Thursday In Florida...April 3rd, 2008

4 days left in Florida....then home to Oregon....

Linda had a good day..a lot of walking as we went to St. Petersburg and visited with Champ Car drivers and owners and all who now are "merged" into the Indy Racing League. The race event is this weekend..we won't attend as we have some "pool time" to do and watch all races in High Definition on TV. We were able to connect with drivers and all who will be attending the fan dinner in Long Beach ...

We had dinner with our neighbors in Florida tonight...Linda had a good appretite and held her own throughout the evening. Tomorrow we aren't going to do a lot besides "pool time"...and dinner with some friends.

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Pictures:

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Linda with friend Marilyn in the racing pits at St. Petes today (Marilyn and husband John are "us" at races we haven't done)

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Linda with friend Mark who works for Newman/Haas racing (yes, Paul Newman's team)

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Lunch in St. Petes
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Team activity in the Newman/Haas Paddock
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Linda ready for dinner

Our neighbors Dave and Mindy

Dave

Tuesday Florida Evening...April 1st, 2008

6 days left and 6 1/2 nights left in Florida......we fly out very early Tuesday morning......

Linda here, checking in. It was another beautiful day at the pool; so nice that we didn't even leave to go work out. We just sat and visited with friends and made some new friends. I'm going to miss all our friends when we go home. We need to move to a retirement community in Oregon, so we can find neighbors with nothing to do but visit, play cards, etc. like here.

It's raining hard out now. It was nice for the weather to wait until the day was over first. Raining should always happen at night, don't you think?

I can't believe how much better I'm feeling. Most of the time, I forget I was ever sick. I've definitely learned not to overdo, and that seems to be the secret to feeling good. I'm anxious to see how I do on Thursday when we spend the day at the track. I'm so looking forward to seeing a lot of friends there.

Thanks for continuing to check in. Remember to check in a week from Thursday when we give our good report from the doctors.

Love and gratitude......Linda

Sunday Evening In Florida.....March 30th, 2008

8 Days Left In Florida.......

Mrs. Wood is doing quite well.....walking up stairs instead of taking the elevator....working out....doing some clothes shopping.....soaking up sun.....having an appetite...everyone here is amazed at how good she looks.

Next step: Tomorrow Linda is dying her hair...so it will look like more hair...not a permanent dye but rather a wash in color. I pushed for pink...but it is a shade of brown.

We have a lot of dinner engagements this last week....then packing up for the trip back to Oregon.

Dave

Thursday Evening...In Florida...March 27th...2008

11 wonderful Florida days left!

Linda is doing well...still coughing from the chest cold or whatever it is..masking perhaps the previous cough. Her blood pressure/pulse cannot be better.....so much better. She is much more active and everyone thinks she looks good.

We finished preparations for the dinner for the Long Beach Grand Prix and all is posted on the forums and such. We are going to the St. Pete's event next week..but only Thursday to see driver friends and other folks. We are announcing our retirement from fan activites as of the Long Beach event....we are receiving much accolades for making this move. We will be attending a race or two in the future but from a "seat". It is time to rest.

Dave

Saturday Evening (Florida Time)......March 22, 2008

Not much new to report....16 days left in Florida.....we will miss it...

Linda is doing quite well (my observation)...she still gets fatigued and coughs a bit...but not as much as before....the chest cold or whatever it was seems to be clearing up. Her back still has pain from time to time...somewhat of a puzzle but could be due to sitting, etc.

After a week of sunshine and warmth....today it rained but was warm....we took a long nap and did not much else. Tomorrow we have dinner at a friend's house so we will get plenty of rest tonight.

We are working on the dinner in Long Beach...we have some exciting things planned and everyone will have a great "last" time. The dinner announcement will be posted on the 27th of March.

Dave

Wednesday Early Evening...Florida Time...March 19th, 2008

Today we have acted as if we were young again (ie..pre Linda's illness).

We drove....ran....raced...down to Sebring today to catch the prior Champ Car teams (3 of them) practice with the IRL cars they are now involved with....We walked...talked...and enjoyed our day....BUT..it was a long road back...and we still have a dinner date.....tomorrow we sleep in...except we have another dinner date tomorrow.

It was fun meeting drivers and race folks we knew..we felt part of things again....we plan on visiting with more folks before the St. Petes race and then we will be in full action in Long Beach.

What then? We think we might really retire....

Linda held up well today...worn out by a long day....but enjoyed the trip. See some pics below, including Linda with Jimmy Vasser...our favorite driver of all times....now a team owner and a great guy!

Dave

Monday Late Evening...Florida Time...March 17th, 2008

Just a short summary tonight.......

The sun and temperature have been grand! We are tanned and then again tanned!

Linda still has congestion and a cough.....a bit worrisome as we don't know where the hacky cough is as this cough might be masking the other cough....so who knows what to think. Her back has been bothering her...which gets our attention as to a "new symptom"....she has had back troubles from a fall on the ice years ago..and her remedies don't seem to work the last few days...so we worry a bit...but then again, today it was better......

Linda still is very tired....duh....she tries to do so many things....she needs to remember about the fatigue..some folks have told us it took them a year to get over it.

We go to Sebring on Wednesday to see our remainign racing teams getting ready with the IRL cars....and we are also working in Long Beach next month for the Champ Car final event before it is all IRL venues. I'll have pictures on the www.wood-eye.blogspot.com web site.

Dave

Friday Evening...Florida Time...March 14th, 2008

Sucky weather today..was supposed to be sunny and 75....it rained and was 60...BUT...got the bills paid and the shopping done...bring on good weather and 82 tomorrow.

I need help with this crazy woman....someone to tie her down...she has gone crazy on me...reminds me of the "old" Linda...it's scary. First she scubbed the shower...cleaned the grout on the tile in the house...worked out at 2.4 mph for 20 minutes...lifted weights...and the worst part is: she has a mind of her own again!...bad news!

Good news....Dave and Linda will be going to Long Beach and there will be an Inner Circle dinner...the announcement will come out the Thursday three weeks before the event. We are also close on being able to do other things too. ..look on a forum or www.wood-eye.blogspot.com for the announcements.

Dave

ps...Swee...folks are not getting thru on your email and have asked you to post it for folks in this comments section..thanks

Thursday Evening..Florida Time...March 13th, 2008

Thank you all for your best wishes today. I had a good day. I felt pretty energetic and the weather was beautiful. Dave treated me with a massage and a pedicure which felt great and we had a lot of pool time with friends. There were three people at the pool with a birthday today.

I was pretty worn out by the time we got home so when Dave suggested a romantic dinner out, I countered with the idea to a to-go pizza at home with candles on the table.

Dave just fixed me ice cream with fresh strawberries, so I'm going to enjoy it while we watch celebrity apprentice, and then I'm off to bed. I'm still suffering from my cold, so I need my rest!

Thanks again for all the comments and phone calls today. My phone battery wore out, I had so many calls

Love and gratitude.....Linda

Wednesday Evening....In Florida....Mrach 12th, 2008

Tomorrow...well almost today...is Linda's Birthday...March 13th

Tuesday Evening....Florida Time...March 11th, 2008

Janet flew off to Nebraska today....Linda still has a nasty cold.....there is less coughing....but the phlem is starting to break up...this is all good...we think.
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Linda will be a birthday girl Thursday....a young 62!

Dave

Monday Evening.....Florida Time...March 10th, 2008

Sister in law Janet's last night in sunny (?) Florida

Linda still has a nasty chest cold...so whether the antibiotics are working on her original cough is unknown.....perhaps in a day or two we will know.

Tomorrow Janet flies home to snowy Nebraska...today was a warm day in Florida..the rest of the week is supposed to be great.

