Pul my finger???
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Posted:Nov 17, 2009 4:14 pm
Last Updated:Nov 19, 2009 6:05 pm
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I think for the first time I can remember, my wife and my Surgeon were proud that I had farted. Yes, I passed gas. Seems that was one of the things the Surgeon was looking for as an indicator my bowels were healing and returning to normal. And I wasn't going to be discharged until that happened. I told him "hell, if you wanted that to happen, you should have just fed me mexican food instead of that clear liquid diet."
Yes, I am home now. I was discharged yesterday morning. Actually, it was somewhat an anxiety riddled moment. On one hand, I was hurting, could barely walk, and still on a liquid diet, I would not have complained if he had kept me another night. And of course, on the other hand, I was more than ready to get out of there. Some of the nursing staff, let's just say, were not very professional.
Questions rapidly popped into my head. I knew how to get in and out of the hospital bed. It had hand rails and such. How would I manage at home? And what about diet? Something Titania and I really hadn't discussed. And going from clear liquid to soft foods, how would I tolerate that? And what about pain? What if I was unable to manage and control it.
Yes, a lot of anxieties to face yesterday morning. But the good Dr kicked the little birdie out of the nest to fly on his own. He said there was really no reason to keep me there another night. I was doing much better than expected and healing quite nicely. So, home I came.
And what a relief it was to hobble up the sidewalk and in the front door. It's still difficult to get around. I feel like my innards were stirred up with a baseball bat. And it's really not the foot long incision that hurts. It's muscle pain. Never really paid attention to all those abdominal muscles you use on a daily basis just to sit up, stand up, walk. UH, forget running!! Are you crazy?? I can barely walk.
But I am home and it has been a relief just to lay on my back (forget snuggling and spooning) and listen to Titania snore. And I thought the hospital was noisy at night. Just kidding Titania.
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The little things that make life worth living
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Posted:Nov 14, 2009 10:58 am
Last Updated:Nov 16, 2009 1:23 pm
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So it is Saturday and I am home alone getting ready to visit my Puck in the hospital. It has been a very long week. Monday we received a phone call from the surgeons office and they were wanting to reschedule his surgery for the very next day. That sent both of us into panic mode for a bit. First off Puck was at work and the prep they had him doing he was suppose to start bright and early the day before surgery. Secondly, I was scheduled to work on Tuesday, and there was no way I was going to miss the surgery. Luckily the surgeons nurse was kind enough to intervene for us. She said look Doc, you can't do this to them. She has already gotten off work for Wednesday and is working Tuesday. It might be difficult for her to change that around. I thanked his nurse tremendously when I spoke to her.
So I was able to continue my preparations for Puck's last real meal for awhile of pot roast with lots of different desserts for him to choose from. We had a quiet evening Monday night just cuddling on the couch and being together.
Tuesday came with his prep for the surgery. He was not happy with this stuff. I guess I am glad I was at work for the majority of it. He talked about needing 5 point restraints on the commode for it. Neither one of us slept very well Tuesday night. When Wednesday came we were both up early. Probably way too early. Did a lot of wandering around until it was time to head to the hospital.
His surgery took twice as long as it was suppose to. This was not a good thing as far as I was concerned. His surgeon though was very considerate and had his nurse calling every hour on the hour. At one point though I ws not hearing anything, at the 2 hour mark I asked the volunteer to call back and see what was going on. I received a phone call back within 5 minutes. It was the surgeon himself. He had great news, the resection was completed and Puck did not have a colostomy. They still had mroe surgery to complete but he would be out to tell me all about it after he did some paperwork and they finished installing the port fr his chemo. I was dancing a bit of a jig as I was on the phone with the surgeon. This was very good news.
When the surgeon came out he explained all of the complications that made it go a bit longer than he wanted it to. He also told me that due to the length of time Puck was under anesthesia, he might have to spend a bit longer in the hospital. It would be a 24 to 48 hour time period where the surgeon said he would not breath easily until that passed. This I could understand, but you can not imagine the relief I felt when he told me Puck came through the surgery like a trooper and his vitals were all strong and steady. As the surgeon started walking away I stopped him and gave him a huge hug and said thank you as I tried to hold back the tears. He was a bit startled, but he said it would be OK. He was sure Puck would do very well with his recovery.
It took alot longer to get Puck from recovery to his room. A lot longer than the 2 hours they had promised. I was one of the last people to leave the surgery waiting area, and I still got up to the floor 45 minutes before Puck did. It took a bit to get him settled in his room and unfortunately the girls that were doing the transfer were too busy visiting and were none to gentle with Puck. The nurse came in when I told her his pain pump was malfunctioning and he was in severe pain so she sent off for a new pump. When it finally arrived she tried to set it, and finally I had to push her out of the way becuase she did not know exactly what she was suppose to be doing. She made the comment that perhaps that is why they always came to the floor with them already programmed. I said go figure. I was tired and yeah a bit leary of leaving Puck with these folks for overnight.
