Thursday, December 30, 2010

Thursday December 30, 2010

I tried to sleep last night, going to bed about 10:30. I woke at intervals throughout the night, and after 3 returning to sleep wasn't so easy. I think I might have been awake a half hour or so--hot, restless--before falling asleep and being awakened by the radio.

I got up and ready for work, checking The Weather Channel on television for the "freezing rain" that was being talked about on the radio. No fun trying to drive in that. The area of precipitation had passed through---I had heard the tapping of the precipitation on the window while I was trying to go back to sleep--and it seemed to be ok for both of our morning drives.

And it was. Dark, but not frozen, with only a little mist now and then. A safe drive down, thank you God.

We had a good day at work with a good crew. I was happy when it was finally time to clock out. And thanks again for a safe drive home.

Daniel had been sleeping when I got home, but he got up for a couple hours before showering and going back to bed. He'll try to leave work early tomorrow to start his weekend off. He needs it.

I work tomorrow, too.

I'm tired tonight and will try going to bed around 10 again.

And just as I was thinking that the hot flashes have been less, (which they have been less frequent and less intense the last couple of weeks), last night and today have been uncomfortably warm again. I will be so glad to have a stable body temperature again. And I moved my arm funny and made my shoulder sore. I'm planning on feeling better in a couple of weeks....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wednesday 12.29.2010

Woo Hoo!!

The "Holidays" are about over (just waiting for the New Year). I took some seasonal stuff back to the storage unit (aka my basement) and am getting things settled back around within the house.

Kristen left for her next destination after supper. I was happy to have her here for the first part of the day. Since she hasn't been to the JC since high school (she's now 25), I showed her pics of the place since we've acquired it. She seemed to enjoy them, and I was smiling as we went through the photos. When she went visiting this afternoon, I went to the storage unit and to Meijer for some fresh groceries. Dan and I felt good to send her off after sharing a good meal.

We've had a quiet evening, catching up with paperwork. We both work tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Tuesday December 28, 2010

I see I didn't write last night. I kind of forgot--

Monday was the Jacque Christmas Party. I had grocered, food prepped, and was just going to rest for an hour or so when the doorbell rang; it was Dan's daughter Kim and family. She had called Dan and said they were just getting off the highway and would be arriving shortly. Huh? We had told them 5 pm, at the clubhouse. It was 1:30.

In come all the grandkids, plus a girlfriend, minus one of the great-grands. Kim says she's going to run an errand and be right back..... and leaves. Huh?

So, all these kids, ranging from 4 years to 17. The 21 year old mother of the two greats shows up, too. I found a Uno game and they entertained themselves with that, alternating with the Bop It thing. Finally about 4:30, Dan rounds up everybody (there were 7 of them) and they carry the stuff down to the cars, and we all go up to the clubhouse.

We ate, Frank showed up (auto battery caused delays), and we had our gift exchange. We visited a bit, and just as Kim and brood were coating up to leave, Bre came in. (Nick's family had had a death, and the visitation was this evening. Of course she had to be there. And Nick had to work in Battle Creek until 8, so he was going to miss it.) So everybody stayed and visited and we had a photo op with Dan and his 3 girls.

The big group left, Dan, Frank, Bre, Kris, and I went back to the condo, where Bre ate, Nick joined us, and we all visited, enjoying the company. Dan went to bed, and so did Kris after a while; Nick left about 10:30, but Frank and Bre were putting phone apps on Bre's phone until 1 am. They left and I went to bed.

Today, I finished putting party things away. Kris had gotten up to go to Detroit for her return flight, but had gotten notice that her flight had been canceled and rescheduled for tomorrow night. We visited a little before I went over to Leah's for a treatment.

And, boy, did need that. She does such a good job. Kris went out to visit friends on her bonus afternoon, Dan came home then went out "hitting golf balls", and I enjoyed the quiet.

Other than being tired earlier today, with sore feet, I've been pretty good. Yup, the shoulder and breast ache. Not constantly, but enough that it's become annoying.

Tomorrow Dan works, I'm going to finish laundry. Maybe go get some fresh veggies for supper. I don't know.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Sunday December 26, 2010

Up and on my way to work; cold, dark, gusty wind blowing around a light snow flurry that is just enough to make the highway a bit slippery in spots. I left the cruise control off until I had gotten the "feel" of the road. I did turn it on somewhere south of Mason, but when I went around curves or over an overpass I turned it off. About halfway to Jackson, near Leslie, I had turned off the cruise to go over a bridge and around a curve. I was watching the road because it was feeling a little "greasy" and had slowed down some. I'm glad I did. A large deer ran from the median across the highway in front of me. If I hadn't have slowed just that bit, I might have hit it. Thank you God for keeping me safe.

The rest of the drive was uneventful.

We had a good day with a good group. We sent most of the patients home, staffed down, and 2 of us were left to end the shift. And, of course, right at shift change, the new patient needed attention. By the time we got her taken care of and charted on, I was in overtime again. Argh. (not that I mind, but I am trying to be "budget conscious")

A safe drive home, thanks again.

The house was dark, and Dan was in bed, sleeping. He got up after a bit, saying he wasn't feeling well, and hoping he wasn't coming down with something. I hope not, too. Kris is out somewhere; I'm sure she'll be back sometime.

Tomorrow I've got to get a few groceries, make the sloppy joes and cake for the Jacque party tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to seeing the kids all together.

I'm a bit tired tonight, and I think I'll sleep.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Saturday December 25, 2010 Merry Christmas

I was sleeping when the radio came on, creating that "jarring" sensation in my brain. Ugh, time to get up.

A safe drive to Jackson, with only a few other vehicles on the road. I was actually kind of surprised by that.

We had a horribly busy day on the Mother/Baby unit. Not only did we have a lot of patients, but they were fairly "new" and had needs. Add the babies into the mix, and then a pregnant patient go critical... Ah, the life of a nurse.

Lunch was not going to happen. The hospital offered free holiday meal to the employees, (which is nice, though the quality is less than optimal). I went to the cafeteria, got my food and ate half of the mashed sweet potatoes in the elevator on the way back to the floor. About 1:30 I was able to eat rest of the potatoes and the ham. I enjoyed the salad after I had clocked out, close to 4:00, 48 minutes of overtime later.

The highlight of my day was 1) that I was working with a great group of girls (although one was sick, and was her third day working with her coughing nose-blowing cold) and 2) that Frank came up to visit. He showed up just after 3 when I was supposed to be done, but he patiently waited while I finished charting, and we visited while I at my salad. I appreciated that Frank came up to the hospital to see me today.

Jeremy called while I was driving home, which was nice, too, and we had a good visit.

Dan and I had a quiet evening, and his daughter Kristen arrived about 7:30. She'll be staying until Tuesday. We caught up some; I look forward to seeing her more on Monday, as I work 12 1/2 hours tomorrow.

Dan works tomorrow, too.

Praise to the Lord for the gift of His son. Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Friday December 24, 2010 Christmas Eve

I realized this afternoon that I didn't write last night. I had been busy with Christmas preparations, and when it was bedtime, I went. I slept pretty good, too, for a few hours at least.

Dan went out late this morning, thinking he was going to get his blood drawn, but the lab places were closed. He braved Meijer for a loaf of bread that I had forgotten to get when I was in the store Thursday.

We had fun wrapping gifts today, and he helped me make caramel corn yesterday and today. The house is as decorated as it's going to get; the gifts are wrapped, the stockings hung. All that's left is for Santa to come.

Dan and I both work tomorrow, and Sunday, too. It doesn't matter what day it is in health care and casinos.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wednesday December 22, 2010

I slept well between midnight and 6, dozing the next couple of hours. When I got up at 0830, I felt yucky--my face was puffy and eyes were glassy. Uh Oh. I hope I'm not "getting" something.

Most of the day was like that. I had taken a claritin before 9, and I suppose it helped a little. My nasal passages don't feel as swollen this evening. But my head still does. And I'm tired again.

Dan and I had a busy day catching up with life and the holiday season. We made good progress, and I hope he'll help with the wrapping tomorrow.

I plan on shopping tomorrow--fresh foods and the last few items needed for Christmas.

This evening I'm tired, with puffy hands and face. Maybe it's something I ate. I've been drinking water today to try to flush it out.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Tuesday December 21, 2010

Worked.

Tired.

Going to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday December 20, 2010

I went to bed about 11, but didn't sleep until after 0230; awake at 0330, then the alarm woke me at 0425. Ugh. I got up and ready for work and smiled at the woman in the mirror. She looked pretty good for such a short nap--but paint and glue do a lot, too!

A safe drive down, thank you God, and a good work day with a good co-worker. All of our discharges left in the last hour of our shift, and we moved the remaining couplet over to South. The charting and closing the unit put us into overtime, but what do you do?

A safe drive home, thanks again. Dan and I talked some before he went to bed.

He has appointments tomorrow; I work.

I'm hoping to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Sunday December 19, 2010

Well, I did it.

I got the majority of our Christmas shopping done today.

That's saying something, since I am not a shopper. And when I showed Dan what I had chosen, he agreed with my choices. Now for the wrapping...

I'm a little puffy today. Not sure why.

Tomorrow is a work day for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Saturday December 18, 2010

I slept pretty good last night, meaning that I wasn't awake very long during those wake intervals. I got out of bed before 9 to a gray, gloomy, 18 degree morning.

I did get the Christmas tree decorated, and a few decorations out.

Dan works tomorrow; I don't. I don't have much to say today...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Friday December 17, 2010

Another workday, which was just fine, until 15 minutes before time to leave. I checked a baby's blood sugar which turned out to be way low, and that meant I had to make sure the proper interventions were done. And since I was the one to do it, I had to chart it. I didn't clock out until 7:42. Ahh, the life of a nurse.

A safe drive both ways, thank you God.

Dan was home doing some computer stuff. We had a quiet night before he went off to bed. I'm tired, too, and will turn in soon.

I've got to catch up with this Christmas stuff tomorrow while Dan's at work. Wish me luck?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thursday December 16, 2010

I slept better last night, at least from midnight to 5, when Dan got up for work. I dozed off and on, finally getting up about 8:30.

