Diligence -- Word for the Day -- Wednesday, April 1, 2009

2Diligence (noun)

Definition: persevering application : assiduity obsolete : speed , haste: the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a contract)

Are we diligent? YES, WE ARE!!! God gives us that trait. We are diligent through His strength and grace. He has helped me to survive this week through my weaknesses... He has made me diligent! Thank you, Aunt Betty and Sissy!!!

I want to tell you how proud I am of ChemoSabe this week. His meds and chemo have been doubled (it seems) and he still keeps ticking. We spoke of his lab reports last night and the doctor's orders. He has learned so much at the same time I was beating myself up for not being with him in Infusion and his chemo hook up. He is STRONG!

We learned he is on a 'waiting list' for an APN. That is really a glorified nursing assistant that keeps up with the patients and makes reports. I suppose the doctors read these reports, but from our last experiences, it leaves a lot to the imagination.

ChemoSabe needed to see his APN yesterday so the head Infusion nurse checked on it. He was told he was on a waiting list for an APN since they were 'short handed'. (You see a lot of references to the ["s] I am inserting). We looked at his doctor's orders (the second page) and our doctor indicates he is to see an APN daily. He was fascinated that there was a second page to the doctor's orders. BUT..... he made a good point when he stated we pay $175.00 for an APN to just come in to say "Hi"....so, he doesn't feel he needs that expense since all his counts are up and moving right along... I have to say I agree.

He has done fairly well this week, BUT...(you know there is always a 'BUT'), he has gained 18 lb. in the last two days..............!!!!!!!!! (Come on Dex [steroids]). He is puffy in the face and around the spare tire! ha He is looking more like me every day.

We went out to our favorite place tonight with our favorite waitress, Tara, and had Italian food with a wine basket.... It was what we needed. I was able to relax and share with him my anxieties of not being able to be with him every moment of his treatment and missing my mom. Hellllllooooooo.... and why could I not do this with him before! Because I am stupid! Oh, but you already knew that.

This place makes the BEST Caesar salads... I believe I could do without the main entree and just go the salad and wine. This place is right across the interstate from my mom's nursing home, so it is like having dinner with her without her presence.

The chemo bags are disconnected on Friday morning. He has already planned a trip tomorrow with the bags on. He is already planning on getting on the bikes Saturday before the late evening rains come in and riding. I really see his counts coming down by Tuesday or Wednesday.... I thing his immune system will be at its lowest. If you remember, he didn't ever come down last chemo session. We waited for two weekends and he keeps going up and not down... Pray for the same.

He is now ironing his shirt for tomorrow.... I have fixed the coffee and am ready for bed.

Oh,,,, A funny before I forget. I get a call before I leave for work this morning. when I get a call from ChemoSabe I know he wants something.... I hear this.... HICCUP...."Hey, Baby.... Can you HICCUP do me a favor? HICCUP... I have these HICCUPS......" I laugh.... "If you take my pills HICCUP to work with you I will HICCUP drop by and pick them HICCUP up...." These hiccups are so uncontrollable and forceful, it is absolutely funny. He has not had them that vicious since the very first round of chemo... Another indication the chemo is stronger.

We are certain the meds and chemo are more fierce because the time frame will be wider spread before the next therapy (maybe six months).... Keep praying for the right path... Stronger chemo, further apart..... Less chemo, more frequent..

We love you.... Especially me! I cherish each of you for your prayers, your wisdom (Aunt Betty, Gord and Sissy).

I am listening to a news cast about massage therapist and the places they are not allowed to touch for therapy. To tell you the truth, I have never had a massage, but right now.... I would let them touch anywhere to relieve the stress!!! OH MY GOODNESS..... (shut my mouth)

Be prepared for your next test... Never know when I will be in the mood.

Good night and Love --- Pepper.