Janet took us to dinner tonight....nice!

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It looks like Linda is trying to drink her way back to health..actually it's water!

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After coming home we played cards...Janet had a little trouble!

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Linda won again...of course!

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Dave

Sunday Evening...Florida Time...March 9th, 2008

Linda still has a cold...and hacking....we don't know if the hacking is separate from the previous coughing or...or...Linda is still on the antibiotic for the original cough...so who knows now what is causing what or?

A picture of Linda today...the "Lady in Red!"

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Nice weather today..clear but a wee bit cool.....tomorrow is warm and better.

Dave......

PS..the original "Lady In Red" by Vargas (note the similarities)

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Saturday Evening In Florida....March 8th, 2008

Linda has a cold today!....what energy she has is gone....she did take a walk but clearly has a drop in her limited energy. She's already in bed...we're hoping tomorrow is better for her.

Today we received sad news that Edith Santoro has passed away....a call from her daughter Nancy. Who was Edith?........Jimmy Vasser's number one fan and a great lady who attended Champ Car races in her 80's. She will be missed...always a favorite of Linda's...and many others.

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Now I guess Swee Hart is the new number one Jimmy fan. The above picture of Jimmy and Edith was taken at last spring's Portland testing.

Dave

Friday Evening In Florida....March 7th , 2008

Tonight I indicated to Linda that an indicator that's she's not doing as well as she should is that she lost at cards again tonight (she usually wins)....her only comment was "I thought you wanted to talk about something serious!".

Mrs. Wood continues to improve...appetite is up...hair is growing (slowly)......she feels eyelashes growing....she walked again today for exercise with Janet.

Yes...the cough is still there....not as bad today but she is taking antibiotics and cough medication...time will tell.

Severe thunderstorm and rain this late afternoon....toronado watch till 2 am.

Dave

Wednesday Evening.....Florida Time...March 5, 2008

Today we picked up Linda's sister in law Janet at the airport (after a side trip to COSTCO)....Janet will be viting us for a week here in sunny Central Florida.

Tonight Linda got a call from Susie, Linda's nurse practitioner at the Bend Memorial Clinic . She was checking on Linda and in particular the cough. A prescription of antibiotics will be tried and if the cough coninues to worsen, Linda will have a CT scan. She has one scheduled for April 9th, but if needed, one might be done earlier here in Florida or we might be flying home early for one to be done in Oregon.

As Linda says...it's not something we should worry about yet...the next step is to see how the antibiotics work...though we've had this cough in the backs of our minds for quite a while.

So Linda is going to enjoy Janet's visit and see what happens.

Dave

Monday Evening.....Florida time...March 3rd, 2008

A quick update...Linda is getting tanner....Linda is doing treadmill time every day....Linda is growing hair....and eyelashes....Linda's eyes are feeling better....Linda is still coughing.....Linda's sister in law Janet is coming Wednesday for one week to visit.....Dave is disappearing....one woman in the house is enough......they will have fun together.

Our neighbors in Oregon kindly sent us our battery charger for our camera...look for pictures in the near future.

We've had a series of great sunny "pool" days..tomorrow there is some rain and lightning coming.

Dave

Friday Evening...Florida Time...February 29th, 2008

Today's been a pretty good day for Linda...yesterday she was moaning over the fact she wasn't getting hair...and then...today she noticed eyelashes...1/16th of an inch...and a slight fuzz on top of her head....it's a start!

Linda did 2.4 miles per hour for 20 minutes on the treadmill...and some hot tub time as a reward. Tonight we're going out to dinner...celebrating the week.

This weekend will be getting warmer....so a lot of pool time....no chores to do..no business to do...just kick back and enjoy! That's what we like about Florida.

Dave

Thursday Evening...Florida Time...February 29th, 2008

Linda and I went shopping today and completed some chores as it was relatively cool again today....tomorrow it's supposed to warm up again. We cannot believe the clothing deals in Florida once again...the stores dump their stuff when they bring the new seasonal clothing in.....so the prices are great....prices we would not see in Oregon (Columbia, Nike, etc.).

Linda continues to improve...worn out a bit tonight as we also worked out again today...she is on her way...the cough still being a concern....tomorrow we will take it easy in the sun with an afternoon workout.

We have put together a proposal to do some Champ Car Inner Circle activities in Long Beach, including a dinner and all....we shall have to wait and see what the "powers to be" think of it....more news soon we hope.

Dave

Wednesday Night..Florida Time....February 27th, 2008

Linda got an email from her Oncologist in Oregon regarding the Florida XRAYS she had taken....he said: "It is hard to compare the x-rays directly because of technique. The abnormalities on the x-ray are in the exact distribution as the abnormalities on the x-ray from here. They are just more prominent. At this time unless you were more symptomatic I would no concerns and would not change any thing."

The only concern Linda has though is the persistent cough...and whether that is "more symptomatic"..she had the cough when he took the preliminary x-rays before she left Oregon. So she's not sure what to think at this point. I think she will trust all is ok and let the ctscan in April be the ultimate answer.

The good news is she is feeling like the 100% she felt last Sunday...there is no doubt in her mind that the beta blocker is holding her back....once that is gone she expects to feel sooooo much better.

Today we did some business as it was cold...and we had a very nice dinner and movie at friends' home..very nice...tomorrow it is cold again and we will do chores and shopping (and sleep in late!)

Dave

Tuesday Evening....Florida Time...February 26th, 2008

Linda's feeling 1/4 better than yesterday...1/2 of how she felt two days ago....so it's heading back in the right direction. Her cough still continues...no word yet from the doctors in Oregon...hopefully the XRAYs have/will arrive and they'll take a look and call her....I think she is quietly worrying about the cough.

What a day..started with some sun and warm...then late this afternoon.....it stormed..more than we've ever seen down here...strong winds....a lot of lightning/thunder...hard rain....and tornado warnings in effect until midnight. Tomorrow a cold front follows this storm and is in place for two days...so we head tomorrow to New Port Richey on the coast to do some business with the County...etc...etc.....a "work day".

Dave

Monday Late Evening...Florida Time...February 25, 2008

Not as good a day but OK...

Linda didn't feel nearly as good as yesterday...she is feeling that it has a lot to do with the heart medication she is taking...she is transitioning out of one and into another...and she feels the old one has not helped her feel better...she had to take one this morning as part of phasing out...and she thinks it's why she didn't feel as well.

So tomorrow she hopes to feel much better as she doesn't take the old medication for two more days.

Nice day today..warm...got a lot of "pool time". Tomorrow is supposed to be ok....Wednesday another small cold front moves through.

We both worked out...Linda did 20 minutes at 2 mph on the treadmill...what a champ!

Dave

Sunday Evening....Florida Time....February 24th, 2008

I'm tired and have a headache behind my dehydrated eyeballs, but other than that, I felt better today than I've felt in ages.

We spent a little time by the pool, went to the gym where I did 25 minutes of treadmill and bicycle and some free weights, came home where I mixed up some chocolate chip cookies, started some bread in the bread machine, and made some chicken vegetable soup. I even took Sadie for a short walk. It felt so good to feel well enough to do all that. Hopefully, I won't pay for it tomorrow. I think a lot of my improvement is my heart behaving itself and getting the pulse down.

My cough continues to concern me, but I will just have to wait till I get back to Oregon and have my cat scan.

Tonight is a busy TV night, so we'll see how long I last. Thanks for your continuing support and prayers.

Love and gratitude.......Linda

Saturday Late Evening...Florida Time...February 23rd, 2008

Not a bad day for Linda...the weather sucked!Linda did ok today...some of her "old habits" are returning ...it's good to see a bit of the "old Linda" again...she is still working with her pulse and all..but things are much better in that department.

