Linda spent most of the day in bed.....sleeping.....and receiving many calls....the fluids yesterday seem to have had no positive impact.
Claudia came to check in on her...and while Linda was in bed...they had a good discussion....
As Claudia was leaving, suddenly Linda appeared and announced she wanted Chinese "take out"...to which we responded and had a great meal.....after Claudia left, Linda watched TV before going to bed. "How do you feel", I asked.."about the same"...."tired...fatigued"....I said "you seem so much more upbeat"...to which she said "good company"..."good food"...good TV"....yea.....note..this surely isn't a response to my incredible cooking skills?????
Cousin Dr. Ron comes tomorrow afternoon with wife Deb.....we get excited when he comes...he deals with older patients with all sorts of illnesses and is a very good advisor and counselor to Linda..she values his insights and thoughts....she is surely going to bounce some thoughts about with him....
Daughter Janine comes tomorrow to do her Mom's nails...fingers and toes.....
Monday...day off.....oh..and Oregon beats Auburn....BCS Bowl for the Championship in college football.
Tuesday..... CTscan
Wednesday...day off....
Thursday...Meeting with the Oncologist..where do we go from here?????...Mary also arrives from California to visit
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Friday....January 7th...2010
Linda was pretty weak and fatigued today...both being the same actually....
The infusion center gave her two bags of fluids to see what the impact would be...she slept through the whole thing peacefully as they put her into a bedroom for the infusion....
Nurse coordinator Karen visited and Linda made it clear she was not going to continue in the same state of being...the quality of life is not there......Karen indicated, depending on the CTscan results Tuesday, that time might be taken out to recover, or reduce the dose, or skip a week between each dose...or..or. For Linda, she wants something else or nothing, so we shall see....
Linda indicated she didn't feel any different after the fluid infusion....but her strength appeared obviously a bit stronger (something as opposed to nothing is something)......she seemed to move more steadily without the hesitation or wobble....we shall see tomorrow....
Today is Grand daughter Jillian's birthday...a teenager now...Lord help us!...enjoy you birthday Buzzard!
The infusion center gave her two bags of fluids to see what the impact would be...she slept through the whole thing peacefully as they put her into a bedroom for the infusion....
Nurse coordinator Karen visited and Linda made it clear she was not going to continue in the same state of being...the quality of life is not there......Karen indicated, depending on the CTscan results Tuesday, that time might be taken out to recover, or reduce the dose, or skip a week between each dose...or..or. For Linda, she wants something else or nothing, so we shall see....
Linda indicated she didn't feel any different after the fluid infusion....but her strength appeared obviously a bit stronger (something as opposed to nothing is something)......she seemed to move more steadily without the hesitation or wobble....we shall see tomorrow....
Today is Grand daughter Jillian's birthday...a teenager now...Lord help us!...enjoy you birthday Buzzard!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday.....January 6th...2010
Linda's state of being is peaceful....accepting what is.....that she is contemplating going off chemo....that maybe she might be able to try another drug/chemo that is less taxing on her body. Linda's biggest desire is to get well enough.....feel well enough...to fly to Florida to say good bye to her friends....Linda also wants to feel other than she feels right now...tired...very fatigued....not a quality of life that works for her....
Having said that, Linda is going to talk with the Oncologist next week about alternatives.....so she is not quiting treatment yet.....
Again, no suggestions or urgings are needed......just support for whatever she decides....she knows hospice is good..she will meet with them as suggested by the Palliative Doctor to get all the information and questions answers...and as he said...there is no requirement to sign up at that time....
Maureen and Kathy came up from Salem today to visit.....Linda got up early and baked cookies for their arrival....I couldn't believe it.....!!!!!!!!!!......of course Maureen (pronounced My - Reen) (yuk yuk yuk) deserves it.....she is a special lady.....who's involvement in our lives has created some pretty funny stories we will take to the grave with us.(to protect the guilty)....thanks to both ladies for taking the time to see Linda....
Son Jim stopped by as he and Jenn fly to Arizona tomorrow for the Oregon football game on Monday....
Tomorrow Linda goes in for fluids...to bolster her system.....it worked early in her treatment...why not now...
If you are concerned about how Linda looks, it is called cushingoid...the results of steroids...harmless but gives the "chipmunk look"....
Having said that, Linda is going to talk with the Oncologist next week about alternatives.....so she is not quiting treatment yet.....
