Eight T.V. Shows I Love to Watch:
1. Lost
2. The Office
3. Ugly Betty
4. House
5. Bones
6. Grey’s Anatomy
7. SNL
8. 30 Rock
Eight Favorite Places to Eat:
1. Mom’s food, I miss her casserole
2. Sushi Express
3. Little Dave’s
4. Morelia
5. Wendy’s
6. The Aunts
7. Sweet Home Chicago Pizza
8. Johnny Franks (for all beef Chicago Dogs!!)
Eight Things that Happened Yesterday:
1. I finished a horrific project at work
2. My coworker promised me an elk steak
3. I visited Mom and gave her the book we were working on
4. I put up Mom’s push board decorations
5. The DOW closed up
6. I bought a life insurance policy
7. I went swimming
8. I did some homework
Eight Things I Look Forward To:
1. Mom’s cancer being in remission
2. Getting kisses from Ainsleigh
3. Getting kisses from Lottie … when she learns how
4. Curling up with a good book
5. My next vacation … where oh where will it be?
6. Spring
7. President Obama's first speach as President (that was for you Matt Baker)
8. Going to Special Needs tonight
Eight Things I Love About the Fall:
1. The leaves falling
2. Raking up the leaves that have fallen
3. Jumping in the leaves
4. Repeat steps 1-3
5. Sweaters
6. All you need is a light jacket
7. New TV season
8. Election time!!
Eight Things on My Wish List:
1. Mom’s cancer goes into remission
2. A healthy baby for Pat & Kate
3. A baby for Candice & Hutch
4. New shoes
5. As good of hair as I used to have
6. Reaching my goal weight
7. Wii Monopoly
8.
I choose to leave #8 vacant…
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Day 5
Today is Mom's 5th day after her transplant and she is just still so tired. This is as expected. Her white cell count is 0.1 so we have limited the visitors that can go see her. Everyone who is allowed (family) has to wash really well and wear gloves all the time. Many have to wear masks too. Anyone who will have prolonged contact must wear a gown too, but that is mostly the nurses, etc. Her desire for food is at a minimal, they call this the anorexic phase meaning a general loss of appetite. When I wrote the other day about Day 0 I mentioned that she had hurt her wrist and they did not know what was wrong, well Rob the PA sent her for an x-ray and they found she has broken her wrist and there is a floating piece of bone. This bone will need to stay where it is until she is well enough to do anything about it. The cancer in her bones weakens them so much that she can break so easily, obviously. She still is trying to do things like paint and has been able to do her word puzzles, but it is hard when her right wrist is broken and she is right handed.
As a funny story that is not really related to Mom in any way except that she is anorexic right now (by the way she is not starving, she eats enough to get her calorie count in) I had a friend when I lived in Chicago named Lily Recsik (pronounced rec-sick) who has a sister named Anna. This is for real I met Anna and everything. I admit when I put two and two together and realized her name was Anna Recsik I was mortified for her. Some parents… but to be fair anorexia nervosa was not a widely recognized issue in the 70’s so much as it is now.
As a funny story that is not really related to Mom in any way except that she is anorexic right now (by the way she is not starving, she eats enough to get her calorie count in) I had a friend when I lived in Chicago named Lily Recsik (pronounced rec-sick) who has a sister named Anna. This is for real I met Anna and everything. I admit when I put two and two together and realized her name was Anna Recsik I was mortified for her. Some parents… but to be fair anorexia nervosa was not a widely recognized issue in the 70’s so much as it is now.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
American Cheese
Can I talk for a minute about American Cheese? Or as I call it Death in my Mouth...
Seriously is this the best we can come up with? I look at the Swiss and they have a great cheese named after them ... all white with holes in it and tastes great. Oh no no, American cheese is processed and served in a wrapper and tastes like orange wax. I understand that there will be some in the blogger world who love American cheese, so to you I say rant on your blog about how I am a cheese-ist.
