Wednesday, December 18, 2013

This isn't part of my health blog.....it's just being a proud Mama!

Weeeeee're back......a long drive = 11 hours.

We began our trip down to South Carolina on, Saturday, Dec. 14th, leaving our house at 10:45 AM with snow falling. It had just begun a short time before.

We took the 'scenic route'....PA = 33, 78 to 81, through Maryland, West Va., Va, NC and Columbia, SC....it snowed all the way down through majority of NC then turned to rain until we pulled into the parking lot of the Hampton Inn in SC. Arriving at 10 PM.

We stopped just a few times, to stretch our legs or one may even say = to pee....and get gasoline (which we filled up twice).

Lots of trucks on that route and it's only a two lane highway with the speed limit changing all the time (on the 'same' roads!)...55, 60, 65 and 70 mph. We didn't see any police cars on our way down (the weather was really bad!) Road conditions were fine as we were able to drive the speed limits. The trucks were always trying to pass another truck - which took forever for them to get over! We did stop at an Arby's (I think) with 3 hours to go. Charlie needed to eat something other than crackers and his bottled water.

Upon arrival in Columbia, I called Sam to find out 'exactly' how to get to the hotel. We did really well so far and I didn't want it to take another hour by getting lost. With phone in hand - she drove along with us - giving us great directions! The only place where we actually got lost was getting or I should say 'finding' the parking lot.
The hotel is beautiful and we actually didn't book it for Saturday night thinking we'd stop on our way down...but with the tempter reading 35 we didn't want to chance the roads freezing up - so we decided to call the hotel we were staying in to see if they had a room. Luckily they did and that was the last room they had available...they had 4 weddings and with the university graduation they were booked. We were able to keep the same room for the rest of our stay (which was actually an upgraded room!)

Samantha drove to the hotel to see us and stayed for a few minutes. She and Charlie went to one of the bars there (there is one bar after another on the street that our parking lot entrance was)....tons of young kids walking to them......something we are definitely not use to = seeing all those young kids walking in the streets to get to their bar of choice.

Sunday, Dec. 15th - it was COLD!!! a mere 45 degrees and something that we would call a small heat wave! but the sun wasn't out so it was quite chilly. The hotel has a complementary breakfast - thinking it was just coffee/tea and donuts....it was a full course breakfast buffet!! Juice bar, fresh fruit, boxed cereal, eggs, sausage, bacon, bread for toasting, bagels, donuts, muffins, biscuits, oatmeal, and waffles (that you make yourself) and of course ALL condiments to go along with it. (I'm sure there was more to eat but that's all I can remember. and each day they put out a different type of eggs).
While we waited for Sam to come, Charlie and I walked the 'main street'....hardly any cars out on an early Sunday morning....and no stores were opening until 12 noon, so we just window shopped. If we would have walked one more block up from the hotel we would have seen the capital building of SC. One of the bars has a very large Cock in the parking lot that we took a photo with. Charlie had his camera (which we didn't realize when we brought it that it needed fresh batteries). So, we were only able to get two photo's. A women that was driving saw us taking pictures and stopped to have her photo taken....that's when we realized our camera wasn't working...when she took a photo of Charlie and I and nothing happened.

Sam and I walked through the university campus (not the entire part but majority of it - or until I got tired of walking!). Charlie waited in the hotel for his Dad to drive up from Florida. Samantha was going to make us dinner at her apartment so after our walk and DRIVE around the rest of the campus (which is the entire city of Columbia) we went food shopping, to pick up a few things for dinner.

While we were unpacking our car, Charlie realized he forgot to bring his dress shirt and jacket! (he left it hanging in our closet at home)....so while food shopping we stopped to pick up a 'cheap' shirt...which was really cheap! and I actually picked up the wrong size! which turned out good because there was NO way he was going to wear this bright red shirt that Sam and I chose for him!!!
Charlie and his Dad joined us at her apartment. She made a London broil with baked potatoes, (she had some mashed potatoes leftover which she re-heated), onions and mushrooms, asparagus, salad and Italian bread. I picked up a small cheesecake (which was delicious!).....Dinner was great! Samantha is a very good hostess! Although we didn't have a table to sit at - we used her end and cocktail table to cut our meat and place our plates.

Samantha's boyfriend, Paul wears Large shirts = NOT for the reason that Charlie does!!! which she emphasized!!! So Charlie was able to borrow a shirt rather than just wearing his Columbia sweatshirt or plain sweater for her graduation.

