So, I saw my oncologist yesterday and got some details on the post-op treatment. Beginning Feb . 19, I'll be getting chemo for two days (yes, "Fanny" the fannypack-with-pump will be back) every two weeks. So, chemo for two days, then two weeks with nothing ... chemo for two days, then two weeks with nothing, and so on, for a likely period of SIX MONTHS! Sheesh ...
I can do this ... I can do this ... (My new mantra.) The good thing is that 26 days of every month will be chemo-free, so, yeah, I can do this ...
Barring no disabling side effects, I should be able to work through this, and fully plan to do just that. But SIX MONTHS? I'm still reeling ... It appears that when cancer has invaded lymph nodes, treatment goes into aggressive mode, and I'm all for being aggressive with this.
So "Paula-the-perfect-patient" will do what she needs to do. For six months.
Until next time ...
P
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
On dying
Not too long after my cancer diagnosis, I started thinking, "What if I die?" It's always a possibility with cancer. Three or four people about my age, fellow church members I had known, had died of cancer over the past 10 years or so. A few others had been treated for cancer and were doing fine. Which group would I be in, and what made the difference?
I found a Scripture verse that made me feel better about it all:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Those words make me feel as though God isn't finished with me yet, that I still have a godly purpose, more work to do here on this earth.
But still, days before the surgery, I gave my husband funeral instructions ("I want the rock-n-roll Mass band, and here are some of my favorite songs"). You know, just in case something went wrong and I didn't come out of the anesthesia.
Weeks earlier, I had seen a review in the newspaper about a book by physician and Ph.D. Sam Parnia titled What Happens When We Die -- A Groundbreaking Study into the Nature of Life and Death, so I requested it from my local library. And actually took it to the hospital with me. (Just having that book has caused my family members to roll their eyes, since they're all very positive that everything will be OK, but they do know how I like to "cover all the bases.")
Anyway, parts of the book are fascinating -- they relate "near-death experiences" (NDEs) and "out-of-body" experiences from people who took part in Parnia's study. Most had amazingly similar reports: they "floated" on the ceiling as doctors worked on their bodies below and could relate in accurate detail who said what and who did what. And this is after their hearts had stopped beating and they had no measurable brain activity!
In his study, Parnia asks, "what's reality?" and "could mind and consciousness be separate from the brain?" To determine if future cardiac-arrest patients can really "float at the ceiling," he's installing in select hospital operating rooms illustrations that can only be seen from the ceiling (I'm assuming his next book will report those findings).
Most of the NDE patients also reported seeing a brilliant, "loving" light that many thought of as "God," going through a kind of tunnel, and being greeted by dead relatives. One 3-year-old boy said a "nice lady" took him by the hand and the two "floated" to a beautiful sunny place with flowers and animals. One day his mother showed him a picture of her mother -- his grandmother -- who had died years before her son was born. "That's her -- that's the lady!" who had "floated" with him, he said.
Almost all of the NDEs were happy, and those who had them didn't want to return to life on earth. Most had been transformed by their experience: afterwards, they spent more time with family, were less materialistic, had more empathy and understanding for others, did more charity work, became more spiritual, and no longer feared death.
So what do you say we all take their experiences to heart? From this moment on, let's all try to be transformed, as well, by spending more time with family, being less materialistic, having more empathy -- and doing more -- for others, being more spiritual, and not fearing death. Sounds a lot like being a Christian to me ...
Until next time ...
P
I found a Scripture verse that made me feel better about it all:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Those words make me feel as though God isn't finished with me yet, that I still have a godly purpose, more work to do here on this earth.
But still, days before the surgery, I gave my husband funeral instructions ("I want the rock-n-roll Mass band, and here are some of my favorite songs"). You know, just in case something went wrong and I didn't come out of the anesthesia.
Weeks earlier, I had seen a review in the newspaper about a book by physician and Ph.D. Sam Parnia titled What Happens When We Die -- A Groundbreaking Study into the Nature of Life and Death, so I requested it from my local library. And actually took it to the hospital with me. (Just having that book has caused my family members to roll their eyes, since they're all very positive that everything will be OK, but they do know how I like to "cover all the bases.")
Anyway, parts of the book are fascinating -- they relate "near-death experiences" (NDEs) and "out-of-body" experiences from people who took part in Parnia's study. Most had amazingly similar reports: they "floated" on the ceiling as doctors worked on their bodies below and could relate in accurate detail who said what and who did what. And this is after their hearts had stopped beating and they had no measurable brain activity!
