I can't believe it's almost Sept. You know when the summer started I knew I had cancer and I figured it would take most of the summer to have the chemo and the surgery but I never believed how fast the time would go. While I was having chemo I never thought it would pass, but looking back it seems like no time at all. I think I only have about seven more weeks before all the treatments are over. That is if all is well when I have my scans and radiation. Still keep the prayers coming.
Yesterday Brian and I finally go the pool cleaned. We actually had to vacuum the entire area of the pool. The algie had actually covered the entire surface of the plaster. I had put some algie killer in the pool about a week ago, and it did kill it, but we just had not gone in and vacuumed it all out. Now it looks wonderful. I went to Lowes and got some shock and it cleared the water right now.
I also cleaned my office and made the last of the tomatoes that we had. We made about 30 jars of spaghetti and four large containers of salsa. I had some of the salsa and it was hot but it was great. My family get to try it this next weekend. By the way family, Kroger had Baby Backs on special today and so we will be having ribs for my birthday. I'll make three slabs and we will let David try his hands at a slab. We will then have a rib cook-off to see who makes the best ribs.
I have some sad news from my brother Larry that his father-in-law died yesterday after a long illness. His funeral will be Wed. in Columbus. Sharon wanted to go with me, but because it is the Labor Day week she has discovered that we can't find enough help for both the Essen and Manor House's. She will have to stay and do double duty. I'm sure that Margo and Moe will be able to attend along with me. So sorry Toby for your loss.
I'll probably get back to this after Wed. but not much before that. I'll then let you know about my birthday. Hopefully I'll start radiation shortly after that and will keep you up to date with how that is going. So long for now!
Tom
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Aug. 28th. Friday
I was waiting to hear from the radiation people before I did any thing else on the blog. I heard form them last night just about quiting time. They said I get to come back in because all the work we did will have to be repeated. I guess they could not match the MRI and the scan they had so they have to do it all over again. I then asked if I could come in first thing and they said they had to work me in at noon. I have ink marks all over my arm and chest and have not been able to clean the pool or shower because I not supposed to get them wet. So now it looks like they will remove these and put more and different ones on. My pool is in bad shape. I had some algi and treated the pool for that, but you have to vacuum the algi out and that is what I have not been able to do. I was just going to close the pool, but then they told me I needed to exercise the elbow and shoulder and swimming is the best thing for that I know.
I've got the family coming for my birthday next weekend and if I don't get the pool cleaned I will look like a fool. Sharon thinks I can do it without getting into the pool, but that is not as easy as it sounds. To hook up the vacuum you almost have to be in the water or somehow lay on the deck and have the head under water and fill the hose with water and then attach the hose to the head and finally thread it through the skimmer to attach to the pool inlet. I'm good, but not that good.
I'll finish this after I come home from the Dr's.
OK I'm back and have almost no new news. They decided to put my arm over my head to take the pictures this time. That's all well and good except a little over two years ago I could not do that. I've been taking the hyaluronic acid so I can raise my arm above my head. After about thirty minutes with my arm above my head, it started to burn. They had me grab this cast like material so that when it hardened I would have to put my hand back in the cast so that I would be in the exact same position the next time. They finally let me put my arm down after about forty five minutes and I want to tell you it was hurting. My shoulder didn't want to work correctly. I had not realized how much arthritis I actually had in my shoulder. I know realize how well the HA or hyaluronic acid works.
When they finally finished, the one assistant asked if I wanted to wait to see when they would start my radiation, and what times were available. As it turned out, they don't know when I'm going to start. They don't want to start me next week because of the holiday, so it will not be that week for sure. The only times they have the following week is at noon or at 4pm. Neither time is what I was asking for. I wanted first thing in the morning if possible. She said in three weeks it may be possible, but not until then for sure. So all I know now is, I'm not starting next week, and I will have to wait and hear from them as to when.
I also don't get to swim until after they start my radiation. They again have me all marked up with line etc. This time they actually gave me a tattoo, twice. They did that in case I did go swimming and wore of any of the lines they put on me.
Note to Margo,Larry David and Moe, the pool will be open, but the bottom will not be vacuumed. I might even have it closed since it could be three weeks before I can swim again.
I'll keep you up to date as to what will happen next.
I've got the family coming for my birthday next weekend and if I don't get the pool cleaned I will look like a fool. Sharon thinks I can do it without getting into the pool, but that is not as easy as it sounds. To hook up the vacuum you almost have to be in the water or somehow lay on the deck and have the head under water and fill the hose with water and then attach the hose to the head and finally thread it through the skimmer to attach to the pool inlet. I'm good, but not that good.
I'll finish this after I come home from the Dr's.
OK I'm back and have almost no new news. They decided to put my arm over my head to take the pictures this time. That's all well and good except a little over two years ago I could not do that. I've been taking the hyaluronic acid so I can raise my arm above my head. After about thirty minutes with my arm above my head, it started to burn. They had me grab this cast like material so that when it hardened I would have to put my hand back in the cast so that I would be in the exact same position the next time. They finally let me put my arm down after about forty five minutes and I want to tell you it was hurting. My shoulder didn't want to work correctly. I had not realized how much arthritis I actually had in my shoulder. I know realize how well the HA or hyaluronic acid works.
When they finally finished, the one assistant asked if I wanted to wait to see when they would start my radiation, and what times were available. As it turned out, they don't know when I'm going to start. They don't want to start me next week because of the holiday, so it will not be that week for sure. The only times they have the following week is at noon or at 4pm. Neither time is what I was asking for. I wanted first thing in the morning if possible. She said in three weeks it may be possible, but not until then for sure. So all I know now is, I'm not starting next week, and I will have to wait and hear from them as to when.
I also don't get to swim until after they start my radiation. They again have me all marked up with line etc. This time they actually gave me a tattoo, twice. They did that in case I did go swimming and wore of any of the lines they put on me.
Note to Margo,Larry David and Moe, the pool will be open, but the bottom will not be vacuumed. I might even have it closed since it could be three weeks before I can swim again.
I'll keep you up to date as to what will happen next.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Aug 25th Tuesday
I had writers block there for a few days because I did not have much to say. Today is a different day. The first thing that happened was, I was just about to go on to facebook when I get a pop up saying "are you on line". It was Myles, from Greenland. I have been trying to reach him for two days so it was a big relief to find him on line. He and Cate are partners on her Condo in Indy. We are buying it from a Bank and they wanted 25% down because in a way it is an investment property at least for Myles. He agreed to that because the property she has found has been totally remodeled and all new appliances. It also has a two car garage which is great for her motorcycle and it gets it out of my garage. So Myles and I are going back and forth on the e-mail and all of a sudden I remember I have a Dr's appointment and have to get their now!
