Another infection,,,,,,,,,

surprise, surprise.... Started on Friday,,,the old jaw got to aching,,,,by Saturday am,,,I looked like a hamster, storing up food. My jaw was swollen,,,,,and I had an abscessed wisdom tooth. Now this tooth has a silver crown,,,,,and connected to a bridge,,,(where some missing teeth are)......I have had this before,,,,and because of the silver crown,,,,,nothing will show up on the x-ray,,,,so we just treat it with anti-biotics,,,,until the next time,,,,,,and that has probably been 4 to 6 months ago. Need to have it pulled but with platelets so low,,,that could be a scary thing,,,,plus would have to worry about infection. So suffered ALL weekend,,,didn't get to go to church sat or Sun,,,,and missed the church Christmas dinner on Sun..and The Health Care Center open house (but sent my dessert by JSV) on Sat...and The Red Hatter Christmas breakfast ( I had already bought my exchange ornament too)... (Doesn't do me alot of good to even plan anymore),,(tears, tears),, luckily I had some hydrocodone to take,,,,advil was just not getting it. Called early this am when dentist came in and got some anti-biotics,,,some better,,,but this is a bad one,,,,waited too long to call dentist,,,,will just have to wait it out,,,,,,and hope it doesn't bother me with Christmas coming up. I first thought I had caught a cold,,,it affected my eye, sinuses on that side and my nose was running,,,I started rinsing my mouth with warm salt water and I begin to find out what was wrong,,,not a cold but abscessed tooth again.....but at least it is not the flu,,,,could be worse. Infections pop up over nite,,,,,I am sooo fortunate, to be so blessed,,,,ha

Happy Birthday Jonathan,,,,,

Today my baby turned 29, the baby of the three.....He and Tiffany came over for supper and cake,,,a nice visit,,,,in 6 months he will be getting married,,,,
June 26th.

In the mail the other day I received a big bottle of Barium solution to drink for a cat scan,,,oh boy, oh boy! I guess that means we are going to check the spleen out,,,,,not looking forward to it,,,I have a phobia for enclosed places,,,,,yikes!! The platelets in the blood work were 55,,,mmmmmm,,,,,,and the lymph count was a 7.1,,,not good,,,but of course could be alot worse. Getting sooo tired,,,and have to take naps,,,,wish I could wake up tomorrow and Christmas would be over,,,,it's wearing me out.......I'm not anemic yet,,,that's good,,,,,I feel a nap coming on,,,,,

The drugs are diffently gone,,,,,,

I don't feel so good,,,,been in bed all day (but went to church this am),,,,,,can't munster up enough energy to finish the tree. Jonathan put the tree up for me yesterday,,,,,last night I managed to get lights, bows, and Burgundy ornaments on,,,,I still have all of my glass ornaments to put on,,,,,just too tired!! Had blood work done for Dr Young last Wednesday,,,,will find out results tomorrow. Also been having bad pain in the spleen area,,,enough to where it is also in my left shoulder through to my back,,,,just what I need. The Dr has mentioned a spleen removal but I refused,,,,, with all the flu going around,,,,,don't think so......need it too bad,,,,

I had a good Thanksgiving with good friends,,,and got to visit at some time with the kids,,,,,ate too much,,,,as usual,,,,it was sooo good. Thought I would never eat again,,,,,but,,,,,after about 6 hours,,,,,had to eat some more,,,ha

In earlier years we used to travel to Louisville to Moms,,,,what a good day we would have,,,,goood food,,,,and good memories,,,,,Life has sure changed,,,,,,,,

Since I'm in bed,,,,been watching the Hallmark channel,,,,enjoying the Christmas movies,,,,,and not even December yet....

I'm thankful for what I know,,,,and I know that I know it!!

Still Feeling Good,,,,,,,,

and no steroids..it has been a very busy week,,,,been working hard on the windows,,,,christmas bazaar with the homemakers today, church tonight and tomorrow,,,,,,whew,,,,,,,,,But I am still doing well,,,,,,and have been off the steroids for several days now. The toe is almost completely healed,,,,,and tiny, tiny hole still not healed and tiny bit of drainage,,,,,but I'm positive it will. Maybe things will be good for a while.....There's alot of sickness going around,,,,been santitizing every chance I can,,,,,and hoping not to catch anything.

♫ ♪ I Feel Good,,,Like I Knew that I Would Now,,,,,♫ ♪

It's the steroids for sure,,,the best I have felt in over a year,,,of course I've been doctoring this toe since February....But good news,,,stitches came out on Wednesday,,,3 weeks over due,,,but hey,,,it's almost healed!!!! A little hole still in it,,,and a little blood oozes,,,because of low platelets I'd say....but I keep neosporian on it and it's getting better...Went to see a reumatologist and for now I am on steroids to get past this part and if I have any more gout problems she will put me on meds,,,which will probably not do well with some other meds,,,,just have to wait and see...I was able to wear a pair of (short) heels today to church,,,that's the first pair since the surgery,,,,yeah!!!! I have been laid up for sooo long with the toe that I haven't done very much around the house,,,,laid up for 6 weeks with the pic line, and then 6 with the surgery,,,,,I have lots I want to get done before winter sets in and I am sooo glad I am feeling better so I can get it done,,,,,hopefully I will stay up,,,when I come off the steroids it may be like before....I don't usually do well on the steroids,,,makes the fibro hurt more,,,,but it's really been a big improvement this time,,,I hurt really bad the first day,,,but it is only a 6 day pack, dex pack I believe it is, so now I am coming off them, 4 today, 3 tomorrow, etc.....Of course the steroids make the sugar go up,,,but it's only for 6 days....and hopefully I will stay up and can get the work done. Thanks to Jason, my son, for keeping my grass mowed for me,,,helped alot. I was able to mulch (mowed) some leaves on Saturday and even chalked some windows, painted and washed them,,,,,,,sounds like I am on drugs, doesn't it,,,,haha. It's awfully good to feel well again,,,,,,it gets old laying around so much. Ain't God good,,,,,,,

Finally healing,,,,,,,,,

actually Dr Fee wanted to take the stitches out today,,,,but I was hesitant,,,,it is still oozing some and a gape in the center,,,,maybe another week will do it,,,so Dr Fee said that would be fine,,,so hopefully,,,next Monday stitches will come out. I see Dr David Shadowen on Thursday and we will find out about the uric acid with the gout and find out how we are going to treat it,,,,interesting,,,,,,,He always checks this and it has always been fine,,,that why I am sooo surprised!!
I saw Dr Young today also and he was really surprised that it was gout!! I said, I was too!!! We went over my blood work and ,,,,,only a little bit worse,,,,not significantly changed,,,,no better,,,looks like I am heading downhill,,platelets were 62,,,which is low,,he doesn't want them to get under 50,,,,,,,and at 30 we will do transfusions,,,oboy!...So I do blood work every month, and see him back in January unless there are changes....I told him about the pains in the spleen before I did the antibiotics,,,but that they had went away since taking them. Which he has already mentioned taking out the spleen,,,,but I said no,,,,,,,,,not right now,,,,not with the swine flu going around,,,I need all the defences I can get,,,,,which He also advised against the swine flu shot,,,since it is a live virus,,,,,,,maybe not set well with me,,,,,fortunate for me I have no respiratory problems, not a smoker ,,,,,so,, good lungs would help me there.....just keep washing those hands,,(and shopping carts,,,I feel silly washing it down, when I go into a store,,,but think about it,,,,the germs on the handles,,,little kids touching chewing,,,,spitting up on it,,,people sneezing and touching it, coughing,,,GERMY FOR SURE!!) I'm hanging in there,,,,even though it wouldn't hurt my feelings none if God called me home,,,,Life is getting where it is no fun,,,hard to keep a smile and put on a front....I used to be really good at it,,,,I'm slipping,,,,,,,,,or maybe it's just getting old. But don't worry about me,,,,,,I'll do better tomorrow,,,maybe it's the rain,,,,,,,,I've been staying in alot due to all the sickness and flu,,,maybe it is getting to me,,,,(♪♫ Help won't help tomorrow, if you give up today, just hold on a little longer, help is on the way!♪♫) Love you guys ♥,,,thanks for
the vent!

The Biopsy said,,,,,,,

it was "Tophaceous Gout". Whew,,,,thought it was going to be something worse,,,,,,so I guess gout is a "good" thing. Not sure of what or how we are going to treat it,,,I go back next week for possibly removing the sutures,,,not ready today,, and I guess we will go from there. Huh,,,,,,gout,,,who would of thought? He did tell me there was nothing I could have done for it,,,caused by my DNA,,,I told him my Mom had gouty arthritis,,,(she suffered terribly from it) and he said that I had inherited it,,(nice). So,,,,,,till next week,,,,,,,Don't know if he wants me to see a arthritis Dr or what,,,,guess he will tell me next week,,,,,,,My toe looks nothing like my Moms though,,,no fever in it, no redness,,,,a whole lot different then Mom's,,,,maybe it won't get bad like hers.......just alot of pain, especially at night,,,,,,we'll see.

Rain, Rain, go away,,,,,,,

Do you think we need to built an Ark? We sure have been blessed with abundance of rain this year,,,the pond outside is full again. usually in the summer it gets pretty low (due to a leak and the dry weather) but not this year. Right now it is going out the spillway.