The precious part of it was before we even pad Puck transferred from the gurney to his bed he kept raising his left hand and playing with his ring finger. I finally noticed and asked him if that meant he wanted to marry me all over again. He just grunted no, I didn't say that but he held his hand out for me to put the ring back on his finger he had to remove for his surgery. As I was running and fetching things for him he kept reaching out his hand to hold hands with me that evening. It was a wonderful experience for e=me and I am glad I experienced it. Fir once during this whole disease process I felt like I was able to do something for him.
I told him before I left that I would not be in until later the next day because I was going to try and catch up on sleep. Well, I had a phone call before 7 am. It was Puck asking me when I would be there. So I did not get the other stuff done that I was hoping to get done nor was I able to get any more sleep. Not that I slept much anyway.
The CNA promised us a chance to give him a sponge bath and I waited for that but the items were never brought in. Puck was a bit cantankerous and refusing to do what he was suppose to be doing and being onery with me when I told him he needed to do it. THe nurse just laughed and said hmm.. seems to be a familiar line of conversation amongst spouses. He did joke around a bit and said that I couldn't make him do anything, but he did get up and walk with me and do the breathing exercises they wanted him to do.
The best part of all of this is that is was almost a step back in time when we were dating. I had taken him the laptop and we did lots of flirting and talking on line when I was not up there. I would leave the hospital and as soon as I got home I would log into messenger and we would chat until we both got sleepy.
Friday was a very good day for us both. OK so it started off badly. I somehow got disconnected from my insulin pump during the night and was having blood sugar problems so I did not get to the hospital until late afternoon. But once I was there. I was able to start our date night together. They had removed his catheter and his NG tube (no he was still on ice chips). So it made snuggling with him a little easier. I boldly asked for the equipment to give my husband a sponge bath. The nurse quickly gathered the stuff and we shut ourselves off together to get him naked and start the bath. It was hard for him to relax for sme reason but he eventually did relax. And that is when I saw the rash all over his back. Apparently my puck does not like the laundry detergent they have at the hospital. So I had to call teh nurse in to take a look and she began trying to get an order for Benadryl. the beautiful thing about the sponge bath was I was able to lovingly care for my husband and he was able to relax enough to receive it. After the sponge bath and me getting him into a clean gown and settled into bed, he fell asleep and really slept, he actually was able to snore while he slept which was a wonderful gift for me.
It is funny how these simple things in life take on a whole new meaning with a diagnosis such as this. It is the little things that mean so much now. Not the huge romantic things that most think of. It is the little things that become romantic in these situations.
Well Today Friday they have given him jello and he called me ecstatic about it bright and early this morning. Like I said it is the simple, little things that make life wonderful for us now. He also had to brag about being able to have beef broth and coffee as well as the ensure. Who gets excited about ensure? Only a man that has not had any solid food or liquid for 5 days. So I told Puck I would post to give everyone an update and then I am heading out to spend the day with my husband and enjoy each and every moment of it. They are talking about discharging him perhaps Monday or at the latest Tuesday. I am so looking forward to getting him back home where he belongs. the cats will be happy to have him home and I know that perhaps each of us will be able to sleep a full night. In the almost 3 years of marriage I have only spent 2 nights away from my husband and this has been a tremendous strain on both of us I am thinking. You tend to take for granted the sound of the breathing next to you and the warmth radiating off of your partners body. These are the things I am looking forward to experiencing with my husband again once he gts home. You know those little things that make life worth living.
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Sunday reflections
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Posted:Nov 8, 2009 9:04 am
Last Updated:Nov 9, 2009 4:45 am
2485 Views
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Another bright sunny and warm autumn day today. Makes it hard to get motivated. I have about a half day of work left before taking off for about 6 weeks. And while it will be nice to have the time off, I'm not looking forward to it. With surgery scheduled on Wed., a follow up visit with the Radiation Oncologist on Mon., and pre-op preparations on Tues., the start of next week is going to be hectic.
Titania and I are trying to get a lot of things done now that we would normally get done later on in the month. Getting the carpets shampooed and furniture moved around in preparation for putting up the Christmas tree. Getting the house cleaned for visitors we know we will have after I'm home from the hospital. Yesterday, such a nice day out, we put up the Christmas lights on the house. All the things that we would normally do after Thanksgiving, we're trying to look ahead and get done now, while I'm still physically able.
Thought Titania was going to go into shock while I was putting up the outside lights. With the sailboat in the driveway I couldn't get the ladder to a point I could reach the roof line above the garage. So, I did the next best thing. I crawled up on the roof and over the peak to get the one side. I did come to the realization while I was up there that I'm getting too old to slide down a roof and jump to the ground. Fortunately, I didn't have to. Yeah, Titania was having a cow the whole time, lol. Wonder if we can put antlers on the cow and make it into a Christmas decoration.
This past week was an up and down week. Just getting myself mentally prepared for what's to come this next week is stressful enough. Add to that the pre-op registration with the hospital on Friday and now I find myself having to redo the mental preparations. I was amazed at everything they want me to do on Tues. prior to surgery. Another 10 gallons of rocket fuel to drink. Glad I stopped by Ace Hardware and picked up one of their safety kits. Included was a 4 point safety harness with extra strength bolts to secure one firmly to the commode along with a crash helmet if all else fails. I've been getting the laptop up to speed so I'll have something to do for the 8 to 10 hours of being strapped in, just to stay in touch.