I do not know where I got a love for cheese from because we were raised on American cheese slices, and I did not need therapy growing up because of it. But now that I have tasted what real good cheese is like I can not stand the cheep imitation that is American cheese. For a good cheese experience I recommend visiting any Harmon’s in the Salt Lake Valley. They have a gourmet cheese counter now where you may sample any cheese they have there. Plus they have cool tips. The cheese guru at the Midvale Harmon’s is very knowledgeable and even has some fun flavor tips that include fruit and vinegar with cheese. A really good cheese tray is served at the Grand American Hotel in Salt Lake, but it is spendy. My favorite place to actually purchase cheeses that I have found to like is at Pirate-O’s in Draper, they tend to be a little less expensive on import cheese. For a fun night Raclette is my personal favorite. I love the Swiss variety (shock horror for Peggy) over the French, as the French is a little more pungent than I like. That being said I do enjoy French Raclette when it has not been curing for over a month especially since it is much cheaper than the Swiss. Makes me want to have another Raclette party… hm… It is fondue but backwards. (For you Peggy: Hmmm Child, Cheeeeeese, Child clap clap clap!) I love cheese; I would love suggestions for new cheeses that maybe I have not tried… so comment away!
This is the end of this rant about cheese. My next rant…. Mac ‘n Cheese.
Seriously is this the best we can come up with? I look at the Swiss and they have a great cheese named after them ... all white with holes in it and tastes great. Oh no no, American cheese is processed and served in a wrapper and tastes like orange wax. I understand that there will be some in the blogger world who love American cheese, so to you I say rant on your blog about how I am a cheese-ist.
I do not know where I got a love for cheese from because we were raised on American cheese slices, and I did not need therapy growing up because of it. But now that I have tasted what real good cheese is like I can not stand the cheep imitation that is American cheese. For a good cheese experience I recommend visiting any Harmon’s in the Salt Lake Valley. They have a gourmet cheese counter now where you may sample any cheese they have there. Plus they have cool tips. The cheese guru at the Midvale Harmon’s is very knowledgeable and even has some fun flavor tips that include fruit and vinegar with cheese. A really good cheese tray is served at the Grand American Hotel in Salt Lake, but it is spendy. My favorite place to actually purchase cheeses that I have found to like is at Pirate-O’s in Draper, they tend to be a little less expensive on import cheese. For a fun night Raclette is my personal favorite. I love the Swiss variety (shock horror for Peggy) over the French, as the French is a little more pungent than I like. That being said I do enjoy French Raclette when it has not been curing for over a month especially since it is much cheaper than the Swiss. Makes me want to have another Raclette party… hm… It is fondue but backwards. (For you Peggy: Hmmm Child, Cheeeeeese, Child clap clap clap!) I love cheese; I would love suggestions for new cheeses that maybe I have not tried… so comment away!
This is the end of this rant about cheese. My next rant…. Mac ‘n Cheese.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Soooooo Tired
I am sitting in my mom's hospital room where she has been asleep for 2-1/2 hours. Her white cell count is down to 0.1 which is the lowest it can do. We have new quarantine procedures in place. Everyone in the room must wear gloves at all time and any one who has direct contact with her must wear a gown and mask. Anyone who is sick MUST stay away for sure now.
Today Mom asked me to get her painting stuff out so she could entertain herself this afternoon. She is working on a project for Barry and Debbie. She painted while I took a nap (LOL) and then the took her down for an x-ray of her wrist. I have never seen her more tired looking than when they brought her back from x-ray. I helped her get into bed and she has been asleep since.
Overall though she is on schedule for what the transplant is supposed to do. Her blood counts are where they expect her to be, but unlike other people who have had a transplant she has not had to have a blood transfusion. The doctor thinks this might change tomorrow. Mom told me they expect to have to give her one then. Mom's biggest complaint that she is expressing is that she is so very tired. Mom is a doer and likes to be able to work. She does not like to have to be in bed and hates feeling tired all of the time. Everyone keeps telling her this is normal but nevertheless she hates is.
