Today started out by me cooking breakfast (no laughing please). I cooked bacon and eggs. Mom also had some rice and coffee. I was so glad to see that she had an appetite. Lunch consisted of a turkey, lettuce, tomato and cheese croissant along with Cheetos and a Pepsi. The evening concluded with her having rice with finideni (a Guamanian sauce), and Thai noodles (something called Pate?), and to top that off, a chocolate cake and water. Mom actually astounded me in the amount of food she consumed. Go MOM!
I did eat as usual, but I have started a workout regime which I hope will maintain my weight if nothing else. I decided instead of me sitting around while mom smokes, every time I take her outside I have to do some sort of exercise. Today I walked back and forth the full length of the parking lot until she was done. There have been times I have stood outside and done jumping jacks. I told the residence I may look silly, but anytime they are ready, they can join me. At night, I am trying to do a series of sit ups. I love food, so I am hoping my calorie intake is less and that I will start burning some of this fat off. Wish me luck. I've gained about 50 pounds over the past few months, and it isn't getting any easier to lose at my age.
After dinner we were graced by the presence of Boy Scout Christmas Carolers. It was so festive to have them sing for us, and before we knew it, we caught ourselves joining in. It's amazing how many groups come to the Fisher House to support the needs of the families. The needs range from emotional, physical and financial. It is such a blessing to be a part of this extended family. Thank you God!!
God is the reason for the season, and I want to lift all of my family and friends up to him. He is a forgiving and loving God and he has a plan and purpose for us all. Live and love life and give thanks for each day.
I hope all of you have been good boys and girls so that you receive many blessings. I love and miss you all. I did hear from a few of you today to let me know you received my package or card. I was surprised with the promptness of the Post Office. That only took four days. Good job!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep it safe during this holiday season. Love to you all.
As of yesterday and today, mom has not been feeling well. Her body apparently feels weak and very heavy. She told me it seemed as though it felt swollen. Luckily we have a handicapped shower, so when I am bathing her, she can sit down. Even though the doctors have recommended a little walking, she finds it very difficult to stand up for any length of time. I wish I could take her pain away. It just breaks my heart to see her hurting.
The weather has been very rainy and windy the last couple of days. As I take mom out for her fresh air (cigarette break), we spend our time talking about the wonders of life. As we watched a helicopter fly through the air, it brought back memories of my father. We talked about how dad used to have to ride a helicopter to service generators on majestic mountaintops. We also talked about how my brother (James) and my father used to go spear fishing on Guam when we were kids. So many fond memories have been rekindled. It's already been 18 years since dad's been gone. May he rest in peace. We sure do love and miss you dad.
A new fascination of mine is star gazing and moon watching. Last night the moon was bigger and brighter because it was closer to the earth. They say it's like a "Cosmic Flood Light". It was absolutely spectacular.
Since the weather was so bad, we spent the rest of the day chilling out and watching t.v. The Christmas Holiday is so closely upon us, I can't believe it. I hope everyone has been good little boys and girls.
May you all have a wonderful evening and know you are loved!
My brother called today to ask for help from mom. He wanted to know how to make Ritz chocolates, and Spanish peanut clusters. Mom was glad to help and I'm sure it made her feel special knowing even at our age, we respect her and need her. I hope they turned our yummy James.
I attempted to craft some Christmas Cards with a local stamp-in up representative who came to the Fisher House, but my allergies got the best of me. I sneezed my way back to my room, and took some badly needed allergy medication.
As the day went on, I felt better and off I went to take care of Christmas business. With Christmas quickly upon us, it was time to put some packages and cards in the mail today. I am "Bear"-ing Gifts to those I love. According to the post office they should arrive on the mainland by Monday. I was glad to get the majority of my items shipped, but I'm sure I will find a few things that will be straggling in the next few days.
If you haven't gotten in the Christmas Spirit, get a move on it. Remember:
- You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Give of yourself and share the love!
Happy Holidays.
Today was a long day at the hospital once again. We thought it would be a quick trip to the lab, but unfortunately it turned out otherwise. Mom was not feeling well over the weekend and she needed to have hydration and magnesium.
I was able to bring mom to the Cozy Chemo Corner today and then leave for my dreaded pap smear appointment. I decided after eight years I should probably check things out considering mom's history. I don't believe ovarian cancer is hereditary, but it is a silent monster, so I wanted to be on the safe side. Remember ladies to get your well checks done periodically. Don't take any unnecessary chances. This is just a friendly reminder.
One of the downsides of the Chemo Corner, is that there is always a large bowl of chocolate sitting on the counter for all to consume. Well, I couldn't help myself, so I partook of the goodies. Today I ate, okay I'll admit it, several dove chocolates. If you are not aware of it, they always have a promise written on the inside of the wrapper. I wanted to share some of the promises I received:
- Love is always the perfect gift.
- Happiness is celebrating the little things.
- A helping hand is sometimes the best present of all.
- If old acquaintances be forgot, give them a call and remember.
- Add a little sweetness to your day.
The last one was something I had already done, otherwise I wouldn't have had so many promises to share. LOL. As I ate my dove chocolate, I fondly thought of my daughter Jessie. If I recall correctly, she too loves dove chocolates. I wish you were here to enjoy them with me. I love you girlie.
