The weather clouded up but it was another nice Sunday. Our normal routine was brightened with lunch with my sister. It was her birthday yesterday so we celebrated. it was fun. We also shopped at one store and yes I managed without a scooter as we kept the visit short. This place doesn't have a scooter.
The great weather meant we were outside a lot. I love sitting watching Emma and playing with her also. It was great fun for both of us. I must have gotten her tired as she was more than eager to nap...she even seems to dream at times!!
So many people are giving Greg support. I appreciate that a great deal. Our entire family does.
I wasn't feeling good yesterday but Emma got outside a lot. In the 60's sunny so everyone was doing yard work. I slept a lot so didn't blog. But don't worry you never know if I don't blog being too busy and tired or a not so good MS day. Fortunately sleep helped and I felt good today.
Days seem to fly bye even if they are quiet...I think because the day light is less hours and I huddle in and don't get outside in the dark like in the summer. Then I would visit with neighbors or sometimes we would go places. The warmer weather makes us with it was summer not winter coming but we like snow too. Emma loves it so that is fun.
THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS
-thankful for my wonderful husband of 31 years
-thankful we can go to Mayo to get quality care for him
-thanksful for my children and their spouses for the love and support we always have but now more than ever!!!!!
-thankful for my healthy and happy grandchildren
-thankful for my sister and brothers and my in-laws who all are terrific
-thankful that we have learned once again to treasure each day and not take it for granted
Wishing you a good day - one you will treasure.
Love Emma and Mary
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday Fun
Around 60 so we got outside in the yard and played. One of her toys had gotten in a tree and we couldn't get it. See picture. Now no leaves, and wind knocked it down.
Going to see our friend Jan soon for a Friday after school pop happy hour with lots of gabbing and I hope laughter (I need that)
Tonight and tomorrow will see some of my kids. They are stopping by to say hello and also to help with a few things. Not sure who when but should be very fun
Needed some sleep so it was nap time as usual today and a relaxing day. Do a bit and then read a bit and so on. Emma doesn't mind at all.
Hope you have fun with friends and family and relaxation this weekend
Going to see our friend Jan soon for a Friday after school pop happy hour with lots of gabbing and I hope laughter (I need that)
Tonight and tomorrow will see some of my kids. They are stopping by to say hello and also to help with a few things. Not sure who when but should be very fun
Needed some sleep so it was nap time as usual today and a relaxing day. Do a bit and then read a bit and so on. Emma doesn't mind at all.
Hope you have fun with friends and family and relaxation this weekend
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Kindness = please take time to read when you have time
Overwhelmed and emotional about all the words of support we are getting from friends via email, phone or in person. Greg is very loved. I get teary just thinking about it all. As his journey with cancer goes on now and in the future (there is no cure forseen for him, no chemo, no radiation even if it spreads) that is comforting. He and We will not have to travel it alone. We commented past times that we have prayers of thanksgiving that we do not have to face this alone - not by any means.
Emma and I did go to water exercise and to lunch. Slow as a turtle I have tried to rest, pick up a bit, take care of emptying our suitcase, put away a bit of laundry. My daughter Anna thinks she will come one day to help me catch up a bit before Greg's surgery so I am in better shape. He does so much to help me due to MS both around the house, and in my own care needs that it will be nice to have help.
The most creative and happily surprising offer of help we have is that there are people in Rochester who have a mutual friend of a volunteer for Helping Paws. Apparently they can likely help walk Emma there if I need that. I won't know till we get there but gosh a great offer.
i HAVE A BIT THOUGHT TO SHARE - in you have a friend or family in crisis. It is something we learned each episode of cancer. Many people say "if you need anything just call us". I do that too. But IF you can say "can I do this ...for you it is easier than asking someone. It is just so hard for us to ask for help.
THESE ARE WAYS PEOPLE HAVE HELPED US IN THE PAST. REMEMBER ALL THE OTHER YEARS I HAD KIDS LIVING AT HOME". MY YOUNGEST has seen age 9 known his Dad may die of cancer....among creative and thoughtful wonderful things people have done.