As well, they want me to start the prep not the evening before, but the morning before. Which means I'll end up going with no solid food for at least 48 hours, possibly longer depending on the outcome of surgery. Like I need to lose an extra 20 lbs. This skinny ol' fart will definitely be skinnier. Preparations also include showering the night before and using antiseptic cloths and no shower the morning of surgery. I'm one of those morning shower persons, you know, the ones that just can't get going without the shower the first thing in the morning. And with no coffee, may as just shoot me and get it over with.
With Living Will, phone lists, e-mail lists, and all sorts of other lists completed, our file folder looks more like the big yellow pages that every phone company that ever existed keeps dropping on our doorstep. What do you do with all those phone books. And what about all the trees they are killing sending them out. Not that I'm a tree hugger or anything. I just get tired of picking them up and throwing them away. Although, they do make good scratching posts for the cats.
Oh well, before I start rambling on (like I haven't already) I think it's time for another cup of coffee and get busy with the house.
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Another gorgeous autumn morning
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Posted:Nov 1, 2009 7:36 am
Last Updated:Nov 14, 2009 10:15 am
2325 Views
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Sun shining, cool, crisp morning. Autumn colors bright. Unfortunately, that means leaves to rake. Such fun. But a great day to do it. Just grateful I can still do it.
I've found that since being diagnosed with cancer that I'm enjoying some of life's little joys more. Such as the fall colors, walking in a light rain, a bright cool crisp morning. Just some of the things that we overlook, or find annoying all of a sudden have become pleasant again.
I have surgery scheduled on the 11th. I now find myself thinking of all the little "what if's". And some of those little "what if's" scare me shitless. So, I have to try and keep myself from thinking along those lines. I'll leave that up to the Surgeon and God. I do find it harder to stay positive and optimistic the closer we get.
Of course, it's me scaring myself shitless that is the problem. Never having had a major surgery, it is a scary thought. And, it scares Titania when I start thinking along those lines. And I'm sure anyone who has been through a major surgery has had similar thoughts. So, I try and not think about it.
So much to do before then. Clean house. Finish up the lawn work. Hang the outside Christmas lights since I won't be able to crawl up a ladder until well after Thanksgiving. Move furniture around to accommodate the Christmas tree. All those little things you do a this specific time of year we have to get done a little early.
But on the bright side, I'll have 5 or 6 weeks to do nothing but shop online. Should be able to get all the Christmas shopping done before Christmas eve. But then again, what fun is that? Not being able to get out at the last minute and fight the crowds of all the other last minute shoppers.
And another bright thought is looking forward to next April or May when I'm through with all of this. I should be back to my old self and getting ready for a wonderful summer of sailing with Titania.
Ahhh, too many thoughts for a Sunday morning. Time for another cup of coffee.
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Things are looking up
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Posted:Oct 11, 2009 6:35 am
Last Updated:Oct 31, 2009 6:18 am
2402 Views
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Titania is healing up nicely from her outpatient surgery. And,I have completed the 5 week, 5 day a week radiation therapy. I now only have 2 more doses of narrow beam radiation to go. Then, I get 4 to 5 weeks of recovery before having to undergo the knife. I'm not to worried about that part. Although there are concerns. I was able to make it through 25 radiation treatments and only miss 2.5 days of work, so I should be able to handle the surgery well. At least that is my thinking. I'm still fighting fatigue due to the radiation, and that has Titania somewhat worried. But, then again, I think she would worry if I wasn't.
So, all in all, even with the problems with fatigue, diarrhea, intestinal cramping and spasms, and a blistered butt crack, I think I've handled it well to this point. And treatment is going well and on schedule at this point.
Unfortunately, the timing of the surgery is a bit disconcerting. If it comes about as I think it will, I will get out of the hospital a week before Thanksgiving. Which means I probably won't be up to the usual family festivities. (Wonder if they make turkey flavored Ensure?) As well, I will probably have to fore go the outside Christmas decorations or get the over to do it for me. Sort of takes the fun out of it.
It's time to winterize the sailboat. I doubt there will be anymore sailing until spring. But, that gives us lots of time to finish some rework on the interior of the cabin. I do know folks that will sail year round. I'm just not a cold weather person. A nice warm fireplace sounds better to me in Nov. than 50 degree water spray in the face. Titania says that just let's you know you're alive. She also says it would be a great way to see the fall leaves in full color. I'm thinking there are warmer ways to do that!! Like from inside a nice warm car.
Well, enough thoughts for a lazy Sunday morning. Time for another cup of coffee.
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What a week!!
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Posted:Oct 3, 2009 9:25 am
Last Updated:Oct 5, 2009 8:22 pm
2389 Views
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This has been a tough week, even tho I took Wed. off and didn't have to put in overtime on Fri.
