I went up relatively early last night - I watched Top Chef - Just Desserts and went up a bit after 11PM and was pretty quickly asleep. Normal morning here - Nick started his chanting of not wanting to go to school before he woke up. Ellie got off to the bus - I got nick dressed and then he hid under the table so I couldn't grab him to get to school. He cried the entire way there and stopped once we got to school (a bit early) and we played on the playground but as soon as the bell rang for the students he flipped out again - it was reassuring to see another boy doing the same thing.
I went to Mom's for a solo visit with T-Bone. Mom and I loaded a bunch of free kid apps on their iPad and played them with T. By far the favorite thing we did this morning was echoing each others sounds. Soon - it was time to go pick Nick up and sure enough he ran to me with his huge smile saying he had another great day. Nick told me about his day and everything he did and told me the usual - that he didn't make any friends today because they were too busy. We came home and had lunch - we had an afternoon play date with Christi and Su'Nana. I put a call into Margaret and left a message asking about my CT scan results which I still haven't heard anything back on. I am thinking no news is good news and the fact that my previous scans always just showed the tumor and nodes but it would be nice to have some resolution on this.
Christi called and we said we'd meet at Oakton Park - the sun stayed hidden and the temperature seemed to drop and I was freezing.
The kids had a great time playing and exploring together - Christi and I had a chance to talk and laugh. We had to say goodbye to get back to get the girls off the bus - as we pulled in Rob was happily waiting to get Ellie. I retired to the couch with my hot pad and a blanket and slept. I am not sure if this is already a side effect from the xeloda or just the Fall weather but I can barely keep my eyes open. Rob took Ellie to run and picker her up and they came home and played - I woke up a bit after 5.
We heated up dinner and had dinner together - Nick, the nutball, was rubbing mango all around his face - no wonder he has this rash all around his mouth. Rob took Nick up for a bath while Ellie had dessert and got her pjs on. We all cuddled up on the couch and watched Unwrapped on food network - Mom bought the kids snuggies and they were both wearing them to cuddle - too funny. Rob took Nick up for bedtime - he just told me Nick didn't want to take his snuggie off so we will have to pull his arms out soon so he doesn't kill himself. Ellie went up and was quickly asleep, too. I made some hot tea in hopes of warming up - Rob joined me - it did help.
Nothing really to complain about today other than the tiredness and being cold - I switched sides on my Scarlett belt and now the little plastic adjusty piece isn't hitting me in my lower back so my lower back isn't hurting as much. I totally need a session with Patricia - haven't seen her in 2 weeks - I need to call and see if I can get in tomorrow if not I am thinking a pedicure might be an acceptable second. Visualising my healthy body, an un-remarkable xeloda course and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I survived my trip around the world
Stayed up and caught the last half of the Breakfast Club last night but fell asleep during the credits and woke up to the credits of whatever was on after. I had the window by my head open and I was cold then hot. We were all up this morning - the rain was intense and then it began to hail. Ellie made it onto the bus before the sky truly opened up. Nick decided he didn't want to go to school again but really was insistent about it the entire ride crying before we actually got there. He covered up his seat belt so I couldn't easily get him out and tried to sit down on the very wet pavement when I got him out. I scooped him up and carried him inside - the teachers worked to pry him away and I ran out.
We came home and I started to prep for Around the World in 80 minutes. I went around the house to collect trinkets from our various countries - last night I printed out flags and maps. I cut up the chocolate and cheese and made the alfredo sauce. Ellie asked if I could print out samples of handwriting from the different countries so I went to do some googling. I decided against handwriting and went to pick-up Nick. He came running out telling me how fun school was and then ran through all the things he did. We came home and I did some more prep for school and Rob and Nick went out for lunch together.
I got to school and set up our food and our trinkets and soon enough the kids were back from lunch and using their passports to travel the world. Kids make me laugh - some didn't know where they were from, some just constantly wanted to interject and some just ask awesome questions. There were 8 rotation of kids and then at the conclusion of their travels they got to feast on an international buffet. It really was an incredible spread of food and to think it just represented the third grade. I had one little boy who had 5 servings of my tortellini and he came back at the end to tell me it was his birthday next month (I'm not sure if we wanted me to make him tortellini for his birthday or what that was about). I had another boy who swore the crackers I had bought to put the cheese on were the tastiest crackers he has ever had. I packed up and came home - I was truly tired.
Rob got Ellie off the bus and Rob left for some time out with a friend - the kids and I went in the yard to play. They tried to rake leaves and jump in the piles but the leaves were all wet from the rain. We came in because none of the neighbors could play today and Ellie did some homework and Nick watched a Thomas video. I tried to shut my eyes for a bit but Nick was relentless in trying to keep me up. Rob came home and I got dinner started - he had Mom and Dad over for our Wednesday night dinner. We had a nice dinner together where Nick shared stuff from school and Ellie shared her word search. Rob took the kids up for their bath, Mom helped me change Scarlett and Dad helped Ellie with her word search.
Rob got the kids to sleep and I am sitting on the couch blogging - I think my ovaries were finally trying to work again and now I am torturing them with xeloda - I have zits, hormones and huge pelvic pain. I guess we will see what has stronger will and power. 2nd xeloda day and no complications - just a bit tired but I think that was activity level. Visualising my healthy body, my non-remarkable xeloda course and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
We came home and I started to prep for Around the World in 80 minutes. I went around the house to collect trinkets from our various countries - last night I printed out flags and maps. I cut up the chocolate and cheese and made the alfredo sauce. Ellie asked if I could print out samples of handwriting from the different countries so I went to do some googling. I decided against handwriting and went to pick-up Nick. He came running out telling me how fun school was and then ran through all the things he did. We came home and I did some more prep for school and Rob and Nick went out for lunch together.