About noon, I went out to pick up a few things from the store. Back at home, I started supper.

Dan stopped home before going to an appointment. We enjoyed supper when he got back.

The sun came out again today, causing lots of melting and very slushy, puddled parking lots. The temperature was a balmy 25 degrees when I was out.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

I've felt pretty good today, overall. My shoulder feels full, and above my clavicle where those lymph nodes are, are kind of sore. I'll have to try some stretching to see if it will improve the lymph channel flow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wednesday December 15, 2010

I got up about 9 and got ready for my day.

The clouds had finally moved out and let the sun come through, warming us to 25 degrees. (woo hoo!)

I had my annual eye exam today. I was a little anxious about it, because last year the doctor was quite insistent that I have my eyes dilated at this year's visit. The first, and only, time that had been done was in 2006, which left me with a 4 day migraine. No way am I going to intentionally subject myself to that again, not without cause.

This particular office, Lansing Ophthalmology, has quite a process for a "routine eye exam". Check in, go to another area, check in there, and wait. Go into a room for a preliminary exam with someone who starts an exam sheet. Back out in the waiting area and called again by someone else, who does another set of exams with different equipment ("this one or this one") and continues writing on the exam sheet. They also look at the current lenses in the glasses with a machine that reads that prescription. That person put in drops to numb the eyeball to take pressure readings, and pressed the pen-like device onto my eyeballs. She would have also put in the dilation drops at that point, too. The previous girl and I had a conversation about that dilation business. She said doctor had made a note on my chart to "use half-strength solution so the migraine wouldn't last as long". Seriously?? Uuuh, no. This next girl asked me if I was still "refusing" the drops. I told her I was definitely declining the dilation process, as I wasn't interested in a 2-day migraine, either. Geesh.

So I was nervous about seeing the doctor, even though I was sure about my choice. She took me over to another waiting room, where I waited about 20 minutes before he came out for me. In the meantime, I browsed the frames, looking at the prices. The first pair I picked up was $161. I thought to myself that, as usual, I picked the expensive ones. Another pair I liked--$176. Whoa. The next ones were $158. I stopped looking at frames and went over to the window wall and watched the birds, thinking that maybe the prescription won't have changed much and I won't get a new pair.

Dr. Ebert was pleasant and personable and didn't mention ONE WORD about dilation. Whew. He went about his portion of the exam with thoroughness, and when he was done, he said my prescription has changed, but not by much, and he wrote it out and gave it to me. Ok, thank you.

Back to the waiting area for the glasses people.

One of the guys was available and I sat at his station, where we talked about the little bit of change that was needed and that I was going to pass on buying new lenses and frames at this time. But my current frames needed adjustments, or tuned up as they like to say, and he did that for me.

Over to the check out desk and I was on my way, an hour an a half later.

I stopped at the house before continuing on to Jackson for the "Department Christmas Party" that was being held at Daryl's in Jackson. Daniel met me there (he was on his way home from work), and we enjoyed conversation and hors d'oeuvres.

A safe drive home, thank you God, and a quiet evening. Dan has gotten his computer about halfway restored, though he had said something about the machine not recognizing something... I don't know if that got resolved or not.

He works tomorrow, and I'm going to catch up on the homefront.

I've felt pretty good, in general, but my joints are sure achy. And my feet are sore. Funny, since I've been trying to pay attention to the aches, discomforts, and things that are bothersome, I realize how much energy goes into ignoring them. And then I think, no wonder I'm tired--that's a lot to keep out the way. I do try to keep my attention on the positive, to focus on what's good, that I'm alive and cancer free, and I thank and praise the Lord for every moment and every person in my world.

And I thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesday December 14, 2010

What a work day. Busy, then busy. And we left it busy for the next shift, with them having to open the "overflow" unit. Glad I'm off the next couple of days.

God kept me safe on my drive to and fro, and Dan, too. Thank you, God.

At home, Dan and I had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow I have an eye appointment.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Monday December 13, 2010

What a storm. It continued to snow through most of the night, and the winds were gusting and blowing, with temperatures in the low teens. Dan and I got up and left for our J.O.B.s, hoping for the best on the roadways.

My route seemed to have as many commuters as any other weekday, and we were slow--30-50 mph over rough, bumpy, sometimes scary frozen ice. Dan and I each made it safely, thank you God.

We had a good day with great co-workers. Until about 5:30 ish, when the patients began having odd, complex issues that took time and energy to resolve. The night shift took over, and we were glad to let them.

A safe drive home, thank you God, with mostly clear and mostly dry roads and temps at 10 degrees. I am sure liking the heated seats in my car.

Dan had been able to leave his job early, had had a quiet afternoon at home. When I got back, he was bummed that he had gotten a virus on his computer, which has played havoc with the system loading, then it wouldn't even start up. I don't know what he did, but somehow he got beyond the black screen, and when he went to bed, he had gotten it to respond somewhat. It also showed that he had missing as well as damaged files, which could be why it isn't booting up. The joys of computers. He'll get it figured out before long.

Tomorrow is a work day for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Sunday 12.12.2010 Singing Storms

The winter storm that was predicted to move in, did. By 10 am the snow was significant and I was undecided as to canceling the party or not. I began receiving messages, both text and email, and I made a couple of phone calls. Jim & Polly, and Jim, Kris, and Ariana, were definitely coming up, as Jim and Kris were on their way back home to Midland. So, I decided to go ahead with the party, no matter how small it may turn out to be.

As I watched the weather progress as the day went on, I was a little nauseated. I knew that most of the people who were going to come were going to stay home and be safe.

We did have a party, with a total of 19 of us there, and we had a lot of fun, singing our hearts out. We had enough to eat, and we finished up and people were on their ways home by 7:30. Thank you God for safe travels.

Just as we were loading up to leave, Dan's daughter Breon and Nick showed up. They helped us finish and went back to our house, and Frank, Bre, Nick, Dan and I visited while I washed up stuff and put things away.

Tomorrow is a work day for both Dan and me.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Saturday December 11, 2010

I got up about 9 this morning, breakfasted, talked with Daniel some, then went out to Meijer. The store was pretty busy, with checkout lines 5 and 7 people deep. Ugh.

I did the food prep for tomorrow. One of Dan's friends had a computer problem and brought the machine over. We had supper, and the machine was finally finished about 4 1/2 hours later.

I think we're ready for the party. I'm concerned about the weather, as a winter storm is predicted. We're not going to cancel, but we might not have many guests. And we have lots of floor space if driving deteriorates. We'll have a great time anyway.

I've felt pretty good today. My left shoulder is a little achy, like usual at the end of the day.

Looking forward to tomorrow. Please God, keep our travellers safe.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Friday 12.10.2010

I had a pretty good day, overall. Dan had gone to work, but came home after noon. He took a nap before we went to our appointment this afternoon, and from there we went to supper.

I didn't get any decorating done, but I'm ok with that.

Tomorrow I'll get groceries and finish getting ready for Sunday's party.

Tonight I'm tired and hoping to sleep.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thursday December 09, 2010

I was happy to not have to get up this morning, and have felt better today, though my right wrist has been hurting again.

I've gotten most of the things ready for the party on Sunday. I'll just need to get a few groceries, and put the sloppy joes together, and maybe bake something.

Tomorrow I'll try to decorate the house a little, and we have an appointment in the afternoon.

Looking forward to Sunday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wednesday December 08, 2010

Got up to go to work after a non-restful night. I was disappointed that I didn't sleep well. I smiled at the woman in the mirror and thanked God for this new day.

It was kind of nice at the hospital today. We had a good group of staff, and the patients were ok, too. By early afternoon, all of the discharges had left and the laboring patients were still laboring. We needed to staff down. After discussing "who would go" with the other two girls in my job role, I offered to go. I was feeling kind of punky anyway. I clocked out at 3, visited a little longer before leaving, and got home after 4.

Daniel had been home, but had gone to hit golf balls and hang with his buds, which was ok with me. I didn't realize how punky I felt until I laid on the sofa and slept for an hour. When I woke I was a little better, but a little nauseated, too. As the evening progressed, though, I continued to improve, so that this evening I'm feeling almost all better. Hopefully I'll sleep tonight. One of the girls had wanted to work for me tomorrow, so I'm going to let her. (smile)

Daniel works; I'm thinking I'll get the majority of things collected/packed to take to the clubhouse for our party Sunday night.

Are you coming?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tuesday 12.07.2010

I felt rested today, thank you God. It seems like it's been a really long time since I've felt rested more often than fatigued. Maybe the rested-feeling days will start outnumbering the fatigue-feeling days. That would be really nice.

I think the massage today really helped. Leah did a very good job, stretching my lower back, and also moving some of the lymph fluid for me. Thank you God, for Leah.

I spent a few hours (yes, hours) trying to change the DRM setting on the new computer, reviewing what we did yesterday, googling with different words/terms, and talked to the computer guy at the library for another hour. We were stumped. I felt that I had done everything that I knew to do, when I re-read one of the suggestions. Something clicked in the cobwebs, and I decided to try one more time. This approach was different, and as I entered the commands, the system was responding favorably. I tried to not get my hopes up, but as each step was successful, it finally worked!! Yahoo!!! I did it!!!

I called the computer guy at the library and rejoiced with him, and sent him the link to the approach. Hopefully it will help someone else with this challenge.

Dan got home, and I told him. He was happy that I got it, too. I think he was looking at another evening of frustrating computer issues.

We had supper and a quiet night.

Tomorrow is a work day for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Monday 12.06.2010

I slept again after Dan left for work, waking a little after 9. It's a cold, gray day out there.

A safe drive to Jackson, with a good dentist appointment. (Look, Mom, no cavities!!) A routine visit with no findings, next visit in June.

A safe drive home, thank you God, with a stop at Meijer to get groceries. When I got home, Frank was here, and he and Dan were working on that computer again. They got it repaired, and all is well.

Next was my new computer.