Titania had an out patient surgery done Wed. so I had to take off to play chauffeur. Gladly. She's doing well, a bit of pain and some minor bleeding, but healing nicely. I was able to slip in my radiation therapy while she was undergoing the knife, since it was in the same building and only down one floor. Nice to get it over with so early in the day.
My energy levels are definitely dropping from the cumulative effect of the radiation therapy. I can barely make it through a normal workday. But, only 4? more doses left. Turns out, I will probably be getting 3 to 6 additional doses of narrow beam radiation targeting only the tumor. They are currently using a wide beam targeting not only the tumor, but the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes as well. Basically the entire pelvic girdle. This kind of sucks since it will push surgery back to the middle of Nov. and I will still be recovering over the holidays.
I had to make an unscheduled visit to the Medical Oncologist Wed. afternoon. Seems I developed a side effect from the chemo that only about 2% get. Hand-Foot Syndrome. He said what was really unique about it was that the vast majority who contract this are on max dosage. I'm only on about 75%. Now doesn't that make me feel special. He did effectively end my chemo therapy since it was so close to the end of the radiation treatments and didn't expect the symptoms to totally clear by the time I was through with radiation. All I know is by the time I left work Thursday, I could barely grip anything and could hardly walk to the truck. Fortunately that is starting to subside.
I've been told by more than a few that they don't know how I'm doing this. Continuing work and life the way that I am. I can only say that it is my was of dealing with it. Not letting it defeat me. I said from the beginning I wasn't going to let it get me down or slow me down. Well, it has slowed me down. I have to admit that. And, I have to admit, I did feel defeated by having to take off two days a couple of weeks ago. But I can't totally give in to this, I won't!!
I've also been asked why I blog about this. I can only say that it's therapeutic. As well, I hope it helps others who are either going through this or about to go through this sort of thing. Also, by journalling about it, perhaps it will cause those who have been putting off a colonoscopy or ignoring signs and symptoms of colo-rectal cancer to get screened.
That's all for now. Time for a last cup of coffee and muster the energy to get out and get the lawn work done.
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Sunday's weekly revue
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Posted:Sep 27, 2009 7:26 am
Last Updated:Sep 28, 2009 8:08 pm
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This really hasn't been a great week. Nothing major, just one of those draining weeks. Why is it that when you miss a couple of days of work, you're still just as tired at the end of the week?
This week started off with me missing work on Monday due to a severe case of diarrhea that started Sunday afternoon. I thought perhaps it was a side effect of the flu shot I received on Sat. I managed to make it through the workday on Tuesday, but had to leave work early on Wednesday because I couldn't keep my fat butt off the crapper. Fortunately, I saw the Oncologist Wednesday afternoon and she prescribed a common OTC medication that wouldn't interfere with the chemo. Thankfully, all is better in that department now.
With 16 chemo/radiation treatments down and only 9 to go, everything is starting to take it's toll. And it didn't help that we were on mandatory overtime throughout Sept. That 5th workday a week I really needed for the rest. Yes, energy levels are depleting much faster. Esp. with the diarrhea. And another side effect has popped up. Hand-foot syndrome which is a reddening, swelling and painful condition of the palms and soles brought on by the chemo. Guess that puts me in the 2% that are afflicted with this condition. Damn the luck. Since the condition is not severe at this point and seems to be somewhat manageable, I've decided to put my big boy pants on and tough it out. No sense in postponing the remaining treatments if I don't have to.
This coming week will be a short week. Work has canceled overtime for Friday. I'll be taking a vacation day Wednesday so I can play driver for Titania. She's having an out patient procedure done that involves anesthesia and must have a driver. Hopefully, all will go well in that dept.
This would have been a great weekend to get out and sail. A nice peaceful day on the lake would have been great. I just don't think I would have had the energy to do it. I could have invited friends along, but I felt that Titania and I needed the alone time in order to get through the next couple of weeks. I missed a tailgate party with my old high school classmates Friday evening. Wish I had gone, but with cold and flu season upon us and my compromised immune system I thought it best to fore go a lot of social engagements.
Such is life. You deal with it and move on. At least on to another cup of coffee.
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They burned my ass
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Posted:Sep 20, 2009 8:23 am
Last Updated:Sep 20, 2009 6:44 pm
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I mean literally, they've burned my ass. My hemorrhoids are tender and swollen, and if I could look, probably red as a lobster. The radiation therapy I'm undergoing is using a wide beam to treat not only the cancer, but the surrounding tissue as well. Fortunately, these types of things were already discussed with the radiation oncologist so I know how to take care of it.
With 11 out of 25 treatments completed, I'm not doing too badly if I say so myself. Still working full time, with some mandatory overtime thrown in. Still getting all the chores around the house taken care of. But I do think the chemo/radiation is starting to take it's toll. The morning dose of chemo I think has been causing me a queasy stomach and light headed feeling. Thursday and Friday mornings, I felt as if I could hurl breakfast halfway across the plant at any moment. Both days, I considered going home sick, but decided I wasn't ready to concede to this disease and stuck it out. Although, that is getting harder to do.
