Finished up some loose ends today so I will be ready for surgery and anything else that may happen. I've rounded up as much stuff that I will need while I'm in the hospital. I also made a new will so there is no mistaken what my true intentions are. I took it over to the neighbors and they were talking about how lucky I was to have this done before Obama has the health care taken over by "HIS GOVERNMENT". If you haven't heard, he wants to make everyone over 65 have a meeting with a government "silent kill specialist". That's not what they will call them, but just like in England, they will explain to us how we have already lived a good long life, and it would be unfair for us to spend money on procedures that would only increase our life expectancies maybe five or six years. They will then explain how you can cause you own death by telling any health care person to not help you in any way. Maybe you would like to starve to death. I watched my mother have that experience. She could not help herself because she could no longer swallow. Even though she was unable to speak etc. you could tell she was in pain. Maybe you want to have them take the oxygen supply away, that would be a fun way to die. I have sleep apnea, maybe I should just turn off the machine so I can choke to death. That man, and all of his associates should be on a plain that tries to land in the Ocean and fails. Those that can swim, good luck, those that can't will last about 2 seconds less than the swimmers. It's hard to take a 250mph landing, but I'm willing to see them try.
The next thing I did was to get ready for a trial that I must attend on October 15 because I refused to pay Steamatic for a $3600.00 bill they sent me for 2 hours work on December 24th. What they don't know is that I have pictures that will prove they did not do what they claim they did. I can't wait until there attorney sees these pictures. Since it is Small claims court I can represent my self and I will not ask for a pre-trial hearing. I'll hit them with the pictures in court. I had told him I was willing to pay so much. but he said the whole thing or he would see me in court.
Well guy's, I think this will be my last entry until I have had the surgery. I feel as good as I can expect under the circumstances. I swam for 25 minutes today and felt pretty good. I just hope I will be able to swim after this operation. He said I would loose some muscle but that I should be able to use the arm, but he would not predict how much or how well. Only time will tell at this point. Please remember to pray for me and the DR's.
Thanks for listening the past 60 days.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
July 29th. Wed.
It is starting to sink in that Monday they are going to cut this thing out of my arm. If all goes well it should be no big deal. Try to tell your mind that when you know darn well that things can go wrong. They don't ask all those questions about your health and your heart and your breathing and if you have any kind of allergies. It also is a little disconcerting that they wanted to take the BUMP of my Leg not my bicep. It they are good as some of the nurses that stick you I'm in deep trouble. I know my Dr has a great reputation, I just hope his support staff is as competent as he is reported to be.
I had a very interesting happen when it came time to get a hotel room today. We were told that the University Inn was next to the Hospital and they will give you a special rate if your are going to be in the Hospital. So I went to the Internet and put in University Inn and it brought up four or five sites for the place. The first one was a site called hotel rooms or something like that, but I did not notice it's name until I heard the person on the other end speaking in an Indian accent. I almost hung up but decided to talk to him and see what kind of a rate he would come back with. I explained that I was having surgery on Monday and wanted a room for Sunday night through Wed.. He then left for about ten minutes and I was ready to hang up when he came back and said he was able to get a very special rate for me and was very sorry to hear that I had cancer and was having surgery. The rate was $78.80 and he said that he gave me a $53.00 discount of the published rate. As it so happened Sharon had taken my wallet to work so I was unable to give him a credit card. I asked him to call me back in an hour and I would have a credit card for him.
Since I had some time I decided to call the Inn myself and see what kind of rate they would give me. When I talked to the reservation girl she was in no way friendly. I was trying to explain that I was going to have surgery etc. and she just said we just have our standard rates left. It will be $167.50 plus tax of $35.00 dollars. I said I had gotten a much better rate than that on the Internet, and she just said, well that's our best rate for this next week. I then started to worry that maybe the $78.00 rate was some sort of scam or something and started to worry. I then went back to the site that I had called originally and it was a good site located in Dallas. In one hour and ten minutes my man called me and got me that rate. So the lesson here is don't always think that the best rate is directly with the hotel. Some of these sites have some great deals.
I'm felling pretty good, I swam today and also took the time to sweep the entire pool and added chemicals etc. It then started to rain so I had to get out. It's a lot nicer now than it was at 11:50. It was only about 70 then, but it feels at least 76 or 77 now. This has been one crazy summer. My blood sugar is still screwed up, I hope this surgery will allow me to get back to somewhat normal.
I'll keep you all informed.
I had a very interesting happen when it came time to get a hotel room today. We were told that the University Inn was next to the Hospital and they will give you a special rate if your are going to be in the Hospital. So I went to the Internet and put in University Inn and it brought up four or five sites for the place. The first one was a site called hotel rooms or something like that, but I did not notice it's name until I heard the person on the other end speaking in an Indian accent. I almost hung up but decided to talk to him and see what kind of a rate he would come back with. I explained that I was having surgery on Monday and wanted a room for Sunday night through Wed.. He then left for about ten minutes and I was ready to hang up when he came back and said he was able to get a very special rate for me and was very sorry to hear that I had cancer and was having surgery. The rate was $78.80 and he said that he gave me a $53.00 discount of the published rate. As it so happened Sharon had taken my wallet to work so I was unable to give him a credit card. I asked him to call me back in an hour and I would have a credit card for him.
Since I had some time I decided to call the Inn myself and see what kind of rate they would give me. When I talked to the reservation girl she was in no way friendly. I was trying to explain that I was going to have surgery etc. and she just said we just have our standard rates left. It will be $167.50 plus tax of $35.00 dollars. I said I had gotten a much better rate than that on the Internet, and she just said, well that's our best rate for this next week. I then started to worry that maybe the $78.00 rate was some sort of scam or something and started to worry. I then went back to the site that I had called originally and it was a good site located in Dallas. In one hour and ten minutes my man called me and got me that rate. So the lesson here is don't always think that the best rate is directly with the hotel. Some of these sites have some great deals.
I'm felling pretty good, I swam today and also took the time to sweep the entire pool and added chemicals etc. It then started to rain so I had to get out. It's a lot nicer now than it was at 11:50. It was only about 70 then, but it feels at least 76 or 77 now. This has been one crazy summer. My blood sugar is still screwed up, I hope this surgery will allow me to get back to somewhat normal.
I'll keep you all informed.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
July 28th Tuesday
This has been a very important day in the live of Thomas D. McLaughlin III and Sharon I. McLaughlin. We went to see Dr. Rushing this morning at 10:15 and left the building at 4:30.
I had to do the usual, first get my blood drawn by a lady that has vampires every where in her dungeon. She is the blood lady. She has stuck me twice before and is usually good for a one stick. Not today, she tried in my hand first and go a little blood but not enough for a sample. She then had to pull it out and try again. I had told her about all the sticks from last week and she was saying that would only happen in Fort Wayne not in Indy. Don't I wish. She did hit it the second go round so I didn't dismiss her.
I then had to go to Dr. Rushing's area and get some vitals taken etc. That was all good. He then came in about 11:15 and we had a complete exam. He said all looked well and that he needed to go get some information and would be back in a few minutes. When he came back he told us he got the MRI report but that he could not bring it up on his computer to actually look at the disk. He then told us that the chemo had done what it was going to be able to do. Part of Sarcoma were dead and parts were not. He didn't think any more chemo was going to accomplish anything because it didn't look like it had spread any where that he could feel or see. He said the best thing to do now was take it out and the sooner the better.
The next thing he did was to have his nurse call Dr Cummins, who I first saw when I came to Indy. He is the surgeon and one of three men in Indiana that does this operation. He said he could do it next Monday if that fit in my plans. Sharon said OK, let's get it done. After all this happened, Dr. Rushing sat there and talked Religion, Politics, Military Service and general conversation until 12 noon. The Good Lord had led me to the right place. He is a good Catholic, Conservative, and in favor of a Strong Military. Oh yea, he Irish.
He then had his nurse lead Sharon and me through the building to Dr. Cummings office. In about 20 minutes he came in and started to tell us about what was going to happen. He then took us into his office and showed us the images from the MRI and what he was going to have to do to take the Sarcoma out. He said this was considered a large tumor and the operation would take at least 4 hours and maybe more. I would then be in the Hospital for at least 3 days after the operation. I will have tubs in my arm for drainage and that might take more than the three or four days. Sharon will have to drain them for me. She has done that for both Ann and Debbie. It's not something she likes to do but is able to do it. "God Love Her",
He said sometimes you don't have a great deal of pain with this operation, but then again sometimes you do. It will depend on how much pain I in as to when I can go home.
Now comes the fun part: Pre Surgery Prep. That means they want all your information, that all these Dr's already have on you, once again. I had a nurse that was easily my age waddle in and try to figure out how to use the computer because the one she is used to is not like this. She, believe it or not, did not know that if the number key pad is locked that there were numbers on the top of the key board. That was scary!!!! Get ready for this one, they had down that my bump, so they called it, was on my thy. I then told her I wanted that changed before I left the building. She said she could not do that but would note it on the paper. I said that was not good enough and she needed to call the surgery scheduler and make sure they changed it. When she came back she said she left a message with the correct people. She finally asked all her questions and told us to wait and she would have the Dr. come in.
20 minutes later a female Dr. came in and asked us all kinds of questions about my history. She then did some basic medical procedures and told us what to expect at the surgery. we also told her about the mistake as to where the BUMP was located and she said: Don't worry they'll ask you where the BUMP is before surgery! She then said, besides they draw on you as to where they are going to cut etc. You can tell them then. She then said another nurse would be in to give me a EKG and draw some more blood. The lady who came in was one that had seen me earlier and taken my temp and blood pressure. She now had the EKG machine and was now a blood drawer. My first question was, can you stick the first time. OH YEA no problem, I do IV's all day long. The first stick: whoops, I blew a vein. Let me see if I can's find a good vein in your arm. She then finds what she called a good vein, one she could put an IV in no problem. She then proceeds to tell me that the reason she can find the vein is that it keeps moving. Now get this, she had the damn needle in my arm jabbing all around trying to stick the vein. I'm about to throw he out on her ear when she finally says: There it is, I knew I could find it. This SOB is going to hurt like crazy tomorrow I'm sure. My hand is already turning black and blue. I love this sh++.
The good news is I don't have to do the fourth chemo. I think I'm willing to trade a known pain in the butt for one I think will help in the long run. I'm not sure which one will have felt better by weeks end however. I got a feeling I'm going to find out.
The surgery will be at 7:30am Monday August 3rd. Sharon will have to keep all of you informed by way of the blog for that week propably. You know I'm left handed and this is in my left arm.
More later.
I had to do the usual, first get my blood drawn by a lady that has vampires every where in her dungeon. She is the blood lady. She has stuck me twice before and is usually good for a one stick. Not today, she tried in my hand first and go a little blood but not enough for a sample. She then had to pull it out and try again. I had told her about all the sticks from last week and she was saying that would only happen in Fort Wayne not in Indy. Don't I wish. She did hit it the second go round so I didn't dismiss her.
I then had to go to Dr. Rushing's area and get some vitals taken etc. That was all good. He then came in about 11:15 and we had a complete exam. He said all looked well and that he needed to go get some information and would be back in a few minutes. When he came back he told us he got the MRI report but that he could not bring it up on his computer to actually look at the disk. He then told us that the chemo had done what it was going to be able to do. Part of Sarcoma were dead and parts were not. He didn't think any more chemo was going to accomplish anything because it didn't look like it had spread any where that he could feel or see. He said the best thing to do now was take it out and the sooner the better.
The next thing he did was to have his nurse call Dr Cummins, who I first saw when I came to Indy. He is the surgeon and one of three men in Indiana that does this operation. He said he could do it next Monday if that fit in my plans. Sharon said OK, let's get it done. After all this happened, Dr. Rushing sat there and talked Religion, Politics, Military Service and general conversation until 12 noon. The Good Lord had led me to the right place. He is a good Catholic, Conservative, and in favor of a Strong Military. Oh yea, he Irish.
He then had his nurse lead Sharon and me through the building to Dr. Cummings office. In about 20 minutes he came in and started to tell us about what was going to happen. He then took us into his office and showed us the images from the MRI and what he was going to have to do to take the Sarcoma out. He said this was considered a large tumor and the operation would take at least 4 hours and maybe more. I would then be in the Hospital for at least 3 days after the operation. I will have tubs in my arm for drainage and that might take more than the three or four days. Sharon will have to drain them for me. She has done that for both Ann and Debbie. It's not something she likes to do but is able to do it. "God Love Her",
He said sometimes you don't have a great deal of pain with this operation, but then again sometimes you do. It will depend on how much pain I in as to when I can go home.