I see alot of people are reading along, so glad to have you along. Please feel to talk to me sometime or e-mail me and I will try to answer,,,,I'm glad I have this place to vent. Tomorrow is my Drs appointment with Dr Fee,,,we'll finally hear from the biopsy,,,,,I thought about canceling,,,,,not sure if I want to know or not,,,,,,I'm chicken x?#! The toe I think is doing well,,,looks very gross,,,but there is no fever in it and color is good,,,and no pain meds for several days now. Glad to be off those things,,,they gave me nightmares,,,,but the pain was very bad....but don't know which was worse,,,nightmares or pain. Still have to wear the "boot" for the toe,,,can't stand a shoe,,,maybe when the sutures are sniped, I can wear a shoe. We have church this weekend, would be nice to wear a shoe but I kinda doubt it. Let you know what the Dr said soon.

Grandparents Day!!! ♥

Here is a picture of Jacob, my second grandson, and both of his grandma's at school when they had "Grandparents Day"! This is where (of course) all grandparents could come and eat lunch with their grandchildren. What a fun time we had, and a special day for Jacob! Don't you think he favors me just a "little bit"?

Want to see a picture of me?

I ran across this picture a few days ago and thought it would be interesting to share on my blog. This is a picture of me when I was about 6 years old,,,maybe not even that old,,,but I was always very tiny,,,,so looks could be deceiving here. I may be 6, but not look it. But I would say I am six,,,because 6 was always a special age in our family,,,usually it meant you were old enough to start school,,(oboy!). I remember Mom and Dad driving to down town Louisville on this day(I grew up in the big city) to a photographer there (we had very few photographer pictures in growing up,,,,there just wasn't money for this,,,,a family of 7,,,,,money goes for more serious means). I remember my dress was pale yellow with white lace,,,,we had a station wagon,,,(I wonder why,,,,with a family of seven!!) at that time cars didn't have air conditioning,,,,,so the windows were down,,,,,my hair was wind blown,,,,and nobody had a comb! Mom was using her fingers to try and comb through my hair to tame it down some,,,had some "natural curl" to it, don't you think? This was "many moons" ago,,,,in January I will be 60,,,,,,times sure does fly by..............

Part of the toe is gone,,,,,,,,

well, the biopsy was Thursday,,,,,and Dr Fee took the part of the toe that had the infection and bones missing,,,,,,ouch!!!! It has been a very painful process,,,,surgery didn't take but about 30 minutes,,,they did put me out,,,and sent off the biopsy,,,which I won't know anything until I go back next Friday, mainly because Dr Fee is going on fall break with his boys,,,,,,but they will also do a culture on the type of infection,,,which takes 2 or 3 days....so,,,,,,Thanks to everyone who remembered me, called and even thought of me........Also a big thanks to Jonathan, my 3rd born son,,,who took me and stayed with me and then took me home with him, fed me and tried his best to take care of me,,,but I made him take me home later so I could sleep in my own bed. The night happened to be very rough and I would have kept him awake and he had to work the next day. The pain pills have not agreed with me,,,,was doing pretty good until today and had to change the dressing,,,,,,,,wow,,,,,,,talk about pain,,,,the blood had dried and the dressing was stuck to the site,,,,ouch!!!! I hadn't taken any pain meds for about 7 hours and didn't need them,,,,,,well,, I immediately took 2 and soaked the foot,,, waiting for it to become un-attached,,,,well I soaked for over an hour,,,and I thought the meds weren't working,,,,still painful,,,,,,,after working on it for about 2 hours,,,finally got the dressing of (with alot of yelping and squirming on the bed) and re-dressed again,,,,I have since changed the dressing twice,,,not going to let it get stuck again,,,,,and I poured the anti-biotic cream to it........I believe I am on the mend now,,,just will take a few more days,,,,,,getting a little tired of laying in the bed,,,,when I get up it starts to bleed some,,,,,,be glad when Friday gets here to find out what it is. The Dr said it had a milky-white substance in it,,,,and he thought it looked like gout..Now I know and have seen gout,,,,,my mom had gouty arthritis,,,,very, very painful and debilitating,,,,very!!! I, personally don't think that it what it is,,,,but then I am not the Dr.,,,,, Going to stay, mostly in the bed and let it heal,,,stay in and away from the H1N1 flu and hopefully by next weekend I will be A-okay.

Happy Birthday Jason,,,,will be 34 tomorrow,,,my first born son. My kids do alot for me,,,,just don't know what I would do without them,,,Love them

Ronnie would have been 60,,,,,,,

today,,,,,and so close to retirement,,,how he would have enjoyed that! I will be 60 in January. It doesn't seem all that long ago,,,that he came home from Vietnam, we were planning our wedding,,,had our first child,,,second child, third child,,,and then watching them graduate one by one,,,,now they have children of their own,,,he was a wonderful Pappaw,,,,,,how he would enjoyed his grandchildren, just like he did his boys,,,only better (because you can send them home!) And then retirement,,,,we had plans,,,,,we were just getting to the point we could take little mini trips and getting out some,,,,,you just never know when God will call,,,,and doesn't do you much good to plan,,,,,,,but we had a very good life, family, and marriage. And oh,,,the memories,,,,,,,,,,,,priceless!!

Not looking good for the toe,,,,,,,

Saw Dr Rebecca Shadowen on Tuesday,,,toe is no better,,,wants me to see Dr Kirk Fee and get a biopsy and see for sure what we are dealing with. The x-ray showed that 1/3 to 1/2 of the bone is destroyed and soft tissue swelling,,,,hmmmmm,,,, also said may represent a malignant nepolastic process,,,,,I remind myself that it says,,,,,
MAY REPRESENT,,,,,,,doesn't say that I have it,,,,,which Dr Fee said,,,, would be very rare,,,,,,,but the biopsy will tell us just what is wrong,,,,and that he would talk to me before he took the toe,(OH Great),,if need be,,,,,,,,,what is the odds,,,,,can you believe my luck? The pain is so great to be such a little toe!!! You ask what is a nepolastic process???? Don't know for sure,,,but says malignant,,,well,,,,,, we all know what that means,,,,,,,,not going to get excited until we know what we are dealing with,,,,go for bloodwork on Monday,,,and surgery is thursday,,,platelets are low but surely he will go ahead with surgery,,,,,we'll see on Monday,,,,,,,

So much going on,,,,,,,,,

Whew,,,,lots going on here,,,,,,,makes me tired just thinking about it!!!! It has been Fair week here in Edmonson county and the Homemakers have a BIG part in it. It came to town a week ago Thursday,,,but we didn't participate until Monday night,,,that was the baby show and our club is "back stage organizers"...we help get them in line and tell then what to do on stage. It is a very LONG night,,,nothing hard,,,but several hours worth,,,and we get to play with all the babies! The proceeds from this is kept by the homemakers,,,our main fundraiser for the year. Then Tuesday, we clean up the exhibit barn to prepare for entries to the fair on Thursday. Not there for very long, just moved and cleaned a few tables, something that has to be done though. Then on Thursday,,,,fair entries,,,WOW,,,,,signing in all the entries,,,,our club was in charge of flowers and field crops,,,,we always have alot of these...judging was at 12:00, after that we could go home, which was a couple hours long. Then on Friday we come back to "barn set", each club takes their turn and watches over the barn (mainly for theft and vandalism) for 3 hours, and then the last day, Saturday,,,people come and check out their fair entries and pick up their prize money. This is a good thing for the county but makes for a very long and tiring week..Homemakers do alot but the big job is the Lions club,,,endless hours and the money they make is put back into the community, mainly with eye wear for underprivileged children. I won 2 blue ribbons,,,one for a quilt that I had made Hannah for her birthday, pink and white squares, and a pink rose specimen, that was just in the right stage for a judging.

Some big news that I haven't posted yet,,,Jonathan is engaged!!!! Last Saturday, Jonathan proposed to Tiffany Graham,,,the girl he has been dating for the last year and a half. How thrilled we all are,,,,,,they seem to be made for one another,,,,,further more,,,it seems that God is pleased as well,,,what a blessing to have her in our family. Right now they are planning a June wedding,,,that is plenty of time,,,but it will be here before we know it,,,,,(that means I will be needing a new dress too). Congratulations you two!!!!

Also,,,my toe is not doing well,,,,I believe the infection is back,,,,I go to the Dr on Tuesday and I fear the news,,,,,,,I also am in alot of pain,,,,maybe I have over done it this week (a big possibility don't you think?) my bones hurt all over,,,,especially fingers and toes,,,of course that could be the infection returning too,,,,I hear a staph infection is very hard to get rid of.....will let you know what she says on Tuesday.

Went to First Hardin's Homecoming today to be with cousin Jay and his family, had a sweet service with Bro Leland Childress preaching. (also a great meal) didn't get to stay very long,,,wasn't feeling the greatest,,,was in alot of pain, so I left early,,,sorry guys.......

Done! Done! Done!

