Lazy Saturday

Today was a very lazy day at our house.  Steven is still fatigued from his treatment and sleeps a majority of the day.  He does wonder out to the living room to sleep in the chair for bits at a time.  He says he feels better except he is tired and still kind of dizzy.  Now, don't be that way.  We know he is sometimes "dizzy", but this is medicine induced (Ha).  This is the last day for his Emend pills so the dizziness should stop tomorrow.  I have just been piddling and watching TV.  I am lazy too, and believe me it is not medicine induced.  It is just plain, "I don't want to do a thing" laziness.  I doubt we will go to church in the morning because he does not stay awake for more than and hour at a time, if that.

Kay comes home tomorrow.  WEEEEEEE!

III Day 2

Today was day two of round three.  He has slept a lot of the day.  He did get up for a late breakfast or brunch and for supper tonight.  He is in the chair now and watching some show on Discovery.  I think he is doing quite well today.  His face is not nearly as flushed as it has been on day 2 in the past.  He says he feels well, but is a little dizzy.  I did notice on his tri-pack of pre/post chemo pills will make you dizzy.  That sticker has not been on the past packs.  Now, don't worry.  I did not tell Steven that they could make him dizzy until he mentioned several times that he was dizzy.  I am a believer in the power of suggestions and would never dream of telling him side effects until he brings them up.  We are wondering if he is feeling a little better today because he had a new B-12 shot yesterday.  The first shot he had to get 7 days before his first treatment.  I had to go to the pharmacy today and I believe that his doctors are getting tired of writing his prescriptions so often.  A couple of his new med s. come in mega bottles with a whole month's supply.  Love it!  Would you believe I am at the pharmacy at least once a week if not more.  We are getting to be good friends.  I am really lucky that everyone at the pharmacy is so nice and helpful.  I have been going to Landrum Drug since they opened a couple of years ago.  Jill and Adam are great.  Shirley, the cashier, is someone who could make you laugh and smile on the worst of days.  That is truly a gift.

Julia did have several teeth pulled today.  On the way home, Kim called and said she did well.

Round III

We now have Chemo round II under our belt.  We actually met with Dr. Hoos today and not a someone else.  He was very informative.  Steve's numbers from his labs are good.  The plan is for him to finish Round IV (Aug. 19) and then do a CAT scan and see how he is progressing.  They were going to do it after round III, but since he is tolerating his treatments, they are going to wait one more round.  This scan will help them decide which direction to take his treatments.  In a perfect world, he would be completely done after 6.  This is what we are praying for and I will not discuss the other possible options because it would be a waste of my time and your time since we are not going to have to worry about that.  We started the actual chemo around 10:20.  We put some numbing cream on his port site and he didn't feel a thing when they put his tube in.  We were thrilled with that.  His mother came and spent the day with us.  It is nice to have company.  While he was sleeping, Grandma and I went on a couple of errands.  We went to F/M Fabrics and picked out some new material for a couple more purses.  Grandma has quite the eye.  We got some great prints and I can't wait to show you the finished products.  We picked up lunch from a new place called Whole Hog.  Everyone said is was better than Buckingham's so we decided to give it a try.  Bad choice.  We should have known that there is no BBQ better than Buckingham's.  Don't get me wrong, we ate the lunch, but I don't believe we would go back again.  After lunch, Kimberly came for a short visit.  It is always a bright spot in our day when we see her.  She was in Springfield because Brian had a dentist appointment.  OH, we need to keep Julia in our prayers tomorrow.  She has a dentist appointment and they are pulling several teeth including her wisdom teeth.  It is always a little scary to think about things like that.  Please keep her in your thoughts.  Brian did not get to come back to wave to Uncle Steven today.  There were several people in the Infusion Center and several were sick.  They don't allow small children in unless they are being treated.  All went well and we came home.  Grandma left to go check on Grandpa.  Who knows what he did while she was away...mowed the yard, ate fatty foods, watched a marathon of Andy?  Who knows if we will ever know the truth.  That Grandpa is a sly one when he wants to be  :)  Steven went to the family room recliner and tried to watch a little TV.  That didn't last long and he moved back to the bedroom about 6 or so.  He is resting now with the movie Eraser on the TV.  When I did check in on him, his face was already flushed.  He has a really flushed face for the first couple of days. Usually, he sleeps well the first night.  I don't know if it is because the medicine kicks in or he is just physically and mentally worn out from the day.  They gave him his second B-12 shot today so hopefully that will help him recover quicker this time.  He gets that shot every 9 weeks.  It is hard to believe that he has been doing the chemo thing for 9 weeks.  Man, I don't know where the time has gone.  I'm sure if you ask him, it has dragged by with boredom, sleep, sickly stomach and such.  Thanks again for all the wonderfully nice thought and prayers.  They mean so very much to us!

"I Don't Care"

As I am working on this evening's post, I am being bombarded with, "I don't care!"  This is from Aubree.  She is upset that I won't let her color with the computer.  She sometimes has quite the grown-up attitude.  She is a little upset with me, slammed down her sippy cup and left the room.  Oh, well.  She can get happy in the same pants she gets mad in.