Now comes the fun part: Pre Surgery Prep. That means they want all your information, that all these Dr's already have on you, once again. I had a nurse that was easily my age waddle in and try to figure out how to use the computer because the one she is used to is not like this. She, believe it or not, did not know that if the number key pad is locked that there were numbers on the top of the key board. That was scary!!!! Get ready for this one, they had down that my bump, so they called it, was on my thy. I then told her I wanted that changed before I left the building. She said she could not do that but would note it on the paper. I said that was not good enough and she needed to call the surgery scheduler and make sure they changed it. When she came back she said she left a message with the correct people. She finally asked all her questions and told us to wait and she would have the Dr. come in.
20 minutes later a female Dr. came in and asked us all kinds of questions about my history. She then did some basic medical procedures and told us what to expect at the surgery. we also told her about the mistake as to where the BUMP was located and she said: Don't worry they'll ask you where the BUMP is before surgery! She then said, besides they draw on you as to where they are going to cut etc. You can tell them then. She then said another nurse would be in to give me a EKG and draw some more blood. The lady who came in was one that had seen me earlier and taken my temp and blood pressure. She now had the EKG machine and was now a blood drawer. My first question was, can you stick the first time. OH YEA no problem, I do IV's all day long. The first stick: whoops, I blew a vein. Let me see if I can's find a good vein in your arm. She then finds what she called a good vein, one she could put an IV in no problem. She then proceeds to tell me that the reason she can find the vein is that it keeps moving. Now get this, she had the damn needle in my arm jabbing all around trying to stick the vein. I'm about to throw he out on her ear when she finally says: There it is, I knew I could find it. This SOB is going to hurt like crazy tomorrow I'm sure. My hand is already turning black and blue. I love this sh++.
The good news is I don't have to do the fourth chemo. I think I'm willing to trade a known pain in the butt for one I think will help in the long run. I'm not sure which one will have felt better by weeks end however. I got a feeling I'm going to find out.
The surgery will be at 7:30am Monday August 3rd. Sharon will have to keep all of you informed by way of the blog for that week propably. You know I'm left handed and this is in my left arm.
More later.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
July 26th. Sunday
For those of you who keep score etc., No I did not write the blog yesterday. It was a good day and I did manage to get in a good swim. I did watch the tour, D, but I did not want to spoil it for you so I just didn't do a blog at all so I would not give away what happened. I'm sitting here trying to remember what all I did yesterday. The Dr. told me that my memory will be effected by the chemo and that it will take awhile for it to get normal again. I think that's what he said, I can't remember.
Before I forget, I felt well this morning and went to 7:30 mass. It was a very interesting reading and I decided to take it to heart. The Pfister family was having a family reunion today and I had said I didn't want to go because there would be people there that I'm not very found of. In the homily the priest mentioned that what ever you decided to be in your life, you should do it to the best of your ability. He then went into the different life styles you could choose. A single person could be just a good single person and be kind and loving to those who are around them. They could also be religious and service God and the community. But still be the best that you could be. He then mentioned married couples and what their responsibility's are. As you have already seen, Sharon certainly lives up to her side of the bargain. I, on the other hand, have been feeling sorry for my self, and at times, are a complete ass. Not going to the reunion was one of those times.
After church I decided to tell Sharon I would be happy to go with her. That's really a nice time to tell her since the RSVP was the 20th. and it was a catered affair. She was also going to go from Antwerp and she did not want me over there for three hours telling everyone what they were doing incorrectly. You see she has pretty much ban me from the restaurant. I must remember that she is the boss there and I'm just a customer and have no right to tell people how to do their job.
So anyway, she finally let me convenes her that I did want to go and that I was truly sorry for acting the way I did. We then decided to meet in Convoy and I would drive from there to the Reunion in Rockford.
Once we got there it was very courgal and everyone was happy to see me, and wanted to know how I was, and what was going to happen next. I was also told by a number of the family members that I was on a prayer chain of some 50 people that I didn't even know. I also had something happen that I never thought would happen. Sharon's uncle was at one time the President of Elco Tool and when Sharon and I were pretty much forced to come back to take over Elco Tool he was a SOB. He fought me in the sales department and Sharon in the Board Room. We had a terrible existence with the man and eventually had him ban from the office. He was a share holder, but was fired as President when we came back because he has said he was going to quit Elco and lock the doors.
When Sharon decided to sell Elco he went crazy. Sharon's brother did not like John either, but sided with him on not selling the business. Fortunately Sharon controled the stock and sold the business in two weeks and at the full asking price. They were still upset when they received the pay out.
Well today the story some how changed. John actually came up to us and said how great it was that we, That means him also, so Elco when we did. We then hear from her brothers wife and she agrees that it was the smartest thing they, meaning of course her husband, could have done was to sell the business when they did.
What this all means to Sharon and me is the fact that she made the right decision and she did the best that she could do and the family finally acknowledged it if they had to take the credit themselves.
The other part of the story is the fact that we have not talked to John or any member of his family since the sale of Elco. Fortunately they were all there today and we were able to once again talk. John was actually nice to both of us and his wife Pat, who I knew before he did, was very happy to see both of us and said she missed us very much but understood the reasons why we didn't talk. She has always been a friend of mine and a saint to live with John. She goes to church daily and I'm sure I know why. I also know she prays for me.
I'm so happy for this day, I never thought it would happen. I started talking again to Sharon's brother and sister-in-law since the cancer also. Maybe the God Lord does have a plan we just don't understand.
Dr. Rushing appointment Tuesday, we might find out when I go under the knife. I'll keep you informed.
Tom
Before I forget, I felt well this morning and went to 7:30 mass. It was a very interesting reading and I decided to take it to heart. The Pfister family was having a family reunion today and I had said I didn't want to go because there would be people there that I'm not very found of. In the homily the priest mentioned that what ever you decided to be in your life, you should do it to the best of your ability. He then went into the different life styles you could choose. A single person could be just a good single person and be kind and loving to those who are around them. They could also be religious and service God and the community. But still be the best that you could be. He then mentioned married couples and what their responsibility's are. As you have already seen, Sharon certainly lives up to her side of the bargain. I, on the other hand, have been feeling sorry for my self, and at times, are a complete ass. Not going to the reunion was one of those times.
After church I decided to tell Sharon I would be happy to go with her. That's really a nice time to tell her since the RSVP was the 20th. and it was a catered affair. She was also going to go from Antwerp and she did not want me over there for three hours telling everyone what they were doing incorrectly. You see she has pretty much ban me from the restaurant. I must remember that she is the boss there and I'm just a customer and have no right to tell people how to do their job.
So anyway, she finally let me convenes her that I did want to go and that I was truly sorry for acting the way I did. We then decided to meet in Convoy and I would drive from there to the Reunion in Rockford.
Once we got there it was very courgal and everyone was happy to see me, and wanted to know how I was, and what was going to happen next. I was also told by a number of the family members that I was on a prayer chain of some 50 people that I didn't even know. I also had something happen that I never thought would happen. Sharon's uncle was at one time the President of Elco Tool and when Sharon and I were pretty much forced to come back to take over Elco Tool he was a SOB. He fought me in the sales department and Sharon in the Board Room. We had a terrible existence with the man and eventually had him ban from the office. He was a share holder, but was fired as President when we came back because he has said he was going to quit Elco and lock the doors.
When Sharon decided to sell Elco he went crazy. Sharon's brother did not like John either, but sided with him on not selling the business. Fortunately Sharon controled the stock and sold the business in two weeks and at the full asking price. They were still upset when they received the pay out.
Well today the story some how changed. John actually came up to us and said how great it was that we, That means him also, so Elco when we did. We then hear from her brothers wife and she agrees that it was the smartest thing they, meaning of course her husband, could have done was to sell the business when they did.
What this all means to Sharon and me is the fact that she made the right decision and she did the best that she could do and the family finally acknowledged it if they had to take the credit themselves.
The other part of the story is the fact that we have not talked to John or any member of his family since the sale of Elco. Fortunately they were all there today and we were able to once again talk. John was actually nice to both of us and his wife Pat, who I knew before he did, was very happy to see both of us and said she missed us very much but understood the reasons why we didn't talk. She has always been a friend of mine and a saint to live with John. She goes to church daily and I'm sure I know why. I also know she prays for me.
I'm so happy for this day, I never thought it would happen. I started talking again to Sharon's brother and sister-in-law since the cancer also. Maybe the God Lord does have a plan we just don't understand.
Dr. Rushing appointment Tuesday, we might find out when I go under the knife. I'll keep you informed.
Tom
Friday, July 24, 2009
July 24th. Friday. Sharon's Day.
There have been a great number of people who have supported me the past two months, but no one like Sharon. When she first heard that I had cancer she just turned to me and said: "We can beat this." Whatever has been asked of her she has done. The big thing that I love is, all the things she has done, that no one asked her to do.
Sharon is up each day around 6am and does her best not to wake me up. She then goes into the bathroom and again makes as little noise as possible to shower and get ready for the day. She then comes sneaking back into the bedroom to get anything she may need for the day. When she leaves she pulls the swinging doors closed and very gently closes the outer door so nothing will wake me. I know she thinks I'm always asleep when she does this, but sometimes I'm just barely awake and can hear her being so thoughtful.
On the days that I have chemo she is up making sure I'm ready to go and that I have had something to eat. When we get there she is the one that gets me the water and anything else I need. The nurses will get you what you need, but Sharon always does it on her own. The only thing she used to ask for was a heated blanket. She now knows how to get those on her own. They keep the chemo room at about 65 for some reason and Sharon, and many of the other people find it a bit chilly. She will then sit there for up to three hours and read her books until I'm finished, just so I don't have to drive myself home. It's possible to do it all on your own, it's just not what they recommend.
When we are finished, she will make sure I'm comfortable and then head for the Essen and Manor House's. She then calls during the day to make sure I'm doing OK. When she is heading home she will call to see if there is anything she can do for me before she comes home. She will sometimes bring me a suprise from the EH.
When we have to go to Indy she will always ask if I want her to drive. We usually share the driving because she knows the Indy area a lot better than I do. I still don't think I could find the Hospital on my own. I could put the address in the GPS, but without that, forget it!!!
The other big thing she does for me is after the chemo. For the 48 hours after you stop the chemo, it is not fun. I'm an SOB and I know it. No one wants to be in the same house, much less room with me. Not Sharon, when she is finished with work she will come in and tell me about her day and check on how I feel. I've given her way too much grief, and I hope she reads this and can understand how much I need and love her.
By the way, I feel much better and finally have some energy. I got a blood test today and my blood count is good and I should be able to have round #4 if the heart muga was good. Have a great weekend.
Tom
Sharon is up each day around 6am and does her best not to wake me up. She then goes into the bathroom and again makes as little noise as possible to shower and get ready for the day. She then comes sneaking back into the bedroom to get anything she may need for the day. When she leaves she pulls the swinging doors closed and very gently closes the outer door so nothing will wake me. I know she thinks I'm always asleep when she does this, but sometimes I'm just barely awake and can hear her being so thoughtful.
On the days that I have chemo she is up making sure I'm ready to go and that I have had something to eat. When we get there she is the one that gets me the water and anything else I need. The nurses will get you what you need, but Sharon always does it on her own. The only thing she used to ask for was a heated blanket. She now knows how to get those on her own. They keep the chemo room at about 65 for some reason and Sharon, and many of the other people find it a bit chilly. She will then sit there for up to three hours and read her books until I'm finished, just so I don't have to drive myself home. It's possible to do it all on your own, it's just not what they recommend.
When we are finished, she will make sure I'm comfortable and then head for the Essen and Manor House's. She then calls during the day to make sure I'm doing OK. When she is heading home she will call to see if there is anything she can do for me before she comes home. She will sometimes bring me a suprise from the EH.
When we have to go to Indy she will always ask if I want her to drive. We usually share the driving because she knows the Indy area a lot better than I do. I still don't think I could find the Hospital on my own. I could put the address in the GPS, but without that, forget it!!!
The other big thing she does for me is after the chemo. For the 48 hours after you stop the chemo, it is not fun. I'm an SOB and I know it. No one wants to be in the same house, much less room with me. Not Sharon, when she is finished with work she will come in and tell me about her day and check on how I feel. I've given her way too much grief, and I hope she reads this and can understand how much I need and love her.
By the way, I feel much better and finally have some energy. I got a blood test today and my blood count is good and I should be able to have round #4 if the heart muga was good. Have a great weekend.