I got to school and set up our food and our trinkets and soon enough the kids were back from lunch and using their passports to travel the world. Kids make me laugh - some didn't know where they were from, some just constantly wanted to interject and some just ask awesome questions. There were 8 rotation of kids and then at the conclusion of their travels they got to feast on an international buffet. It really was an incredible spread of food and to think it just represented the third grade. I had one little boy who had 5 servings of my tortellini and he came back at the end to tell me it was his birthday next month (I'm not sure if we wanted me to make him tortellini for his birthday or what that was about). I had another boy who swore the crackers I had bought to put the cheese on were the tastiest crackers he has ever had. I packed up and came home - I was truly tired.
Rob got Ellie off the bus and Rob left for some time out with a friend - the kids and I went in the yard to play. They tried to rake leaves and jump in the piles but the leaves were all wet from the rain. We came in because none of the neighbors could play today and Ellie did some homework and Nick watched a Thomas video. I tried to shut my eyes for a bit but Nick was relentless in trying to keep me up. Rob came home and I got dinner started - he had Mom and Dad over for our Wednesday night dinner. We had a nice dinner together where Nick shared stuff from school and Ellie shared her word search. Rob took the kids up for their bath, Mom helped me change Scarlett and Dad helped Ellie with her word search.
Rob got the kids to sleep and I am sitting on the couch blogging - I think my ovaries were finally trying to work again and now I am torturing them with xeloda - I have zits, hormones and huge pelvic pain. I guess we will see what has stronger will and power. 2nd xeloda day and no complications - just a bit tired but I think that was activity level. Visualising my healthy body, my non-remarkable xeloda course and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
1 day down - 13 to go
Another night that I really couldn't tell you what I watched because I was only half into it - I think I watched hgtv. Average sleeping night for all - except Nick woke up at 5AM and turned his bedroom light on because he couldn't find the way out of his room. Nick woke up at regular time saying he didn't want to go to school today - I said we would talk about it later. We got downstairs and Ellie asked Nick what he thought he would do at school and he said Mom said we would talk about it later - too funny. We got Ellie off to the bus and Nick dressed and I told him it was Tuesday and on Tuesday we go to school. After some more convincing he was cool about the idea.
Rob and I drove him to school and I walked him up - he was fine until the teacher asked if he wanted to give me a kiss and a hug - then he became attached to my pant lag and wouldn't let go - the teacher helped pry him away and quickly shut the door. I started xeloda today so I forgot about the routine - zofran when I wake up, wait an hour to eat and another 30 minutes after that to take the xeloda. It was successful this morning - no nausea. Rob and I were off to Target for some random shopping. It was very nice to take my time through Target and not be rushed or driven crazy. We stopped at Farm Fresh for some international goods - tomorrow is Around the World in 80 minutes at Ellie's school and I am helping represent Europe. It was a great day to stop in at Farm Fresh - the brie and chevrie cheese I was picking up were ultra on sale because the expiration date is this coming weekend and I was able to get the chocolate bars from Poland. We stopped by Best Buy to look at laptops - my laptop is getting old. It doesn't hold a charge for more than 20 minutes, it is missing the 6 key and now the left "mouse" button is permanently depressed. If anyone has any laptop suggestions we are not buying until this weekend.
We dropped off some stuff at Salvation Army and came home. Our neighbors were getting into their car when we pulled in and said she had something for me and produced some lasagna for dinner. Mom and I had plans for after I picked up Nick - a wine run, a quick trip to Costco and lunch. Rob decided to play around here and I left to pick up Nick - he was playing a game with a few other kids and was happily involved - although as soon as the teacher said come find your parents he zeroed in on me and came running full speed - I got a giant hug. Nick and I went to Mom's and we filled our drink up and got on the road. We stopped by Costco and then Binny's before lunch at Wendy's. I reminded Mom that my car was at her house and she said she would drive me in between taking Ellie for running - but plans changed. We came back here and Rob took Nick outside for a bit - Mom and I watched some tv. Christi stopped by with dinner and dessert for us and volunteered to pick Ellie up from running - so I asked if Su'Nana could stay with us - she could and did. I got Ellie off the bus and she did a bit of homework before Rob took her to run.
Rob went for a massage after he dropped Ellie and Nick and Su'Nana played and watched some of Chitty Chitty before deciding they wanted to go outside again just when Christi arrived. The kids played for a bit before Christi went to pick up our girls. Mom left to go home - I said I would pick up my car later tonight or tomorrow. The girls came back with Christi and everyone played out front. We scheduled a play date for Thursday with Christi and Su'Nana and we said goodnight. Ellie and Nick and I put Chitty Chitty back on for nick while Ellie did her homework - I got to work on the enormous amount of laundry to put away - it was ridiculous it took over an hour. Rob came home and put away his clothes. We had re-heat dinner tonight - we had so many left overs we needed to make room for our great dinners we got today. Rob arranged that Dad would swing by on his way home and give him a ride to pick up my car. After dinner I took my xeloda - bad tummy - I am not sure if it is medicine related or emotionally related.