Hey,,,we're ALLLLL done with the treatments,,,,all 28 of them,,,,that's 28 daily trips to Bowling Green,,,,Wow,,,,no wonder I'm soooo broke,,,the gas has ate a big hole in my pocket! But I'm going to manage lunch today with Janie (Tiff's grandmother) and celebrate!!! Just hoping this has not been in vain,,,I'm sad to say the toe is still very painful, but the swelling has gone done some. I am supposed to wait 2 weeks, take an x-ray and go back to the Dr. If it isn't better,,,,,,she will probably want to take it off. I have an appt with surgeon, Kirk Fee about that time too..........just don't know about all this.

Also good news about my visit with Dr Young (cancer) yesterday,,,,blood work is about the same, not good ,but not critical,,,so I take that as good news,,,,anytime you don't have to do chemo ,is a great day!!!

Happy birthday to Kennedy and Hannah! Today Hannah
(my only granddaughter) is 3 years old,,,,,,she is so precious,,,,Happy Birthday girl! Mommaw love's you bunches!!! And then Kennedy, my great-niece (who lives in Georgia) turns 14 today,,,,Happy Birthday girl!!

Lets keep our fingers crossed that the treatments are working,,,,since this was a staph infection and that I probably got it in the hospital at some time,,,,,,,probably when I got the heart cath in June,,,,,or could have been the liver biopsy,,,,,,,,not sure......maybe the anti biotics will help me start feeling better,,,,I have been dragging for a very long time. The picc line comes out today,,,,hope we don't have trouble with the bleeding,,,and it stop real soon,,,platelets are still 71......yikes!!

Almost done,,,,,,,,

only 5 more treatments and we will be done. I will miss all the nurses up here, it is called "Private Referral",,, here at the Medical Center......wonderful, wonderful care,,,each nurse has great personality and gives you excellent care,,,I have been very pleased. But, for my part,,,will be glad when the trips to BG will end,,,I am not getting anything done at home,,,,,ah,,,,I will have to take that back,,,,I did manage to finish Jacobs quilt for his birthday,,,,and Hannah's is almost done for her BD on the 1st...I'm talking about, mowing the grass and weed eating,,,,the hard work stuff. I was afraid to do any of it at this time,,,because my pic line is still oozing some and was afraid to get some sweat under the bandage on the gauze,,,and cause some infection,,,,a,,,,,, like I have enough of that going on already!!!

Will posts some pictures of the quilts later, when I am at home with the printer, right now I am still at treatment.

Monday I will have an appointment with Dr Young,,,,surely, surely no chemo at this time,,,,I have had enough anti-biotic to kill out leprosy!!!! Surely my blood work should be clean if not sterile!! ha ha Will let you know what he says on Monday,,,this is a two month appt.

So Far,,,So good,,,,,,,,

Don't know what to tell you,,,,so far it looks like I am responding to the meds, the creatinine is good and the vanc.omycin,TRGH is good, (it's not toxic),,,but I am having alot of pain in the toe,,,,maybe this anti-biotic is scattering the infection,,,and that is what's causing it,,,,,,just don't know. Still have to go till the 1st of September,,,,it's almost over.

Yesterday was a little hectic,,first thing after I drove in, got out, shut the door, and "what",,,,"no keys",,,I had locked them in the van,,,,,,,(Great,,,,,right when I was meeting friends for lunch),,,I sign in for treatment,,,this can sometimes take a while,,,,,I call my friends and tell them my dilemma,,,,they say that's okay,,,we'll pick you up and worry about that later,,,,,,,,(why didn't I think of that?) So they pick me up when treatment is over and we head over to Buckhead's and eat (Yummmmm--my!) I call AAA as we leave and then meet AAA back at the hospital and it didn't take him 5 minutes to unlock it,,,I need to carry one of those in my purse! I then get it on home,,,,,,long day,,,,,My good nurse friend Annette (Jeniece) took care of me again today,,,always a good day when she is my nurse (and good conversation ( I sang at her wedding many moons ago)

Still have to work on Jacob's quilt for his Birthday,,,,he will be seven years old ,,,,a precious little boy,,,he reminds me so much of Ronnie,,,he always has something to say about everything,,,so witty,,,and most everything he says is always sooo cute,,,,,never at a loss of words, just like Pappaw Ronnie,,,ha

Going to see about taking my treatment about an hour early tomorrow,,,,maybe I can come in at 8 instead of 9,,,,and then the hour trip home,,church doesn't start until 11,,,,yep I believe we can do it,,,,,if they will just let me,,,,,,,,we'll see....

Please feel free to leave me a comment, question, or just to let me know that you are reading along from time to time,,,Love you all,,,,and thanks for all your prayers and support...

A Yucky Day for sure,,,,,,,

What a yucky day it has been,,,,,,,I am just off today,,(of course, some would say I am off everyday!) I feel totally out of it,,,,the nurses said that such a massive dose of anti-biotics can make you feel bad,,,,I have done well until yesterday,,,,and today is even worse! Jonathan took me to my treatment, even though I tried to get him to stay home,,,his allergies were really acting up. And then I went back to his house and Tiffany (his girlfriend) came over and he made pizzas which were yummy! Always yummy when someone else fixes for you. I don't have a fever even though I feel very hot, and the arm hurts some. The old chest is pounding away, too! They are having to change the covering on the pic line every day, even though it is supposed to be changed every 7th day (because of so much blood pooling up under it,) and the platelets are so low (65). This causes concern, because they can't keep it as sterile as it needs to be, a greater chance for infection. (just what I need more of) A long ways to go yet,,,the swelling of the toe is actually decreasing but the pain in the toe is as bad as ever,,,just don't know if the Dr can save it or not.....

Troubles of this life come by,,,,,,,,,,

and burdens, get u down-you think no one is listening, you,think no one is around. Just remember what his word says, Trust him and obey. Keep your eyes toward the heavens, cause help is on the way.

Just hold hold a little longer,,,help is on the way. A brighter day is coming for those who believe and pray. Help won't help tomorrow--if you give up today,,,Just hold on a little longer,,,,help is on the way.


If I didn't believe this,,,I wouldn't write it,,,,it has really been depressing today,,but I wouldn't have wrote it, if I didn't believe that, "help is surely on the way!" Please Lord don't forsake me,,,let there be help on the way,,,,,,,,,,,,

It's Still working!!!!!

I had blood work done today and still good results and the dosage is still the same,,,,,,,and I believe (I'm afraid to speak too soon) that the toe's swelling has gone down just a tad,,,I'm so glad,,,I was beginning to think it wasn't making a difference,,,but I believe it is,,,it still has pain though,,,,,they also changed the dressing, (yuck)and it feels better,,,,,but looks horrible,,,,bruises everywhere,,,,but they too will heal and blood still oozes, (yuck again) Will go back tomorrow for another dose,,,,just like the energizer bunny,,,I just keep on ticking,,,,,,,,,

Good News!!!!!!!

Well,,,,,,it's Good News,,,Good News,,,,,Good News,,,,,,(guess you can tell I'm a little excited)! Went to Dr Rebecca Shadowen,,,infectious disease specialist and she was pleased with the lab results of my toe,,,,,GREAT!!!!! That means the anti-biotics are working,,,,,Great, Great,Great!!!! Bad thing is,,,,,,,,I have to take the drugs another 21 days though,,,,,,,oh, well,,,small price for keeping your toe attached. That's 21 straight days,,,that means 21 days of going to BG and taking the drip,,,,But,,,,I changed the time from 1:00 to 9:00am,,,,I'm just not getting any thing done around here,,,,so this way I can get right out of bed,,,and head on down there,,,get it over with,,,come home,,,a little nappy-poo,,,and get at it. Hopefully, this will work,,,I still need to can some maters. Thanks to all who remembered me,,,,,God is still good,,,,,,,,,

Treatment #6,,,,,,,,

went as planned today,,,,,,no problems. #7 will be tomorrow after seeing the Dr first,,,,,,can't even imagine what she will say,,,no changes can I see,,,,,,The dentist called,,,,they had a cancellation,,,,so I went and he took x-rays,,,he couldn't see anything that would be causing me pain,,,,he did say that I could be grinding my teeth in the night (I did that during the chemo,,,he had to make me a mouth guard to prevent that) and that I had one tooth that was a tad longer then the others so he shaved it down some to maybe counter that effect,,,,we'll see,,,,right now it still hurts,,,,,he also said I could of had an abscess (due to the immune system) and that the antibiotic is taking care of it,,,,,,,,not sure,,,wish I was a Dr. It doesn't hurt as bad as it did last week but it still hurts,,,,,Hope I get good news tomorrow,,,,,wonder if it's not better if they still want to do a biopsy? Thanks to all my good friends and family that have been "reading in" and tracking my blog,,,your encouragement means "lots" and so does,, your prayers,,,,you know I have been sooo frighten of this infection,,,,my Mom passing away with sepsis,,,,,this whole thing has been very scary,,,,,,,,I luv you all,,,,,,,

Treatment #5,,,,,,

is over and done with. Jonathan took me to my treatment today and stayed and visited and brought Subway's for us,,,,yummmmmm. Another 3 hours,,,,,,,,Jonathan happened to take his laptop and I watched, "Day after Tomorrow" and he watched my TV,,,,Cubbie's played today. Church this am,,,made for a ve----ry long day,,,and I am going to bed. Two more treatments,,,then I see the Dr,,,,,,everything I read on internet says 6 weeks of IV antibiotics,,,,,,maybe she has to see how it is healing and possibly needs to change meds,,,,,,so far it doesn't look or feel any different,,,,,,the net says the staph infection doesn't respond to all meds,,,you have to find out which ones,,,,,so we'll see on Tuesday,,,,,,,,,patience Lord,,,please give me patience,,,,,,,,,,,,

One more Valley,,,,,,,,

one more hill, maybe one, more trial, one more tear, one more curve in life's road, maybe one more mile to go,,,,,,,,,you can lay down your heavy load,,,,when you get home,,,,,,,,,ever heard that song???,,,,that's an oldie, the trio used to sing many, many years ago. You all will probably get tired of me singing to you,,,,but there's always a song on my heart,,,,,,,if the Lord ever gets tired of fooling with me,,,I'm sure he will quit sending the songs,,,,,so I'm very thankful,,,"He's Still Working on Me",,,,,,,another great song!

