Edify -- Word for the Day -- Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Edify

Definition: to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge; uplift; enlighten, inform

Okay, those of you that haven't bashed me for not writing more frequently, this is your chance... Go ahead... Take a hit. I have no real excuse for not keeping you all up to date. We have just been enjoying life and getting on with work. GREAT NEWS TO REPORT!!! Doctor's visit on Friday, June 3 -- REMISSION continues!

I have a new boss and he enlightens me each day with Biblical stories relating to his personal experiences and the experiences of others. I enjoy being edified.

ChemoSabe's new schedule entitled "2nd Year Maintenance" consists of weekly visits to the clinic for labs and then a return trip for the Velcade. He stills continues Dex, but only three tablets one day a week. Thank the Lord for small favors. He is sleeping better and not wound as tight. I had to tattle on him during the doctor's visit regarding his crabbiness, laziness and down right hatefulness. Well, the last one is a little extreme, but you get the picture. I asked her when she thought he would get back to normal. She smiled and advised us the Dex was causing all the problems. It was also causing his eye infections, swelling ankles, excessive weight gain, thin skin causing heavy bruising. She promised he could be mowing yards and weed eating soon (attached with a smile).

Platelets were a whopping 100 his first day back at labs. WBC was at 20. This was even after being off Velcade and Dex for four weeks straight. Lesions have decreased from 25 in the last two years to 13.

We ride whenever we can.  We have traveled by bike to Eureka Springs three times since March.  We just returned from a cabin trip in northern Arkansas.  We already have another trip planned since we found the perfect housesitter for our kids. 

Work stills keeps ChemoSabe buried in paperwork and travel.  He continues to stand ahead and he loves his job more each day.  I believe what he loves most is the challenge of unexpected days.

We dealt with Mother's Day.  We did have a 2nd Year Survivor cook out combined with Mother's Day gifts.  I had been so depressed the week before I almost cancelled it.  But, it was about ChemoSabe still being with us so I got over my Pity Party pretty quick.  We had a very enjoyable time.  My little brother did not show up as it was quite difficult on him.  May marked the 1st anniversary of Sharon being gone. 

We have had major unscheduled tasks on the home front.  The downstairs toilet backed up and flooded the downstairs shower and over flowed onto the carpet in the bathroom.  The words "it was a mess" doesn't quite explain it.  The rooter guy had to come twice in one week.  To top it off, my insurance company since 1976 advised they couldn't pay because it was considered "flood" damage.  GIVE ME A BREAK!

Long story short -- they are paying and we are getting carpet and new tile in the damaged areas of the bathroom, hallway, bar area, the biker room and the den.  So, we are taking advantage of the work and having tile put in the kitchen, foyer, wash room, sun room and front dining room.  Every room in our house right now is carpet. 

I have been visiting a lady in the church where I work.  She has been fighting brain and lung cancer for a year.  She is in her final days.  She helped me so much when ChemoSabe was diagnosed and especially when mom left us.  I talk to her as I always have, but it pains me tremendously as she looks so much like my grandmother.  Her blue eyes look right through me.  She is such a precious woman.

Well, Kids... I have not been marking notes on my desk like I use to when I was blogging away.  It helps me to jot things down so I can share them.  Forgive me for being so lax.  I will do better.  But, at least you know, ChemoSabe continues to do well.  He is loving life.  He is thanking God every day for what we have and what we have accomplished.  He has been so good to us.

With that -- I will close

Until another day -- Love -- Pepper