Tattoo Anyone??

Tomorrow's the day! I get my first "Ink"!! Unbelievable! 

Ok…I must confess: I'm only getting a tattoo, because I have to. It's part of the simulation process for my radiation treatment. Each one (not sure how many) will be this size: .  Yes, that's it-the size of a dot. After that appt., I'll travel across town to the dietician and find out what additional foods I should be eating to get and stay as healthy as I possibly can. I've started my exercise part of my therapy: 5.5-6 hours per week! Headed out to swim exercise class at 7:30, but after sliding sideways down the driveway, passing two tracks where someone had run in the ditch, and then coming up behind 5 vehicles following a school bus, I decided to turn around and go back home-I would have missed most of the class at that rate. I did 1 hour of Holy Yoga! First time to make it to the finish since my surgery. Felt great!


It warmed up to close to 40, thawed most of the icy spots, and cleared some of the snow away, so I ventured in to watch Miss Tatum perform in her tumbling class at the YMCA. We went "shopping" for a gift for the baby, and of course Nana had to buy T-Bug a toy, too. It was a fun shopping trip and nice dry and clear roads back up the mountain. 


I'll keep you updated on the tats….I have to say I'm not looking forward to ANY MORE NEEDLES….even that size, but, guess I don't have much choice. If it makes the target for the radiation a perfectly placed hit, then I'm all for it. I'll simply have to rely on my verse again: Philippians 4:6.


I want to share one of my daily devotional readings I get online. These are an excerpt from a devotional by Roy Lessin, from his blog: Meet Me in the Meadow. Actually, I'll be sharing a bit of it each day for the next 10 days. Figured Leap "Day" was a good day to start!


"Jesus replied, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I AM." John 8:58 AMP


10 Reasons to Come to Jesus:


1. Luke 2:11 - "Jesus is the Savior, come to Him and be forgiven and saved."

Spring Fever??? So much for YOU!

With frosted trees, and crispy, sparkling snow piled deep, meandering through Costco amongst the patio umbrellas and outdoor furniture sets seemed a bit like Twilite Zone. As I pushed my overloaded cart to the car, I noticed the woman ahead of me remained "stuck" in Spring Fever mode wearing capri pants and open toed shoes!! Her blood must be a bit thicker than this former "Caly" lady's! I'm bundled up in several layers with a vest and wool coat-lacking longjohns only because I was under the impression we were nearing Spring as well. Wrong. We were blasted Saturday, and we're to get another five inches tomorrow. I guess with Ryan in Portland for the week, I'll have to put my trusty, old Lexus to work blazing a trail. (Ryan brought his 4-wheeler/blade out Sunday and cleared our long driveway for us-THANK YOU, RYAN! After a bit of sledding and helping Daddy clear the snow, Tatum took a few spins around our house in her "box" car. Not sure who had more fun-T-Bug or Nana! 

My patient, aka Action Man, is doing better after his trip to the doctor for post-op appt. He got the pain meds changed a bit, and after wincing on a few of GG's pothole dips (on the last stretch home, there are so many, it's impossible to not hit any), he crawled into bed and slept for three hours! Praise God, the pain is under control! Now, on to the therapy and working that "new plastic knee" (as Tatum calls it). He was so relieved of pain and refreshed after the power nap, he was ready to take on his birthday dinner party at Red Lobster. We made another pothole trip to town and met Jill and Tatum and Jack's sister, Linda and her hubs, Harvey. It was a fun night, and Tatum got to sing Happy Birthday to Papa for the second time. (She called him at 8:00 and sang to him and wished him a good day….'melting hearts') Jill made a yummy German chocolate cake from scratch (Jack's favorite that his mother used to make every year for his birthday). Hadn't really noticed how much weight Jack has lost until we looked at these pictures. Hopefully by the time he polishes off the last of that cake, he'll be back to normal.

When we lost electricity for 6 hours on Saturday and were snowed in until Ryan cleared the driveway, a few thoughts of "why are we living here" crossed our minds. As I looked out the kitchen window after cleaning the fridge and tossing a few over ripe apples, I was reminded of the magic here on Green Bluff. No matter how long our stay is in this place, we will always treasure the memories of the breathtaking skyline, the peaceful turtle filled pond, and the deer and wild turkeys out every window. It's a peaceful place here, a perfect place for healing and spiritual growth. Thankfully some of both is happening for us. We are blessed and very grateful.