Jason went with me for my treatment today,,, was so glad to have his company,,,it was longer today because they upped the dose and you can't give it too fast,,,so 3 hours,,,whew,,,makes for a long day, especially with the hour trip to, and hour trip back home!!! We got a room with no TV,,,,,BORING!!! was so glad we took the laptop,,,,,it entertained Jason for a while. A good friend was my nurse today,,,,Annette Sanders, Bro Keith Sanders' wife,,,,,it is so good to have such skilled people, who are good at what they do, and put a special touch on things. Was good to be able to visit a while too. This is some pretty potent anti-biotics,,,,just praying it does the job,,,, small price to pay,,,if it will just do the job!!! Church tonight and tomorrow,,,,Hope Pastor JC Ramsey takes it "easy" on us this weekend,,,,kinda tired,,,,,,,,

Would you believe the dentist finally called yesterday??? They had a cancelation and wanted me to come in,,,,couldn't fit it into the schedule of events,,, still have the appt on tuesday,,,just hope my treatment is over in enough time to go,,,,,i'm still in pain,,,but not as bad as it was,,,,,,

Lord, it's just another hill,,,,,,,,

that i'm climbing,,,,,
Lord, it's just another tear to wipe away,,,,,,,
if I an just hold on, a little longer,,,,
I'll be rejoicing in Heaven some day.

When my troubles and trials gather around me,,,
and it seems, I'm in this valley all alone,,,,,
then I feel his arms all around me,,,,,,
and praise God I know, I'm going home,

These are the words to a song that Bro Gerald Skaggs used to sing all the time (how I miss him)I thought of this song so many times today,,,,,,,first on the agenda today I saw Dr Rauh, the liver dr and he said everything is looking good and numbers are up and some are down,,,,that is wonderful! Next,,,I am to be at the diagnostic and imaging at the MEdical center so they can put in my pic-line for the treatment,,,,,,,whoooo,,,,, they are not going to put me to sleep,,just going to numb it real good. had to use an ex-ray to guide it,,,,now we have it in,,,hurts a little,,,,they clean it up,,,and then I walk over to the other side and get my treatment,,,,,they take some blood and they are going to test it to make sure that I don't have too much of that drug or it could be toxic,,,,it come back,,,I didn't have enough,,,,so, tomorrow we will up the dosage, (oh boy) Will have to wait and see and then go from there. I hope to tomorrow is a whole lot better,,,,,,,,,,

Must of had something to do with the full moon, I was pretty wimpy and weepy today,,,and it really shocked me,,,,,while they were doing the surgery,,,,I couldn't keep the tears back,,,,,for no reason,,,,,,I kept choking them back,,,until no one could see and then I would cry,,,don't know why,,,,,,,,,,,,well,,,,,maybe,,,,just maybe I missed my sweetheart,,,,,,,now if he could be here he would,,,and he would hold my other hand and be jokular so I wouldn't pay any attention to what was going on,,,,,,I miss my man,,,,,,,tears tears when it gets quiet,,,,I'll go ahead and have a good cry and get it overwith,,,,,so I can move on,,,,,and not look back. I hate weepy days,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and it's such a beautiful day,,,,,,,,,,,church sat and sun and treatments both days,,,going to be on the road alot.

yuck,,,,,not feeling too good,,,,,,,,,,

Don't think it's the anti-biotic,,,,,,,got a toothache,,,,called the dentist and can't get in until next Tuesday,,,wow,,,,had to find some PAIN medicine,,,,it's been a yucky day,,,,,between the orgel, and Advil,,,yuck, yuck, and double yuck. A cavity under a bridge,,,,I guess the bridge has been in there for about 25 years,,,,and probably time for a new one,,,,gosh,,,they are so expensive!!!! But this, I don't need right now,,,got enough going on,,,,,,,The IV treatment went as well as can be expected,,,,had to be stuck twice,,,,and they left the pic line in,,,so hopefully I won't have to be stuck tomorrow,,,,unless it blows.....we'll see. My jaw really hurts,,,,going to hunt for something stronger then Advil,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Well, here we go,,,,,

Dr Rebecca Shadowen called today and said we would start anti-biotics tomorrow,,,,,(great) by IV at the Medical Center as OP,,,this will consist of 2 differ anti-biotics. We will do this for 7 consecutive days and then come back to see her and see if we have made any progress.. Each treatment should be for 1 1/2 hours,,,,,, (a trip to BG, everyday for 7 days,,,golly gee,,,and Saturday and Sunday also) Sure hope this works,,,When she first started talking she said, "Do you want to do IV antibiotics are get rid of the toe? There's no question about it!!! Most diffidently, try to keep my toe!!!! (to her I'm sure it is just another toe,,,,but to me,,,,,well, it's my toe,,,,,,,MY TOE!!!!! I'm looking forward to starting on these treatments and sure hope they work,,,remember I have been on an oral antibiotic for going on 3 weeks now,,,,I hope that has given me a jump start on it all,,,,even though,,,if going by the pain that I have in the toe,,,,,,,,,,,it is NO better. I'll keep you informed on the progress but will probably not know anything for at least a week.

Gonna be a few more days,,,,,,

before I know about the toe,,,,,,,Rebecca Shadowen said we have 3 options,,,,2 different antibiotics to take for a month, 2, get a biopsy of the toe, and do a culture so we will know exactly what we are dealing with and of course 3 the dreaded one,,,amputate the toe.....Not crazy about that ideal,,,,,,BUT,,, she did say I should be okay with it since it is not a balancing toe and one that I really needed,,,,hmmmmmm...Just not sure. She wanted to check with the cancer Dr, Dr Young, before proceeding with this, to make sure we had efficient time to do this before chemo, but he is on vacation this week so she said she would call me on Monday and let me know about it all,,,,so this is where I am at and to ponder on it alllll weekend. You wouldn't know anything was wrong with the toe, other then the toenail is enlarged quit a bit. But there is considerable amount of pain in it, (that's what lead me to the Dr, in the first place) The Dr said the bone was just gone,,,,,,deteriorated,,,,,I guess ate up by the infection,,,,and of course if I don't see to it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I don't even want to go there yet,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,And you ask where did I get the infection? Could have been anything,,,a UTI, insect bite, ear infection,,,,,??? I had some kind of infection of some kind,,,,and got this. What a great immune system that I have,,,,that keeps on giving,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I Don't think it's going to Work!!!!!

I've been trying to get use to this breathing machine (c-pap). The Dr said I had mild to moderate sleep apnea, that I quit breathing 17.8 times in an hour and the oxygen level dropped down to 82. He said I qualified for oxygen, at home. (What??!!) I can't believe it,,,OMG! Since I got this machine, with a mile of hose that is hooked up to the end of my nose, that forces air in my nostrils. Which this doesn't bother me,,,it's the hose,,,,there's 10 foot of it, it seems!!!!!I'll give it a month,,,,,and it doesn't get easier,,,,,it's gone.....................I haven't felt well for about 4 weeks now,,,can't put my finger on it,,,,,maybe it's the sleep thing, I am just soooo tired,,,,,,,,,,

Next week is the appointment with the infectious disease specialist,,,,,,I'm anxious to see just what she says. I am already on an anti-biotic,,,,don't know for sure if this is the right kind,,,,everything I read, says anti-biotic, by IV,,,,so we'll see what she says. I want the strongest they make!