I had tried to get the programs set up so that I can download the eAudio books. Which I did, but when I tried to actually download the book, there was an error message that I didn't know what to do with. Before leaving for the dental appointment this morning, I spent about an hour on the phone with the tech support guy at the library, who walked me through stuff, but we were stuck. So Daniel has spent a couple hours this evening looking for the files we need to change, and we are one step further away from getting this resolved. I'm happy I have the "old" system to use still. The joys of getting a new system.

Tomorrow is a massage, and I am so ready for it.

I've felt pretty good overall today, just the usual aches and discomforts.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Sunday December 5, 2010

Another workday. I was happy that I had slept pretty good last night, with just a couple of wake times that briefly interrupted my sleep. Having to get up at 0430 sure interferes with the second "half" of my sleep.

A safe drive down, in the dark, at 24 degrees and occasional snow flurries. 'Tis the season.

I was thinking about remembering to take my car keys with me to the unit instead of leaving them in the locker room, so I could start the car before changing footwear and getting my coat and purse at the end of the day. I got out of the car, pushed the lock button on the door, got my workbag and purse out of the car, pushed the door to close, and turned to walk away. Just as I heard the doors click lock, I looked at my hand for the keys, realizing I didn't pick them up. I turned and looked inside. Yep, there they are. Great. Well, not going to do anything about it right now, I've got 12 1/2 hours to think about it....

The workday was good--an unusually (quiet) day with a couple periods of hurried activity. Thank you God for a good work day.

I thought about getting the car open. (1) towing company = $; (2)Daniel = having driven to Battle Creek, then to Holt, then to Jackson to bring the keys, then back to Jackson = I hope we don't have to do that; (3) I wonder what Frank is doing today??? = he owes me for all the times--and I mean there were several--that I drove over to Bill Knapp's at 12:30 in the winter's nights to unlock his car after he was off work. I waited until about 10:30 and texted him. When he responded, I called him.

We had a conversation, and he was glad to go, as he had something he wanted/needed to do using another computer.

Ahhh.

7 pm and all is well. Frank is in the parking lot with my car running and warmed up. Thank you Frank.

A safe drive home, thanks again.

Dan was working on the computer he and Frank had worked on before, as something Frank had done had altered Dan's machine. The two of them were on the phone, working it out. Dan had made some, though minimal, progress when he turned it off and went to bed.

Tomorrow is a workday for Daniel; I am having my teeth cleaned.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Saturday December 4, 2010

Another workday. It went pretty well, and I was glad to be done.

A safe drive both ways today, thank you God.

I'm looking forward to going to bed tonight, as I hardly slept at all last night.

Please pray for God's peace for those parents who have lost children.

Thank you.

Hugs.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Friday 12.03.2010

I ended up not taking anything for my headache; I went to bed instead. I slept more than I thought I would, and was relieved that the headache had eased up as the night went on. This morning it was pretty much gone with just a leftover shadow. I had a tylenol with breakfast, and I felt pretty good for most of the day. I even made cookies this afternoon.

Daniel was watching the FedEx truck this morning, and was surprised that it didn't stop here. Later in the afternoon, another FedEx truck pulled up and stopped. He smiled, and went down to the door, coming back up with a box.

He got me a new laptop.

A Dell Studio 1537. Really nice. Some of the features I like are a backlit keyboard, and HD screen. And the Mahjong Titans game. And it's color is like eggplant purple. Hah.

Daniel spent the rest of the afternoon doing whatever he was doing with it--updates, setting it up for our internet and printer and such, and updates, and, well, whatever else he does. I was finally presented "my" new laptop about 6 pm.

I spent a couple hours looking through the settings, trying to get it set up for me, or "customized". It's got Vista on it, which I'm not familiar with, and I'm really slow. But it seems to have some neat features.

Tomorrow is a work day for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Thursday 12.02.2010

I didn't sleep well last night, and when the alarm came on, I called the hospital. On-call. I went back to bed. As I was trying to go to sleep, Dan's alarm came on. He didn't have to work, and I was surprised that he hadn't turned it off. And I was happy that I hadn't been sleeping and been awakened. I finally did snooze off, waking after 9 o'clock.

Dan was up, and Frank had just gotten up when I did.

I made breakfast for us, which was yummy.

About 11, the phone rang. I had to go in and open the overflow unit. Oookaaay.

The snow had created a slick icy coating in the complex, but the other roads were wet and easily traveled.

A safe drive down, thank you God.

We opened the unit and our patients began arriving. The person coming in for the rest of the afternoon arrived, and I went to the meeting.

A safe drive home, thanks again. Dan and his friend were watching a movie.

I've realized that the nagging headache is becoming a migraine. Great. I'm going to take tylenol/motrin and see if it will go away.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Wednesday 12.01.2010

What a day. I had breakfasted and showered when Dan had gotten home from work (he had gone in for a mandatory meeting). He offered to go grocering with me, and suggested we have lunch while we were out. What a deal!!

Lunch at Applebee's, then over to Meijer, a stop at the pharmacy, and back home.

Frank came up about 6 and ended up staying the night, as the snow had accumulated enough that it was extremely slippery, at least it was here in the complex. I had gone up to the clubhouse for the association board meeting, and it was treacherous coming just the short distance back home.

I've enjoyed visiting with him.

I work tomorrow. I hope the roads are decent.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tuesday 11.30.2010

The last day of November. Soon it will be all the rush of Christmas events, then the slide into the next year. Sometimes time goes in a blur. Amazing.

I worked today, with a good group of co-workers, and an oddly busy day. I will say, I was glad to be done with it.

A safe drive home, thank you God, and a quiet evening.

Dan works tomorrow, while I will get groceries and gas and whatever else is needed.

I've felt pretty good, though oddly out-of-sorts. Hot flashes and joint pains. (go away...)

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Monday 11.29.2010

I was up and getting ready for work when the phone rang. Hm. I was on-call. Technically, it wasn't my turn, because I was just off last week. I called the other girls that were scheduled today, but they both wanted to work. Ok, I'll take it. I put my pj's back on and went back to bed.

Dan was out of bed when I woke about 8:30, and we decided to go out for breakfast, not something we do very often. We did a couple errands while we were out. too.

The day was beautiful--blue sky and 45 degrees--and someone called to go golfing. Yup, they went out.

I took advantage of the beautiful afternoon by putting some Christmas lights out on the balcony. I like the way they look with snow on them. That will be next week, right?

I work tomorrow and Dan has appointments.

I've felt pretty good again today, thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Sunday 11.28.2010

I had a good day today. I'm rested, went out for a walk in the sun, had a good supper with my husband. Life is good.

The hot flashes are still happening, but not as often or as intense. Praise the Lord for that. I've been taking the Femara at intervals longer than 24 hours--more like 30 hours or more, but I tend to forget when to take it, or forget to take it all together. The greater interval seems to help with the irregular heart rate, meaning that it still happens, but not as irregular as often. I hope that is enough medication to prevent a cancer from growing. My arm is still annoyingly full; increasing and decreasing throughout the day, but never going back to pre-sugery size.

Tomorrow is a workday for me. Dan is off and will be resting, I'm sure.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Saturday 11.27.2010

I had a good day today, waking about 0930.

A safe drive to Jackson for a haircut and a visit with Frank. We went to Los Tres Amigos and lingered after we ate. I left there and the oil change place was still open. Woo Hoo!

A safe drive home, thanks again. Dan got home shortly after I did.

We had a quiet evening.

He works tomorrow; I don't. Maybe a little Christmas decorating?

I've felt pretty good these last few days. Occasional hot flashes, a little joint pain and stiffness, but better than it has been for a while. Oh, yeah, the occasional irregular heart rate.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Friday 11.26.2010

The morning phone call told me I was "on-call". I heard Daniel leave for work and was sleeping pretty good when I heard the phone ring. I had to go in. It was a little after 6.

I got up and ready to go, with a safe drive down in the cold, windy, snow-flurrying early light of day.

It was my turn to "float"--to work in an area other than your home unit. I ended up on 7NW as an extra pair of hands. We don't take assignments when we float. The first thing I did was meet the shift supervisor, who was going in to discontinue (remove) a wound drain in someone's head/brain. Cool. I helped him. Next, I passed waters to all the patients that could have it. The remainder of the morning I was directed to "assist" someone with a bath. That translated to washing up an 83 year old woman who hasn't had more than a "spit wash" for many years, according to her. Ooookaaay. I fixed a basin of warm water and did what I could. An hour later, she was definitely cleaner than how I found her, but would have benefitted her more (and been easier and faster) if the other staff person would have helped get her in the shower and hose her off. Her roommate was also in her 80's and was calling out, confused. I fixed a basin of water for her, next.

It was almost noon, and I hadn't had a break. My phone rang, and my unit was calling me back. Ok, but I haven't had a break... So I got my lunch and sat in our break room. And we had a patient go bad. Real bad. They called a "code" and got her straightened around and transferred to ICU. I took my lunch over to the other wing to get out of their way. I didn't know anything about the patient, and there was plenty of staff to do what needed to be done.

The rest of the afternoon was just as crazy. Isn't it interesting how many personalities there are? I had to leave a patient who was having a behavioral crisis for the oncoming shift to take over. That's difficult to do, but it's how shift work is. I took her new nurse in and introduced her, hoping to make the transition a little better for them both. I can say I was happy to clock out.

A safe drive home, thanks again. It is way dark now at 7:30 pm.

Dan was up, working on his resume, and we got it fine-tuned.

Tomorrow I have a hair appointment, and maybe an oil change on the car.

I've felt pretty good today, though I've had hot flashes and irregular heart rates. And the other discomforts. But I'm happy to be alive and cancer free.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thursday 11.25.2010 Thankful Day

Dan and I both worked today, which I found to be an odd "sameness" in casinos and hospitals. Both are open 24/7, weekends and holidays. My day was 8 hours instead of 12, which was nice.

We had a good workday with a great group of co-workers. I'll say it again--I'm thankful for them.

A safe drive each way--dark drizzly morning, and gloomy misty gray late afternoon daylight on the way home. Thank you God for keeping us safe during our commutes.

We had a very quiet evening listening to the rain and wind (and of course the television while Dan was up).

We both work again tomorrow.