1. One neighbor did my laundry (at her home) she would collect a hamper from each kid (not all at once) and bring it back. Now that is not a big issue for two of us but when 6 lived here it was huge huge. It was a stay at home mom neighbor with one child who loved to do laundry. But she was shocked a bit to find out how much more ha ha I had with more kids and girls especially. We still joke about it. It was a person in our neighborhood and who went to our church.
2. Meals - again this time Greg and I will be fine...but with the kids it was so helpful especially the first time Greg was so weak and it took so long to get better.. The kids kid me though to consider NOT sending lasagna. When Greg had a full kidney removed and was so ill with long recovery we grateful got a lot of meals but a lot of lasagna. I could never get sick of it though ha ha. My children say now they always send something else.
One friend sent sloppy joe's (my kids loved that), Greg's work that summer coworkers sent a cooler of frozen meals we could use as needed. I heard one friend they sent pizza take out gift certificates for teens.
3. A twist on Meals - one friend did this that someone who had done it for her sister. She dropped off a meal, flowers, paper table items. It was around the 4th of July. Our kids knew her and together had fun setting the table pretty. She didn't know it but when we had come home we had been at a Dr appointment with not such good news. it was so chearful.
4. Springtime - we had a family call when Greg was call. All i was told is some friends from church were coming to have a barbeque for the family. Do nothing, don't worry if the house is clean it will be outdoor. BARBEQUE it was. They brought a crew. They mowed our yard, planted all our gardens, and offered to do any outside chores. Greg normally has had this happen in spring so planting our gardens has happened more than once by various family or friends. His sisters and mine did it one year and loved a hands on way to help out. Creative huh.
5. We have had people help with rides. Now I may have to ask for that this time since I don't drive. I already have a few offers to drive me to grocery store, to just get me out of the house, to medical appointments...always a good idea.
6. Another creative idea - One year church people brought school supplies for my kids. Not that I couldn't afford them but i had not yet even thought of them. One thanksgiving a friend bought us the meal preprepared. Again this year my kids and I will handle it all but might keep it simple.
Not all have been church but neighbors, relatives, friends all have amazed and surprised us in the past. One time it was just horrid as I was so bad off and we didn't know yet it was MS, Our engine blew up on our van, I couldn't walk. Friends loaned us a car, etc etc.
7. The first time at Mayo I was so stunned and we had never been there. A relative called I have rooms for you booked and paid for stay as long as you need and use room service if you need too. Honest the moral support meant more than even the generous money (I was unemployed at the time) as I had not a clue what to do next and we were so devastated at it all.
I am scared but how can anyone be bitter. Even with the sad times of his cancer and my MS we have been so touched by love of others and care.
ONE FAVOR please pray for his sister Sharon's family. We miss her so much. She was a cheerleader to help us through all the past episodes of cancer. She insisted on going with us, she would take kids places to get their mind off it all, feed them or take them swimming. She helped me stay glued and helped if I fell apart emotionally briefly. But she won't be with us. Last time we had cancer we didn;t know this nor did she. Turned out she got pancreatic cancer and died herself of this dreadful disease. She is rooting for us in heaven now...we miss her so much it is so painful.
Okay now I am crying and i wanted this blog to speak of the wonderful kindness of people. I have tried to do the same for others but I am not sure ever have been so creative or generous....
God bless you all for prayers....Mary
Emma and I did go to water exercise and to lunch. Slow as a turtle I have tried to rest, pick up a bit, take care of emptying our suitcase, put away a bit of laundry. My daughter Anna thinks she will come one day to help me catch up a bit before Greg's surgery so I am in better shape. He does so much to help me due to MS both around the house, and in my own care needs that it will be nice to have help.
The most creative and happily surprising offer of help we have is that there are people in Rochester who have a mutual friend of a volunteer for Helping Paws. Apparently they can likely help walk Emma there if I need that. I won't know till we get there but gosh a great offer.
i HAVE A BIT THOUGHT TO SHARE - in you have a friend or family in crisis. It is something we learned each episode of cancer. Many people say "if you need anything just call us". I do that too. But IF you can say "can I do this ...for you it is easier than asking someone. It is just so hard for us to ask for help.
