OMG ~ Discussions Starting 1-11-16 and Beyond
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Well bummer, I wrote a nice long post last night and it is no where to be found. Life is moving forward and I am struggling not with food but with my emotions. No appetite and that is not good. I am eating and making fair choices but my stomach is in knots all the time. Can't remember what I have already told you so if I am repeating myself feel free to skip ahead. Mom has lost all vision in her right eye. Her left eye is going too. I heard the opthamologist say partial retinal detachment and small hemorrhages. We go to see the retinal specialist tomorrow at 9am. I also have to go with my sis to Dr appointment in the afternoon. My sis is in a nursing home for a week or two. Her husband cannot go because he has to see the anesthesiologist that same day and time. Mom doesn't want Susie to know about her vision problems. So I need to go across town with Mom in the morning, then run her home and go back for my sister whose nursing home is 2 blocks from the retinal specialist. I have Edd on standby to come get Mom if her appointment runs long. Today mom wants to go to Steak and Shake for lunch and then take Susie lunch afterwards. Then home for TRX. I also need to get a lift chair to my sisters house before she is released and help her husband move furniture. Then her husband has some procedures coming up that require anesthesia so I will be taking him for those and then monitoring him at home if my sister is not home by then. I am praying that there is some laser surgery or something like that to help mom so she can stay independent. Currently she is not using the stove because she cannot tell if she is burning the food. She is sticking to microwave and cold foods. I want to prep some meals for her, but she is set for the moment. She has mentioned possibly hiring someone to come in to help with meals and cleaning. We have also discussed senior living or assisted living. There are few nice ones around but we will wait until after we see the retinal specialist tomorrow.
Friday was a blur. Saturday was pretty low key and all I had to do was make stuffed peppers to go with dinner. Sunday was pretty laid back, boat ride and then I fixed grilled pork tenderloin, roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes for dinner. Yesterday we went for another boat ride and then got home around 8pm. My friend gave me 20 pounds of jalapeño peppers and about 5 pounds of Hungarian wax peppers. So I need to find time to make more jelly and pickle some peppers in the next day or two. Next weekend is our end of season pig roast and we have about 10 people coming. Edd is going down on Thursday, I think I am going to drive myself down Friday after the gym.
Thanks for listening, sorry no personals as I need to head to mom's. She has some chores for me before we go to lunch and then to see my sister.
I hate to keep asking but please pray that they will be able to do something to improve moms eyesight. This is breaking my heart and I have to act at least as brave as she is acting.
Patti0 -
Oh Patti,
My heart breaks for you as you navigate some pretty rough waters this week. May you find renewed strength and faith that it will all work together for good. That love always trumps fear, even fear of failing health for our loved ones. So many are drawing on your love, so please remember to refill at the fountain that is endless. Breathe in that same love that you then extend out to those around you, as you recharge during times alone with your thoughts. Whenever you need us, we will be here to listen. Wish we could be there to lend you a hand!
love,
MaryLynn0 -
Bert, saw a few pics on FB -- great memories were made for everyone.
My eating was also not the best over the long weekend and my system is pretty upset today, so going to lie low and stay quiet until whatever has me in its grip gets gone.
Have a great week, everyone == back on Project Me.0 -
Patti & MaryLynn, your posts were not there when I posted what's above -- not ignoring you.
Patti, you poor thing -- we are here for you. Did your sister fall or have a stroke or something? Was she hospitalized before the nursing home? Hoping she will improve quickly. Any way her husband can shuffle his schedule a bit? When I had my spontaneous retinal tear and a bit of detachment, a laser fix worked. Hoping some of your mom's issue is recent enough that they can help. Might it be time for her to take a class in learning to live with vision impairment? There must be local resources she can use without charge. And should you get her car keys? So much on your shoulders -- here's hoping your brother-in-law steps up and can be of more assistance.
Cindy, hoping Hermine isn't wriecking your Cape beach time.
Feeling pretty yucky so minimizing contact with the world today. Going to watch the last two Hunger Games movies and maybe have a nap.
Hugs to all!0 -
Patti- I echo Janet's questions on Susie. No wonder you are in knots with your sister and mother both in medical crisis and your BIL already with severe medical issues. Especially with you being the Regustered nurse in the family. I know this is all happening in your busiest time at the cabin .