We had a good day.  We went visiting this morning.  We went to Grasslands so Steven could check in with his work.  It was nice seeing everyone again.  I know he really misses the people and if the truth be told..he misses the work.  We ate lunch in Monett and then came home.  Steven took a nap while I played on the Ipad.  I am addicted to a couple of games.  The cool thing is that my Kindle syncs to the Ipad so I can read my books from either one.  We ate Mexican tonight and now we are watching....can you guess...it is Wednesday...HINT:  You have a minute to guess it.  OK, times up.  A Minute to Win It.  Pretty exciting tonight.  I'm wondering if Grandma and Grandpa are watching it too.  Duh...yes.

Tomorrow is Chemo III.  Our lab is at 8:30 and we see Dr. Hoos at 9:30.  This is a little later than normal, but they kid and say that the Dr. does not come in early.  That will probably put us about 1.5 hours behind in the treatment.  We will probably not make it home until 5 or so now.  Grandma is going with us.  She is very curious about the whole process and wants to know what in going on encase I can't make a treatment because of school.  Steven assured her that it was not that hard and he only needed a driver, but she is worried that there really is more.  She is meeting us at the house around 7:30.

What do you do with two huge flats of strawberries?

 Steven called his mother this morning to see how she was (they talk several times a day).  She and Grandpa went to and picked two huge flats of strawberries.  We (me, Amelia, and Steven) went to their house to help with the berries.  We stemmed and cleaned the flats and then the work began.  We got the bowls, spoons, measuring spoons and cups, and Sure-jell and we were off to the races.  We made strawberry jam.  It is freezer jam and I would love to share the recipe with you but then I would have to kill you.  It is Grandma's top secret recipe.  In actuality, I only know my part.  I was in charge of measuring the sugar and mixing it with the strawberries and lemon juice.  

The rest of the process was done by Grandma and Amelia.  Grandpa was in charge of getting and cleaning new jars as we needed them.  We really cranked out the batches.  I believe we made five batches.  That's a lot of jam.  Here is a picture of some of the jars.  There were 6 more on the table that could not get in the picture.  We are one lucky group of people.  We have wonderful jam.  Can't wait for the homemade bread and rolls.

Steven has not had a good couple of days.  He is plumb tuckered out.  I personally think it is from being so busy the last couple of days.  We went to the auction on Saturday where it was really hot, crowded and he stood the whole time.  Sunday was really busy (see the last blog for details).  Monday was also a busy day.  We went to license the truck at the courthouse, but in the paperwork, they forgot to include the title application.  We had to drive to Saracoxie to get it.  We wanted them to mail it but we would not have received it in time to avoid a penalty.  Riding in the car is hard on him.  After we went to Sarcoxie, we took care of the paperwork and then went home to rest.  I must admit, I took a nap and thought Steven was doing the same.  Little did I know, he stayed up and watched Superman on.  After "nap", we went to Monett to Lowe's to get a new head for the weed eater.  Once again, he pushed it.  Today he is suffering for his lack of sleep and pushing it to hard.  He sometimes forgets how bad he will feel if he overdoes it when he feels well.  When we made jam, he rested in the chair at his mom's. He watched The Price Is Right with his dad.  I believe he only missed the price on the final showcase by less than $1000.00.  I am hoping that he does not get hooked on this show too. Now he is resting next to me in the bed.  Luckily, he did not think he had to stay up and watch the Sheepman with Glen Ford.  I have to confess it is a pretty good movie. 

At 3:00, I have to take Samurai to see Doc. Dake.  He was up all night scratching and carrying on.  He went to the groomer yesterday and they used a new shampoo on him.  I took him back today to get an oatmeal bath to help relieve the itch.  We are seeing Doc Dake because the scratching has not stopped and he is really red under his hair.  He also has what they call a "hot spot".  I have some spray that I have been putting on it.  Doc will look at the spot and hopefully figure out what is causing the itch and how we can fix it.  I'm not sure I can stand another night of the scratching and whining.  He really was miserable.  We are really fortunate that  he is such a good dog.  He does a great job with Steven when he good or bad.  He also does a wonderful job with Aubree.  

I want to say a thank you to Uncle Al and Aunt Mary.  They sent us such a nice card.  We really appreciate all the nice thoughts.  

The heat index is what?

Today was a very busy day for us.  We went to church and then had dinner at Grandma's.  Mummmm.  She made roast, mashed pots, corn on the cob, home grown tomatoes, cucumber salad and rolls.  Yummy.  After we ate and were cleaning up the dishes, Michael and Kyle said they were going to come over to our house and help with some much overdue yard work.  They went ahead to our house and we drove to Monett to pick up some mulch...37 bags to be exact. We were on a mission to weed eat, pick up limbs, spray for weeds, and spread mulch.  We got all those things accomplished with a lot of sweat and one cookie break.  It was really really really hot.  Steven was a great helper too.  He drove the truck while we unloaded bags and was a boss telling us exactly how to do it.  We still have about 37 or more bags to spread.  We only have four trees left on the south side, but we have all the trees on the north side and its side yard.  It will be another work day at least.  The heat and activity wore Steven out and he has crashed in his chair.