Been putting up freezer corn, and peaches,,,will taste mighty good this winter. Soon the green beans will be in,,oh boy oh boy, then the fun will really begin,,,washing jars, breaking beans, canning, breaking beans, can some more, breaking beans, etc. you get the picture don't you? Never ending,,,at least we'll have something to eat,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Just How Much,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

does God think I can stand????? This is too much!!!! I told Dr Fee that I wasn't crazy about cutting on my toe (being diabetic) and he said he didn't blame me,,,,(but this is the only way we will know for sure) I asked,,,, can we just try the 6 weeks of antibiotic first???? He said if that is what I wanted to do, to buy me some time,,,that he would play with me on that. (yea!!) But to go ahead and see an infectious disease specialist, Rebecca Shadowen, and get started on the antibiotic,,So they called and she is out ????and I then asked him if maybe this had anything to do with the bone marrow and he said he didn't think so,,,and that I was looking at amputation,,,,but he would play with me on the antibiotic!!!! (WHAT!!!!???, AMPUTATE MY TOE??????? NOW,,,,,,,Just how much does God think I can stand?????? And I won't be able to stand very well with only four toes!!!!!OMG!!!!) This is becoming a nightmare!!! You all remember my mom dying of sepsis,,,from having her leg amputated,,,
A NIGHTMARE, I'm telling you,,,,needless to say,,I immediately begin taking the antibiotic,,,,,,oh please don't take my toe. I usually can see the brighter side of things,,,but I'm afraid I can't with this... It COULD get the best of me so fast,,,,,,,,,,so fast,,,,,,,,,, I try to protect myself from germs and such,,,,but how did I get this,,,,,,I just can't handle bacteria,,,,,,,,,

I also had a sleep study done on Tuesday night and guess what??? (you know it's going to be bad, don't you???? Everything I have anymore is negative,,,,,,,) the tech said that I had sleep apnea, but that the Dr would talk to me about it. And I have an appt with him next wed. To tell the truth I didn't sleep very well there, so many wires, I was hooked up to,,I kept waking up and couldn't stay asleep,,,,,I felt like I had little fevers all night long and I have noticed today, that I still have them,,,could be with the infection and all.....whew ,,,,,,,will this ever end????? Yes, it will,,,,someday,,,,and you never know when it will be,,,,,but I'm ready.......got ready when I was 16, bowed at an alter,,,when God saved me,,,,,,,,,and one day,,,,,,,,one day he'll call me home,,,,,,,

My cousin didn't show,,at the revival,,,I hope he hasn't put it off too long,,,,,,remember he is 89,,,,

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!!!

Well,,Happy Holiday and hope everyone is grilling , eating and having good family time,,,,,,,,guess I will be going back to the revival,,,,,my cousin has not showed yet,,,,,but I'm thinking Sunday,,,,yep,,Sunday would be a goooood day to get saved. Please keep us in your prayers. The church had a sweet,,,,,,sweet,,,,,,, service last night. I feel "at home" now.

The Dr talked to my cancer Dr and they want a biopsy done on the toe,,,she said something is diffidently going on with the foot,,,,she doesn't know what,,,,(like bone marrow suppression, bone infection, bone cancer, yuck!) I've been researching on the Internet and don't like what I am reading,,,,,could be alot of things,,,,,I'm not going to get upset,,,,,,,until I know something for sure,,,,,,,,,,it's not looking good. She wants me to see Kirk Fee,,,,orthopedic Dr...I already see him for my knee,,,,and get him to do the biopsy,,(she only does the procedure in Russelville,,,don't want to go there when all of my Drs are on BG) and Friday they were out for the holiday,,,,so I'll have to get it set up next week. whew,,,,sometimes this is all so overwhelming,,,Jonathan can't understand why I have so much stuff,,,,,again,,,,a suppressed immune system,,,,,,,they don't tell you this good stuff of what can happen to you,,,,and they want to do even more chemo,,,,,,,,,UGH!!!! My CLL will probably not kill me,,,,,,it will be something about the immune system,,,,you wait and see. But I still get around good and work quite a bit,,,,,,of course alot of the time I am in bed the next day,,,,but if you see me out fishing or working in the yard,,,,it's a GOOD DAY!!! I feel like doing something,,,,,this revival is rough,,,,,soooo tired,,,,but I hope the victory comes in the end,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and Victory is sooooo sweeeet!!!

Some good news,,,,,

Well, Good News!!! The blood work looks bad, but not critical,,,that's good news in my book. The lymph count dropped back down to a 6.4, that's still high but not critical,,,good news. I go back that last of the month for blood work and August to see the Dr. But,,,,,,,,I had the MRI done on the toe,,,and guess what,,,,,,,,,,bone deterioration,,,,,what???? What caused that????,,,,,Drs not sure,,,she said a possible bone infection,,,,,what???? How did I get that??? Could be because of the Leukemia,,,she's not sure,,,wants to do a biopsy,,,,(another side effect of the chemo-suppressed immune system,,,,my body just can't handle bacteria)----IN MY TOE??? I've never heard such stuff,,,,,,,,,(they never explained what a suppressed immune system was,,,,,or what it could effect, I just thought I had to be careful around sick people,,,,,I was wrong!) So I asked her to talk to my cancer dr and see what he thinks I ought to do,,,,,,she wants a biopsy and if it is an infection,,,,a pic line put in and daily doses of antibiotic for 6 weeks (oboy) I thought maybe something was going on with the bone marrow,,,that's why I wanted her to consult the cancer dr,,,,so I am waiting to hear from her,,,,,,,always something,,,the platelets were 67,,,,,I'm holding my own there.......then there's the lung dr,,,he wants a sleep study done to see if I have sleep apnea,,,,,I had the appt for tonight,,,but had to cancel,,,I went to revival instead,,,I rescheduled for next tuesday nite.

Please remember this revival,,,It is First Hardin Church and some of my kind are supposed to attend,,,Bro Freddie Vertrees and Steve Doyle are helping.......my cousin Chester Brooks, we are hoping will attend,,,,,,Oh and I hope he gets saved,,,,he is 89,,,,yes I said,,,89. Please remember him,,,,I would love to see him make it,,,,,,,,I'm trying to attend,,,,but stay awfully tired,,,,but wouldn't it be worth it, if he got saved,?????,,,he's 89,,,,gosh,,,he needs to get saved,,,,,,,89!

A New Roof,,,,,,,

Well,,,,it's been a week for sure,,,,,,they have started on the roof,
(a new metal one, cocoa brown) they have both ends and tomorrow they will start on the middle,,,,also they will do the lean to on the barn, and then hopefully the closet over the stairs and banister. So much to do.

The Annual Day for homemakers was thursday and turned out really well. Our club was in charge of entertainment this year. We made up a trio of Judy Guy, tenor, Natalie Vincent (dil) on alto and me, lead. Sue Bell, Judy's mom played the piano for us. We sang a few funny songs, and then a few church songs. We had a pretty good harmony going. It was lots of fun, and I hope we have the chance to sing again some day. Food was awesome and seemingly fun was had my all. We got first place on our name tags.

As soon as I get the roof taken care of I am going to try and get the basement leak fixed,, I'll just have to see if there is any money left!

This week I go back to the Dr. The lymph count has gone up to an 8.4, so if he wanted to do chemo at 7.4,,,,guess what????? But that is on Friday, I'll just have to wait and see. The toe Dr said she wants an MRI on the middle toe,,,,what??? Yep, that's what she said,,,she said the x-ray showed deterioration from the nail,,,,,,to the bone,,,a possible bone infection. Possibly 6 weeks of antibiotics. Oboy!!! That would postpone chemo for a while, since I can't do both at the same time. Will let you all know at the end of the week.

Ain't God Good,,,,,,,,,,,

Homecoming was good,,,,,,the funeral was good,,,,,,,well, ain't God good,,,,,,,,,What a weekend it has been,,,,,,, with visiting the funeral home, church meeting on Saturday,,,,,, homecoming services and the funeral,,,,and God showed up at all of them,,,ain't God good!!!! The Sego family from Fairdale church in Louisville came and sang,,,,,,their son, Ryan preached,,,and it was soooo good!!! The food was good. Aunt Elva always put out her food next to mine on the table,,,and next to hers was Virginia's (Rich),,,and both has passed away since last year's homecoming,,,,,,how sad. Again,,,God calls and we will answer. Aunt Elva's funeral was good,,,,,a huge crowd,,,she was loved very much,,,,,please keep Uncle Howard in your prayers,,,,,I don't know how it will be for him,,,,and he is so frail. As for me,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I am exhausted,,,and in need of much needed rest,,,,which I plan on doing after this post. The kids have just left after eating leftovers,,,,(yummy). It's going to be another busy week,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Annual Day for homemakers is this week and a couple of Dr visits.

I feel the need to talk,,,,,,,,,

It's been a very busy week,,,so glad everything turned out well at the drs and I believe the medicine is helping,,,I'm begining to slow down some,,,,,,,,,,but on thursday I received a phone call that Ronnie's Aunt Elva has passed away,,,,,(tears, tears) I just can't believe it!!! So unexpected,,,,,she would have been 80 on July 1. I just loved her and her husband Howard who is a minister,,,Even though they were Ronnie's family,,,I felt as if they were mine,,,,and she treated me that way to,,,always sooo good to me. They lived less then a mile from me and I would go with them to the Drs when they needed to go,,,,,Howard baptized me and married me and Ronnie,,,,,they are just soo special and such good people...But God calls and we all will answer,,,,,whether we are ready or not,,,but I believe she was ready,,,such good memories,,,everyone tonight at church were remembering the precious memories they had of her,,,,Tomorrow is our church homecoming, she always put out her dinner next to mine,,,,I will miss her,,,,,,,and tomorrow is her funeral (after the homecoming) and I have been asked to sing,,,,,what an honor!!!! It's such a small thing to do for someone so special. I'm cooking for homecoming and just wanted to stop a moment and to talk about her,,,,I loved her so much,,,and in my younger days,,,her house was the gathering place for kids,,,,she had two girls (around my age,,,and were Ronnie's cousins) and we would gather there and have the best time,,,,,I mentioned that Howard was a minister,,,,he has preached all over and was pastor of Owensboro church for years,,,,,traveled all them miles,,,,,, for years. He is in failing health and has just started taking dialysis,,,,and grows weaker and weaker,,,I wonder what will happen to him. Remember us at the funeral tomorrow that the Lord will bless and that God will comfort Uncle Howard and his family,,,,oh I will miss her sooo much.