I know..I posted TOO MANY pictures-my indecisiveness took over again-couldn't decide on just one!

Prayer Warriors: Please pray for my, mom, Elaine, who had dizzy spells last week along with vomiting. After going through 2 hours worth of tests at ER, they diagnosed her with vertigo/inner ear infection. Yesterday she was plagued with sciatica problems on top of the wobbliness. Thankfully brother Harlan is down the road and has been there to help. Thanksgiving for my sis-in-law, Barb-biopsies came back negative! PRAISE GOD! Jack, who has finally gotten the pain meds regulated and is making great progress-reached 105 degrees today! May he have continued healing and relief of pain.  Please continue prayers for: Mindy (as she slowly gets off potent drugs and manages RA), Jo (my newly tattooed BBF who will begin radiation therapy soon), Irena, Sharon, Joe, (friends of my BBF) Mark (my schoolmate at the cancer center in TX) Ike (my cuz-in-law in search of the best surgeon for his cancer surgery), Dawn (my BBC who has reversed support roles with her hubs, Ike), Betsey (a 49 yr. old mom of 3 who is battling bi-lateral breast cancer), Me, as I await my mold making and tattoo party with my radiation doctor; followed by radiation therapy. And of course for all those who suffer with pain, illness, debilitating diseases, are fighting cancer, or missing loved ones who have left this Earth.

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Psalm 42:1

good WINTER morning!!!!

Well, today is starting off with a cold, (not so much, though) snowy day, and will end with our brightest little sunshine! Miss Tatum is coming to visit at 2:30, and we can't WAIT! Papa's getting his nap in ahead of time, and Nana's getting the arts and crafts and baking supplies ready! It should be a wonderful day-wish all of you could be here to share our "sunshine". 

The view from Jack's "Recovery Bed" in the living room. 

Snow picture #2 (1 hour later)

Our little Miss Sunshine-a couple years and about a foot of hair ago.

The snow is beautiful until I have to go out every 30 minutes to sweep off the satellite dishes for TV and internet. I think it's even too wet to make a snowman, so we'll bake banana/chocolate chip cookies instead!

Check back later for pictures of the joyous event.

Because of this beautiful Winter Wonderland…

We are having a "MT/ND Day" in Washington!

Thanks to a little extra noise and a lot of gas 

(reminds me of our trips with the kids in 

the Dodge Mini Ram back in the day)

We were able to watch a Veggietales movie….

…and paint a "bathtub mural"! 

Looks like the banana/chocolate chip cookies will have to wait until Miss Tatum Georgia's next visit to Nana and Papa's house.

Tatum took this picture of Papa with his iphone-

He may have to grow his hair out to go with the beads!

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—"  

                                                                 Deuteronomy 4:9
“A child needs both to be hugged and unhugged. The hug lets her know she is valuable. The unhug lets her know that she is viable. If you’re always shoving your child away, they will cling to you for love. If you’re always holding them closer, they will cling to you for fear.” Billy Graham

Post-Hump/Pre-TGIF Day

Green Drink for Breakfast-check

Kale chips made-check

Laundry started-check

P/T, George came-check

Pain pills and nap-check

Baby quilt cut out-check

Sitting here on the beach-NOT CHECKED:(

I get a daily devotion from Livingfree.org each day, and today's was a wonderful affirmation of how much we are loved:

We say: I'm a failure. I can't do anything right.
God says: You can do all things through Christ who 

strengthens you. Philippians 4:13

We say: I still feel guilty about things I've done in the past, even though I've confessed it all as sin and don't do those things anymore.
God says: I blot out your sins and remember them no more.Isaiah 43:25

We say: Sometimes I feel so unlovable. How can God possibly keep on loving me?
God says: God says nothing can separate us from his love.Romans 8:38-39

We say: I tend to be such a fearful person.
God says: The righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

God sees us as righteous, wise and forgiven. He sees us as his treasures, his children.

NUFF SAID

The "P" Word

Praise God, Kyle has no broken bones, at least as far as they can tell. It's very swollen, and the doctor said they'll know more after the swelling goes down. Everything looks normal thus far, thank goodness. Kyle worked-in "slow gear", which isn't usually part of his life. There's that word again: patience.

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.


Jacks knee is swelling a bit, and he is still having quite a bit of pain. He is also using it-maybe a bit more than he should? There's a fine line between working it and getting the best mobility possible for long term/working it too hard with too much swelling and pain, slowing down the progress. There's that word again: patience.