In his study, Parnia asks, "what's reality?" and "could mind and consciousness be separate from the brain?" To determine if future cardiac-arrest patients can really "float at the ceiling," he's installing in select hospital operating rooms illustrations that can only be seen from the ceiling (I'm assuming his next book will report those findings).
Most of the NDE patients also reported seeing a brilliant, "loving" light that many thought of as "God," going through a kind of tunnel, and being greeted by dead relatives. One 3-year-old boy said a "nice lady" took him by the hand and the two "floated" to a beautiful sunny place with flowers and animals. One day his mother showed him a picture of her mother -- his grandmother -- who had died years before her son was born. "That's her -- that's the lady!" who had "floated" with him, he said.
Almost all of the NDEs were happy, and those who had them didn't want to return to life on earth. Most had been transformed by their experience: afterwards, they spent more time with family, were less materialistic, had more empathy and understanding for others, did more charity work, became more spiritual, and no longer feared death.
So what do you say we all take their experiences to heart? From this moment on, let's all try to be transformed, as well, by spending more time with family, being less materialistic, having more empathy -- and doing more -- for others, being more spiritual, and not fearing death. Sounds a lot like being a Christian to me ...
Until next time ...
P
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Field trip
So, guess what I did today? Went GROCERY SHOPPING! No, I didn't drive, but relied on my sister/nurse/maid to do the driving. I was only going to pick up a few things, but, alas, I have a hard time limiting myself around food ...
So, $113 later, we carted many bags home. Ahhh, it was SO satisfying to find out that, yeah, I am useful once again ... Sort of ...
Plus, it was nice to get out of the house, even if the temp outside is in the 20s!
And, in another "first," I am sipping on a glass of wine as I type this -- my first since before the Jan. 5 surgery!
So, look out -- Paula is on her way back to the real world ...
Until next time ...
P
So, $113 later, we carted many bags home. Ahhh, it was SO satisfying to find out that, yeah, I am useful once again ... Sort of ...
Plus, it was nice to get out of the house, even if the temp outside is in the 20s!
And, in another "first," I am sipping on a glass of wine as I type this -- my first since before the Jan. 5 surgery!
So, look out -- Paula is on her way back to the real world ...
Until next time ...
P
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Walking the walk
So, hey, with the temperature hitting almost 60 degrees, this little sick girl got herself off the couch and out onto the sidewalk today, managing two walks that totaled about six blocks! The left leg is still sore in some spots and numb in others, but tonight I noticed that I could actually lift my left foot about a foot off the ground -- that's about twice as high as a couple of days ago -- so I'm thinking the walking and the stairs are making a difference already.
I'm still sort of afraid to sit, so I'm easing into it with a minute here and a minute there. And while I'm now able to put dishes into (and take 'em out of) the dishwasher and do limited laundry, I'm leaving grocery shopping and other assorted tasks to the hubby and kids. We're still getting dinner several times a week from local friends (the meals have all been delicious, by the way) and family (ditto on the meals), which is a huge help -- bigger than I ever imagined. So thank you to all!
In other news, Hannah-the-student-nurse gave her first shot yesterday -- to me! -- and she did it like an expert. Tomorrow she's got her first hospital experience, so I can't wait to hear all about it. Stay tuned.
Until next time ...
P
I'm still sort of afraid to sit, so I'm easing into it with a minute here and a minute there. And while I'm now able to put dishes into (and take 'em out of) the dishwasher and do limited laundry, I'm leaving grocery shopping and other assorted tasks to the hubby and kids. We're still getting dinner several times a week from local friends (the meals have all been delicious, by the way) and family (ditto on the meals), which is a huge help -- bigger than I ever imagined. So thank you to all!
In other news, Hannah-the-student-nurse gave her first shot yesterday -- to me! -- and she did it like an expert. Tomorrow she's got her first hospital experience, so I can't wait to hear all about it. Stay tuned.
Until next time ...
P
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Free at last!
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., I am now "free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I am free at last!"
Yes, the drainage tube and UFO are GONE! The catheter is GONE! And a total of 23 staples (19 in the thigh and 4 in the stomach) are GONE! This is an historic day -- and not just because of Barack Obama's inauguration (although it's nice to be home recuperating -- and close to a TV -- on such days! Very emotional, inspiring stuff taking place in D.C.).
