Wednesday AM...June 30th...2010

Sorry so late in posting..."We bin bisi!"

The motorcoach is in Canby..we had to stack board to get it up and in but it is in.....

The kitchen is the main focus..tearing up the hardwood floor for the new one arriving in three weeks...

The fence is torn down in back..great thing to do for neighbor relations....used a 7 ton jack to pull the posts up..they were in concrete....

Linda is limited in what she can do..far cry from the 14-16 hour days of old when she went for it....oh well...

Pictures of nancy's retirement party Saturday night..

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Sunday...June 27th....2010

Tomorrow or Tuesday we move the motorcoach to Canby....

Today was a mixed day...our neighbor at the RV park.....who lays hardwood floors for a living...came over and coached us on removing the existing wood floor and what to look out for in laying the new one..we are going to pay him by the hour from time to time to "coach" us in the installation...

We removed the last of the fence in the back..the neighbors are very happy....

We sprayed most all the "lawn" (well..weeds) with round up.....no lawn for us.....

And to "cap" off the day..we found why we think we had a water problem....yes...there was a cracked water pipe under the house...in a very difficult spot....after sitting in six inches of water, the new section was glued in..we will see tomorrow if it holds...

Home Depot shows in the morning to measure for carpet.....

The neighbors have been very helpful.....and generous with their tools...etc....

Linda is holding up very well...as she gets her blood pressure and pulse under control and off chemo...no apparent side effects from the Tarceva yet...we shall see...she actually took Sadie for a walk around the block....

Pictures of Linda and Jillian making cookies Friday.....

Saturday.....June 26....2010

Dave has been working out at the new house ever since we closed on Thursday, so he asked me to fill in to update you.

I started my new drug Tarceva on Thursday morning, and so far there are no side effects that I can tell. I'm hoping to get some of my energy back that the chemo sucked out of me. I want to be able to work on some projects at the house. I get tired just thinking about the work ahead of us.

The weather is finally beautiful here which lifts my spirits. I have definitely been in a funk, so I want to start reading some of my books on staying in the present and finding gratitude in my life. I don't want my cup to go from half full to half empty.

Jillian came over yesterday to bake cookies with me and play some cards. Tonight Dave and I go to help good friend Nancy celebrate her retirement from the OEA with lots of other good friends, so that should be great fun.

Hope you are having a great summer, and thanks for sharing some time with me.

Love and gratitude.....Linda

Wednesday....June 23rd...2010

We are both pretty "beat" tonight..so this is short...

Linda starts the Tarceva tomorrow...pill form if you've been following the BLOG....not a chemo...but has many side effects including a major rash ...acne like... .diarrhea..... fatigue...etc...Lindsa gets checked in 4 weeks to see how she is doing on the Tarcea....

Last night was The Lion King.....with dinner before.....thanks all to Jim and Jenn....we had a wonderful time....Linda held up well.....

Tomorrow we are supposed to sign for the house...all depends on the bank again....we shall see....

We move the motorcoach to the new house on the 29th......

Linda's dear friend and insurance agent Judy came up to take pictures to insure the house and take Linda to dinner....Linda held up well but snoring as we speak....

Dave worked on Jim's new deck with him all afternoon...the sun was out and wore him out....

That's it..good night!!!!!!!

Monday....June 21st...2010

Sometimes when someone makes a great suggestion by way of comment, we go back in and modify the BLOG.....which we did yesterday...so you were NOT crazy.....we did go back in and add the names.....great suggestion which we should have thought of...duh!!!!!!!

Linda is very much improved in energy.....again......better BP and pulse..and vacation from chemo.....we are having problems getting the ok from insurance on the prescription for Tarceva..must be the 5 cents that is bothering them..hopefully all will be cleared up tomorrow so Linda can start Thursday...

The day was spent at the house getting thoughts and plans and measurements....and then trying to identify where to get what we need (want).....

Tomorrow Jim and Jenn are taking us to dinner and The Lion King....so we will get Miss Linda a lot of rest...and maybe we sign tomorrow.....we shall see.....

Sunday...June 20th...2010

Linda/Son Jim.........Son Jim/Daughter Janine.....Kayak from all for Birthday/Father's Day.....Grand daughter Jillian......