"But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure.    Romans 8:25


Two friends are waiting to have cancer surgery; one a 49 year old mother of 4 who has cancer in both breasts, and must wait until March 1-the other a young man finding the perfect surgeon to do his prostrate surgery. There's that word again: patience.

"I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.   Psalm 40:1


PRAYER WARRIORS:
Jack+Betsey+Ike+Mark+Barb+Jo+Irena+Sharon+Joe+all other hurting souls.

EPIDEMIC?!

CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS!


I thought the storm had passed, but the rain continues to pour:


My cousin and BB, Dawn, called this evening to let us know that her dear hubby, Ike, was diagnosed with prostrate cancer. That's THREE up close and personal men in my life within the past three weeks! I really pray it stops. Now. 


Our eldest son, Kyle, has been laid off since Thanksgiving, and yesterday called to tell us he was on his way to Manhattan, MT to meet with the boss at Manhattan Plumbing and he started work there today! During work around 11:00, he slipped in a muddy area and fell on his arm. He continued to work, but as his arm continued to swell and he was having pain, he decided to get it checked out. The doctor thought it looked like a break, so he had it x-rayed. He won't know until tomorrow whether or not it is broken, and they sent him home in a sling. He called his boss tonight, and thankfully he was very understanding about it all. We're praying the x-ray shows nothing, Kyle has little or no pain, and he is able to continue working.


While sharing these tales of woe with my BBF tonight, she informed me of her "when it rains it pours" story. Her friend's husband is battling brain cancer and another friend recently found out she has lung cancer. UGH! Enough already! 


I reminded my son that when we are given tests, we have TESTimonies. We have to take the good from all of this-although sometimes/some days it's difficult to find the GOOD in anything. I know that for me personally, it was a process. The cancer that was in my body made me weak and then strong; sad and then happy; miserable and then comforted; angry and then thankful; afraid and then peaceful; negative (just for a bit) and then positive. When we are told we have a cancer in our body, we must be strong, persevere, and stay on top of all the dark places. When we feel that the rug has been pulled out from under us, we must get our footing and stand tall ready to meet whatever faces us head on. 


Whether it's an illness, a cancer, a lost job, an injury, or a broken relationship, or the loss of a loved one, we must stay strong and persevere. But, the most important thing for us to do through these troubling times is F.R.O.G. If we Fully Rely On God, every weakness becomes strength; our misery becomes comfort; our anger gives way to forgiveness; our fear is overtaken by peacefulness; our negative becomes positive. We cannot do it alone. Bottom line. 


I love this secular song that I prefer to think of as spiritual:


Lean on me, when you're not strong, And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on.
If there is a load you have to bear, That you can't carry.
I'm right up the road, I'll share you load, If you just call me-Call me-Call me-Call me……..


We just need to Call Him!


Please pray for Ike, Dawn, Irena, Sharon, Joe, Betsey, Jo, Mark, and Barb….and of course all in need. 


My prayer list is getting a bit too much like Pinocchio's nose!:(

"But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you, I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior."

Doctor #3 / No Walker!

Jack is doing great; eating regular meals, walking around without walker or cane, and worked at his desk last evening and this morning for a few minutes. He's doing more and more for himself, which leaves more time for me to write on this blog. Amazing how much time I have on my hands now that I closed out of facebook!


I've finished several chores this morning, and need to get the baby quilt cut out next. The way I procrastinate, getting a jump on it may be a good thing. Early May will be here before I know it! Well….I think it will-however, looking out the window this morning makes me wonder. I think Mother Nature is having trouble making a decision. It snowed a couple inches in the night and now the rain is coming down just enough to soak a person walking out to get firewood-one log at a time.;) 


I meet with my medical oncologist today and find out what lovely drugs I get to ingest to prevent the cancer from rearing its ugly head in my body again. After this appointment, I will meet with the nutritionist and my new naturopathic doctor and they will coordinate on the best foods for me to eat. I'm so thankful that I'm not ill and am feeling so much better every day. A few more hoops to jump through and I'll be home free, at least one day at a time!