Speaking of TV, I want to amend my earlier post by saying that there are at least 10 Court TV dramas daily -- TEN!!! (And I think I've seen every one of 'em at least once.)
But now that I'm "unencumbered" by drains, etc., I plan to watch less TV and be a lot more active. I'm already doing the stairs (one at a time, slowly) and will be outside taking short walks over the next two days, as the temperature is supposed to be in the 40s and 50s.
So, praise God, hallelujah, and woo-hoo for all the historic things that took place today -- in Washington, D.C., and in Ballwin, Mo.!
Until next time ...
P
Yes, the drainage tube and UFO are GONE! The catheter is GONE! And a total of 23 staples (19 in the thigh and 4 in the stomach) are GONE! This is an historic day -- and not just because of Barack Obama's inauguration (although it's nice to be home recuperating -- and close to a TV -- on such days! Very emotional, inspiring stuff taking place in D.C.).
Speaking of TV, I want to amend my earlier post by saying that there are at least 10 Court TV dramas daily -- TEN!!! (And I think I've seen every one of 'em at least once.)
But now that I'm "unencumbered" by drains, etc., I plan to watch less TV and be a lot more active. I'm already doing the stairs (one at a time, slowly) and will be outside taking short walks over the next two days, as the temperature is supposed to be in the 40s and 50s.
So, praise God, hallelujah, and woo-hoo for all the historic things that took place today -- in Washington, D.C., and in Ballwin, Mo.!
Until next time ...
P
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Nurse maid
You know, life would be SO much easier if everyone had a nurse and a maid. Lucky me. I've had the nurse since this cancer "misadventure" (to borrow a phrase from Lisa B.) started some six months ago. And I've had the maid and the nurse since I got out of the hospital last week.
Actually
, they're one and the same person -- my sister, Connie. She's an R.N. and she lives up the street from me. We're only a year apart in age, and, even though she's the younger one, she has embraced her "mother hen" instinct and has made me her mission.
When I was going through five weeks of radiation and chemo last fall, she called me EVERY DAY to find out how I was, what I needed, etc. When I complained that the chemo made the bottoms of my feet tender and sore, she brought me gel inserts for my shoes. When I mentioned that cheap banana-flavored popsicles were one of the few things I could eat with chemo-induced mouth sores, she showed up at my door with a box of them.
She accompanied me more than anyone else to doctor appointments and radiation treatments, laughed with me, cried with me, and was the one who asked around at the hospital and found me a top-notch surgeon.
Now that I'm home after surgery, her "inner maid" has been stopping by to help with laundry, dishes, vacuuming, and a host of other duties, including taking laps with me around the backyard. She's also given me a few of the Lovenox shots and helped with numerous other things.
So, thanks, Connie! You have risen above sisterhood -- all the way to sainthood! And I will never forget it. Love you lots!
Until next time ...
P
Actually
, they're one and the same person -- my sister, Connie. She's an R.N. and she lives up the street from me. We're only a year apart in age, and, even though she's the younger one, she has embraced her "mother hen" instinct and has made me her mission.When I was going through five weeks of radiation and chemo last fall, she called me EVERY DAY to find out how I was, what I needed, etc. When I complained that the chemo made the bottoms of my feet tender and sore, she brought me gel inserts for my shoes. When I mentioned that cheap banana-flavored popsicles were one of the few things I could eat with chemo-induced mouth sores, she showed up at my door with a box of them.
She accompanied me more than anyone else to doctor appointments and radiation treatments, laughed with me, cried with me, and was the one who asked around at the hospital and found me a top-notch surgeon.
Now that I'm home after surgery, her "inner maid" has been stopping by to help with laundry, dishes, vacuuming, and a host of other duties, including taking laps with me around the backyard. She's also given me a few of the Lovenox shots and helped with numerous other things.
So, thanks, Connie! You have risen above sisterhood -- all the way to sainthood! And I will never forget it. Love you lots!
Until next time ...
P
Friday, January 16, 2009
Cheers!
"Shhhh! Judge Judy's about to give her verdict!" This is what I hiss to my family when they interrupt my Court TV dramas. (Actually, I think I've only done it once or twice, but the opportunities for additional abuses are there.)
So I'm straightening up my act immediately. Family members and friends trump Judge Judy et al from now on.
It's been a good day. I got to talk to three co-workers on the phone. Visit in person with two girlfriends and my sister. E-mail a couple of friends. Open a couple of really
entertaining e-cards (http://rattlebox.com has some doozies that you should definitely check out!).