Again, no suggestions or urgings are needed......just support for whatever she decides....she knows hospice is good..she will meet with them as suggested by the Palliative Doctor to get all the information and questions answers...and as he said...there is no requirement to sign up at that time....
Maureen and Kathy came up from Salem today to visit.....Linda got up early and baked cookies for their arrival....I couldn't believe it.....!!!!!!!!!!......of course Maureen (pronounced My - Reen) (yuk yuk yuk) deserves it.....she is a special lady.....who's involvement in our lives has created some pretty funny stories we will take to the grave with us.(to protect the guilty)....thanks to both ladies for taking the time to see Linda....
Son Jim stopped by as he and Jenn fly to Arizona tomorrow for the Oregon football game on Monday....
Tomorrow Linda goes in for fluids...to bolster her system.....it worked early in her treatment...why not now...
If you are concerned about how Linda looks, it is called cushingoid...the results of steroids...harmless but gives the "chipmunk look"....
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wednesday....January 5th....2011
Today was the visit to the Palliative Doctor...(Palliative care (from Latin palliare, to cloak) is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than striving to halt, delay, or reverse progression of the disease itself or provide a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, complex illness. Non-hospice palliative care is not dependent on prognosis and is offered in conjunction with curative and all other appropriate forms of medical treatment.)The doctor is different from any other kind we have visited...this was our third session....first, he focuses on what is going on...not only physically, but mentally, spiritually, etc..etc...the state of being....the thoughts...the feelings...the questions...the unknowns....etc...
Linda talked about the last two days and how difficult they were....that she took a pretty deep drop in her quality of life (recognizing she felt a bit stronger and better today).....she talked about recognizing where she was in the cycle of chemo and that she was starting to question whether it was worth continuing.....we discussed what the doctor in Bend (Dear Dr. Kornfeld) had said about getting to a point where the quality of life becomes more important than prolonging life through treatment.
This doctor is very quiet and contemplative...his job is not to offer hope or have a "go get them" type of attitude..his demeanor is more quiet and offering ideas and resources to support the patient in where they are at in their disease and state of being. Linda describes him as "laid back"...Dave prefers "contemplative"
Anyway he suggested contacting hospice care (Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms. These symptoms can be physical, emotional, spiritual or social in nature. The concept of hospice includes palliative care for the incurably ill given in such institutions as hospitals or nursing homes, but also care provided to those in their own homes). The purpose would be to understand what they do..what support they offer...it would not require "signing on" but rather having the information when the "need" for them is desired.....the important concept as we understand it is that all care as currently experienced such as the chemo and tests and all are stopped and that care is provided in the home as described above).
The Doctor also suggested completing a POLST (Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment) which directs emergency personnel if required (EMT, ambulance, fire)...it goes beyond an Advanced Directive (An Advance Directive, also known as living will, personal directive, advance directive, or advance decision, are instructions given by individuals specifying what actions should be taken for their health in the event that they are no longer able to make decisions due to illness or incapacity, and appoints a person to make such decisions on their behalf). this will be done immediately.
The Doctor felt Linda and Dave were pretty savvy....we "somewhat" understand where we are at and where we are headed....He also questioned whether Linda was "angry"..she preferred "frustrated"...that there is no miracle..that this will be comping to a closure....she is frustrated losing the clinical trial...the "miracle" drug ..etc..e.tc...but she doesn't let this control her life....
The Doctor also said that patients don't really die from cancer....falls are a major factor...which we have been greatly worried about...the Doctor will send out some folks to evaluate our home and the dangers..and ..and..to provide a safe environment. He also discussed how infections occur etc as a result of the damaged immune system....Blood clots....etc....
He also discussed the mental well being of a patient who initially goes through incredibly disastrous chemo and radiation as Linda did initially because the patient believes there is hope for a cure as opposed to the chemo now which offers no cure....patients approached these in a different way....and their well being is dramatically impacted by the latter.
The nurse, Karen, who looks after Linda's care came in and discussed some off Linda's immediate concerns..a rash..blood deposits in the nose...a bleeding outer left ear.....the desire for extra fluids to support her well being when she is down, etc. Linda will go back Friday for fluids and then anytime she feels they are necessary.
The oxygen is causing the nose to dry and bleed..we have added a humidifier to the home which might ease this..this and the rash might be due to the recent cold and dry weather (now turned to rain and rain and rain...