This scripture popped open in the new book my cousin, Dawn, is loaning to me; Grace for Each Hour by Mary J. Nelson. One of my favorite praise songs was written from this Psalms chapter, also. As I've traveled through the past weeks with Jack, we've looked up to the mountains many times. We both know where our help comes from. While God let us sleep peacefully through many of those trying, worrisome nights, He did not sleep. He was there holding us, comforting us, giving us peace and reassurance that this, too, shall pass. He gave us His peace which passes all understanding. Psalm 121 paints a fairly clear picture of our time up here on the bluff these past weeks:


"I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the Heavens and the Earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stand beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121

Prayer Warriors: Please pray for my friends and family: Jack, Susan, Mark, Barb, Betsey, Jo, and all others who are hurting, hungry, cold, sick, lonely, and/or missing a loved one on the other side of Heaven.

HAPPY PRESIDENTS' DAY!

For me, it's just another day off like every other day. (Now that's something Jack would say) I have a much deeper appreciation for all that Jack did for me those weeks after my biopsy and breast surgery after the past two days. I've been putting on so many miles running for this and running for that, I didn't even puff walking back up the hill after going to fetch the mail, not remembering the holiday until I got there. It seems as soon as I get Jack settled with his leg propped up on pillows on the new living room furniture, the trundle bed, he's ready to get up and move to the recliner with the ice bag (greatest invention ever-wish I'd known about it when the kids were young-cheap Karo syrup inside expensive zip-lock bags-frozen) If you try this at home, make sure you double bag! Let me say that I am not complaining, I am totally happy to wait on my valentine. I am very thankful for the timing-as it would have been much more difficult even a week ago. I also have to say I'm having difficulty differentiating between laziness and exhaustion. I can't believe how tuckered out I get fluffing pillows and dispensing drugs!


Another reason to celebrate on this day: Kyle got hired by a different plumbing company-Manhattan Plumbing, which is located about 22 miles West of Bozeman! He is so excited, and we are very happy for him. He's been laid off since last Thanksgiving, and he is not one to enjoy idle time, and was quite giddy when he called a bit ago. If he likes it, and they decide to relocate, it will move them about 2 hours further from us, but they'll be much closer to Curtis and Jen- which will definitely make their meetings on the golf course much easier to accomplish. 


The Action Man and I are both feeling pretty sluggish today. I imagine the crazy roller coaster ride we've been on is starting to catch up with us. He also switched to a stronger pain pill (working so hard, the pain has increased) and the codeine is doing its thing. We're both sitting here on my favorite place, (and now his, too:) with our eyelids hanging halfway closed. Not sure the baked chicken breasts and sweet potato I made will even get eaten. One thing nice about surgery recuperation: Every day is "Naked Sunday"! (for those of you who may have missed my earlier blog with the explanation of Naked Sunday, it is simply-a day spent doing absolutely nothing or near nothing in one's jammies. This was invented by my son-in-law…I think. 


Well, 3 dinners down, and walking without the walker. Yes, you read that correctly! The P/T came today and said that Jack was doing so well with strength and stability, that he didn't need cane or walker around the house! It is incomprehensible to me how he can have major complete knee replacement surgery (I can't stomach going into all the gory details), and is walking on it that day and unassisted on the sixth day. That's about enough for one day.  Thanks again for your prayers through this "Journey-Chapter 2". God is Great.


"Do not throw away this confident trust in the lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

HAPPY DAY OF REST!

Well, we're on our own! So far, so good. Curtis and Jen and kids left this morning around 8:30. They lose an hour and with the snow, etc., I'm glad they got an early start. It was so nice to have them here, even for a short 2 nights. This is what we woke up to:

We did the exercize routine at 9:00, elevated let, for an hour or so, iced twice inbetween, and moved from the recliner (my favorite spot on the right has now become Jack's favorite spot.) to the bed by the window, back to the recliner doing his foot pumps. He's contemplating moving to the bedroom bed for a power nap. I may try for the same, however, it seems my body likes to be awake all day AND for a couple hours at 2:00 a.m. Any of you hormonal or lack of ladies out there in blog land, who would like to have a late night/early morning chat, let me know; we'll hook up on skype! 


I bit the bullet yesterday, and closed my facebook account! YAY ME!!! This compulsive/obssessive behavior of mine is not conducive to facebook. Too much time, too much drama-I've never been a "soap opera" fan, too much-too much! I will miss seeing pictures of my family and friends, however, I'm pretty sure I have all of their email addresses, and will continue to send an occasional "GG's/Nana's Update", so hopefully between my blog and updates, we will all stay in the loop. One gem I gleaned while an avid facebook fan:

Watching Phil, our man, win the Northern Trust Open. He's an awesome "stand by your women" kind of man; his wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago, and his Mother about 2 weeks later. Besides the fact that he's an amazing golfer and a handsome bugger, he is a charmer to everyone in the gallery. 