Monday, Dec. 16th - SUN was out! still a little chilly in the morning as there was frost on the cars....Ate breakfast and by the time Sam stopped by the temp was heading up to the high 50's....a definite heat wave!!! No coats required!!!! Sam was to be at the stadium at 1:30 and it actually began at 3:30. The hotel was perfectly chosen for us (by Sam) so we were able to walk to this stadium. Turned out great as people were coming and there was a lot of traffic!!! Sam met us inside (thank goodness for cell phones! - so easy to FIND someone). One of her roommates embellished her cap so we would be able to find her sitting with the other graduates. She put the 'state of NJ' on it....cute! But I still wasn't able to see her! When we sat down, I called her asking her to stand up so we could see her but it was at the last minute - she stood up and Charlie and Paul saw her but I didn't....I kind of knew where she was sitting but - I don't know - my eyes aren't as good as they could be (which the eye doctor said my script is perfect).....

As they began the ceremony, all graduates were already sitting and the procession was of the university....I got a lump in my throat (and even now as I write this)....memories of my baby graduating pre-school, kindergarten, elementary and high school just took over and if no one was around - I would have balled my eyes out...but I held it in and asked Charlie for his handkerchief! with some tears just running down the side of my cheeks and my nose running....finally I pulled myself together. I really didn't think this would 'hit me' as it did.....my baby girl.....now a grown woman with such accomplishments and so much more ahead of her.
I felt the same way with Nicholas when he graduated (my first born!)....I didn't attend Paul's graduation but did watch it on line and cried then too! (of course that was in the privacy of my room and I was able to 'let loose')......Any mother reading this - knows exactly what I was feeling!

After taking some photos we walked back to the hotel and Charlie and Dad went to her apartment to pack up some of her things (I didn't go so they had room in the back seat to put majority of what they could squeeze in).....we went out to dinner at this great place (which Sam had made reservations for). Along with Sam were her two roommates (LynnLee and KT), Paul and Charlie, Dad and myself. LynnLee drove her mini van which was great as we all fit in. Her roommates are very nice too...made you feel like you knew them forever. The restaurant was....I forget what you actually call it....Brazilian......they had a salad bar which included: all types of greens, rice, beans, all toppings, salmon, shrimp, mashed potatoes, cheeses, chicken salad and even some cold cuts...then they came along with sticks of all different meats that they would slice in front of you and you would take it with these prongs....you also had a card - one side was red (to stop serving) and the other side was green (to continue offering me all types of meats). You name it - they served it. So much food!!! The girls even made sure they had room for their dessert!! Such an enjoyable evening - day!!!!

Went back to the hotel (just Sam and Paul). Sam asked me to fix Paul's haircut.....LynnLee stopped back with a pair of hair cutting scissors (not the real professional pair but they did cut hair)....He put the shirt on that Charlie wore (Paul's shirt) so the hair would fall onto it.....I 'blended' it more than really cut it...although it was a little shorter than he has been use to.....saying the cut he had was really bad! He looked so much better when I was done - cleaned up looking.

They stayed for a while then headed out. Paul had worked the night before and had to work the following day...so he was a little tired. Very nice gentleman....but I wouldn't expect anything less from Samantha....she does know how to choose her friends.

Tuesday, Dec. 17th - after eating (the great, delicious breakfast) and Sam stopping by once more...we heated out. Charlie's Dad was going up to his daughter (Cathy's house) in Salem, SC (about a 2/3 hour drive). Charlie's Dad is 86 years old and does great! Driving alone, he has does have his company = a Garmen!! which he loves!!! Took him right to the hotel and then Sam programmed it to Cathy's house.

Sun was out, temperature was 54 degrees at 10 am.....In the car and driving home at 10:30 am.....I had heard the weather forecast = SC was to get into the 60's with no clouds....NJ was suppose to have snow.....did I say 'suppose'.....