Tom
Thursday, July 23, 2009
July 23 Thursday
I got up this morning and damn near jumped out of bed. I was laying on my back and had been dreaming I was in the MRI and couldn't move. I'm sure we have all had those dreams where you try to move but can't. You dream it actual and you try your darnedest to move a muscle. I know there is a technical term for this kind of dream, but all I know is, it scars the sh** out of you. At leas it didn't have them sticking needles in me.
After waking out of a sound sleep I really didn't feel that bad. It was the first night for a long time that I didn't have to go a couple time during the night. I also remember I didn't drink much water because I slept a lot after the MRI. I had some energy for the first time in about 10 days. That seems to be the pattern. It just takes time to get the medicine out of your system.
Once I got up I decided to make breakfast and then go to the store. I usually take quite a long time in the store, but not today. Grabbed some salad making, some of Margo's jello, some milk,eggs, and a cucumber. I had to get back by 10:30 to see Lance in the time trial. He did well enough to be third in the overall. He did get beat pretty badly by his own team mate, I think he will be the new King Of the Hill and in the Yellow Jersey come Sunday in Paris. If Lance can keep it together he should be on the podium, but probably in third if he makes it at all. He's still my hero, and one hell of an survivor.
After the race I grabbed some lunch and went swimming. I got in about 2pm and didn't get out until after 4:30. I got some good laps in and cleaned the bottom of the pool with the vacuum.
Brian and Sharon were able to get the old heater out of the side yard. That thing had to be 250lbs. Brian hooked up an electric wench and pulled it into the back of Sharon's truck. They took it over to the re-cycle place and got $21.80 for it. I'm sure Jack our neighbor, was happy to see it go. The way our property is situated Jack was the only one who could see the heater. I noticed he had his house surveyed today, so maybe they are getting ready to move. They have been working on a farm for about the last three years, he must have finally convinced his wife to move out there with him.
Well, that's all the excitement for today, oh yea, I was supposed to get my blood drawn today but since I got poked 5 times in two days, I decided to forget that I had an appointment today. I bet they can get it tomorrow just as easy.
I'll let you know
After waking out of a sound sleep I really didn't feel that bad. It was the first night for a long time that I didn't have to go a couple time during the night. I also remember I didn't drink much water because I slept a lot after the MRI. I had some energy for the first time in about 10 days. That seems to be the pattern. It just takes time to get the medicine out of your system.
Once I got up I decided to make breakfast and then go to the store. I usually take quite a long time in the store, but not today. Grabbed some salad making, some of Margo's jello, some milk,eggs, and a cucumber. I had to get back by 10:30 to see Lance in the time trial. He did well enough to be third in the overall. He did get beat pretty badly by his own team mate, I think he will be the new King Of the Hill and in the Yellow Jersey come Sunday in Paris. If Lance can keep it together he should be on the podium, but probably in third if he makes it at all. He's still my hero, and one hell of an survivor.
After the race I grabbed some lunch and went swimming. I got in about 2pm and didn't get out until after 4:30. I got some good laps in and cleaned the bottom of the pool with the vacuum.
Brian and Sharon were able to get the old heater out of the side yard. That thing had to be 250lbs. Brian hooked up an electric wench and pulled it into the back of Sharon's truck. They took it over to the re-cycle place and got $21.80 for it. I'm sure Jack our neighbor, was happy to see it go. The way our property is situated Jack was the only one who could see the heater. I noticed he had his house surveyed today, so maybe they are getting ready to move. They have been working on a farm for about the last three years, he must have finally convinced his wife to move out there with him.
Well, that's all the excitement for today, oh yea, I was supposed to get my blood drawn today but since I got poked 5 times in two days, I decided to forget that I had an appointment today. I bet they can get it tomorrow just as easy.
I'll let you know
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
July 22 Wed. MRI day
I finished the blog early yesterday and didn't mention that I was able to swim for a little over an hour. I first went twenty hard minutes freestyle and then about twenty of water aerobics, just using the water as resistance as I walked and jogged etc. After that I attempted to put the thermal pool cover on the pool while I was in the water and it was outside. Unfortunately, it had been pulled out in three layers and I was attempting to bring it back in evenly so it spread out and not just fell in a big ball into the water. This was as much a work out as anything else I had done for exercise. It took a good twenty minutes and since I was doing it from the deep end, it took a hell of a lot of tredding water. I don't recommend this as a way to accomplish putting a thermal pool cover on.
Today was MRI day and I don't like to get MRI's. We got there at about 1:15 for my 1:30 appointment. After checking in made sure that they knew I was to be put in feet first. The ladies at the reception desk knew that the request had been made at the time of the appointment. When the nurse came out to talk to me she said they were not able to put anyone in feet first. She was very adamant about it and said it was a big safety issue. I then explained that I had already been placed in the MRI backwards. She of course tried to say it wasn't there. I then explained that it was in fact at their facility and if she checked with the front office she would be able to substantiate that fact. She just turned away and walked back into the MRI restricted area.
About ten minutes later I was told that I didn't have the proper blood work completed to be able to have the MRI that was requested. I then told them to contact the Dr's office because I get blood work done all the time. We then heard them with the Dr's office and it sounded like they were being told they would have to call them back. At about that time the nurse that had said I could not be put in feet first came into the waiting room and said that maybe we could get started without the blood work.
When I entered the MRI room I tried to be as nice as I could to the nurse and explained how I had already tried to go in head first and that I was not able to do so. I then noticed that she had already arranged a chair in back of the MRI for my feet to rest on. I finally got on the table and she put me in feet first.
For the first MRI the male nurse was very helpful and explained everything to me and what he would be doing and how long each part would be. She didn't tell me anything except, sit her, lay down there, pick your feet up, put your arm here and don't move. She then slid me into the MRI and started taking pictures. Oh yea, she did give me a head set with Country Western music. It seems the oldies station just would not come in this time.
After about an hour she came on the head set and told me to give her my right arm. She then tried to poke me and failed. She was going to try again when I told her to please use my hand because I knew she should be able to hit a vein there. Fortunately for both of us she hit one the first poke. They then inject a dye of some kind so they can take a contrasting MRI.
Just about another hour passed and I hear her say were done. Let me tell you, those words couldn't have come at a better time. First, I never sleep or lay on my back at any time. Since my back surgery I have always slept and layed on my side. While they are taking the MRI you can't move or you will screw up the image. Yes, I did take the two viciden, and I was praying. but it was still a bitch to lay there and not move.
I'm now home and Sharon took off again to the Essen House. I think she didn't want to put up with any of my bitching about the procedure. That's why this blog is so useful, I can bitch and no one has to listen to me. If you don't like it you can just stop reading. Poor Sharon had to listen and try to consul me.
I'm finished now and I don't think the spell check is working any more so if you find more mistakes than usual, just know that I'm sorry
Today was MRI day and I don't like to get MRI's. We got there at about 1:15 for my 1:30 appointment. After checking in made sure that they knew I was to be put in feet first. The ladies at the reception desk knew that the request had been made at the time of the appointment. When the nurse came out to talk to me she said they were not able to put anyone in feet first. She was very adamant about it and said it was a big safety issue. I then explained that I had already been placed in the MRI backwards. She of course tried to say it wasn't there. I then explained that it was in fact at their facility and if she checked with the front office she would be able to substantiate that fact. She just turned away and walked back into the MRI restricted area.
About ten minutes later I was told that I didn't have the proper blood work completed to be able to have the MRI that was requested. I then told them to contact the Dr's office because I get blood work done all the time. We then heard them with the Dr's office and it sounded like they were being told they would have to call them back. At about that time the nurse that had said I could not be put in feet first came into the waiting room and said that maybe we could get started without the blood work.
When I entered the MRI room I tried to be as nice as I could to the nurse and explained how I had already tried to go in head first and that I was not able to do so. I then noticed that she had already arranged a chair in back of the MRI for my feet to rest on. I finally got on the table and she put me in feet first.
For the first MRI the male nurse was very helpful and explained everything to me and what he would be doing and how long each part would be. She didn't tell me anything except, sit her, lay down there, pick your feet up, put your arm here and don't move. She then slid me into the MRI and started taking pictures. Oh yea, she did give me a head set with Country Western music. It seems the oldies station just would not come in this time.
After about an hour she came on the head set and told me to give her my right arm. She then tried to poke me and failed. She was going to try again when I told her to please use my hand because I knew she should be able to hit a vein there. Fortunately for both of us she hit one the first poke. They then inject a dye of some kind so they can take a contrasting MRI.
Just about another hour passed and I hear her say were done. Let me tell you, those words couldn't have come at a better time. First, I never sleep or lay on my back at any time. Since my back surgery I have always slept and layed on my side. While they are taking the MRI you can't move or you will screw up the image. Yes, I did take the two viciden, and I was praying. but it was still a bitch to lay there and not move.
I'm now home and Sharon took off again to the Essen House. I think she didn't want to put up with any of my bitching about the procedure. That's why this blog is so useful, I can bitch and no one has to listen to me. If you don't like it you can just stop reading. Poor Sharon had to listen and try to consul me.
I'm finished now and I don't think the spell check is working any more so if you find more mistakes than usual, just know that I'm sorry
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
July 21 Tuesday, Moe's birthday
We were up somewhat early today to be at the hospital by 8:30 for my Muga Scan. What's fun, is to have a totally incompetent nurse try to give you an I.V. I could tell from the second I saw her she was incompetent. From the time she looked at my arm and didn't know where to look to find a good vein, I was in trouble. I showed her exactly where my best vein was and she said she couldn't find anything. I then told her not to stick me unless she knew for certain she could hit a good vein. She then said, you have really small veins. I said I don't know about that, but the nurses that know what they are doing are able to hit them every time. I then said, if you can't find them, then don't stick me. After another 5 minutes of screwing around, she stuck me. She then puts in the I.V., after that she realizes she can't get any blood to flow. She then wants to try to put saline in to see if it will flow. Well guess what, No flow, but a nice bubble in my arm full of saline.
The next thing she wants to do is put the I.V. in my hand. I've had more than one nurse tell me my hand is an easy stick. Guess what, she does stick me and gets some blood out but it took forever. As soon as she is finished she pulls the I.V. out and said she was going to have her superior come in to find a place to put the I.V. in so that later they can put my blood back into my body.
Now enter nurse #2, as it turns out she is not her superior, it's just another nurse who is more competent. She then goes into the same old junk I've heard before about, some days you can stick some people and some days you can't. The only people I hear that from are people who know the person before them was incompetent.
She then looks on the same arm that the other girl had stuck earlier and went exactly where I had told the first girl the best place to stick me was. It took her no time at all to find the vein and stick me. She then showed me where the other girl had stuck me and it was no where near any place I have ever been stuck. The way she showed me where she had stuck me was by showing where the bruise was on my arm.
Next I get to go back into the waiting room and wait for my blood to be analysed. After about 20 minutes this very young nurse come out and calls my name. I then follow her into a new room where I was to get the actual scan. I've gotten a scan there before, but this was a different room for sure. She was a very pleasant person and had me sit on the X-ray machine and she got me four pillows so I would be comfortable. She then lowered the machine and slid me into position. Well I thought she lowered me into the correct position. I then hear "Oh shit", and she went into another room. When she came back in there was another person with her and she started to move the machine all around and put me into another position all together. They talked for a few minutes and then the young nurse was back by herself. She didn't say anything, she just said she would be ready in a second.
Once she started the machine she started talking like a blue streak. I had a fishing shirt on so she started telling me about how she wanted to learn how to fish. I asked her if her boy friend or husband was a fisherman, she said, oh no, I don't have either. I just want to learn how to fish and how to clean them. After a few more minutes she wanted to talk about moving to Arizona and had I ever been there. I then explained I had and she wanted to know which town I liked more, Phoenix or Tucson. We then both decided that for her it would be Tucson. I then asked her where she was going to school and she told me and then said her mom was also a nurse and that she was the administrator in Lady, Ohio. I then explained that we owned the school in Antwerp and had turned it into an Assisted living and restaurant. She then got real excited, because she said her mom had just told her about a new assisted living and restaurant in Antwerp. She said, you know I'm not allowed to tell anyone about any of my patients unless they give me permission to do so. Can I tell my mom I met you? I said of course she could and tell her I said hello, and that she should be proud of her daughter.