Cindy- I am so loving Ready to Soar!! I have not been able to put it down . Who is the boy's father??? I also hope your vacation is not threatened, but I fear it is. Be safe.
I will be back.
Karla0 -
I will manage as I always do. My BIL is in poor health but he goes above and beyond what anyone would ever expect. He is 73 years old, my sis is 58. The story of my sister is too ugly and too personal to go into here. I did get a reprieve. They were not able to schedule transport for Wed so I do not have to go to her appointment. Hopefully BIL will be available for the rescheduled time. Mom was seeing a bit better this morning and was very pleased. No worries about taking car keys she has voluntarily given them up because she knows she cannot drive and has no desire to drive. We went to visit my sis and take her some lunch. It wore mom out trying not to let my sis know how bad her vision has become. She needed have worried, my sister is so self absorbed that she wouldn't have noticed if mom came in with a seeing eye dog! Mom has agreed to get a life alert, so I need to do some research on that tonight. Hoping and praying there is something they can do for her vision. She is already making adjustments and is thrilled that she doesn't have to dust! That's my Mom, always seeing the bright side. She says she can cope and is grateful there is no pain. So for me I am doing some canning. Skipped the gym, no good reason other than I just didn't want to go. I am just finishing up 8 pints of pickled peppers and next I am going to make some more jelly. I am going to find a recipe for jalapeño relish too. Need to just keep busy and try not to think. As if that will happen. Oh well I will survive. I do appreciate everyone's kind words and prayers. I told mom that we were not making any decisions about anything until we see the doc tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to respond with some heartfelt personals to all of you but I know you will forgive me for the time being. Forgot to WI this morning, but the scale will still be there tomorrow, dang it anyway.
Patti
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Good Morning, Ladies. It's another hot one today! Breakfast is tracked. I have a visit this morning and then am heading to lunch with my ya-ya's.
Patti: So sorry to hear about your mom, sister, and brother-in-law. Prayers and hugs to you. We all are here for you.
Have a great day, everyone! I need to get ready for the day.
Bert0 -
Good morning group!! Temps are cooling off down here and sunny skies. Only 72 this morning.
Bert - You sound so chipper and refreshed after your vacation . I didn't get over to my Dad's this week after all. I have a doctor appointment today and dental tomorrow.
Janet- So very nice speaking with you this morning and know you are on the mend! I love my housekeepers and my home after they come.
Patti- So sorry your sister is in a nursing home at such a young age. Cannot fathom how you are handling all of this and praying for you daily. Somehow you need to slow down and decompress. I am so afraid you are going to have a meltdown yourself. This running back and forth and the family stress will wear anyone out, but especially at our age.
My dad passed his eye exam to have his drivers license renewed again and no injection this time either. Keith took him and I still need more details, but better than I expected. So happy for dad. He will be 88 on the 21.
Cindy I finished RTS last night. absolutely loved it. The best yet. Like you indicated, it had some some risqué parts, intrigue and kept me spellbound!! You must continue!! Are you safe? Home bound? I left you wonderful reviews on both books.
Back later.
Karla0 -
Good morning!
Bert, enjoy your day -- with the visit and lunch, bound to be a good one.
Karla, glad your dad can still drive. Mine kept driving long after he should have but we finally got the keys away from him for the last year of his life.
Patti, we know you're doing all you can -- hoping your sister's health and situation improve and that your brother-in-law can take care of some of the transportation issues. Fingers crossed for the doc to find a way for your mom to preserve some sight.
Had a couple of days of feeling pretty crummy but am much better today. Not all the way back yet, but sooo much better that I can get some low-key things done today. My cleaner won't be here until afternoon so we'll have a pleasant afternoon. Have already changed sheets and am doing laundry. Might even - gasp - get the ironing board out soon. Not stressing about food until I feel better -- digestive system has been upset and I am eating whatever sounds good to me, so a bit of extra cheese and such are going down the hatch. My EAS AdcantEdge protein shakes have been really helpful but veggies don't taste so great right now. Expecting to be just fine by tomorrow though.