THESE ARE WAYS PEOPLE HAVE HELPED US IN THE PAST. REMEMBER ALL THE OTHER YEARS I HAD KIDS LIVING AT HOME". MY YOUNGEST has seen age 9 known his Dad may die of cancer....among creative and thoughtful wonderful things people have done.
1. One neighbor did my laundry (at her home) she would collect a hamper from each kid (not all at once) and bring it back. Now that is not a big issue for two of us but when 6 lived here it was huge huge. It was a stay at home mom neighbor with one child who loved to do laundry. But she was shocked a bit to find out how much more ha ha I had with more kids and girls especially. We still joke about it. It was a person in our neighborhood and who went to our church.
2. Meals - again this time Greg and I will be fine...but with the kids it was so helpful especially the first time Greg was so weak and it took so long to get better.. The kids kid me though to consider NOT sending lasagna. When Greg had a full kidney removed and was so ill with long recovery we grateful got a lot of meals but a lot of lasagna. I could never get sick of it though ha ha. My children say now they always send something else.
One friend sent sloppy joe's (my kids loved that), Greg's work that summer coworkers sent a cooler of frozen meals we could use as needed. I heard one friend they sent pizza take out gift certificates for teens.
3. A twist on Meals - one friend did this that someone who had done it for her sister. She dropped off a meal, flowers, paper table items. It was around the 4th of July. Our kids knew her and together had fun setting the table pretty. She didn't know it but when we had come home we had been at a Dr appointment with not such good news. it was so chearful.
4. Springtime - we had a family call when Greg was call. All i was told is some friends from church were coming to have a barbeque for the family. Do nothing, don't worry if the house is clean it will be outdoor. BARBEQUE it was. They brought a crew. They mowed our yard, planted all our gardens, and offered to do any outside chores. Greg normally has had this happen in spring so planting our gardens has happened more than once by various family or friends. His sisters and mine did it one year and loved a hands on way to help out. Creative huh.
5. We have had people help with rides. Now I may have to ask for that this time since I don't drive. I already have a few offers to drive me to grocery store, to just get me out of the house, to medical appointments...always a good idea.
6. Another creative idea - One year church people brought school supplies for my kids. Not that I couldn't afford them but i had not yet even thought of them. One thanksgiving a friend bought us the meal preprepared. Again this year my kids and I will handle it all but might keep it simple.
Not all have been church but neighbors, relatives, friends all have amazed and surprised us in the past. One time it was just horrid as I was so bad off and we didn't know yet it was MS, Our engine blew up on our van, I couldn't walk. Friends loaned us a car, etc etc.
7. The first time at Mayo I was so stunned and we had never been there. A relative called I have rooms for you booked and paid for stay as long as you need and use room service if you need too. Honest the moral support meant more than even the generous money (I was unemployed at the time) as I had not a clue what to do next and we were so devastated at it all.
I am scared but how can anyone be bitter. Even with the sad times of his cancer and my MS we have been so touched by love of others and care.
ONE FAVOR please pray for his sister Sharon's family. We miss her so much. She was a cheerleader to help us through all the past episodes of cancer. She insisted on going with us, she would take kids places to get their mind off it all, feed them or take them swimming. She helped me stay glued and helped if I fell apart emotionally briefly. But she won't be with us. Last time we had cancer we didn;t know this nor did she. Turned out she got pancreatic cancer and died herself of this dreadful disease. She is rooting for us in heaven now...we miss her so much it is so painful.
Okay now I am crying and i wanted this blog to speak of the wonderful kindness of people. I have tried to do the same for others but I am not sure ever have been so creative or generous....
God bless you all for prayers....Mary
copinng Day to Day
Hi Friends,
My husbands cancer is we think treatable. he has another appointment next week at Mayo. Procedures set for the following week if all goes well. Hoping and thinking the cancer can be removed through an ablation (freezing) rather than cutting. Cutting would likely cost him his kidney. he has less than one half a kidney left due to cancer and previous 3 times of tumor and kidney removal. He is is good spirits at this point...though there is worry, risk and so on... Thanks for the emails of support. It is scary to have your spouse again have cancer and it likely won't be the last time we are told...
So glad to have a scooter. Mayo clinic has two seperate campuses in Rochester and the main one is blocks and many buildings. You go from this floor to another building and I could never walk it all. never.