Today I was to get set up for radiation. I first met with the Dr. and he was a very nice young and well educated man. He explained all about what was going to happen and how the chemo I had was an elective and somewhat controversial procedure. Since I had already had the chemo, I was very interested in hearing his side of the case. He said that chemo could not kill a sarcoma under any circumstance so the only reason I would want chemo was to possibly kill any other cancer that may have escaped into my body. I told him that had been explained to me and I accepted that risk.
He then explained that radiation would kill any cancer cells that were still in the tumor area. He then explained how he was going to have to scan the entire scar area as well as the drain site. That was a much larger area than I had been told about earlier. I was told he probably would not radiate my elbow because it may cause damage. He said that was true, but I didn't want to risk the fact that there may be cancer still alive in those areas. He now has to do my elbow as well as my shoulder. I will have to do exercises the rest of my life or my elbow and shoulder could stiffen tight. It still might happen, but like he said, I still have some use of my arm and hand and that's better than letting cancer cells alone in my body.
He explained that scar tissue can form in the joints and that is why I want to continue to exercise the rest of my life. I now take "hydroponic" acid now so that will not happen without the radiation. He said I could have lost the arm, so I should be happy with whatever use I can have with my arm and hands.
He then took me into a room with a large scanner and laid me out on a table and started trying to make a cast they can use when I get the radiation. You have to lay on the machine perfectly still and in the exact position each time you have the radiation. That's why they make the cast. You lay down and they put you in the exact position that you were in the first time.
It took them one and a half hours to figure out how they were going to do it so they could get the entire scar area included. I was in and out and moved around until they think they have it figured out. After the hour and a half they finally let me up, "big Head rush", and they said that they very well might have to have me back later to do it again. They were going to have to superimpose my MRI on the scan of my arm to make sure they lined up perfectly. They would not know if that happened until tomorrow. So I have all these markings on my arm and body so they will know where everything was. I was going to go home and clean the pool and swim for the first time since my surgery. NOT SO FAST THERE BUSTER! No swimming or shower until they know they have it right. They are supposed to get back to me tomorrow, but maybe as late as Friday. They want me to start next Monday, but they are so busy that I might not be able to start until the middle of the week. They want it Monday to Friday, but they will start me, just like the chemo people did, in the middle of the week if they have to, to get me in the rotation.
I just talked to Randy about the condo and he said we got it in on time and now we will have to wait on the bank. We at least know that we have a solid offer in and we should get it. He said with the banks you never know for sure. They are allowed to break all the rules if they care too. I guess they all know Mr. Obama. Monkey see monkey do you know. If he can do what he wants, so can they. Tom, how can you even think that way! Oh I don't know, maybe I've seen this show before. It's like that pole I saw on AOL about "Do you think congress should be forced to have the same health insurance as the rest of us peon's. Vote yes or no. Come on, you think Obama is going to bring himself down to a voters level???????? I don't think so. All I can say is I'm glad most of my cancer trouble is coming to an end. I would hate to be under Obama Care, ever.
Have I ranted enough. I guess all my liberal friends have signed off by now anyway. Love to the rest of you. Please keep praying.
Tom
Today I was to get set up for radiation. I first met with the Dr. and he was a very nice young and well educated man. He explained all about what was going to happen and how the chemo I had was an elective and somewhat controversial procedure. Since I had already had the chemo, I was very interested in hearing his side of the case. He said that chemo could not kill a sarcoma under any circumstance so the only reason I would want chemo was to possibly kill any other cancer that may have escaped into my body. I told him that had been explained to me and I accepted that risk.
He then explained that radiation would kill any cancer cells that were still in the tumor area. He then explained how he was going to have to scan the entire scar area as well as the drain site. That was a much larger area than I had been told about earlier. I was told he probably would not radiate my elbow because it may cause damage. He said that was true, but I didn't want to risk the fact that there may be cancer still alive in those areas. He now has to do my elbow as well as my shoulder. I will have to do exercises the rest of my life or my elbow and shoulder could stiffen tight. It still might happen, but like he said, I still have some use of my arm and hand and that's better than letting cancer cells alone in my body.
He explained that scar tissue can form in the joints and that is why I want to continue to exercise the rest of my life. I now take "hydroponic" acid now so that will not happen without the radiation. He said I could have lost the arm, so I should be happy with whatever use I can have with my arm and hands.
He then took me into a room with a large scanner and laid me out on a table and started trying to make a cast they can use when I get the radiation. You have to lay on the machine perfectly still and in the exact position each time you have the radiation. That's why they make the cast. You lay down and they put you in the exact position that you were in the first time.
It took them one and a half hours to figure out how they were going to do it so they could get the entire scar area included. I was in and out and moved around until they think they have it figured out. After the hour and a half they finally let me up, "big Head rush", and they said that they very well might have to have me back later to do it again. They were going to have to superimpose my MRI on the scan of my arm to make sure they lined up perfectly. They would not know if that happened until tomorrow. So I have all these markings on my arm and body so they will know where everything was. I was going to go home and clean the pool and swim for the first time since my surgery. NOT SO FAST THERE BUSTER! No swimming or shower until they know they have it right. They are supposed to get back to me tomorrow, but maybe as late as Friday. They want me to start next Monday, but they are so busy that I might not be able to start until the middle of the week. They want it Monday to Friday, but they will start me, just like the chemo people did, in the middle of the week if they have to, to get me in the rotation.
I just talked to Randy about the condo and he said we got it in on time and now we will have to wait on the bank. We at least know that we have a solid offer in and we should get it. He said with the banks you never know for sure. They are allowed to break all the rules if they care too. I guess they all know Mr. Obama. Monkey see monkey do you know. If he can do what he wants, so can they. Tom, how can you even think that way! Oh I don't know, maybe I've seen this show before. It's like that pole I saw on AOL about "Do you think congress should be forced to have the same health insurance as the rest of us peon's. Vote yes or no. Come on, you think Obama is going to bring himself down to a voters level???????? I don't think so. All I can say is I'm glad most of my cancer trouble is coming to an end. I would hate to be under Obama Care, ever.
Have I ranted enough. I guess all my liberal friends have signed off by now anyway. Love to the rest of you. Please keep praying.