Mom just woke up so I am off, more later.
Today Mom asked me to get her painting stuff out so she could entertain herself this afternoon. She is working on a project for Barry and Debbie. She painted while I took a nap (LOL) and then the took her down for an x-ray of her wrist. I have never seen her more tired looking than when they brought her back from x-ray. I helped her get into bed and she has been asleep since.
Overall though she is on schedule for what the transplant is supposed to do. Her blood counts are where they expect her to be, but unlike other people who have had a transplant she has not had to have a blood transfusion. The doctor thinks this might change tomorrow. Mom told me they expect to have to give her one then. Mom's biggest complaint that she is expressing is that she is so very tired. Mom is a doer and likes to be able to work. She does not like to have to be in bed and hates feeling tired all of the time. Everyone keeps telling her this is normal but nevertheless she hates is.
Mom just woke up so I am off, more later.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Transplant Video
This is a short clip of the transplant and how easy it really was. I say easy like I had to do it, Mom was nervous and rightly so! Near the end you will hear the oxygen sensor go off because Mom's oxygen was getting low and Gayle called in for some oxygen tubing. Really it is like a blood transfusion but way way cooler and much harder since Mom had so much prep for it before she could get her cells back. She had to get 7 bags like the one they are hanging in this video. The whole process lasted about an hour.
Transplant Day 0
This picture is actually of Day -2Mom's second day of chemo. Thursday Day -1 was Mom's rest day. She had a good day on Thursday with the exception of tweaking her wrist. She was painting and put the items to dry in her window and hurt herself. They actually think it had something to do with the physical therapy exercises they have her do daily; one probably was done wrong and the painting just hurt it a little. Her friend Kathy came to visit; and then Colleen and Brad visited in the evening. They took some cute pictures with Lottie posted on their blog. Pat and Katie came up too...
Day 0 arrived and Mom was admitedly nervous. We soon found there was no reason for this but I understand her fear of the unknown. Raj from the UofU brought her stem cells and a little ice cream in a portable subzero freezer... okay not really the later, but it would have been cool if he did.
This is Raj taking the actual stem cells out of his portable freezer. You will see on Mom a box of Lemonheads and at her side Raj brought her a box of candy. The transplant smells to everyone who is in the room, but Mom could taste it. So they give her something to suck on to combat this.
Day 0 arrived and Mom was admitedly nervous. We soon found there was no reason for this but I understand her fear of the unknown. Raj from the UofU brought her stem cells and a little ice cream in a portable subzero freezer... okay not really the later, but it would have been cool if he did.
This is Raj taking the actual stem cells out of his portable freezer. You will see on Mom a box of Lemonheads and at her side Raj brought her a box of candy. The transplant smells to everyone who is in the room, but Mom could taste it. So they give her something to suck on to combat this.
Mom did really well during the transplant and even managed to smile for the camera. The cells they put back are cold, so she got chilled. That is until they went in faster and that caused her to get flushed until they slowed it down.
On the left is Gayle her nurse hanging another bag of cells and Raj on the right is verifying she is getting the right cells.
Today Mom claims to have more energy than yesterday but her breakfast made her a little sick to her stomach. This is normal a few days after chemo. Colleen and Lottie visited this morning; and Barry and Debbie are up there now with Ainsleigh. Today Mom's blood sugar is back to normal so no more insulin, which she loves!
On the left is Gayle her nurse hanging another bag of cells and Raj on the right is verifying she is getting the right cells.
The transplant left Mom a little tired and she really had no energy. She did manage to get up for a walk with me later in the afternoon but that was about it. Colleen brought in Lottie long enough for a kiss and Colleen stayed with Mom in the evening while I took Lottie home with me. We were not sure if the chemicals that were mixed with the cells were safe for her.
Today Mom claims to have more energy than yesterday but her breakfast made her a little sick to her stomach. This is normal a few days after chemo. Colleen and Lottie visited this morning; and Barry and Debbie are up there now with Ainsleigh. Today Mom's blood sugar is back to normal so no more insulin, which she loves!