Two hour nap down, for the Action Man, and soon time for the second go around of his workout. I'm excited to get back into my Holy Yoga, swimming and biking routine on Tuesday. (not all at once, of course!) But I can certainly tell I'm extremely out of shape-walked to the mailbox yesterday and puffed all the way back up the hill. Sitting on my favorite on the loveseat does not make for a fit bod. 


PRAYER WARRIORS: Please and thank you: Jack, Mark, Barb, Jo, Mindy, and Betsey. 


"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks."   Luke 11:9-10

Good Knee Day #5

We made it Home Sweet Home last night about 7:00. Action Man, aka, hubby, walked right in on his own with the trusty help of his newly acquired buddy, "Walker" (no…not Texas Ranger). Thank's BBF, Jo, for getting your mom's walker to us!


He's been eating pudding, jello, crackers, and ensure/boost drinks. Feeling much better,(Thank you, God!) and the Nurse and Physical Therapist came for a visit. The P/T worked him pretty hard with the chair knee bends-made 95 degrees today! He's doing so great-I think I grimace more watching him than he does! And of course, if there's any tears, they're running down MY cheeks. 

Kyle came the day of surgery, helped me carry all of my bags back and forth from the hospital, to Jill and Ryan's, back to the hospital, and then came out yesterday morning to get the living room set up for him. Kyle worked him through his therapy routine whenever he was at the hospital. I think he's thinking of seeking a career in nursing. (not) unless, of course, he didn't have to view/smell/touch any needles/blood/other unmentionables. When we finally got the ok to head home last night, he was here to help get his dad settled in for the night  before he left at 9:00 P.M. to drive home to Missoula. Thank you, Kyle.


Jill, Ryan and Tatum made nightly stops to visit Papa, bearing balloons, handmade cards, and chocolates. Thank you, Nagles. Sadly, Papa wasn't up to the chocolates, but they somehow managed to disappear. Nurses must have eaten them, right Kyle?? 


Jill checked in every day and when the nurses were not doing everything they should have been, she canceled her dentist appt. to speak with the charge nurse and the Supervisor of nursing. I've never seen so much action and things get done so quickly in all my visits to the hospital. Apologies were made, things got done, and Jack got BETTER!! Thank you, daughter, dear. Unfortunately Jill had to miss out on the positive side of things, as she had to pick up Miss Tatum with a 103 temperature and spend the remainder of the day at home. I'm afraid I'm repeating myself, but, oh my goodness: "when it rains, it pours"! I had to come back and add this precious tidbit: Tatum's bedtime prayers tonight-"Please let Papa be safe and let his plastic knee feel better." Nice to see we have a selfless granddaughter. Fever maxing out at 103.8 and varying ups and downs all day, and she's only worried about her Papa. 


Curtis and Jen and grandkids, Hannah and Matthew arrived late last evening and not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. They were amazingly quiet, as Daisy didn't even stir. They have spent the day cleaning my kitchen, running for groceries, running back for gauze and tape, running back again for prescriptions. I think Curtis could drive the road to our house with blindfolds! He worked though the two therapy routines with his Dad. It's bitter/sweet to watch those two "reverse roles". He and Jen are currently preparing a delicious sounding/looking seafood dinner with several tasty appetizers that we've been sampling. They are an amazing couple in the kitchen! Thank you, Skannons.


There is one word only to describe our children: BLESSINGS. They are all so amazing, and we are thankful beyond words of description. They have been here for both of us through this entire whirlwind of doctor appointments, surgeries, and Sacred Heart 'Hotel' visits. They have brought us food, gifts, and thousands of hugs and kisses. They have prayed for us continually since it all started January 12. They have done all of this without complaint, without question, and without hesitation. We are very proud of Kyle, Curtis, and Jill, and their families. Honestly, Jack and I could not have ventured this journey without all of you and what you've done for us. 

THANK YOU!!!