Tom
Friday, August 21, 2009
Aug 21st. Friday
Today was my be nice to the people that keep me alive. I first went to the gym about 9am and took some tomatoes that the Lengachers had give to Sharon. They are so good, but you can only can so many and make so much tomato sauce. They are all organically grown and if you have checked in the stores they get quite a price for organic anything. The lady that helped me with my bandage one day was the one that I left them with. She was soooo happy. She said she loves tomatoes and that they are very expensive this year.
Since she was so excited about getting them I decided I had a few more people on my "keeping me alive list" so I went home and made up a few bags of tomatoes and headed for the chemo office. I got there around 10am and the place was packed. I always went very early in the morning and never really saw it where people were waiting in the outer office to get in. I was only able to see one of the five girls that were on duty because they were so busy. When I would be there I could always talk to most of them because there were never more that three or four of us around. Mary was also very happy to get the tomatoes. She said she would see to it that everyone share in the bounty.
Earlier I had called Carol Burns's office to see when my appoint to see her was. They informed me that it was yesterday. When I asked when I could get another appointment the lady said sometime in November. I then asked to talk to Deb in Endocrinology. She and I are buddies and when I run out of pills before my next refill, she always gives me some samples and I give her little treats. This time she had actually set aside a time for me when she and Carol realized yesterday that I was not going to make my appointment. I've been seeing Carol for 10 years and have never missed an appointment. Deb knew I had surgery because she got me some samples the Friday before my surgery. She told Carol she thought I probably would be calling to re-schedule. She set me up for Sept 10 at 8:30 the time I always want to have when seeing Carol. She is a Love, but she takes soooo much time with each person that if you come later in the day, you will wait a long time to see her. I didn't tell Deb that I was going to bring her tomatoes but I decided she would be a great person to give them to also. I was right, she gave me a big hug and said she would share with the office and Carol.
While I was at the chemo office I also stopped at the radiation office that will be next door to the chemo office. I thought they were the same, but it is two separate Dr's offices. I told them how much I liked the chemo people and they said I would like them better. They explained that they work a little differently than the chemo people because they have people in every ten to fifteen minutes and each one is different. With chemo you can come any time because they make up the medicine early and have it in your name when you come in. The radiation will only take about ten to fifteen minutes, but they said to plan on being there for about thirty minutes out of your day.
I go Tuesday to meet the Dr. and get a run down on what they plan to do and I have a decision to make about my treatment. It is actually preventative and not like the surgery. I can say no if I choose, and I can stop if I'm not tolerating it well. I'm sure I will go all the way with it. I sure as hell don't want this thing coming back on me again.
Sharon is at the Essen House until 8pm and Sammy and Brian are not here, so I think I'll make some dinner and maybe go to the movies. More later.
Tom
Since she was so excited about getting them I decided I had a few more people on my "keeping me alive list" so I went home and made up a few bags of tomatoes and headed for the chemo office. I got there around 10am and the place was packed. I always went very early in the morning and never really saw it where people were waiting in the outer office to get in. I was only able to see one of the five girls that were on duty because they were so busy. When I would be there I could always talk to most of them because there were never more that three or four of us around. Mary was also very happy to get the tomatoes. She said she would see to it that everyone share in the bounty.
Earlier I had called Carol Burns's office to see when my appoint to see her was. They informed me that it was yesterday. When I asked when I could get another appointment the lady said sometime in November. I then asked to talk to Deb in Endocrinology. She and I are buddies and when I run out of pills before my next refill, she always gives me some samples and I give her little treats. This time she had actually set aside a time for me when she and Carol realized yesterday that I was not going to make my appointment. I've been seeing Carol for 10 years and have never missed an appointment. Deb knew I had surgery because she got me some samples the Friday before my surgery. She told Carol she thought I probably would be calling to re-schedule. She set me up for Sept 10 at 8:30 the time I always want to have when seeing Carol. She is a Love, but she takes soooo much time with each person that if you come later in the day, you will wait a long time to see her. I didn't tell Deb that I was going to bring her tomatoes but I decided she would be a great person to give them to also. I was right, she gave me a big hug and said she would share with the office and Carol.
While I was at the chemo office I also stopped at the radiation office that will be next door to the chemo office. I thought they were the same, but it is two separate Dr's offices. I told them how much I liked the chemo people and they said I would like them better. They explained that they work a little differently than the chemo people because they have people in every ten to fifteen minutes and each one is different. With chemo you can come any time because they make up the medicine early and have it in your name when you come in. The radiation will only take about ten to fifteen minutes, but they said to plan on being there for about thirty minutes out of your day.
I go Tuesday to meet the Dr. and get a run down on what they plan to do and I have a decision to make about my treatment. It is actually preventative and not like the surgery. I can say no if I choose, and I can stop if I'm not tolerating it well. I'm sure I will go all the way with it. I sure as hell don't want this thing coming back on me again.
Sharon is at the Essen House until 8pm and Sammy and Brian are not here, so I think I'll make some dinner and maybe go to the movies. More later.
Tom
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Aug. 20th Thursday
I went to the radiation Dr. today to find out what was going to happen next. It looks like at least 6 weeks of radiation starting in the next couple weeks. I had to go clear out to Lutheran Hospital to see the Dr. only to find that they have an office at the same location where I had the chemo. I was going to look into having the Dr. where I got the chemo talk to me about the radiation because as you go into their building you turn right to go for chemo and left to go to radiation. As it turns out they are two different practices. One does the chemo and the other is radiation. I will be seeing a Chinese Dr. for the radiation. The Dr. I saw today was also Chinese but it was funny, Sharon is reading a book about China but she didn't want to talk at all about the book or China. I said I thought that was funny that she didn't want to talk about it, but she just said that non on the books are current about China and she and her mother never experienced anything that they talk about in any of the Chinese books written in the US. She didn't however have any trouble referring me to another Chinese Dr. Of friend of Sharon's said that it is well understood that the Chinese Dr's are very well trained if they studied in China and finished up in the US. They actually have to take a lot more classes in China on more subjects than in the US. I hope to hell they know radiation. She said what radiation I was going to get was fairly simple since it does not include a vital organ.
The next thing that you are about to see is the actual tumor that they took out of me. It's not pretty, so just be warned if you don't like ugly. For some reason I could not get the picture to show up once and in the area that I wanted. The size is 15cm long and the entire thing is about the size of a grapefruit. I can't believe that it is all together. I could have sworn it was longer and not all together. They also took a great deal of my bicep I was told today. She showed me what it should be and then what it was. She said it will take time to get to the point that I will have strength. She also said they will not be doing any radiation on my elbow because it would cause arthritics. As another friend on mine said, the more radiation and x-rays and scans you get the more likely they will cause another kind of cancer. What a happy thought!!!!!
