that sound truly obnoxious? I would never do that to them! They freak when I come in and simply turn the light on!!
Wait. I guess there are women in prison who have committed heinous crimes as well. I have not seen any Death Row Inmates but evidently there are men who want to marry these women as well. Simply weird. Don't they know that THESE women are actually facing the remote possibility of bring released at some point?
So, I guess I will sign off for now and get back to work. I am waiting for many people to call me back who I have called and asked how I can pray for their family. Our friend Rose who used to take Gary to and from radiation needs LOADS and LOADS of prayer from all of us. Don't get me wrong. We all need prayer but I promised Rose that I would make sure people are praying for her daughter, Tyshell. Tyshell is 15 and she recently had an emotional break after being completely fine and has now been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Rose has another teenager as well as 2 small children that she adopted. Rose is in her early 30's and is a single mother. Please just pray for her. She was strong enough to ask for the prayer and now that you know about Rose I empower you to lift her up!
Gotta go. Have a great rest of your day!
Love, L
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Wednesday
I promise to be quick.
Gary and I met with Dr. Barth on Tuesday. He is very pleased with Gary's progress and addressed our concern with regards to how sick Gary has been over the past week.
Gary is severly dehydrated and his lower back area is covered with 2nd degree burns from the radiation. Gary has had terrible stomach pains and cramps and he also has had a general sense of being super sick. Dr. Barth explained that basically the burns we see on Gary's body on the outside is exactly what has happened on the inside as well. His insides are basically fried right now. With all that being said, Dr. Barth said Gary is at the worst part of the treatment at this moment. Gary will experience another couple weeks of sickness and pain before he will start to climb in an upward direction. We have officially gone down the mountain in a wheelbarrel at 100 MPH and now that we have hit the bottom and are banged up and badly bruised we will now climb back to the top again. The climb back towards the top will be long and definitely not as fast as the trip down!
Gary has lost more weight and got the Dr. B ultimatum yesterday. Either eat or we will feed you! The thought of a feeding tube is awful. I will pry his mouth open, prop it and shovel food down his throat before he gets fed intraveniously. So far, Gary ate a ton of food today so we are on the right track! Steve came to visit for lunch today and Gary loved that!
So Jax got to spend more time at school than usual yesterday because someone accidentally forgot to pick him up for Gary and I. Hmmmmmmmm......I will never tell. We have ALL been in that position one time or another!
Jax, Nate and Zach all went to Disneyland until 8 PM last night! Yikes! They had so much fun while Gary, me, Jen, Matt and Steph watched American Idol and majorly critiqued every single contestant - only because we are all so much better than all of them! :)
Nate and I just got home from baseball and I am off to the pharmacy to get another antibiotic for Zach as I suspect his Strep Throat has returned! The back of his throat is looking a bit angry!
Gary did not go to the doctor today because I needed a break! We are going tomorrow morning and I plan on camping out there for a while!
I will give you an update tomorrow.
Love,
L
Gary and I met with Dr. Barth on Tuesday. He is very pleased with Gary's progress and addressed our concern with regards to how sick Gary has been over the past week.
Gary is severly dehydrated and his lower back area is covered with 2nd degree burns from the radiation. Gary has had terrible stomach pains and cramps and he also has had a general sense of being super sick. Dr. Barth explained that basically the burns we see on Gary's body on the outside is exactly what has happened on the inside as well. His insides are basically fried right now. With all that being said, Dr. Barth said Gary is at the worst part of the treatment at this moment. Gary will experience another couple weeks of sickness and pain before he will start to climb in an upward direction. We have officially gone down the mountain in a wheelbarrel at 100 MPH and now that we have hit the bottom and are banged up and badly bruised we will now climb back to the top again. The climb back towards the top will be long and definitely not as fast as the trip down!
Gary has lost more weight and got the Dr. B ultimatum yesterday. Either eat or we will feed you! The thought of a feeding tube is awful. I will pry his mouth open, prop it and shovel food down his throat before he gets fed intraveniously. So far, Gary ate a ton of food today so we are on the right track! Steve came to visit for lunch today and Gary loved that!
So Jax got to spend more time at school than usual yesterday because someone accidentally forgot to pick him up for Gary and I. Hmmmmmmmm......I will never tell. We have ALL been in that position one time or another!