And I'm thankful for you. Hugs.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wednesday 11.24.2010

I got up after a restless night of interrupted sleep about 8:30. Breakfast, light housekeeping, laundry started, and I went out for errands.

First stop at the pharmacy to drop off prescriptions, then to Meijer. Fuel for the car, fuel for the body. That store was busy, but I was actually able to get into a lane that had a checker person. Geesh, I miss that. This store usually has only a couple of lanes with a "person", which are usually cued up with larger orders, so I've been using the self scan. I don't like that so well.

Back to the pharmacy to pick up the meds, then over to the storage unit to pick up Christmas stuff. At home, unloaded the car and had a light lunch.

I finished moving the furniture around and putting things away after having our dinner on Saturday, and started dinner.

Dan got home and we ate.

We had a quiet evening.

I've felt pretty good today, and I thank the Lord for it. Sure, the swelling and aches and irregular heart rate are still there, but today it's been pretty low key.

Daniel and I both work tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tuesday 11.23.2010

Can you believe November is almost over, and the year is almost over, too?? It is so weird how the perception of time changes with age.

Dan and I went to the Grand Rapids area today. Following his appointment, we went to visit his friends that he's known since boyhood. They were neighbors and walked to school together. It was fun to see the two of them together. One of their sons walked over with their first grandchild, and their granddog. They are surely blessed. I enjoyed our visit. Thank you for your hospitality, John and Judy.

The drive over was very windy, and Dan had to "fight" to maintain control of the vehicle. But it was a much better drive home. We stopped in Lansing to eat.

The rest of the evening was quiet, catching up on phone calls and email.

I've felt pretty good today, with the same aches and discomforts. Ahh, Life. Thank you, God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Monday 11.22.2010

Our internet went down yesterday afternoon, therefore no post for yesterday. And since Dan is the Computer Guy, he dealt with it in the evening after he got home from work, getting no where with the support person for the 2Wire modem. (That person said that our modem wasn't working, and that he couldn't do anything further, being Sunday night and all. Call back tomorrow.) This is the fourth 2Wire modem we've had that has failed within one year of use. They've always sent us a replacement modem, sometimes as an overnight delivery.

This morning, I was called and told to stay home, but would probably be needed at some point. I stayed up until Dan left for work, but went back to bed, surprised and happy to see that I had actually slept. The clock showed 9:33. I got up.

My breakfast was just about ready when the phone rang again, telling me I needed to be there at noon. So I enjoyed breakfast, got ready to go, and called the support number.

40 minutes and two people later, she tells me the modem is bad and I need to be transferred to another department. I thanked her for her time, saying that I was 10 minutes late in leaving for an appointment, and could I please have a direct number to call so that my husband could pick this up where I left off? She gave me the number, I left a note with the information for Daniel, and went to Jackson.

We had a nice afternoon, opening the overflow unit. And a seven hour workday is just fine with me.

A safe drive home, thank you God.

Daniel had made the phone call with unsatisfactory results. He went to Best Buy and bought a Netgear modem. He installed it and he had our computers up and running again by the time I got home. It's great having a Computer Guy. Thanks, Dan.

Tomorrow we're going to the Grand Rapids area to visit friends of his. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

I'm feeling pretty good, too. Of course, the shoulder feels full and achy, and my hands/wrists are a little swollen, and my heartbeat is occasionally irregularly irregular, but I feel rested today, and that makes a big difference.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Saturday 11.20.2010

I hardly slept last night. I kept waking up, toss and turn, try to hold still, uncover, cover up. Breathe. Ugh. Finally felt like I rested between 5 and 8, though that was interrupted sleep, too. I finally got up.

I breakfasted and got the dressing ready. Some in the bird, and the rest in a pan. I'm going to try something different--Jeremy's "new" Jenny doesn't eat bird or hoof, but does eat fish. So I laid some fillets on top of the dressing, oiled and sprinkled it, covered tightly and baked while the turkey was done and "resting". It turned out pretty good.

In fact, all of the food was very yummy. Holiday Salad, turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed white potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, fresh broccoli, cranberry sauce, crescent rolls. Mmm. Dan's daughter Breon and hubby Nick joined us, too, and we had our Thanksgiving. Oh, yeah, pumpkin pie and Cool Whip.

We visited and laughed and were just "together", enjoying it. Jenny helped me with clean up, (thanks again, Jenny), and then they had to leave. It was so good to see Jeremy. I was thinking, after everyone left, that I'm glad I got pictures. Oh no--we didn't take pictures! We'll just have to remember it in our hearts, and in our mind's eye.

Tomorrow, Frank and I are meeting with a realtor who will be showing us some properties. I hope it will be informative for Frank, and, who knows, maybe he'll see something that he really likes?

I'm pretty tired tonight. My feet hurt and the glands in my neck feel swollen. I'm hoping it's just fatigue.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Friday 11.19.2010

When the radio came on this morning, I called the hospital to see if we would all be needed, and to take the "on call" status if we weren't. I could. Yippee!! I tried to doze some before Dan got up; I did better after he had left for work and ended up getting up just before 9.

After breakfast and a lovely shower, I started on food prep for tomorrow. Not having made pumpkin pie in a while--and when I had thought about it, it had been at least a decade!--it was slow going. Even though it's a real easy recipe. I wanted to make sure I had all the spices in, including the molasses. And as I was measuring and mixing, the phone rang.

Yep, I had to go in. Ugh. I asked if I could put the pies in the oven, and be there sometime after 1, and they agreed, which was really nice of them. When you are "called in" you have one hour to get there. So for me, I have to leave pretty much right away.

Dan had left work early and was home as the pies were going in. I cleaned up the kitchen, got myself ready to go, had a quick bite to eat, and the pies were almost done. He offered to get them out of the oven, but one last look before I left, and they were done.

A safe drive down, thank you God. I had a great afternoon with a good bunch of co-workers. Again, the end of shift had a little flurry of busy-ness, but most of us were able to clock out on time.

A safe drive home, thanks again, with only one new deer carcass in the road. Creepy.

Dan had done some housework for us, and I did as much advance food prep as I could this evening. I'm looking forward to having my "boys" here, and having our familiar foods to celebrate life.

I'm tired tonight, and a little achy.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thursday 11.18.2010

Work today. Driving down to Jackson in the dark morning, I saw at least 3 huge blood smears on the highway, with corresponding mangled carcass remains and fur. Ick.

We had a fair day, which quickly spiraled downward the last half hour. We clocked out, leaving the oncoming shift in the midst of a big mess. I'm sure they will manage with competence.

On the drive home, I saw at least 2 more bloody stretches, along with the carcasses. I pray God keeps us safe as we commute.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

I felt pretty good again, overall. Occasional hot flashes and achy shoulder. But pretty good.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Wednesday 11.17.2010

I slept pretty good overall, but woke about 0730. I dozed a little longer, finally getting up shortly after 8. I waaay don't like to get up that early.

But since I was up, I started my day. Breakfast, laundry. I took down the lace valance at our bedroom window and hand washed that, starching and ironing it.

I made my grocery list, had a bite to eat, and went to Meijer. It took me a bit to find a couple items I was looking for, and I was home after 2. After getting groceries put away I started the food prep for supper, which we had after Dan got home from work.

We had a quiet night. Dan has gone to bed, and I'm about ready, too. Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

I've felt pretty good again today, overall. I'm realizing that my hot flashes are not as frequent as they were. Woo Hoo!!! and Praise the Lord!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday 11.09.2010

A quiet morning. Dan left to go to the JC to take delivery of the new furnace, while I went to Jackson. I drove by a couple of properties I had found on the internet for Frank before going to the hospital for our skills fair.

The "fair" was well attended; I think the majority of our staff went through. It's really difficult to achieve 100% compliance.

A safe drive home, thank you God. Dan got home an hour or so after I did. We visited a little before he called it a night.

Tomorrow is grocering and laundering for me. We are having our Thanksgiving dinner with Frank and Jeremy Saturday, on Jeremy's way back to South Carolina. I'm looking forward to "our" familiar foods, shared with my boys.

I've felt pretty good today, with my head still sore from that migraine yesterday. I'm surprised at how long that lingers.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Monday 11.15.2010

I woke this morning with that naggy frontal head pressure. Ick. I got up, had breakfast, fresh brew, waiting for it to go away. It didn't.

I went to Leah's for a massage, and on the way there, the pressure-pain intensified, and I realized that it was a migraine. I told her where my pain was, and she went to work.

About halfway through I was feeling like I had worked out. The pain had eased but the inside of my head was still sore. She continued doing what she does, including moving some lymph fluid. I was happy to have the migraine relieved by physical instead of pharmaceutical means, although when I got home, I did take tylenol and motrin to keep it away.

The rest of the day was quiet. I snoozed a bit after Dan got home, and since the meds have worn off, the shoulder and neck muscles and the inside of my head are sore again. I'll probably have another tylenol/motrin before too long.

Tomorrow I'll be at the hospital again for our "skills fair".

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sunday 11.14.2010

Another workday. I didn't really want to get up, but I did, and had a safe drive to Jackson, thank you God.

We had a great group of co-workers, and an oddly semi-busy day, though the last few hours were not so busy. I was able to go to radiology and get the x-rays taken of the knees that Dr. Taylor had ordered way back when, when I had my physical a few weeks ago.

A safe drive home, thanks again.

Dan and I visited a little before he fell asleep in the chair.

I'm looking forward to a bunch of nothing, with a massage thrown in.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Saturday 11.13.2010

A safe drive to Jackson in the fog, thank you God. I had the feeling that there were creatures along the sides of the road, and kept watch for them, but didn't see any.

We had a good workday with a good group of co-workers. The day got long, but the second hand kept moving and we were finally able to leave.

A safe drive home, thanks again, though raining lightly, making it dark and wet.

Dan was sleeping when I arrived, and is still.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

I've felt pretty good today, overall.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday 11.12.2010 Dis-appointment

I woke this morning earlier than my alarm, but I stayed awake and did the first half of the lymph drainage exercises, hoping to get maximum benefit from my visit with Ike.

Shortly after getting to the therapy place, Ike and her client came out as they finished her appointment. Ike greeted me and went back behind The Door. About 10 minutes later she came out to get me.