On to other thoughts - Greg works a long day today. he has so much to do now before being out for 3-6 weeks due to two procedures. Emma and I are more fortunate today will be a FUN DAY. We have water exercise and then a planned lunch with friends from swimming. We don't go expensive but usually on Thursdays we go to lunch IF we can. Today several of us want to go, laugh, and have fun...and yep we talk away.
Emma got a lot of sleep last night and yesterday and needed it. I really think at this age she would have really had issue if she had been matched with someone where she had to do a lot of walking. Well anyway she is with me and we love her and she does just fine with my routine and lifestyle...gosh I love her.
WE are not use to it being November already and knowing that it is just going to get colder. This time of year is not pretty in MN. My relatives who are hunters love this time of year. At least someone does. Lots of people i know like to deer hunt but I hear that actually getting one this year is tougher than usual? They think Emma would have been a great hunting dog if that had been her role in life. Sun is peeking out today as i write this so that is good. I don't know how many even read this blog but I know some are from out state and like hearing things about MN.
I hope you have a good day with family and friends. Don't ever take for granted their presence in your life - that is what cancer always reminds us -- treasure every day.
Emma and Mary
Emma still wants to eat on the schedule BEFORE the time change. Still working on especially the morning feeding. She wakes me so early wanting to eat. She is more flexible with the evening meal thank goodness.
My husbands cancer is we think treatable. he has another appointment next week at Mayo. Procedures set for the following week if all goes well. Hoping and thinking the cancer can be removed through an ablation (freezing) rather than cutting. Cutting would likely cost him his kidney. he has less than one half a kidney left due to cancer and previous 3 times of tumor and kidney removal. He is is good spirits at this point...though there is worry, risk and so on... Thanks for the emails of support. It is scary to have your spouse again have cancer and it likely won't be the last time we are told...
So glad to have a scooter. Mayo clinic has two seperate campuses in Rochester and the main one is blocks and many buildings. You go from this floor to another building and I could never walk it all. never.
On to other thoughts - Greg works a long day today. he has so much to do now before being out for 3-6 weeks due to two procedures. Emma and I are more fortunate today will be a FUN DAY. We have water exercise and then a planned lunch with friends from swimming. We don't go expensive but usually on Thursdays we go to lunch IF we can. Today several of us want to go, laugh, and have fun...and yep we talk away.
Emma got a lot of sleep last night and yesterday and needed it. I really think at this age she would have really had issue if she had been matched with someone where she had to do a lot of walking. Well anyway she is with me and we love her and she does just fine with my routine and lifestyle...gosh I love her.
WE are not use to it being November already and knowing that it is just going to get colder. This time of year is not pretty in MN. My relatives who are hunters love this time of year. At least someone does. Lots of people i know like to deer hunt but I hear that actually getting one this year is tougher than usual? They think Emma would have been a great hunting dog if that had been her role in life. Sun is peeking out today as i write this so that is good. I don't know how many even read this blog but I know some are from out state and like hearing things about MN.
I hope you have a good day with family and friends. Don't ever take for granted their presence in your life - that is what cancer always reminds us -- treasure every day.
Emma and Mary
Emma still wants to eat on the schedule BEFORE the time change. Still working on especially the morning feeding. She wakes me so early wanting to eat. She is more flexible with the evening meal thank goodness.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Emma
Emma is so beat that at this moment she is laying on the pillow on the bed like a person. Head on pillow body extended out. She is next to my husband who has not slept well the past days. Soon we are off to more medical appointments and tests.
It is clear my husband has cancer in the kidney for the fourth time. He has only part of one kidney left. More tests to determine if he will have traditional surgery or if they would be able to remove it with an ablation (not sure spelling) like last time. In any case cancer is likely to keep occuring over the years.
We are in good hands and will know more later today we think. Please pray for the doctors and medical staff helping us and deciding what is the best course of action. There is no evidence it has spread.
Please pray we are coping with support of family or friends. Ablation means they would freeze the tumor... Mary
Emma will walk less today. We will be sure of it.