The weather here was rainy today..and major thunderstorms...the NASCAR events in California suffered today because of the weather too....glad I'm not there (and sold my tickets).

Tomorrow is supposed to be better...need more "pool time".

We're working to see if we still might do our activities in Long Beach....even though there is no more Champ Car, per se...tune in for more information on that.

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Dave

Friday Evening....Florida Time...February 22, 2008

Champ Car is no more........

Today we learned that Champ Car is "merging" into the Indy Racing League (IRL)...so it is no more. This is hard to "reckon with"...something we have worked so hard to make successful over the years. Also it hurts to see so many great folks losing their jobs today...we hope many will find new careers that fit their needs....thank you Champ Car for some exciting years.....

One part of us says "let's see what's out there and where we can fit in"...the other side says "maybe it's time to rest a bit and see what life brings us"...whatever it is, it will be what's best for both of us.

Hey...a sunny day today.....nice and warm too.....had to go to the airport to pick up our neighbor and family....and then "pool time".

Linda is feeling better each day..it is great to see a smile on her face....she is still a ways from getting back on top but each day is a bit better. Linda feels for the folks working their hearts out at Champ Car....she also feels for the fans.....many of which have been her supporters from day 1 of her cancer....and she thanks each and every one for their support.

Someone asked about the Portland race....it is gone....(dang).

Dave

Thursday evening..Florida Time...Febuary 21, 2008

Today was much like yesterday.....

Lots of clouds today..sun poked through for a while..still warm...but we want sun!

Linda continues to improve...blood pulse was below 100...so good for that...she did get in the hot tub after the workout by both of us (she's still at 1.5 mph)...yesterday the hot tub was fine..today a bit hotter and Linda got a bit dizzy...she will watch that closer next time (or avoid the hot tub)...she also will get back on drinking more water.....

Tomorrow the rumor is that Champ Car will cease to exist.....we shall see.......

Dave

Wednesday Evening....Florida Time....February 20th, 2008

Not a bad day today.....

Linda felt much better today and even worked out! (1.5 mph on the treadmill......hey, it's a start!)

Crappy weather today...supposed to be sunny with some clouds and 78 degrees...BUT...it was cloudy all day and even rained a bit...and never got to 70 degrees! Tomorrow promises to be better...we're ready for "pool time!"

We mailed all the test results from yesterday to the Oregon Doctors and look forward to their perspectives......

Dave

Tuesday Evening...Florida Time...February 19th, 2008

Some new news......

Linda called her Internist today regarding her heart rate and all...she was told to go to an Urgent Care and get an EKG.....so off we went....

When we got to the Urgent Care...it was now a Diet Clinic...duh!

So amazingly...as we tried to figure out our next move, we went by a Doctor's Clinic.....and yes they did EKG's and all....

Linda's EKG showed a slight irregularity...in the "Q wave" (whatever that is)..but most likely was due to the medication she was taking...the doctor wanted to phase her off the medication she was taking and go back on the Toporol which reduces the blood pulse and all...so she plans on doing that and faxed everything to her Internist in Oregon to look at.

While at the Clinic Linda had another XRay done of her lungs as she still has the cough...the doctor said it was the "tumors" causing it...as they still have a presence (but have been irradiated and "chemoed" and all...we are sending the XRays to the Oncol,ogist in Oregon to look at...the Doctor also prescribed cough syrup for the cough.....

So maybe we are moving ahead..as Linda says..if she could get rid of the cough and the elevated heart rate, she might start feeling better....so today we took some "first steps" to make that happen.

Dave

Monday Evening....Florida Time...February 18th, 2008

Linda is calling her physician tomorrow as her pulse is high....still...and she has to stay inactive to keep it down....and she has followed the directions she continues to receive...so tomorrow she's going to be a bit more persistant...enough is enough.

Her eyeballs have yet to recognize the enhanced humidity in Florida which was to offer the miracle cure..so a call is going to the eye doctor tomorrow also.....

The good news is Linda is feeling well enough to start standing up for herself!

Some shots from the trip to the Daytona 500 yesterday including a visit with A.J. which some folks will appreciate (a driver once in the Champ Car series now in NASCAR with Red Bull).

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Dave

Sunday Night Late...February 17th

First time Linda has spent the day alone in over 7 months......and she did quite well....Mick and I left before 5 am for Daytona....and got back just before midnight....guess who was "waiting up".....and had done pretty good....

Saw A.J. and talked to him today.....even though he didn't get to race.....J.V. wasn't around...hear he lost his ride already....

Dave

Saturday Evening..Florida Time...February 16th, 2008

Tomorrow....4 am up...5 am head to Daytona....Daytona 500

Today 83 degrees..sunny!

Dave

Friday Evening...Florida Time...February 15th, 2008

What a day...it was sunshine and 78 degrees.....all day....
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Thursday Evening...Florida Time....February 14th, 2008

Happy Valentines day to you all everyone!

Dave and Linda

ps...She ate three (3) tacos tonight..a new world's record! (ooppss...she just said she ate one and then got another...I thought she was really into something there...she said: "I only eat two (2) when I'm healthy!".....I stand corrected..thought this was something big!

Wednesday Evening..Florida Time...February 13, 2008

Day 1 of Healing...post chemo ....

Linda did ok today....slept until 11 am...short trip out...I did some grocery shopping and all....she's very tired....the fatigue factor.....

Tomorrow isn't supposed to be very good weather...Friday it gets much better...Mick arrives from Seattle so we can get ready of the Daytona 500.

Linda and I decided that for the first time since this all started in June, we are going to do the blog on a more irregular schedule instead of every day..there just isn't enough to print....it will be.... got up.. went to pool..took a nap..took a dip..came home..took a nap...went to bed. Anyway we will report in once or twice a week...and if we haven't written anything new you can always leave a comment (or two) on the blog for her to read.

Dave

ps....we want a Champ Car season.....I'm getting soooo many emails wanting a season..let's just do it and have one...we promise to work harder!

Tuesday Evening...Florida Time...February 12th, 2008

Day 21 of 21 Days...we made it!

A long...long.....long day....and Linda survived it....her comment was "this chemo has really kicked my butt!".....she was a trooper...but got very tired. We had to get up at 3:30 am Pacific Time and flew...and flew...and flew....rough weather and all.

Linda is so glad to be here....is it warm and sunny.....NO!...it is raining cats and dogs...not cold but wet...wet...wet.....I think we will sleep of three days and then look outside again.

Champ Car is still in business today....we are so excited....everyday we hold our breathe....we want so much for our friends in Champ Car to still have jobs and all...so we are praying and all...hang in there.

Anyway Miss Linda is curled up on the couch with Sadie the Ladie..she says "HI!"

Dave

Monday Evening...February 11th, 2008

Day 20 of 21 Days......Linda is here:

It's past my bedtime since we have to get up at 3:30 am, but I promised Dave I would do the blog tonight. I'm dreading the long day tomorrow, but I'm anxious to be in Florida.

Today was an easy day over the pass. No snow on the roads or anything. We had rented a car to drive over which was a Prius. We got 55 mph so it shouldn't cost us much to refill in the morning.

We had dinner with daughter Janine and son Jim and wife tonight. We celebrated Janine's birthday which is this Saturday. It will be hard to say goodbye to the kids for two months. They've been such a support for me.

Love and Gratitude......Linda

Sunday Evening....February 10th, 2008

Day 19 of 21 Days...a busy day....

Today was a day of identifying what needed to go to Florida...packing and some cleaning (we hate to come back to a messy home). Linda did pretty good..stayed busy but took plenty of "rest stops"....of course we had to take a long break during the Daytona qualifying.....

I think Linda is getting better...many of the chemo side effects are behind her..although the fatigue will surely take a few months to disappear...as long as she paces herself, things should continue to improve.

