Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 86 degrees, clear skies
The weather is getting nice. It's enjoyable to sit on the screened porch, soaking up the warmer temperatures, watching the birds do their thing with nests and babies. I know the humidity is coming, but I'm loving this.
I slept better last night, even though I still feel like I had some of the sleeping pill affecting me from the night before. Carolyn said I didn't seem to dream like I did the night I took the pill, but was still a little restless. I do know that I felt better today, and I will not take another of those sleeping pills. What in the world was I thinking to take that thing? Especially since I had never used them before. Oh, that's right, I forget that everyone has to learn for themselves what works for them. I'm here to tell you that these particular sleeping pills don't work for me.
Today was the first day without chemo drugs this week. I'm glad that I get a break every week like this, since it may help the severity of the drugs on my body. My brother-in-law Roger and sister-in-law Kathy don't seem to get a break like this. Of course, one thing to keep in mind is that they are actually fighting cancer with the drugs they take, while my illness is treated with the same drugs as used against cancer, even though I don't have cancer. The drugs are used against myeloma, which is a cancer of the blood, while I have Amyloidosis. I hope all this makes sense.
This morning, while I felt halfway decent, we decided to take a ride down to the community of Tanner, about five miles south of Athens. Tanner was hit very hard during the tornado outbreak, and we had not been there to see how bad the damage was since then. We built a house in the worse hit area back in the 1980s, and had heard that the house was completely destroyed. Well, we found that the house is still standing, but suffered a lot of damage. All the windows were blown out, the shutters are gone, the roof is damaged, and the house looks like it has been abandoned. It is such a shame that people have lost everything, and we think it will be a long time before the recovery effort in the neighborhood is finished. We saw the path that the tornado took, and it appears that it was about a half mile wide. It sure gives me a different appreciation for the damage that these things can cause.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - New York, New York: The City That Never Sleeps
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
New Mower
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 72 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Last night, I decided to do something I had never done before. In an attempt to sleep better, I took a prescribed sleeping pill. Bad mistake, as I did sleep longer, but the quality of sleep was poor. I dreamed most of the night, and felt the effects of the pill all day. Given a choice between the pill or not, I think I'll pass from now on.
The water heater repairs from yesterday did not quite do the job. When we woke this morning, we found that there had been some leakage in to the overflow pan. We called the plumber again, and he responded quickly. He found that the top heating element was leaking slightly. Since we had an extra element, he changed it out and that appears to have fixed the problem. No charge for having to come back, even though we tried to pay him. You don't see service like this any more, it seems, and it's nice.
Remember the puzzle that we started putting together on Monday? I thought it would take us a month to finish it. At the rate we're going, we will finish it in a few days. These things just seem to grab your attention, and before you know it, an hour has been spent adding pieces.
We started the new riding mower today for the first time. After it had sat in the shop for almost two weeks, I thought it was time to get it running. The first order of business was to read all the paperwork. The thing I noticed about the paperwork was that it was full of disclaimers. Eventually, I got through with the reading, filled the tank with gas, checked the oil, put the battery cables on the battery, and started it up.
As might be expected, the new mower runs great. Since I had it running, the next thing was to see how well it mows. In a word, great! The yard is freshly mowed, and it looks very nice. We finished the mowing with a little weed eating, and it looks like we're good for a few days.
With the mowing and and feeling so low because of the sleeping pill, I was not able to play with the I-Pad again today. I'm looking forward to seeing what it will do for us. Maybe tomorrow.
I finished the first week's doses of chemo drugs today, and so far, I'm doing good. Some minor side effects, but I know it could be much worse. No more drugs this week, which will give me a chance to recover a little. Then, back on them next Monday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lincoln City, Oregon: A Great Place To Try New Things
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 72 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Last night, I decided to do something I had never done before. In an attempt to sleep better, I took a prescribed sleeping pill. Bad mistake, as I did sleep longer, but the quality of sleep was poor. I dreamed most of the night, and felt the effects of the pill all day. Given a choice between the pill or not, I think I'll pass from now on.