She was friendly enough, but I felt a distance, and I got the impression that she felt this visit was unnecessary. We went back into treatment room 2 and she closed the door. We each took a seat.

As she interviewed me, and reviewed the paperwork, her conversation revolved around "chronic condition" and "self management", saying that lyphedema is always going to be a problem. Yes, I've heard this before, and this is maybe the third or fourth discussion we've had about it. I tried to stay neutral, as opposed to having a heated discussion, but I had a hard time not getting emotional. I was, after all, fighting for my physical well-being. Lymphedema may well be part of my "new" status, but I don't want to have a blow up crisis to be able to have a treatment for it.

Not so, in her eyes.

Without going into much more detail, she did do some sort of exam, though didn't measure my arms and hands like she had done before. She exclaimed how good I looked, and have I lost weight? (are you kidding--?) She went on to say that I'm doing really well, that the goal of therapy is to be able to self manage a chronic condition. She declared that she couldn't find a "problem" to treat. I knew by that time that she had no intention of doing any kind of treatment whatsoever for me, and we spent the next half of the appointment sparring about patient needs vs. protocol. I was told that maybe I needed a therapist to discuss my "fear of cancer returning" (really?) and that a massage therapist who was knowledgeable about lymphedema might be helpful. I asked her if she had someone that she referred to, and she denied knowing any. (I didn't say anything about my Leah--Ike and I have talked about her in the past). I left there very frustrated with The System and her premise of having to have a "crisis" to treat, as well as her unwillingness/inability to hear the patient's concerns and blatantly denying the obvious collection of fluid in my upper quarter of my body.

I thanked her for her time and left.

Ugh.

Next stop, Meijer.

I went through the store, collecting the items on the list, and came home. A light lunch and it was time to go to Leah's for a reflexology appointment.

Very much needed, and she did a good job, as always. She asked about the appointment with Ike and was about as upset as me. By the time this appointment was over, we had prayed for Ike to be able to help her patients, and thanked her for taking care of me previously when I needed it. I love being able to give up the negativity, to let God fill that space with positive energy. Thank you, God.

So my left shoulder and arm and right wrist are sore from Ike's manipulations, and I'm still "full" of fluid. I've decided that I'll wait until after the first of the year and make an appointment with the Michigan State University Lymphedema Clinic.

Tomorrow is a workday for both Dan and me.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thursday 11.11.2010

What a long day!

I went to the hospital to help with our annual "ed fair" or "skills fair", a concentrated effort to get and keep our staff up to date with required competencies. Today was scheduled for 10 AM - 10 PM. I got there at 9 to help set up. It went real well, I thought, as we had a good turnout. About half of our staff had come through at some point during the day.

I was able to attend and complete a few of the competencies myself. We picked up and put things away and I clocked out a little after 10.

When I got home, I was kind of tired, but wound up, and ended up doing about an hour of yoga practice to get stretched out. I want to be ready for my appointment with Ike tomorrow.

I got kind of stiff today, staying in the same area. I walked around a little bit, but not enough to unkink. I'm off to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Wednesday 11.10.2010

I slept enough to be almost rested, enjoying a quiet morning at home with Daniel. He left to golf, about noon, and I got laundry sorted and started. I ended up doing about 4 loads today.

When he got back, we went out for dinner, and on a whim, went into the Goodwill store that was nearby. We found a blazer, slacks, and a Lands End jacket for me, all for less than 20 dollars. Not as cheap as "Fishing", but a good buy none-the-less.

His friend Al came over, and we enjoyed a pleasant evening. Those two are going golfing tomorrow somewhere south of here and wanted to get an early start.

I'll be going to Jackson to facilitate the "skills fair" for our department's staff. The event is scheduled 10 AM to 10 PM; I don't know how long I'm going to be there. I'm guessing it will be a long day.

I've felt pretty good, other than that tendon being tight in my forearm. I see Ike on Friday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tuesday 11.09.2010

Another workday, very busy, very tired tonight. My left arm had the sore tendon, similar to the cording, a couple of times today. I realized that I see Ike on Friday, which is only like 3 days away. Finally.

I'm going to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Monday 11.08.2010

Back to work for me today. Very busy, but with a great group of co-workers. Thank you all for working as a team today.

I've felt pretty good until this evening, when it felt like the "cording" I've had in the past had returned, from the left wrist on up to the elbow, and up the upper arm. I was able to massage it and get my arm to straighten out. Very weird.

I'm pretty tired tonight. I work tomorrow; Dan doesn't.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sunday 11.07.2010 Fall Back

While the interior of the cabin has finally come up to a comfortably warm temperature (which includes furniture), I didn't sleep very well last night. I woke this morning at 8:30/7:30, watched the sun coming up in a clear blue sky over a quiet lake. I dozed and woke again, watching 2 squirrels running up and down the pine tree, and back and forth on the branches, taking twigs, branches, and leaves back to either build a new nest or repair/reinforce an existing one. I watched them for while, and got up.

I saw the ducks and geese scattering from their spots on the lake, and sure enough, here comes an eagle. It swoped right into the pine tree. And I notice that one of the squirrels is very still on the branch, chattering lightly, like it's calling to the other one. And then it kind of barks and cries, kind of eerily. Um, I think the eagle got one of the squirrels. Not too much longer, both eagles launched out over the lake, though I didn't see anything in either one's talons. I don't see that other squirrel, either.

I went in to start my day, and KS was out by the front door, and that squirrel was still making that bark/cry noise. Those eagles are cool, but it is eerily quiet when they are around. The smaller creatures vamoose. Or disappear.

When we went outdoors today, we didn't see any dead squirrel, or squirrel parts. I don't know if the eagles put that squirrel somewhere, or what. Creepy.

It was a beautiful day at Long Lake. 52 degrees, sunny, very light breeze, and the waterbirds out there taking full advantage of it. So cool. We walked down Memory Lane, which included a trip over the dam bridge, and on over to her folks' place. Wow, we hadn't walked that route in many years. And parts of it still felt familiar to our feet. We visited with one of the neighbors, CW, who said he will be taking over the care of the cabin from his brother. He and his girlfriend had done yardwork this weekend, and the property is looking so much better already. Welcome back, Chris.

KS and I got our cabin cleaned and ourselves ready to go. She left maybe 2:30 ish, and I dawdled a bit, making and eating lunch before leaving about 4.

An uneventful drive home, thank you God, even in the stop and go traffic on 69, where bridge painting had us down to one lane and 45 mph.

Dan helped unload the car. We chatted a bit and he fell asleep in the chair before too long.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

I've felt pretty good overall, but my heart is becoming more irregular. I took another Femara today, which is the third dose since I restarted. Time will tell if it's related to the medicine.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Saturday 11.06.2010

I woke this morning to 30 degrees, clear skies and a much quieter lake. The buffleheads, mallards, wood ducks, and canadian geese were all out and feeding, as well as the occasional seagull. I didn't see any eagles today, nor have I seen the herons yet this weekend. Although I didn't feel like I was done sleeping, I got up anyway, about 8:30.

KS was already up and on the phone. We had a quiet morning. She showered, dressed, and went out for a walk while I showered and got ready for the day.

It was so lovely outdoors. We picked up sticks and branches from the windstorm a couple of weeks ago, and raked and burned the larger collections of leaves. I wonder if that will reduce the number of leaves in the spring?? It warmed up to a comfortable, sunny 45 degrees, and standing by the fire was quite nice.

I pulled off the cover to the crawl space to inspect the job, and see if it was still wet down there. Darn it, it is. I got the camera and took pictures and sent them to Daniel, who was as dismayed as I am. He mentioned some septic work that had been done several years ago, and while I didn't quite follow what happened, the general tone was that it wasn't quite right. We'll have to think about it and discuss it a bit more before making a decision on what to do next.

Those were the two main things I had wanted to do outside today, as well as let the van run a bit. I unhooked the battery afterwards so it wouldn't run down.

We came inside and had a snack, and KS wanted to go for a drive around the lake, which we did. She is all about what properties are for sale, the remodel jobs, and such. Shoot, I don't go around the lake but maybe once in the summer. Just not something I do, unless riding the bicycle.

Back at home, we went out for a walk, then sat outside as darkness closed in. It's different in the Fall--spring and summer would have the bird and insect noises, but all we heard was the rustle of leaves from the gentle breeze, an occasional vehicle, and occasional dog barks. It was wonderful to sit outdoors--thanks, KS, for sharing that with me.

We went back in, and I put supper together for us. It was yummy. I had another scare, though, when I opened the refrigerator door and the light didn't come on. And the unit was very quiet. I thought about it for a few minutes, wondering how I was going to tell Daniel that the fridge had died, when I thought to check the fuse box. Yup, a breaker had tripped. I flipped the switch back, and after several seconds, the fridge came on. There was still no light, though. I put a different bulb in, and Wa La!! all is well in refrigerator land. I think the bulb burned out and tripped the breaker. Boy, am I glad that happened while we were here. Thank you God for looking out for me.

We did dishes and cleaned up the kitchen and had a quiet rest of the night, mostly reading.

Tomorrow we have to leave. It has been suggested to go back under the house and watch to see what happens when the toilet is flushed and faucets are opened, but I don't know if I'm going to do that.

I was kind of grumpy today. Generally, overall uncomfortable. The plumbing findings, and then the fridge, whew, I'm not doing so well with the stress. And my heart rate is trying to become more irregular. I did take another Femara after supper. And I'm a little less grumpy this evening.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.06.2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

Friday 11.05.2010

The most exciting thing happened this morning. I was awake and watching the lake, waiting for the birds and other creatures to start "moving". The awning is, of course, rolled up against the house, so the upward view is expanded. I saw a bird coming toward the house from the GC area; I thought, "there's a seagull". And then I saw the meanface. It was an eagle!! It soared right up to the house and landed in our pine tree! I heard cackling noises, and it sounded like two birds.