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Good afternoon dear friends. The retinal specialist appointment was nearly 3 hours. Lots of drops, exams, lights, more drops, pictures and then finally he did an injection in the left eye. Mom and I had simultaneous near melt downs with him as he wants her to go see another specialist for the right eye, which has no vision! Just hard for us both to understand the purpose but he says he can see no tumors but there is lots of scar tissue, atrophy, hemorrhages and more I did not understand. I saw the pictures and they look awful. He said he could treat her with the injections but will not if she doesn't see the specialist. He did not have the best bedside manner but we were a bit of a handful at the moment. We apologized for our outburst, just not what we were prepared to hear. She agreed to the consult and is to see a Dr at University of Cinci, he is the the director of the Eye institute, professor and director at UC and specializes in eye tumors. He has written over 300 articles and more that 50 chapters in his field. So guess we are getting the best. Once we agreed to the second opinion, he did go ahead and injected Mom's left eye and will repeat in 4 weeks. Don't know if this is the same injections Karla's dad got or not. Edd has my back for taking my BIL for his oral surgery and colonoscopy if they happen to fall on the same day as any of her appointments. I think we are going to have to tell my BIL what is going on but Mom doesn't want Susie to worry about her. I don't have a date for her surgeon's appointment but hope it will fall so that her husband can be with her. She is doing very well and I doubt they will keep her much longer. Waiting to hear from BIL as he is seeing the anesthesiologist today. He has to have a colonoscopy and is on blood thinners. The last one he had, they removed some polyps and he nearly bled to death that night. Praying we have things under better control this time. So things are moving along and we will manage and cope with some crying and anxiety mixed in. To take care of myself I am going to go to my gym classes tomorrow and Friday. Edd is going to the cabin tomorrow and I am going to wait and go on Friday. Just need a day to myself and I am going to take it. I will have Frankie to keep me company, lol.
Karla, so glad your Dad is seeing better, praying Mom gets the same results. They are giving her Avastin. Is that what your Dad got?
Janet, sorry your GI track is out of whack, but good for you for feeding it what it needs and not worrying about the rest. Hope by tomorrow you are yourself again.
Bert, I agree with Karla, you sound so renewed since your vacation. Hope this week is the last of our brutal heat and humidity.
Mary Lynn, wish my brain turned phrases the way yours does. You make everything sound like it should be in print or like it came from motivational material.
My eating is spotty at best. Mom wanted Taco Bell so that is what was for lunch. Edd is going out for dinner so I need to come up with a plan for me. Just have no desire to cook, plan, clean and all the rest. Haven't had an omelet in over a week, that might be what's for dinner. Our stamping group is meeting on Saturday and I will have to miss it. I really need some craft therapy! Maybe next month.
Enough of my whiny self, talk to you all later
Patti
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Patti, I am glad you've been referred for your mom's eyes -- been wondering what the doc would say about the right one. There are such advanced treatments that perhaps she will be able to regain some sight in it as well -- surely worth a try. So sorry she hasn't pursued it sooner since she's moved north. I know you have your hands full -- can Edd help with some of the driving if necessary? Your classes should be a good outlet for some of your excess emotions. And as you know from your working days, some of the best docs have the worst bedside manner. The guy who did Mom's heart valve replacement was a man of few words -- not a jerk, just not particularly warm or effusive. But he was great telling us about the procedure in advance and his work made Mom's life easier.
Going to make a simple quesadilla with my low-carb, high-fiber tortillas, so,e cheese and canned chicken. Might warm up some squash puree from my freezer to attempt a vegetable. Salad doesn't even sound appealing yet. Ah well. Maybe frozen applesauce for a snack later. Yogurt has been my friend this week too. And a few walnuts for extra protein and some healthy fat.
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Patti- Sounds like that Physician was pretty insistent with the care he knew your mother needed to be so pushy. Yes, those are the injections my dad has been having for two years. They are for the hemoraghing he is talking about. They dissolve the seepage. It sounds as if there is hope for the right eye and I am excited for you to go to this University specialist. It has made a world of difference for me to see Dr Fowler at the University of South Alabama. Wasn't it strange that the doctor said he didn't see any tumors though? You now mention your sister Susie is having surgery. So sorry. plus her husband is having oral surgery and a colonoscopy. I thought I had a lot of medical going over here but you now have me beat. You must be run ragged with heading to the cabin In between all this. Why don't you take your Mom with you Saturday? It might be a nice diversion for her and you won't have to worry about her cooking or not eating. She hasn't been to the cabin yet, has she?