I finished a computer bag that I have been crocheting for Kay.  It is black and gold tiger stripes. (Imagine that) I have to "bling" it out for her and then it will be ready.  My friend, Mona, and I are trying to start a little business of crocheted purses and bags.    I will put a picture up here to show you the computer bag when it is finished.  I have started another bag (shoulder) for Amelia.  It is a collage of colors.  I will also post a picture of that when I am finished.  We are really excited about the possibilities of this adventure.  We are crocheting strips of fabric.  It gives it a little unraveled look.  We are "blinging" them with buttons and ribbons.  It should be fun and challenging at the same time.  Mona is very creative so I will lean on her to help me in that area.  I am fortunate that she has that gift.
Enjoy the last week of July.  This year has flown by and we need to enjoy it as much as possible.  Smile :)

Love Jack Nicholson

AMC is celebrating the 35th anniversary of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  We are watching it and remembering what a superb movie it is.  There are some actors in it that a famous now.  Steven is really enjoying it.  We were trying to remember the last time we saw this and neither one of us could remember.  If you get a chance and have not seen this movie in a while, I suggest that you switch to AMC and check out the next time it is one.  I am sure they are running it several times in the next week or so.  We (or should I say I ) am also excited about the new season of Mad Men starting tomorrow.  Next weekend is the beginning of shark week on Discovery. It must be rating times.

We got a nice call today from some of our friends in NZ.  It is always nice talking to Karen and Zydee.  We sure do miss them being in the states.

We had a really nice day today.  I went to coffee with the girls this morning.  I do love my coffee time.  Steven slept in.  We went to an auction in Monett.  Our friends, Mitzi and Leland had a sale at their old store The Woods.  They sold a bunch of their oak furniture and craft items.  They are closing The Woods and opening a little shop across the street.  I can't remember if the new place is called Mitzi's or Mitzi's Place.  Amelia and I went over after we left the auction.  It is a great store and a much needed store in Monett.  It is ideal for gifts and just treats for yourself.  I encourage you to check it out if you are on Broadway in Monett.  We didn't purchase anything at the sale.  We thought we might get some new beds for the bedrooms.  If the girls leave and take their furniture, we will have two empty bedrooms.  What happens if we have guests?  Amelia looked at dressers, but nothing appealed to her taste or budget.  We took the rest of the afternoon easy.

Tomorrow, Aubree comes home from AR.  We are once again thrilled to see her.  She sure has been gone a lot this summer.  Pretty soon it is going to be school time and summer will be over.  I know it is getting close because we got the "beginning of the school year" letter from the superintendent's office.  It was loaded with all sorts of information....calendar, pay scale, new contract and the new "career ladder" plan for Mt. Vernon.  I always let the letter sit on the counter for a day or two before I open it.  I feel like I can at least deny school is starting soon if I don't open the letter.  I will have to start working at school to get my room ready.  Truthfully, I like packing up my room better than unpacking it! :)

Say it's your birthday.....

54 years ago today, Steven was born at St. Vincent's Hospital.  According to his mother and Elda N., it was a really hot hot day.  Both women were in labor and claim it was so hot they had sweat dripping off their faces the whole time.  The hospital was not air conditioned.  Elda gave birth to Robbie the next day.  A heartfelt thanks to all the people who call to wish him a happy birthday and the wonderful cards he received in the mail. He love it!

I must tell you that today has been the best day yet of Chemo II.  We went to Springfield this morning.  We had birthday breakfast at IHOP.  We ran several errand and finally ended up at Dr. P's office where we had to pick up a script.  His pain medicine is a narcotic so you have to have an actually signed doctor's request to get it filled.  They can't call or fax a refill to the pharmacy.  Since we have not had to visit Dr. P in about a month or so, we ran out before our next appointment.  They are always so nice at the office.  They take really good care of us.

After Springfield, we got home and Steven tried to take a nap.  I say tried because he had the Military Channel on and could not stop watching the shows they had on this afternoon.  At 5:OO, Grandma and Grandpa arrived and we went to Hog Wild in Aurora for supper.  It was Amelia, Grandma, Grandpa, Steven and me.  The food and company were nice.  When we got home, we had homemade strawberry pie.  Yum, yum, yum.  It was SOOOOOOO good.  Grandma never disappoints.  After the pie, they left and Amelia is out mowing the yard.  Steve is in his chair coved up with the blanket Kay made for us.  We are watching Man, Woman, Wild on the Discovery Channel.  At 9:00 Dual Survival comes on.  Steve like that show.  I have set it to record encase he falls asleep, which we all know is probably what will happen.

Harrison, AR?