As I watched, they launched out over the lake, and they dropped down, close to the water, doing a small circle and hovering. I saw a duck surface, and one of the eagles dropped down to snatch it. Ack! The duck dove back down into the water, and the eagles regrouped, too. They hovered, and when the duck surfaced again, the same eagle tried snatching the duck again, but it scooted out of reach and flew away. Wow! I think it was an adult eagle teaching the juvenile bird to hunt duck. They flew back up to the tree and chattered a bit, and while one flew off, one stayed on the branch for a while longer before flying off the other way. Totally awesome.

I did get the camera, and got pictures of the tree, but imagination is needed to find the birds in there.

What a great way to start the morning. Praise God for the cycles of life. Lucky duck, unlucky eagle. Lucky me to have observed it.

The temps were in the high 20's this morning and the wind picked up. It was in the mid 60's inside the JC. I figured out that if I put one of the radiant heaters in the main part, and the other heater in the front part, and close the sliding door inbetween, it's warmer. I don't get it, but it is.

Kathy Sue arrived about 1:30. We got her unloaded and settled in. We went outside for a nice walk, going up to Long Lake, looking at things, and enjoying the company. We were bundled up with scarves, hats, earwarmers, winter coat, heavy socks, winter shoes, mittens and gloves. It was cold--just like winter! And it was snow flurrying, too. We were out for over an hour.

We enjoyed supper and the warm interior of the cabin.

We've had a quiet evening, reading, snoozing, computing.

Tomorrow we're going to go outside again, to pick up the branches and sticks and stuff from the recent windstorm.

I've felt pretty good today. I only noticed an occasional irregularity in the heart rate, and I took the Femara again today after not having it for two days. We'll see what happens.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thursday 11.04.2010

I woke this morning feeling much better. I knew that Daniel had gotten up for work, but didn't hear him leave.

I putzed around the house, put my suitcase together in case I can go up north tonight, and collected odds and ends to take, throughout the day. I went to Meijer for a few groceries, stopped at the library, got home and put supper together.

We ate when Dan got home, and when I called the Juror Hotline, there were "no jurors needed" and our service has been completed, thank you very much. Yahoo, and Yahoo. I'm glad to be done with that.

After cleaning the kitchen and packing the cooler, Dan helped carry things down to the car, and I was on the road about 6:20 or so.

It was an odd drive; going through Lansing (on the expressway) two firetrucks came up from behind us, lights and sirens on. We all moved over and stopped. Of course they are slower and we stayed behind them, and they went into the turnaround thing and went back the other way. Then, on 33, an ambulance was coming southbound and we had to pull over again.

I got to the JC about 9 o'clock. 38 degrees, breezy, and a glint of snow flurries. The rabbit and opossum were up by the corner of the house by the rose bush. Both scampered off as pulled in. I didn't know 'possums could move quickly.

I got the heaters on, and it's warming up in here. KS is supposed to be joining me tomorrow.

I've felt better today, heart rate wise. I've still had occasional irregularities, but not as much as yesterday. I didn't take a Femara again today. Maybe by tomorrow the heart rate will have straightened out. Then I'll try that Femara again to see if that is the cause.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wednesday 11.03.2010

The first week of November, we should be gearing up for the holidays?? It seems odd, almost, that the end of the year is just several weeks away.

I woke up feeling mostly rested, with another naggy sinus-like headache. I had a slow breakfast, and an unhurried shower, and realized I felt better enough that I wasn't going to take any medicine. Although tylenol and motrin are my good friends, I don't visit them every day, routinely.

My toenails had grown, so I took the time to tend them. I did a little light housekeeping, fixed supper, Dan got home and we had supper.

A quiet evening overall.

No jurors needed tomorrow, so I don't have to go to the courthouse. I'm going to get ready to go to the lake tomorrow night if I'm not needed Friday. If so, I'll have to go Friday after court.

After the headache eased I felt pretty good, other than the joint discomfort and the annoying irregularly irregular heart rate. I mentioned it to both Dr. Williams, the oncologist, and Dr. Taylor, the family practice guy, and neither were concerned. I guess if I get concerned enough I'll either call Dr. Williams' office or go to ER, depending on how "concerned" I am at the time... For today, I did not take the Femara. I'll see if that has any effect.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Tuesday 11.02.2010

Drove down to Jackson in a clear, starry morning, with a bright crescent moon. The car showed it was 27 degrees out there. I'm liking the heated seat in my car.

The morning started off with lots of commotion and busy-ness. Someone said it was a carnival, someone said it was a circus; it could have been a carnival within a circus, or a circus within a carnival. Either way, it was busy for about 3 hours.

We played catch-up and we actually had lunch around noon! The rest of the day went by and I was able to clock out and come home. Thank you to my wonderful co-workers.

Dan was home, having been golfing in the cold again today. We visited and he went off to bed.

The court recording said "no jurors needed" for tomorrow, so I'm off the hook for that.

I felt pretty good today, other than some joint soreness.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Monday 09.01.2010

I stand corrected. I had read on the internet that a Friday-Saturday-Sunday happens only once in 823 years. I thought it was on the Old Farmers Almanac site, but I can't find that reference. One I did find is this http://www.geekosystem.com/5-fridays-saturdays-sundays-not-823-years/ , with this paragraph:



"Let’s think about this, a year can only start on one of seven days, so there are seven possible basic calendar years. Add leap years, and there are fourteen basic calendars. Period. And one of those calendars only gets used every 823 years? How would that be possible? It’s not of course, all fourteen calenders get cycled through regularly, in fact 2010 uses the exact same calendar as 1999."



There is more in this article if you are interested in reading more.

Thank you, Jim, for accurate information.

So, with housekeeping taken care of...

I was hot during most of the night. The window was open 6 or 7 inches or so with outside temps below freezing, according to Daniel. Poor Daniel, he was cold. I'm surprised he didn't turn on his side of the electric mattress pad, or close the window.

I got myself ready and went to the court house in Mason. I found a parking place and walked over--it's really a beautiful, old building, with lots of oak woodwork, murals, and mosaic tile floors. The group of us jurors waited, gathered in the commissioner's meeting room. A woman came in and instructed us, and the morning went on from there. Bottom line is, the jury was selected for a case, and I was not called up. So I had to call after 5 pm this evening. I did, and there were no new jurors needed for tomorrow, which means I have to go to work. I called and let them know.

Back home, I had a good afternoon. I went out for a walk, and ended up being out over an hour. The temps were maybe mid-40's with a cold breeze, clear blue skies. Absolutely beautiful, thank you God.

Dan got home shortly after I got in. We visited, had supper, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow we both work.

I've felt pretty good today, overall. A little fatigued, but overall, pretty good. Thanks again.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sunday 10.31.2010 boo!

So this was the 5th weekend of a month, a rarity. Another 800 years or so, there will be another month with 5 full weekends. Hm.

I had a flip flop night. Toss and turn, try to hold still so as to not disturb Daniel. Deep breathe, conscious relaxation, counting backwards from 100. (I remember getting to 64) Geez. I finally slept between 5 and 7:45. Daniel got up, and I dozed again, getting up myself about 9.

It looked to be a beautiful day, though cold. Mid 30's, and the sun was shining through the clouds. Dan went golfing about 11:30, even though the temps were only projected to be low 40's. I made a grocery list, and went into Mason to find the courthouse (it's where I thought it was) and to see where parking is. Looks like I'll be walking a couple of blocks, and that's if there are spots available. But there seems to be street parking, too, so somewhere within the 2 or 3 block radius of the municipal building, I should be able to find a spot.

That done, I went on down to the Meijer store in Mason. I got our groceries and back home.

Dinner was done when Dan got home. He was hungry, and chilled. Hot supper, warm shower, and I was surprised when he fixed himself two cups of hot chocolate. It wasn't long before he was off to bed.

I'm a bit anxious about going to the courthouse tomorrow, but I've got a couple things to take with me to do while waiting. I really don't know what to expect.

Sinus pressure, wrist/joint/tendon discomfort. Same stuff.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Saturday 10.30.2010

Again, I didn't sleep as well as I thought I might. I finally got up about 8:30 and got ready for my day.

An uneventful drive to Jackson, thank you God, and Lauretta did a good job on my haircut. From there, I stopped in to visit Frank. We had a nice visit, though brief.

I met my friend, TD, at Bob Evans for lunch and a nice visit. We ended up being there for a couple of hours, catching up. I enjoyed the afternoon.

A safe drive home, thanks again, and Daniel got home just after I did. We spent the evening visiting and of course, he had the television on.

Tomorrow he plans on golfing; I'll get groceries and get ready for the week. I've been selected for jury duty, and when I called this evening, I have to report Monday in Mason. I've only gone once before, way back in the 70's, if I remember right. Yippee.

I've felt pretty good today, just a little achy.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Friday 10.29.2010

I slept pretty good, and almost felt rested this morning. I was able to go back to sleep after Dan left for work; the birds were welcoming the sunny, slightly breezy morning when I woke.

I got up and stripped the bed and started that laundry. I decided to wash the mattress pad, too, as well as a blanket. I enjoyed breakfast while listening to the birds enjoying the sunshine.

Dan was able to leave work early, and went to play golf, suggesting we go out to dinner when he was done. Hm, sounds good to me, that means I won't have to get groceries and cook tonight. He left to go to the lake tonight after we got back.

He said that everything looked ok, at least in the dark.

I enjoyed my quiet evening at home, and tried a tai chi video that I found on you tube. Interesting. The stretching movements are helpful in opening the lymph channels under my arm, and it's just a bit less achy.

Tomorrow is a haircut and lunch afterword with a friend, and Dan will be back in the afternoon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thursday 10.28.2010

I slept a fair amount last night, but had to get up before I was done sleeping, to go to work. Ugh.

I did my best to find and keep a positive attitude today. Every once in a while I'd feel a little grumpy, but managed to get back on track.

We were quite busy today, with call lights, telephones, and a new-to-us medication charting system. I was very happy to see the next shift come in, and even happier to clock out before the next call light came on.

A safe drive home, thank you God, in the cold, dark, drizzle. Temps have dropped to 40 degrees.