I have another appointment on the 25th to get all the particulars on my treatment, I'll let you know then what's going to happen. For now I'm making our reservations for Carlsbad. So Randy, Tom, Maura, and Joe get ready to see us on the 24th of Sept.
Later
Tom
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Aug 18th Tuesday
We were up way tooooo early, to head to Indy. I had been taking pain pills all night long because of my gout kicking up all of a sudden. I took another one just before going in to see the Dr. just in case it hurt taking out the stitches.
The Dr. felt the scar was healing nicely but I do have some swelling high on my shoulder that he said should go down now that he took of the bandages. He has advised me that I will need radiation for 5 or 6 weeks. He has referred us to a Dr. in Fort Wayne that he works with all the time. We thought we were going back to the same Dr that did the chemo, but he said he favored this Dr's ability to do radiation. I will be going out to Lutheran Hospital which is much further but the same place I go for my diabetes.
I've talked to some people about radiation and it doesn't sound near as bad as the chemo. Sometimes you get like a sun burn, but they have good creams etc. for when that happens. It about the same as the medicine they have for nausea when your getting chemo.
Back to the Dr. office and my scar. Once he told me what I would have to be doing he said he would send someone in to remove the stitches. I was so excited to hear that. He comes in with an industrial set of wire cutters and I decide it time for me to lay down. He actually thought I was going to sit there and watch him remove over 6o f+++++ stitches. It took about ten or fifteen minutes to pull them all out. There were three or four that gave him some trouble and hurt, but other than that it was not as bad as I thought. when he took the all out he then put these little thin bandages across the scar to keep it from opening up. He said I had to keep them on until they fell off on their own. I can shower but not swim for at least 5 days.
It is a little easier to maneuver with the bandage off, but it's also a little scary to know the scar could pull apart if I'm not careful. I did eat my lunch and dinner with my left hand today, so that is easier, but not perfect yet. I still can't turn it all the way to get it into my mouth like before. I'm sure it will come.
After the appointment we went to Sharon's favorite place for breakfast, Denny's. She got her Grand Slam Breakfast with pancakes. She was so full she had to leave me at the table and go outside and walk it off. We then went to meet Cate and look at condo's.
We saw only two condo's. One was bank owned and the other was private sale. The bank owned was a 3 BR 2-1/2 B with a double car garage. The other one was the same size but one garage. The second one was lived in and had a nice paint job. The bank owned had new everything but basic paint job. The difference in the price was over $10,000.00. Guess which one we put a bid in on? You got it, the bank owned condo. We should know in a day or two what they will do. We low balled the offer to see what they will counter. It's an end unit and has a great deck and back yard. Cate brought her current roommate with her and he liked it a lot. She is lucky that he wants to move into this place with her when their lease is up. She now only needs to find one more person.
It's now 11:06 and I'm tired and going to bed. More later! Tom
The Dr. felt the scar was healing nicely but I do have some swelling high on my shoulder that he said should go down now that he took of the bandages. He has advised me that I will need radiation for 5 or 6 weeks. He has referred us to a Dr. in Fort Wayne that he works with all the time. We thought we were going back to the same Dr that did the chemo, but he said he favored this Dr's ability to do radiation. I will be going out to Lutheran Hospital which is much further but the same place I go for my diabetes.
I've talked to some people about radiation and it doesn't sound near as bad as the chemo. Sometimes you get like a sun burn, but they have good creams etc. for when that happens. It about the same as the medicine they have for nausea when your getting chemo.
Back to the Dr. office and my scar. Once he told me what I would have to be doing he said he would send someone in to remove the stitches. I was so excited to hear that. He comes in with an industrial set of wire cutters and I decide it time for me to lay down. He actually thought I was going to sit there and watch him remove over 6o f+++++ stitches. It took about ten or fifteen minutes to pull them all out. There were three or four that gave him some trouble and hurt, but other than that it was not as bad as I thought. when he took the all out he then put these little thin bandages across the scar to keep it from opening up. He said I had to keep them on until they fell off on their own. I can shower but not swim for at least 5 days.
It is a little easier to maneuver with the bandage off, but it's also a little scary to know the scar could pull apart if I'm not careful. I did eat my lunch and dinner with my left hand today, so that is easier, but not perfect yet. I still can't turn it all the way to get it into my mouth like before. I'm sure it will come.
After the appointment we went to Sharon's favorite place for breakfast, Denny's. She got her Grand Slam Breakfast with pancakes. She was so full she had to leave me at the table and go outside and walk it off. We then went to meet Cate and look at condo's.
We saw only two condo's. One was bank owned and the other was private sale. The bank owned was a 3 BR 2-1/2 B with a double car garage. The other one was the same size but one garage. The second one was lived in and had a nice paint job. The bank owned had new everything but basic paint job. The difference in the price was over $10,000.00. Guess which one we put a bid in on? You got it, the bank owned condo. We should know in a day or two what they will do. We low balled the offer to see what they will counter. It's an end unit and has a great deck and back yard. Cate brought her current roommate with her and he liked it a lot. She is lucky that he wants to move into this place with her when their lease is up. She now only needs to find one more person.
It's now 11:06 and I'm tired and going to bed. More later! Tom
Monday, August 17, 2009
Aug.17th. Monday
I sure glad the weekend is over. All together I did not have a great weekend. I just could not get it together and felt like sh++. I got up early this morning however and felt good enough to go to the gym and work out for 30 minutes on my rowing machine.
I had unwrapped my bandage and then was unable to get it put back together so I called Sharon and she said, the gym is part of the hospital, so have them help you. When I got there they were both busy so I stood around until the woman got free and she asked me how she could help me. I explained that I needed help wrapping my bandage. She said: " well I'm not a nurse, and I have never done that before, but if it isn't too difficult, I will try to help you." I said I'm sure you can do a better job with two hands than I did with one. We then unwrapped the bandage that I had done and when she saw the scar she about sh++. What's that!, I explained what it was and she got scared that she was not going to be able to touch it. I calmed her down and together we got it wrapped. It did take us three tries before we got it right. It has two Velcro ends and you have to start it correctly so at the end it will have the correct end to attach to the bandage itself.
I'm now able to go the entire 30 minutes using both arms. I can also keep my arm at my side, which has hurt until today. We go to the Dr. tomorrow and Sharon thinks he will take out the stitches. I think once I get the bandage off it will be easier to eat and brush my teeth etc.