We were finally finisher at 11am. Sharon drove me home and we loaded her up with the bread from yesterday and off she went to that restaurant and assisted living in Antwerp. She is now running both places since Elaine is in the hospital in Ann Arbor. I don't know what we would do without Sharon. She is my pillar
The next thing she wants to do is put the I.V. in my hand. I've had more than one nurse tell me my hand is an easy stick. Guess what, she does stick me and gets some blood out but it took forever. As soon as she is finished she pulls the I.V. out and said she was going to have her superior come in to find a place to put the I.V. in so that later they can put my blood back into my body.
Now enter nurse #2, as it turns out she is not her superior, it's just another nurse who is more competent. She then goes into the same old junk I've heard before about, some days you can stick some people and some days you can't. The only people I hear that from are people who know the person before them was incompetent.
She then looks on the same arm that the other girl had stuck earlier and went exactly where I had told the first girl the best place to stick me was. It took her no time at all to find the vein and stick me. She then showed me where the other girl had stuck me and it was no where near any place I have ever been stuck. The way she showed me where she had stuck me was by showing where the bruise was on my arm.
Next I get to go back into the waiting room and wait for my blood to be analysed. After about 20 minutes this very young nurse come out and calls my name. I then follow her into a new room where I was to get the actual scan. I've gotten a scan there before, but this was a different room for sure. She was a very pleasant person and had me sit on the X-ray machine and she got me four pillows so I would be comfortable. She then lowered the machine and slid me into position. Well I thought she lowered me into the correct position. I then hear "Oh shit", and she went into another room. When she came back in there was another person with her and she started to move the machine all around and put me into another position all together. They talked for a few minutes and then the young nurse was back by herself. She didn't say anything, she just said she would be ready in a second.
Once she started the machine she started talking like a blue streak. I had a fishing shirt on so she started telling me about how she wanted to learn how to fish. I asked her if her boy friend or husband was a fisherman, she said, oh no, I don't have either. I just want to learn how to fish and how to clean them. After a few more minutes she wanted to talk about moving to Arizona and had I ever been there. I then explained I had and she wanted to know which town I liked more, Phoenix or Tucson. We then both decided that for her it would be Tucson. I then asked her where she was going to school and she told me and then said her mom was also a nurse and that she was the administrator in Lady, Ohio. I then explained that we owned the school in Antwerp and had turned it into an Assisted living and restaurant. She then got real excited, because she said her mom had just told her about a new assisted living and restaurant in Antwerp. She said, you know I'm not allowed to tell anyone about any of my patients unless they give me permission to do so. Can I tell my mom I met you? I said of course she could and tell her I said hello, and that she should be proud of her daughter.
We were finally finisher at 11am. Sharon drove me home and we loaded her up with the bread from yesterday and off she went to that restaurant and assisted living in Antwerp. She is now running both places since Elaine is in the hospital in Ann Arbor. I don't know what we would do without Sharon. She is my pillar
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 20th 2006 40 years after first steps on the moon
One of two things about this blog. Either no one is really following it, or they are either too young or too ignorant to recognize Neil Armstrong on the left of the picture, Bob Hope in the middle, and the one that many might not know is, James Rhodes, Governor of Ohio for I think three terms.
For some history on the picture: Vie Fast was my fathers office manager at O'connor McLaughlin for many years. She happened to be Neil Armstrong's neighbor when he was growing up in Wapak. She had been talking about him daily when there was a chance that he might get the assignment to be the first man on the moon. It was definitely not a clear assignment for many months. Once they found out that he would be the first man on the moon, Wapak and Vie went crazy.
There were two other Wapak related friends of ours that were also very excited about his accomplishment. Merl Harrod and Mr. Fisher, our neighbor on State St. They were two very wealthy men and wanted to have a great party for Neil when he returned. Merl came to the JC's in Lima and wanted their help to find a person with a motorcycle who could drive the AP photographer around the day of the event. That's where I came in. They also wanted help with crowd control and manning different stations around the town during his return.
Merl had some beautiful coins made up with Neils picture on the front, and a picture of the moon and the orbiter on the back. For helping that day, and then volunteering to help raise money for the Neil Armstrong Museum, he gave me one in silver and one in bronze.
Mr. Fisher owned Fisher Cheese Co. and decided to make a special cheese called, you bet: Moon Cheese. It just happened to be round and had some holes in it. They sold it as a way to raise money for the Museum, and I'm sure it didn't hurt Fisher Cheese to get all the national coverage they got on TV and the press. The JC's were selling it the day of the event and we must have sold it for darn near the next year. We had some, but for some reason it didn't keep very well. I think we had some in the freezer for at least two years.
Now for the day of the event. My assignment was to drive the AP guy around getting pictures and then driving back to a photo booth they had set up to get them developed. This guy was crazy, he was standing on the back of my motorcycle taking pictures of the parade while we were just ahead of the car with Neil in it. In those days if you had a press armband on, you had access to the entire place. No one stopped you or asked you any questions. The picture you see was taken at the viewing stand when we were off the motorcycle. As a matter of fact, I was sitting on the steps of the viewing stand talking to Ed McMahon. We were both waiting for that part of the event to end and I wanted to meet Neil. When it finally ended, they came down the steps and Governor Rhodes was first and then Bob Hope and then Neil. As Neil came down I told him that Vie Fast was my fathers, Pud McLaughlin, office manager at O'Conner McLaughlin. He acknowledged growing up next to Vie and asked how Eddie, her son was doing after his wound in Viet Nam. While we talked briefly, Mr. Rhodes was standing right there and asked me if I was T.D. McLaughlin's son. I explained who I was and he said he knew both my dad and my grandfather. I then got to shake hands with Bob Hope as well. I was 27 at the time and have never forgotten that and have these pictures hanging in my office.
I'm feeling better today and will be leaving soon to get the bread order for the Essen House. They had another killer weekend and need a ton of bread.
Winners of the contest: Tom Whitney was first in with the correct answer, followed closely by someone much older than him and me, my sister Margo. She told me that Neil actually lives in the Cincinnati area and she sees things about him on occasion. Brother Larry came in today with the correct information also. I'm not sure if he talked to Margo or if he knew it on his own. I'm sure he will let me know however.
Thanks for taking part, and I hope you enjoyed the picture and the information.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
July 19th. Sunday
I went to 7:30 mass today, but I had to sit through much of the mass because I was feeling shaky and sweaty and light headed. I've had those flue like symptoms on the second day after chemo before. After sitting down for most of the mass I started to feel better. I decided to light a candle at the Blessed Virgins and after that I felt somewhat better. I then went home and layed down for a while. I didn't wake up until 11:30. I made some lunch and decided to watch the golf and the tour.
The golf was as exciting as any match I have seen in recent years. When it's Tiger you expect him to win and what he does is exceptional, but you expect it out of him. To watch a 60 year old man hit the ball straight and long is not expected. Unfortunately most of the people watching were just waiting for him to loose it. I sort of felt that also, but I was cheering at every shot. It was so sad to see him miss that 8 foot putt to have to go into a playoff. Stewart Cynk is a great guy also and you could tell he wanted Tom to do well and he felt bad about the trouble he got into. One thing about it, it made for a great event, without Tiger.
I also switched back and forth between golf and the tour. The tour is interesting, but it is not something I need to watch all the time. I've watched the tour for many years and can figure out when I need to be watching and when it just a bicycle ride. Lance was in the mountains today and that is where he is the best. From what I could see today, he will be in the top 10, but I don't see him winning this year. I think he will do what he can to help his team, but there are some people on his own team that I think can beat him at this point in his career. God love him for being out there though. My two hero's both came in second today, but they were out there giving it their all.
After the golf I went swimming and decided it was time to clean the entire pool since no one has been in for a week or so. Debbie was on vacation and Brian and Sammy were gone this weekend, so I felt the need to clean. The heater is working well and keeping the pool perfectly swimmable.
I'm looking forward to feeling better now each day. I have the heart muggin on Tuesday and the MRI on Wed.. I usually feel better each day as the week proceds. I'll keep you informed. By the way the caugh is somewhat better today. It's still there but not near as bad as the last two days.
More tomorrow.
The golf was as exciting as any match I have seen in recent years. When it's Tiger you expect him to win and what he does is exceptional, but you expect it out of him. To watch a 60 year old man hit the ball straight and long is not expected. Unfortunately most of the people watching were just waiting for him to loose it. I sort of felt that also, but I was cheering at every shot. It was so sad to see him miss that 8 foot putt to have to go into a playoff. Stewart Cynk is a great guy also and you could tell he wanted Tom to do well and he felt bad about the trouble he got into. One thing about it, it made for a great event, without Tiger.
I also switched back and forth between golf and the tour. The tour is interesting, but it is not something I need to watch all the time. I've watched the tour for many years and can figure out when I need to be watching and when it just a bicycle ride. Lance was in the mountains today and that is where he is the best. From what I could see today, he will be in the top 10, but I don't see him winning this year. I think he will do what he can to help his team, but there are some people on his own team that I think can beat him at this point in his career. God love him for being out there though. My two hero's both came in second today, but they were out there giving it their all.
After the golf I went swimming and decided it was time to clean the entire pool since no one has been in for a week or so. Debbie was on vacation and Brian and Sammy were gone this weekend, so I felt the need to clean. The heater is working well and keeping the pool perfectly swimmable.
I'm looking forward to feeling better now each day. I have the heart muggin on Tuesday and the MRI on Wed.. I usually feel better each day as the week proceds. I'll keep you informed. By the way the caugh is somewhat better today. It's still there but not near as bad as the last two days.
More tomorrow.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
July 18th. Sat.
I didn't post yesterday because I was just not up for it. I got finished with chemo and came home and went to bed for two and a half hours. Got up, had lunch, and wanted to go swimming. The weather was all screw up. It would rain for a while and then blow hard for a while. I started to swim twice but the wind and rain put an end to that idea. I then decided to go back in a watch the golf and the Tour de France.
For those who don't watch the news, Tiger didn't make the cut and Lance is still in third place only 00.08 out of the yellow jersey. Lance will not improve until they get into the Alps. In the past that is where he takes over. It will be interesting to see if he helps his teammate win the race or if he wants a 7th. title.
I've developed a chest cold of some kind. I caught a lot, but it is not all that bad, it's just damn annoying. They have told me to watch out for colds etc. because the chemo lowers your ability to fight them. I'll keep an eye on it for now.
I have something that I have wanted to do for some time. Darrin was home this summer and had a chance to taste my BBQ baby back ribs and wanted a receipt. Well, here it is kids. My brother David wants it too, but he doesn't even have a computer or a way to go on the internet. Moe or Larry will have to give it to him, it for sure I'm not going too. You see Dave and I think we are good cooks. I know I am, David just thinks if he throws enough stuff into a pot and boils it that it should taste good. There are times it does, but then again there are times it doesn't. He doesn't have a receipt for anything.
First of all get good baby back ribs. Don't get the ones that are loaded with fat. You will find that they go on special in the summer around the holidays, or just after the holidays if they didn't sell them all. I will not pay more than $2.95 a pound for mine. They are normally $4.00. I usually get them at Kroger or at Sam's. I first put Lawreys all over them both sides. Then garlic salt. Once well spiced I place them in a large broiler pan without the top rack on it at first. Then I pour in about 3/4 of an inch of water so they just cover some of the ribs. Then I place that in the oven at 225 for about two hours. You have to check on them to make sure the water is not boiling away. If the water has boiled away you need to take the ribs out. Oh yea, Sharon would kill me if I didn't mention to put foil in the bottom of the pan first. When the ribs have been in for two hours take them out and be sure to clean the bottom of the pan before you go any further. Then take more tin foil and cover the top of the broiler pan and put the ribs on top and put them back into the oven for at least two more hours at the 225. I will let them stay in there for up to four hours depending on how they look. If I still see a lot of fat on them I will keep them in longer. Usually the boiling of the ribs will remove a great deal of the fat. By boiling them, they will fall of the bone when you go to eat them. As Darrin said: "Dad, where did you get these ribs?, they are the best ribs I've ever had". That's no lie, he thought I bought them somewhere. I never put any sauce on my ribs while I cook them. You can add sauce if you like at the end, or put some on your plate to add if you think it is needed. KILLER RIBS.
For you history buffs and to see how many people actually read this blog, I have a picture that was taken a few years back and I bet there is no one reading this blog that can name all three people in that picture. I will tell you that when this picture was taken they were all well known people, at least in Ohio.
For those who don't watch the news, Tiger didn't make the cut and Lance is still in third place only 00.08 out of the yellow jersey. Lance will not improve until they get into the Alps. In the past that is where he takes over. It will be interesting to see if he helps his teammate win the race or if he wants a 7th. title.
I've developed a chest cold of some kind. I caught a lot, but it is not all that bad, it's just damn annoying. They have told me to watch out for colds etc. because the chemo lowers your ability to fight them. I'll keep an eye on it for now.
