04-08-2011

   Long day today. I started out going with Matt to Knoxville to a place where a lot of computer shops get their computers to be repair or resold. We left out about 8:30am. Later on Denise came home and we headed to Knoxville, my second trip of the day to Knoxville. We were both pleasantly surprised to get to UT to a pretty much empty waiting room. Seems we hadn't sat down for long before I was called to the window, then blood work, then straight from there to the room. Man it was quick. It was nice to see some familiar faces back that we didn't see the last round. We even seen Ruth as we went back, but as usual, she was wide open. I don't know what she makes... but it ain't enough.

  Dr Panella came in with a big smiling face as usual. He asked several questions about the neuropathy, especially in the hands, which hasn't changed. He looked in my throat with a light and liked what he saw...or rather that is what he didn't see. I asked him about the CT Scan. He said it wasn't good news. He said the mass was still there but since it had not grown that he was calling the cancer gone for now. It appears to be radiation damage. The nodules in my lungs, some had gone and some had calcified, a little infection, but no cause for concern. Judging from that, no CT Scan was ordered for my lungs again. He also didn't order a follow-up CT when I return in 6 months.

   I think sometimes that Dr Panella don't know what to make of me with my twisted sense of humor and straight forward, blunt approach. I don't think many people do. He just smiles and laughs along with me. I actually think he is as good a person as he is a doctor. On the way out I looked in the Chemo Hut and lo and behold, there was Cindy surrounded by a room of new faces working. I couldn't help but stop in and say hello to her. There was, I think just two people left taking treatments, I remember when I was one of them. I thanked her for taking such good care of me.

  We went to Sams and got some stuff, then picked up Megan and headed back out, shoot, we even celebrated with dinner at The Golden Coral. Then, later tonight, Matt called and had found a board and processor on Craig's List. Guess where we took off towards at 11pm... Clinton, TN. The guy lied about what he had, but it was still a good deal. It would have been a better deal if we didn't have to drive all the way there in a storm. Too funny, Matt says he is going to take the heat sink off the processor, then looks at it and says, "That's not a quad core, it's a Core Duo". The guy's face though had lite up when Matt said he was going to check it out. He had brought the box from a Quad and was passing it off as the box it belonged too. At 1am, he just had to see if the guy was also lying about it being good, so he rigged it up. It works great!  This is the start of building a new computer for the Sunroom.

  Matt has stayed busy, and this is just his first week! He named the business M&M Computer Services, aka Matt & Misty. Today it seems that the Apples have done the best, yesterday it was the PCs. He picked up another doctor's office this week and the computer repair shops that bring their hard to repair computers to him are still bring them to him, despite his opening his own shop.

  Yesterday I got the bulk of the Bookcase made and it's standing up against the wall it will mount to. We gave away 3 dozen eggs. Annie got into Nursing School. Charlie got his arrangements made for his appointment at Vanderbilt. It has been a GREAT week.

  Now for the worst part. I weighed in at 225! Time to lose a few pounds.

   

04-11-2011

Funny, I thought I had posted since the 11th, but it looks like maybe not. I'm still trying to get use to this new computer... well, it's new to me anyway. Matt done an excellent job. It's fast and has Windows 7 on it now, and I haven't a clue how to operate it yet. (grin). I even changed over to Charter as a test, so far, not bad but not exactly blazin' either.

  The NHL is pretty rough right now, patches everywhere. My feet look like they've been boiled. Lucky for me though the neuropathy has that under control as far as feeling it, lol. Being outside in the garden seemed to have stopped it from my eyelids. I took a Dyfluken (spelling) that Rathfoot prescribed which caused all kinds of weird stuff to come up which may my throat not feel as closed off. I think Denise wants to have a chat with him on why this isn't done more often.

  The pills Schindler gave me seemed to head off the effects of being around the grandkids, Kaden had Scarlet Fever. Not sure about Baby. I think that fever is a childhood disease.

  Charlie came back again today, we sound alike. I've tried to be tough with him like he was with me. There is a fine line between tough and tender. He is scared and rightly so. Finally they are starting to work on him after a call to be more proactive in the treatment. He has already lost 12 pounds. I thank God that he will not have to do chemo and especially Radiation, he wouldn't make it I fear.

  I worked in the garden these last 3 days since the signs were in the breast. Today I mostly fumbled around, but I tried. I have these great plans and then when I start I soon find out they are just great dreams of the past abilities as reality sets in. All I got done today was picking up rocks and a little tilling. When Denise came home she helped me make a row of Okra. I had figured at least 2 rows of beans would be set out today. I failed that pretty good. I got some pretty deep cuts from rocks and glass that is in there, the best part is, there is a little pain involved when I touch the cuts.

  Matt's first day open was today, we put the sign up Saturday night. He named it M&M Computer Services, named for Matt & Misty. He already has 2 jobs to do... on the first day! That is great I think. I took the downstairs computer to him. I'm going to have him make it similar to this one. All we really lack is green beans, corn, Tn Mellon, and Cantaloupe. I'm definitely dropping the 2 acres thing on corn. 