We got some calls today from Champ Car "insiders" and fans...Linda was particularly excited about the fan calls as her dream was to see all the fans again in Long Beach and personally thank them for their kind words and prayers...it seems like a reality that our program might no longer exist as Champ Car looks like it might be gone. If this is true, we are very sad as we were working hard on creating another year of great dinners and tours and forums for fans. As to the why, we are being told the truth will be coming out shortly as to what will happen and why.....but whatever it is, we gave 100%...and dearly loved the work and the people we have been blessed to work with....who knows, an opportunity might present itself another day...enough said.

Tomorrow we get on the road...heading to Portland to do an early flight Tuesday to Florida and our home there.Tomorrow night Linda will be doing the BLOG..don't miss it....

Dave

Saturday Evening....February 9th, 2008

Day 18 of 21 Days....3 days to sunshine!

Linda had a "depressing" day...her emotions were always floating right near the surface...she cannot identify a specific reason for it..it happens once in a while....we think it is the length and the depth and the magnitude of what she's been up against. Sometimes this all "sneaks" up on her....it's a time for her to be gentle with herself...and for me to be gentle (er) with her too. Of course, making her watch all the NASCAR stuff today at Daytona most likely was the underlying cause (just kidding).

I'll be at the Daytona 500 race next weekend....Linda gave up her ticket to brother Mick....last year she gave it up to brother Darron....you'd think she doesn't care about not going (it's true.....she's an open wheel ONLY fan).

Tomorrow is our last day at home for two months...so it'll be a day of packing and all...and a bit of final cleaning. Monday morning we pick up our car rental and head to Portland for a very early Tuesday am flight.

Dave

Friday Evening....February 8th, 2008

Day 17 of 21 Days....Linda's "getting there"....."slowly".....

Not much new to report today....no major things happened..pretty much low key day....Linda is still moving forward in "small increments"....that's good news, if you will. Her eyes continue to bother her and she's hoping a "change in climate" will help..as the doctor indicated it would.

Two more days and we head north for the airport.....we're getting emails from sunny Florida telling us the weather is nice...can't wait.

We're also getting emails regarding Champ Car...lots of rumors adrift...we are only going on what we were told recently "business as usual".....we are working on the fan dinners, tours and all...getting ready for another great program for the fans......

Dave

Thursday Evening....February 7th, 2008

Day 16 of 21 Days...a "touch bit" better day.....

You can always tell when Linda is feeling a "touch bit" better......she gets tasky! And today was a day when she was in the office "going after it". BUT.....she missed her office chair (it's on rollers) at one moment as she was in her "taskiness"...and fell....hitting her tailbone...she survived it but recognized she needed to be more careful as she gets her energy back...and not rush things....a "hard" lesson.

Son Jeff came over for dinner and cards....."Yours truly" won both games...a first!...must be a result of my attentiveness to Linda...and now attentiveness to the cards!

Jeff and Linda (and Sadie "the Lady")
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The winning hand (above) and the winning player (below)

3 more days and it's time to head north to fly to Florida!

Dave

Wednesday Evening...February 6th, 2008

A "surge" in the works....."no" not in Irag....in the Wood household........

Linda has a bit if a "surge" in terms of feeling better today..a "surge" is more than a "bit" but more needed. She is still experiencing weakness when she tries to do something...she feels if her heart rate can be controlled...it is much of the problem...but we remember a lot of this heart rate stuff is "chemo" related.

We took a trip to the "eye doctor" today...he said the eyeballs continue to be "chapped" by the chemo....he inserted something into each eye which is supposed to have each eye retain more tears and thereby keep the eyeball moist...this last 5-7 days..he was excited to hear she was heading to Florida where the climate is more humid..thereby assisting the eyes......she also has some new medication to put in at night and uses eye drops multiple times per day.

That's about it..we spent a lot of the day running around doing business as we are gone next week....tonight it was off to bed early for two tired "Woodses". Tomorrow "no where we have to go"....great!

Dave

Tuesday Evening....Super Tuesday...February 5th, 2008

Day 14 of 21 Days..Super Tuesday but she "ain't" too "super".

Linda is "sorta" stuck...like in the last cycle, there isn't any improvement...she's "stuck on a feeling"...like the song by the same name...her eyes aren't improving either.

I know if we went to the Clinic, they'd say "it's the chemo, stupid"...or "it's the chemo punies"...she's sticking it out...knowing it will be slooowwww. Tomorrow Linda goes to get her eyes checked out...that will help her a bit.

Tonight was the cancer support group..but Linda doesn't have the extra whatever it is...to go....too worn out...

Anyway...it's about patience and time....and thanks for the "comments"...Linda read all again today!

Dave

Monday Evening......February 4th, 2008

Day 13 of 21 days.....a "stuck" day......

Linda didn't feel any improvement today and it affected her emotionally.....she wants so much to be better...and it will take time.....but emotionally it is tough on her.....having no doctor visits or workshops or the such to attend today was both a blessing and perhaps a curse....this being not busy sometimes sets Linda up with too much time on her hands and allows saddness to come up. That is one reason why the comments in the BLOG are so important as she reads them religiously...9 last night!

The eyes are feeling not so good again....so Linda has a meeting with the Opthalomologist again on Wednesday...she felt improvement for a while but things went back to worse....

Anyway the weather is supposed to start warming a bit....hopefully the trip to the airport next week will be a "non event"....the snow has been so tough on travel and road closures and avalanches and all.

Dave

Sunday Evening..Super Bowl...February 3, 2008

Day 12 of 21 Days...Another "bit better day"...here's the "star" to relate the details:

Dave is excited. His Giants won! I didn't really care, so I didn't get too wound up.

It snowed again off and on all day. I'm ready for a break from it and don't want to have a problem in a week when we have to get over the pass to fly to Florida. Boy, am I ready for that sun!

I did feel better today. I don't feel so emotional which really helps and I'm less weak than a couple days ago, too. The nice thing about it now is that I know there's no reason for me to go backward, so each day forward, I should just keep feeling better. For a while I was worried I wouldn't have the energy to pack for the trip and would need a wheelchair at the airport, but I just may make it on my own after all.

Thanks for all the great comments. You guys bring me to tears (happy ones) with all your supportive comments. We're almost at the end!

Love and gratitude.....Linda

Saturday Evening....February 2nd, 2008

Day 11 of 21 Days..........a "little bit better".....

Linda felt pretty bad again starting the day.....her blood pressure was down....so it was "drink water" and "eat small but frequently"...so by the end of the day Linda admits to feeling a bit better....hopefully tomorrow will continue with the "bit betters". We continue to watch the blood pressure to prevent dizziness and a repeat of a bad situation a few weeks ago.

It snowed all day...so we did what we said we were going to do: "hunker down"....

Dave

Friday Evening....February 1, 2008

Day 10 of 21 Days....if my "numbers" are good..why do I feel so bad?...it's the "chemo" dear........

Linda went to the Clinic today and got her mid-cycle checkup...her numbers are really pretty good (blood counts, etc).....but she feels like C-R-A-P! Nurse Practitioner Susie repeated herself again by saying (for the 100th time)...it's the C-H-E-M-O!.....anyway Linda feels pretty much exhausted...it is the fatique taking its toll. Linda did 2000 ml of liquid by infusion to try to "bulk up" for the weekend.

Not much else happened today as everything is "weathered" and cancelled....

This weekend we are going to "hunker down" and do a lot of nothing....watch the Super Bowl of course...actually next week is going to be somewhat quiet..not many trips to Bend as in past weeks....we must be doing something better......

Dave

Thursday Evening....January 31st, 2008

Day 9 of 21 Days.....the weather changed things around today.....