I wish I could effectively tell you all what the smell of the transplant is like. It smells like sweet creamed corn that has been left out for a few days. Mom said it tasted like creamed corn too which would be torture to me as I dislike creamed corn greatly. Dad and I got used to the smell and by the time Colleen got up there at 7 it was not so strong.
This week has gone better than we could have imagined and we pray for the best for next week. Next week her white cell counts are going to be low so she will not be able to fight infection were she to be exposed to it. Also the rest of her hair should fall out and she has a possibility of mouth and throat sores. But since this week went so well, again we are praying for the best!
By the way MOM since no one on the floor did it yesterday allow me:
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Mom
Happy Birthday to you!
Friday, October 24, 2008
This post is brought to you by the letter H
Wretchel had a fun post on her blog a while ago listing 10 things with a letter that was assigned to her. She has since assigned letters to those who want them and looking for a fun distraction I signed up. I got the letter H or aych, if you will.
1 – Happy & Hope: Some words just go together. Hope brings great happiness to me (or happyness if you are a Will Smith movie.)
2 – Hospital: This is where I live every afternoon from 1:30 until someone comes to visit with Mom. Actually the LDS Hospital is staffed with wonderful people who treat my mom as I would want her treated.
3 – Hair & Hats: Had to be together right now. I have 2 beanies that I have been wearing since shaving my head. One is from the Statue of Liberty in New York and the other I got in Alaska. Mom was wearing the Alaska hat the other day and Aunt Della asked her who gave it to her, Sarah? Subtle yet funny Palin joke. These hats keep my head (also with H!) warm... it is cold!
4 – Hell: My favorite of the Biblical swears. I told Mom I would pay her $5 every time someone walked into her room and asked “And how are we today?” if she would answer “Well I have cancer, what the hell is wrong with you?” See Mom is not a swearer, she is a really good example of how I should be, but I do have to say so far I owe Mom $10… granted I kind of bated her on those.
5 – Humor: I love to laugh! I am a fan of making people laugh. Yes sometimes humor is a defense mechanism for me but out of the coping techniques, I like it the best! My favorite comedian right now is Jeff Dunham, or if you are his puppet: Jefafa Dun-HAM dot com.
6 – Homestar Runner: Hello I’m Homestar Runner and this is my website Homestarrunner.net, it’s dot com. Homestar is a great site! I love the Teen Girl Squad. I have heard rumor of a video game for the Wii from Strong Bad. I need to do some checking on this.
7 – Hairspray: Oh oh oh woke up today feeling the way I always do. While not the first show I saw on Broadway, one of my favorites mostly because I saw it for free. It pays to know the producer. I went on a trip to New York a few years ago with Candice, her mom and her sister. We had a blast (also where I got my NY beanie from, see #3). Also seen on Broadway: Miss Saigon, Les Mis, The Rockettes, Swing! and Wicked.
8 – Hawaii: Loves me some Maui and Kauai. I spent my 30th birthday in Hawaii with my family on a cruise. It was so great. We went to 4 of the islands. Everyone should turn 30 in a tropical paradise!
9 – Hanukkah: My favorite of the Jewish holidays. I lived with Jews in Chicago and have taken to practicing this High Holy Day every year. Last year for the Hanukkah party my brother and sister in law were in a pretty nasty car accident and it kind out put a damper on it. They are fine, though, and we are hoping for no snow storms for the Hanukkah party this year.
10 – Hugh Jackman: Yummy, yummy man! He is a quadruple threat: he sings, dances, acts, and just looks good doing it.
Honorable Mentions: Hate; Heart; Hamburger; Hillcrest High School: Go Huskies; Home; Hyperbole (I'm not one to use hyperbole, ladies and gentlemen but I'll tell you this, for the first time in my life I had the caca scared out of me!); Hero; Hot Chocolate; House (the TV show) because of Hugh Laurie.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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