Saturday.....June 19th...2010

Our new business card......note the address and all.....
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Friday...June 18th...2010

A busy day today....
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We had a lot of tasks and places to go...and completed all with Linda doing quite well...perhaps it is the time she is given to recover from the chemo (day 8) or the blood pressure/pulse correction efforts are working...either way or both ways..we'll take it....

Today we picked our appliances....finally.....Home Depot beat out Sears...Best Buy... Fryes... Lowes... Standard Appliances....etc...etc....we saw them all...and we are getting the best "bang for the buck" at Home Depot....

We are also getting closer to owning a home again..we met with Jennifer our mortgage rep....the house appraised $30K more than we paid so that makes up a bit for Florida...even though we acknowledge we made a killing on our first condo there...anyway closing is early next week.

We are working hard on getting our trade dollars working to get as much labor done on trade as possible...and getting no help from our trade brokers.....so what's new ......

Tomorrow we go to Salem to pick out a hot tub....

Some great pictures of Linda in the infusion center at OHSU yesterday....no chemo but bone builder...Zomeda...

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Thursday...June 17th....2010

Big day today.....

Linda and Dave met with Dr. Sandler, Linda's new Oncologist at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) following a week off from her chemo infusion of Alimta and a CT Scan on Monday. Linda has been on approximately 10 rounds of Alimta...which is outstanding.....

Dr. Sandler reviewed the scan and reported the lung tumors were stable but there were signs of Lymphangatic Spread which is a spread of the cancer within the lung through it's lymph system. He indicated it showed up as a subtle change not easy to discern. He also indicated there had been prior growth (he had reviewed past scans provided to him) in the lesions on the T1 and T3 vertebrae but it appeared stable since the last scan.

The doctor indicated Linda could continue on the Alimta for another round or two or take a couple of weeks off to see how things are progressing or change to Tarceva (where we knew we would be going eventually). Linda asked him his recommendation..he said he usually saw people on Alimta for 4 to 6 rounds...Linda was far beyond that...and he thought it had done its best and now it was time to move on....he recommended taking another week off to recover from the chemo and then start taking the Tarceva....which is taken daily in pill form. Then after 4 weeks on the Tarceva, Linda would meet with him again to assess its effectiveness.

Linda agreed..being somewhat tired of the of the Alimta ..after about 10 rounds..she is excited and ready to move on..to try something else.

By the way, 30 pills of Tarceva cost $4, 337.05.....wonder why the need for the 5 cents?????

The Oncologist and then his assistant reviewed the taking of Tarceva and its side effects which includes a rash in 75% of the patients and diarrhea in 50% of the patients....both can be severe and they reviewed the care for each....

So next week Linda starts on the Tarceva and then sees the Oncologist in 5 weeks.....



What Is Tarceva?

Tarceva (erlotinib) is a pill you take by mouth to treat your cancer.

Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who have received at least one previous chemotherapy regimen.

How Tarceva May Work

Unlike normal healthy cells, cancer cells grow and multiply out of control. Targeted treatments affect certain cell activities in cancer cells and some healthy cells. These treatments are designed to slow the growth of cancer cells and may shrink tumors in some patients.

Tarceva is a targeted cancer treatment. Unlike many other traditional chemotherapies, Tarceva affects certain cell activities. Tarceva is designed to block tumor cell growth by targeting the protein in your body called the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 1 (HER1/EGFR). This protein is important for cell growth in NSCLC.

If your tumor has not responded or if you have progressed after traditional chemotherapy, your oncologist may prescribe a targeted treatment like Tarceva.

Researchers are continuing to learn more about the different ways targeted treatments affect cancer cells. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you.
Researchers are continuing to learn more about how Tarceva works.

Benefits of targeted treatments

Many of the targeted treatments like Tarceva are pills. Taking pills by mouth is a convenient way to receive your cancer treatment. And while all cancer treatments have side effects, you may experience fewer or different side effects when taking a targeted treatment.

What you may experience

Targeted treatments affect everyone differently.

Tueday....June 15th...2010

Linda was wiped out most of the day..low blood pressure...and only started drinking water tonight....she has to become more aware...and prepare for it....her blood pressure has been good for a few days so she forgets the bad times....

We looked at appliances today...got some bids.....

Dave saw his GI doctor today..re what put him in the hospital and the resulting colonoscopy...he now has to have another one in November...delightful....

Tomorrow...a day off...and then Linda's Oncology visit and infusion of chemo at OHSU...