It is clear my husband has cancer in the kidney for the fourth time. He has only part of one kidney left. More tests to determine if he will have traditional surgery or if they would be able to remove it with an ablation (not sure spelling) like last time. In any case cancer is likely to keep occuring over the years.
We are in good hands and will know more later today we think. Please pray for the doctors and medical staff helping us and deciding what is the best course of action. There is no evidence it has spread.
Please pray we are coping with support of family or friends. Ablation means they would freeze the tumor... Mary
Emma will walk less today. We will be sure of it.
Monday, November 2, 2009
At Mayo Clinic With Emma
From Emma
Oh my gosh have we walked and walked today
Mary is on a scooter so she sure could handle it well.
Greg and i are very tired.
We took a big nap all three of us.
Mayo Clinic is not one clinic or building
There are many buildings and floors
Yep you guessed it the tests are never on the same floor
And it seems to me not the same building
All the buildings are connected
It is very efficient
You get a schedule for the day after you register
Down to the minute things are planned out for you
Where to go
What time
What procedure/test and any details if they are needed
We also had to walk a ways to get outside for potty breaks
Greg took me for a big walk in the morning as he was fasting for tests anyway
Mary wanted fresh air so I got another walk after our nap
She was on a scooter
Where we are staying we can walk and
not need to move the car
Mary is grateful for the scooter
They went out to dinner to celebrate Dan's birthday
and forgot to feed me first
I did awesome.
Mary says she is so proud of how I am doing
I am being very attentive and well behaved.
I have to tell you that it is very overwhelming at times
In the waiting rooms
But Mary said I brought smiles to so many faces
Many people asked questions as we waited for appointments or tests
Helping Paws got lots of PR from us today
At the clinic you are keenly aware how fragile life is
people look sick, sad and stressed
it is an honor to be able to listen to the stories of their dog
Mary did that a lot
She also talked about what I do for her
We also met a Grandpa
He paid thousands for a helper dog for his grandson
He has severe autism
He never could sleep long
Now with the dog he no longer wanders the house
He sleeps the night most times
He has had her three years
She has been life changing
He is still struggling to learn to talk
But he converses with the dog
This is helping his language improve
We almost cried with the man
Such a heart warming story.
One day at a time as we deal with things.
Dan;s birthday today and he is enjoyable to have with us.
I am ready for bed.
Actually I sleep every chance i get to be in the room.
I wonder if i will walk this much tomorrow.
Emma
Oh my gosh have we walked and walked today
Mary is on a scooter so she sure could handle it well.
Greg and i are very tired.
We took a big nap all three of us.
Mayo Clinic is not one clinic or building
There are many buildings and floors
Yep you guessed it the tests are never on the same floor
And it seems to me not the same building
All the buildings are connected
It is very efficient
You get a schedule for the day after you register
Down to the minute things are planned out for you
Where to go
What time
What procedure/test and any details if they are needed
We also had to walk a ways to get outside for potty breaks
Greg took me for a big walk in the morning as he was fasting for tests anyway
Mary wanted fresh air so I got another walk after our nap
She was on a scooter
Where we are staying we can walk and
not need to move the car
Mary is grateful for the scooter
They went out to dinner to celebrate Dan's birthday
and forgot to feed me first
I did awesome.
Mary says she is so proud of how I am doing
I am being very attentive and well behaved.
I have to tell you that it is very overwhelming at times
In the waiting rooms
But Mary said I brought smiles to so many faces
Many people asked questions as we waited for appointments or tests
Helping Paws got lots of PR from us today
At the clinic you are keenly aware how fragile life is
people look sick, sad and stressed
it is an honor to be able to listen to the stories of their dog
Mary did that a lot
She also talked about what I do for her
We also met a Grandpa
He paid thousands for a helper dog for his grandson
He has severe autism
He never could sleep long
Now with the dog he no longer wanders the house
He sleeps the night most times
He has had her three years
She has been life changing
He is still struggling to learn to talk
But he converses with the dog
This is helping his language improve
We almost cried with the man
Such a heart warming story.
One day at a time as we deal with things.
Dan;s birthday today and he is enjoyable to have with us.
I am ready for bed.
Actually I sleep every chance i get to be in the room.
I wonder if i will walk this much tomorrow.
Emma
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