And, the piece de resistance -- I found out that next Tuesday, Jan. 20, I will be freed from:
So, woo-hoo, I'm starting the celebration NOW by "toasting" my Kondremul (the French-wine name for, um, mineral oil). So, please, have a drink with me tonight -- or anytime this weekend! Bottoms up!
Love you guys,
P
So I'm straightening up my act immediately. Family members and friends trump Judge Judy et al from now on.
It's been a good day. I got to talk to three co-workers on the phone. Visit in person with two girlfriends and my sister. E-mail a couple of friends. Open a couple of really
entertaining e-cards (http://rattlebox.com has some doozies that you should definitely check out!).And, the piece de resistance -- I found out that next Tuesday, Jan. 20, I will be freed from:
- the catheter!
- the drainage tube and resident UFO!
- the 19 staples!
So, woo-hoo, I'm starting the celebration NOW by "toasting" my Kondremul (the French-wine name for, um, mineral oil). So, please, have a drink with me tonight -- or anytime this weekend! Bottoms up!
Love you guys,
P
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
'Keep doing what you're doing'
Those are the words of my lymph-node surgeon this afternoon, who took a look at my 19 staples and was almost giddy with relief. Before the surgery, Dr. M had warned me that radiation sometimes prevents the skin from healing properly. Thank God, that didn't happen with me -- even though I DID have radiation to the site, the incision is healing GREAT!
The staples need to stay in awhile longer, though (10 to 14 days), so he'll take 'em out next Tuesday afternoon.
Re: the drain pouch and UFO (Unidentified Floating Object), he's leaving that in until Tuesday, too, since it's still sucking out more than 25 cc of fluid a day.
And re: the photo of the UFO, three people said, "Yeah, in the name of science, let's see it!" Another five or six folks said "I beg of you ... NO!" So, I will bow to the will of the people and resist posting it. However, if I DO shoot a photo of it, I may e-mail it (the photo, not the thing) to those of you who are interested (boy, sure hope I don't get those addresses mixed up!)
Until next time ...
P
The staples need to stay in awhile longer, though (10 to 14 days), so he'll take 'em out next Tuesday afternoon.
Re: the drain pouch and UFO (Unidentified Floating Object), he's leaving that in until Tuesday, too, since it's still sucking out more than 25 cc of fluid a day.
And re: the photo of the UFO, three people said, "Yeah, in the name of science, let's see it!" Another five or six folks said "I beg of you ... NO!" So, I will bow to the will of the people and resist posting it. However, if I DO shoot a photo of it, I may e-mail it (the photo, not the thing) to those of you who are interested (boy, sure hope I don't get those addresses mixed up!)
Until next time ...
P
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Surprises
So, who knew I would be able to give myself a shot in the stomach? The Lovenox (ooh, yeah, love) prevents blood clots, and I guess since I'm not quite so mobile it's one of those things that must be done. I've gotta do it every day for THREE WEEKS, yikes, but I'm thinking of letting my 20-year-old nursing-student daughter do it a few times for practice (this will be her very first shot to give, mind you, but if I can do it, she can do it). The needle is really skinny and short, though, so it doesn't hurt much -- it's more the mental anguish than anything ...
Here's another surprise I discovered yesterday while reclining on the couch: there are FOUR court-TV shows on every afternoon! One right after another! (Judge Judy, Judge Alex, Judge Joe Somebody, and Judge I-Can't-Remember-Her-Name.) Sheesh.
And, I never realized how many times one bends down to the floor in a day until it was a hardship to do it ...
And, I guess I'm a little surprised at how much friends continue to pump me up with cards (seven yesterday), e-mails, calls, and meals. It has been a real blessing to be on the receiving end of all this love and caring. So thanks again. I couldn't do this without you.
Until next time ...
P
Here's another surprise I discovered yesterday while reclining on the couch: there are FOUR court-TV shows on every afternoon! One right after another! (Judge Judy, Judge Alex, Judge Joe Somebody, and Judge I-Can't-Remember-Her-Name.) Sheesh.
And, I never realized how many times one bends down to the floor in a day until it was a hardship to do it ...
And, I guess I'm a little surprised at how much friends continue to pump me up with cards (seven yesterday), e-mails, calls, and meals. It has been a real blessing to be on the receiving end of all this love and caring. So thanks again. I couldn't do this without you.