Today was a GREAT day! Amelia had to take Aubree down to see Grandma Sylvia.  Aubre will stay with her until Sunday.  Grandma S. lives in Arkansas.  We drove down to Harrison, which is halfway to where she lives.  For the life of me, I can't remember the name of her town.  We stopped at this little restaurant called Neighbor's Mill.  It is kind of like a home owned bakery and sandwich shop.  We met Grandma S., made the trade off and headed back home.  It was about a 4 hour round trip.  Steven slept most of the way in the car.  We stopped at Andy's on the way home and had a snack.  Amelia had peaches; I had key lime; and Steven had chocolate carmel.  He always orders the same thing.  I guess why mess with something that you know is good.  Steven has felt pretty normal today.  I'd have to say, the best day of chemo II.  I hope that tomorrow is even better.  It is his birthday.  He doesn't like to make a big deal of it.  We are going to go out to eat supper with his mom and dad and then come home for homemade strawberry pie.  You don't have to even ask, no, I am not making it.  Grace is making it.  I would not try because I don't believe I could ever make it as good as hers.  I'll let you know what a good day he has tomorrow.

17 Years and Counting

Today is our 17th anniversary.  Who would have ever thought it?  :)  We are looking forward to another 17 or more years together.

Steve has been up and down the past few days.  Last night he got sick.  He was doing fine and then wham he was sick.  This really wiped him out and he went to bed early.  It was Deadliest Catch where Captain Phil passed away.  That is why I didn't post last night.  The episode upset me.  I really loved Captain Phil.  The show will not be the same without him.  I also liked the tribute to him after the show.  I remember when the show began; it was so exciting. My favorite boat is the Northwestern.  Steven got up this morning and was really iffy.  We think it might have been because he actually slept on his left side.  He woke up and his sides were really sore.  When he is in pain, it goes throughout his whole body and attitude.  He went and got his haircut and ate breakfast at the Red Barn.  After that, we went home and Steven rested.

After noon, we met Tim, Carlie, Grandma and Grandpa and went to Julia's volleyball game in Springfield.  Aubree and Amelia went with us.  Julia is a great player.  She will really knock them dead when she is on a school team.  We are very proud of her.  Aubree and Brian had a good time together.  This afternoon really took it out of Steven.  I know this because it is A Minute to Win It night and he is already sleeping in his chair.  He will be upset when he wakes because he loves that show.  I was proud of him for the outing.  I think the more he pushes it, the better off he will be.  He will not regain his strength by sitting.  He is going to have to move a little everyday.  I think he realizes this, but it is hard to do if you think you will not feel better later.  We are seeing improvements daily and when he has a setback he is recovering quicker everyday.

Let The Good Times Roll

Before I tell about our day, I have to tell about my fantasy cycling team in the Tour de France.  Well, I am now in 19,456 place.  Don't cringe.  This is great, I was in the high 27,000s.  (There are over 35,000 teams competing.)  I am thrilled with the jump in places.  Oma's Team is really on a roll...ha ha  get it!  Steven is really getting into the tour this year.  We usually watch it together.

Today was a mixed day for Steven.  He woke up not feeling well and made several trips to the bathroom...if you know what I mean.  We did not go to church.  After church we had visitors, Mike, Lorna and Caleb.  We had a great visit.  We love when Mike's come to visit on Sundays.  We had some of the pie leftover from yesterday.  They loved it.  After the visit, Steven was feeling better.  After he started feeling better, he ate well.  We had homemade pizza for lunch and hot roast beef sandwiches for supper.  He ate huge helpings.  He has been up all day (since 11) and has not taken a nap.   We watched Dirty Jobs and have realized that there are several jobs that we don't have the stomach to do.  Thank God some people have the stomach to do them.  Right now he is fading fast.  We are watching the Waterboy.  Of course, we have seen it a million times.  I like when we watch the funny ones because it makes him laugh and he does not do that often enough.  But if you have not figured it out by now, we will watch things over and over and over and over.  At 9:00 it is Top Shot if he makes it that long.  Well, I must report that he has now left the front room chair and is headed for the bed.  It is only a matter of time now before he is sawing the logs.  After he goes to sleep, if the sleeping gods are on my side, the controls are where I can reach them and I watch whatever I want.

How Sweet it Is!!

Our title today has double meaning.  The first part of the meaning is that we had a really sweet day.  Steven has had his very very best day since last Thursday.  We went out to the Red Barn for breakfast when we got home and watched Mecum Auto Auction (a whole new story).  We went to Sonic in town for lunch.  He has had some pretty specific cravings lately.  Last night Taco Palace #4, this morning RB, and this lunch coney with cheese, mustard, onion and cherry lemonade.   We have gone with his cravings so he will eat and be comfortable with the menu.  He claims we need to do that so he can gain his weight back.   It reminds me of a little kid.  After a late lunch of Sonic, he took a late nap.  He is now up channel surfing because, "All these **** channels and there isn't a thing on!"  I'm not sure what he has settled on, only time will tell.  For dinner, please keep in mind that he is in charge of what we eat, not me; we had chocolate pie and peaches.  

The chocolate pies is the other reason for today's title.  It was huge.  I would like to say I made it, but I must confess that we got it from the Red Barn bakery.  Steve thought I should take the pictures and show everyone, but brag and challenge anyone to make one as good as mine.  (See, I told you he was feeling better.)