Driving through NC, we stopped at a rest area, temp was 60 and really beautiful!.....as we proceeded onto VA, just passing through Roanoke....you could see the dark clouds in the distance. I called Sam asking her to check the weather map to see where the snow was (knowing what we hit on our way down!) Reading the weather map she said it looked like we just missed it as it was beginning in Roanoke to snow and where we were - she said it looked like we were in the 'eye' of the storm with it being around us and we were able to drive in the 'clear' part all the way up through Maryland.
The car (outside temp) registered 59 degrees up to Maryland when it was about 37 with some snow. Road were clear! We stopped to get a quick bite in Maryland (knowing we had 4 hours more to drive).....the snow wasn't bad (on the road) until we got onto rt.80 in Stroudsburg. The roads were dry and clear but you knew it snowed as the side roads (seeing them from the highway) were slightly covered and some car lots had cars covered in snow.

and we GOT STUCK IN OUR DRIVEWAY!! Could only make it up halfway! There seems to be a foot of snow! 12 inches!!! The driveway had been plowed but our neighbors used their snow blower to clean it a bit more knowing we'd be home.

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Donnie (our neighbor) stayed at our house at night for our pets....Joni and Don helped out while Donny was at work. When we got stuck, Donny heard the dogs barking so he let them out.....they barked at us - not knowing who we were!!! When they finally realized - they were so happy to see us.

Donnie and Charlie went out to get the car up the driveway. Thank goodness for Donnie...not only did he help Charlie shovel the driveway to get the car up into the garage but he also helped him bring in a few things (like Sam's TV) from the car.

Joni and Don are the best neighbors! and have the best kids! (too bad they will be moving to Texas!!!). Don tried cleaning our driveway but in the dark and it being so steep in that one bend - he cleaned it as best he could = which was greatly appreciated!!!!

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All in all, expecting some really interesting things to happen (as they have been with our vacations)...it went quite well = maybe because it really wasn't a vacation......????

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A long drive and being that I am on the chemo pill and just finishing with radiation (I never knew if I could go down without stopping) or wondering if I'd feel okay. My symptoms have been fine....minor....but never knowing if they'd change.

I'm glad Sam will be coming home. I don't know if I'd want to do that drive again. IF we do = it would be in a motor home!! Someplace I could walk around in while driving!

Glad I was able to walk her campus. I wasn't really impressed with it....I think it was due to the dreary day. Cold, not many leaves on the trees and no kids walking around = a bit desolate. While in the stadium for the graduation they had a photos of the campus - sunny day, all the leaves were on the trees and kids were walking around......made a big difference! I can see why Sam wanted to go there!


I am so blessed (being as sick as I am - on the inside and not really looking like I'm ill) that God gave me this time to enjoy being able to do this. The strength to carry on and fight this disease.

One thing I have learned...and hope it continues....The woman that gave the commencement address said = don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone....if you do, you'll miss out on a lot of things........Hopefully that will 'stick' in my mind.....I HAVE to begin living OUT of my comfort zone! Time for me to actually do things that I haven't....baby steps.....now I have to make plans with our friends and actually go to dinner with them....but I have to do it in 'baby steps'!!!! ==hopefully the newly alumni graduates heard the same thing = don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone (of course she was telling them for their business opportunities).

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Wahoo! I'm done with radiation! Yesterday was my 33rd and final day. With the ice - I was a little delayed in getting there. Charlie was driving and when we went to leave (my normally scheduled time) - the driveway was a sheet of ice. I called to see if I could re-schedule -- by hook or crook, I was GOING!!! New time: 12 noon and we were there!

Going down the driveway was still icy and with Charlie's pick up truck - sliding down sideways, kind of took 'our' breath away....he is a great driver - he was able to straighten out the truck and continue on! It felt like 10 minutes to get down the driveway but in reality it was probably a minute. We took a breath when we 'stopped' at the bottom (without sliding into the road and never knowing if there is a car coming!)

Had my treatment then saw the doctor....They want to see me in a month, just for a check up....it's okay as I still have to go back for my CBC's. I'll just make sure they are scheduled for the same day and time.

I also spoke with Dr. May's nurse - to find out about continuing on my chemo pill....The dosage has changed. I will continue taking 2,000 mg. of Xeloda until the end of this week....then I don't take any for the next week....then I increase my dosage to 1,150 morning and evening - giving me a total of 2,300 per day - two weeks on, one week off.

I have a scheduled CBC appointment for this week on Friday....then the next one is....I think, the following week...but I may end up canceling that as I won't be on the chemo pill that week.....another question to ask when I go on Friday.

No bells were rung, just a congratulations when my treatment was finished. Doesn't matter - I'm happy that I don't have to keep going. Even though the six weeks seems to have flown by, it was still getting up every weekday and leaving the house. Thank goodness in that time frame there was only two days that the weather was strange.