Claudia and Claudine came today to visit with and care for Linda.....they were a wonderful addition...they understood Linda sometimes just doesn't want to talk or engage these days but values the company and support...again, Linda is feeling a bit stronger than in the past two days (which were very difficult)...
Last night son Jim and daughter Janine came over and cooked dinner.....alright! .....a break! ....and good company.....Claudia helped with dinner tonight..we can get used to this pretty fast!
Again, no magic anywhere..just realness in life....it is life.....a process we would not have chosen.....we are approaching it in the best way we can.....thank you for your support and understanding and not suggesting we go to the Ukraine where they might have some "miracle".....(a bit of humor here)....Linda is very concerned about how all this is perceived by readers...that there might be those who will want to question Linda's decisions....and impact her decision making....this cannot happen....Linda will want and welcome support.....for whatever she does and trust she is able to decide what is best for her....it is her "journey"....please be aware of this in your thoughts and responses...please.....
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Tuesday...January 4th...2011
The following email came yesterday from Marilyn Sara who reads the BLOG daily...it is so heartfelt and touching to both of us that we've taken the liberty to reprint it...there is much there for all of us...Thank you Marilyn..this is special as are you...(and thank you to others who have written special things ).
Hello, Dave,
I know this is a difficult stage of your "new normal." Reading the blog this holiday season helped me to appreciate our current normal even more. It was one of my best partly because I looked at it with new eyes : "What if it were my LAST?" The normal stress of the holidays was replaced by true enjoyment.
In cleaning out old files, I came across a letter I had written to Linda. It had no date, but I recall it was in response to a bump in the road somewhere along the way. I attached it because it is still so true. Sometimes I feel a bit corny about my comments on the blog, but all of them are true and very heartfelt. We will be away from our computer during much of January, but I will try to keep up to speed when I can get to one.
Take care and know that Ms Marilyn and Mr. John think of you often.
Marilyn
Dear Linda,
There was a time when you helped John to have enough courage to speak in front of a huge crowd of people....not something he had signed up for when he said "I do." You encouraged me to "be Dave" at the races. What a challenge!
Thanks for helping the both of us grow both individually and as a couple. You continue to do so to this day. I read the Blog and report to John. (He still is a bit afraid of the computer.) Your courage, honesty, and humor are an inspiration.....and you do it by just being yourself.
Love,
John and Marilyn Sara
Hello, Dave,
I know this is a difficult stage of your "new normal." Reading the blog this holiday season helped me to appreciate our current normal even more. It was one of my best partly because I looked at it with new eyes : "What if it were my LAST?" The normal stress of the holidays was replaced by true enjoyment.
In cleaning out old files, I came across a letter I had written to Linda. It had no date, but I recall it was in response to a bump in the road somewhere along the way. I attached it because it is still so true. Sometimes I feel a bit corny about my comments on the blog, but all of them are true and very heartfelt. We will be away from our computer during much of January, but I will try to keep up to speed when I can get to one.
Take care and know that Ms Marilyn and Mr. John think of you often.
Marilyn
Dear Linda,
There was a time when you helped John to have enough courage to speak in front of a huge crowd of people....not something he had signed up for when he said "I do." You encouraged me to "be Dave" at the races. What a challenge!
Thanks for helping the both of us grow both individually and as a couple. You continue to do so to this day. I read the Blog and report to John. (He still is a bit afraid of the computer.) Your courage, honesty, and humor are an inspiration.....and you do it by just being yourself.
Love,
John and Marilyn Sara
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday....January 3rd...2010
A tough day today.....Linda didn't have the strength to get out of bed today....no energy....and wondering if it is all worth it.....it is most difficult to tell whether Linda is suffering from from the "chemo punnies" (this being the worst week of the cycle) or whether the cancer is advancing...or whether the impact of the chemo is just not worth sacrificing a quality of life...
Linda was able to get out of bed late today and ate a bit....now late in the evening she is doing better...let's hope tomorrow is much better for her.
I've urged Linda to consider this is the toughest time of the cycle of chemo and by the end of the week she should feel better...and then next week the CTscan and Oncologist visit should spell out where things are at....is "hang in there"...
Other peripheral challenges arose today but we were able to work through them....not that we need anything else to deal with....
Wednesday Linda meets with the Palliatologist....who will be helpful....as this is what he does....
No remedies or suggestions needed.....just good solid support .....
Linda was able to get out of bed late today and ate a bit....now late in the evening she is doing better...let's hope tomorrow is much better for her.