Until next time ...
P
Monday, January 12, 2009
Life after surgery
In a word -- or three -- it's not too bad. I'm still sore, but just taking Tylenol now. Still walking, but around the backyard (I'd much rather be with you on the beach in Florida, Linda! Loved the pictures, BTW). Still eating, but not a lot. And ice chips are no longer on the menu, hallelujah!
I came home with a lot of staples (19 where they took out the lymph nodes), a catheter (my bladder's not quite up to par on its own yet), and a little plastic drainage container with an inch-long piece of some sort of "tissue matter" that's decidedly disgusting and floats around in the liquid that's being drained from my thigh. I'm thinking of taking a photo of it and posting it on the blog (and maybe one of me so you can see for yourself I'm not looking too sickly), but that drain thing is SO gross maybe I should take a vote first (leave a "yay" or "nay" comment here or e-mail me at paula.ross@lcms.org) ...
It's actually almost midnight as I type this STANDING UP (no, I cannot sit for TWO WEEKS!) and I'm surprised I've been "up" (I should say AWAKE 'cause I'm usually reclining) all day, so I really should go to bed. Good night all ...
Until next time ...
P
I came home with a lot of staples (19 where they took out the lymph nodes), a catheter (my bladder's not quite up to par on its own yet), and a little plastic drainage container with an inch-long piece of some sort of "tissue matter" that's decidedly disgusting and floats around in the liquid that's being drained from my thigh. I'm thinking of taking a photo of it and posting it on the blog (and maybe one of me so you can see for yourself I'm not looking too sickly), but that drain thing is SO gross maybe I should take a vote first (leave a "yay" or "nay" comment here or e-mail me at paula.ross@lcms.org) ...
It's actually almost midnight as I type this STANDING UP (no, I cannot sit for TWO WEEKS!) and I'm surprised I've been "up" (I should say AWAKE 'cause I'm usually reclining) all day, so I really should go to bed. Good night all ...
Until next time ...
P
Saturday, January 10, 2009
I'm home!
Hey, just a quick note to let you know that I'M HOME! Walked in the door about 11:30 a.m. today, so I'm still getting acclimated -- opening mail, looking at the blog for the first time since Sunday -- and I've gotta say, my Psycho Sis, Linda, did a FANTASTIC job in my absence! So thanks, Linda, from the bottom of my heart. I owe you big time. (But now I'm a little stressed that I have to make the blog as exciting as SHE did ... )
I feel pretty good. Not much pain at all, and I'm pretty mobile.
Thanks again to everyone for the calls, visits, notes, gifts and flowers -- I am overwhelmed and feel really, really loved.
On that note, I'm going to rest for awhile. More later ...
P
Friday, January 9, 2009
Laughing till it hurts
Paula thinks she may be coming home tomorrow (Saturday). (Yea!) She's unhooked from most of the hospital paraphernalia, and someone even said her walking gait looked good, so she's doing well.
Yesterday, the Pinch-Blogger's daughter visited Paula in the hospital, and made her laugh so hard it made Paula's tender stomach muscles hurt. Which reminded the Pinch Blogger of all the times Paula and she have laughed so hard till we cried.
Here's just a few:
Retiring Pinch-Blogger Linda (AKA Psycho Sis) (I'll always be there for you, except when I'm in Florida.)
Yesterday, the Pinch-Blogger's daughter visited Paula in the hospital, and made her laugh so hard it made Paula's tender stomach muscles hurt. Which reminded the Pinch Blogger of all the times Paula and she have laughed so hard till we cried.
Here's just a few:
- Rolling through the hills of Tuscany on a tour bus after drinking beer at lunch and making out of list of things to remember while traveling in Italy (like always travel with a good friend so sharing beer, water, and chapstick won't be upsetting),
- Racing through the water on a clipper ship returning to Seattle from Victoria, British Columbia, drinking wine (hmm-m, there seems to be a common thread here), while worrying about our car being towed,
- Drinking Guiness with our buddy Jack at a bar in San Diego, discussing religion and where Paula delivered one of her most famous comebacks (so much for her Catholic upbringing!),
- Feeling guilty in Siesta Key because we weren't home on Mother's Day to be with our kids, but found that laughing (and wine) eased our pain,
- And many more, but the most frequent were in our adjoining cubicles at work, where we'd laugh on the phone until we had to hang up before we annoyed our co-workers with our uncontrolled hysteria (and no, we WEREN'T drinking at the office).