I have something that I have wanted to do for some time. Darrin was home this summer and had a chance to taste my BBQ baby back ribs and wanted a receipt. Well, here it is kids. My brother David wants it too, but he doesn't even have a computer or a way to go on the internet. Moe or Larry will have to give it to him, it for sure I'm not going too. You see Dave and I think we are good cooks. I know I am, David just thinks if he throws enough stuff into a pot and boils it that it should taste good. There are times it does, but then again there are times it doesn't. He doesn't have a receipt for anything.
First of all get good baby back ribs. Don't get the ones that are loaded with fat. You will find that they go on special in the summer around the holidays, or just after the holidays if they didn't sell them all. I will not pay more than $2.95 a pound for mine. They are normally $4.00. I usually get them at Kroger or at Sam's. I first put Lawreys all over them both sides. Then garlic salt. Once well spiced I place them in a large broiler pan without the top rack on it at first. Then I pour in about 3/4 of an inch of water so they just cover some of the ribs. Then I place that in the oven at 225 for about two hours. You have to check on them to make sure the water is not boiling away. If the water has boiled away you need to take the ribs out. Oh yea, Sharon would kill me if I didn't mention to put foil in the bottom of the pan first. When the ribs have been in for two hours take them out and be sure to clean the bottom of the pan before you go any further. Then take more tin foil and cover the top of the broiler pan and put the ribs on top and put them back into the oven for at least two more hours at the 225. I will let them stay in there for up to four hours depending on how they look. If I still see a lot of fat on them I will keep them in longer. Usually the boiling of the ribs will remove a great deal of the fat. By boiling them, they will fall of the bone when you go to eat them. As Darrin said: "Dad, where did you get these ribs?, they are the best ribs I've ever had". That's no lie, he thought I bought them somewhere. I never put any sauce on my ribs while I cook them. You can add sauce if you like at the end, or put some on your plate to add if you think it is needed. KILLER RIBS.
For you history buffs and to see how many people actually read this blog, I have a picture that was taken a few years back and I bet there is no one reading this blog that can name all three people in that picture. I will tell you that when this picture was taken they were all well known people, at least in Ohio.
I had not been feeling all that great today with the caugh and being light headed and my eyes have been all itchy and red. So I decided to watch the Open Championship from Turnberry in Scotland. If you have not been watching, Tom Watson, two months from turning 60, is leading after three rounds. It took me back to when I used to watch my father play golf when he was in is late 70's and early 80's. They both have the most fluid swings. You can tell they have played all their lives and this is what they live for. For those of you who don't know, my father was the city champ in golf in the late 20's and won the Ohio Seniors twice when he was in his 80's. He and Watson did the same thing. Never over swing and never be in trouble and chip and putt like there is no tomorrow. I remember a day in Florida when my dad was 88 years old and we were playing at his course and he had me rattle the flag because he was going blind and could no longer see the whole clearly, at least that's what he said. He was at least 25 ft. away and drained the putt. We only played 9 holes but he was just two over par. Tom's round today, really brought back some great memories. I'm sure the Pudder was up there cheering him on. I hope he can hold it together for one more day.
I've got two hero's out there this weekend, Tom Watson for the golf and his age, Lance Armstrong for coming back from cancer. Now let's getter done
Thursday, July 16, 2009
July 16th. Day 4 of cycle 3
One more day to go on this cycle. I don't feel as dizzy as I have been feeling but I did find out they still give me the nausea medicine each day. I thought the pills that I took were the only thing making me dizzy. I actually feel better today because I don't have the head ache and the spacey feeling I have been having. I've been told by members of my own family that I'm not making this blog very funny lately. As I told Sharon, it's hard to have funny things happen to you when you are sitting home on your butt. I've got to be out in the public eye before I can make an ass of myself.
They take the needle out tomorrow, so I will be able to swim again. This weekend should start to be more interesting. Next week I get to let you know how the heart muggin went, that should be interesting. Oh yea, and then there will be the MRI that I love so much. So if I'm boring you, kiss my and tune in next week for more interesting reading. I'll see if they will take a picture of me going in the MRI backwards. I'd love to see that myself.
Cate just called and told me she just spent the better part of the day driving around her new territory. It 55 blocks long and somewhat wider than that. It is in the northwest part of Indy and as I said before it has 4 of the largest accounts in it. She's very excited because she goes from 50th. all the way up to 105. It has many industrial complexes in it and she can't wait to get started. She needs her cards first, then she gets to go out and introduce herself to all of her customers. At that time she can ask for additional business and have them help her find prospects. As I told her, your biggest customers are your best lead generators. If they like you and what you do they have no problem telling you who else could use your products and service.
This just in: Kyle passed his Insurance license test. He has been offered a position with Northwestern Mutual Life, but he had to pass his test in order to start. He missed it by one point last time, but passed it this time. Way too go Kyle.
That's about as much excitement as I can take today. Sharon came home and wants to take a quick nap before she heads back to the Essen House. She has three key people out at the Manor House and a new server on tonight at the Essen House. Thank God for Sharon, or that place would be in kayos.
If we survive tonight I'll write more tomorrow.
Tom
They take the needle out tomorrow, so I will be able to swim again. This weekend should start to be more interesting. Next week I get to let you know how the heart muggin went, that should be interesting. Oh yea, and then there will be the MRI that I love so much. So if I'm boring you, kiss my and tune in next week for more interesting reading. I'll see if they will take a picture of me going in the MRI backwards. I'd love to see that myself.
Cate just called and told me she just spent the better part of the day driving around her new territory. It 55 blocks long and somewhat wider than that. It is in the northwest part of Indy and as I said before it has 4 of the largest accounts in it. She's very excited because she goes from 50th. all the way up to 105. It has many industrial complexes in it and she can't wait to get started. She needs her cards first, then she gets to go out and introduce herself to all of her customers. At that time she can ask for additional business and have them help her find prospects. As I told her, your biggest customers are your best lead generators. If they like you and what you do they have no problem telling you who else could use your products and service.
This just in: Kyle passed his Insurance license test. He has been offered a position with Northwestern Mutual Life, but he had to pass his test in order to start. He missed it by one point last time, but passed it this time. Way too go Kyle.
That's about as much excitement as I can take today. Sharon came home and wants to take a quick nap before she heads back to the Essen House. She has three key people out at the Manor House and a new server on tonight at the Essen House. Thank God for Sharon, or that place would be in kayos.
If we survive tonight I'll write more tomorrow.
Tom
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
July 15th. Wed. Hump day.
Just two more days of chemo and then I get to have some real fun. Next Tuesday I get my heart muggin. That's where they draw some blood and you sit there for 30 minutes while it ages and then they put it back into you and have you lay in a X-Ray type machine for fifteen minutes, perfectly still. That will determine if my heart will be able to take the fourth round of chemo. If not they will have to schedule surgery and take the Sarcoma out at that time. It is better to have the fourth round of chemo because it works on the Sarcoma and gets it ready for the surgery. It also continues to kill any other cancer that may be in my body. I'm praying for the fourth round.
Then on Wed. next week I get to have another MRI. The last one took one hour and thirty five minutes because they first thought I just had a torn bicep and didn't need to put any dye in my arm, but once they saw the pictures they realized it was not a torn bicep, and they had to shoot some dye in. I'm very claustrophobic and the only way I would get into the machine was backwards. I told them I really did want the MRI but I just could not stick my head that far in. They finally found a chair that I could rest my legs and feet on and they put in backwards. I told the girl that was making the appointment to tell them that I was the guy that had to go in backwards and they said they remembered me and that they would do it again. The other killer is you have to lay there motionless. All I did the last time was laid there and prayed. I also shut my eyes so I could not see what was happening. Oh yea, I also took two pain pills before I left for the procedure. I still have some good ones left.
I had to take the last of the pills for nausea etc. and they make me very dizzy. I also have to be very careful in the sun because the other medicine makes me sensitive to the sun. Tomorrow should be a much better day and I should be starting to feel a little better.
Tune in tomorrow for the continuing story for Tom's BS. You can take that however you wish. By the way my blood sugar seems to be settling back to normal. My apatite is not all that great so it's easier to keep it under control when you don't eat much. No Hot Fudge Brownie Delights, maybe a cookie, but nothing over 200 calories.
More tomorrow.
Tom
Then on Wed. next week I get to have another MRI. The last one took one hour and thirty five minutes because they first thought I just had a torn bicep and didn't need to put any dye in my arm, but once they saw the pictures they realized it was not a torn bicep, and they had to shoot some dye in. I'm very claustrophobic and the only way I would get into the machine was backwards. I told them I really did want the MRI but I just could not stick my head that far in. They finally found a chair that I could rest my legs and feet on and they put in backwards. I told the girl that was making the appointment to tell them that I was the guy that had to go in backwards and they said they remembered me and that they would do it again. The other killer is you have to lay there motionless. All I did the last time was laid there and prayed. I also shut my eyes so I could not see what was happening. Oh yea, I also took two pain pills before I left for the procedure. I still have some good ones left.
I had to take the last of the pills for nausea etc. and they make me very dizzy. I also have to be very careful in the sun because the other medicine makes me sensitive to the sun. Tomorrow should be a much better day and I should be starting to feel a little better.
Tune in tomorrow for the continuing story for Tom's BS. You can take that however you wish. By the way my blood sugar seems to be settling back to normal. My apatite is not all that great so it's easier to keep it under control when you don't eat much. No Hot Fudge Brownie Delights, maybe a cookie, but nothing over 200 calories.
More tomorrow.
Tom
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 14th. Tuesday
I'm glad I date the posts because I can't remember much of yesterday. I sleep most of the day away. I have brief memory of things happening, but not much else. I do remember that Kroger's didn't get the prescription that was ordered at noon but was still not there by 5pm. I finally got on the phone myself to Dr. Adamhi office at 5pm to find that they closed at 4:30pm. I then remembered I had an emergency number and called it. A female Dr. got on the line and said she would take care of the order. Sure enough, twenty minutes later they call to say come get it. Again, you have to stay on top of everything. I only wish I could make the kind of money these Dr's do and screw up only half as much. I would be a rich man.
My BS today was 131 and I was very pleased to say the least. I didn't eat much yesterday because I slept so much. I'm in much the same state today as I was yesterday. I came home and went to sleep about noon and woke up at 2pm. Made myself some lunch and started to do this blog. I've been interrupted three times by two of my kids, but it's always fun to hear from them. Cate is on the prowl for a place to stay in Indy. She is also going to join one of her sale associates on a new installation of one of their products. She was given a very important territory for her company. She will cover four of the top seven accounts in Indy. Her manager feels she will be able to handle it with his help. As a old sales manager myself, I would have killed for someone like Cate to train. I was able to do it with young, attractive, intelligent, males. That was before RIA realized that woman were also able to become professional sale executives.
Tommy called and said he got the classes he need for school. He has 12 hrs. for sure and is hopeful for one more class. He still has some 300 classes that he has to get through so he can start his senior year.
Maura called to tell me about Caila and the blog she wrote about one of the days they had diving. She is just having a wonderful time on her dive adventure. She will be an advanced diver when she finishes. They are diving below 100 feet or a regular basis now. I've been to 100 feet not much below that. Most dive masters will not allow you to go beyond 100 feet because of the time it takes to decompress. So way to go Caila.
It's now 5pm and Sharon is still at the Manor House helping Elaine with her pay roll. She is the hardest working woman I know. She retired a year or so ago, but now she is back at it full time. They need the help, and she is willing to give it. We are all lucky to have her.
Nothing else happening, I'm starting to get that back pain again, so I'm going to go lay down. More tomorrow.
My BS today was 131 and I was very pleased to say the least. I didn't eat much yesterday because I slept so much. I'm in much the same state today as I was yesterday. I came home and went to sleep about noon and woke up at 2pm. Made myself some lunch and started to do this blog. I've been interrupted three times by two of my kids, but it's always fun to hear from them. Cate is on the prowl for a place to stay in Indy. She is also going to join one of her sale associates on a new installation of one of their products. She was given a very important territory for her company. She will cover four of the top seven accounts in Indy. Her manager feels she will be able to handle it with his help. As a old sales manager myself, I would have killed for someone like Cate to train. I was able to do it with young, attractive, intelligent, males. That was before RIA realized that woman were also able to become professional sale executives.
Tommy called and said he got the classes he need for school. He has 12 hrs. for sure and is hopeful for one more class. He still has some 300 classes that he has to get through so he can start his senior year.