Lots of snow today...canceling things...changing priorities around..more changes due to weather tomorrow.

Today Linda officially became a Social Security recipient....her benefits start in April....$184 per month! Not much to shout about but she's in! They even had an armed guard at the entrance to the Social Security office! Everyone was so serious.....we both came to the conclusion that the security guy was the most frightening thing about the whole works....one would have thought that all the Social Security money was stored in that office....

Then I dropped Linda off at the cancer treatment center at the hospital while I went to counceling...which was another good session..we mutually agreed to start the EDMR program upon our return from Florida as anxieties are linked to prior events in one's life and we have spent a bit of time sorting all that out...As I left, the counselor wished me a great trip and said "have a wonderful time living in the present".......a great comment for preventing anxieties about "what might happen"....and my focus...

Whe I returned to the cancer center, Linda had done a Reiki session....because of the weather, our Reiki sessions had been cancelled for the afternoon, but Rosemary...who has been our biggest help through all this "stuff" had decided to personally do a session with Linda...which was great as Linda is in a very emotional state.....and very weak....so "thank you's" to Rosemary for taking this time out of her day....she is a very wonderful, nuturing friend.

Rosemary also decided to do the Reiki training today as tomorrow's weather will most likely cancel our support session with her as well as the original plan for the training . We are now level one Reiki practitioners.....with a focus at the moment on treating ourselves....and I can treat Linda...her condition is such that she is the focus....we are excited......

Anyway a good day today....both of our blood pressures are much better (mine down...Linda's up)....tomorrow we get dog Sadie examined again for diet and then on to Bend to have Linda checked by Susie, the Nurse Practitioner at the Clinic.....Linda thinks she will need an infusion of liquids so we will be there a while. this is scheduled to be Linda's last such visit after 7 months...a milestone!

Linda is going to be on the "emotional rollercoaster" for a while....we also figured out that perhaps the heating blanket she has been using has dried her eyes out by the heat radiation up into her face...so no more of that...we are getting "smarter" every day.....

Dave

Wednesday Evening....January 30th, 2008

Day 8 of 21 Days......Florida here we come!

A day off today.....we both worked out faithfully......time on the tredmill and then some free weights.....

Linda thought she felt better this morning but that disappeared as the day went along as she most likely is starting to be somewhat neutropenic......her emotions were pretty close to the surface....a nap midafternoon did help a bit. She's currently watching the Trailblazers play basketball on TV...if they do well she will surely feel better (hopefully!)....she is known to yell at the TV when they are not playing well (really!)....at the moment they are ahead (whew!).

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Tomorrow is a busy day...Linda is setting up her social security as I mentioned earlier with with a morning appointment...then I have a counseling session...then Reiki for the two of us....Son Jeff is coming for dinner tomorrow night.......a long day........

Dave

Tuesday Evening......January 29th, 2008

Day 7 of 21 days....a day of appointments.....

First, Linda met with her internist to discuss medications...in particular the heart medications.....once the chemo effects are gone....she got some clear direction as things will change as the chemo effects and their impacts wear off. The internist said things will change including the slowing of her heart rate.....so Linda feels now as if she has a plan.....she was on heart medication prior to the chemo and radiation so she wants to be prepared....and now she is.

I visited the dermatologist...and got a surprise...the rash and scaly spots I have were caused by the beta blocker medication I was taking (I emphasize "WAS")...so now I am on a steroid cream for two weeks...glad to get that figured out...I also have a basal or squamous cancerous spot...it is now on its way to the "lab' for testing...one has to be removed immediately....the other no hurry..

We really emphasize the need for checks by the dermatologist every six months......we have two sons who refuse....the prices one may pay can be severe.

Tomorrow is a day off....Linda can rest her "weary bones"...she is over the "bone pain" for the most part and no nausea this round.....now it's just getting over the fatigue....tomorrow....nothing to do for her!

Dave

Monday Evening.....Janaury 28th, 2008

Cycle 4...Day 6 of 21 Days....

Linda is having a bit less "bone pain" today....it should start tapering off....and she enters the "slide" into neutropenia (by day 10).....that's basically low blood counts for the lay person....time of weakness....infection prone....etc..... Linda still is worn out and has some bothersome heart burn...which comes and goes the past few months.....and she is a "trooper".

Dave got a good report from the internist today...he liked the way I was managing the hypertension....after looking at my blood pressure/heart rate records I keep.....it's been a lot about my commitment to diet, exercise, counseling, breathing, quiet music, etc, etc. The doctor even wants me to lower the medications to see the effect....if everything stays in control then I can use less meds..which I like. I just want to stay out of the 140's all the time (and absolutely no more 150's or 160's)(thankfully I've not seen any 190's or 200's since the beginning)......

Our plans: head to Florida in two weeks at the end of Linda's last cycle...to start the healing in earnest....then we return the 8th of April (so two months in the sun) and on the 9th she does a CT scan of the chest and abdomen...on the 10th the results are discussed with both the medical and radiologist oncologists....so we will know where things stand (for at least that period of time)...

We do plan on doing the Long Beach Grand Prix...the program this season will be the same basic program as last year with a few interesting twists here and there.....Because of the closeness of the Houston GP to Long Beach, Marilyn and John will cover that event....it also has so much walking involved, we didn't want to press our luck with Linda. We then will slowly pack the motorhome in preparation for a trip to Laguna Seca (Linda's favorite track).

Champ Car is great in their support (of the program and Linda's health issues) so it will be a good year for the fan program....

Tomorrow Linda meets with her Internist to discuss her blood pressure issues that proceeded the cancer....she wants to know how to manage things as the body starts getting back to normal from the chemo and radiation. I am visiting the dermatologist.

Dave

Sunday Evening.....Janaury 27th, 2008

Day 5 0f 21 days....Cycle 4....

I had another hard time getting to sleep last night, but once midnight came, I seemed to sleep the rest of the night through. We both stuck close to home, and did our exercises in the work out room. We took our naps, too.

It snowed quite a bit earlier, too. They're predicting more snow over the next two days, which concerns me as son Jim and wife Jenn are driving here over the pass tomorrow.

I'm still having bone pain which will probably continue a couple more days. The nice thing is to realize that when all these side effects are over, I don't have to face them again since this is my last cycle. Another couple of weeks and we'll be packing to recuperate in warm Florida. I can hardly wait.
Love and gratitude.....Linda

Saturday Evening...Janaury 26th, 2008

...Another quiet day....day 4 of 21....

Linda got up for breakfast and then slept again until almost noon.....she has kept a "low profile" today....doing some reading and watching the Rolex 24 (8 hours on TV today..another 8 hours tomorrow).....it was fun to watch some of our favorite drivers (new and old) in action....

Side effects continue but not severe......we watch the water intake very closely as in the first cycle she passed out from dehydration (so they think).....anyway lots of water....just in case.

Dave

Friday Late Evening...January 25th, 2008

Linda checked off another day....day 3 of 21

Linda did pretty good today...some new "bone pain"....dehydrated "eyeballs" and "metallic" taste (from the chemo)....so not so bad to have made it through that.....

Friends Deb and Don brought dinner tonight and we played cards.......one "good deal" with Linda's side effects.....she finally lost a game...she usually wins!
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Don and Deb...with Sadie and Linda

Linda spent some of the day getting tax materials prepared with financial statements and financial summaries...she did struggle a bit with "chemo brain"..normally she is pretty sharp on the book work stuff.
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Linda at the book work...also her new head covering from the hospital..she loves it.....I think it is a bit dorky..but it is warm!

Dave.....

Thursday Evening....January 24th, 2008

11 comments on last night's BLOG...a new world's record!