Dan was home; he said the neighbor at the lake had called, saying our shelter had survived the windstorm. At one point the zippers had come up and the thing looked like it was going to take off, but it didn't, and they closed it up again for us. Thanks, Bob and Evelyn, for looking out for us. Dan is going up Saturday with his friend, to check on the friend's trailer, as well as the JC and the GC, and Anne's, too. I'll bet there are lots of tree limbs and debris around. I have appointments Saturday, so I won't be going with them.

Tomorrow I don't have to get up early, just have a couple of errands to do in town.

I did pretty good today, being so busy. Tylenol and motrin are my friends.

And you are, too.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Wednesday 10.27.2010

A safe drive to Jackson, thank you God.

We had a fairly nice day with a good group, but left the night shift with 6 moms to deliver. Which means tomorrow we'll be really busy, and will probably need to open the overflow unit.

A safe drive home, thanks again.

Dan and I visited a bit before he went off to bed. I'm on my way soon.

I've felt pretty good with the help of the tylenol and motrin.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tuesday 10.26.2010 The "Annual"

I woke up disoriented again this morning, wondering why I was alone in the bed. Even though I had heard Daniel getting ready for his day. Odd how that happens.

I got ready for my own day, dressing, and making my list of medications and refills. I have a couple of prescription ointments for itchy areas that will "erupt" if the stuff isn't applied. And the migraine medicine has expired, as has the epi-pen for bee stings.

Dr. James Taylor has been taking care of me for about 20 years. He's a family practice guy and does the annual physical exam, including a breast exam and gynecological exam. He commented on how "full" my whole left side was. A couple of interesting observations--when he checked reflexes at the wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle, the right side response was brisk, and the left side response was normal. He also thinks I have fluid on both of my knees. We talked about the weight gain and higher cholesterol levels, which equal diet and exercise, which I have been lax about for most of this year. I left there with prescription renewals, an order for x-ray of both knees, had 2 vials of blood drawn for rheumatoid arthritis work-up, and was vaccinated with the DTP diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis shot. Thanks, Doc. I hope to only return on an annual basis.

Next stop was the hospital. As I was entering the lobby, the tornado warning was announced. Yes, tornado warning, in late October.

We were having a potluck retirement party, and I took the salad I made yesterday. I enjoyed the food and friends, and went from there to our Lactation Support Group. We talked about the challenges of the realities of everyday life versus the idealism of health care policy and procedure.

I finally left the hospital about 4:30. The sun was shining, though it was still a bit windy. I had a safe drive again today, thank you God. I did notice a lot of dead deer on the sides of the road, including 2 that were in the same area that I had seen them in the other day. Bummer.

Dan was home and had just fixed himself something to eat. I went over to the library to pick up my next book on cd, and had supper when I got back.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Monday 10.25.2010

I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked. I heard rain this morning before Dan got up, and I had some sinus pressure that I had hoped would go away. It didn't. I took a claritin about 6, and woke up again about 7:30 with a whopping frontal headache. It was different than the migraines I'd had, and this felt more like a "hangover" headache. Alas, all of the headache and none of the fun. I took a couple of tylenol and sat on the sofa, waiting for the "quick relief" that the ads promise.

A couple hours later, I felt that I could eat, and had breakfast. The hot coffee felt good. By 11:30 I was ready to get in the shower, and the warm water helped, too.

I went to Meijer and got what was on the list, and I'm thinking that by the way my vision was (kind of "swimmy") and the leftover headache stuff, that it was probably a migraine. That's the first one I've had in a long time. It was different, though, and I'll have to be aware so I can take the medicine sooner.

Back home, Daniel had gone golfing. I put together a veggie/pasta salad for a potluck retirement party tomorrow, fixed and ate dinner, (Dan was with his friends), did a couple 3 loads of laundry. Still feeling kind of punky tonight.

Tomorrow I have my annual physical with my family practice doctor, then the potluck party before a meeting tomorrow afternoon.

My upper left arm has a row of small lumps which are tender-sore. I have a series of appointments with Ike in November, the soonest we could coordinate schedules. I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sunday 10.24.2010

When the radio came on, heard within sleep, I wondered why it was on. Listening to the music on the edge of sleep and wake, trying to make sense of it, I almost reached over and turned it off.

Yes, I think it's Sunday, and my weekend to work. I'd better get up...

A safe drive to Jackson, thank you God, and a pretty good workday with a great group of co-workers. And just before the end of shift, one of my babies needed help breastfeeding.

I have to say, God has given me a gift of being able to help these babies and mothers. Most often, it doesn't take very long to get the baby "on" and feeding. Other times, it can take an hour. Or more, and more than one session. This particular baby has had a few hours of my time these last couple of days. We had a successful feed this afternoon, and hoped to have another before I left at 7pm.

I was in the room with them for an hour and a half, the bottom line being that we got the baby fed. And then I had to chart it. And I didn't clock out until 8.

I sat in the car and "regrouped" before starting for home. I called Dan and let him know I was on the way, and we talked a bit.

A safe drive home, thanks again.

We visited a little more before he went off to bed. I'm winding down.

Tomorrow is laundry, groceries, and probably food prep of some kind. Hopefully my morning won't start too early...

My left upper arm is feeling tight, kind of like the cording. Stretching will probably help, and I'll get to that, too. And tylenol and motrin.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Saturday 10.23.2010

Another workday, starting with a short night.

We were very busy today, and I am thankful that the 2 deer were on the shoulder of the road on the way down, and on the way back, there were 2 deer prancing around in the median. I don't like driving when they are moving like that. And don't they know the fences are there to keep them safe, not to jump over??

Tomorrow is another workday for both of us. I was a bit achey today, but I realize as I write this, that I didn't have afternoon tylenol/motrin. Duh.

Pray God keep each of us safe in our travels.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Friday 10.22.2010

The day dawned clear and cold, mid 30's, with a mirror lake. A high layer of clouds was making it's way across the sky, and by the time I got up, close to 9 o'clock, the day didn't look so promising. But those clouds passed after a few hours, and it turned into a beautiful afternoon.

I went up to the marina and picked up the speedboat, and with Dan's help, got it maneuvered back into the garage. It had spent the night outdoors, uncovered, and needed to be wiped down. I was doing that until Dan was ready to go to Hale.

We looked at the Fish store, not finding much, down to Bernards, where Dan got what he wanted, then over to the hardware store. Back to the lake.

He finished his project, I finished wiping the boat (both outside and inside), got the "float" charger on the battery, and covered the boat to keep the dirt and dust off of it.

It wasn't too much longer that Dan said he had finished his projects, and was headed for home. Oh. What about cleaning inside...??? He was looking grumpy, and I'd rather be with my pleasant self than have him help me with his grumpy self. I sent him on his way.

So, I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up, tidying up the garage, making sure the outside of the house was picked up and items secured, moved the paddleboat, cleaned inside, ate, packed, loaded the car, and finally left about 5 pm. Whew. And it was so beautiful outdoors, all I could do is praise God for letting me be there. Amen and Amen.

A safe drive home, thank you God, and I stopped to visit Tom and Kathy Sue to see their new kitchen. Wow! So Beautiful! Tom did a great job installing what Kathy's vision created.

I continued on my way. Just north of Lansing, I saw two deer cavorting on the side of the road. I zoomed by them--I don't know if they were trying to cross, or what. Again, thanks be.

I stopped and refueled in Lansing, getting home about 9:30. To my dismay, the house was dark and Dan was snoring in the bed. I unloaded the car, had a bite to eat, showered, and wrote here.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

I've felt pretty good, overall, considering. Tylenol and motrin keep me mostly comfortable. My left hand still has that swollen area that is tender. But I'm happy to be alive.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Thursday 10.21.2010

It was cold and windy most of the day today, although there were a couple of times when the wind eased up a bit. I don't think the temperature got above 48, and sometimes the wind was almost frosty.

We went outside about noon to start on chores, putting things away, moving things around, etc, as the season changes. Jim and Polly had walked down, too, in the cold. They helped move the jet boat around inside the shelter. We had wanted to try to put another boat in there, but it isn't wide enough to accommodate both trailers/boats.

Dan and I did go for a short pontoon ride, though. I loved it, even though it was cold. It's so different being on the water with the majority of the boats and docks out, and the foliage down.

I made a small pot of soup and fresh biscuits for our (late) lunch. I took the speedboat up to the marina after taking the biscuits out of the oven, eating when I got back.

Steve came over and got the pontoon out for us, and Dan and I got the dock out. The marina didn't call this evening to pick up the boat; I'll do that tomorrow.

We got all of the our chores done. Polly and Jim stopped in again after their supper and we had an enjoyable visit.

Tomorrow we'll be leaving.

I've felt pretty good today, other than my right wrist and left hand being bothersome. But I'm glad I'm alive and cancer free. Thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wednesday 10.20.2010

I didn't sleep as well as I thought I might, but when I woke, again, at 0730, I got up and got ready to go north. Shower, breakfast, pack, load. On the road by 10.

A safe drive up on a beautiful fall day, thank you God. In a lot of areas the leaves are down; I'm also seeing more dead deer on the sides of the roads.

I got to the lake about 1:15. Dan came out to greet me, and unloaded my car while I talked with neighbor Bob, who also came over to greet me. It was windy, and the temperature fell throughout the afternoon from the 59 degrees when I had arrived.

I had lunch before we went outside to move things around.

That done, we went inside. A short time later there was a knock at the door. It was Mike, the insulation guy.

He told us how the job went, and that he would be back tomorrow afternoon/evening to finish up. When he left, Dan suggested we go to Largent's in Long Lake for supper.

We finished, and got a couple of desserts to go, and went over to the GC to share them with Polly and Jim.

But they weren't there.

So we went back to the JC and ate them ourselves. *smile*

We had a quiet evening, and about ready for bed.

Tomorrow we'll work on the boats. I have to drag the speedboat to the marina to be winterized, while Daniel needs to finish winterizing the jet boat. I hope the weather quiets down enough that we'll be able to take a pontoon ride around the lake. After all, that's why we've left it in so long in the first place.

I've felt pretty good overall today, though I got pretty tired this afternoon. My "owies" are kind of owie--and I realize that I haven't had tylenol or motrin since this morning. I'm about to remedy that...