Maura called to tell me about Caila and the blog she wrote about one of the days they had diving. She is just having a wonderful time on her dive adventure. She will be an advanced diver when she finishes. They are diving below 100 feet or a regular basis now. I've been to 100 feet not much below that. Most dive masters will not allow you to go beyond 100 feet because of the time it takes to decompress. So way to go Caila.
It's now 5pm and Sharon is still at the Manor House helping Elaine with her pay roll. She is the hardest working woman I know. She retired a year or so ago, but now she is back at it full time. They need the help, and she is willing to give it. We are all lucky to have her.
Nothing else happening, I'm starting to get that back pain again, so I'm going to go lay down. More tomorrow.
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13th Monday Start of round three
It was early this morning 2am when we heard from Cate, who was still up at that time. She had moved in all her belongings and was in her room trying to get it all together before 6am when she would have to get up for her first day at work. Sharon called her at 6am, as she had been asked to do, and Cate in fact was awake. We then proceeded to the Dr's office for my appointment. We arrived at 7:45 and just about then we had a picture call from Cate showing us the outfit she had chosen to ware her first day. We have heard nothing since.
The drama started with Sharon and I about twenty minutes later. Dr Adamhi was not in today so we were to meet with Sue, his physicians assistant. First I had to have my port hooded up and some blood drawn. Mary Beth was the nurse that did the port today. She always looks like she just got up or should be going to bed. She did get the port inserted correctly, however she didn't log it in, so we had to sit outside in the lobby until they finally realized I had been hooked up and I could go see Sue. One nice thing was we could understand her better. We had some issues with what was going to happen at the end of cycle three. In reading the file it was entirely different than anything I had been doing. It said I was to get my heart muggin and MRI before my third round. Her comment was: "well I guess that didn't happen". We then discussed the problem about the appointment we were to have with Dr. Rushing. They had scheduled it for after the fourth round and we were sure it was to be after the third round. We also thought he said to have an MRI after the third round but his notes said a scan. We have now received a new appointment for Dr. Rushing and we now need to find out if he wants an RMI or a scan. The other thing that needs to be done is a prescription for two pills that I take the second and third days of the round.
After talking to Sue, who was a very pleasant lady, and has a mother who is resisting going into an assisted living complex, she said she would figure out what needed to be done and get back to us sometime this week.
The chemo started at 9am which was actually very fast considering the waiting room was completely full by the time I got finished talking to Sue. There are four different medications that they give me the first day of chemo. They give me a large bag of a saline solution to start and then a medication to help with nausea and vomiting. Then they give me a small bag of something that goes before the actual chemo. After all that, they give me this red syrupy junk that is actually forced into my port. It takes 20 minutes to pump it in and it makes my eyes go crazy. They burn and I sneeze and have to close my eyes. The other side effect is you can't go in the sun for 48 hours after getting it. You also get a great red colored urine for the first two events.
Doesn't this sound like a kick? This being the third round I'm getting used to it, that doesn't mean I like it, or it gets better, but I do know what parts I'm not going to enjoy. They did take my blood pressure and it was 122/60 which is good for an old fart like me. It had been 148/86 on my first go around. My BS was 155 today so that's about normal also. We'll see where it ends up after all this medication. I'm guessing around 185 or so tomorrow.
At 11am all my medication was in my body and we could leave. We went to get bread for the Essen House and then to the Kroger to get my pills. At noon we showed up at Kroger and no one could find the prescription. They said I was to order it first before I just came by. One of the ladies wanted to argue with me as to what was said last Wed. I know for a fact Tran said I could pick it up any time after Thursday. She said she heard him say I had to call first. Well as it turns out the prescription was never ordered. I went back at 3:30 and they still had not heard from the Dr's office. I then told them that they need to ask for Sue, since she was the person that I talked to and Adamhi was not at the office. It's now 4:25 and still no word. So eventful it has been. And don't forget my saying "They practice medicine, and if you let them, they will practice on you". Larry: as I told you yesterday about your shoulder, take notes and write everything down. Also watch those pain pill, they make you feel great until it's time to get rid of them. You don't need any brown golf balls. You can't hit them straight now anyway.
I came home about 12:45 and fell asleep until about 3pm. I'm back to no energy and not wanting to do a damn thing other than sit and watch TV or type this damn blog. I'm not real fond of doing this right now, but there was a lot to note about the days events.
Please pray for me so I get through this with no complications. Love to all.
Tom
The drama started with Sharon and I about twenty minutes later. Dr Adamhi was not in today so we were to meet with Sue, his physicians assistant. First I had to have my port hooded up and some blood drawn. Mary Beth was the nurse that did the port today. She always looks like she just got up or should be going to bed. She did get the port inserted correctly, however she didn't log it in, so we had to sit outside in the lobby until they finally realized I had been hooked up and I could go see Sue. One nice thing was we could understand her better. We had some issues with what was going to happen at the end of cycle three. In reading the file it was entirely different than anything I had been doing. It said I was to get my heart muggin and MRI before my third round. Her comment was: "well I guess that didn't happen". We then discussed the problem about the appointment we were to have with Dr. Rushing. They had scheduled it for after the fourth round and we were sure it was to be after the third round. We also thought he said to have an MRI after the third round but his notes said a scan. We have now received a new appointment for Dr. Rushing and we now need to find out if he wants an RMI or a scan. The other thing that needs to be done is a prescription for two pills that I take the second and third days of the round.
After talking to Sue, who was a very pleasant lady, and has a mother who is resisting going into an assisted living complex, she said she would figure out what needed to be done and get back to us sometime this week.
The chemo started at 9am which was actually very fast considering the waiting room was completely full by the time I got finished talking to Sue. There are four different medications that they give me the first day of chemo. They give me a large bag of a saline solution to start and then a medication to help with nausea and vomiting. Then they give me a small bag of something that goes before the actual chemo. After all that, they give me this red syrupy junk that is actually forced into my port. It takes 20 minutes to pump it in and it makes my eyes go crazy. They burn and I sneeze and have to close my eyes. The other side effect is you can't go in the sun for 48 hours after getting it. You also get a great red colored urine for the first two events.
Doesn't this sound like a kick? This being the third round I'm getting used to it, that doesn't mean I like it, or it gets better, but I do know what parts I'm not going to enjoy. They did take my blood pressure and it was 122/60 which is good for an old fart like me. It had been 148/86 on my first go around. My BS was 155 today so that's about normal also. We'll see where it ends up after all this medication. I'm guessing around 185 or so tomorrow.
At 11am all my medication was in my body and we could leave. We went to get bread for the Essen House and then to the Kroger to get my pills. At noon we showed up at Kroger and no one could find the prescription. They said I was to order it first before I just came by. One of the ladies wanted to argue with me as to what was said last Wed. I know for a fact Tran said I could pick it up any time after Thursday. She said she heard him say I had to call first. Well as it turns out the prescription was never ordered. I went back at 3:30 and they still had not heard from the Dr's office. I then told them that they need to ask for Sue, since she was the person that I talked to and Adamhi was not at the office. It's now 4:25 and still no word. So eventful it has been. And don't forget my saying "They practice medicine, and if you let them, they will practice on you". Larry: as I told you yesterday about your shoulder, take notes and write everything down. Also watch those pain pill, they make you feel great until it's time to get rid of them. You don't need any brown golf balls. You can't hit them straight now anyway.
I came home about 12:45 and fell asleep until about 3pm. I'm back to no energy and not wanting to do a damn thing other than sit and watch TV or type this damn blog. I'm not real fond of doing this right now, but there was a lot to note about the days events.
Please pray for me so I get through this with no complications. Love to all.
Tom
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 12 Sunday
It's been a very busy weekend. Saturday morning at 6am I took Maura to the airport to go back to LA, or should I say Sherman Oaks. She,Cate and Darrin have been working like crazy to try and get as much done as possible before Maura leaves and Cate takes off for Indy.
They shot 21 videos in four days. They are now on youtube, facebook, and askcateandkyle.com. Maura is working with a lady to get them some TV coverage on their site.
After Maura left I came home to a babysitting job. It seems Sharon went to the Essen House, Brian was in Brighton MI for his 25th class reunion, and Cate was busy getting things ready for her departure on Sunday. So grampy got to babysit Sammy and two of her friends. Being 58 years younger than your charges is not a fun responsibility. They want to swim and slide on the slide. Problem was, the one little girl couldn't swim very well and was afraid of some of the things the two other girls wanted to do. They got her on top of the slide, but she was scared once she got up there and grampy had to intercede to get her down. She wanted to try to climb back down the slide, grampie wanted her to grab his hand and slide down the slide with him holding on to her. Little did I know she was scared of going into the water at the end of the slide. She finally gave in to my friendly persuasion and went into the water. Once she realized she could stand, she was fine.
I'll not boar you with the three other incidents that happened in the pool.
I've been feeling much better and I guess that what they expect to have happen. I think they have done this before. I'm anxious to get this over with and on to the surgery, but I'm also very apprehensive about what happens after the surgery. I don't even like to think about anything negative that could happen. So I'm not going to think about, or write about it. It's in the hands of the Lord and Dr. Rushing. Thank God he's Catholic also.
Sharon and I both sleep until 9am this morning. Of course we were awake for a while around 6am but stayed in bed and finally woke up at 9am. Neither of us could remember doing that for a long. It was some what bitter sweet this morning, knowing Cate was going to leave and she doesn't have a actual place to live in Indy yet. She is staying with a friend at her parents home. She has some leads on a couple places, but nothing yet. She has had to memorize a presentation for her new job and is a little apprehensive about having to use it in a call. It sounds like she has a very good sales manager who is willing to work with her to become successful. Cate said he fought hard to get her on board.
Cate is now on her way to Indy. While at college Cate would leave in late August and we would not see her at home until Thanksgiving. We're not sure what will happen now. She is a very hard worker and if she needs to stay in Indy and study on the weekends, that is what she will do. Just like college, if we want to see her we will have to go to see her. The real estate agent has contacted us again and he does have some condos in the same complex that we tried to buy in May. They are asking $13,000 and more for the same size unit. There are a couple of places and the comps show the units selling for less that what they are asking. The one unit is only 13 days old, so we don't want to act to fast on that. Cate is also wanting to see how much work she will be expected to do after hours for the first three months or so. If it's going to be extensive, she doesn't want to buy anything for a least three months. It is a perminate position, but all new employees are on a probation period if they know it or not. I'm sure she will do great, it will just take time to be a pro.
Sharon is still at the Essen House and Brian and Sammy are gone so I'm home all alone and the Indy Car Race is over and neither of my favorites won, so I'm going outside and swim. More tomorrow
They shot 21 videos in four days. They are now on youtube, facebook, and askcateandkyle.com. Maura is working with a lady to get them some TV coverage on their site.
After Maura left I came home to a babysitting job. It seems Sharon went to the Essen House, Brian was in Brighton MI for his 25th class reunion, and Cate was busy getting things ready for her departure on Sunday. So grampy got to babysit Sammy and two of her friends. Being 58 years younger than your charges is not a fun responsibility. They want to swim and slide on the slide. Problem was, the one little girl couldn't swim very well and was afraid of some of the things the two other girls wanted to do. They got her on top of the slide, but she was scared once she got up there and grampy had to intercede to get her down. She wanted to try to climb back down the slide, grampie wanted her to grab his hand and slide down the slide with him holding on to her. Little did I know she was scared of going into the water at the end of the slide. She finally gave in to my friendly persuasion and went into the water. Once she realized she could stand, she was fine.
I'll not boar you with the three other incidents that happened in the pool.
I've been feeling much better and I guess that what they expect to have happen. I think they have done this before. I'm anxious to get this over with and on to the surgery, but I'm also very apprehensive about what happens after the surgery. I don't even like to think about anything negative that could happen. So I'm not going to think about, or write about it. It's in the hands of the Lord and Dr. Rushing. Thank God he's Catholic also.
Sharon and I both sleep until 9am this morning. Of course we were awake for a while around 6am but stayed in bed and finally woke up at 9am. Neither of us could remember doing that for a long. It was some what bitter sweet this morning, knowing Cate was going to leave and she doesn't have a actual place to live in Indy yet. She is staying with a friend at her parents home. She has some leads on a couple places, but nothing yet. She has had to memorize a presentation for her new job and is a little apprehensive about having to use it in a call. It sounds like she has a very good sales manager who is willing to work with her to become successful. Cate said he fought hard to get her on board.