Jax, Nate and Zach all went to Disneyland until 8 PM last night! Yikes! They had so much fun while Gary, me, Jen, Matt and Steph watched American Idol and majorly critiqued every single contestant - only because we are all so much better than all of them! :)
Nate and I just got home from baseball and I am off to the pharmacy to get another antibiotic for Zach as I suspect his Strep Throat has returned! The back of his throat is looking a bit angry!
Gary did not go to the doctor today because I needed a break! We are going tomorrow morning and I plan on camping out there for a while!
I will give you an update tomorrow.
Love,
L
Monday Funday
I often ask myself - Are we having fun yet? I mean really. 4 hours a day at the Oncology office. The drive down Newport Blvd. everyday. Surrounded by people who are suffering and living with cancer. Watching my husband suffer with the effects of chemo and radiation. Almost having to go to wound care at the burn center today but narrowly escaping that adventure - for now. Parking at the Cancer Center- OMG! What's up with that?
I know some of you are thinking and you might be asking why we are at the docs office everyday. Here is the reason - Gary is very dehydrated. So many people have asked me why he just doesn't drink more. Sounds sensible and easy. Come on Gary - JUST DRINK and make it about 80 ounces every day! Hah! I can hardly get him to drink 20 ounces a day! The only thing I can say is that it sounds easy but believe me when I tell you that it is soooooooooo incredibly far from easy. It is also hard for Gary to eat much of anything. He is sick and weak and miserable right now. He told me that he is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Who could blame him? Frankly I am surprised it took him this long to feel that way.
Who are we kidding? If I were in his position I would be bitching and moaning and whining and complaining. Over and over and over again and I would not care who had to listen to me over and over and over again! Would it get me anywhere? WHO CARES! I would just want to make sure everyone understood how bad it sucked to be me! Thank God Gary is not me for my sake! I guess my statement makes me super selfish and proves my point further that Gary is a saint!
We have an appointment with Dr. Barth tomorrow during Gary's hydration. I am certain he wants to check in with Gary and we will be seeing him every week to do just that.
Guys, I had no idea how many people in this world are affected by cancer. I truly admire all of the people who are fighting this ugly disease and I also admire the nurses who are dedicated to taking care of these people who endure so much suffering. It is truly a privilege for me to talk to all of the "regulars" we meet in both of the oncology offices each day. Everyone has a story and everyone is so so incredibly courageous and it is during these very conversations I learn that we are truly not alone and do not have to go through this without other cancer patients supporting both Gary and me.
Geez, I am so serious. Sorry. I will stop that right this second.
Do I have any funny kid stories? Nope
Any way I could possibly make fun of Gary? YES. Can I point out that Gary SNORES beyond anything acceptable! So, just because he has cancer I am supposed to be nice to him? Whatever. You don't have to try to sleep next to him and deal with it! It is soooooooo annoying. I have been smacking him and firmly and loudly saying his name to get him to stop. It works temporarily. Better than not at all!
Gary has been struggling terribly with short-term memory loss. It is getting better but I am thinking about installing a large chalkboard on the wall of the bedroom so that I can write everything down that I tell him and then I would have to get pissed at him when I have to tell him again and again and again. I am kinda exaggerating but not really. He is getting better as he is taking far less medication than before. I could really mess with him right now while I have the opportunity. But, I will not do that to him - just yet.
So far Gary has not lost a folicle of hair. Go figure. He has threatened me several times that he is going to bic his head. I refuse to let him do that. If he is not losing his hair then there is not one good reason for him to shave his head BALD! For those of you who have not seen him Gary is sporting a beard and moustache and I must say that it is not as grey as I thought it would be. I am fairly used to it now and he would probably look funny without it.
The boys are going to Disneyland tomorrow after school and Gary's parents are going home for about 3 weeks. I will be leaning on all of our friends to help me while family is away. My hands are getting fuller with 3 demanding boys, homework for all three (gotta love that) and laundry for all 5 of us (I hate folding laundry), 9X at the baseball fields per week (not so bad), Gary and his daily "things"(toooooo many to list), managing medication(too many to discuss), my ministry work (love all my kids!) , cooking (only when I have time) and cleaning (I love Petra - the lovely Czech girl who cleans our home - she is super cute and very single! ), taxi cabbing(have I told all of you how much I despise driving? Now you know), snackbaring (love it), text messaging(much better than talking on the phone), E-mailing (love it), blogging( hard but necessary and definitely theraputic), jogging(going nowhere fast), and everything else! I will try to fit a shower or two in there as well for myself! :)
Hey, things could be worse and I honestly am doing really well. All kidding aside I am just tackling each day as it comes and not going ahead. Every day is different and challenging and I look forward to each new one. I hope some of my positive attitude can help Gary to get through the really rough spots. I am really super happy despite everything we are experiencing.