I went to the dentist yesterday as my bridge was bothering me all weekend, they xrayed it, but said it was fine. Today I went to the dermatologist about a strange red lesion that would not react to any treatment. Just needed stronger cortisone cream. Tomorrow I go back to the dentist to start my crown work,
My DIL has her surgery now set for October 6 over in New Orleans at the Oschner Clinic. Right behind my eye cataract repair!! Glenn sees his second opinion surgeon on September 28.
Well, just had read Patti's post and wanted to reply ..
Take care my friends,
Karla0 -
Karla, the eye dr doesn't think there is anything to be done for the right eye but wants to get a second opinion on what is there and in the left eye since they have similar lesions. With her eyesight having gotten so much worse so quickly, and some days she cannot see at all, she is much safer and more comfortable in her apartment. She really doesn't want to go to the cabin, I have been asking all summer. So I don't push her. I observe her when I am there to see how she does and I am impressed at how well she gets around and is able to care for herself. She can still see, but no details. Not able to read but if she pulls her chair up to the tv she can read the guide and anything scrolling at the bottom. On the days she doesn't see as well she has the tv on to programs she can just listen to. She is a news junkie, so all the election stuff has kept her entertained. She has figured out how to pour her liquids without spilling or going over the top. Her fridge and freezer are well stocked with food she prepared before her sight changed and they just require a thaw and then a trip through the microwave or toaster oven. She's a tough old bird, hope I would face something like this with her grace and humor. She calls me whenever she does something that she considers dumb but funny, lol.
Patti0 -
Good Morning, Ladies. We are supposed to get some rain today which I will gladly welcome. It has been so hot recently. Last weekend was gorgeous, and our family was able to be outside. Today is a ME day. I don't have anything planned, so I can catch up on things around here.
Karla: Happy Birthday to your dad. Wow, 88! Both of my parents died young. Dad was 64 and Mom was 72. They are with me in spirit everyday. I can feel their presence.
Janet: Hope you are feeling better today. Lunch with my ya-ya's is definitely what I needed. We always have so much fun together.
Patti: You are dealing with so much! I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but it sounds like you are going to the best doctor for his opinion. When my parents were alive, they lived in Florida, and I wasn't able to be with them as much as I wanted to. I love breakfast for dinner, but Mike doesn't. I eat very lightly when he isn't home for dinner.
I talked to my brother yesterday. He has 2 more chemo treatments and then will go on a monthly maintenance program. I'm so happy that he is home and his spirits are up. Have a great day everyone!
Bert0 -
Quick good morning to you all, I finally remembered to get on the scale and am down 1.8 which is a total of 5.2 since starting PM. I am happy with this as it is how I lost the weight before, slow and steady. My omelet was so good last night I am having one again this morning. So happy to be heading to the gym today. Have missed my workouts and my friends.
Bert, what great news on your brother. Now he just needs to keep working to get stronger. I know you are anxious to see him again. It will be so wonderful to see him so much better than he was on your last visit. My gf has 3 more radiation treatments, her last day will be Monday and then we celebrate!
I will stop by later, lots to get done today so I can leave after the gym tomorrow
Patti0 -
Patti- Were you able to get your Mom a life alert button or that cell service you can get at Walmart from the guy Adam's father that is the same thing? If she falls all she does is press it and they send help. I meant to tell you about that option.
Karla0 -
Patti, your mom sounds like a gem and very adaptable, but I still hope they can preserve what sight she has and maybe improve it a bit. Never hurts to get a second opinion.
Bert, glad you have an unscheduled day -- enjoy. It's been beastly here too but no rain for at least 1-2 more days. Fall can't come soon enough!
Karla, you have so many family surgeries coming up too. Eager for your eye to be done so you can see your Glenn and grandkids more clearly and be safer around the house and on the road. Bet the first trip over to see your dad after surgery will be a revelation.