  If I sleep with my teeth in, it will be day 3, or rather night 3. It seems to stimulate at least 1 saliva gland somewhat. It ain't perfect but it beats waking up either so dry you are in pain or the classic, tongue stuck to the roof of the mouth.

  My hair is almost long enough to cover my neck. I'm not sure that I like it but I like what it can do for me. I never can remember to keep adding the sunblock. Storms rolling in tonight. Just a guess, I'll sleep right through them.  

04-07-2011

Long day today, much longer than I intended. I awoke this morning to a completely raw left side of my throat. Kaden and Baby both are sick, I think Misty said that Kaden has Scarlet Fever. I've made it pasted catching much this winter, but I think this one got me.

  Me and Denise headed to UT about 6am, too early for anything except Milkmen. The scan went great as far as being smooth. The ladies there were great. While we were waiting we saw. It took me a bit to place her but eventually I did. Her husband now has cancer. We chatted but a bit before I was called back. We saw them in a room as we were passing by. I couldn't help but remember, even though I couldn't place where, that she had given me excellent care, so I thanked her and wished them well. I know that I had an appointment with Green and asked Denise when it is, the correct question should have been when was it. It seems that my teeth had clashed with his check-up. Oops. Denise doesn't care for Green, says that he is through with me, yet I like him and would have liked a follow-up visit.

  So the scan is done. They scanned my throat and lungs. The results will be given at my appointment to Panella's visit on the 15th. I and praying that all is good. When we got back I called Rathfoot and talked with his nurse. More preidisone  and Dyfluken (spelling).

   I went to Knoxville with Matt and Gregg. He has already sold the computer he bought to fix and wanted another one. He got him two he can repair and sell and later on, There is a guy that owns a shop in Knox County that has a retail business that brought him 5 Apples to fix today. I got 1 more component to come in and I'll be ready to create mine, but I'll wait until Matt has time to. The guy Philip at the place seems very nice.

   I came back and talked with Dr Schindler's nurse who said to come it at 10:30 am , so I did. He saw my throat was extremely red, no fever though, but also felt my lymph nodes in my neck and said they are swelled.. He prescribed me some Keflex I think. He is a genuine man, something that is pretty rare these days.

  So tomorrow, God willing, I will either go get the other doors or forming this one and installing it while laying some more blocks.  I'm pretty much down tonight, so it will a flip toss as to if I wake up early enough.

04-03-2011

  I haven't been on much lately. This computer is like me, slightly challenged at times and a bit outdated. :) Matt fixed it enough to get me by and even went one step more, talked me out of buying another one. I thought oh great, another thing popped up. Between a beginning of tests and doctor visits with meeting a deductible again, the flood damaging the fences and even worse, the foundation, driveway, medications, teeth, we watch what we spend. He gave me a board, suggested we use the old case, then looked on Ebay and other places for the right components to build one that I normally couldn't afford pretty dang cheap. The parts are ordered and he will put it together when they get here. We were up until 1:11am last night and he worked on it until 3am the night before. I knew Matt was smart on this stuff, especially after getting certified, but I guess I didn't know just how smart. I've got a degree in electronics repair from 1982 but got behind on all the technology. He memorizes all this stuff like Denise does medications. How I have no idea, I ran off the other day and had to come back to get my teeth, lol. I never thought I'd say that. :)

  So today me and Matt went to Office Max and he got some card stock to make him some cards. He is going to open a computer repair business in the office where mom has American Homes and Realty here in town. Matt is smart but also kind hearted, so I think he will do good. I think it will be great. Mom and him will be there to keep each other company, I know since I left she gets lonely up there. She doesn't have a lot of down time but after dad's passing, with dad not coming in and out and me gone, I know she likes company. He still isn't sure what he will call it, but I think he will do fine. Matt also fixed Denise's heater on her car.

  I done a boo-boo again and even a few people noticed the swelling. I think maybe I am eating some stuff I shouldn't since I have the teeth. Tomorrow Dr. Steltzman will adjust them. They are tight but get a little bit of food under in a few spots. My gums are a bit sore in places and I've not been wearing them when I'm home unless I'm eating. I think I know why horses don't like bridles now, lol. I'll get use to them though over time. A lot of times already I don't notice they are in there. I have some saliva glands at least trying to work. Funny, it's been so long I get chocked a lot of times from having spit. I still have to carry liquid with me but can go longer without it.

  I rode the bike around the block myself and up town. I'm still not quite back up to snuff yet and in part it was to see how I did. Not that I would want to wreck, but I don't want to endanger Denise. I done good but just a little more I think.

  My new scans are this month, so hopefully they will show all clear. I've thought about that a lot lately. Either way, I think I will have won. I use to say I wouldn't go this far for treatments but it has been well worth all the Hell I went through to have just a bit more time. Translated that is an endorsement for fight and seek help.