My energy levels are lower than they used to be. But again, that may be due to not giving in. Continuing to do everything I am used to doing. And then some. Wednesday evening was a late night for me. Titania's father had been in the hospital here in Tulsa and was suddenly discharged around 6:30 pm. That meant hustling off to the hospital and driving him home an hour and half away. It was almost midnight by the time we got home and in bed. And I have to be up and running at 4 am. Not a lot of rest that night.
This past week, I've managed to install a new stove, refrigerator and will finish installing the microwave/vent hood combo today. The microwave is the one trying to make me wish I'd called in an installer. Couldn't quite figure out how to get the old one out. Who thinks to keep the owners manuals to pass off to the new owners should you sell the house? And of course, I had a model that I couldn't find a manual for online. I did manage to figure it out late last night, so it is out and on the floor. Now to get busy and install the new one.
I did manage to get the yard work done yesterday. At least what I was going to do. I really miss timed it this year. I should have already aerated and over seeded and let the rain do the watering. But just too much else going on. And, I've almost decided not to do it this year.
With almost half of my treatments finished, I am not sure how long I will be able to keep up these high energy tasks along with working full time. I think the next couple of weeks will be a challenge to get through. But, I'm an ornery old fart. I'm not going to give in that easily. Just ask the old microwave.
Speaking of which, I better grab another cup of coffee and get busy.
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An up and down week
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Posted:Sep 13, 2009 8:24 am
Last Updated:Sep 18, 2009 7:27 pm
2284 Views
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This has been sort of the usual type of week with the usual ups and downs. The daily rain, of course, keeps things feeling a bit on the blues side. And of course, it kept Titania and I from going sailing this weekend.
Titania's father was admitted to the hospital on Thursday with what they believed were a series of small strokes. Fortunately that wasn't the case. They now think it's a lesser form of Guillian Barre Syndrome. So, hopefully they will let him return home early this next week. Seems Titania has a full plate with all her loved ones getting sick on her.
The up side of the week has been my own condition. After a week of chemo/radiation therapy, seems I'm doing as well if not better than expected. I saw both the Radiation Oncologist and the Medical Oncologist, had lab work done, poked and prodded. Seems I've gained 3 pounds and am tolerating the poison well. At least I'm not puking it back up. The weight gain indicates my appetite is still good. (Titania just informed me that the oral chemo I'm taking can cause weight gain) (I think she's just trying to fatten me up for the slaughter) My lab work came back and my blood counts are normal. That's a good thing with the onset of cold and flu season. But one of the Dr.'s insists I get not only a flu shot this year (I never get one) as well as the swine flu shot as soon as it's available. Crap, more needles. Not that I've a phobia of needles, but definitely getting tired of getting stuck. But at least the Dr.'s have stopped sticking their finger up my butt.
I managed to get a lot of the lawn work done last weekend, but with the rain this week, it may be a few more days before I can mow. And the lawn is certainly looking ragged.
One thing I have noticed over the past few weeks is a bit of change in perspective. Where I used to hate having to run through the rain to get to the car, it doesn't bother me now. In fact, it actually feels good most of the time. Is this what they mean by slow down and smell the roses? When we're out on the boat, the scenery seems so much more pronounced. Perhaps this is Fate's way of making me look at all the beauty that surrounds us. Life is a gift and can be taken away in a mere moment.
Oh well, time for another cup of coffee and more reflections on a rainy Sunday morning.
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Sunday's week in revue
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Posted:Sep 6, 2009 9:13 am
Last Updated:Sep 7, 2009 5:46 am
2291 Views
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In many ways, this past week has been a long one. After our sailing trip with friends last weekend, we both spent Sunday sitting around and relaxing. Recovering, reflecting and nursing sore muscles. Seems sailing can be as much physical exercise as it is a relaxing pastime.
I started chemo/radiation therapy this past Thurs. Finally, after more than a month of being diagnosed, we get the ball rolling. And, we're happy to report, so far there have been no side effects. At least, not that we've noticed or can actually attribute to the therapy.
I did come down with a cold, or severe allergies yesterday. Both are something I don't usually have a problem with. I've also noticed since being diagnosed, I tend to get a little depressed on the weekends she has to work. Is it the mental and emotional drain of all this catching up to me? I have to admit my condition is always on my mind. And I do try and stay busy so not to think about it constantly. Titania says I'm constantly running a marathon whether I realize it or not. Hell, that's just me. Chores to do, projects to take care of, researching all there is to know about rectal cancer and treatment, planning what may be our last sailing trip of the season, etc. I don't exactly call that a marathon, more like just living life.
I'm also a bit concerned that paranoia may be setting in. Is this cold or allergies a result of the therapy? What about the lack of energy yesterday? Was that her hair in the brush or mine? Knowing that this type of therapy tends to suppress the immune system, should I go meet with friends, go to the store, or just stay away from the general public altogether. After all, this is the beginning of the cold and flu season and the H1N1 virus is making a big comeback. Should I be concerned?