The girls that we're praying for seem to be on the ok side for now. Thank you for thinking of them.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday 10.19.2010

I was sleeping when the alarm came on, feeling kind of shaky when I woke, like I haven't had near enough sleep. I got up...

I felt somewhat better with breakfast, and as the morning went on, but never feeling quite "right" all day. My team was really busy all day. I took a moment to get my lunch from the cafeteria about 2 o'clock, and was able to eat sometime after 3. Several more tasks, charting, patient care, and I clocked out at 8 pm.

And I wanted to be "on call" or leave early, so I could go to the lake this evening. Ha.

A safe drive home, thank you God.

I'm hoping to rest well tonight and get a good start on my day tomorrow.

My left hand has been sore, with that swollen area quite full tonight, maybe even spreading across the knuckles a little. I'm not really sure what it is, but I'm not liking that it might even be lymph fluid collecting in my hand. Aack.

Thank you for reading, and for praying for my friends. (There are no answers yet for two of them.) Hugs.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday 10.18.2010

I felt surprisingly well today, after being so busy yesterday. We were busy again today, though not with the out-of-the-ordinary stuff. And with another great group of co-workers, the day went fairly well.

I had some discomfort in the left hand/wrist and right wrist as the tylenol/motrin from 0530 wore off. I waited to take more until I could have lunch, which wasn't until 1:20. I was able to catch a bite mid-morning, but I was still past ready to eat. I think that's one of the most challenging pieces of my job--no regular meal/break times. Sure, we're supposed to have them, but the reality of health care, and babies, means that we have to be available to take care of them.

Daniel was able to leave his job early, and got up to the lake by 5 pm. He says it's really nice right now. I'll be joining him, probably Wednesday.

Tomorrow is a workday.

The girl with the migraine/blood clot is still being evaluated, and the girl with the seizures has finished wearing an eeg device for 3 days. That data is still being evaluated.

Thank you for praying, and thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Sunday 10.17.2010

Wow.

I went in to work this morning, to help out "for a few hours". Am I glad I did. I saw stuff today I haven't seen in my 27 years of nursing experience. But with our great co-workers and awesome teamwork, we got through the morning. I waited until after the others had had their lunches to leave. One of the girls had gotten a huge sandwich that was way too much, and offered the remaining half to me, and I ate after they were back on the floor. That was much appreciated, because I hadn't had a break, and it was almost 1 o'clock.

A beautiful drive home in the sunshine, thank you God. I changed clothes, checked email, and dozed off. When I woke, I went in to lay on the bed. Dan called to say he was on the way home, and I went back to sleep, waking again when he got home. And to my surprise, I fell back asleep and got up about 5, feeling like I wasn't done sleeping.

We visited a bit, ate, and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow we both work, but he's leaving early. I don't know if he's planning on going north tomorrow or Tuesday.

We had another co-worker with an awful diagnosis this morning--a blood clot in the brain. Just a few weeks ago, one of our girls was diagnosed with brain cancer. These diagnoses are stressing our staff, both emotionally and physically; they are both full time night people. Please pray for healing. And my other friend with the new seizure disorder is still within the maze of testing and treatment.

I am so thankful for my gift of life and health.

Hugs.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Saturday 10.16.2010

I rested pretty good, though interrupted, getting up around 9. It was a beautiful sunny day.

I had an enjoyable morning, breakfast and shower, looked around on the internet, and went up to Meijer for a few items. There was a one-day promo that if you spent $50 on general merchandise, you get a coupon for $10 off gasoline. I figured that that was a 20% savings, so I spent way too much time in the store looking for general merchandise. The obvious things, like shoes or clothing, we didn't need, and I ended up getting a couple of Christmas presents, along with a couple other household items. A few groceries and I was home.

Dan was home when I got there. We fixed supper and ate, and had a quiet evening.

One of the girls called asking if I could help tomorrow at the hospital; I told her I would for a few hours.

I'm feeling better today as that naproxyn has cleared my system. I went back to the tylenol and just 200 mg of motrin, which isn't enough to reduce the swelling. Maybe I'll try 400 mg tomorrow.

We are looking forward to going up north next week, and hoping the weather holds out.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Friday 10.15.2010

Ugh. I worked today, which wasn't bad, but I had tried taking the naproxyn/naprosyn, which is another nsaid, for the tendonitis. I only had 3 doses, but after the second one I started not feeling so good. Kind of queasy, or kind of nauseated, but just plain blech. I took the 3rd one to see if it was really that medication. And, yep, I felt just plain yucky a few hours later (it's a 12 hour medicine), though the hand discomfort was better. Strange. And as the evening has gone on, I'm feeling a little better.

I also called the Michigan State University Lymphedema Clinic. I talked with the nice person who answered the phone, and found that their clinic operates the same way, as far as "clumping" the treatments. We talked about a "maintenance" regimen of infrequent treatments, and she seemed to think that some patients would benefit from it, but it's not how the physical therapy world works. So, since I have established with Ike, and she does a good job, I continue there at this time.

I was really tired and still a bit yucky on the drive home. I arrived safely, thank you God. Dan and I visited for a bit, and he had landed on a television channel that had a "nice" movie, which we both watched. He's gone off to bed now.

Tomorrow is unplanned, other than not taking any more naproxyn.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Thursday 10.014.2010

I slept pretty good last night, even though it was fragmented sleep. After shower and breakfast, I went to Leah's for my massage. She did a good job, as always, and I enjoyed the blue sky day on the short drive home.

A few phone calls, another shower to get the massage oils off, and Dan was home early from work. Of course, he went golfing. I did laundry, and when he got back we went to Los Tres Amigos for a yummy supper.

I spent the evening doing paperwork, sorting and purging and filing.

I tried using naprosyn today for the tendonitis. From what I read about it, it may take 2-3 days for optimal effect. Tonight the right wrist is a bit sore. If I can't sleep, I'll add a tylenol.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Wednesday 10.13.2010 Doctor Visit

Interrupted sleep, but not having to get up at 0430 is a good thing. When I did wake, I listened to the radio. The trapped miners in Chile were being rescued!! and I wanted to see it. Not being well-versed with the channels on the television (I don't watch much) I searched through and found live coverage on CNN. So cool--the back story about the survival and rescue and treatment of the miners, both during their entrapment period and after they were brought to the surface. The commentator said that specialists all around the world were contacted for advice, from physical to emotional to psychological. It looked very orchestrated and well organized. I was very impressed. And of course, the thanks goes to God.

I watched, fascinated, while I got ready for the day, until I had to leave for my appointment with Dr. Williams, the oncologist. And the same channel was on in the waiting room there, too.

I was a bit early, and had to wait, but eventually Lakeya (it still bugs me that they don't wear name badges there) came out to get me. Weight was 160.8, which is down from 162. Finally!!! It seems I've stopped gaining weight!! She took me to the exam room and reviewed the medication list after taking my blood pressure, which was a little higher than usual, 117/64. Then I waited for doctor to come in, which seemed like forever. I passed the time making a list of things I wanted to talk with him about, then made a list of phone calls to make today, and went through my planner. He finally came in, without knocking.

And I told him it was rude to just open the door. I don't think he knows how to take that. He's really a very personable guy. He sat there flipping the pages of the chart, initialing stuff, re-acquainting himself with my case, trying to have a casual conversation. I think that's his way of finding out how the patient is--engaging us in conversation, then asking how we are.

Since I had to wait for him, and I knew it was well past my appointment time, I was wanting to get to business. So I got my list and redirected the conversation. We talked about the tendonitis and the nsaids; as long as the tendonitis doesn't affect my feet, knees, hips, etc, that would affect my ability to stand/walk at work, I'm not ready to change the aromatase inhibitor. There are 3--Arimidex, Femara, and Aromasin, and I've changed from the Arimidex to Femara because of cardiac arrhythmias. With almost 5 years left of the treatment plan, I'm not willing to go to the last option yet. So we stay the course, using the meds as needed for comfort.

I asked him who is supposed to be following my breast? Because the surgeon has moved away, and my family practice guy is not real familiar with affected breasts, and I have a concern about the itching. He said he could. For me. Because "there are so many breasts that I couldn't keep up with them all". I wanted to laugh out loud, it sounded so funny. Then I thought it was kind of sad, and amazing, that there are "so many breasts". But, praise the Lord that there are "so many breasts" that are in survivorship!!!

I told him about the itching, how the woundbeds are firm and tender and itchy. Heck--I was trying to describe it to him, but without showing him what the woundbeds looked like, and the next thing I knew I had whipped up my shirt and undone my bra. He seemed concerned? interested? in the way it looks, with the incisions being puckered inward like they are, and the areola mostly smooth. "This looks like it's full of fluid." he said. "And this one, too," referring to the axillary scar. And he asked me about having therapy for the lymphedema. I confirmed that I had, and he got the prescription pad and wrote another prescription for treatment. "That needs to be taken care of," he said. Hm. Guess I've gotten complacent about that, though Leah does a little bit during my massage.

He ended up staying in the room with me for about 35 minutes, obviously in no hurry. As we left the room, he reached out and hugged me, saying I was good. I don't know just what he meant by that, but I think it's a positive.

I stopped at the window and scheduled the next appointment for January 17th, and to call if I need to be seen before that. I hope not.

The new girl, who also didn't have a name on, drew my blood for me, getting in the first time, in the spot that usually gives trouble. Thank you, no-name girl.

I had a headache from not eating (for the labs) and was happy to get home. I fixed my food and watched the miners come up, thanking God for each of them. Dan asked if I could pick up his meds at the pharmacy, so I went out and did that, then started dinner.

We ate shortly after he got home, and it wasn't too long before I went up to the clubhouse for the condo association board meeting.

That was a yucky meeting tonight. We've got a couple of units in foreclosure, so their dues aren't being paid, and our budget is skewed because of it. So we'll have to have a "special assessment" to pick up the slack. We also had a couple of other prickly items to discuss, and by the time we left, I was not feeling so good. Queasy and bothered.

Daniel went to bed shortly after I got back. I've done some breathing and tried to relax, and wrote here.

Tomorrow is massage day. Very timely, I'd say.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.