I gave the kids their bath and got them into pjs and we came downstairs to finish the movie - I forgot how long the movie is but I think Nick and I might just be rediscovering it soon. I told Rob tonight I was ready for him to go back to work - there is just a point you get to where you have been around each other too much and we've reached it. I am disappointed I didn't hear anything from Dr. Marsh today about my scan - no news is good news? Visualising my healthy body, an un-remarkable xeloda course and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
Rob and I drove him to school and I walked him up - he was fine until the teacher asked if he wanted to give me a kiss and a hug - then he became attached to my pant lag and wouldn't let go - the teacher helped pry him away and quickly shut the door. I started xeloda today so I forgot about the routine - zofran when I wake up, wait an hour to eat and another 30 minutes after that to take the xeloda. It was successful this morning - no nausea. Rob and I were off to Target for some random shopping. It was very nice to take my time through Target and not be rushed or driven crazy. We stopped at Farm Fresh for some international goods - tomorrow is Around the World in 80 minutes at Ellie's school and I am helping represent Europe. It was a great day to stop in at Farm Fresh - the brie and chevrie cheese I was picking up were ultra on sale because the expiration date is this coming weekend and I was able to get the chocolate bars from Poland. We stopped by Best Buy to look at laptops - my laptop is getting old. It doesn't hold a charge for more than 20 minutes, it is missing the 6 key and now the left "mouse" button is permanently depressed. If anyone has any laptop suggestions we are not buying until this weekend.
We dropped off some stuff at Salvation Army and came home. Our neighbors were getting into their car when we pulled in and said she had something for me and produced some lasagna for dinner. Mom and I had plans for after I picked up Nick - a wine run, a quick trip to Costco and lunch. Rob decided to play around here and I left to pick up Nick - he was playing a game with a few other kids and was happily involved - although as soon as the teacher said come find your parents he zeroed in on me and came running full speed - I got a giant hug. Nick and I went to Mom's and we filled our drink up and got on the road. We stopped by Costco and then Binny's before lunch at Wendy's. I reminded Mom that my car was at her house and she said she would drive me in between taking Ellie for running - but plans changed. We came back here and Rob took Nick outside for a bit - Mom and I watched some tv. Christi stopped by with dinner and dessert for us and volunteered to pick Ellie up from running - so I asked if Su'Nana could stay with us - she could and did. I got Ellie off the bus and she did a bit of homework before Rob took her to run.
Rob went for a massage after he dropped Ellie and Nick and Su'Nana played and watched some of Chitty Chitty before deciding they wanted to go outside again just when Christi arrived. The kids played for a bit before Christi went to pick up our girls. Mom left to go home - I said I would pick up my car later tonight or tomorrow. The girls came back with Christi and everyone played out front. We scheduled a play date for Thursday with Christi and Su'Nana and we said goodnight. Ellie and Nick and I put Chitty Chitty back on for nick while Ellie did her homework - I got to work on the enormous amount of laundry to put away - it was ridiculous it took over an hour. Rob came home and put away his clothes. We had re-heat dinner tonight - we had so many left overs we needed to make room for our great dinners we got today. Rob arranged that Dad would swing by on his way home and give him a ride to pick up my car. After dinner I took my xeloda - bad tummy - I am not sure if it is medicine related or emotionally related.
I gave the kids their bath and got them into pjs and we came downstairs to finish the movie - I forgot how long the movie is but I think Nick and I might just be rediscovering it soon. I told Rob tonight I was ready for him to go back to work - there is just a point you get to where you have been around each other too much and we've reached it. I am disappointed I didn't hear anything from Dr. Marsh today about my scan - no news is good news? Visualising my healthy body, an un-remarkable xeloda course and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday - I want to be sedated
I stayed up and watched Beautiful Girls last night tried to relax enough to go upstairs. It took about another hour of clock watching last night to fall asleep. Even though we had no kids to wake us up early this morning I had to get up and drink the prep fro my CT scan. Rob slept in a bit but came down to join me not too much after I got up. I mixed the prep with cranberry juice again and have the same complaint as last time - I don't drink that much juice ever and to drink it on a timetable is gross. I showered and got ready to go to my first appointment of the day.
We arrived and checked in and I was sent to the waiting room where I got to read about half a magazine before being taken back.
Tommy took me back and asked if I had any questions - I said no I was a pro at this by now. He got me set up on the table and told me Amy would be in to start my IV - I said Amy would not be in to start my IV because she couldn't start it successfully last time. Ben came in to start my IV and guess what - he was no better than Amy. He tried my left arm first and he couldn't get the catheter to advance. Right arm fished a bit but when Ben saw me wincing he stopped and pulled it saying he was going to get a nurse. I can't even remember the name of the nurse who came in but she looked at my arms and asked if I was always a hard stick - um yes. She was able to get it on the first try but it didn't feel like it was right. The test started - one I am all too familiar with now - breathe in, hold breathe, breathe. Ben came in to push the dye and I wasn't getting the warm tingle feeling that I have previously - he then came back in and held my arm at various angles until I felt the warm tingle - guess I was right about that IV not feeling right. The test ended I got my complimentary bottle of water and Rob and I went to get some breakfast.
We went to Le Peep in Evanston to eat and it was nice to just be able to visit and not have to be interrupted by the kids. Mom called while we were out to let us know that she was going to take the kids to see Alpha & Omega this afternoon while I was at my Dr. Muldoon appointment. I stopped by Mom's house on the way back to ours to give the kids a smooch. I got the sleep report or the lack of sleep report and a few kisses and hugs before we went home. I put my feet up on the couch and took a nap waking up just a couple minutes before we needed to leave to go back to the hospital. We arrived and although we had a wait for vitals - Dr. Muldoon was very prompt today. My blood pressure was higher that I am accustomed to but I was pretty nervous about the colon-ring. We sat and talked with Dr. Muldoon first - he asked how things have been going at home - I said much better than they had in the hospital. I asked exactly how much of my colon I am without now and he told me he had removed my entire rectum and sigmoid colon so about 14" or 15" - nothing I cannot live without. Then came the fun part - if you don't want to hear graphic details jump down to the next paragraph. I jumped up on the table and assumed the left sided position - Dr. Muldoon told me it wasn't going to feel real good - he was right. Sure enough the sneaky colon-ring was still there and he did a count of 1,2 - I thought he was going to 3 but no he just said pressure, pressure. That was it the ring was out - no sedative or numbing agent - he asked if I wanted to see it and I decided against it. I got dressed and Rob came back in.