Charlie and I went to Newton to do some shopping after the treatment (especially thinking that the driveway was still a little frozen). We picked up two gifts to donate for a girl and a boy then stopped at Shop Rite to pick up some lunch/dinner food.


Thank you ALL, for keeping me in your prayers. Your continued support is truly appreciated.

Merry Christmas to all!

Friday morning, December 6th

It's always nice to receive great news from a doctor! I went for my eye exam yesterday and I was so happy to walk out of there knowing that there is nothing wrong with my eyes! That doctor looked and looked and looked some more but just couldn't find anything wrong! He had me a little nervous when he checked one more time! I haven't had my pupils dialated in a few years and didn't remember how long it actually took to be able to 'see' again. Thank goodness it was a cloudy day.

Before my eye appointment I had gone for radiation #31 and asked the technician the things I had asked before but couldn't remember a word that was said due to me dwelling on 'another 5 days of radiation'......

I asked if this radiation (next three days) is stronger than the others (as they call it something else = that again, I can't remember). Her reply was 'no'...it's the same amount of radiation but concentrated in the area where the cancer was originally found. Then I asked, how does this end...she said that on Monday (my last treatment) I will meet with the doctor and she will go over 'discharge papers' and tell me what things I should do and/or look for and also set up a follow up appointment. She suggested (due to me saying that I couldn't remember a word said) that I bring a pad along with me to write things down. Eeeks...will there be that much to remember???? The other tech said to bring a 'recorder' as she did that for her schooling......oh my, I can't believe there will be that much that I have to look for!!!

A dreary Friday morning....and that darn cat kept coming into my bedroom every hour since 2:30 this morning!!! I totally ignored her each time but with her meowing, it's like having a baby in the house where you just wake up hearing her. I didn't get too much sleep. I finally got up about 7:20 and she was back on her bed looking like she didn't want to be disturbed. Went downstairs and put out 'fresh' wet food and she was happy AND right now, she's still outside! Yesterday she was in and out all day - guess she enjoys the warmer weather - rain or shine.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

I left the house 15 minutes earlies today....I had two appointments at the same time = 10:30 = for radiation and then CBC....

I was called in as soon as I changed and the technician said it was going to be a little longer = having 5 days to go, they do more x-rays and something else....

WHAT!!! 5 more days!!! Are you kidding me?!!! I'm suppose to have my last radiation treatment tomorrow (Wednesday the 4th!)....I'm so frustrated but not voicing my opinion other than saying that I thought tomorrow was my last day....they snuck in another week!!!

If you do the math = 6 weeks of radiation at 5 times a week = 30 days NOT 35 days!

I saw the radiation doctor afterwards...before I talk to her they take your vitals...blood pressure and weight. Needless to say, my blood pressure was HIGH!! The nurse said = today is day 29....

Doctor comes in and I asked her why I had to go another 5 days. Actually she walked in and asked if I was happy coming back....I looked strangly at her....I never missed a day! Are you looking at the right person's chart? she showed me my photo and said yes. Told her that I was even here on Sunday but had Thursday (thanksgiving) and Friday off....maybe because I actually haven't seen 'her'...I've saw another doctor two weeks in a row.

I mentioned about the extra 5 days....she said it's only 3 more. A total of 33 days....I still can't figure this one out....How they snuck that extra 3 days on me!!! I am making sure that my last day will be on Monday the 9th!!!

Sorry, can you tell I'm a little frustrated?!!

I changed back into my street clothes and then went for CBC. I asked the nurse to take my vitals again (as I calmed down a little). My blood pressure was good...normal - compared to what it was 15 minutes before!

I arrived at 10:15 ish....and I was walking out the door at 11:25.

My skin color is a reddish brown and under my arm where one stitch had broken off is where there is a little blister. They don't seem concerned; as long as it's not oozing. I just keep putting the Aquophor on it after the treatment and then before bed.

Thursday I have the appointment with at the eye doctor....they called to remind me of my appointment...I told them I maybe a few minutes late as I have radiation which I hadn't expected....no problem.....

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I finished putting the lights and decorations on our Christmas Tree. I'm still in the process of putting all the other stuff out and around! Started with my Santa's... Things I have on my mantel's need to come off, but I don't have boxes to put them in. Charlie loves to burn the boxes we have from deliveries....