Retiring Pinch-Blogger Linda (AKA Psycho Sis) (I'll always be there for you, except when I'm in Florida.)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Brightening her day
Paula reports that all the cards, flowers, visits, and prayers you've sent her way are brightening her days in recovery at the hospital. Still no word on when she gets to go home, but her IV has been disconnected, so that's a good sign.
It sounds as though the hardest part is not being able to jump out of bed when she wants, or get back into bed--both require some assistance. And for someone as independent and on-the-go as Paula, that's hard to get used to. But she does say she's getting around better and taking her walks up and down that long hallway.
That's all for today--maybe tomorrow I'll tell you all about me (since it IS all about me! Right, Paula?)
Paula's Pinch-Blogger
It sounds as though the hardest part is not being able to jump out of bed when she wants, or get back into bed--both require some assistance. And for someone as independent and on-the-go as Paula, that's hard to get used to. But she does say she's getting around better and taking her walks up and down that long hallway.
That's all for today--maybe tomorrow I'll tell you all about me (since it IS all about me! Right, Paula?)
Paula's Pinch-Blogger
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
100 percent better than yesterday
Paula is feeling 100 percent better than yesterday, and is hoping that percentage increase continues each day. She is now able to eat real food, and while that's a definite plus, she finds she's not that hungry. (Hey, lying on your back doesn't help work up an appetite.)
Yesterday she walked six times up and down the hall and has already completed one walk this morning with more to come. Sleeping is tough for her as she can't move from her back, so she does get tired in the evening (she even fell asleep during "Scrubs"--one of her favorite shows!).
Her throat feels much better, but she would still like to begin seeing visitors on Thursday--Room 1512, Barnes West Hospital on Olive, just west of I-270.
Doctors say everything is looking good, but keep those prayers coming.
Till tomorrow,
Paula's Pinch Blogger
Yesterday she walked six times up and down the hall and has already completed one walk this morning with more to come. Sleeping is tough for her as she can't move from her back, so she does get tired in the evening (she even fell asleep during "Scrubs"--one of her favorite shows!).
Her throat feels much better, but she would still like to begin seeing visitors on Thursday--Room 1512, Barnes West Hospital on Olive, just west of I-270.
Doctors say everything is looking good, but keep those prayers coming.
Till tomorrow,
Paula's Pinch Blogger
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Walking, but not talking
Just talked (briefly) to Paula who is up and walking with her IV pole. Our conversation was brief because her throat is sore from the tube inserted during surgery. She feels OK (thanks to that wonderful pain button), and walks to get her strength back, plus it stimulates the lower tract to do something. Until that happens, it's nothing but ice chips.
The surgeon did not remove her right lymph node because it showed up normal, and said they will keep a careful eye on it in the future. She's in a private room, but requests no visitors for a couple of days until her throat heals.
So everything looks good. Keep her in your prayers.
Pinch-Blogger
The surgeon did not remove her right lymph node because it showed up normal, and said they will keep a careful eye on it in the future. She's in a private room, but requests no visitors for a couple of days until her throat heals.
So everything looks good. Keep her in your prayers.
Pinch-Blogger
Monday, January 5, 2009
Paula's Chewing Ice Chips at the 'Resort'
Just got the news that the surgery went well. Paula's back in her room, talking and eating ice chips like they're going out of style. (You would think at those prices, they could give her more than ice chips!)
Anyway, it's good news; the surgery's over and she's OK. I'm sure all your prayers helped, and will continue to help as she recovers.
Next post will focus on exactly what kind of patient Paula is ...
Pinch-Blogger
Anyway, it's good news; the surgery's over and she's OK. I'm sure all your prayers helped, and will continue to help as she recovers.
Next post will focus on exactly what kind of patient Paula is ...
Pinch-Blogger
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Packing it up
Since my surgery is tomorrow (eeek!), today is "packing day." I've gotta get everything together for my week at the, uh, "resort" -- lots of rest and relaxation for me, baby! So, what to take?
A robe, for sure ... Some slippers, of course ... Makeup? Yeah, I'd better take some, but how much is really enough? (Will visitors care? Will I care?) I'll just bring it and play it by ear ... A mirror? (Do I dare?) I'd better bring it in case I want to use the makeup ... My daughter thinks I should take along a baseball cap to cover up my "bed head," not a bad suggestion ... A TV guide (sorry, family, I'm taking the one that came with this weekend's paper) ... A book -- choosing will be hard, as I've received a bunch from caring friends. I'll take two and save the rest for home ... My iPod -- yikes, I've got SO many more songs I want to load onto it first, so I'd better get busy!