I asked if I had his approval to do the 5K with Ellie - he gave me his permission to walk it and even run it but said I wouldn't feel so good running it. I asked his permission to start chemo tomorrow - no problem he said. He did say my incisions looked most excellent - I told him I had to give props to the staphysagria (the homeopathy specifically for surgical wound healing). He quickly said it was good I thought so and moved on - wow that integrative medicine department is like the bastard child of the hospital. That was about it - still no heavy lifting and I will see him again in about 6 weeks. Rob and I walked over to Kellogg pharmacy to pickup my 2 week supply of xeloda and zofran - this time around I will be on a higher dose of xeloda - 4 pills twice a day. Woohoo appointment day was done. We came home and Rob went out to the garage to play while I did my part to sedate myself - a giant glass of red wine. I had discussed with Mom taking an ativan before my appointment today and she talked me out of it saying we didn't know what he might use as a sedative in his office - apparently nothing.
Mom called to say they were coming home from the show - Rob and I went and sat on the front porch for a bit. Nick fell asleep during the movie and Ellie described in detail many scenes of the movie for me, Mom told me to save our money and not consider putting it on our netflix list. Rob took both jeeps out for the kids to ride together and that worked great until the neighbors came out and half a dozen kids wanted to ride too. Nick went nuts (again) and was jumping over the neighbors Halloween decorations and finally took them down when I asked him to stop. I took Nick inside for calm down time and Ellie played outside for a bit longer. I fell asleep on the couch again- I guess drinking the giant glass of wine at 2 in the afternoon does put a wrench in things.
We ordered dinner from Dengeos - it was school fundraiser day and the PTA gets 20% of the receipts today. The kids found out that Handy Manny had his special on tonight so we had our dinner picnic style. I did some laundry - I have 3 over-filled baskets to put away tomorrow - full laundry baskets and 2 flights of stairs fall into the heavy lifting category. The kids took a quick bath and Rob attempted to get Nick to sleep. We had the windows open but between the neighbors starting their fire pit and then incessantly screaming we had to close most of them. The screaming was crazy and I tired to give a clue by slamming the back windows but Rob after 30 minutes of trying to get Nick to sleep stormed out to the upstairs deck and told them to be quiet - worked for about 10 minutes - then they started again. I would normally be more understanding but it was pitch black outside and the screaming was at a shrill tone and so not acceptable. Ellie and I finally went upstairs and I switched places with Rob and he took over Ellie. Finally, 2 sleeping children under our roof.
Cool thing happened today - over a year ago Rob and I won a custom sketch of our house from a school fundraiser - long story short - the gift certificate has been in Rob's drawer all this time but while he has been off he took care of all the details and today it was delivered. It looks so awesome - the detail is insane - I need to get it framed and find the perfect spot to hang it up. Needless to say, I have some pains today that weren't previously bothering me - hopefully that will go away soon. I wanted to ask Dr. Muldoon what would happen if we just left it in but didn't. I did ask how many rings "naturally" come out and he admitted none have come out "naturally" when an ostomy is placed - shouldn't that be part of the consent form? Changing it up tonight because recovery has been going pretty well - Visualising my healthy body, an un-remarkable xeloda course and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
We arrived and checked in and I was sent to the waiting room where I got to read about half a magazine before being taken back.
Tommy took me back and asked if I had any questions - I said no I was a pro at this by now. He got me set up on the table and told me Amy would be in to start my IV - I said Amy would not be in to start my IV because she couldn't start it successfully last time. Ben came in to start my IV and guess what - he was no better than Amy. He tried my left arm first and he couldn't get the catheter to advance. Right arm fished a bit but when Ben saw me wincing he stopped and pulled it saying he was going to get a nurse. I can't even remember the name of the nurse who came in but she looked at my arms and asked if I was always a hard stick - um yes. She was able to get it on the first try but it didn't feel like it was right. The test started - one I am all too familiar with now - breathe in, hold breathe, breathe. Ben came in to push the dye and I wasn't getting the warm tingle feeling that I have previously - he then came back in and held my arm at various angles until I felt the warm tingle - guess I was right about that IV not feeling right. The test ended I got my complimentary bottle of water and Rob and I went to get some breakfast.
We went to Le Peep in Evanston to eat and it was nice to just be able to visit and not have to be interrupted by the kids. Mom called while we were out to let us know that she was going to take the kids to see Alpha & Omega this afternoon while I was at my Dr. Muldoon appointment. I stopped by Mom's house on the way back to ours to give the kids a smooch. I got the sleep report or the lack of sleep report and a few kisses and hugs before we went home. I put my feet up on the couch and took a nap waking up just a couple minutes before we needed to leave to go back to the hospital. We arrived and although we had a wait for vitals - Dr. Muldoon was very prompt today. My blood pressure was higher that I am accustomed to but I was pretty nervous about the colon-ring. We sat and talked with Dr. Muldoon first - he asked how things have been going at home - I said much better than they had in the hospital. I asked exactly how much of my colon I am without now and he told me he had removed my entire rectum and sigmoid colon so about 14" or 15" - nothing I cannot live without. Then came the fun part - if you don't want to hear graphic details jump down to the next paragraph. I jumped up on the table and assumed the left sided position - Dr. Muldoon told me it wasn't going to feel real good - he was right. Sure enough the sneaky colon-ring was still there and he did a count of 1,2 - I thought he was going to 3 but no he just said pressure, pressure. That was it the ring was out - no sedative or numbing agent - he asked if I wanted to see it and I decided against it. I got dressed and Rob came back in.