It's a Bird, It's a Plane...Mom and I loved hearing and watching the birds and planes as they flew in the Hawaiian skies. Mom commented that Guam does not have the friendly birds like they are here in Hawaii. Hawaiian birds are adapted to people and will come right up to you with no fear. There were several birds perched in the front lawn basking in the sun, while others poked at the ground looking for food. It was quite a treat to listen to such beautiful music as they chirped their tunes. Twin, a young resident here at the Fisher House sadly left us today. We vowed to watch the planes this afternoon and think of her. Mom and I both wished it were us on the plane heading home. We know that all in due time we will rejoin the rest of our families. It will be a day of happiness.The night ended with us relaxing. I actually started addressing my Christmas Cards and getting my packages ready to mail to the mainland. Can you believe Christmas is upon us already? Where does the time go?
Have a wonderful evening and to all a good night.
On Wednesday, we had an appointment with Radiology Therapy. Mom's Doctor was Dr. Sprague. A pleasant doctor who made us quickly feel at ease. She had reviewed mom's recent Bone Scan and was ready to unveil her discovery. According to the doctor, she wasn't 100% confident that the spot on the scan was truly a cause for concern. The spot was on the front portion of mom's vertebra, which was less worrisome than that on the back of a vertebra. She enlightened us about how bone cancer works. She referred to it like a mouse. It literally eats a hole through the area. If the spot was on the back portion, it could possibly lead to paralysis because once the vertebra splintered it could puncture the spine. Luckily, mom's spot was in the front which would not be so burdensome if it did fracture.
With this new determination, the doctor was hesitant to start radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is somewhat invasive. The radiation would have to be administered from the front and back of mom's body to reach the suspected site. The beam from the front would initially go through the layer of skin, the muscle, the bowel, and then finally reach the targeted spot. Due to the several layers, damage would be done to good cells and the bowel. Therefore, she felt at this time the procedure was not beneficial. If mom was having tremendous back pain which affected her walking or sleeping, she would re-consider. All in all we are stoked by the decision and we look forward to our follow-up visit in February.
I spoke with my little angel the last couple of days and laughed as usual at her innocence. Brianna asked very coy, "Grandma, once you are done taking care of great-grandma could you come back to Florida and take me to Walmart to buy me marshmallows". She said, "I really like marshmallows". I just chuckled and re-assured her that this could be done. Another treat we enjoyed was being serenaded by Brianna. She sang the 5 little ducks song. She is too precious. Mom and I talked again about how smart she is and how she brings so much joy to both of our lives. Thank you Breezy for your gift.
Stay Sweet and Live and Love Life Everyone!
I just love the caring, compassionate environment that is given at the Cozy Chemo Corner.
Mom was able to get Chemo yesterday, but not without a little drama at the hospital. As we were waiting to get her vitals done, a Code Red took place and the portion of the hospital that we were in had to be evacuated. If that wasn't bad enough, once everyone returned, it happened again. It was quite an event to witness the chemo patients trying to evacuate with their medical poles. I overheard the charge nurse say let's hope none of my patients become dislodged, or we will have a hazmat issue on our hands. It was quite exhausting. It took about an hour and a half before we were back in the hospital.
Mom spoke with Dr. Dietrich about her upcoming appointment on Wednesday. To my surprise I found out she was very anxious about the radiation appointment. She had assumed that because she was told she had cancer on the spine that they would have to insert a large needle in her back. I guess she had been concerned about this, but she didn't share it with me. Once the Doctor reassured her that she would just lie on a table and the radiation would be like an x-ray, she seemed much more settled. I was glad he relieved her anxiety. I wish she would have told me about her feelings though so I could have helped her get through her tough time.
After chemo mom was very tired she fell in an out of sleep from the time we arrived back at the Fisher House. She is such a strong woman, I am so glad to be her daughter.
Until tomorrow. Love to all.
I've said this before, but here I go again: It's not how we die, but how we live.
Today mom and I had some great conversations. We decided that although she was not feeling that good that we were going to take time to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian skies. During the day, we marveled at the clouds and commented on how we thought it may rain later this evening. As the night wore on we gazed at the stars and the moon. Venus, Jupiter and the moon were aligned, but according to the news tomorrow will be even more stunning.
Mom proceeded to enlighten me about fishing tips. She indicated that the best time to catch fish is during a new moon or a full moon. How does she know this? When my mom was well, she loved to bask at the beach and fish. She loved to fish not with a rod and reel, but with a net (Tecken). That's what they call it in Guamanian. I love listening to her fishing stories. I will always remember the one about her and Jay competing to catch octopus. It's one of those that just tickles me pink. I would never stick my hand into a hole in a rock feeling for an octopus. Are you crazy??? She shares these fond memories with smiles on her face. I just love it.
These stories and the experience of just being, made for a fantastic day. It not only brightened my day, but hers also. These are the days that create the legacy that is left behind. Let's all remember to take time for one another. Love is the most valuable gift you can share.
I love you mom. Thanks again for the memories.