Woo-hoo!! No blockages found!!!

Well, it's over, and no blockages were found,,,the Dr said my heart just would not slow down and prescribed another blood pressure pill to go along with the one I am already taking to slow it down. Now, how do you like them apples???,,,,hard to keep a good woman down, ain't it?? (ha) He said I was under severe emotional stress,,,,,,hmmmmmmm,,,,wonder if it could be stage 4, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and facing some major chemo at the end of the month???,,,you think that might be stressing me out just a little bit????,,,,,,probably so,,,,get a grip on things Shela,,,before it gets you. Since I am allergic to the contrast dye, they gave me a massive dose of benadryl and steroids and yesterday was an awful day,,,,and I would say it was coming off the steroids that made it so bad,,,,,nasty day!!! They left a little disposable plug in my groin area, (yikes, I feel like a dam!!) should be dissolved if 60 to 90 days,,,,and seeps a little,, but not bad. Thanks to all who called and thought about and said a prayer for me,,,,friends are priceless at a time like this. Thanks to my sons that helped me out so much, and Natalie and Matthew that came and sat, and sat, and sat, What would I have done without JDV?????,,,,I stayed with him that night and he took excellent care of me and waited on me alot.....He'll make someone a good little husband some day.

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

Well,,,tomorrow's the cath test,,,don't know if I should pack a bag or not. It's just a test,,,right? BUT,,,,,he said if they find that I need a stint,,,,they possibly will go ahead and insert it, at this time and save a procedure,,,,,and that means an overnite stay in the hospital for sure. So,,,,I better pack the PJ's for safety measure,,,,safety meaning,,, I won't be showing my hiney in those hospital gowns and scaring someone to death. I have a million things to do before tomorrow,,,just in case there is surgery,,,,,,,she said I couldn't lift more then a gallon of milk for a few days,,,,so gotta get a move on,,,,,,,,,

Oh,,,,What a Day!!!!!!

Well, I had my appt with Dr Pribble today,,,,bad news,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,a possible blockage,,,,,,I'll have a cath done on Monday, and if it is a blockage,, they may go ahead and put in a stint.........would you believe my #3 son,,,,laughed,,,,,,,HE LAUGHED!!!!! He said, "how can one person have so much wrong with them!" I know,,,,I know,,,,,,,it's heredity I guess. Mom was the same way,,,,it made doctoring her, very difficult,, the Dr's would fix one thing and then that thing would affect something else,,,,,Oh well,,,,something to look forward to, come Monday. Hope everything goes well. At least I know I'm not crazy,,,,about the shortness of breath and chest pain. Remember,,,I went to Dr Avula and the ER and they couldn't find anything. The ultrasound,,,I believe they call it, an Echo test, is what showed it. This has just been going on for about 5 months now,,,, and what started out as an occasional pain (but stayed with me 24/7 ),,, now my chest hurts almost constantly. Which the Dr said that by the time there is pain, it could have already done some damage.....so,,,,,,,we'll find out come Monday. My Dad's heart just gave away, he had obstructive lung cancer and mom had a massive heartattack due to sepsis and my brother Eddie has had by-pass surgery,,,,so I guess I'm a good candidate do some kind of heart problems...............whew. Thanks again Jonathan, #3 son for taking me and staying with me today.

So the day hasn't started out well........then my brother (Jimmy) calls and he has me a "free" boat dock!!! Did I say FREE!!!! Someone he knows was getting a newer and bigger one and tossing this one,,,and he was trying to get it for me for our pond. And on this day,, that guy got his and (guess what?) this one needed to be disposed of. Great!!! So I commence to call the boys (and hope this is a good time for them) and get the truck and trailer rollin, (before someone steals it, because it is diffidently a floating dock now). So we round up Jason's brother-in-laws trailer and truck and pick up Jonathan and head to Peters Cove at Rough River to pick it up, (did I mention that today is Wednesday and we have prayer meeting and Jason is song leader at our church,,,,,, whew,,,,) so we are trying to make a quick trip and get back,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,wrong,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,we didn't leave there until after 7:00, so no church tonight,,,and did I mention, it is raining, raining, storming, lighting and thunder, (oh, my gosh)! So anyway,,,,,we get the boat docks home and pull them beside the pond until we get time to work on them (it's still raining) and we go to the house to get some towels,,,the boys are soaked,,,,,,and ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,no electric,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,neighbors all have electric,,,I don't........so I call WRECC and report it and he sends out a truck,,,I stay at the house and the boys commence to take the truck and trailer home and pick up my van and bring it back,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I had unplugged everything before I left because I knew there were to be storms today and didn't want a repeat of the lighting thing again, (new PC,,,remember?)...so I checked everything,,couldn't find anything wrong (like a fuse or the main breaker throwed,,,,,nothing,,,,,,,,,just waited for the truck,,,,,,it wasn't long,,,,must have been a fuse on the transformer or something,,,only took them 15 minutes and "Viole" the electric is back on,,,,THANK YOU GOD!!!! nothing has been struck by lighting again,,,,,and no repeat of the Ice storm again (being with out electric is what I'm talking about). What an eventful day!!!!! A broken heart,,,,,,,,a new dock (2) and no sparks at home,,,,,,,,,,,still blessed,,,,,!!!! A big THANKYOU to my brother Jimmy for thinking of Sis and getting a dock for her pond,,,I know I will enjoy it SO MUCH!!!!! Thank You!!! And to my sons,,,,,"what would I do with out you??????" You try to take up the slack in my life,,,,,,,the things Ronnie would have done,,,,,,,,Jason, Jeremy and Jonathan,,,,Love you all,,,,,, sooooo much!!!!! And a big thank you to Jason's brother-in-law, Jeromy Doyle for the loan of his truck and trailer, we couldn't have done it without you. Thanks!!

I don't know a thing,,,

Well it took 4 hours for all the test,,,,and I don't know a thing. Two scans, one ultrasound and a stress (treadmill) test,,,,,whew,,,,and was I tired!!!! The ultrasound hurt just like a mammogram, I guess the density of the breast obstructs the view of the heart and that is why they have to press down so hard,,,,man,,,that was painful. I came home just exhausted!!! and took a 3 hour nappy poo, feeling some better now and looking forward to bedtime. I stay soooo exhausted anymore. I couldn't see anything wrong on the test, myself, but hey,,,I'm not a Dr. I go back at 1:00 on Wed. to find out results. I want to say thankyou to my #3 son,,,thanks for taking mom and staying with me today. He stayed about 4 hours in the waiting room,,,of course he had his laptop and I touch,,,(I think it's called)....You're a good son, Jonathan!!!

Asthma/Heart

Well, I scored a 19 and the Dr says at 20 they say it is asthma,,,but he really didn't think it was,,,,,so he is sending me to a heart Dr,,,,,on Monday I see Dr Priddle for a (heart) echo test and nuclear stress test,,,(oboy!) Hopefully this will tell us just what is going on. He said I should be there for over 2 hours,,,(great!! JD better bring a book to read.) He said he didn't see anything on the EKG, but that I was a good candidate, for heart trouble, since there was so much heart history in my family and also being diabetic,,,,whew,,,,,,, My blood work from a week ago looks pretty good,,,,,the platelets were 65,,,that's not good,,,,(a normal low is 130) but the lymph's were back down to a 5.4,,,,that has dropped some,,,,, but the norm is 2.9,,,still high, don't know if it has dropped enough NOT to do chemo,,,depends on what it is the day that I go to see him (and of course what the heart Dr says)....I see the cancer Dr the last of the month.

It's sure been a busy month, on the 3rd Sunday we had decoration at the Jaggers cemetery with Ronnie's sister and family and then back home to eat and play a little corn hoe. Some even enjoyed some fishing in the pond. And then last Sunday we decorated Mom, Dad and my brother, Mike's grave in Caneyville. My other brother Jimmy and his girlfriend, Kim, came over to help. It's always good to see Jimmy,,,we rarely see one another,,,he's my "little" brother, I had 4,,,,two are deceased (Layton and Mike),,,and the other lives in Louisville "Eddie". Jimmy lives in Louisville also, but he has a house on the lake at Rough River and comes down nearly every weekend. I miss my family getting together at the holidays, like we used to, when death comes,,,,,,,,things are never left the same.

Annual day for the Homemakers is coming up on the 18th,,,looking forward to it,,,it is always a fun day,,,,where all the clubs get together and receive awards for various things that we have competed for all year. This year, our club is in charge of the entertainment,,,,,,,,not sure of what to do or who to get but,,,,,right now,,,,we are considering singing (imagine that!!) Judy Guy, Natalie Vincent (my daughter-in-law) and I are planning on singing,,,we have pretty good harmony,,,,,I guess you could say,,,,a homemakers trio. This could be the start of something good!!! We also keep a scrapbook of all the activities that we participate in all year,,,that's a lot of hard work and journalling. Natalie Vincent is our Gold Medal winner of the year for our club,,,she will compete against all the other clubs. This is a real cute award,,,,,I received it a couple of years back,,,,you win a plaque, a 5 lb bag of Gold Medal flour and $25, a real cute award! It is given to a outstanding member who has the most volunteer hours and is most involved in the club and our community. This is some serious charity work!!