I asked if I had his approval to do the 5K with Ellie - he gave me his permission to walk it and even run it but said I wouldn't feel so good running it. I asked his permission to start chemo tomorrow - no problem he said. He did say my incisions looked most excellent - I told him I had to give props to the staphysagria (the homeopathy specifically for surgical wound healing). He quickly said it was good I thought so and moved on - wow that integrative medicine department is like the bastard child of the hospital. That was about it - still no heavy lifting and I will see him again in about 6 weeks. Rob and I walked over to Kellogg pharmacy to pickup my 2 week supply of xeloda and zofran - this time around I will be on a higher dose of xeloda - 4 pills twice a day. Woohoo appointment day was done. We came home and Rob went out to the garage to play while I did my part to sedate myself - a giant glass of red wine. I had discussed with Mom taking an ativan before my appointment today and she talked me out of it saying we didn't know what he might use as a sedative in his office - apparently nothing.
Mom called to say they were coming home from the show - Rob and I went and sat on the front porch for a bit. Nick fell asleep during the movie and Ellie described in detail many scenes of the movie for me, Mom told me to save our money and not consider putting it on our netflix list. Rob took both jeeps out for the kids to ride together and that worked great until the neighbors came out and half a dozen kids wanted to ride too. Nick went nuts (again) and was jumping over the neighbors Halloween decorations and finally took them down when I asked him to stop. I took Nick inside for calm down time and Ellie played outside for a bit longer. I fell asleep on the couch again- I guess drinking the giant glass of wine at 2 in the afternoon does put a wrench in things.
We ordered dinner from Dengeos - it was school fundraiser day and the PTA gets 20% of the receipts today. The kids found out that Handy Manny had his special on tonight so we had our dinner picnic style. I did some laundry - I have 3 over-filled baskets to put away tomorrow - full laundry baskets and 2 flights of stairs fall into the heavy lifting category. The kids took a quick bath and Rob attempted to get Nick to sleep. We had the windows open but between the neighbors starting their fire pit and then incessantly screaming we had to close most of them. The screaming was crazy and I tired to give a clue by slamming the back windows but Rob after 30 minutes of trying to get Nick to sleep stormed out to the upstairs deck and told them to be quiet - worked for about 10 minutes - then they started again. I would normally be more understanding but it was pitch black outside and the screaming was at a shrill tone and so not acceptable. Ellie and I finally went upstairs and I switched places with Rob and he took over Ellie. Finally, 2 sleeping children under our roof.
Cool thing happened today - over a year ago Rob and I won a custom sketch of our house from a school fundraiser - long story short - the gift certificate has been in Rob's drawer all this time but while he has been off he took care of all the details and today it was delivered. It looks so awesome - the detail is insane - I need to get it framed and find the perfect spot to hang it up. Needless to say, I have some pains today that weren't previously bothering me - hopefully that will go away soon. I wanted to ask Dr. Muldoon what would happen if we just left it in but didn't. I did ask how many rings "naturally" come out and he admitted none have come out "naturally" when an ostomy is placed - shouldn't that be part of the consent form? Changing it up tonight because recovery has been going pretty well - Visualising my healthy body, an un-remarkable xeloda course and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
Sunday, October 10, 2010
What a perfect Sunday
Rob went up mid way through the news and I found the world's most bizarre and funny movie on cable - Nothing But Trouble with John Candy and Chevy Chase -great retro movie from the 1990s. After that was over I found Romy & Michelle was just beginning and I had only caught it mid way through the other night. Our house was so hot last night but you can't turn on the a/c in October - it is just wrong. Our bedroom was no better than the rest of the house and even through I went up after 2 movies I watched the clock for over an hour. I got to sleep in this morning (not that I don't sleep in every morning) but real sleep in where Nick is not trying to finger torture me or eye lid poking. The kids were in the basement playing and Rob had heard me coming and filled my coffee cup. I read the paper and was hoping to find some good gym shoes sales but I was un-inspired my the ads.
I showered and we all got dressed and we headed out for our family adventure day. It took the 5th store to actually find gym shoes in Ellie's size - a ladies 6 (but they were the same length as the girls 4.5). Along the way we stopped at Goodwill and Walmart - got a new dvd player and a new power wheels battery so both Nick and Ellie came ride in their jeeps. On the way I saw a banner for a fall festival at Ryerson woods so we came back home that way and went to the fest. We arrived just in time for Rob and the kids to jump in for a wagon ride around the woods. I explored the welcome center and found that they had crafts and a whole itinerary of events. I waited for the crew to get back from their ride and we went in to do the crafts - they make ears of corn with paper and buttons and bats from egg cartons. We also got to see some of the animals that live in the woods - a very long snake, a turtle and frog (these were all living) then they had stuffed squirrels, owls, fox and a deer tail and foot. We went outside and got to see an owl up close, a bee keeper and his honey bees and a lady who made bird feeders from squash. We walked through the farm and saw the chickens and roosters and the biggest turkey ever. The kids got to dress up and stuff a scarecrow and try some vintage farm games. It was awesome - it wasn't crowded at all and honestly it was hot but a gorgeous day.
Our last stop was Nordstrom Rack where we finally found shoes - after trying on about a dozen pairs we found 2 pairs that fit and one was even 50% off. We didn't luck out on the Nick gym shoe front but we did get him a new pair of crocs. The check out line was incredibly long so Rob took the kids outside. I came out to Nick's face being side walk burned - they were walking around a concrete planter and Nick fell. We came home and packed the kids up - they are having an overnight at Mom and Dad's tonight. Nick was kind of a basket case all he wanted to do was ride his jeep today and he thought since we were home that was what we were going to do. Nick wanted to wear his new shoes to Mom and Dad's (they are like Tony's but in a different color). We drove to Mom and Dad's - Jo and Tony arrived after us. Mom and I had a glass of wine and it kind of went straight to our heads. We ordered El Famous for dinner - except I forgot my favorite things - nachos have a layer of lettuce and tomatoes I cannot have so eating was a bit tedious.