As you can see it is late and I am kinda tired. I have so much to do but need to get some shut eye before I set out to rule the world!
Please continue to pray that God heals Gary by taking his cancer away. I have no intention of trying to stand in God's way and I fully understand that He will carry out His plans regardless of what we desire. But, we can still ask and He still wants us to come to Him in prayer.
Pray that Gary feels better and that he gets well enough to withstand chemo again next Monday. His platelets sharply dropped over the weekend and he needs to get stronger. He feels like he has the worst case of the flu complete with stomach cramps and extreme fatigue. Poor Gary.
Love our baseball friends and home group friends and family friends and school friends and personal friends and church friends and all the other friends we have. Wow, either we have loads of friends or everyone just feels sorry for us and pretends to like us just because Gary has cancer! The lengths we go to just to surround ourselves with people! Pathetic :) !
Love to all and keep praying because prayer Works and Prayer Changes Things!
A prayer for all of you that was sent to me by my friend Tyra...............................
"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
Love,
L
I know some of you are thinking and you might be asking why we are at the docs office everyday. Here is the reason - Gary is very dehydrated. So many people have asked me why he just doesn't drink more. Sounds sensible and easy. Come on Gary - JUST DRINK and make it about 80 ounces every day! Hah! I can hardly get him to drink 20 ounces a day! The only thing I can say is that it sounds easy but believe me when I tell you that it is soooooooooo incredibly far from easy. It is also hard for Gary to eat much of anything. He is sick and weak and miserable right now. He told me that he is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Who could blame him? Frankly I am surprised it took him this long to feel that way.
Who are we kidding? If I were in his position I would be bitching and moaning and whining and complaining. Over and over and over again and I would not care who had to listen to me over and over and over again! Would it get me anywhere? WHO CARES! I would just want to make sure everyone understood how bad it sucked to be me! Thank God Gary is not me for my sake! I guess my statement makes me super selfish and proves my point further that Gary is a saint!
We have an appointment with Dr. Barth tomorrow during Gary's hydration. I am certain he wants to check in with Gary and we will be seeing him every week to do just that.
Guys, I had no idea how many people in this world are affected by cancer. I truly admire all of the people who are fighting this ugly disease and I also admire the nurses who are dedicated to taking care of these people who endure so much suffering. It is truly a privilege for me to talk to all of the "regulars" we meet in both of the oncology offices each day. Everyone has a story and everyone is so so incredibly courageous and it is during these very conversations I learn that we are truly not alone and do not have to go through this without other cancer patients supporting both Gary and me.
Geez, I am so serious. Sorry. I will stop that right this second.
Do I have any funny kid stories? Nope
Any way I could possibly make fun of Gary? YES. Can I point out that Gary SNORES beyond anything acceptable! So, just because he has cancer I am supposed to be nice to him? Whatever. You don't have to try to sleep next to him and deal with it! It is soooooooo annoying. I have been smacking him and firmly and loudly saying his name to get him to stop. It works temporarily. Better than not at all!
Gary has been struggling terribly with short-term memory loss. It is getting better but I am thinking about installing a large chalkboard on the wall of the bedroom so that I can write everything down that I tell him and then I would have to get pissed at him when I have to tell him again and again and again. I am kinda exaggerating but not really. He is getting better as he is taking far less medication than before. I could really mess with him right now while I have the opportunity. But, I will not do that to him - just yet.
So far Gary has not lost a folicle of hair. Go figure. He has threatened me several times that he is going to bic his head. I refuse to let him do that. If he is not losing his hair then there is not one good reason for him to shave his head BALD! For those of you who have not seen him Gary is sporting a beard and moustache and I must say that it is not as grey as I thought it would be. I am fairly used to it now and he would probably look funny without it.