We are going to meet the real estate salesman in Indy tomorrow because Cate has found two more condo's she would like to have. The one is the exact same model as the one she had put a bid in on for $104,000.00, but they want $124,900 for it. I'm thinking with the comps against them that they might think twice before turning down an offer. Myles is on a Cruse so we will have to e-mail him to see if he approval of the deal. They are going together on the property. Myles wants a real estate investment and Cate wants a condo, so it is a good partnership deal. Cate watches over the investment and lives there, Myles gets to invest in property other than in LA where the prices are still out of sight.
I was able to get out today and help Sharon get the bread order. I can drive, but it is nice when I can just ride and then help her find the bread she needs. I've been doing it so long I can go right where they keep the certain kind of breads. Margo, by the way they now have that slim bread that you brought to the house. I can get it for .50 a package. We actually had someone try to take it out of our bread box while we were not looking. Sharon says, "Hay mister, that my bread". He then put it back in our rack.
I should have a big blog tomorrow since we are going to the Dr. Where not sure what all will happen, but we think the bandages off for sure and we might know if I need any radiation. We are hoping not, because we want to go to Carlsbad for the meeting on the 24th of Sept. He said he might let me go even though you are suppose to have treatments five days in a row, maybe missing one day would not hurt. We will see what he says tomorrow. Til then!!!! That was a good song also.
I had unwrapped my bandage and then was unable to get it put back together so I called Sharon and she said, the gym is part of the hospital, so have them help you. When I got there they were both busy so I stood around until the woman got free and she asked me how she could help me. I explained that I needed help wrapping my bandage. She said: " well I'm not a nurse, and I have never done that before, but if it isn't too difficult, I will try to help you." I said I'm sure you can do a better job with two hands than I did with one. We then unwrapped the bandage that I had done and when she saw the scar she about sh++. What's that!, I explained what it was and she got scared that she was not going to be able to touch it. I calmed her down and together we got it wrapped. It did take us three tries before we got it right. It has two Velcro ends and you have to start it correctly so at the end it will have the correct end to attach to the bandage itself.
I'm now able to go the entire 30 minutes using both arms. I can also keep my arm at my side, which has hurt until today. We go to the Dr. tomorrow and Sharon thinks he will take out the stitches. I think once I get the bandage off it will be easier to eat and brush my teeth etc.
We are going to meet the real estate salesman in Indy tomorrow because Cate has found two more condo's she would like to have. The one is the exact same model as the one she had put a bid in on for $104,000.00, but they want $124,900 for it. I'm thinking with the comps against them that they might think twice before turning down an offer. Myles is on a Cruse so we will have to e-mail him to see if he approval of the deal. They are going together on the property. Myles wants a real estate investment and Cate wants a condo, so it is a good partnership deal. Cate watches over the investment and lives there, Myles gets to invest in property other than in LA where the prices are still out of sight.
I was able to get out today and help Sharon get the bread order. I can drive, but it is nice when I can just ride and then help her find the bread she needs. I've been doing it so long I can go right where they keep the certain kind of breads. Margo, by the way they now have that slim bread that you brought to the house. I can get it for .50 a package. We actually had someone try to take it out of our bread box while we were not looking. Sharon says, "Hay mister, that my bread". He then put it back in our rack.
I should have a big blog tomorrow since we are going to the Dr. Where not sure what all will happen, but we think the bandages off for sure and we might know if I need any radiation. We are hoping not, because we want to go to Carlsbad for the meeting on the 24th of Sept. He said he might let me go even though you are suppose to have treatments five days in a row, maybe missing one day would not hurt. We will see what he says tomorrow. Til then!!!! That was a good song also.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Aug 16th Sunday
I just got back for mass and breakfast. I went to my favorite restaurant this morning, but the waitress that I always have didn't know me at all. I had to finally tell her how she would remember me and she finally did. That's as bad as Margo not knowing who I was in a picture after I cut my beard and hair. I do look in the mirror each day and try to remember what I look like with hair and a beard. My beard is starting to come back, but it sure doesn't look like it once did. The last time I had to wait for a beard to grow back was 1971 when I shave it to get a job. When the guy saw me with my beard cut off he told me I looked better with a beard, so it's OK to grow it again. When I joined the Research Institute of America a year later I had a beard and when I went to the first National meeting I tried to get into the meeting room but the National sales manager stopped me because he said no one with RIA had a beard. I then pointed to my regional manager and he came over and got me in the door. He then told my regional manager that I had to shave my beard. We then had a big discussion and I said that if I was not successful in the first six months that I would shave it off. As it turned out I was back at the home office in five months,in the training class that is usually after a person is with the company for at least a year. The same National Sales Manager greeted me at the meeting room door and said that I still needed to shave my beard. Until the man was let go two years later, he always told me to shave that damn beard. The man that replaced him grew a beard and mustache then became the president of RIA. So that's why I have always kept my beard and mustache. I never did get to be President of RIA however. I thought I was going to be, but then I got that call, and that ended that.
Enough of that, I have been working with my left arm as much as possible. I'm trying to us it the way I normally do. Brushing my teeth is quite a chore. It is very difficult with the bandage on to get my elbow to bend all the way to make it easy to maneuver. It's the same when I try to use it to eat. I can get it most of the way up to my mouth, but it just isn't quite the same. I tried to open a jar of pickles yesterday but no luck. I just can apply any pressure without it starting to hurt. There are things that I can do that make it seem that it OK, but then other things just can't be done. My blood sugar is getting much better. I'm not using any insulin any more. I have to be very careful, but it is working. I cooked Sharon and me a steak and mashed potatoes the other night. That was the first time for some time we had that. I took Sammy and we went to the Essen House yesterday morning for the buffet. We went to surprise Sharon, but she left early and we actually passed her on the way. We still went and had breakfast anyway. Sammy had a cinnamon roll and some bacon and I had eggs and sausage and bacon. It was good to get out and see all the regulars at the restaurant on Saturday morning.
We finally sold the tanning bed after we heard about the Cancer scare if someone under thirty used it regularly. Apparently the people that bought it didn't care or didn't read about the study. I would never get in anything that closed me in like that thing anyway. I remember a James Bond film when they locked someone in a steam tub one time. You'll never get me in anything like that.