Monday.....June 14th...2010

Here's Linda......I had my CT today but probably won't have the results till my doctor appointment on Thursday. I hate the waiting but should be used to it by now.

I'm so happy with my new primary physician. My last one seemed unconcerned with my high pulse rate, but this one is like a bull dog in finding a solution. I know how the pulse has made me uncomfortable for so long, and I'm excited that I may be able to do things again that I haven't done in a while, like taking long walks without getting exhausted. Maybe I won't need the wheelchair so much anymore.

We got mini plans of our new house today, so we made copies to hand out to sub-contractors to make bidding easier. I'm so excited to have the work begin. Hopefully it will move fast.

Love and gratitude......Linda

Here's Dave......

Yesterday we went to the beach...on the Columbia River...alas...the river was so high it covered the beach...and it was in the mid 70's in Wilsonville and in the 60's and windy on the river...so back we came...but it was a nice drive....

Dave's neck shows no internal mass..which is most comforting...the next step is an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist should it not heal up...it is still there but not as fierce as it was a few days ago...so who knows....tomorrow is a return visit to the GI doctor following the hospital visit and GI tests....

And we are working to get subs lined up for the remodeling needed once the house purchase happens....is closing.....

Thursday Dave is 63 years "old"...as opposed to "young"......

Saturday...June 12th...2010

Last night we had dinner with Claudia at son Jim's restaurant/pub he manages.....we had a great time...Linda held up well...Claudia matched Dave coke for coke all night....we now refer to her as "BB"..ie "Big Bladder"...

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Today friend Maureen showed to see the new house in Canby.....we took her the "ferry" route....to which she expressed some apprehension..but as you can see from the pictures...she adapted quickly....and she liked the house and Linda's plans for it....we now call Maureen and Linda "motorcycle mommas"...see pictures to understand....we met these guys on the ferry....

We were going to walk (Linda in the wheel chair) in the pre Rose parade walk in Portland...but Dave's test at the hospital messed that up...and he doesn't know the results til Monday.....

Brother in law Marlin and sister in law Joni came over for a night out for dinner tonight followed by cards...for the record, Marilin got "whopped".....

Tomorrow we watch the Canada Grand Prix...Formula 1 and then head to the river for some sun time....

Linda and her doctor (primary doctor) are using the Internet to exchange information...Linda submitted her blood pressure checks and pulse rates for a period of time....the doctor responded and has increased Linda's medication.....we believe getting this blood pressure and pulse rate under control will greatly improve Linda's quality of life.

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Thursday....June 10th...2010

Linda had a very good day today.....energy wise and emotionally.....one of her best days in quite a while.....

Linda got to meet with her new Oncologist....Dr. Alan Sandler ....at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).....the Knight Cancer Institute.......What happened...

Linda's Alimta infusion was put off until next Thursday...this allows a CT Scan to be done next Monday to assess where things are at with the tumors....and allow Dr. Sandler time to compare this with the previous scans...which have been furnished to him. It also allows him to assess Linda's appetite and all which has been a "low point" in all this...will a "time out" recreate the appetite.....he also indicated there is a particular hormone which could be useful.

Dr. Sandler reiterated that Linda is still in the "first line of defense" in her struggle with the cancer...he also cleared up some things for us by indicating it takes a billion cancer cells to create a "visible" cancer.....the aim of the cancer drug is to kill off enough cells where the cancer will not show up....where it has metasticized to.

Dr. Sandler is of a mind that Linda's body will tell her when to exercise...it is how she feels and she should not feel like she should push her body when it doesn't want to exercise...either walking or...or.

Dr. Sandler provided Linda with the documentation for handicapped parking...which we immediately obtained at the DMV....in the Metro area, we are finding that it is not unusual to have to park a long ways from the targeted store or...or...so this is a viable option to take the strain off her.....

We took another walk through the infusion center to learn the "ins and outs"...everyone is most helpful.....the summarization of the doctor's visit and recommendations...drugs..etc...and next appointments and all are very well organized in writing and oprovided to each patient..including on a printed calendar...wow!!!! AND the phone numbers of help any time day or night.....doesn't get any better than this ....

Tomorrow Linda has a "date" with her friend Claudia.....her energy state is sure to continue... Saturday we were going to join a pre parade walk in downtown Portland with Linda in the wheel chair...but Dave has a test scheduled now to deal with a potential problem with his left carotid artery..or at least something going on in the same area....he doesn't think there is a big deal going on.....