I've urged Linda to consider this is the toughest time of the cycle of chemo and by the end of the week she should feel better...and then next week the CTscan and Oncologist visit should spell out where things are at....is "hang in there"...
Other peripheral challenges arose today but we were able to work through them....not that we need anything else to deal with....
Wednesday Linda meets with the Palliatologist....who will be helpful....as this is what he does....
No remedies or suggestions needed.....just good solid support .....
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sunday...January 2nd...2011
Linda has slept the majority of the day and fell back asleep this evening in front of the TVafter awakening for dinner.....she did eat some of her dinner. We have the humidifier going to get her more moisture to help her nose and throat....
Sunday...January 2nd...2011
One thousand and thirtieth post......
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Linda continues to weaken....last Thursday was the 3rd chemo infusion in the second of four week cycles....so next week she has "off".....we wonder if she can improve....time will tell. A week from next Tuesday, Linda will have a CTscan to see if all this has done the job....the meeting with the Oncologist to discuss all of this will be a week from next Thursday...
Linda continues to weaken....last Thursday was the 3rd chemo infusion in the second of four week cycles....so next week she has "off".....we wonder if she can improve....time will tell. A week from next Tuesday, Linda will have a CTscan to see if all this has done the job....the meeting with the Oncologist to discuss all of this will be a week from next Thursday...
Linda meets with the "Feel good doctor"....the Palliative Care Doctor...this Wednesday...to see what he has to say......
I know Linda is doing a lot of thinking.......and she is very tired.....
Linda had a wonderful Christmas...thanks to all for their support and love....
Jillian left Friday...as you can see from the pictures, she continues to be very photogenic...
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Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday....December 30th...2010
Linda counting on making it to 2011...She was diagnosed in 2007...saw 2008, 2009, and 2010....she sees this a a landmark...so do I....
Ginnie took Linda to chemo today and then lunch with Nancy......bless her for the loving care.....each person who takes Linda to a chemo session gets do much out of the trip....
We have no plans for New Year's eve...will most likely keep our record going by being in bed shortly after 9 pm..having celebrated on ECT (East Coast Time).....
The rumor has it that Claudia has a Mercedes sports car.....
Grand daughter Jillian is spending the night.....and caring for her Grandma......
Ginnie took Linda to chemo today and then lunch with Nancy......bless her for the loving care.....each person who takes Linda to a chemo session gets do much out of the trip....
We have no plans for New Year's eve...will most likely keep our record going by being in bed shortly after 9 pm..having celebrated on ECT (East Coast Time).....
The rumor has it that Claudia has a Mercedes sports car.....
Grand daughter Jillian is spending the night.....and caring for her Grandma......
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday....December 29th...2010
NEW YORK — The city's campaign to scare smokers with grotesque images of decaying teeth or a diseased lung wherever tobacco products are sold was struck down Wednesday by a federal judge who concluded that only the federal government can dictate warnings that must accompany the promotion of cigarettes.
U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff handed a victory to the nation's three largest tobacco manufacturers and the retailers who sell their products when he ruled on the legality of a 2009 city Board of Health code change requiring the display of smoking cessation signs where tobacco products are sold.
"Even merchants of morbidity are entitled to the full protection of the law, for our sake as well as theirs," Rakoff said. He released the written decision just days before an agreement among the parties to delay enforcement of the rule was to expire on Saturday.
He said the federal Labeling Act, first enacted in 1965, sought to balance public and commercial interests with a comprehensive federal program to deal with cigarette labeling and advertising. He said it was created in part to prevent "diverse, nonuniform and confusing cigarette labeling and advertising regulations." Part of the law dictated that no state law could impose a requirement or prohibition with respect to advertising or promotion of cigarettes, he noted.
The city also banned smoking in indoor workspaces, increased cigarette taxes, initiated educational campaigns and promoted smoking cessation programs.
As part of his ruling, Rakoff included some of the statistics that encouraged the city to enact the regulation: that one-third of smokers die of tobacco-related diseases and roughly 7,500 people die in New York City from smoking annually – "more than from AIDS, homicide and suicide combined."
And More.....
U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff handed a victory to the nation's three largest tobacco manufacturers and the retailers who sell their products when he ruled on the legality of a 2009 city Board of Health code change requiring the display of smoking cessation signs where tobacco products are sold.