I don't post a lot,,,I guess I don't have news that is worthy,,,,,when I do, I will try to post! Oh by the way,,,,the real reason I haven't posted is,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the lighting got my PC,,,,RATS!!!!! and James, my computer friend couldn't salvage it. Just what I did not need to buy!!!! But I missed keeping in touch with all of you,,,,,,,so,,,,,,,I have invested in Windows Vista and a laptop,,,YIKES!!!! They also come in handy in working on our scrapbook......which reminds me,,,,,,,,got work to do,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

By the way,,,,this is a picture of all the grand and great grandchildren of Evon and Clarence Vincent (Ronnie's mom and Dad) at decoration 2009. Good looking bunch,,,,,,,,,,,is all I got to say!!!!

Asthma????

Well, the lung Dr said, he thought it could be asthma,,,,,,,,,,,what? We don't know for sure,,,,, and I did ok on the breathing tests,,,,,,he put me on an inhaler to use over the next few days and I go back on Monday and he will do an hour long breathing test and we will go from there,,,,So far I can't tell any difference with the inhaler.......I hope it is asthma and not a heart blockage....I guess that will be the next step. My health seems to be an "Never Ending Story" (hummmm, a good name for a movie) ha Now I know what it means,,,when they say "declining health",,,,,I'll let you know on Monday what he says.

Mother's Day this weekend,,,,Happy Mother's Day to all you Mothers,,,,,,,,,,,,,I wonder what Jennie and Natalie are going to get me??????

I Remember Momma,,,,,,,,

There used to be a TV show called, "I Remember Momma", I grew up watching it,,,black/white, it was one of my favorites!. Today is my Mom's birthday, she would have been 85,,,,,, gosh! Bless her heart,,,, when she was alive she had sooo many illnesses, I can see why she didn't make it to now. I had a goooood Momma, and I missed her terribly,,,especially on days like today,,,her birthday,,,and pouring down the rain. She has been gone for 6 years. I was the only girl out of four boys. Mom used to say that the boys would always "spoil" me,,,I don't quite remember it that way,,,,I remember,,,,,"Mom, get her out of here",,,,,"she's bugging me",,,,,,,,,,,"iron my pants and I'll give you a Yankee dime"! Watch for the city bus for me and I'll give you a yankee dime! A dime was quite a bit in the 50's,,,,,especially from my brothers who were 9 and 10 years olders then me. Do you know what a Yankee Dime is? A kiss,,,,,, yuck! from your brother? Double yuck! I soon learned my lesson,,,,,,iron your own pants,,,,yucky!

Mom was always so sickly and had sooo many illnesses that I would have to go and stay and take care of her some,,,,,especially when she had heart valve replacement surgery and then her hysterectomy at age 69, whew,,,,that one nearly done us both in.

People say I look like my Mom,,,,,,tickles me,,,,,for I always thought my Mom was sooo pretty. She'd "clean up pretty good"! ha ha

Went out to eat at a new restaurant today (let's say,,,,it was new to me). It was "Kyoto's", a Japanese restaurant. It was delicious!!! Teriyaki chicken with broccoli, sweet carrots, zucchini (that Jonathan thought was an apple) and onion, with rice and covered in ginger sauce. It was wonderful and very different. I went with Jonathan and Tiffany. Thanks kids~! A nice early "Mother's Day gift"!

Here is a picture of me and Mom, taken, I quess, 20 years ago, we had matching dresses, something we had never had before. This was before her surgeries. Love her,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Happy 85th birthday Momma!!!

Want to see something funny?

Spring Break, 2009 Myrtle Beach

I can't believe,,,,,,,,,

it has been sooo long since I posted last. It's been very busy around here. The trip to Myrtle Beach was awesome, weather was a little chilly, but we had a great time. I took more movies then I did pictures but I will post a few.

Hannah and Jacob have been sick. Jacob was in the hospital for a few days, but is better now and back to school and playing t-ball. It was great to take care of Matthew some, he is so special.

The shortness of breath and chest pain is still around, Dr Young is sending me to a lung Dr. not sure what he can do, but we will see. I saw Dr Young this week, the Lymph count is back up to 7.4, doubled again. They should be 2.9, that's a normal high. Platelets have gone up to a 74, (from 64), normal low is 130, but I have very little bruising. So we are back to talking about chemo. He wants to see me after I see the lung Dr., in two months. We don't want to go into chemo with the chest pain and shortness of breath. So it looks like this summer will be chemo. That means no garden either, can't do it all. I don't look forward to it,,,,it always brings you soooo down,,,,,,,and I worry about getting the "dreaded shingles" again. He hasn't said what kind a chemo yet, so don't know if I will loose my hair or not,,,,,,I'm ready to cut my hair for summmer anyway, bald sounds good right now. (not) ha

hmmmmmm

< I'm sitting here eating leftover O'Charley's chicken strips,,,hmmmmm,,,from last night. Went out to eat with Tiffany and Jonathan to spend some time before we left on our trip, and BOY was it good, hmmmmm, and it's still good this am. Is this blog depressing?

One of my son's said it was,,,,,,I don't mean for it to be,,,,just so many, always want an update, and I thought this was a good way to update everyone, sorry, about that, I will try to keep it on a lighter note from now on!

The pain in the chest is still there, and so is the shortness of breath, the red blood cells that carry the oxygen is low (but a normal low) so maybe that's the reason. I go back to the cancer Dr. the 24th of this month, so we'll see how we are doing.

I am leaving tonight (one reason I decided to post) for Myrtle Beach with Jeremy and Jenni and Hannah, for spring break. Looking forward to it, all though it is going to be cool for the beach, a couple of days will be warm enough to let Hannah play in the sand and fly her kite. (she must have seen this in a movie, for when she found out she was going to the beach, she wanted a kite ha) It will be great to experience the beach with Hannah,,,,she is 2 1/2 and says anything she wants and is so witty!! (she, no doubt, gets this from Ronnie) The weather is supposed to be really cool here, I'm glad I'm missing it! The condo we are staying at is new, so we will be the first to stay in our rooms, that sounds CLEAN!!!

The Red Hatters play last Sunday was good, The Art of Murder. I never was good at "who did it" murder mystery's. I guessed one but I didn't know there was going to be two murders, so I really didn't do well.

Well,,,,,,,,,

Well,,,,,,,the pain is still there and so is the shortness of breath,,,,,,,,it's becoming a part of me. If it was my heart,,,I guess I would of had a heart-attack by now. I have an appt with the liver Dr in a couple of weeks,,,maybe he can tell me something. I haven't felt well at all this week, don't exactly know what is going on ,,,,,,,blood work still looks the same, bad,,,,,but stable. I'm very tired, so tired, I've tried to pick up the tree limbs and it just gives me out. Jeremy has helped a lot, if it wasn't for him, I couldn't get it done. Soon I will have to see about getting a new roof put on, (wind damage) I dread the mess, I've been thinking about putting on a metal roof,,,I just might like it. And oh yes,,,the garage door has to be replaced, (again, wind damage) ,,,,,,,a woman's work,,,

Well, I'm still having those chest pains and short of breath. I had a Dr appt on Friday but because of the snow, I was afraid to get out, so I cancelled. Wish I had went now. It could be a reaction to some medication that I am taking for the liver. I am going to try to get in with the Dr tomorrow, if not,,,I will go on to the ER,,,hopefully I will have something to report by tomorrow evening. Thanks everyone for remembering me,,I know you've been worried, me too!!

I watched two movies today: Taking Chance, and Article 99. Taking Chance was about a LT in the Marines that was taking the body of a Pvt back home. I was very impressed,,,,,,,,he never left that body!!!! he was very particular with it and even slept in the floor beside it one night. And it was treated with all dignity and respect,,,,very impressive. I would recommend you watch it. The other, Article 99, was about a bad veteran's hospital and the red tape that it goes through,,,to make a long story short,,,the vet Drs and vets wind up over taking the hospital and getting a very much needed heart by-pass that a vet seriously needed to survive,,,and how they banded together (a band of brothers) to get the job done,,,again a good movie. These movies made me think of my brothers (I had 4, two are now deceased). All 4 of them served time in the service, I don't know that I ever thanked them for their services for me and my county, the job in protecting us all and choices they made in putting their life on the line for us. I am so proud of them for this. I know the sacrifices they had to make and today I honor them. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart!

Busy, busy, busy,,,,,,

Just busy, busy, busy,,,,,,I'm supposed to be retired, and I'm busier than when I worked!!! Don't know how I ever did it!!! But,,,,I'm enjoying every minute of it!!

Still having chest pain,,,it's going on 4 weeks now. My blood work showed that the thyroid is normal, so it's not that. If it's not my heart, nor thyroid, what is it then???? The lungs?? I have an appt on Friday w/Dr Shadowen,,,we'll see. Also the blood work for Dr Young is stable, no worse and no better, same,,,,so it's good news,,,no chemo yet!!!! I'm so glad we put it off until after Christmas,,,,there's no telling what shape I would be in right now, if,,,,,,,,,,, The Lord has a way of taking care of things doesn't he? An answer to prayer. Thanks again to all who prayerd for me!! I will see the cancer Dr. the last of April,,,hopefully everything will still look good. (still blessed!!)