Linda felt pretty good today...we think part of it is due to her heartrate being down below 100...maybe her fast heartrate of the past few weeks added to her not feeling well.....it's like she is running a marathon all the time.....the doctor seems to be reluctant to do anything...most likely because the chemo is affecting things and it needs to be behind her to deal with the pulse and pressure. Linda did call the doctor today and scheduled and appointment for next week to discuss it again.

Linda did Reiki today.....a bit different experience as she had difficulty breathing out...I've experienced this same discomfort.....it leads to a different perspective...all of which is beneficial in some way....not clear to her yet.

Tomorrow is a "day off"...no trips to the doctors or...or. Friends are coming over tomorrow night for dinner...we look forward to the visit. Then another weekend...we are usually in Florida attending the Rolex 24 at Daytona.....we'll be watching it on TV rooting for Gainsco #99....Jimmy Vasser!

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Last year's pictures from the Rolex 24........

Dave

Wednesday Evening.....January 23rd, 2008

Hooray! Today I had my FINAL chemo treatment! What an accomplishment. I wasn't sure I'd ever get to this point. Give yourselves a pat on the back, because I recognize how much you all helped to get me here. I know I still have to get through the next three weeks, and there will probably be some challenges, but at least at the end of those three weeks, I will start my recovery. The doctor lowered my dosage a little today as he's concerned about the tingling in my fingers and toes. He was worried that if he kept the dosage full strength, the tingling may be permanent.

I'm going to miss all the gals in the infusion room. Every one of them is special, and so giving to each patient. I had two visitors today which always helps to pass the time. Pastor Paul came and we had a good talk about faith. I told him I still believed in my dream and appreciate so much how much my faith is helping me get through this journey. Son Jeff also came to visit for a while before he had to go to work. I always enjoy any time I can get with family. I don't know what I'd do without their support either. I'm so fortunate!

We are planning on going to Florida as soon as this cycle is over and coming back the 8th of April, have a cat scan on the 9th, and then see the doctor on the 10th. Hopefully, he will have wonderful news for me. Then we plan to see a lot of you at the Long Beach Grand Prix. I'm planning to be in pretty good form by then, although I'll still be pretty bald, so I'll be wearing my wig.

Thanks for sharing this exciting moment with me......Linda

Tuesday Evening...January 22nd, 2008

Dave's day today......

I tried to have Linda do the BLOG tonight.....not successful......she promises tomorrow night.......

Tomorrow Linda does her 4th and final chemo infusion....she is excited to "finally see the end of the tunnel"...it has been a long, long 7 months.....my only hope is that this cycle is easier than this past one.....it may be impacted by the tingling in her fingers and toes...which may modify the dosage in this final chemo. Susie, the Nurse Practitioner said the Oncologist would discuss this with Linda as this tingling can be permanent, particularly when it goes down the fingers...causing them to back off the dosage in the last cycle....we shall see....on one hand Linda wants the " full dose" but again she doesn't want the symptoms for the rest of her life.......

Linda was "caregiver" today as I had my colonoscopy.....all was normal....we think the symptoms that gave rise to the recommendation for such a test was the conglomeration of medications I had been receiving for the hypertension....anyway...glad to have that behind me. Tomorrow I do the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which I described earlier as a way to have the brain process trauma and anxiety in a different way...reducing stress and anxiety.....which will assist me in lowering the blood pressure....I do want say though I have been working very hard and the numbers have been significantly down for the most part (sometimes it gets a bit out of control). Reiki, closed eye processes, meditations, affirmations, workshops, counseling, etc, etc are all worth the effort.

Linda is having a number of "guests" in during her chemo which will last 5-6 hours...so I will slip out for an hour for my procedure.

I think Linda looked good today..such a change from the last few days...the fear was driving her and to have the blood test yesterday really helped ease her mind.....her emotions aren't as close to the surface as in the past week....and she is looking much stronger...ready for tomorrow!

Dave

Monday Evening...Martin Luther King Holiday...January 21st, 2008

Cleared to continue.....

Linda called the Clinic first thing this morning and was scheduled to come in immediately for a blood test...and possible transfusion.....

The good news is that Linda's tests showed she was in good shape...and could have started the fourth chemo cycle immediately.....but all agreed she needed a couple more days to recoup! Why does she feel so bad and emotionally drained...."chemo punies"......it is the cumulative effect of the cycles so far and time is the "healer".....emotionally she wants it over...and it "ain't over yet".

So there was no need to do anything...she could have done an infusion of liquids but she has been drinking water religiously.....so no need to do that.

So home we came....and Wednesday Linda will start her last chemo cycle....and 21 days later we plan on heading to some warm Florida weather.

I've got some medical tests tomorrow so no eating today....not a lot of fun...that's about all I'm saying.....

Dave

Sunday Evening....January 20th, 2008

A weaker day today....

Linda hasn't had a good day today.....she is getting weaker and is going to get things checked in the am tomorrow...we don't know what the holiday will mean in terms of the Clinic being open...or if the doctors are working....we shall see. Linda thinks it is anemia causing the weakness and we are concerned as she is not feeling better as she should within this cycle of chemo.

The weather is supposed to "tank" tonight in terms of temperature....colder for a few days than in at least 4 years. It also snowed all day today.

.

Dave

Saturday Evening...January 19th, 2008

A rather quiet day today......

Today Linda's cousin, "Dr. Ron" stopped by on his way from Eugene to a presentation he was making to a group of Physicians tomorrow morning in Bend....it was good to see him as Linda has a lot of trust and faith in him and uses him from time to time to check in on what is going on for her.....and today was no exception. He has a calming tone that brings comfort to her....
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The remainder of the day was a quiet one....with a good nap and good homemade chicken soup for both of us.....we are eagerly looking forward to 8 pm as it will be time to "turn in".

Linda promises to call the clinic Monday to check on getting a "blood check" for anemia...my fears are if she waits till Wednesday and they find out she is...they might set things back.....better to find out early. It might be part of the reason for the higher pulse. Linda's eyes are improving with the medication.
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Dave

Friday Evening.......January 18th, 2008

I appreciate the request for me to write more often, and truly I wish I had the energy to, but most evenings I just don't. So I appreciate Dave filling you in on what's happening. Maybe I should write in the morning once in a while, as that seems to be my best time of the day.

Dave and I did another group session today dealing with stress and making positive intentions for the new year. Of course, my most important intention is to become well. After the session, we stopped to get Dave a flu shot. We definitely need to keep him well, too.

Yesterday, after I had my Reiki session, my instructor told me she could see a lot of love coming from the universe in support of me. That is all of you pulling every day for me. I feel so blessed to have you all in my support. Thanks for all your prayers and the cards that continue to come in the mail. Believe me, it all helps to get me through my darker hours.

Love and gratitude.....Linda

Thursday Evening.......January 17th, 2008

An interesting day today......

Linda went to the eye doctor....opthamologist.....after much testing...he indicated her eyes were like a windshield with the wiper blades screeching across with no fluid...in other words because of the chemo...there is not enough fluid produced to have the blinking working without the painful results.

So Linda is on a 7 day anti inflammatory program.....drops three times a day....and also further drops of a non anti inflammatory as needed.

We then went and did a session of Reiki each...it was most restful and healing. Tomorrow we discuss whether to do more sessions or focus on learning how to do Reiki on each other....

Tomorrow it's also back to the hospital for another workshop on stress management and relaxation.....

Linda is having a better day...she's not "back all the way" but doing much better...this round was much more difficult in terms of wearing her down.

Dave

Wednesday Evening.....January 16th, 2008

Somewhat of a quiet day..........

Today we went to the Doctor and Dentist...me to the Doctor...Linda to the Dentist..........

When we came home we both took a long nap.......