I'll try to keep up here, but I'll be pretty busy "playing nurse" with Jack. He will be having P/T three times per week for 3 weeks, and then if signed off, will continue more therapy in town and/or at the YMCA. I will also be doing his special exercise regimen with him three times a day and twice on P/T days. Just call me "Coach".  His main goal, of course, is to hit the links May 14th! Knowing his strength, strong will, and determination, I have no doubts he'll be there! Probably chip and put like my sweetie, Phil, without that bow-legged right knee! And all of this by the unfailing Love and Grace of God!

 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by the harp and lute and the harmony of the lyre. You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done." Psalm 92:1-4

Please continue prayers for Jack, Mark, Jo, Betsey, Mindy, Barb, and all those who are fighting some kind of fight, pain, or discomfort and those who are missing their loved one's in Heaven. And of course, give thanks.

BOOK #8   - You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay

BOOK #9   - Thyroid Power by Richard L. Shames, M.D. and Karilee Shames, R.N., PH.D.

Thank you dear sis-in-law/BB, Susan.

BOOK #10 - Grace for Each Hour by Mary J. Nelson

Thank you my dear BB, cousin Dawn.

Good Knee Day #3

Jack jumped right out yesterday and had great mobility with his new knee, however, it was basically pain free as the spinal block was still in effect. What we weren't counting on was his upset stomach and nausea from the anesthesia, pain meds, and overall trauma to his body. He ate breakfast yesterday morning, then lunch, and his much needed coffee, and kept it all down until about an hour after his afternoon snack. He had a pretty rough afternoon from that point on-very low blood pressure, dehydrated, and just overall feeling like CRAP! (again, pardon the offensive terminology) They've also had a hard time getting the right pain medication regulated to his system. The first one made him nauseous, and the one they switched him to last night made him feel pretty much like a zombie-totally in a fog. So, they have him back on an original one, that seems to be helping some. He just made a full lap around the nurses station and then some-first time for that, so things are looking up again. Obviously with the block worn off now, he's experiencing quite a bit more pain and had stiffness today after his go-getter work out yesterday. We're still hoping he can go home this evening, but not holding our breath. He needs to make the call, as the doctor gave the go ahead. As I listen to Daisy and Jack snore while they nap, I'm watching snowflakes fall and block my view across interstate to downtown. Maybe this is the best place for him right now anyway. 


In all of this hullabaloo going on in our lives, I mixed up my radiation doctor appointment location. (hmmmm…wonder why with Oncology surgeon in one building, radiation doc in another, and surgery, MRI's, mammograms {and let's not forget the WIRE doctors!} in the Doctor's Building) I was 15 minutes early for my appointment today, which I thought was in the Doctor's Building, located right across the street from Jack's room here at Sacred Heart. Wrong! I found out it was actually 35 minutes across town on the North end. Luckily after a call to the doctor explaining my dilemma, they were kind enough to get me in as soon as I could get there. Back up to the room with Miss Daisy in tow to get Kyle's keys and my coat, and on to the other side of Spokane we went. The meeting lasted about two and a half hours, and my phone went dead, so, as I was sitting in the room waiting for him on three different phone calls that he had to excuse himself for, I was panicking thinking Jack may be ready to leave the hospital, and I had no phone to call and Kyle's truck; our only means of transportation. That's simply the way things go with us, so nothing new, really. 


The GREAT news is: I am a good candidate for a short version of "partial breast radiation"! I will start around March 1 or as soon as one of my bruises from---you guessed it---one of those darn WIRES----heals up better. It's kind of funny how I ACT "WIRED" most of the time, but I sure didn't have very good luck with the WIRES! Back to the short version: I will get 10 treatments in 5 days! (No, that's not a typo!) This option of treatment is given to those who fall into the category of TNM. T=Tumor-smaller than 1 CM, (mine was 5 mm) N=Node-no cancer, and M= matastasis-none. I also tested hormone receptor positive, which is also a good thing, because I can take the hormone, Tamoxafin, which actually stops cancer cells from turning on. I am thrilled for many reasons, the main one being this is one radiation therapy that has the least side effects both short and longterm, but will still give me the highest percentage of prevention of return cancer or new starting up, and of course the short term/5 35 minute trips to town rather than 35 is a huge relief! And, my radiation doctor is great! I asked him, "If you were a woman my age with my breast cancer, which therapy option (there were 5 offered!) would you choose?" He said he'd go with this one. That's all I needed to hear. I'm certain that he'd pocket a lot more money if I had 35 treatments than he will with only 5! I trust him, and that's one of the most important factors in this entire journey. So far, two for two isn't bad! We'll see what the next three are like: Medical oncologist on Tuesday, Nutritionist, and Nateuropathic doctor (who will be working along with the Medical doctor and the Nutritionist). Isn't it unbelievable how many doctors are needed to eradicate a 5 mm tumor!??!! Reminds me of the "How many North Dakotans does it take to screw in a light bulb" joke. :) (no offense Mom and Dad, Brothers, Cousins, Aunty, other family and friends) I think it's a thing with me: 4 different doctors to get the wires in, 4 doctors to get rid of the cancer…..hopefully the nice looking radiation doctor can manage those 5 days without too many assistants. 