The boys are going to Disneyland tomorrow after school and Gary's parents are going home for about 3 weeks. I will be leaning on all of our friends to help me while family is away. My hands are getting fuller with 3 demanding boys, homework for all three (gotta love that) and laundry for all 5 of us (I hate folding laundry), 9X at the baseball fields per week (not so bad), Gary and his daily "things"(toooooo many to list), managing medication(too many to discuss), my ministry work (love all my kids!) , cooking (only when I have time) and cleaning (I love Petra - the lovely Czech girl who cleans our home - she is super cute and very single! ), taxi cabbing(have I told all of you how much I despise driving? Now you know), snackbaring (love it), text messaging(much better than talking on the phone), E-mailing (love it), blogging( hard but necessary and definitely theraputic), jogging(going nowhere fast), and everything else! I will try to fit a shower or two in there as well for myself! :)
Hey, things could be worse and I honestly am doing really well. All kidding aside I am just tackling each day as it comes and not going ahead. Every day is different and challenging and I look forward to each new one. I hope some of my positive attitude can help Gary to get through the really rough spots. I am really super happy despite everything we are experiencing.
As you can see it is late and I am kinda tired. I have so much to do but need to get some shut eye before I set out to rule the world!
Please continue to pray that God heals Gary by taking his cancer away. I have no intention of trying to stand in God's way and I fully understand that He will carry out His plans regardless of what we desire. But, we can still ask and He still wants us to come to Him in prayer.
Pray that Gary feels better and that he gets well enough to withstand chemo again next Monday. His platelets sharply dropped over the weekend and he needs to get stronger. He feels like he has the worst case of the flu complete with stomach cramps and extreme fatigue. Poor Gary.
Love our baseball friends and home group friends and family friends and school friends and personal friends and church friends and all the other friends we have. Wow, either we have loads of friends or everyone just feels sorry for us and pretends to like us just because Gary has cancer! The lengths we go to just to surround ourselves with people! Pathetic :) !
Love to all and keep praying because prayer Works and Prayer Changes Things!
A prayer for all of you that was sent to me by my friend Tyra...............................
"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
Love,
L
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Saturday Night
Whoa. What a long weekend thus far! I just got to Matt & Jen's and it is 9PM. I am bracing myself for a VERY VERY VERY LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGG night. We will be at the gymnasium with our 5th & 6th graders from 10 PM until 11 PM and then we are going to Denny's or Harbor House Cafe!! Whose house will we TP tonight??? Unleash your dogs and watch your homes! Here we come!!
Anyhow, Gary made it to the fields today to watch some of Zach and Nate's games. Jax was home with a fever and Gary went back to the doctors today to another blood transfusion - 2 in 2 days. He feels awful and his counts are dropping rapidly and he is starting to get SUPER SICK of BEING SICK!
I have to go but promise to write after our Home Group leaves tomorrow night! I am so excited that everyone is coming over for dinner!
Love, L
Anyhow, Gary made it to the fields today to watch some of Zach and Nate's games. Jax was home with a fever and Gary went back to the doctors today to another blood transfusion - 2 in 2 days. He feels awful and his counts are dropping rapidly and he is starting to get SUPER SICK of BEING SICK!
I have to go but promise to write after our Home Group leaves tomorrow night! I am so excited that everyone is coming over for dinner!
Love, L
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
MARCH 4th
Tonight was the ONLY night I had that did not involve baseball. So, I planned to go to Tortilla Flats on the Lake for Taco Tuesday. We got there around 5:45 tonight and bought our taco tickets and sat down in the bar. We began to talk and laugh and all of the sudden everything came to a screaching hault!
My companion, who we will call Fanny in order to save face, began choking. Fanny was crying and after taking a bite of her taco knew that she had swallowed a sharp piece of the shell and it was lodged deep inside her throat. It was stabbing her throat. So, we went into the bathroom (only after the entire bar full of drunk and sober people were staring at us) and she tried to get it out of her throat. It hurt so bad and I sat outside the stall wondering what I should do. Do I drive her to the hospital? Call 911? Make her drink more to get the sharp shell loose? So, I ask her. We decide we need to call 911. So, I make the call and all I have to say about 911 was that in the midst of trying to get them to the restaurant they actually asked me to leave Fanny in the restroom to go the the front of the restaurant to get their actual physical street address! What, am I calling 911 in Utah or something? I told them the restaurant and the cross streets. Obviously it was not enough! Idiots!
Back to my story.
Fanny and I are standing in the restroom and she is panicking while we wait. The waitress comes in to see how we are. I got to thinking about what my night out was going to look like and I proceed to ask the waitress( as Fanny was coughing - like a cat hacking up a fur ball) - to box up our food in a to go box so that I will have something to eat at the hospital. I am no fool. I have spent countless hours at hospitals and I wanted my dollar tacos dang it!
The door swings open, the paramedics storm in (ALL 6 of them - 4 of them are H O T) and they look at Fanny as she swallows the shell and declares that she is fine. Our friend - we will call her Wilma - shows up and calls us to ask where we are. I ask her if she sees the paramedics. I tell her to come into the bathroom as Fanny has just been through a traumatic event!