I have to tell you now that he is watching Afraid of the Dark, which is on the History Channel.  It is about why people through time have been afraid of the dark:  fire, attack, legends...It is actually pretty interesting.  The Mecum Auto Auction is a favorite because it features all our "dream" cars...muscle, restored and where they just put everything possible on a car and call it cool.  We watch this quite often. Believe me we have watched reruns over and over and over.  It never gets old seeing the same cars selling. HA. It is a dream time and a time to regret not buying those types of cars when they first came out, putting them in storage and selling them now for thousands and thousands of dollars profit.  In August, there is a new sale which will be on HD theatre.  Can't wait.  We would love to actually go to a sale.  They travel around the states and have had some in Branson, KC and St. Louis.  We have not been able to attend those, but we will when he is feeling better.  It is really strange all the things he is planning to do when he feels better.  

We were discussing haying today on the way into town. We were remembering when we square baled in upper 90 degrees days.  I drove the tractor with the baler and he bucked bales.  If we had enough people helping, we could have a driver, a hooker and a bucker.  We also had a regular assembly line loading and unloading the hay wagon.  We were talking about how hot and bad it was and how glad we no longer had to to that kind of work.  I know some of you will remember those days.  The only thing good was when Grandma brought snacks and we took our breaks.  Cowboy coffee cake is still a family favorite.  Koleen still requests it from Grandma.  During this discussion, Steven commented that he would feel the hay way again if he didn't have to feel the way he felt now.  It made me think that all things good and bad are based on our perspective.  At the time of the haying, we didn't think we could ever feel worse or we would prefer to do that rather than what we were doing now.

  

It is that way with a lot of things now.  Things that we thought really mattered, really don't.  We don't worry about things now like we used to.  It is amazing how much more family and friends mean to us.  We talk about family and friends all the time..ones we see daily and ones we don't see very often.  No matter how far or near they physically are, they are in our hearts and thoughts all the time. If you sit down and talk about memories, it is funny how many memories you forgot you had.  Sometimes we remember things about the girls that we forgot, but I guess have kept in our heart vault.  We just needed to open it and refresh our memories. Funny...just some thoughts.

Fantastic Friday

Today was the best day yet since Chemo II.  Steven was up in the front room watching TV a majority of the day.  WEEEEE!  He as eaten great today.  Hopefully he is over the hump for this treatment.  We had a nice surprise today.  Leland came by for a visit.  It was a great visit today.  It was so nice catching up on Dakota and his family.  This afternoon, Amelia, Opa, and Aubree watched Second Hand Lions.  Opa loves that movie.  The two old men are great.

Yesterday, Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit and stayed for dinner. We had honey baked ham sandwiches.  A good piece of meat, cheese and bread it hard to beat.  Grandma made chocolate chip cookies and they were great.  We had a nice visit.  The topic was Roy Rogers and his horse, Trigger.  I guess a stuffed Trigger went for over a million dollars in an auction yesterday.  Really, who would want a stuffed horse.  We read that he was stuffed in 1967... the horse not Roy!  Holy cow or should I say Holy horse.  Talking about that brought back memories of early childhood shows.  It is always nice to talk about those memories.  Grandma said the boys loved that show and always wanted to be cowboys.  I believe she even mentioned cowboy pjs.  Can't you just see the Doss boys in cowboy jammies!  I know I can.  Love it.

Not any plans for the weekend.  We are just going to take it easy and rest.  They say the heat is here until next Thurs. so we are ready to stay inside.  The heat and humidity make it so difficult for Steven to catch his breath.  It is nice to have AC and satellite television on days like these.

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

I ask this because Klondikes are a favorite at our house.  Yesterday it was off to the store after dinner because, "Jane, don't you think a Klondike bar sounds good?"  I went and picked up four packages.  You say overkill, afraid not.  Two times ago when I make a "Klondike run" they had NONE.  Of course, I was afraid to come home empty handed so I picked up some fudgebars.  WRONG...when you want Klondikes, nothing else will do.  Last time I did a run, I had to ask the freezer guy to go back to the back and get me a box.  This time I got four.  I will not be caught without Klondikes again.  When I got home, they really hit the spot.  In answer to the question, Steven, will give me a kiss for a Klondike bar.  I think I came out ahead on that deal!

Life here is still pretty relaxed.  Steven is still pretty worn out.  We actually did have an outing.  Steven was hungry for "Mama Sans".  A little Chinese restaurant in Monett that has to die for house chicken.  The place is really called Peking, but it used to be ran by the sweetest woman who was the Mama of her family so we just started calling it Mama Sans or Mamas.  The food was wonderful as usual, but the ride really took its toll on Steven.  He slept and stayed in bed all afternoon.  He will get up for dinner...honeybaked ham.  Love it!  Hopefully, we will start seeing an improvement in his energy level.  I know he is getting really tired of being tired.  Any suggestions?  We were wondering if we should change his diet or what?  We are eating basically the same things as last time so it might not have anything to do with his diet.  It might just be that the second treatment hit him a little harder than the last time.  On the positive side, his incision is really healing.  The top part is basically healed.  We are only really working on a 2 or so inch spot that was really deep but is healing everyday.  He is getting tired of having his bandage changed twice daily.  Aubree always reminds us that we need to change Opa.  It reminds me of changing a baby when she says it.