Cate is now on her way to Indy. While at college Cate would leave in late August and we would not see her at home until Thanksgiving. We're not sure what will happen now. She is a very hard worker and if she needs to stay in Indy and study on the weekends, that is what she will do. Just like college, if we want to see her we will have to go to see her. The real estate agent has contacted us again and he does have some condos in the same complex that we tried to buy in May. They are asking $13,000 and more for the same size unit. There are a couple of places and the comps show the units selling for less that what they are asking. The one unit is only 13 days old, so we don't want to act to fast on that. Cate is also wanting to see how much work she will be expected to do after hours for the first three months or so. If it's going to be extensive, she doesn't want to buy anything for a least three months. It is a perminate position, but all new employees are on a probation period if they know it or not. I'm sure she will do great, it will just take time to be a pro.
Sharon is still at the Essen House and Brian and Sammy are gone so I'm home all alone and the Indy Car Race is over and neither of my favorites won, so I'm going outside and swim. More tomorrow
Friday, July 10, 2009
July 10 Friday
Believe it or not, the pool heater is now working. $85.00 later the guy connected one wire and said,"I think that'll doer" Of course that was not covered by any warranty. No one at the factory would have missed that connection. It had to be pulled out by someone installing the pool. At least I can swim and that has to be worth something.
Darrin: this guy is trying to put together a web site so we gave him your name. His name is Schroyer, he goes by Roy. I'm not sure if he will e-mail you or not, but we only gave him your e-mail.
Darrin: this guy is trying to put together a web site so we gave him your name. His name is Schroyer, he goes by Roy. I'm not sure if he will e-mail you or not, but we only gave him your e-mail.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
July 9th. Thursday
Well I can lock the front door, but I still can't swim in the pool. I can get into the pool, but it is still to cool to stay very long. It stays in the 50's to long in the morning, it got up to 81 today, but it took most of the day to do it. I did hear from the heater guy and he said he will be here first thing tomorrow. We will see what time first thing in the morning turns out to be.
I feel almost normal today, my BS was 175 which is about normal these days. I'm eating well and my apatite is back. To bad I only have four days until it starts all over again.
It's been a very busy day, up at 6am and out to Lowes by 7am and had keys made for the house. We have lived here since 1997 and had only one key to the house. We come and go by the garage doors, so we almost never use the front door. We now all have keys.
After taking care of that task I had to see how Lance Armstrong was doing in the Tour de France. We have something in common. We have both had cancer and the same Doctors cured him that are going to cure me. They have his jersey from the Tour, hanging in the office. I was actually talking to their office when Lance looked like he won the yellow jersey once again. He got beat out by 00.22 of a second. They show him in 2nd place but with the same time as the man in first place. They are now going into the mountains and it will change very quickly. His team has a great chance of winning the team trophy, but they don't expect Lance to win this year. we'll have to see. He's looking pretty good to me.
After the race I had to take Louis and his family to the hospital to see his uncle who is in bad health with small heart attacks coming often. They fear for his life. He will be 81 next week.
At about 6:30pm Cate and her gang came over for pictures. Maura wanted to capture them all together before she leaves. She was going to leave tomorrow, but has decided to leave Saturday in stead. Cate was leaving tomorrow also but is now going to leave late Saturday or early Sunday. She will be living with a girlfriends family for at least the first week of work. She is still looking for a more suitable location to live, until she can find a condo to buy. She missed out on the one we found that was $30,000 under the market. It will take a while to find another great buy.
It's now 8pm and everyone has left, so I think I will retire to the TV room. More tomorrow.
I feel almost normal today, my BS was 175 which is about normal these days. I'm eating well and my apatite is back. To bad I only have four days until it starts all over again.
It's been a very busy day, up at 6am and out to Lowes by 7am and had keys made for the house. We have lived here since 1997 and had only one key to the house. We come and go by the garage doors, so we almost never use the front door. We now all have keys.
After taking care of that task I had to see how Lance Armstrong was doing in the Tour de France. We have something in common. We have both had cancer and the same Doctors cured him that are going to cure me. They have his jersey from the Tour, hanging in the office. I was actually talking to their office when Lance looked like he won the yellow jersey once again. He got beat out by 00.22 of a second. They show him in 2nd place but with the same time as the man in first place. They are now going into the mountains and it will change very quickly. His team has a great chance of winning the team trophy, but they don't expect Lance to win this year. we'll have to see. He's looking pretty good to me.
After the race I had to take Louis and his family to the hospital to see his uncle who is in bad health with small heart attacks coming often. They fear for his life. He will be 81 next week.
At about 6:30pm Cate and her gang came over for pictures. Maura wanted to capture them all together before she leaves. She was going to leave tomorrow, but has decided to leave Saturday in stead. Cate was leaving tomorrow also but is now going to leave late Saturday or early Sunday. She will be living with a girlfriends family for at least the first week of work. She is still looking for a more suitable location to live, until she can find a condo to buy. She missed out on the one we found that was $30,000 under the market. It will take a while to find another great buy.
It's now 8pm and everyone has left, so I think I will retire to the TV room. More tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 8th. Wed.
I didn't post yesterday because it was Larry's birthday and I just could not ruin his day. I'm pretty sure I'm 6 years old than Larry and that would make him 61. I can't even remember back that far Larry. I think growing old is fun, isn't it?
I did have some sobering things happen yesterday. I started this blog to keep track of what was happening along the way. Thank God I kept notes when the doctor was first talking to me. I had written down that I was supposed to see Dr. Rushing after my third round of chemo. When I received the appointment card from his office it was for August 13, that was after my fourth round of chemo. I called the office yesterday to find out I was right. UPS, I also found out that he had written down that I was to get a scan after the third round but the nurse is pretty sure he meant a MRI. I know he said MRI when we spoke in June because he wants to see the Sarcoma and what it looks like. All I'm saying is you better take notes and remember what is said when your talking to any professional. They are all so busy these days that they can all make mistakes. It's up to you to make sure they don't make a mistake on you. As I have said before, they practice medicine and if you let them they will practice on you.
The other frustration is that damn pool heater. Louis was hear for like three hours trying to get it to work. It will go on for about 10 to 15 seconds and then shuts off. I've now gone through three different EXPERTS on the phone from Hayward and now I have the local EXPERT coming out today or tomorrow. They want me to know that if it isn't their problem that I will have to pay for the service call. I've spent over a grand on this damn thing and now they think it's my fault. I'll keep you informed on the progress.
I'll post this early so you that follow on the west coast will think I did it last night. I'll probably post again today.
Not much happened, the pool guy never showed up and the pool was not that worm. It stayed in the 50's until 10am or so. I did get a new lock for the front door and learned a lot about old lock and how to find something that will replace the old dead bolt. Brian is trying as I write to put the new bolt lock in. It ain't easy, trying to put a square peg in a round hole. I'm feeling fine and I will feel better when I get this house locked up again.
More tomorrow.
I did have some sobering things happen yesterday. I started this blog to keep track of what was happening along the way. Thank God I kept notes when the doctor was first talking to me. I had written down that I was supposed to see Dr. Rushing after my third round of chemo. When I received the appointment card from his office it was for August 13, that was after my fourth round of chemo. I called the office yesterday to find out I was right. UPS, I also found out that he had written down that I was to get a scan after the third round but the nurse is pretty sure he meant a MRI. I know he said MRI when we spoke in June because he wants to see the Sarcoma and what it looks like. All I'm saying is you better take notes and remember what is said when your talking to any professional. They are all so busy these days that they can all make mistakes. It's up to you to make sure they don't make a mistake on you. As I have said before, they practice medicine and if you let them they will practice on you.
The other frustration is that damn pool heater. Louis was hear for like three hours trying to get it to work. It will go on for about 10 to 15 seconds and then shuts off. I've now gone through three different EXPERTS on the phone from Hayward and now I have the local EXPERT coming out today or tomorrow. They want me to know that if it isn't their problem that I will have to pay for the service call. I've spent over a grand on this damn thing and now they think it's my fault. I'll keep you informed on the progress.
I'll post this early so you that follow on the west coast will think I did it last night. I'll probably post again today.
Not much happened, the pool guy never showed up and the pool was not that worm. It stayed in the 50's until 10am or so. I did get a new lock for the front door and learned a lot about old lock and how to find something that will replace the old dead bolt. Brian is trying as I write to put the new bolt lock in. It ain't easy, trying to put a square peg in a round hole. I'm feeling fine and I will feel better when I get this house locked up again.
More tomorrow.
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6th. Monday
Big day today, the front door lock is broken, the fun part is, Dave and I took it all apart, Dave left saying it was no big deal to fix it, the big deal is, the lock smith is closed today. So I got a door that can't lock and the neighbors were broken into last week. The next thing I learned is that it is 30 years old and they don't make that kind of cylinder anymore. I can have one made for $135.00 but it will take a week or more.
I just picked up the part for my swimming pool heater that would only take a week or so, it's been three weeks. But hay, who's counting. Now if I can find someone who knows how to switch a propane heater into a natural gas heater it will all be good.
I'm feeling a little slow today. My BS was back to 198 and I'm not sure why. I had an ear of corn last night but that was the only thing that should have effected the BS. I just had some NS cereal and an English muffin for breakfast. I'll just have a salad for lunch.
Bill Goan; It was good to hear from you, if you want marlin pictures, go onto the McLaughlin boy in Cabo 2007 and 2008. It's on the blog at the bottom of the blog right hand side. We have some great action shots on the 08 and some good pictures on the 07 blog. I'm still waiting to see you my friend.
Got into the water today but the 78 degree water is a little cool to swim very long. I get hives if I stay in the water much more than twenty minutes. I hope to have Louis switch the element over to natural gas sometime tomorrow. I wasn't feeling all that well when I got in the water, but it felt good to get in for the short time I was there.
No big plans for this evening, so I'll sign off for today.
I just picked up the part for my swimming pool heater that would only take a week or so, it's been three weeks. But hay, who's counting. Now if I can find someone who knows how to switch a propane heater into a natural gas heater it will all be good.
I'm feeling a little slow today. My BS was back to 198 and I'm not sure why. I had an ear of corn last night but that was the only thing that should have effected the BS. I just had some NS cereal and an English muffin for breakfast. I'll just have a salad for lunch.
Bill Goan; It was good to hear from you, if you want marlin pictures, go onto the McLaughlin boy in Cabo 2007 and 2008. It's on the blog at the bottom of the blog right hand side. We have some great action shots on the 08 and some good pictures on the 07 blog. I'm still waiting to see you my friend.
Got into the water today but the 78 degree water is a little cool to swim very long. I get hives if I stay in the water much more than twenty minutes. I hope to have Louis switch the element over to natural gas sometime tomorrow. I wasn't feeling all that well when I got in the water, but it felt good to get in for the short time I was there.
No big plans for this evening, so I'll sign off for today.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
July 5th. The Morning After
Well, morning came early today, Sharon took Darrin and Riley to the airport at like 4:30am. I got up to say good by, but then slipped back into bed until 6:30am. Moe and I went to 7:30am mass. It didn't take very long this morning. I think the priest had a lake mass he had to make.
Last night was very interesting with the fire works. Sharon had planted the Esclade in a vacant lot by the IPFW campus so we could slip in and not have to fight the crowds like normal people. Everything was going well until these kids started throwing rocks at our car. Believe it our not the families were not doing a thing about it. One rock hit Sharon and at that time David was close and took on the entire group of people throwing rocks. The parents finally told the kids to stop but it was after several minutes after David got on their case. You know if we threw stones at some black people it would cause a race riot. What is it that causes people to hate, it has to be taught. We had not even talked to these people. Our car was between us and them. They had to have aimed at Sharon to hit her. The car can take a rock, but not an innocent woman.
The fireworks were great, you would not know there was a recession going on. They were every bit as nice as last years. The other thing that was crazy was all the people with fireworks. I'm talking BIG fireworks. When we got home at 10:30pm. our neighbors were shooting off as many fireworks as the city of Fort Wayne. Darrin and Riley has just come home from Michigan and Riley thought there was a war going on. They didn't stop going off until after midnight. I went to bed then and they were still loud and long. They must have had dynamite with all the noise and concussion they were making. It did sound like artillery shells going off.
I'm starting to feel much better today, my BS was a little to high 180 but I ate very light and I'm hopeing by tonight to have it back under control. Moe has headed back to Columbus and David and I just watched Wimbeldon and Roger beat Andy. It was a great match if you didn't get to watch. It will long be remembered. Rogers 15th grand slam.