"Even merchants of morbidity are entitled to the full protection of the law, for our sake as well as theirs," Rakoff said. He released the written decision just days before an agreement among the parties to delay enforcement of the rule was to expire on Saturday.
He said the federal Labeling Act, first enacted in 1965, sought to balance public and commercial interests with a comprehensive federal program to deal with cigarette labeling and advertising. He said it was created in part to prevent "diverse, nonuniform and confusing cigarette labeling and advertising regulations." Part of the law dictated that no state law could impose a requirement or prohibition with respect to advertising or promotion of cigarettes, he noted.
The city also banned smoking in indoor workspaces, increased cigarette taxes, initiated educational campaigns and promoted smoking cessation programs.
As part of his ruling, Rakoff included some of the statistics that encouraged the city to enact the regulation: that one-third of smokers die of tobacco-related diseases and roughly 7,500 people die in New York City from smoking annually – "more than from AIDS, homicide and suicide combined."
And More.....
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said in a statement that it was "disappointed in and strongly disagrees with today's ruling."
It added: "Tobacco companies that are trying to prevent these messages from being seen should be ashamed of themselves."
It added: "Tobacco companies that are trying to prevent these messages from being seen should be ashamed of themselves."
WE (Dave and Linda) AGREE....Everytime we see a smoker, we want to scream .....
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday.....December 28th..2010
Linda is in the middle of the "chemo punies"....she is worn out and has lost interest in a lot of things...not very good company she says....we hope she gets some energy back but realize another chemo this thursday...and we understand it is the chemo that is hurting her but yet keeping her going...the "double edged sword"...
The rain here is outrageous.....
Dave is realizing he has taken on issues on too many fronts...with a family so large...so he is "pulling back" and his focus is on Linda alone....and limit his "sanity".....it will be good...
The rain here is outrageous.....
Dave is realizing he has taken on issues on too many fronts...with a family so large...so he is "pulling back" and his focus is on Linda alone....and limit his "sanity".....it will be good...
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday....December 26th...2010
All have gone home or to other relatives......so son Jeff has come to stay with us til Wednesday....
Who was here?.......Daughter Wendy, Son in law Chris and Grand daughter Taigen...from Seattle...they left today. Daughter Janine was here...living closeby. Son Jim, Daughter in law Jenn and Grand daughter Jillian were here....living closeby. Son Jeff was here..staying with Jim. Jillian's Mother Julie and Significant other Ray and her sons Jordan and Trever came for Christmas day.
So there was a total of 14 folks here counting Linda and Dave.....a houseful for sure.
Linda gave to each girl/woman a piece or set of her personal jewelry for Christmas..very touching and heartfelt...a tear or two was shed as the jelwelry was very dear to Linda..each piece has a story...and she wanted it to go to those she loved....
Today...Linda was/is very tired...the holidays and the chemo were the factors..now to get her to rest.....we shall see....she is sleeping a lot.....
With the holidays behind us, we look forward to restful times.....
Who was here?.......Daughter Wendy, Son in law Chris and Grand daughter Taigen...from Seattle...they left today. Daughter Janine was here...living closeby. Son Jim, Daughter in law Jenn and Grand daughter Jillian were here....living closeby. Son Jeff was here..staying with Jim. Jillian's Mother Julie and Significant other Ray and her sons Jordan and Trever came for Christmas day.
So there was a total of 14 folks here counting Linda and Dave.....a houseful for sure.
Linda gave to each girl/woman a piece or set of her personal jewelry for Christmas..very touching and heartfelt...a tear or two was shed as the jelwelry was very dear to Linda..each piece has a story...and she wanted it to go to those she loved....
Today...Linda was/is very tired...the holidays and the chemo were the factors..now to get her to rest.....we shall see....she is sleeping a lot.....
With the holidays behind us, we look forward to restful times.....
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday...Christmas Eve...December 24th...2010
Yesterday Linda and sister in law Joni went to the OHSU Knight's center for chemo infusion....Linda's oxygen percentage was measured several times..at 97%..so the lung love most have reinflated as a result of the radiation...we will know for sure in a little over two weeks with the CTscan scheduled. Linda is using oxygen when she is active as she gets a shortness of breath quickly..but when resting she doesn't use it...nice...
Joni experienced the infusion center as upbeat and positive...lots of conversations...lots of good cheer....a good experience for her....
Last night our neighbors.....the Coopers from across the street came for a visit...nice couple....