After dinner Mom and Ellie helped me change Scarlett - the excellent news is Scarlett has lost a dress size and is down to 1". The annoying news is the new convex wafer are super sticky and even when they seem to be ready to be removed - they are not. I guess it is good from the aspect of that wafer is never going to come off by accident. Rob and I gave the kiddos hugs and kisses and headed home - we had plans to take a walk and enjoy the lovely weather. Rob walked ahead by a step or two so I know I am not walking as quickly as I normally do or maybe he was doing it out of chivalry and was breaking all the spider webs before they hit me.
I have my CT scan tomorrow morning so dinner is it for food until after the scan tomorrow. I also see Dr. Muldoon in the afternoon - busy hospital day. Visualising my healthy body, my continued healthy recovery and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
I showered and we all got dressed and we headed out for our family adventure day. It took the 5th store to actually find gym shoes in Ellie's size - a ladies 6 (but they were the same length as the girls 4.5). Along the way we stopped at Goodwill and Walmart - got a new dvd player and a new power wheels battery so both Nick and Ellie came ride in their jeeps. On the way I saw a banner for a fall festival at Ryerson woods so we came back home that way and went to the fest. We arrived just in time for Rob and the kids to jump in for a wagon ride around the woods. I explored the welcome center and found that they had crafts and a whole itinerary of events. I waited for the crew to get back from their ride and we went in to do the crafts - they make ears of corn with paper and buttons and bats from egg cartons. We also got to see some of the animals that live in the woods - a very long snake, a turtle and frog (these were all living) then they had stuffed squirrels, owls, fox and a deer tail and foot. We went outside and got to see an owl up close, a bee keeper and his honey bees and a lady who made bird feeders from squash. We walked through the farm and saw the chickens and roosters and the biggest turkey ever. The kids got to dress up and stuff a scarecrow and try some vintage farm games. It was awesome - it wasn't crowded at all and honestly it was hot but a gorgeous day.
Our last stop was Nordstrom Rack where we finally found shoes - after trying on about a dozen pairs we found 2 pairs that fit and one was even 50% off. We didn't luck out on the Nick gym shoe front but we did get him a new pair of crocs. The check out line was incredibly long so Rob took the kids outside. I came out to Nick's face being side walk burned - they were walking around a concrete planter and Nick fell. We came home and packed the kids up - they are having an overnight at Mom and Dad's tonight. Nick was kind of a basket case all he wanted to do was ride his jeep today and he thought since we were home that was what we were going to do. Nick wanted to wear his new shoes to Mom and Dad's (they are like Tony's but in a different color). We drove to Mom and Dad's - Jo and Tony arrived after us. Mom and I had a glass of wine and it kind of went straight to our heads. We ordered El Famous for dinner - except I forgot my favorite things - nachos have a layer of lettuce and tomatoes I cannot have so eating was a bit tedious.
After dinner Mom and Ellie helped me change Scarlett - the excellent news is Scarlett has lost a dress size and is down to 1". The annoying news is the new convex wafer are super sticky and even when they seem to be ready to be removed - they are not. I guess it is good from the aspect of that wafer is never going to come off by accident. Rob and I gave the kiddos hugs and kisses and headed home - we had plans to take a walk and enjoy the lovely weather. Rob walked ahead by a step or two so I know I am not walking as quickly as I normally do or maybe he was doing it out of chivalry and was breaking all the spider webs before they hit me.
I have my CT scan tomorrow morning so dinner is it for food until after the scan tomorrow. I also see Dr. Muldoon in the afternoon - busy hospital day. Visualising my healthy body, my continued healthy recovery and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Beautiful Saturday
I stayed up after rob went up - called Mom and talked to her for an hour or so. There was nothing on tv last night so I settled for food network and fell asleep on the couch sometime after midnight. Around 2AM I made my was upstairs to find a little body in my spot - I moved Nick back to his room and fell asleep. Rob did a side job this morning so it was just me and the kiddos. We all got up together and went downstairs and had breakfast. It was just a relaxing morning here - no garage sales worth leaving the house for. The kids didn't have baths last night so we did bath time this morning. I texted Jo to see what she was doing and we ended up getting picked up by the whole gang (Mom, Dad, Jo and T) and went to the dollar store. My kids go nuts in dollar stores because everything "is just a dollar." It wasn't so bad today - we ended up with a pack of plastic skeleton heads, dress up hats and a ball - not bad.
We ran to Home Goods so Jo could look for a new shower curtain - no luck but she did find a pot she bought. We came home and Uncle Dean arrived just minutes after we did. We played outside and enjoyed the day - Nick cruised around in his jeep, Ellie on her bike, there was some hide and seek and tag and even some impromptu t-ball. For the most part the kids behaved and were good to one another. It was nice to visit with Dean.
After Dean left we cleaned up the kids and were on our way to Old Orchard to meet Uncle Bill for dinner. It was nice to go out and eat - Ellie and Nick behaved and we actually got some adult conversation in. After dinner we walked around the mall a bit - I haven't been in Old Orchard in years - haven't really missed much. We went in a couple stores but there was absolutely nothing worth buying. We walked back toward the cars and said goodnight to Uncle Bill. We came home and had bath time - again. The kids played for a bit after their bath before having vitamins and getting ready for bed. Ellie and I watched food network while Rob got Nick to sleep - it was nice we cuddled up together and I braided her hair and did her nails. I told her about the big surprise for next weekend - we will be attending an American Girl Fashion Show Tea - she was super excited and asked if I would help her pick out the best outfit for Kit (her doll).