Special not to Jan; Thanks for the comment, you may by the way, call me whenever you like. I'm writing the blog so I will have some record of what went on during my battle. Its sounds very tempting to be in Colorado believe me. We are still trying to fill the Manor House and Sharon is working daily at the Essen House. If youwant to see all the pictures of the Manor and Essen Houses, you need to see the information on the blog for them. Once your in the site, look at everything. There are many more pictures in the other areas of the site. Check them out if you want. For some reason I could not comment on your comment, so that is why I'm putting on the blog. Thanks for caring and I hope all goes well for your business up there.
Last night was very interesting with the fire works. Sharon had planted the Esclade in a vacant lot by the IPFW campus so we could slip in and not have to fight the crowds like normal people. Everything was going well until these kids started throwing rocks at our car. Believe it our not the families were not doing a thing about it. One rock hit Sharon and at that time David was close and took on the entire group of people throwing rocks. The parents finally told the kids to stop but it was after several minutes after David got on their case. You know if we threw stones at some black people it would cause a race riot. What is it that causes people to hate, it has to be taught. We had not even talked to these people. Our car was between us and them. They had to have aimed at Sharon to hit her. The car can take a rock, but not an innocent woman.
The fireworks were great, you would not know there was a recession going on. They were every bit as nice as last years. The other thing that was crazy was all the people with fireworks. I'm talking BIG fireworks. When we got home at 10:30pm. our neighbors were shooting off as many fireworks as the city of Fort Wayne. Darrin and Riley has just come home from Michigan and Riley thought there was a war going on. They didn't stop going off until after midnight. I went to bed then and they were still loud and long. They must have had dynamite with all the noise and concussion they were making. It did sound like artillery shells going off.
I'm starting to feel much better today, my BS was a little to high 180 but I ate very light and I'm hopeing by tonight to have it back under control. Moe has headed back to Columbus and David and I just watched Wimbeldon and Roger beat Andy. It was a great match if you didn't get to watch. It will long be remembered. Rogers 15th grand slam.
Special not to Jan; Thanks for the comment, you may by the way, call me whenever you like. I'm writing the blog so I will have some record of what went on during my battle. Its sounds very tempting to be in Colorado believe me. We are still trying to fill the Manor House and Sharon is working daily at the Essen House. If youwant to see all the pictures of the Manor and Essen Houses, you need to see the information on the blog for them. Once your in the site, look at everything. There are many more pictures in the other areas of the site. Check them out if you want. For some reason I could not comment on your comment, so that is why I'm putting on the blog. Thanks for caring and I hope all goes well for your business up there.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 4th. Happy Independence Day
I said I wasn't sure if I would post or not, so I decided to post just so Darrin and Tommy would not get on my ass for not posting. My BS was 152 this morning so that was good, the same thing almost for lunch. I only had two eggs and a small piece of ham for breakfast and about 3/4 of a ham,turkey,roast beef and cheese sandwich for lunch. That might sound like a big sandwich, but it was just one little slice of each kind of deli meat and some cheese. I have baby back ribs in the oven for dinner. I love them low and slow. I've had them in since 10:45am at 245, and we will probably eat around 4 or 5 pm. It's now 2pm and David and Moe are still not hear. What a surprise, Dave is not on time. I'll have to mark this in my book of "little known facts".
Debby was over with a new one of her computer dating friends, so we expect they will show up again some time again today. They went on a bike ride.
Tonight is fireworks at IPFW so Sharon has taken a car down to get in a good place for tonight and then we will all try to find our way their about 9:45 pm. It's usually a great show. Hope tonight will be the same.
Enjoy the rest of the day!!!!
Debby was over with a new one of her computer dating friends, so we expect they will show up again some time again today. They went on a bike ride.
Tonight is fireworks at IPFW so Sharon has taken a car down to get in a good place for tonight and then we will all try to find our way their about 9:45 pm. It's usually a great show. Hope tonight will be the same.
Enjoy the rest of the day!!!!
Friday, July 3, 2009
July 3rd.
Well it's party time for everyone but Sharon and me. Cate's at the lake, Darrin,Riley,Brian and Sammy are at Tim's in upper Michigan. Maura is here, but she is in total vacation mode. She slept until 12:30 today.
I got up at 6am as usual and took some time and watched the tennis. It's been nice having the tennis on in the early morning because I usually have to just watch Fox news. I don't mind when there is a Republican in the office, but this new guy is brain dead. Our poor kids and grand kids will never get out form under what that idiot is proposing. He now only has 31% of the voters saying he is doing a good job. 33% disagree with what he is proposing. The newest thing he is trying to do is take out term limits. He'll be lucky to finish out his first term. If he doesn't get this economy turned around he will be lynched.
For those of you who tuned in to hear how I was doing, I'm finally starting to feel someone better. I don't have the head aches and I'm starting to feel that my mind is clearer. That why I had to say what I said above. When I'm in a funk, I really don't think about much. But when I wake up and read what's going on, it gets me to thinking, and that's a dangerous thing. My BS is still a little out of whack, but I feel better and now have my apatite back. I've got to watch it though, too much of a good thing sets it off.
I wish to thank Tom Whitney for pointing out some problems with Cate's new web site,www.askcateandkyle.com. I think I might have misspelled his name when I gave it the last time. They are trying to get a e-mail address that will tie into the site. Yesterday they made some video clips for the site and I'm telling you they were great. They are looking for all kinds of interesting reference books so they can answer any question that is asked of them. The difference between their site and others that answer questions is the fact that they want to do a video of how to do what it they are asked. How to tie a Windsor tie? How to make a bed correctly? How to set a table for company? How do you sew on a button? How can you tell if an egg is OK to eat? How do you tell a hard boiled egg from a regular egg?
Anyone feel free to give them ideas.
I'm home all alone and it's time to fix some dinner. I might blog tomorrow I'm not sure. Moe and David are coming over and we may have some others stop by to swim. "Till we meet again" that would be a good song title
I got up at 6am as usual and took some time and watched the tennis. It's been nice having the tennis on in the early morning because I usually have to just watch Fox news. I don't mind when there is a Republican in the office, but this new guy is brain dead. Our poor kids and grand kids will never get out form under what that idiot is proposing. He now only has 31% of the voters saying he is doing a good job. 33% disagree with what he is proposing. The newest thing he is trying to do is take out term limits. He'll be lucky to finish out his first term. If he doesn't get this economy turned around he will be lynched.
For those of you who tuned in to hear how I was doing, I'm finally starting to feel someone better. I don't have the head aches and I'm starting to feel that my mind is clearer. That why I had to say what I said above. When I'm in a funk, I really don't think about much. But when I wake up and read what's going on, it gets me to thinking, and that's a dangerous thing. My BS is still a little out of whack, but I feel better and now have my apatite back. I've got to watch it though, too much of a good thing sets it off.
I wish to thank Tom Whitney for pointing out some problems with Cate's new web site,www.askcateandkyle.com. I think I might have misspelled his name when I gave it the last time. They are trying to get a e-mail address that will tie into the site. Yesterday they made some video clips for the site and I'm telling you they were great. They are looking for all kinds of interesting reference books so they can answer any question that is asked of them. The difference between their site and others that answer questions is the fact that they want to do a video of how to do what it they are asked. How to tie a Windsor tie? How to make a bed correctly? How to set a table for company? How do you sew on a button? How can you tell if an egg is OK to eat? How do you tell a hard boiled egg from a regular egg?
Anyone feel free to give them ideas.
I'm home all alone and it's time to fix some dinner. I might blog tomorrow I'm not sure. Moe and David are coming over and we may have some others stop by to swim. "Till we meet again" that would be a good song title
Thursday, July 2, 2009
July 2nd. Heading to Indy
These were supposed to be in the blog yesterday to show what we did on Tuesday. However, it's now 10:30 at night and Maurs finally took the time to help dad, today turned out to be all about Cate. The fairy princess had to leave at 9am this morning to get to Indy for a 11am meeting. She met with her new boss Johnathan and he officially offered her the job. Congratulations Cate!! All the money for the past four years is finally started to pay dividends. Don't forget that Cate, a dividend is to go to the one that invested the money. That's your momma and papa.
I got up early today because I needed some lab work first thing. I have a port so that when they want my blood they can stick the port. I discovered today how much more they charge for a port stick as apposed to a regular stick. As most of you know I am the cheapest man alive, so I went for the regular in the arm poke. My nurse was a little younger than I, but not a great deal younger. I asked her if she knew what she was doing, and she said,"do you think I would be the one doing this if I didn't?" I said that was a good answer and she had my permission to stick me if she got it on the first try. What really surprised me was that she stuck me in the inside of the elbow, but in an area that I had never been stuck before.
I then had to sit there until they analysed the sample. Another nurse came out and said I was good and that I could leave. I then ask, am I just good or could I be considered great? She said I could believe anything I wanted about myself, but I was free to leave. Just no sense of humor at all. So I guess this means I can have my third round of chemo.
After Cate had her interview it was of course necessary to go on a buying spree with Mom and Maura. Dad you stay in the car because we are going to be moving much to fast for you. Translated,"We don't want you any where near us so you can see the money we're spending. Were also going to do it quickly so if you do come in you will never track us down. One hour and thirty minutes later they were back, sacks full of sacks that mysteriously went into the hatch back compartment in the rear of the Esclade.
We then went to see Keil and the taping of some short documentaries on the new web site call www.ASKCATEANDKEIL. COM. They show how to do many different things that new college graduates will need when entering the job market.
We then got a bit to eat and headed home. As we were on our way home Cate got a call for Christine and all of a sudden they're heading back to the lake for the 4th. Must be nice to be jobless princess. Oh, she now has a job, but I've got a feeling she will make the most of the next 11 days.
As for my condition: What the hell is it any way? Oh ya I remember, I still don't have much energy and my mind is still not as sharp as it usually is. I'm still staying away form my poker game. My BS was high today because I was not able to eat anything but fast food. I know there is good fast food out there, we just didn't have time to find it. Something did happen today however, I got my apatite back. I was actually hungry all day. That has not been the case lately. I've lost 17 lbs. mostly because I don't eat much because it spikes my BS. We see what happens tomorrow.
That all for now folks!!!!!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July 1st. Trying to recover
I didn't write a blog yesterday because mysterious forces took over my blog sometime in the night and did their own thing.
I had to do some stuff with an Insurance situation and then I had to go down town to handle another situation. After handling those situations I was carried away to some place in Northern Indiana. I should say two places in Northern Indiana. I'm doing my best to try and keep up, but I still have little energy and my BS is still out of control most of the time. I don't know what they put in all those drugs, but one of them is not treating me very well. I feel like I'm in a fog most of the time, dizzy and not able to process thought very well.
I have been playing poker on Poker Stars for just a little over a year for fun, and have earned over five million dollars. Since going on chemo I have lost over $600,000.00. The most I ever lost before was maybe $100.000.00. I just don't do the right thing. Monday I was about to give myself Insulin and forgot to enter the number of units I was going to take. I put the needle in and realized I could not push the plunger down to inject the insulin. I ask you, how dumb is that.
I don't feel as bad today as I have been feeling, it's great having the kids home with all the activity that keeps on going. Wave runners and tubing yesterday. Riley, Cate, Darrin and Christine all performing for the crowd. Thanks also to Laura for letting us use her hide away. I won't tell anyone where you hide out. Unless the price is right. Thanks also to Christine and her family for the use of their facility. We all enjoyed ourselves.
Maura has pictures, but she has not put them on the blog at this time, maybe later.
I had to do some stuff with an Insurance situation and then I had to go down town to handle another situation. After handling those situations I was carried away to some place in Northern Indiana. I should say two places in Northern Indiana. I'm doing my best to try and keep up, but I still have little energy and my BS is still out of control most of the time. I don't know what they put in all those drugs, but one of them is not treating me very well. I feel like I'm in a fog most of the time, dizzy and not able to process thought very well.
I have been playing poker on Poker Stars for just a little over a year for fun, and have earned over five million dollars. Since going on chemo I have lost over $600,000.00. The most I ever lost before was maybe $100.000.00. I just don't do the right thing. Monday I was about to give myself Insulin and forgot to enter the number of units I was going to take. I put the needle in and realized I could not push the plunger down to inject the insulin. I ask you, how dumb is that.
I don't feel as bad today as I have been feeling, it's great having the kids home with all the activity that keeps on going. Wave runners and tubing yesterday. Riley, Cate, Darrin and Christine all performing for the crowd. Thanks also to Laura for letting us use her hide away. I won't tell anyone where you hide out. Unless the price is right. Thanks also to Christine and her family for the use of their facility. We all enjoyed ourselves.
Maura has pictures, but she has not put them on the blog at this time, maybe later.
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