While I am trying to stay mentally optimistic and not let this get me down, am I trying too hard? I know there will be down days as well as the good ones throughout all of this. Am I expecting too much of myself to always have a positive, optimistic mental state? Always keeping my emotions in check and trying not to worry about this whole process? As well, I find myself not only trying to stay strong for myself, but for Titania. She seems to have taken this harder than I have. Perhaps I just need to worry about being strong for me and let Titania deal with it in her own way.
As I mentioned earlier, we are already planning on going sailing next Sat. Seems the one time that both of us can truly put the cancer out of our heads is when we are out on the boat. So far, the extended forecast looks good. But, this is Oklahoma and the weather can change without a moments notice. But of course, the biggest factor will be how I handle this next week of treatments.
Oh well, best not to dwell on that. Time to get another cup of coffee, then get busy on the lawn.
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Everyone has a little MacGyver in them
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Posted:Sep 5, 2009 5:32 am
Last Updated:Sep 22, 2009 8:32 am
2611 Views
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So, we went out for another sail last weekend with some friends from Texas. The weather cooperated very well with us. The motor was working well, the wind was feeling and acting wonderfully and Puck and I thought perhaps we would have a day without any problems.
We must be learning our boat very well. It took us all of perhaps 45 minutes to get the mast raised and the boat in the water. OK so we had a bit of a problem getting the boat out of the swim area but not much of one. We were able to explore the lake a little bit more and head down past the point that Puck originally wanted to explore when we had our Sailboat warning weekend.
This time Puck was at the helm and our friend started off on the sails and I was just passenger for a short while. Maybe it is part of my personality or maybe I just like being a participate rather than a by stander. I eventually was able to take over the sails and actually take part in the actually sailing of the boat. I have to chuckle here a bit because am realizing some of the thoughts that were running through my head as I worked the sails. That will be explained a bit later as I give the details.
Puck was busy being the tour guide and trying to point out different areas to our female friend on the boat. This was her first time on a sailboat and also her first time on an Oklahoma lake. As Puck was pointing out some of the different coves we were running past he forgot he was at the helm and that the tiller was attached to his arm. Suddenly we would find our sails without wind as he and the tiller would turn. This is when my personality comes into play. I desperately wanted to grab the tiller from him. So it was definitely a learning experience for me about taking the back seat.
We still had some of our Yee Haw moments, just not as intense as the last weekend we had been out. We were looking for a sandy beach to lay up for lunch. We also were trying to make it past the point on this trip. Both goals were accomplished. Puck was becoming more aware of the tiller being attached to him hand and we were beginning to make better time and not loosing the wind as much. We found lots of beaches that looked promising for an afternoon break. It was just trying to get us across the lake away from the rocky shore to the beach shore line that took some time. Sailing is definitely a leisurely past time. It does not mean you do not work at it, just that you need to plan for lots of time to get anywhere.
3 hours later we decided upon a beach and started heading that way. This is when we found out that experience doesn't mean anything, if your head is not exactly in the game. Our male friend from Texas has lots of sailing experience and he headed up on deck to drop the jib and mainsail when we came into the beach area. Well, as I have said if your head is not in the game it doesn't matter how much experience you have faux paus will happen. He dropped the jib and low and behold he was left looking up the mast at the halyards that went up as the sail came down. All we could do was laugh at this point in time.
This is the point in time where the ugly stick makes its appearance. The men got out and checked the anchor to make sure it was seated correctly and everyone kept circling the boat looking up at the lines at the top of the mast. Conversations ensued about our options for sailing out of this beach area when the time came. It would seem that everyone has a little Macgyver in them. Our friend reached down picked up the stick and looked at the halyard swinging in the breeze and said well if we can figure out how to get this up to the line we may be able to snag it and pull it back down. So we come up with the idea of attaching the stick to the mainsail with a bungee and running the mainsail up. After a couple of tries it works and we start bringing the halyard down , but only to a point. We run out of line and it is still out of Pucks reach. So it was mentioned that we need more rope. Puck just laughed and said this is a sailboat we have tons of lines. So the mainsail was dropped again and a spare line was attached to it and the process started again. The halyard was within reach. Puck grabbed it and tied it off and the additional rope was taken off and put away back in its storage compartment.
We had a leisurely lunch (and yes the bread was brought along this time...I checked my list 3 times). Puck took his camera out and wandered up onto the beach and took some photos of the boat while everyone somewhat had a short siesta. The beach was almost as if it was out of a movie. There were downed logs for us to sit upon, the water was shallow for a long ways out allowing us to walk in the water without getting to wet. we spent the rest of the afternoon there just visiting and enjoying nature. We decided it was time for dinner.
We were determined to have our steak and salad on the boat. So the steaks I had placed out to thaw were brought to shore along with the little charcoal grill we had brought along. MacGyver had to make another appearance. It would seem the self starting charcoal bag and briquettes did not want to start. It did not help that the long fireplace lighter had been removed from the supply box and not replaced. So we found another stick and used paper towels to light the bag of briquettes. It was a good thing that we all liked our steaks rare to medium. It took awhile to get them grilled. So then came the task of trekking back to the boat for dinner. Once on board salad was to be made. Except, here is where my faux paus made its appearance. I did not bring the salad makings. We still had lettuce leaves and tomatoes from lunch and sandwiches so we ended up with an abbreviated salad. Salad was not on my list. Steaks were wonderful, salad was good and the sun was setting. So we made one last trek into the water to watch it set around the bend in the shoreline.