Rob finished with Nick and Ellie went up to bed. I am enjoying a glass of wine and blogging. Ok - so I don;t think the ring has come out and I am running out of time. I inspected all my incisions today and found a pointy spot and pulled at it - I think it was an undissolved suture - kind of gross. It is so nice we have no real plans for the weekend - no pressure to get anywhere or do anything. Tomorrow we definitely need to take Ellie shoe shopping - along with her legs and arms growing her feet have also grown and she needs new running shoes - maybe even 2 pairs so 1 pair can dry out and breathe while the other is worn. Probably get Nick some new shoes too - he is down to a couple pairs of crocs that fit - I don't think his gym shoes fit him. I am tired today - not that I did anything terribly energy reducing today - just tired. Visualising my healthy body, my continued healthy recovery and new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
We ran to Home Goods so Jo could look for a new shower curtain - no luck but she did find a pot she bought. We came home and Uncle Dean arrived just minutes after we did. We played outside and enjoyed the day - Nick cruised around in his jeep, Ellie on her bike, there was some hide and seek and tag and even some impromptu t-ball. For the most part the kids behaved and were good to one another. It was nice to visit with Dean.
After Dean left we cleaned up the kids and were on our way to Old Orchard to meet Uncle Bill for dinner. It was nice to go out and eat - Ellie and Nick behaved and we actually got some adult conversation in. After dinner we walked around the mall a bit - I haven't been in Old Orchard in years - haven't really missed much. We went in a couple stores but there was absolutely nothing worth buying. We walked back toward the cars and said goodnight to Uncle Bill. We came home and had bath time - again. The kids played for a bit after their bath before having vitamins and getting ready for bed. Ellie and I watched food network while Rob got Nick to sleep - it was nice we cuddled up together and I braided her hair and did her nails. I told her about the big surprise for next weekend - we will be attending an American Girl Fashion Show Tea - she was super excited and asked if I would help her pick out the best outfit for Kit (her doll).
Rob finished with Nick and Ellie went up to bed. I am enjoying a glass of wine and blogging. Ok - so I don;t think the ring has come out and I am running out of time. I inspected all my incisions today and found a pointy spot and pulled at it - I think it was an undissolved suture - kind of gross. It is so nice we have no real plans for the weekend - no pressure to get anywhere or do anything. Tomorrow we definitely need to take Ellie shoe shopping - along with her legs and arms growing her feet have also grown and she needs new running shoes - maybe even 2 pairs so 1 pair can dry out and breathe while the other is worn. Probably get Nick some new shoes too - he is down to a couple pairs of crocs that fit - I don't think his gym shoes fit him. I am tired today - not that I did anything terribly energy reducing today - just tired. Visualising my healthy body, my continued healthy recovery and new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
Friday, October 8, 2010
Its been a long day
Rob and I watched our usual Thursday night dramas - getting boring and predictable. Rob went up during the news - I watched something - can't remember - I think food network. I slept better than I thought I was going to sleep - I guess I was emotional exhausted. I so wanted to sleep this morning and Nick would not let me and I was so worried I was going to hear the bed is wet that I just got up. Ellie got dressed and to the bus stop - Rob has been watching her from the window this week. I talked with Mom early and heard that little T-Bone (Tony) had been asking about his TT for the past 2 days and I said I would be over - Nick originally said no he wasn't going to join me but then came around.
I have spent the last 24 hours or so googling - I know it is bad but I cannot help myself I am of that age bracket. The side effects are a bit more than I thought originally - apparently the neuropathy this time around could be worse (I have heard of wearing gloves and layers of socks and that the lips could be involved). Some people have said it completely wipes them out for the first 3-4 days after infusion. The nausea is apparently worse with the combo of drugs. Margaret showed me the 5-FU pack I will go home with - oddly enough shaped like a giant pill with hash marks of the side. The needle that goes into the port is a stiff needle about 2" in length - silly me I though this port was threaded through a vein and and might be somewhat lets say move-able but no this needle is 2" straight in. I was instructed on the kinks that could happen - the needle (that is bandaged to me and taped multiple places along the tubing) could somehow come out, the clamps could become closed by accident or the tubing could become kinked - sounds wonderful.
I showered and Nick and I went to Mom's. I brought along some foam fall crafts and Nick requested paint. The boys had there usual territory battles - I finally had a piece of carrot cake and Nick said he wanted one too. It was really good and Nick ate his entire piece. We went out to the porch to do crafts - the boys each made a door hanging and a sign. I was super cold and went to the couch and covered up with a blanket and that is when the boys went nuts. Tony came over to me to cuddle and I really thought he might nod off he had his head on my shoulder for a long time but no such luck. Nick seeing Tony cuddling rushed over to take his place - push, shove, push, shove. Mom tried to take Nick in the house to play and I tried to cuddle T-bone but no such luck. We joined Mom and Nick in the house but it was much colder than the sun room.
We ended up deciding to make a trip to Costco - I drove my car home and Mom and T met us here. Nick decided to stay with Rob and drive his newly charged jeep while Mom, T and I went to the store. I found a microwave to replace the burnt popcorn microwave - since the popcorn burned it smells of burnt popcorn, doesn't seem to have as much power and simply looks gross. I decided on the middle of the line microwave - it is bigger than the one we had but looks nice. It was fun to look through Christmas and the holiday stuff. We picked up lunch on the way out and headed back home. We ate a quick lunch together before Nick jumped in his jeep with T and were off to get Ellie off the bus. I told Nick yesterday that the Jeep doesn't leave the sidewalk so he stopped the jeep about 5' from the curb to wait for Ellie.