My big day is going to be watching the final round of the PGA, my money is still on Tiger. I know I'm stepping out on a limb, but I love to take chances as you all know. If I feel the urge, I might also go to the gym. I didn't go yesterday and I should have. I still lost two more lbs and am now down to 242lbs. I feel a little light headed the past two days, but I think it's just from not getting enough exercise or something. I don't have it when I work out, but I get head rushes when I get up from sitting and watching TV etc. I'm also not sleeping too well because I like to sleep on my left side and I can't get my left arm under my head the way I normally sleep. I try to do it braced with pillows and sticking up, but it wakes me up when I move at night and try to put it under my head. I'm sure it will be OK when I get the bandages off.
That's all for today.
Tom
Enough of that, I have been working with my left arm as much as possible. I'm trying to us it the way I normally do. Brushing my teeth is quite a chore. It is very difficult with the bandage on to get my elbow to bend all the way to make it easy to maneuver. It's the same when I try to use it to eat. I can get it most of the way up to my mouth, but it just isn't quite the same. I tried to open a jar of pickles yesterday but no luck. I just can apply any pressure without it starting to hurt. There are things that I can do that make it seem that it OK, but then other things just can't be done. My blood sugar is getting much better. I'm not using any insulin any more. I have to be very careful, but it is working. I cooked Sharon and me a steak and mashed potatoes the other night. That was the first time for some time we had that. I took Sammy and we went to the Essen House yesterday morning for the buffet. We went to surprise Sharon, but she left early and we actually passed her on the way. We still went and had breakfast anyway. Sammy had a cinnamon roll and some bacon and I had eggs and sausage and bacon. It was good to get out and see all the regulars at the restaurant on Saturday morning.
We finally sold the tanning bed after we heard about the Cancer scare if someone under thirty used it regularly. Apparently the people that bought it didn't care or didn't read about the study. I would never get in anything that closed me in like that thing anyway. I remember a James Bond film when they locked someone in a steam tub one time. You'll never get me in anything like that.
My big day is going to be watching the final round of the PGA, my money is still on Tiger. I know I'm stepping out on a limb, but I love to take chances as you all know. If I feel the urge, I might also go to the gym. I didn't go yesterday and I should have. I still lost two more lbs and am now down to 242lbs. I feel a little light headed the past two days, but I think it's just from not getting enough exercise or something. I don't have it when I work out, but I get head rushes when I get up from sitting and watching TV etc. I'm also not sleeping too well because I like to sleep on my left side and I can't get my left arm under my head the way I normally sleep. I try to do it braced with pillows and sticking up, but it wakes me up when I move at night and try to put it under my head. I'm sure it will be OK when I get the bandages off.
That's all for today.
Tom
Friday, August 14, 2009
Aug 14th Friday
I have been ask to put a picture of my scar on the blog. I can't look at it yet myself because I think I might faint. It's one thing to have the pain in the arm, it's quite another to see what is causeing the pain. I like going through life not knowing some things. For those who don't like this kind of thing, turn your head, because this is ugly.
If you can't tell, that runs from my shoulder to the underside of my elbow. What you can't see is how screwed my arm is. I'm not sure how much of the muscle they had to take, but I have a very large indentation where the muscle used to be.
I pray each day that the feeling and the ability to use the arm will return soon. Most of the surgery pain has gone, now it's just the pain that is their when I try to use it in certain ways.
I'm on my way to the gym, so the rest of my body will be in better shape than my arm.
More tomorrow.
Tom
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Aug 13th. Thursday
I'm sorry for not keeping up with my blog, but I have been trying to get back into some sort of normal routine and it has been rough. I've decided to get back to the gym for at least 30 minutes each day. They have a rowing type of machine that I can use my legs and my arms. My left arm can't take the exercises yet but everything else is working out. My blood pressure today was 111/62 so I was very pleased. My weight is holding at 244 and I still want to loose another 40lbs. I have not been that thin since 10 grade. Going into the tenth grade I weighed 200 when I signed up for football. I think I was 10 to 15 lbs bigger by the time the season was over. I just remember hitting that 200lbs level for football.
I'm still having problems with my blood sugar. In the hospital they said there was not much I could do about it until I got back to some sort of normalcy. They said the surgery makes your body produce too much sugar to try to make you heal. I'm still having to use insulin to try to keep it below 200
I have been sleeping very well. I say my prayers at night and I have not even gotten to Darrin before I fall asleep. I pray in order of age, me first of course then Sharon etc. I have cut my pain medicine down to two a day. I took one last night at 8pm and then again one at about 11pm. during the day I can get used to the pain, but at night it will keep me awake. I still have to get up during the night because I'm drinking a lot of water each day. Since I can now go to the bathroom much better than before, I can use a bottle by my bed and not have to wake up to pee.
We have been blessed these last few weeks even if this surgery is not considered a blessing. My brother David was called back to work after being off for 8 months. My daughter Cate has started her new job after having it canceled once. She got her first sale last week. We are now talking to Sharon's relatives for the first time in over three years. The Essen House just had a great week with all the reunion people coming in to eat. The biggest thing that happened was that we got four new people to move into the Manor House. We now have 26 residents. We picked up ten residents in two and a half months. We also found out another facility may be closing in the area and we could pick up as many as 25 new residents. We have 52 rooms and that would be great to fill them all. Keep praying, is my motto. The good Lord has been listening.
Thats all for now folks!!!
Tom
I'm still having problems with my blood sugar. In the hospital they said there was not much I could do about it until I got back to some sort of normalcy. They said the surgery makes your body produce too much sugar to try to make you heal. I'm still having to use insulin to try to keep it below 200
I have been sleeping very well. I say my prayers at night and I have not even gotten to Darrin before I fall asleep. I pray in order of age, me first of course then Sharon etc. I have cut my pain medicine down to two a day. I took one last night at 8pm and then again one at about 11pm. during the day I can get used to the pain, but at night it will keep me awake. I still have to get up during the night because I'm drinking a lot of water each day. Since I can now go to the bathroom much better than before, I can use a bottle by my bed and not have to wake up to pee.
We have been blessed these last few weeks even if this surgery is not considered a blessing. My brother David was called back to work after being off for 8 months. My daughter Cate has started her new job after having it canceled once. She got her first sale last week. We are now talking to Sharon's relatives for the first time in over three years. The Essen House just had a great week with all the reunion people coming in to eat. The biggest thing that happened was that we got four new people to move into the Manor House. We now have 26 residents. We picked up ten residents in two and a half months. We also found out another facility may be closing in the area and we could pick up as many as 25 new residents. We have 52 rooms and that would be great to fill them all. Keep praying, is my motto. The good Lord has been listening.
Thats all for now folks!!!
Tom
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
AUG 11 TUESDAY
I CAN TYPE A LITTLE WITH BOTH HANDS NOW. I CAN'T DO IT FOR LONG, SO HEAR IT GOES.