And that was our day......boring...Linda is feeling a bit more energized but one can tell this cycle has her more worn down...it's that cumulative effect they talk about....one more to go....

BUT..I finally got the IPOD working I bought for Linda (for meditations and soothing music).....the problem...I didn't have the newest version of ITUNES on the computer...DUH!...tomorrow I will load some great stuff for her on HER IPOD!

Tomorrow Linda goes to the eye doctor and we both do Reiki at the hospital..

Dave

That's about it

Tuesday Evening......January 15th, 2008

A long day today..but a pretty good one.....

Linda seems to have some energy back although her eyes are bothering her (doctor on Thursday to deal with that)......the signal was when I found her in the kitchen baking for tonight's get to gether..a sure sign she is feeling a bit more energized.

I did my counseling session today...we didn't start on the program as intended as we spent the time trying to figure out where to start.....it was more about diving into the anxieties and how they show up and all. Next week we start.....

I actually had a pretty good day too....exercised....stayed low key....napped....breathed...etc....etc.

Tonight we went to the cancer support dinner and mixed with other cancer folks and caregivers...we wish there had been more of them there but it takes a while to get the information out..see how long it took us....Linda thought is was productive but came home plenty tired...

Talk about tired..we have a doctor's appointment early and Linda has a dentist appointment..so this is what there is for tonight...good night!

Dave

Monday Evening.....January 14th, 2008

Today was our only all day home day for the week. I'm actually glad to be having places to go, as I admit to getting a little bored and lonely, just hanging out at home. It was warmer than usual out but very windy, so we didn't venture outside. We both worked out on the treadmill to get our exercise.

My eyes starting burning yesterday, so I called to get an appointment with an ophthalmologist on Thursday. I sure hope it is something simple, as I don't need another problem in my life right now.

I feel like my blood levels are finally on the rise, so I should start feeling more energy (which will probably help rid me of my boredom).

Thanks again for hanging in here with me. Love and gratitude.....Linda

Sunday Evening....January 13th, 2008

...All the underdogs won today in football....we are still moaning the loss by Seattle though...and the Trailblazers lost in double overtime in basketball in Toronto....

Linda is feeling a bit better today...which is a great sign that she is moving up from the neutropenia....my hope is that in a couple of days she will be back on top for the last week of this third cycle....her blood pressures haven't been too bad either.

This week will be a busy week with our first meeting in support groups..we have dinner and then split into discussions among caregivers and discussions among cancer patients. We also are doing more Reiki this week as well as my therapy sessions...and then Friday it will be another session on breathing and stress reduction for both of us.

My blood pressure seemed pretty high today...and accelerated when I became active in any way. I have a meeting with my primary Doctor on Wednesday and hope to get some things squared away. Today I laid down and listened to some affirmations and imagery...and woke up two hours later...even Linda had to come up and see if I was alright..what a role reversal. She is so caring. My intention for yesterday was to let go of doubt (actually self doubt holding me back) and creating peace for my self today. Today I didn't really come up with anything (is there such a thing as off on Sundays...I guess not)...today was a day of creating "quietness" for myself...it was letting go of "having to do something"...I think Linda adopted the same idea....she's been pretty quiet today.....napping...reading...napping...

We look forward to a better week and some of the planned activities lined up for us....we feel at the end of the week we will be so much wiser and healthier.

Dave

Saturday Evening...January 12th, 2008

....Not a good day for the Seahawks......

Linda has had a pretty quiet day today...she's feeling only "fractionally" better...still pretty weak...we hope to avoid any infections while she is this neutropenic....I went and got the antibiotics just in case from the druggist....hopefully by Monday she will have bounced back.

I've spent a very "low key" day...seems like all my phone calls today were bad news....so I took extra efforts not to get the blood pressure out of control....took a walk around and around the culdesac.....couldn't walk down the street as it is still icy......the fresh air was wonderful.

Linda's friend, Debbie, sent dinner over again....very nice....and tasty....makes my cooking look pretty weak...thanks again!

Dave

Friday Evening....January 11th, 2008

Yesterday was a day of learning..."ah ha's"...today was a tender day

Linda and I had to get up early for the Clinic appointment..no laying around this morning.....during the blood tests and fluids infusion, Linda became very emotional...and it didn't take long to figure out what was causing that...she is clearly neutropenic....very much so...the fluid infusions actually work on the blood pressure issues but also add to the neutropenia....and when one has those blood counts...emotions are not far away.

As Linda was getting the fluids, I met my commitment to walk for 15 minutes.....a start on some meaningful exercise...I found many "paths" within the clinic to travel, getting in the time. I also this morning had adopted an "intention statement" like we do in Wings.....like an affirmation....mine today was: "I am letting go of worry and creating trust for myself today"...and it worked!

I was being supportive without fusing..not stressing...trusting that what Linda was going through was normal and expected and her care would be what she needs.

I also took a nap for the first time...wrapped in blankets with gentle music....that was great too.

Linda has had a low key day...understanding where she is at in the process and that this is "day 10"...which is her "low point"....tomorrow hopefully she will start working her way "back up the hill" and by Monday she should be on the mend within this cycle. She is suffering from tingling and numbness in her fingers..it has gone down the fingers which is something they pay attention to...in the finger tips is expected but they cannot guarantee it will go away..particularly if it goes down the fingers...it might affect the chemo in the last cycle....so she will be discussing it with the Oncologist on the 23rd......on one hand, one wants to complete the treatment..on the other hand the "tingling and numbness".....she will make the right decision..whatever it is.

Tonight she is doing much better....calm and quiet.....I made her some homemade soup today...I did...I did...and she liked it. And my pressure seems to be ok...I am not measuring it yet as that by itself creates a bit of anxiety.

The challenge is now the weekend...we feel disconnected from our support system on weekends.....although some have given their home numbers (what a great group of caring people)...we'll just get into all the football games (can you see Linda doing that?) and it'll be over quickly....and a few affirmations and breathing will help.

Dave

Thursday evening....January 10th, 2008

....a different day.....

Today Linda woke with a low blood pressure and a high pulse.....so we called her doctor (who wasn't in yet) and the Oncology folks.....they had us come in to do a blood test and perhaps an infusion of liquids....we then found out Linda's doctor was going to be at the main clinic in the afternoon.

So off we went.

Linda's blood makeup wasn't too bad but her pressure was low...she got faint as they were doing the needle insertion which caused a momentary stir. Anyway they then put her in the infusion room and administered intravenous liquids. and her doctor checked on her through her nurse.

We were scheduled for Reiki sessions at the hospital so I went over to participate...Linda stayed at the clinic because of the infusion.

My experience in Reiki was much different than the first one..it took quite a while for my jaw to relax and my fingers to straighten out..my breathing never did get smooth, etc. etc. The practitioner spoke to her visions during the session, one of which was whether I had a separate hobby as she saw me working with wood...to which my response was that Linda and I did pretty much everything together...from there it was clear to me that Linda and I are "fused"..that is, what affects her affects me which affects her which affects me. Her experience in the morning I found scary and it affected my health. Anyway there is much more but that's the basic idea.

We went home and will go back tomorrow am for another checkup for Linda and more fluids if needed.

Tonight my blood pressure exploded upward...why I don't know...it has now settled down but scary....and a headache all day hasn't helped...and I don't get headaches...these headaches have come and gone for a few weeks now..but today's was pretty significant...and started before we got up this morning.

So not such a good day...

Dave

Wednesday Evening....January 9th, 2008

We laid low today with no meetings, doctor visits, etc., etc......

Linda laid low with a high pulse and fatigue...I laid low with high blood pressure....what a couple we make. Linda is calling her doctor again tomorrow if the pulse stays elevated...it scares me a bit which is not good for the blood pressure. The fatigue can be attributed to being in the early part of this chemo cycle...Friday is a visit to the nurse practitioner (Susie) to see how things are going.