Tonight all gathered here for Christmas dinner...Linda is holding up well...everyone will gather back in the morning for gifts and brunch...
Linda thanked all the children and spouses at dinner for their support and the anniversary event..she felt blessed with so much support within her family.....
I know she is also very appreciative and blessed with the support from each of you...in fact, here she is to say so herself....
Linda: I feel very blessed sharing such a beautiful Christmas with my family this year. All of you add to the spirit of the season and we must remember the birth of Christ which is why we celebrate the holiday. May He bless you and us in the new year!
Joni experienced the infusion center as upbeat and positive...lots of conversations...lots of good cheer....a good experience for her....
Last night our neighbors.....the Coopers from across the street came for a visit...nice couple....
Tonight all gathered here for Christmas dinner...Linda is holding up well...everyone will gather back in the morning for gifts and brunch...
Linda thanked all the children and spouses at dinner for their support and the anniversary event..she felt blessed with so much support within her family.....
I know she is also very appreciative and blessed with the support from each of you...in fact, here she is to say so herself....
Linda: I feel very blessed sharing such a beautiful Christmas with my family this year. All of you add to the spirit of the season and we must remember the birth of Christ which is why we celebrate the holiday. May He bless you and us in the new year!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday...December 23rd...2010
Linda was up early and overdoing it again..of course...baking and more baking....washing clothes...and more....
Our retired dentist Glen and Sybil came to visit Linda mid day....our insurance agent Judy and Roman came with dinner tonight....all great friends.....Linda was excited to see all....
Tomorrow sister in law Joni takes Linda for her chemo.....Dave will be finishing the tiling project and finish the railing project on the front porch....
Friday...family arrives...
.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday....December 21st...2010
Cookie day today....Linda's niece Susan, her mother Jo, daughter Sarah and our grand daughter Jillian gathered at the Wood home to bake and decorate Christmas sugar cookies with Miss Linda....Linda began the day pretty weak but by lunch had gathered strength...all had a good time and there were some pretty cool looking cookies...
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Dave spent a wonderful morning finishing a gallon of ugly tasting pre colonoscopy stuff followed by a trip to the doctor followed by a long involuntary sleep followed by a trip home with daughter Janine (no yogurt stop at Costco which was a prerequisite for allowing her to drive me!).
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Dave spent a wonderful morning finishing a gallon of ugly tasting pre colonoscopy stuff followed by a trip to the doctor followed by a long involuntary sleep followed by a trip home with daughter Janine (no yogurt stop at Costco which was a prerequisite for allowing her to drive me!).
Tomorrow our wonderful Dentist of old, Dr and Mrs. Durham come for a visit and dinner and evening with our wonderful insurance agent and friends Judy and Roman.....and they get to visit with wonderful us...
.
.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday...December 20th...2010
Linda is doing pretty good..she is going without the oxygen for periods of time...she believes the radiation was effective and the left upper lobe reinflated...she does say though that it is more comfortable with the )2...she does like going into stores without it....so we are carrying it in the car now at all times so she can use it as needed.....she is pretty weak..hard to get up..almost impossible in she kneels down....can't hardly climb stairs...needs help doing so...
Last night Ginnie and Nancy came for dinner.. daughter Janine helped her mother prepare the meal...and did a great job...son Jim showed and joined in...a good time was had by all.....
Tomorrow grand daughter Jillian and Linda's niece Susan and her daughter Sarah are coming over to make and decorate sugar cookie....Linda has the dough ready to go...Dave wishes he could join in but the followup Colonoscopy is tomorrow....can they make that stuff you drink any worse...and the other half has to be drunk in the am....UGGGGGGGHHHHHH.....
The bathroom floor is tiled..now the counter.....
Mrs. Wood has acknowledged her loss of hair and cancer this round by wearing a baseball cap instead of a wig...she figures folks just aught to know she has cancer....she has always resisted wearing a ball cap...looks good...
.
Last night Ginnie and Nancy came for dinner.. daughter Janine helped her mother prepare the meal...and did a great job...son Jim showed and joined in...a good time was had by all.....
Tomorrow grand daughter Jillian and Linda's niece Susan and her daughter Sarah are coming over to make and decorate sugar cookie....Linda has the dough ready to go...Dave wishes he could join in but the followup Colonoscopy is tomorrow....can they make that stuff you drink any worse...and the other half has to be drunk in the am....UGGGGGGGHHHHHH.....