Looks like the Action Man is going to spend one more night in this room (well, actually, there are so few patients on this floor, they're moving him down the hall to room 452-shortage of nurses:( ) He's working his knee again as I finish this, and having quite a bit of pain, and grumbling because he can't make the 110 degree bend again. There's that word again; PATIENCE. We've had our share of that reminder in the past month and a half. After watching Jack recuperate from this, I think I'll bag my toe surgery and live with the pain!


PRAYER WARRIORS: Please pray that Jack's nausea subsides enough to let him eat normally, and ease with the pain. Of course complete healing and getting home tomorrow.


Please continue prayers for Mark, Jo, Betsey, Barb, and all those who are fighting some kind of fight, pain, or discomfort and those who are missing their loved one's in Heaven. 

Find time to serve someone who is lonely, needy, hungry, ill, unhappy, or just in need of a hug.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" Mark 10:45

Good Knee Day!

Jack has a brand new knee!! YEA!! It's been along time coming. He started HIS "journey" about 25 years ago when an orthopedic doctor told him he needed surgery, but could wait until the pain gets bad enough. Basically at that time, it was "bone on bone". After all these years in pain any time he golfed (which is any chance he can get), walked, or basically did anything that involved movement of his knee, he will finally have relief. Well, at least eventually! 


Since it was our "anniversary" on this Valentine's Day, Kyle snapped this picture of us…..of course I was fine with sharing it, as long as I'm on THIS side of the hospital bed! Besides, Jack is MUCH more adorable in this dandy bonnet than I was!

He came out of surgery with an "Everything went great!" report from the Doctor. Jack left for surgery around 2:00 p.m., the doctor called me at 3:25, and he was in recovery until just a bit after 5:00 when they wheeled him into his room. We visited and he was in pretty good spirits until the four ice cubes he had sucked on decided to come back up. After another bout with upset stomach, they gave him some anti nausea meds. Jill, Ryan, Tatum and Kyle came back up for a visit, and Tatum wanted an explanation for every tube, bag, container, and bandage that she saw anywhere near Papa and his bed. I swear that granddaughter of ours is going to be a doctor! She tells us when she grows up "I'm going to be a doctor for animals and fix them all better." Jack's sister, Linda, stopped up a bit later, and then we all headed home to let him get some much needed rest. 


And, now, it is time for me to get some much needed rest as well. Amazing how sitting in a hospital chair can be so exhausting. I'm beat. So, until next time….Sweet Dreams, BB's! Thank you all for your prayers, and please keep them coming for quick and complete healing for Jack, and smooth radiation and no re-occurance for me. Also, praise for my schoolmate, Mark! He found out that if a certain hormone can keep his PSA numbers low for one year, they'll be able to treat and control the cancer. So, please keep him in your continued prayers as well. 

"This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

The KNEE-D-DAY has arrived! As we sit in our respective favorite spots - me on the right side of the loveseat, Jack in his office - I realize I am soon going to have to give up my favorite spot to my VALENTINE! Jack goes in at noon today and will be having a complete knee replacement surgery on his right knee. I will have at least one more morning on the couch, as the earliest release record is one day, and I highly doubt that will happen for him since his surgery is late in the day. However, I am the LAST person to give up on the power of prayer and positive thinking!