Now it was time for another first for Puck and I. Could we sail this boat in the dark, without all of the landmarks to guide us home. The wind was cooperating very well with us. It was a very quiet night. Most f the motor boaters were gone as well as the jet skis. It was almost a reverent ride home. I had to laugh at one point in time because we were all whispering as we conversed on the trip home. We had a 3/4 moon and lots of stars to guide us. The landmarks may not have been as recognizable but we could still make them out. The moonlight glistening on the water was picture perfect. The difficulty were were having was trying to discern where the boat ramp was on the opposite shore line. Was it that light or this light that we needed to be heading for. As we approached, our friend from Texas, armed with a flashlight (Just an aside, do not turn on the flashlight and shine it on the sails, you will blind everyone in the boat with you. You must be in front of the sails before turning on the light.) He headed out on the deck to the bow pulpit and starting sweeping the flashlight along the water looking for the no wake buoys to help guide us home. Of course by the time we had thought of this and he began searching we were right between the middle of those buoys. It seems Puck's Titania knows her own way home.
We had made it back in 45 minutes the wind definitely was with us for the return home. We dropped the anchor, Puck jumped off to go retrieve the truck and trailer. Did I mention that we were under time constraints here. We had to be out of the park by 11 pm or we would be spending the night on the boat. (without all of the accoutrements this time.) So Puck and I wrangled to boat on the trailer and set to work taking down the mast. This is when we figured out that we truly were beginning to know our boat. We were doing all of this in the dark. We finally brought out one of the little lanterns we had on board and it made it much more efficient to break her down and tie her up for the trip home. While we were taking down the mast and tying her up I was thinking ahead to actually arriving home. So I was handing over all of the things that needed to be taken in immediately upon arrival and we were having our friends load these items in the vehicles for easy access once home. As I haded the last item down I asked for the time. We had 10 minutes before they were going to lock the gates. I sent our friends ahead of us to the gate to let them know we were on our way. Puck and I did one last walk around the boat making sure everything was tied down and secure. Had our beverages for the trip home in pace and then finished locking her up and pulling out of the park. It took us only and hour and 10 minutes to get the boat ready to go home.
Once home we decided we were not even going to try and get her into the driveway. We just parked her on the street and hauled the food items into the house along with the wet clothes to be washed from the last dip in the water. Showers were had all around and talk and laughter continued for a couple of hours before we all hit the hay at 2 am. It was a very wonderful weekend. Lots of first for Puck and I and we can't wait for our next endeavor on this boat which may be our last of the season.
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Saturday morning thoughts
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Posted:Aug 22, 2009 6:14 am
Last Updated:Sep 9, 2009 9:11 pm
2632 Views
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One thing that is always on my mind these days is my health condition. Overall, I'm in great health. It's just that cancer growing in my butt. I'm not sure if it's the appointment with the Oncologist on Monday that is eating away at me. That finally seeing the Oncologist to begin radiation/chemo therapy before surgery is bringing it all home. That this is real, not some "what if" scenario we play out in our minds from time to time. But the thoughts do cause me to stop what I'm doing, sit down and work it through in my mind. That's probably the hardest part. Keeping my mental state strong, positive and optimistic. I know that not only physical condition but mental condition will go along ways in my recovery.
Yes, both Titania and I are trying to remain strong for each other. Rather difficult at times, to say the least. But we are trying. Of course, it probably doesn't help that we both have a tendency to do research, learn all we can about what it is I/we will be going through. For instance, Titania researched the radiation therapy in order to know more about what to expect out of me. Skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Will I still be able to work during pre-op treatment? What drugs will be used for the adjuvant? Side effects?
I, on the other hand, was looking more down the road. The one possible outcome that I'm not sure how well I will be able to handle. A colostomy. A very real possibility. Although the Surgeon is optimistic about not having to perform one, he also says if it is necessary in order to effect a cure, he won't hesitate. And yes, that possibility is depressing.
I know, such depressing thoughts on a gorgeous Saturday morning. Bright, sunshine and cool. And the coffee tastes wonderful this morning.
Have to catch up on the lawn work this morning. I've somewhat been ignoring it lately. Hmmm, wonder why? A new sailboat, perhaps. A medical condition that seems to be foremost on my mind these days.
I've got an idea!! Let's grab another cup of coffee, load up the boat and go sailing!! It's going to be a beautiful day. Wonder if we can get away with nude sailing?