THE DAY OF THE OPERATION, WE ARRIVE AT 5:30AM AT THE HOSPITAL AND THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE WAITING TO HAVE OPERATIONS. IT'S LIKE, GET IN LINE DUDE.
ONCE IN THE SURGERY PREP ROOM I MET MY FIRST "DR???" AS IT TURNS OUT HE IS AN INTERN FROM GUESS WHERE "COLLEGE OF ST. GEORGE" THAT'S IN GRANADA. SHARON AS HIM WHY HE WENT THERE, I SAID, THAT'S THE ONLY PLACE HE COULD GET IN. HE LAUGHED AND SAID THAT'S ABOUT RIGHT. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO TRY TO STICK ME FOR AN I.V. NO LUCK ON THE FIRST STICK, AND YOU GOT TO KNOW WHAT I TOLD HIM ON THE SECOND SECOND BAD ATTEMPT. GET OUT OF HERE, GET YOUR F++++++ BOSS IN HERE. WHEN HE DID ARRIVE HE EXPLAINED THEY ONLY ATTEMPT ONCE. I THEN TOLD HIM TO STICK MY PORT. HE SAID HE WOULD IN THE OPERATING ROOM.
SO NOW I'M IN THE OPERATING ROOM AND THEY ASK ME IF I WANT A NERVE BLOCK. I HAD TOLD THEM BEFORE THAT I DID, BUT THEY ALWAYS ASK TWICE I GUESS IN CASE YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THERE IS SOMEONE AT MY NECK WITH A NEEDLE TRYING TO FIND MY NERVES. HE TRIES TWO OR THREE DIFFERENT TIME AND HAS MY ARM JUMPING, BUT CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE THIRD NERVE. THE SURGEON FINALLY SAYS SOMETHING TOO HIM AND HE STOPS. I THEN HEAR THE OTHER DR. ASK IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW TO STICK A PORT. NO ONE ANSWERS, SO HE FINALLY TELLS SOMEONE TO GO GET SOME NURSE. IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG A LADY'S VOICE SAYS, OK I'M GOING TO STICK YOU SO TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND IT WILL BE GOOD NIGHT.
THE NEXT THING I REMEMBER IS WAKING UP IN RECOVERY. THE SURGEON IS ASK ME HOW I FEEL AND I SAYING I HURT REAL BAD IN MY LEFT ARM. HE ASKS ME TO MOVE MY LEFT HAND BUT THE ONLY THING I COULD MOVE WAS MY THUMB. HE SAYS THAT'S NOT GOOD, HE THEN SHOWS ANOTHER DR. THAT I CAN STILL MOVE MY THUMB. APPARENTLY THEY DIDN'T EVER GET THE THIRD NERVE DEADENED. SO HE SAYS WE WILL HAVE TO GIVE HIM PAIN MEDICATION FOR THAT SITUATION. I NOW KNOW WHAT THAT SITUATION MEANS. A CERTAIN PART OF MY LEFT ARM HURTS LIKE HELL. PART IS NUMB, AND I CAN'T EVEN TOUCH MY SKIN AT THAT POINT, IT HURTS SO MUCH. AS YOU ALL KNOW MY SAYING "THEY PRACTICE MEDICINE, AND IF YOU LET THEM, THEY WILL PRACTICE ON YOU". WELL GUESS WHAT, AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL, THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS.
OH YEA,, WHEN THEY TRIED TO PUT IN A CATHETER, THEY DIDN'T FOLLOW THE URETHRA. THEY MADE THEIR OWN PATH. ONCE THEY SAW THE BLOOD, THEY HAD TO CALL IN ANOTHER EXPERT TO SOLVE THAT LITTLE PROBLEM. GUESS WHO GOT TO WEAR THAT LITTLE PLEASURE FOR THE NEXT WEEK. THE ONLY GOOD THING THAT CAME OUT OF THAT EXPERIENCE WAS THAT I GOT TO MEET A NEIGHBOR I HAD NEVER MET, HE WAS THE DR. THAT TOOK IT OUT, AND I HAVE THE BEST STREAM I'VE HAD IN YEARS.
I AM FEELING MUCH BETTER, I'M ONLY TAKING PAIN MEDICATION AT NIGHT AND I'VE STARTED TO GO TO THE BATH ROOM AGAIN. HAY, THIS IS ABOUT GETTING BETTER, SO IF YOU DON'T LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT THE CREATURE COMFORTS, DON'T READ THIS PART. I'M GETTING BETTER ONE PART AT A TIME. IT'S ALL GOT TO WORK OR YOU ARE NOT BETTER. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE PRAYERS.
TOM
THE DAY OF THE OPERATION, WE ARRIVE AT 5:30AM AT THE HOSPITAL AND THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE WAITING TO HAVE OPERATIONS. IT'S LIKE, GET IN LINE DUDE.
ONCE IN THE SURGERY PREP ROOM I MET MY FIRST "DR???" AS IT TURNS OUT HE IS AN INTERN FROM GUESS WHERE "COLLEGE OF ST. GEORGE" THAT'S IN GRANADA. SHARON AS HIM WHY HE WENT THERE, I SAID, THAT'S THE ONLY PLACE HE COULD GET IN. HE LAUGHED AND SAID THAT'S ABOUT RIGHT. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO TRY TO STICK ME FOR AN I.V. NO LUCK ON THE FIRST STICK, AND YOU GOT TO KNOW WHAT I TOLD HIM ON THE SECOND SECOND BAD ATTEMPT. GET OUT OF HERE, GET YOUR F++++++ BOSS IN HERE. WHEN HE DID ARRIVE HE EXPLAINED THEY ONLY ATTEMPT ONCE. I THEN TOLD HIM TO STICK MY PORT. HE SAID HE WOULD IN THE OPERATING ROOM.
SO NOW I'M IN THE OPERATING ROOM AND THEY ASK ME IF I WANT A NERVE BLOCK. I HAD TOLD THEM BEFORE THAT I DID, BUT THEY ALWAYS ASK TWICE I GUESS IN CASE YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND. THE NEXT THING I KNOW THERE IS SOMEONE AT MY NECK WITH A NEEDLE TRYING TO FIND MY NERVES. HE TRIES TWO OR THREE DIFFERENT TIME AND HAS MY ARM JUMPING, BUT CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE THIRD NERVE. THE SURGEON FINALLY SAYS SOMETHING TOO HIM AND HE STOPS. I THEN HEAR THE OTHER DR. ASK IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW TO STICK A PORT. NO ONE ANSWERS, SO HE FINALLY TELLS SOMEONE TO GO GET SOME NURSE. IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG A LADY'S VOICE SAYS, OK I'M GOING TO STICK YOU SO TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND IT WILL BE GOOD NIGHT.