The house "closing" continues on schedule....now we have to document our Social Security ....you'd think one just goes to one of their offices and it is printed out...nope...two weeks to get what you need.....man..first the DMV office (how disfunctional can one office be)...and then the SS office (oh...now we understand how more disfunctional an office can be)....now we understand how many people become "antigovernment"......

Wednesday...June 9th...2010

We were able to get into the house today and do a thorough survey of what needs to be done..so on with the closing and arranging building materials and subs and..and....
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Linda held up well today.....ate 6 small meals..slept in the afternoon...she is looking forward to her appointment at OHSU tomorrow and has a lot of questions about how she is feeling and why.......

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Tuesday....June 8th...2010

Jenn was ill today so no getting inside the newly purchased house in Canby...but not all was lost as we went to city hall, chamber office, utilities offices, library, etc...etc...and got lots of information and how to get utilities going when the closing is done....

We also worked on our ITEX (using trade/barter dollars for labor on painting, landscaping, flooring, carpeting ).....

Linda was a bit more tired today..we sent in her blood pressure and pulse figures for the last week to her doctor..by way of a nifty communications system like email...

By the way, there is a movement to not use "BP" to mean blood pressure anymore......because of British Petroleum (BP)....it is now BAWA....(pronounced baaaaa waaaaaa) which means "Blood Against Walls of Arteries"....by the way, my conservative friends in Florida are already blaming Obama for the spill saying Bush would have dealt with it by now......amazing....

Monday...June 7th...2010

Today was a much better day for Linda....not as worn down...but stayed as active..hopefully she is "over the hump".....Thursday is her next infusion of Alimta with Oncologist Dr. Sandler of OHSU....then a scan will be scheduled to see how she is doing on the Alimta which has been used for several months now.

We have a deal on the Canby house...signed....and a loan officer agreed to..... and the loan will go together quite quickly after the appraisal is done...which might happen before the end of the week. So now we can quit messing around and get on with the planning.

Today we went to north Portland and looked at flooring options including wood floors and tile for some flooring and for counters..and..and....

Tomorrow we go back to the house and have a second opportunity to get inside...where we plan on measuring things for carpet ...flooring...etc...etc. we will also take extensive pictures to use in the planning and all.

The pictures are of Linda going over the loan proposals and documents....and Sadie wondering what her "Mom" is doing.....

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Sunday....June 6th...2010

Daughter Janine got us out of bed and to her house for pancakes....when is the rain gonna stop?

Linda and Dave went to the annual Cancer Survivors event in Portland....the music was way too loud but we still had a good time...Linda shot baskets with the help and support of "Blaze"...the Portland Trail Blazer Mascot....she also made a lavender sachet....and learned of some support organizations in the Portland area....

Tomorrow we "think" we are going to get the bank's final on the Canby house and we "think" we are picking a mortgage company and we "think" get the closing and purchase started...we also plan on going to NW Portland to look at flooring.....and "maybe" if it is as sunny and warm as forecasted...some time sitting on the beach on the river...

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Saturday....June 5th...2010

Linda hasn't had much energy today...her blood pressure isn't low so we are a bit perplexed...a good nap though...the trip to Sister in law Joni's Mom's funeral followed by a gathering of family and friends wore her out....
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Son Jim went to the new "home to be" (we think.... although we still have yet to see anything in writing....and we thought Florida real estate stuff was screwed up).....and his mom outlined the many projects to make this a special home....

Tomorrow we attend a cancer survival celebration in Portland..

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Friday...June 4th...2010

Supposedly we have an agreement with the seller.....ie Bank of America......the paperwork is supposed to be sent to our broker tonight.....we are getting two financing proposals.....one has already been received this evening....the other we are still waiting for.....Linda will review both this weekend....make a decision Monday morning...and get things moving with the hope all will be done by the end of June. Dave's job will be contacting possible "subs" to line up the projects needed so they can start as soon as we own the house.....painting the outside of the house....moving fences...putting down pavers....painting the inside of the house....removal of carpet and tile.....putting down a lot of wood flooring...new carpet.....new appliances..new counter tops....refurbish kitchen cabinets....cabinets and work stations for an office....etc...

Our current home.....
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