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Sailboat Warning
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Posted:Aug 16, 2009 9:19 am
Last Updated:Aug 16, 2009 9:20 am
2368 Views
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That was the weather advisory on the news yesterday. Funny we did not find that out until after we were on the water. We had made it maybe 50 yards off the ramp when we decided we aren't big enough for this kind of wind. After waiting a few hours we started making phone calls the radio was not giving us any weather updates. We heard from Titania's sister that isolated thunderstorms were heading to the Tulsa area. With winds from 40 to 50 miles an hour. Well, that we could believe. Other boats motor boats, pontoon boats and the such would stop and talk with us asking if we were going to put up sail and try and ride this out. Our response was always well were hoping it will clear here soon. We had several conversations with all of the boaters that were in and out. One group of them with a pontoon kept coming in and dropping off some folks and picking up others. IT was a relaxing enough day I suppose, but Puck was just anxious for the wind to stop so we could go sailing. I just wish I had thought about it earlier but since we were just anchored, I should have changed out of my one piece swimsuit and donned my bikini and laid out on the deck. I was just trying to be ready for when, if ever we had a break in the wind so we could head out of the bay. We watched some brave sailors trying it in the wind. They obviously had more experience than we did. Even some of them ended up dropping their sails when it got a bit dicey for them.
So we had some lunch and although we had prepared ourselves with steaks for the evening and just a picnic lunch and lots of fruit, guess what I forgot to pack? I forgot the bread on the kitchen counter as I was packing up our dry goods box. But hey we made do and it was not that bad. If I had been thinking I had the makings of a salad so I guess I could have made wraps with the cheese and lettuce for sandwiches. I had also forgotten to pack the snack crackers so it was just lunch meat fruit of choice and some chips. Although I believe I have made a convert with Puck, he sure packed away the V-fusions. So a girl has to find creative ways to get the daily allowance of fruit and veggies in their man.
Just when I thought Puck was going to go cabin crazy because we were stuck on the water just circling our anchor, he said well, it seems as if the wind has calmed down a bit. Well that was all it took. We pulled up anchor raised the sails and headed out of the bay. At first Puck was the helmsman, but he had to quickly move over to the sails, because it may have calmed down but it was still howling somewhat. So I took over at the tiller and he was busy with the mainsail. He told me to head out around the point. Well, as I looked up all of the other sailboats were heading in the other direction. As I tried to head out around the point, we found out why. The wind had a mind of its own so we headed in the opposite direction. Puck trying to tell me what to do and I am just hanging on for dear life, the first half hour was somewhat scary and then after one really good heel, the adrenaline kicked in and it was just Yee Haw!, I was getting a feel for the girl and we just headed out, Puck kept asking me where I was going I just pointed. He said but what point... well if he had had the tiller in his hands he would have realized that was a silly question you couldn't pick a point you picked a general destination and followed the wind in the sails as best you could. I do not believe our rudder was all the way down because it was causing major problems with steering. Anyway after letting the sails go a couple of time to keep from tipping we made the turn and started heading back to where we came from. Again kept asking me where I was heading. I said you see those two people over there walking dogs..that's my intention. For having last sailed a small sailboat at the age of 10 or 11 and not even a fourth the size of this boat, I think I did pretty darn good if I don't say so myself. Unfortunately since we are both fairly new to sailing at this caliber of sailing and definitely not ready for this wind, we had way too much speed. Puck let the sails go and went to pull up the center board. I was just trying to steer via rudder with our current momentum. So instead of being able to turn the girl and stop beside the beach we ran up on the beach. not 20 to 25 feet from where I said I was heading when we were across the lake. Discounting the fact that we were now beached, we were exactly back where we had started just on the beach instead of off the beach. Pretty darn good if you ask me.
We watched as the sailing club across the way all headed out that evening. It was a beautiful sight. Even though they are all much more experienced at sailing than Puck and I we did notice that they did not last out in that wind much longer than we had. They also did not get much further than we did either, in fact we may have traveled more nautical miles that they did in our 2 hour tour...LOL. Shortly after we arrived back, all the other boaters started coming back and were having problems getting their boats on the trailers due to the horrendous cross winds, So Puck went and helped a few of them. I asked Puck if he would like to try dinner he told me he was not going to try anything with a fire in this wind so we were back to the lunch meat and fruit for dinner.
The night was a long one but a beautiful one with all of the stars out without the city lights to dim them. The wind kept howling and the halyards kept clanging. Puck got a bit frisky and we thought we would go skinny dipping, but the water was absolutely chilling. So that was a short lived adventure. Puck through out the night kept getting up to make sure the anchor was holding and the line he had tied to a rock was holding us. We weathered the howling wind fairly well.
This morning we were up early and enjoyed a magnificent sunrise The wind still had not died down. We figured we were going to have an ordeal getting the boat back on the trailer. It was not as bad as we expected. I think we are working out our communication Puck and I. We work well together. It took us about 30 to 45 minutes to get her set up to sail and about an hour to get her ready for the trip home. Not bad in my humble opinion. We have the boat home and unloaded, I have lots of things to do to get her back in order (Meaning the house as well as the boat) but we definitely had our adventure, maybe a bit much of one for Puck I think the jury is still out on that one, but I know I absolutely loved it. Hope every one else had a great weekend. Time for me to go shower and perhaps take a short nap before starting to work on setting things in order.
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