What a beautiful day we had today,,,Hannah, (my granddaughter) and I stayed out side for a good while and played and enjoyed the sun. She is such a joy,,,,a reason to get out of bed in the mornings...........Here's a picture of Hannah, taken with my Red Hatter's hat and boa on,,,she's a mess!!! and she talks ALL THE TIME and carries on a conversation like a grown up. (having a mom that is is teacher, encourages that I would say, ha)

(Hope you enjoy these pictures Wanda,,,,,I'm not real savy when it comes to this PC,,,but I'm learning!)

Seven years,,,,,,,,,,

I wore this same dress, seven years ago to the funeral, how ironic that I chose to wear it today. My life has changed sooo much in seven years. Half of me,,,,,, missing,,,and then trying to find a satisfying life for myself. No way I can describe it,,,,,,It took several years,,,,just trying to find "me" again and trying to make "me" a whole person. I had to look for things to "busy" my life with, it seems, just to survive. It seemed, it hurt to even, "breathe", without him. But,,,,,I re-adjusted my life,,,,and went forward,,,,and now it has been seven years,,,,gosh,,,,But God has been good and I still feel "Blessed" just to be counted among the living.

I still am having chest pain, I guess I shall call the Dr and check on the monitor readings. I'm sure it is alright but I will call and then I won't have to guess.

Saturday, I attended the Red Hatters Tea at The Victorian House in Smiths Grove. What a wonderful time we had. There were 12 of us and we drank hot peach tea and had a lite lunch. We then toured the bed and breakfast and learned some of it's history. It was a warm way to spend a rainy and balmy Saturday, with good friends and good history.

No News,,,is good News,,,,,,,,

I wore the heart monitor for 24 hours and then took it back,,,as of yet I haven't received a phone call telling me anything about it, so,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I am assuming that it was okay. I feel better today, but I am still nervous. Went back on the insulin and thyroid, I thought that they had something to do with it, but since I was still nervous and off them, that it wasn't those pills. I'll just keep an eye on everything and wait and see.

I can't believe it is the end of the month already. On Saturday the "Red Hatters" are having a "Tea" in Smiths Grove, at the Victorian House. We dress up and do something fun every month. We have a good group of women and it is always so much fun. (like a bunch of little girls). I'll let you know how it all went and maybe send a picture.

A bed fellow,,, just for tonight,,,,,,,

The eye Dr appt today went well,,,,go back next year,,,very little change in the eyes,,,,some but nothing to worry about right now. But then on the other hand,,,,,,I haven't been feeling well,,,don't know why,,,don't understand my feelings. I have been very jittery on the inside and the Dr. upped the insulin dosage and I assumed it has caused this. So I cut back on the insulin and at times it is really bad,,,enough that I stopped the insulin all together and I am still that way. So I called Dr Avula and asked him to check me out. He wanted me to go to the ER and I said no,,,,,,,,I will come to your office. Blood pressure was 190/102, pulse was 98. He did a E.K.G. and it was fine, but he felt better if I would wear a heart monitor for 24 hrs. So,,,,,, I have someone to sleep with tonight,,,,,,,,(Gotcha there, didn't I?) Don't know where it will lead,,,hopefully no where,,,,but I can't stand this nervousness,,,maybe the sugar,,,,,I'm like this 24/7. It's about to drive me crazy!!!!! I went back on the insulin with a smaller dosage and took another BP pill, maybe it will help...........

Today is my nephews birthday,,,,,,,,Happy Birthday Scott, (down in Georgia). Have a good day!!

Tomorrow,,,,,, it will be 7 years, (tears, tears,), at times it seems a lot longer,,,,,,,,I miss my sweetie,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The Dr. said,,,,,,,,

The Dr. is not sure about the toe,,,could be a fungus,,,,just not sure. She gave me some toe nail polish (no, it's not polish, but it looks like it) to use every day, taking off the previous coat first, and then wait and see if it gets any better. I go back in April. If it's not any better she will do a culture,,,then we'll see. I would hate to lose a toe,,,could be the sugar also,,we'll see. Don't know much more then I did before,,,we'll see, we'll see, wait and see, we'll see. Gee

Got those taxes filed, year closed for 2008. It was a good year,,,I got to live all year!!! That's a good thing, isn't it? I was sick quite a bit,,,I took some IvIg treatments to raise my platelets, and I got meningitis and hepatitis (not at the same time, mind you). When I took the first round, it was grueling 8 and 9 hour treatments for 5 days,,,,it was awful!!!! I had sooo many reactions,,,that we had to stop and re-start sooo many times. By the weekend I had a tremendous headache and stiff neck,,,I wound up at the ER with meningitis,,,of course I recovered by the next weekend, but my speech, memory and eyesight has not been the same. The second round was only one day for about 35 minutes,,,,,,by the weekend I was in the ER again with,,,,,,hepatitis,,,I was yellow, my eyeballs were yellow, I peed brown and I felt horrible. Of course by the next weekend I was better,,,but now I have early stages of cirrhosis of the liver, they say because of the suppressed immune system. I just can't win!!!! I believe one reason the toe is not getting well is because of the immune system. A suppressed immune system (I'm finding out) effects your whole body, (2 route canals done on teeth, cirrhosis of the liver , ear infections), I'm susceptible to anything. But here I am,,,right now, I'm doing good,,,,,looking forward to a good year this year. I'm starting out good,,,,NO CHEMO,,,,whoo hoo!!!!! Still Blessed!!!

Going to the eye Dr. tomorrow for the yearly diabetic exam on my eyes, where they dilate them and all. Hope everything is doing good in that area. I'll be glad to get these yearly appt. alllll over with.!!!

Estimates, Estimates,,,,,,,

Well, I have had it with estimates. Since the ice storm and the following windstorm, I am finding all kinds of damage. My garage door for sure, trees, roof, sheds, antenna and fencing. WOW!! To file a claim you have to have estimates, boy, that is an undertaking. Ronnie always took care of this stuff. But people have been very kind and very gracious to help out. I have turned it all in to the insurance company and hopefully I will hear from them in a few days. And then I will probably be all summer getting it all done. It will take forever just to get the trees removed from the yard!!

Happy Birthday to Matthew Travis!!! My first grandson. He belongs to my first born Jason (my favorite) and his wife Natalie. They also have another son, Jacob, who is six years old. Matthew is eleven years old today. Yea Matthew!!!!

My second son, Jeremy (my favorite) and his wife Jenni have a two and a half year old girl, Hannah Elizabeth.

My third son, Jonathan (my favorite) is not married yet but is dating Tiffany (looks promising).

I went to church at Chalybeate Sunday with Jonathan and Tiffany, had a good sweet service. It was soooo good to visit and see "old friends". What would this world be like with no "good friends". I would feel helpless without them.

Got to go and get things ready to file taxes tomorrow. I am also seeing a podiatrist, who is going to take a look see at my toe. The middle one on the right foot. It stays infected all the time. It could be because of my sugar or possibly a suppressed immune system or could be a fungus. Hopefully I will find out tomorrow.

Drs Update - Good News

Well, I don't think I have shared the good news with everyone, so here goes............NO CHEMO!!!!!!! at this time,,,As you know the Dr said in October it was time for more chemo, and this time it was going to be really aggressive,,,,,,I was fixing to go on a cruise and we were to start when I got back. Well,,,,,,,,When I went back to the Dr, the numbers had dropped slightly (the lymphocytes are to be a 2.9, that's a normal high count. Mine were a 7.3 WOW! that is tripled! But at this time they had dropped to a 6.5, so at this time we didn't have to be so aggressive, so I opted to wait until after Christmas, so I would have hair for pictures and feel pretty decent. So when I went back they had dropped even more (thanks to all who had prayed for me) so right now they are 5.1 only doubled.) I know I am still looking at chemo eventually but for now,,,,still blessed. I just hate chemo, it weakens you so much and the side effects are horrendous!! But,,,,,, then when you consider the alternative,,,,,,,,,,chemo is a piece of cake!!!!! thanks for all the prayers and even the good thoughts,,,,I appreciative every one and please know that I love you all. I will do blood work each month and then see the Dr in April if nothing arises before then.

I Did It!!!

Well I can't believe I have finally started this blog! I have been wanting to start this forever,,,,,but just not enough time in the day. I mean, it's not like I hold down a job or anything. But you would be surprised when you are retired just how fast the time goes by.



And yes, I SURVIVED THE ICE STORM 2009 !!!! 13 days without electric and 3 days without water. My electric pole was split in half and panel and meter on the ground. When they came and tried to set a new pole they dug up my water line,,,whew!! What next? But finally it all came together,,,,I am now trying to get estimates to turn in to the insurance company, I had alot of tree damage, antenna, fence, and dog pen. A lot of running around to do. And then 2 days after getting the electric back on we had a windstorm and it threw something up against the garage door and messed it up and then some damage to the metal roof on the sheds,,,,gosh,,,I must not be living right.



I will try to write regularly but some days are not good, but for those days that are good, I will try to keep you posted on how I am doing. Please keep in touch!