Nick and Tony rode around until the battery died out and then moved onto golf and the slide. Ellie wasn't too happy with me today - I have declared the trampoline next door off limits - both of the kids have been injured on it and its just a matter of time before we end up with a cast for a broken bone. Jo came and picked up Tony and Mom went home - we called the kids inside and they went and played downstairs. Our neighbor, Kevin brought Rob over a drink and they sat outside in the nice weather enjoying - I joined them with a glass of vino (ironically the kids were downstairs and we were outside). Kevin's brother and family came over and we had such a nice visit. The kids came back out and played - Nick was nice and actually shared his toys. We were out until the sunset.
We had dinner downstairs so we could could stream a netflix - which tonight was Pink Panther cartoons. After we had dinner the kids tried on costumes from our costume box to see what might work for Halloween. Nick looks very cute as Winnie the Pooh but the dragon and Elmo are also contenders but he hasn't given up hope on the box he has named Robbie the Robot. Ellie fits into a couple ice skating costumes we have picked up at rummage or yard sales but also fits Jasmine (Aladdin) and Snow White -the nice thing about trying on costumes is we were able to put a few into the donation bag because they simply are too small. I don;t think we have any firm decisions on Halloween but it was a bunch of laughs.
Rob took Nick up to bed and Ellie and I watched some tv before she went up. I just got off the phone with Uncle Bry - he called to check in and talk - we will see him for Thanksgiving. I think it is total psycho-semantic but my lower back is killing me today. My plan for the weekend is to soak up the sun - I will once again need to hide from it when I start xeloda. No good sales I have read about this weekend - kind of a bummer but oh well. Dean is coming over tomorrow for a visit - he has needed a month to re-coup from the last outing - just kidding. Still looking for positive collective thoughts on the ring coming out in the next couple days, Visualising my healthy body, my healthy recovery and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
I have spent the last 24 hours or so googling - I know it is bad but I cannot help myself I am of that age bracket. The side effects are a bit more than I thought originally - apparently the neuropathy this time around could be worse (I have heard of wearing gloves and layers of socks and that the lips could be involved). Some people have said it completely wipes them out for the first 3-4 days after infusion. The nausea is apparently worse with the combo of drugs. Margaret showed me the 5-FU pack I will go home with - oddly enough shaped like a giant pill with hash marks of the side. The needle that goes into the port is a stiff needle about 2" in length - silly me I though this port was threaded through a vein and and might be somewhat lets say move-able but no this needle is 2" straight in. I was instructed on the kinks that could happen - the needle (that is bandaged to me and taped multiple places along the tubing) could somehow come out, the clamps could become closed by accident or the tubing could become kinked - sounds wonderful.
I showered and Nick and I went to Mom's. I brought along some foam fall crafts and Nick requested paint. The boys had there usual territory battles - I finally had a piece of carrot cake and Nick said he wanted one too. It was really good and Nick ate his entire piece. We went out to the porch to do crafts - the boys each made a door hanging and a sign. I was super cold and went to the couch and covered up with a blanket and that is when the boys went nuts. Tony came over to me to cuddle and I really thought he might nod off he had his head on my shoulder for a long time but no such luck. Nick seeing Tony cuddling rushed over to take his place - push, shove, push, shove. Mom tried to take Nick in the house to play and I tried to cuddle T-bone but no such luck. We joined Mom and Nick in the house but it was much colder than the sun room.
We ended up deciding to make a trip to Costco - I drove my car home and Mom and T met us here. Nick decided to stay with Rob and drive his newly charged jeep while Mom, T and I went to the store. I found a microwave to replace the burnt popcorn microwave - since the popcorn burned it smells of burnt popcorn, doesn't seem to have as much power and simply looks gross. I decided on the middle of the line microwave - it is bigger than the one we had but looks nice. It was fun to look through Christmas and the holiday stuff. We picked up lunch on the way out and headed back home. We ate a quick lunch together before Nick jumped in his jeep with T and were off to get Ellie off the bus. I told Nick yesterday that the Jeep doesn't leave the sidewalk so he stopped the jeep about 5' from the curb to wait for Ellie.
Nick and Tony rode around until the battery died out and then moved onto golf and the slide. Ellie wasn't too happy with me today - I have declared the trampoline next door off limits - both of the kids have been injured on it and its just a matter of time before we end up with a cast for a broken bone. Jo came and picked up Tony and Mom went home - we called the kids inside and they went and played downstairs. Our neighbor, Kevin brought Rob over a drink and they sat outside in the nice weather enjoying - I joined them with a glass of vino (ironically the kids were downstairs and we were outside). Kevin's brother and family came over and we had such a nice visit. The kids came back out and played - Nick was nice and actually shared his toys. We were out until the sunset.
We had dinner downstairs so we could could stream a netflix - which tonight was Pink Panther cartoons. After we had dinner the kids tried on costumes from our costume box to see what might work for Halloween. Nick looks very cute as Winnie the Pooh but the dragon and Elmo are also contenders but he hasn't given up hope on the box he has named Robbie the Robot. Ellie fits into a couple ice skating costumes we have picked up at rummage or yard sales but also fits Jasmine (Aladdin) and Snow White -the nice thing about trying on costumes is we were able to put a few into the donation bag because they simply are too small. I don;t think we have any firm decisions on Halloween but it was a bunch of laughs.
Rob took Nick up to bed and Ellie and I watched some tv before she went up. I just got off the phone with Uncle Bry - he called to check in and talk - we will see him for Thanksgiving. I think it is total psycho-semantic but my lower back is killing me today. My plan for the weekend is to soak up the sun - I will once again need to hide from it when I start xeloda. No good sales I have read about this weekend - kind of a bummer but oh well. Dean is coming over tomorrow for a visit - he has needed a month to re-coup from the last outing - just kidding. Still looking for positive collective thoughts on the ring coming out in the next couple days, Visualising my healthy body, my healthy recovery and the new normal me - whomever that shall be, Tree
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