THE NEXT THING I REMEMBER IS WAKING UP IN RECOVERY. THE SURGEON IS ASK ME HOW I FEEL AND I SAYING I HURT REAL BAD IN MY LEFT ARM. HE ASKS ME TO MOVE MY LEFT HAND BUT THE ONLY THING I COULD MOVE WAS MY THUMB. HE SAYS THAT'S NOT GOOD, HE THEN SHOWS ANOTHER DR. THAT I CAN STILL MOVE MY THUMB. APPARENTLY THEY DIDN'T EVER GET THE THIRD NERVE DEADENED. SO HE SAYS WE WILL HAVE TO GIVE HIM PAIN MEDICATION FOR THAT SITUATION. I NOW KNOW WHAT THAT SITUATION MEANS. A CERTAIN PART OF MY LEFT ARM HURTS LIKE HELL. PART IS NUMB, AND I CAN'T EVEN TOUCH MY SKIN AT THAT POINT, IT HURTS SO MUCH. AS YOU ALL KNOW MY SAYING "THEY PRACTICE MEDICINE, AND IF YOU LET THEM, THEY WILL PRACTICE ON YOU". WELL GUESS WHAT, AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL, THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS.
OH YEA,, WHEN THEY TRIED TO PUT IN A CATHETER, THEY DIDN'T FOLLOW THE URETHRA. THEY MADE THEIR OWN PATH. ONCE THEY SAW THE BLOOD, THEY HAD TO CALL IN ANOTHER EXPERT TO SOLVE THAT LITTLE PROBLEM. GUESS WHO GOT TO WEAR THAT LITTLE PLEASURE FOR THE NEXT WEEK. THE ONLY GOOD THING THAT CAME OUT OF THAT EXPERIENCE WAS THAT I GOT TO MEET A NEIGHBOR I HAD NEVER MET, HE WAS THE DR. THAT TOOK IT OUT, AND I HAVE THE BEST STREAM I'VE HAD IN YEARS.
I AM FEELING MUCH BETTER, I'M ONLY TAKING PAIN MEDICATION AT NIGHT AND I'VE STARTED TO GO TO THE BATH ROOM AGAIN. HAY, THIS IS ABOUT GETTING BETTER, SO IF YOU DON'T LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT THE CREATURE COMFORTS, DON'T READ THIS PART. I'M GETTING BETTER ONE PART AT A TIME. IT'S ALL GOT TO WORK OR YOU ARE NOT BETTER. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE PRAYERS.
TOM
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday Aug 7th.
I'M ALIVE, AND HAVE NO CANCER AROUND THE TUMOR AREA. THEY DID A SCAN ON THE TISSUE AROUND THE TUMOR AREA AND IT CAME BACK NEGATIVE. THAT'S A GREAT THING. NOW I HAVE TO SEE THE SURGEON IN TWO WEEKS AND DR. RUSHING IN A MONTH. I MIGHT STILL NEED RADIATION. I'LL KNOW IN A MONTH. I CAN ONLY TYPE WITH ONE HAND SO IT WILL BE A WHILE BEFORE I CAN TELL THE ENTIRE STORY. THERE WERE SOME BBIIGG SCREW UPS. STAY TUNED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TOM
TOM
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Aug. 2nd. Sunday Day before surgery
On Friday I didn't think I would want to blog any more, but I guess this thing has become a part of me and when things happen or I think of something I want to share it. For those who are viewing this but are not Catholic, this might not be of interest to you.
At mass this morning I just happened to sit next to a nun who I had seen before, but did not know. When we were to turn and introduce ourselves to each other, I asked her to pray for me tomorrow because I was going to be operated on. She said she would be happy too. At the end of the mass she leaned over and told me I should ask the priest to give me the blessing of the sick. It's not the same as the last rights, but it is an anointing of oil and a total dispensation of your sins. My sister Margo had told me about it, but I went to the rectory one day and the Indian priest didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Well somehow the Good Lord had me sit next to the nun that knew what to have me do. So if any of you think the Lord doesn't work in mysterious ways, I had to differ with you, but I do. I feel so much better already, and positive about what will happen tomorrow. What ever happens, I'll be prepared. I still want the prayers from you guys, but I know I have done what I can do. Also, Margo, thanks for your prayer for someone who is going to be operated on. It includes the prayer for the Dr's and the medical team.
Sharon and I will be staying at the University Inn tonight and we must check in at 5:30am tomorrow. The operation will start at 7:30am and should last about 4 to 41/2 hours. We'll keep you up to date.
I will personally try to get back to this as soon as I can type.
Tom
At mass this morning I just happened to sit next to a nun who I had seen before, but did not know. When we were to turn and introduce ourselves to each other, I asked her to pray for me tomorrow because I was going to be operated on. She said she would be happy too. At the end of the mass she leaned over and told me I should ask the priest to give me the blessing of the sick. It's not the same as the last rights, but it is an anointing of oil and a total dispensation of your sins. My sister Margo had told me about it, but I went to the rectory one day and the Indian priest didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Well somehow the Good Lord had me sit next to the nun that knew what to have me do. So if any of you think the Lord doesn't work in mysterious ways, I had to differ with you, but I do. I feel so much better already, and positive about what will happen tomorrow. What ever happens, I'll be prepared. I still want the prayers from you guys, but I know I have done what I can do. Also, Margo, thanks for your prayer for someone who is going to be operated on. It includes the prayer for the Dr's and the medical team.
Sharon and I will be staying at the University Inn tonight and we must check in at 5:30am tomorrow. The operation will start at 7:30am and should last about 4 to 41/2 hours. We'll keep you up to date.
I will personally try to get back to this as soon as I can type.
Tom
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Aug. 1st. Saturday
I have been ask by some viewers to see what my arm looks like before surgery. Sharon also thinks it's a good idea to have some picture evidence. It aint pretty folks. It went from a 15 in. bicep when we first saw the Dr. to a 17 in. bicep just before surgery. The chemo killed a little bit of it, but it is still growing so they need to take it before it spreads all over my arm. 
Hopefully Monday they will take this out and all will be well. It's in the hands of the Lord and his skilled professionals. Keep up the prayers.
Thank again for your concern over the last couple of months.
Tom
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