Aubree and I Skyped Kay today and had a nice visit.  We sure miss Kay.  Hopefully she will be able to come home for a visit soon.

Monday News

Before I talk about today, I have to tell you about last night.  Oh, My Gosh!  There was a huge, I mean gynormous storm.  When we went to bed last night-around 9 we could hear and see the storm off to the west.  The lightening was flashing and the thunder was a distant boom.  Well, let me tell you.  As the storm moved closer, it got louder and louder.  It felt like when it was at its peak, it was stuck over the house.  It lasted forever.  The lightening flashed right outside the door and it was still bright when the crash came.  We even looked out several times to see if we had some trees left.  It was pretty intense.  During the storm, I had a hard time breathing.  It felt like my blood pressure was way out of whack.  When we woke up this morning and checked the rain guage...we had 3.5 inches of new rain.  That is about 5.5 inches in the last week.  Steve, of course, had to call and tell his mama about the rain.  They barely got an inch.  They have missed out on the past couple of storms.  We are in the path of another storm tonight.  Off to the west on the radar it is red, red, red.  I hope it doesn't camp on my doorstep.

Our day was very lazy.  Aubree and I went to coffee at 8.  It was fun and I think she enjoyed seeing everyone.  I know they like to see her.  We came home and fixed breakfast for Opa.  We had bacon, eggs, toast and all the good stuff.  After breakfast, we messed around and Opa slept.  We had BLTs for lunch and then Opa slept some more.  I too fell asleep on the couch watching Jaws.  Love that show.  My favorite scene is the one in the boat where they are showing off all their bites.  I love the story of the USS Indianapolis.  I have read several books on it actually.  It is quite a story from WWII.  My gosh, the things the "boys" did so we could have the life we have.  We had a nice dinner.  Steven ate ok, but his stomach is a little queasy.  He ate some, but I am afraid he is a little nervous about eating because he does not want to get sick.  Can't say I blame him.  I am proud that he does eat the amount he does.  He is back in bed sleeping.  You know he is worn out because it is Picker and Pawn Starts night.  Don't worry, I am recording Pawn Star.  Pickers is a rerun.

Samurai is happy that Aubree is home.  She has given him a million hugs.  He has also scored.  He, so far, has chewed a pair of pink flip flops (she left under the dining room table) and a barrette that I have no idea where he found it.  Hopefully she will remember to put her stuff away.  She is a big help.  She keeps his water bowl full and helps feed and take him out.  Both are growing to be so big.

Tomorrow I have my digital mammogram.  I am not really excited about it.  It seems that the digitals hurt worse than the normal squeeze.  Don't worry, it is just routine.  I have to have the digital every 6 months since we had issues in the past.  It is just the follow-up.  The good thing is I have a massage scheduled for Thursday morning.  I can't wait.  I sure need one.

I will post again tomorrow unless we float or blow away with this next storm.  If Steven were feeling better, he might be out back building an ark.  :)

Day Chemo II (Sunday)

Before I begin today, I want to ask that you send your thoughts and prayers to one of Kimberly's friend's family.  Kimberly's friend passed away recently.  She lost her 3 year battle with colon cancer.  She is leaving behind several young children, a husband, family and friends.  They really need our prayers.  http://stephsgonnawin.blogspot.com/2010/07/funeral-information.html

As I have been saying, Steve is getting stronger everyday.  Today is a good example of that.  He was up longer and stayed in the chair longer instead of the bed.  He is still really really really tired.  Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit this afternoon.  They stayed for about an hour.  It is always nice to visit with them.  They are always worried about Steven getting a nap and resting so they never stay long. Grandma brought watermelon.  Steve's favorite.  We have not been able to find a good one lately.  I bought what I thought was a good one the other day at Summer Fresh.  It was whitey pink and yucky.  I guess I just don't have the touch when it comes to picking out a ripe melon.  I thump and thump but no luck.  Besides the watermelon, Raman is his favorite.  Right now he is in the chair.  We are watching A League of Their Own.  We have seen this movie a million times too.  We really like Tom Hanks and the cast of the women ball players.  We are hoping that Steven can make it up until Aubree comes home.  She is about 2 or so hours away.  We are thrilled to see her.  He is trying to stay out of bed until then.  She sounded so happy when she called to tell us she was coming home.  Weeeee.