Even though I am F.R.O.G.ing totally, I still have a teeny bit of that worrisome little guy on my shoulder desperately trying to drag my thinking down to that dark place. I can't help but remember the night we first met. It was 36 years ago on this special "LOVE" day, that we met at a dance nightclub in Sidney, MT. Because this is a G-rated blog, I will spare some of the details. The gist of it is this: My friend, Peggy, had set me up on a blind date with a handsome, wealthy rancher near Sidney. We were sitting near the dance floor and had danced a couple times. I spotted this really cute guy with a baseball cap sitting across on the other side. I had been watching the cute guy all evening and not giving much attention to my blind date. When my date decided to place his hand on my knee, I think I remember politely excusing myself, and left him to walk over to the "cute" guy. (You have to remember this was back in the day when it was "safe" to talk to strangers.) After visiting with the "cute" guy, who I soon discovered was Jack, he offered to give my friend Peggy and I a ride home. I lived 11 miles away in my little two bedroom house, so, when the nightclub closed in another few minutes, we took Jack up on the offer. After arriving there, since we were all hungry, I offered to feed them breakfast. I need to back up a bit and explain that I had an old ringer washer and no drier, so when it was nice weather, I hung my clothes outside on the clothesline. During the colder months, I had no choice but to hang them all over my house on chairs, railings, or whatever I could find. Well, that particular day was my washday, so, you can imagine the sight when we walked into my little tiny house. Wall to wall clothes! As I begin preparing eggs, bacon, and toast for a late night/early morning breakfast, Jack did what he has repeatedly told many: "My first big mistake was __ years ago when I folded all of GG's clothes." (Now, you have to understand Jack's sense of humor…because if you know him, you will also know that those words are terms of endearment.) He folded my long underwear (yes, it was cold in MT, and I wore longjohns-especially on days of recess duty!) and all of my other clothes, and after a short time we sat down to eat the delicious (or not so) breakfast that I had cooked. After one bite into the eggs, we knew they didn't taste right. Thankfully, before we had eaten anymore, we realized the eggs were spoiled, and dumped it all. Jack, perfect gentleman that he is, gave me one little Valentine's kiss, said he'd call me, and headed back to his ranch home 70 miles away! I can only imagine what he was thinking as he made that long drive that night---Obviously he did call me again, and, well….the rest is history-as they say. We laugh about the night we met every time this sweet VALENTINE'S Day rolls around each year. It's a very special day for us-the day JaG began!

With all of that history under your belt, it's time to move on to the present day. I have about 60 minutes before the Action man is going to be chomping at the bit. Me, being "Ms Indecisive", I'm having a hard time deciding whether to come back here tonight or pack everything up to stay with Jill and Ryan tonight. It's a horse apiece-closer there, but I have to pack a bunch of stuff.:P So…I'm hoping I can make a decision in the next hour!

I'll be posting on here as Mr. Jack progresses with his surgery, therapy, etc…so I guess you could say this has evolved from GG's Journey to JaG's Journey. Don't worry, you'll get a few spatterings of GG's journey, as I meet with my radiologist on Thursday and my Medical Oncologist on the 21st. So…as you finish reading today's blog, I ask that you lift Jack up in your prayers this time. Please pray for the surgeon and other medical staff, for the least amount of pain, and quick and proper healing. I don't think it would hurt to throw in a few for Jack's peace of mind-even though he is my ROCK, and claims to not be worried at all-he IS a human being, and there has to be a teeny bit of worrying going on within him. So, I'll continue to meditate on Philippains 4:6 and ask Jack to do the same. Sure can't hurt, right?!

PRAYER WARRIORS:

GOOD NEWS so far, anyway…my sis-in-law, Barb, came through her procedure yesterday with a good report from the doctor. He said he didn't see anything to be concerned about, however did biopsy the two inflamed areas on her esophagus and upper stomach area. He is pretty convinced it was caused by some of the many medications she must take for other health issues. So, we are very happy, and hopeful! Thank you for your prayers, and continued requests for a clean pathology report!

Please pray for my former schoolmate, Mark, who is seeing a specialist in Houston today in hopes of more and better treatment for his advanced prostrate cancer. He and his wife, Corine flew down yesterday.

Please also continue prayers for my BBF, Jo, who soon begins her radiation treatment. She is SOME kind of BBF! I have gotten a card in the mail from her nearly every single day since I was diagnosed! AMAZING lady! I am so thankful she is in my life!

Please pray for Betsey, my new BB from MN; a young mom of four who was diagnosed with bi-lateral breast cancer. 

My Puyallup BBF, Susan, who recently finished radiation and returned to teaching yesterday after being out on medical leave since Dec. 1.

I know there are so many more who need our prayers-whether they are fighting the battle or remembering loved ones who have lost it-God knows who they are-all we have to do is hold them up in prayer!

GOD IS SO GOOD! 

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13