Feeling about 90% today, so much better. Was out nearly all day, running errands. Took me half an hour to go less tha a mile at one point due to an accident -- hope no one was badly hurt (the cars didn't look terrible but there was an ambulance standing by, along with five police cars. Got everything done but grocery shopping and a couple of other quick stops, which I'll get done tomorrow (morning, I hope). Planning to stay home most of the weekend and wor on stuff here.
Hugs to all.0 -
Now for some good news. The injection already has restored some of mom's vision. The retinal specialist called her twice today. He was pleased with what she had to report, as was she. He said she would probably only 2 or 3 more injections. He had already checked with the specialists office to see when her appointment was. My BIL's daughter is lined up to take him for his colonoscopy. Now we just need to get a date for his full mouth extraction. No news on when my sis will get out of the nursing home but I would guess it will be next week. We are going to take the lift chair over on Monday to be prepared. I got my chores done and made both my classes at the gym. Now I get to watch my Broncos play football.
Karla, I have not had a chance to get the life alert but have done my research. Just need to find the best one at the best price and get it taken care of. Just haven't had enough hours and energy but that is on tap for next week.
Janet, so glad to hear you are feeling better. Do enjoy a low key weekend.
Thanks again for always being here to cheer me on and shore me up when I need it. I am grateful I didn't turn to food during all the stress.
Patti0 -
Great news on your mom's eye == and what a caring doctor. Smiling broady here.0
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Good Morning, Ladies. I'm up early this morning as I'm heading to church to help prepare lunch for our Day Care kids and their grandparents. Their cook died unexpectedly last weekend, so a couple of my church ladies and I are stepping in to help. It's the least we can do.
I made my reservations last night for my trip to see my brother. Greg loves to play travel agent, so he called me while I was choosing my flight.
Patti: Congrats on your weight loss!
Have a good day, everyone!
Bert0 -
Patti- Great news on your Mom's vision. What kind of surgery is your sister having? Sounds like if she needs a seat lift chair must be some sort of ortho type problem? Hip or knees? So glad your BIL has other family help as to not interfer with your other obligations. When is your mom's specialist appointment in Cincinatti?
Bert- You are a blessing to your church family. Your brother sounds on the upswing.
I'm taking a mental health day and staying home today. lol . I need to balance the checkbook, pay some bills and make a new dish. I need a down day.
A Karla day!!
Karla
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Bert, your church family is so blessed to have you and so are we. I bet your brother is so happy to have you come and to see him improving.
This will be my last check in until Sunday or Monday. Leaving for the cabin after the gym. Too bad the weather isn't looking like it will be a top down drive. Thoroughly enjoyed my Broncos last night.
Wishing you all a glorious weekend. Enjoy your yourselves with whatever you choose to do or not do.
Patti0 -
Good Morning, Ladies. We dodged the severe storms warnings last night. We had a storm, but there were not tornado touch downs as there were in IL prior to coming through western IN. Many football teams/fans had to take cover while the storms passed. I'm hoping no one was injured. Today is a stay at home day. I need to work on Power Point for church services, clean the pool, do laundry, etc. Just like you, Karla, I'm looking for a Bert day.
Patti: Enjoy your weekend at the cabin.
Have a great day, everyone!
Bert0 -
Hi, all -- My tummy troubles have finally ended, so the excuses for eating bland, high-calorie stuff are gone. Gotta get way back on the beam. Two days of heavy errands really zapped me in terms of foot/ankle and back pain, which I couldn't wipe out yesterday, so am trying to stay off my feet as much as possible, stretch and hope that will help. Percocet took the edge off but didn't kill it. At least I got it down to a 6-7. Am grateful that even though it hurts a lot, I can still get around -- just need to pace myself better. But when there is a lot to do, ...
Went out this morning to closest little self-serve farmstand and got tomatoes and three kinds of squash (white acorn, spaghetti & butternut). Very glad I can stay in and do my best to calm it down.