The moral of the story - If you don't want to be around medical professionals then don't hang out with me! At least the paramedics were cute! :)
We ended up staying and had a great time and laugh. Poor Fanny. She will NEVER live it down!
GARY UPDATE
He had chemo yesterday and feels like crap today. We spent a good part of the day at Dr. Barth's office and will do the same tomorrow. Gary needs to be hydrated and this is a great way to do it. Jana was his nurse and her son Nick plays baseball in the same league as our boys. She was so great with Gary and it was so wonderful having her take care of Gary.
He is alseep now and will hopefully have a better day tomorrow.
Love to all and be very careful - I am talkng to you Steve - when eating a hard taco!
Love,
Lisa
My companion, who we will call Fanny in order to save face, began choking. Fanny was crying and after taking a bite of her taco knew that she had swallowed a sharp piece of the shell and it was lodged deep inside her throat. It was stabbing her throat. So, we went into the bathroom (only after the entire bar full of drunk and sober people were staring at us) and she tried to get it out of her throat. It hurt so bad and I sat outside the stall wondering what I should do. Do I drive her to the hospital? Call 911? Make her drink more to get the sharp shell loose? So, I ask her. We decide we need to call 911. So, I make the call and all I have to say about 911 was that in the midst of trying to get them to the restaurant they actually asked me to leave Fanny in the restroom to go the the front of the restaurant to get their actual physical street address! What, am I calling 911 in Utah or something? I told them the restaurant and the cross streets. Obviously it was not enough! Idiots!
Back to my story.
Fanny and I are standing in the restroom and she is panicking while we wait. The waitress comes in to see how we are. I got to thinking about what my night out was going to look like and I proceed to ask the waitress( as Fanny was coughing - like a cat hacking up a fur ball) - to box up our food in a to go box so that I will have something to eat at the hospital. I am no fool. I have spent countless hours at hospitals and I wanted my dollar tacos dang it!
The door swings open, the paramedics storm in (ALL 6 of them - 4 of them are H O T) and they look at Fanny as she swallows the shell and declares that she is fine. Our friend - we will call her Wilma - shows up and calls us to ask where we are. I ask her if she sees the paramedics. I tell her to come into the bathroom as Fanny has just been through a traumatic event!
The moral of the story - If you don't want to be around medical professionals then don't hang out with me! At least the paramedics were cute! :)
We ended up staying and had a great time and laugh. Poor Fanny. She will NEVER live it down!
GARY UPDATE
He had chemo yesterday and feels like crap today. We spent a good part of the day at Dr. Barth's office and will do the same tomorrow. Gary needs to be hydrated and this is a great way to do it. Jana was his nurse and her son Nick plays baseball in the same league as our boys. She was so great with Gary and it was so wonderful having her take care of Gary.
He is alseep now and will hopefully have a better day tomorrow.
Love to all and be very careful - I am talkng to you Steve - when eating a hard taco!
Love,
Lisa
Saturday, March 1, 2008
END OF A LONG DAY
Just a quick hello and update.
Gary - prasie God - was able to come and watch part of Nate's and and Jax's game today! Zach did not play as he was too sick but the other boys had the energy so we both told them they could play!
Despite the massive effort it took to get Gary to the fields he REALLY enjoyed being there at the game and the boys LOVED that he came. How blessed we are that he was able to make it.
Gary's parents are on their way and should be here tonight. Auntie Robin is in tomorrow.
I am tired and have a very long day tomorrow so I need to get to bed - BTW - WITH MY HUBBY!!! I love having him home with us. :)
Love and Sweet Dreams,
L
THANKS TO Matt, Kendyl, Stacy & Ren for all your help today! XOXO
Gary - prasie God - was able to come and watch part of Nate's and and Jax's game today! Zach did not play as he was too sick but the other boys had the energy so we both told them they could play!
Despite the massive effort it took to get Gary to the fields he REALLY enjoyed being there at the game and the boys LOVED that he came. How blessed we are that he was able to make it.
Gary's parents are on their way and should be here tonight. Auntie Robin is in tomorrow.
I am tired and have a very long day tomorrow so I need to get to bed - BTW - WITH MY HUBBY!!! I love having him home with us. :)
Love and Sweet Dreams,
L
THANKS TO Matt, Kendyl, Stacy & Ren for all your help today! XOXO
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