Thanks to all of you for your interest, and prayers! According to the most-recent instructions, I'll be arriving at the hospital, Barnes-Jewish West, at 9 a.m. Monday, and the surgery is supposed to start at 11:00. I'm "nervous but hopeful" about it all, and a little anxious to get on with it and start my recovery.
My "pinch blogger" has assured me that she will update this site while I'm away at the resort.
In the meantime, know that I love you all and will be back on my feet in no time ...
P
A robe, for sure ... Some slippers, of course ... Makeup? Yeah, I'd better take some, but how much is really enough? (Will visitors care? Will I care?) I'll just bring it and play it by ear ... A mirror? (Do I dare?) I'd better bring it in case I want to use the makeup ... My daughter thinks I should take along a baseball cap to cover up my "bed head," not a bad suggestion ... A TV guide (sorry, family, I'm taking the one that came with this weekend's paper) ... A book -- choosing will be hard, as I've received a bunch from caring friends. I'll take two and save the rest for home ... My iPod -- yikes, I've got SO many more songs I want to load onto it first, so I'd better get busy!
Thanks to all of you for your interest, and prayers! According to the most-recent instructions, I'll be arriving at the hospital, Barnes-Jewish West, at 9 a.m. Monday, and the surgery is supposed to start at 11:00. I'm "nervous but hopeful" about it all, and a little anxious to get on with it and start my recovery.
My "pinch blogger" has assured me that she will update this site while I'm away at the resort.
In the meantime, know that I love you all and will be back on my feet in no time ...
P
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Flax seed and green tea
OK, so maybe the "horse is already out of the barn," but I've made it my mission to consume more anti-cancer foods. Hey, it can't hurt. My darling and brilliant niece, Rachel, and her darling and brilliant husband, Nick, sent me a surprise get-well gift a few weeks ago -- a box of flax seed and lots and lots of green tea. Both are reportedly superior at fighting cancer, and, to illustrate this, Rachel made a card (see at right) that shows the green tea and other nutritious foods pounding the heck out of a nasty cancer dude. Hey, I'm convinced.
While I haven't eaten much of the flax seed yet (I will, I promise -- I'm SO looking forward to the much-touted "flax-seed muffins," ha!), I've enjoyed at least one cup of green tea daily (and your medicinal tea, too, Dino!), which is quite relaxing and so darn civilized.
Anyway, here's a list of other anti-cancer foods, in case you're interested in starting the new year off right:
- apricots
- blueberries
- broccoli
- brussel sprouts
- cabbage
- carrots
- cauliflower
- grapefruit
- grapes
- green beans
- lemons
- mangoes
- red onions
- oranges
- peaches
- peppers
- radishes
- squash
- strawberries
- sweet potatoes
- tangerines
- tomatoes
Until next time ...
P
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy Christmas and Merry New Year!
Yes, this Christmas was perfectly wonderful, thanks to back-to-back hostesses, Jona and Connie, and their assorted guests, who made Christmas Eve and Christmas Day the best ever! Lots of food (and drink), lots of laughs and lots of love -- just the way I like my holidays!
And the gifts! A personalized fleece "throw" that my daughter, Hannah, sewed herself and that I plan to curl up with during my convalescence; a T-shirt I had admired while shopping with my son, Dylan, that he went back and bought for me; a gym membership (OK, some women might hate that, but I REALLY wanted it 'cause it's too cold to walk outside), sweater and CD of downloaded songs (all great!) from husband, Jim; and earrings, videos ("The Trouble with Angels," a really funny classic with Hayley Mills, and the new "Mamma Mia" with Meryl Streep), more sweaters, chocolate, cookies ...
And the "real" gift of Christmas, perhaps more meaningful this year than ever before. The gift of Jesus, our Savior, who will "get you out of anything," as my friend Edie says.
Merry Christmas, everyone, and cheers to a happy and healthy 2009!
(In the photo above, the Ross family poses Christmas Day at Connie's. The kids are holding their "Uncle Pat" gifts, air bazookas that shoot little balls -- picture six of those things all going off at the same time! That Uncle Pat ... And, of course, my Hannah is making a "mean face" to go along with her gun, so she doesn't really look like that.)
Until next time ...
P
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