Saturday July 10

It is Saturday evening and we are watching My Cousin Vinny. We have seen it a bizillion times but always get a kick out of it.  Today was better than yesterday.  I went to coffee and brought home McDonald's biscuits and gravy for Steven.  He has been craving these...personally I don't know why.  He ate a biscuit, gravy, hash brown and extra gravy.  While we were sitting eating breakfast ( I had egg and toast for those of you who wondered what I ate instead of b/g) :)  we heard the Blackhawk helicopter go over.  The Blackhawk was going to the Veteran's home for the Shriners picnic.  I called my friend, Betty, who lives at the Vet's home.  I went and spend the morning with her.  Steven said he didn't care because he was sleeping the morning away.  The picnic was fun.  The Blackhawk was huge.  I took several pictures to show Steven.  He thought it was to hot and to far for him to walk to see it.  In all honesty, it was really warm and quite a little walk.  It is probably a good thing he did not go.  I got home and we ate lunch.  Once again he ate Raman and melon.  Today he ate the whole bowl.  After lunch, he took another nap.  I must admit, I too took a nap.  I tried to watch the TDF, but fell asleep.  I already knew the outcome, but I love to watch it.  After the nap, Steven was hungry.  He wanted KFC chicken strips with mashed potatoes.  He ate a big thing of mashed pots and two of the big strips.  Yea him again.  As I look across the living room, he is sleeping in his chair covered by the blanket Kay made.  Every once in a while, he will peak out his eye but goes right back to sleep.  I will wake him and move him to the bed when it is bedtime.

I was very proud of him today.  He ate well and actually was up quite a bit more than yesterday.  I don't believe we will make church tomorrow, but I know each day he is getting better.  His stomach was not as upset and he did not take so much of the stomach medicine today.  That is a big improvement.

Tomorrow  our life will change.  Aubree will be home from Mimi's in TX.  She has been gone for about 6 or so weeks.  We have really missed her.  We will be very happy to see her.  I think having her home again will help Steven's attitude and help him heal.  I also know that it will not be boring here anymore.  She really keeps us on our toes.  Can't wait!

Friday News

It is now day two of Chemo II.   It was a pretty quiet day.  I was up before 8 and went to coffee.  Steven slept most of the day.  He did get up and eat some watermelon.  After that he took another nap until around 6:30.  He was sleeping very sound because Samurai and I are not really quiet in the house.  When he woke up, he ate a bowl of Raman and then went back to bed.  I have to say that when he was up for dinner, he looked much better than he did in the morning.  His face is really flushed the first two days or so.   His was not as flushed this evening as it was this morning.  He is a little nauseated.  I believe that is why he did not eat so well today.  Hopefully, he will eat a little more tomorrow.  I am going to our town's farmers market tomorrow to pick up some fresh produce.  He really likes his tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and such.  They are good for him and I don't have to force him to eat them.  We really strive to get a bunch of protein everyday too.  He is a big meat eater when his stomach is not upset.  Beef over chicken but we realize that we have to really eat more chicken.  We are working on that.

I am sitting here thinking that this time last year we were having the Lampe family reunion.  That was a great time.  I treasure those memories.  I loved putting faces and personalities to names.  I know Steven had a great time too.  We talk about it and everyone all the time.  It means even more to us now that we are facing the issues we are.  Family is so important and we are sooooo thankful for our all of our family.  Near or far, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

A quick thanks for all the thoughtful texts and calls.  They really mean a lot to us.  We are very thankful for modern technology.  It makes keeping everyone informed easier.  Also, thanks for the very nice cards and letters.  They always make our hearts warm and bring a smile to our faces.

Chemo II

Well, it is now about 6:30 and we are home settling in after a day of chemo.  Our morning started around 5.  We had a 7:30 appointment and Steven wanted to eat at McDonalds beforehand.  We arrived and he had his lab work.  All his numbers were good except his potassium.  It was high. They suggested that he not eat foods high in potassium together.  The only thing we can figure is he has been eating tons of cantaloupe.  They weren't concerned; we just need to watch it.  It was much easier accessing his port this time  We thought we had screwed up because the medicine to numb the area is a prescription and we thought they would give it to him.  Luckily the nurse that did it had the magic touch.  We actually started the treatment at 930 and we were done by 3.  Kimberly and Brian came by for a short visit at the center.  Brian could not come back to visit but they let him in the door to wave at Uncle Steven.  I don't know who was happier:  Brian or Steve.  After the short wave, Kimberly, Brian, Doug and I went out to lunch.  It was sure a nice time.  We had pizza.  We took some back to Steve.  He said it was good but tasted metallic.  They said that is to be expected. Kimberly stayed and visited for quite a while.  We really love talking and spending time with her and her family.  We just don't get to see them often enough.  Oh, if you want to see the new fort that Doug built go to her blog.  There are pictures and you will be impressed!   When we got home he ate a very good dinner:  corn on the cob, rice a roni and watermelon.  I am sure it is not exactly what the doctor would order, but at least he ate something.  As a whole the treatment went well.  He said it felt a little strange this time, but he couldn't quite put his finger on a description.  He is getting tired now and I suspect he will be in bed by 7.  He needs his rest.  Just the treatment alone is stressful not to mention the drugs coursing through his body.  We do not have to go back until Chemo III in three weeks. That is a relief.  We have started the nausea medicine and hopefully we will not have any issues with that this time.  They suggested Pepcid complete in the evenings and said that would help too.

While we were at the Infusion Center, we saw a good friend of mine, Schyrlet.  She was there with a friend receiving treatment.  It was quite a shock to look up and see someone you know.  We had a nice visit.  I sure do miss her.  And Schyrlet, I really do like the hair :)

On the way home, it rained so hard I almost had to pull over.  It is still really coming down.  Aunt Doris in Lockwood told Grandma that they got 4 inches today.  I know we did not get that much, but we got some.  Apparently, it did not rain in Freistatt.   I know the rain is welcome here.  Our yard is crunchy.  