The bathroom floor is tiled..now the counter.....
Mrs. Wood has acknowledged her loss of hair and cancer this round by wearing a baseball cap instead of a wig...she figures folks just aught to know she has cancer....she has always resisted wearing a ball cap...looks good...
.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday...December 19th...2010
Our Christmas Newsletter
Christmas 2010 by Dave and Linda
First, Linda and Dave wish you and you’re a very Merry Christmas and may your New Year be one of health and prosperity…
For us, it has been quite a year … one of gratitude and one of sadness. One of growth and one of realness. One of gratitude and one of limitations.
A quick review of the year past… Linda started the year two and half years into her lung cancer journey… 5 months of 2010 with Alimta, a targeted therapy which worked well… then moving to Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) in Portland and starting Tarceva, a very successful new generation targeted therapy… alas, the “miracle drug” failed to help Linda in any way and allowed the cancer to grow unabated for 2 and a half months …. then excitement to be included in a clinical trial but rejected after a month and a half of preparation just the day before the trial was to start (the cancer has free reign now for 4 months)… then 10 days of radiation to potentially deal with a collapsed lung lobe…and finally back to a new chemo to slow down the cancer …and on oxygen to help her breathe and (yeah) stopped the persistent cough…
So where are we? The cancer will ultimately prevail unless a miracle suddenly appears. What is amazing the strength and resolve Linda has shown…her Oncologists and Doctors have said “she is going through this with grace”...”strong and inspiring”…
We sold our Sisters, Oregon home in January and returned to our Florida home which we sold in April…then life started in the Portland area where we rented an RV spot for two months while we looked for a home. Then two months in the RV next to our new home in Canby, Oregon while we completely renovated the home to make it “ours”. We have lived in the home now for our 4th month and projects are still going on but it is a very delightful place to live. Linda has not regretted one moment of this project and is happy to have such a comfortable and warm place to call ours.
Now for the bad news… this rain is a bit much…the climate here is made for ducks…but we are coping….our Florida friends are surely feeling sorry for us.
What do we find in Canby that excited us enough to find a place to call our own? It is more of a laid back community close enough to Portland but also far enough away to avoid the traffic jams, shootings, etc., etc… Neighbors take care of their places and are very friendly and helpful and it is not uncommon to lose an hour or two engaging in a spontaneous conversation in the middle of the street. Although a bit conservative, the community takes pride in itself and reflects that in many ways. We like Canby because we a very close to the city boundary surrounded by farms and nurseries…and a ferry that crosses the Willamette River just to the north of us…with a ferryman that one can ride with for an hour or two and just shoot “the bull”. We like Canby because one can go in several different directions and end up in a different town or store or mall … and all is very close drive. We like Canby as we are close to Janine and Jim and Jenn…and not that far from Seattle…and the train if we chose to ride north. We also can catch the west side train to the Max system into Portland. Enough said…we like it and feel blessed we found this community.
For a more exhaustive communiucation …day by day… check with www.linda-lou.blogspot.com
Odds and Ends…
Dave did a Crossover back up for Wings Seminars again this year as well as a couple’ Listening Heart Seminar with Linda….
We took granddaughter Jillian by train to Seattle and then by boat to Victoria where we stayed at the Empress Hotel…
We went on a “camping” trip with daughters Janine and Wendy (with Chris and Taigen)…we say “camping” because it is a 38 foot motor home for us…
Our kids put on a 30th Anniversary Event for us for which we are very grateful…they did a wonderful job and we thank them…we got to see a lot of “old” and “new” friends…it was very special.
In wrapping this up, we want to say we are grateful for each other and those around us…so many friends and family members have stepped up and supported us in many ways…we want to say..”Thank you”…you are special…. We have been through some hard times and we are committed to be “in the present” and not worry too much about the future where we lose the present. And to have such a support system of family and friends has been so critical to this goal in our lives.
Our “contracts” we have taken for our lives through Crossover…in 1988…
Linda….. “I am an open, powerful and courageous woman” Dave…”I am a gentle, relaxed and flexible man” Our “commitment statement” from Listening Heart…in 1989… to each other … begins “We are one….”
With Love and Gratitude…Dave and Linda
Christmas 2010 by Dave and Linda
First, Linda and Dave wish you and you’re a very Merry Christmas and may your New Year be one of health and prosperity…
For us, it has been quite a year … one of gratitude and one of sadness. One of growth and one of realness. One of gratitude and one of limitations.