Hope everyone's having a happily memorable weekend.0 -
Good evening, what a wonderfully fun and relaxation get weekend. Great friends, lots of laughing, awesome food and dancing. A girl cannot ask for more. It was exactly what my mind, body and spirit needed. Watched a great football game, Bengals beat the Jets. We did get hit by a pretty severe storm right as we were ready to start serving at the pig roast. We just held everything down until it passed, which luckily didn't take very long. Going to be a busy week. I think my son wants me to paint a garage for one of his rentals. Will need to shop for Mom or at least take he shopping. Deliver the chair to my sis's house. On Wednesday i am going to Cheesecake Factory with my girlfriends. We are celebrating the end of my GF's radiation treatments. Last one will be Monday. This will be the best celebration of the year!
Having fun and relaxing sure wears a person out. Talk to you tomorrow.
Patti0 -
Hi Girls-
I'm back but not a moment to read all the posts- I'll get to that later.
The Cape was great and the water was surprising warm. eating not so great- missed you all -
Until later
Cindy0 -
Good Morning, Ladies. The weather has been sensational this past couple of days. Yesterday was awesome: First was Worship in the Park. One family, whose girls have been singing special music since they were in elementary school and been in many of our musicals, attended and the girls sang like angels. Second was Jillian and Cole's soccer games. This was Cole's first soccer game ever. They both did a great job, and it was so fun to watch them both play. Dylan lost his first tooth over the weekend. Exciting times.
Today, I have a dental appointment. Going to the dentist is not an enjoyable experience, but I'm just having a cleaning. I can handle that! Have a great day, everyone!
Bert0 -
Welcome back Cindy, can't wait til you have a moment to tell us about your trip. We have missed you.
Bert, what a wonderful weekend filled with family love and sharing.
Off to paint. Mom's eyes are still bad but she is doing her best. I will need to do some chores for her and shopping tomorrow. Hoping the weather is nice so we can sit on her little patio.
Patti0 -
Happy Monday to you all!
I am still here, just have not been online much lately. So good to read and catch up on your happenings over the weekend. We attended a church picnic after lunch and I actually had one of the hotdogs as well as some baked goodies, ah well!
Need to refocus this week and enjoy the lovely sunny fall days we are having here. Also do need to move a couple of fruit trees soon and create a new area for next years tomatoes. Have picked all the plants clean from this year and they are sitting in the garage on papers to finish ripening... yummy with meals!
Picked up some squash to prepare this week (spagetti, acorn and zuchinni) so that could be interesting. Have some boiled eggs sitting in the fridge to use with salads, etc and want to focus first on the veggies this week and second on staying active outside!
Janet, hope that pain subsides to a more bearable level in the very near future. It is so hard to stay engaged when you are sidelined by discomfort. You are so wise to keep a low profile for a few days and rest the body a bit.
Patti, glad to hear that your Mom's eyesight is being helped somewhat by the drops. Sounds like the plans for your week will continue to keep you busy and active. Enjoy your painting!
Cindy, pleased that you had a nice break together with Rick and eager to hear how things are going for you in the week ahead.
Bert, those little ones sure keep you smiling with their activities and life events.
Karla, hope you and Glenn are doing well and had a restful weekend with one another.
Myra, as the week of school starts, hoping you find some time to get out and enjoy some activities in the sunshine of fall as well.
Suzi, wherever you are, enjoy your travels and photography pleasures!
Enjoy your day ahead!
Love,
MaryLynn0 -
Painting done, it was hot but not too bad. My daughter lives a few blocks from where I was painting so she came over and we visited while I worked. That made an arduous task seem like nothing. We haven't seen each other in person for a couple of weeks so it was wonderful to see her face. Edd is working on my car now, putting the liner back in the trunk and the protective sling for the top. Haven't heard from my BIL about his up coming appointments but Mom says they have changed. On top of everything else going on, my cousin is in the hospital with some heart problems. He should be going home today if his ultrasound doesn't show any damage or changes from the last one. Just glad he called for my advice last night and actually went to the ER when I told him to.
Mary Lynn, sounds like you have some yummy food waiting for you as it ripens. I love most squash but not spaghetti for some reason. Tried multiple preparations and came to the conclusion I just don't care for it.
Missing all my girls, where is everyone today? Hope all is well with everyone.
Patti0