Tomorrow we look forward to another relaxing and healing Reiki session for each of us.

Dave

Tuesday Evening....January 8th, 2008

A slow day today but a quick trip to Bend tonight.....

Both Linda and I wrestled with high blood pressure issues today...so we started out pretty slow...her doctor wanted to let things be for a couple of days...mine immediately put me back on one of my previous blood pressure medicines...mine was a bit higher and not influenced by cancer.

The good news today is we tackled the medical bills....and got most all handled....we have good insurance but still there are co pays and this got paid wrong...and...and.

Tonight we went to Bend and St. Charles hospital for the dinner presentation on diet and cancer. We almost stayed home as the weather report in Bend was bad...but we had "good" weather in Sisters...so we decided to go..it was a bit dicey in Bend itself...but with a little care it was alright.

The dinner was very nutritious....a good chili and a good salad with plenty of fixings.....that was the idea. A nationally known nutritionist spoke and presented some very interesting stuff...even for non cancer folks....

Such as......

3/4 of your plate should be covered with plant food.

Eat a "rainbow" of plant food.

Focus on adding healthy foods rather than cutting out unhealthy foods.

Be creative in adding plant foods...vegetables....fruit...whole grains....legumes (beans)....nuts...seeds.

Take it one step at a time...don't try to change it all overnight.

Choose foods that nourish both your body and your spirit.

And there is much more...we did enjoy the presentation and plan on following up on the many web sites for recipes, etc etc.

This is Linda being very "studious" at the presentation.
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Linda got a bit tired tonight so we got home and immediately to bed. I found this picture in my camera of granddaughter Jillian and Grandma Linda taken just before Jillian left after Christmas...Jillian turned 10 yesterday...Happy Birthday to you!
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Dave

Monday Evening....January 7th, 2008

A different kind of day.......

We didn't get up too early today....Linda slept hard and long...good for her. She wrestled with a high pulse today but stayed ahead of the bone pain til late in the day....tonight her blood pressure is up a bit but her pulse is fine.....Friday she gets her mid cycle checkup.

I seemed to have an off day..high blood pressure for most of the day..couldn't get it to stay down. ...also had some bothersome side issues to worry about.....

We spent time with the counselor today...and are scheduled back next week. She is going to use a method of psychotherapy called EMDR ......Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing....it is a method to relieve distresses including anxiety and stress. EDMR is hard to explain but it basically has an effect on the way the brain processes information. .....where anxiety and stress causes the brain to not process information as it would do ordinarily, EDMR sets up for normal information processing by the brain. Another way of stating it is after therapy, the person sees disturbing things in a new and less distressing way.

That's about what we understand at this point.....hey.... if it works....we're in!

Tomorrow night we go to St. Charles for a dinner and a presentation on diet and cancer....

Linda's brother Marlin had a surgical procedure today as he had chest pains....his blood pressure has caused parts of his heart to enlarge and damaged his kidneys....they hope to have him on proper medications to prevent further damage.......our thoughts are with him.....but again, he is cranky enough to outlast us all. As he says...with age, you're going to get "something"......looks like he found his "something".

Our Oregon neighbors have been enjoying our Florida home as we were not able to be down there as we normally would...they are having a good time and called us today....we are just not used to this cold weather....we can't wait till cleared to travel to Florida...hopefully by February 12th.....

Dave

Sunday Evening...January 6th, 2008

Not a bad day again.......

Of course we "laid low" again today....Linda stayed ahead of the "bone pain" and I watched my blood pressure....

Our neighbors from across the creek came over for dinner tonight and we had a pleasant visit....

Tomorrow we work with the counselor to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the whole cancer regimen.....we are looking forward to it...each new experience will help reduce the arduous journey this has been......

What about those Tampa Buccaneers today?.......What?????? They lost???????
.

Dave

Saturday Evening...January 5th, 2008

No much new to report.......

Today we have been "low key"...it's the weekend and we want no excitement on weekends. Linda is doing pretty good today...a bit of the expected "bone pain" has started today but the steroids have been terrific and she has taken pain pills only once. She has had no nausea either.

Linda's friend Debbie brought over some great home made vegetable soup......terrific!. We had a nice visit too.

Please note the Seahawks won today.......

Dave

Friday Evening....January 4th, 2008

Not a bad day.......

We went to the St. Charles IMPROVE YOUR LIFE! workshop today...we spent the time learning about stress management and the use of relaxation techniques. for a sense of well being. This workshop continues every other week on Fridays. We learned a lot about breathing as the key to the process in a one on one last week...but today brought it all together.

So yesterday's Reiki and today's session on stress management are building blocks to improve our well being. Next week will bring counseling on anxiety and a dinner evening with the theme of diet and exercise.

Dave

Thursday Evening.......January 3rd

Much done today.....

Today started with the dog's (Sadie's) turn at the doctor for a follow up check up..she did well...BUT.....because she has the crystals/stones problem and a skin allergy problem, we had to go back to the EXPENSIVE dog food......maybe we will have her work it off...somehow (but she's a bad watchdog)....

Linda and I did our first Reiki session at the hospital...it was very relaxing..we are signed up for two more sessions in the next two weeks and then they are going to show us how to do it for each other...it lowered my blood pressure for sure....

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Tomorrow Linda and I are attending a Stress Management and Relaxation Session at the hospital...we are jumping into an assortment of classes and sessions to support what is going on..we need all the help we can get.

Monday we are back into anxiety counseling..and we'll be doing that for a while.....and we also are joining the support group of cancer patients and caregivers at the hospital.

Linda is holding up pretty good today...one day after her chemo....a bit of a rash (more like a flush)....expected but hasn't shown up previously....treated with antihistamines.

Dave

Wednesday Evening.....January 2nd, 2008

It's Linda checking in to tell you about my third infusion cycle.

First I must admit I've been a little melancholy lately and losing faith in my dream. I've been coughing alot and it has made me fear that the tumor is not shrinking and that is why I'm coughing. Last night I apologized to God for my lapse in faith, but would he please give me a sign that my dream is to be believed.

Today, when I told my doctor about my fears, he said the tumor shouldn't be causing my cough, but we would do an X-ray to see if the cause is in the lung. When the X-rays came back he put the new one on the screen next to the last one taken. The old one definitely showed the tumor, but the new one showed no sign of it, only scarring from the radiation. My prayer (and yours) was answered. I feel so much better. I believe again. Thank you all for your prayers. God does listen.

Dave continues to work on his anxiety disorder with his doctor, hoping to get back to his high care giver status with the help of counselors, medication, etc. I look forward to having him back. The lesson in this is all caregivers and cancer patients should get help early on to help them through this tough journey.

Love and gratitude.....Linda

New Year's Day Evening...January 1st ,2007

We didn't make it to New Year's (New York time)......

Linda and I folded and went to bed at 8 pm and were asleep by 8:30...this morning she wanted to see the recording of the dropping of the ball in Time's Square on the DVR......oops...forgot to record it...

Quiet day today...Rose Bowl Parade...lopsided Rose Bowl...Remember please Oregon beat USC and if quarterback Dixon hadn't been hurt, Oregon might have played for the national title and Dixon might have won the Heisman Trophy...oh well......"if"

"If"...I always learned that "if" frogs had wings.....they wouldn't bump their butts on the ground all day. There's a message in there somewhere, I've been told.

Tomorrow is a big day...Linda and I both have some tests..she then gets the 3rd cycle of chemo started...so it will be a long "clinic " day. Wish us a good day and a good third cycle for Linda....she is a bit "tired" of it all....

Dave