A quick review of the year past… Linda started the year two and half years into her lung cancer journey… 5 months of 2010 with Alimta, a targeted therapy which worked well… then moving to Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) in Portland and starting Tarceva, a very successful new generation targeted therapy… alas, the “miracle drug” failed to help Linda in any way and allowed the cancer to grow unabated for 2 and a half months …. then excitement to be included in a clinical trial but rejected after a month and a half of preparation just the day before the trial was to start (the cancer has free reign now for 4 months)… then 10 days of radiation to potentially deal with a collapsed lung lobe…and finally back to a new chemo to slow down the cancer …and on oxygen to help her breathe and (yeah) stopped the persistent cough…
So where are we? The cancer will ultimately prevail unless a miracle suddenly appears. What is amazing the strength and resolve Linda has shown…her Oncologists and Doctors have said “she is going through this with grace”...”strong and inspiring”…
We sold our Sisters, Oregon home in January and returned to our Florida home which we sold in April…then life started in the Portland area where we rented an RV spot for two months while we looked for a home. Then two months in the RV next to our new home in Canby, Oregon while we completely renovated the home to make it “ours”. We have lived in the home now for our 4th month and projects are still going on but it is a very delightful place to live. Linda has not regretted one moment of this project and is happy to have such a comfortable and warm place to call ours.
Now for the bad news… this rain is a bit much…the climate here is made for ducks…but we are coping….our Florida friends are surely feeling sorry for us.
What do we find in Canby that excited us enough to find a place to call our own? It is more of a laid back community close enough to Portland but also far enough away to avoid the traffic jams, shootings, etc., etc… Neighbors take care of their places and are very friendly and helpful and it is not uncommon to lose an hour or two engaging in a spontaneous conversation in the middle of the street. Although a bit conservative, the community takes pride in itself and reflects that in many ways. We like Canby because we a very close to the city boundary surrounded by farms and nurseries…and a ferry that crosses the Willamette River just to the north of us…with a ferryman that one can ride with for an hour or two and just shoot “the bull”. We like Canby because one can go in several different directions and end up in a different town or store or mall … and all is very close drive. We like Canby as we are close to Janine and Jim and Jenn…and not that far from Seattle…and the train if we chose to ride north. We also can catch the west side train to the Max system into Portland. Enough said…we like it and feel blessed we found this community.
For a more exhaustive communiucation …day by day… check with www.linda-lou.blogspot.com
Odds and Ends…
Dave did a Crossover back up for Wings Seminars again this year as well as a couple’ Listening Heart Seminar with Linda….
We took granddaughter Jillian by train to Seattle and then by boat to Victoria where we stayed at the Empress Hotel…
We went on a “camping” trip with daughters Janine and Wendy (with Chris and Taigen)…we say “camping” because it is a 38 foot motor home for us…
Our kids put on a 30th Anniversary Event for us for which we are very grateful…they did a wonderful job and we thank them…we got to see a lot of “old” and “new” friends…it was very special.
In wrapping this up, we want to say we are grateful for each other and those around us…so many friends and family members have stepped up and supported us in many ways…we want to say..”Thank you”…you are special…. We have been through some hard times and we are committed to be “in the present” and not worry too much about the future where we lose the present. And to have such a support system of family and friends has been so critical to this goal in our lives.
Our “contracts” we have taken for our lives through Crossover…in 1988…
Linda….. “I am an open, powerful and courageous woman” Dave…”I am a gentle, relaxed and flexible man” Our “commitment statement” from Listening Heart…in 1989… to each other … begins “We are one….”
With Love and Gratitude…Dave and Linda
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday...December 17....2010
Linda had a good day today..up at 7:30 while Sadie and Dave slept...Linda packed presents...balanced the checkbook...etc..etc ...a surge of energy...of course she went to far and tired a lot...down for a nap and then up getting ready for her siblings' arrival (with spouses)..
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Dave cut Linda's hair short but it looked a bit like "Phantom of the Opera" so tomorrow it all comes off....better now than later..and the wig fits better...
Dave cut Linda's hair short but it looked a bit like "Phantom of the Opera" so tomorrow it all comes off....better now than later..and the wig fits better...
Linda had a great time with her siblings and lasted til late...the siblings had a good time with her too...it is so important this family support at this stage in her "journey"....
Tomorrow a day off...actually Dave will be tiling and keeping Linda slowed down...we shall see...
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