Thursday News

Well, it is another Thursday.  We had a very eventful day.  Steve had to go to Sarcoxie to get his truck inspected and an oil change.  He drove there by himself and waited through the whole process.  Kenny Neal in Sarcoxie has always been good to us.  While he was gone, I went to visit some friends at the Veterans home.  It was a great visit.  I sure do miss them!  After we returned home, we went over to Aurora to visit a friend and  eat lunch at Hogwild.  Needless to say, after that busy afternoon, a nap was on the schedule.  This evening, Steve is watching “A Minute to Win It”.  (a show his parents have gotten him stuck on)  As soon as the show was over, Grandma called to discuss the show.  Help me, please.  :)

Tomorrow we go to Springfield for his second round of chemo.  Our lab appointment is at 7:30.  Our dr. appointment is at 8:30 so we will not start chemo until about 9:30 or so.  It could be a long day.  We are a little nervous  because we are unsure of how he will react to this treatment.  If you remember, the first treatment kicked his butt for several days.  It depends who you listen to about the second treatment as to how it will treat you.  I told him not to listen to the stories and just take one day at a time. I will post tomorrow night to let you know who the treatment went.  I am very hopeful because he is getting stronger and stronger every day.

I must make some comments about me.  It is the Tour de France and I am LOVING it.  I record the tour every morning and watch it in the afternoon.  I like to record it so I can fast forward through the commercials.  I have a fantasy team through VERSUS.  So far through the three practice stages and Stage 4 I am not doing so well.  I have a pretty solid team, but they are not riding to their potential YET.  I am way low on the over all standing.  So low, I am embarrassed to tell you the exact place.   To put it in perspective, the top team has 500 or so points from today and I have 22.  HA.  I am not giving up because they have not hit the Alps yet and there are still a couple of weeks left.  If you are a follower too, we have had a great show in the stages so far.  I personally have not seen so many major crashes.  Two major riders are out because of broken bones and several major riders are hurting.  Time will tell.  Hopefully, I can at least be a contender.  I would love to win a trip to Paris next year, but I would be happy with a jersey.  I’m not hard to please. My friend, Dawinelle and I rode 7 miles today.  Yea us!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

We had a very nice holiday weekend.  We were very busy.  Steven did great.  Our big adventure was going to Grandma and Grandpa's for Grandpa's 80th birthday party on Sunday.  Of course there was a house full of the Doss family.  We had a wonderful time. We ate BBQ burgers and a potluck of other goodies.  After dinner, we had cake and then we visited while we cleaned up.  During cleanup, the washer tournament was underway in the driveway.  It is a pretty cutthroat game between the men.  By the end of the evening, Zach and Steve were champions.

Friday News

I finally got online and realized that I have not blogged all week.  It has not been and exceptionally busy week, but somehow, I just never got online on the evening.  This week was good.  Monday and Tuesday were great days for Steve.  He was feeling great and we actually ran errands in Joplin Tuesday.  Of course, when you play you must pay.  Wednesday and Thursday were not the best days.  Steve was really, really, really tired.  All day Wednesday he slept.  Thursday we went out for breakfast and "snack" at Grace and Pete's.  We were going to Monett to go to Walmart, but he decided that he would stay at his parent's house and take a nap.  I went to Walmart by myself.  It was probably best because if he goes, I end up with a bunch of junk that I had not planned on getting.  You know, " I would sure like these snacks.  I might want to work on this project.  I think we need this....."  I actually left Walmart with only a few things that I had not planned on getting.  Yea me!  Today he rested and ran errands with Amelia.  I had to run to Columbia to swap cars with Koleen.  I told you earlier that her car broke down on the way back to school on Sunday.  My friend, Mona, went with me.  We had a really nice time.  We made it up to Columbia to spend some time on campus, eat lunch, and walk downtown with Koleen and Dot.  We switched cars and Mona and I headed back to Mt. Vernon.  It was a great trip.  Actually, the traffic was not to bad and ran about 5 miles over the limit all the way home.  Mona and I had a great visit.  It was nice to see where Koleen's new dorm was and to check out some of the new construction on campus.  It is amazing who different Mizzou looks from when I was there.  Mona and I think it would be wonderful to go back to school and take all those fun classes that we couldn't take at the time were at the universities.  I think it might be nice to live in the dorm.  Just think, you could clean house in just a matter of minutes and someone else cleans the bathrooms.  Sounds like heaven to me. Tonight after dark, we are going to watch the cities fireworks.  We are going to a friend's farm and sit in her field to get an excellent view.  We bring chairs and refreshments.  It is a great time with friends and a nice show.  It sure beats the crowds at the park.  We are lucky our friend has such a good place to view the show.  We don't have any other plans for the holiday weekend.  Amelia is going to TX to visit her mother and pick-up Aubree.  She will be gone until the 11th.  We are sure going to be happy to get Aubree back home.  We sure miss her.