  Charlie is coming to terms with his and he has tests that start this month too. At first he seemed defeated and that worried me, but now he is ready to fight. I've given him some of those lectures he gave me. I think for those who first hear the word cancer, or that something can't be cured, it is a shock. That is natural. The first time I hear that was Pernicious Anemia. We were the same way. It's about the same grieving process as death or divorce. His worries and fears are the same as mine were about getting choked in public. It's not that one will die from aspiration, it's the embarrassment of being in public. Like I told him though, after a while one learns to quietly dislodge the stuff and control the panic. Funny what a person can get use to and overcome. Normal is just a term that allows for adjustment.


   

03-30-2011

   I went again yesterday to Dr Stelzman to get fitted. The first fitment of the frame was Monday. The frame sat down good but I really couldn't tell what it was and a mold was made from what looked like wax or something then something else that felt like playdo was squirted in. Yesterday it had and looked like the real thing. They put it in and he lined it up, it felt and looked great. Dr Stelzman wasn't liking the way two of the teeth looked after the adjustment and sent it off with the proper adjustments to be made. I'm suppose to get it tomorrow.

 From the looks of it I can't wait. I may just go ahead after the test next month and get the uppers done. Part of me just wants a time with no pain though, or at least no more than usual, which is tolerable most of the time, more of a nuisance. I am so excited though. I wasn't sure just how well I would like wearing them but I don't think I have ever been so tickled in all of my life to get something. This is definitely one of the top 10 best moments of my life. I spent the last two years with 6 or less teeth on the bottom, thank God they were in front. I think I had maybe 5 left? The last two days I have 2 on the bottom, the I teeth, one on each side. Denise has been making soft meals and I squish the food on the roof of my mouth with my tongue to eat, but with my weigh these days it's not like I'll starve to death anytime soon. :) Man it looked great.

  Again, I have a great doctor with a great staff. Dr Stelzman took the time to tell me all about how it would work, future expectations and adjustments. He wasn't on our insurance plan but then again, I knew them from delivering to them for years, plus I've been going there for a long time. I think they are worth the extra price that I will pay. I've gotten to where I despise the way insurance companies work these days. I've talked with many people and you get what you pay for, even though they are cheaper there than a lot of places. They are all perfectionists and take a lot of pride in their work.

  As for Charlie, he still has no date set yet. Covenant Health might want to take notes on their care from UT and St Mary's. Watching how they are dragging their feet with him, I thank God everyday for my doctors and the hospitals I go to.

  In case I didn't say it, no matter how it turns out. Thanks to Doctors: Rathfoot, Panella, Green, & Schindler, their staffs, and UT, St Mary's. A huge thanks to Kim, I know you are technically not my doctor, but should you ever decide to open a practice, I be the first one there.   

03-27-2011

  Had a few set backs the last few days. I may have found my apex on what I can do. My throat feels like someone squeezing on it and breathing is all but impossible. I think maybe I may have overdone. The acid reflux over this past week hasn't helped either. I had Megan out of school for a week for Spring Break and we worked. We talked a lot too and that played a factor. We did hit Yoder's Market and Sams yesterday though, then I went to Glen & Pam's wedding. It was beautiful.

  Tomorrow I go to the dentist for my framework? I hope that means that soon I will have my partial. The plastic bridge is broken on both ends, has been for a while, and Gorilla Glue is holding it on.

  Charlie is to have surgery and they still don't know much more than they did as to when or what or even if there is even any Lymph Node activity. I thank God for Rathfoot, Panella, and Green. And for UT and Saint Mary's. They got on the ball with mine.

  Next month is the test again to see if mine is gone. With the way this past few weeks have gone it worries me.

03-22-2011

Megan helped me downstairs today. She caught on fast, but I wasn't too fast myself. I had a bit of a time breathing today so I took my time, but we made some progress. She got me in trouble tonight, told Denise about a spell I had that hit in my heart (racing) and clear through the back and left kidney. I didn't use Nitro though, just rested until it passed.

  After that I decided to take the rototiller and do two gardens... one was really still too wet. Naturally Denise went off. Larry & Trenda with their son came over on their bikes and visited. They were headed to the Smokies.

  Charlie got his news today. The type of cancer he has will not respond to radiation or chemo, so they are going to surgically remove it at Vanderbilt. Here is the ironic part. It was Charlie who helped me make it through without having to take a Peck Tube or Trake... he will have to have both. But then he will be done. I am so relieved that he escaped chemo and radiation. He is scared and would rather have the opposite done. From what I've been told he will be down just briefly, and with none of those side effects you have with chemo and radiation. Thank God. Now if we could just get him to see it. I told him God willing, I'll grow enough cucumbers and tomatoes for him this summer and when it comes out, he can pig out. So I added the old garden and I'm going to get the other one ready too. I'm thinking maybe strawing around the plants since I know I can't do what I am about to attempt the regular way of hand weeding.

You can see the dampness on the old wall behind as well as the break in the foundation due to water.