The water heater repairs from yesterday did not quite do the job. When we woke this morning, we found that there had been some leakage in to the overflow pan. We called the plumber again, and he responded quickly. He found that the top heating element was leaking slightly. Since we had an extra element, he changed it out and that appears to have fixed the problem. No charge for having to come back, even though we tried to pay him. You don't see service like this any more, it seems, and it's nice.
Remember the puzzle that we started putting together on Monday? I thought it would take us a month to finish it. At the rate we're going, we will finish it in a few days. These things just seem to grab your attention, and before you know it, an hour has been spent adding pieces.
We started the new riding mower today for the first time. After it had sat in the shop for almost two weeks, I thought it was time to get it running. The first order of business was to read all the paperwork. The thing I noticed about the paperwork was that it was full of disclaimers. Eventually, I got through with the reading, filled the tank with gas, checked the oil, put the battery cables on the battery, and started it up.
As might be expected, the new mower runs great. Since I had it running, the next thing was to see how well it mows. In a word, great! The yard is freshly mowed, and it looks very nice. We finished the mowing with a little weed eating, and it looks like we're good for a few days.
With the mowing and and feeling so low because of the sleeping pill, I was not able to play with the I-Pad again today. I'm looking forward to seeing what it will do for us. Maybe tomorrow.
I finished the first week's doses of chemo drugs today, and so far, I'm doing good. Some minor side effects, but I know it could be much worse. No more drugs this week, which will give me a chance to recover a little. Then, back on them next Monday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lincoln City, Oregon: A Great Place To Try New Things
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Water Heater Issues
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 43 degrees, high 59 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Last night, we noticed that the heat of the water coming out of the water heater was not what it should have been. This morning, the water was cold. I went and bought a couple of heating elements, thinking this might be the easiest fix, if that was the problem. No cigar, as the heating elements made no change. That was about the extent of my experience, so we asked Judy who to call as a plumber to to fix the problem.
Judy recommended a plumber that goes to their church, and even called him on our behalf. He showed up about 1545 hours, as I was in a doctor's office in Athens. The plumber found that the thermostat was bad, which was replaced. Voila! Hot water!
The plumber worked quickly, and charged what I thought was a fair price. If we have another problem, he will be the person we will call. Since I have gotten sick, it has seemed difficulty for me to take care of things that I would have eaten up when I was healthy.
I didn't get to play with the I-Pad today, since we were trying to get the water heater repaired, and I was a little under the weather. I felt like I had a bad case of the flu, without a cough or fever. It could be because of not sleeping or resting well, or could be because of the chemo drugs. Whatever it is, I'm finally talking a sleep aid tonight in an attempt to sleep better.
If I rest better tonight, I intend to try to get the new lawn mower running tomorrow so the yard can be cut. It will have been almost two weeks since it was cut, but it hasn't been a problem due to the cooler weather.
By the way, the fire ants are gone. The washing powder trick worked again.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sugar Land, Texas: The Shug
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 43 degrees, high 59 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Last night, we noticed that the heat of the water coming out of the water heater was not what it should have been. This morning, the water was cold. I went and bought a couple of heating elements, thinking this might be the easiest fix, if that was the problem. No cigar, as the heating elements made no change. That was about the extent of my experience, so we asked Judy who to call as a plumber to to fix the problem.
Judy recommended a plumber that goes to their church, and even called him on our behalf. He showed up about 1545 hours, as I was in a doctor's office in Athens. The plumber found that the thermostat was bad, which was replaced. Voila! Hot water!
The plumber worked quickly, and charged what I thought was a fair price. If we have another problem, he will be the person we will call. Since I have gotten sick, it has seemed difficulty for me to take care of things that I would have eaten up when I was healthy.
I didn't get to play with the I-Pad today, since we were trying to get the water heater repaired, and I was a little under the weather. I felt like I had a bad case of the flu, without a cough or fever. It could be because of not sleeping or resting well, or could be because of the chemo drugs. Whatever it is, I'm finally talking a sleep aid tonight in an attempt to sleep better.
If I rest better tonight, I intend to try to get the new lawn mower running tomorrow so the yard can be cut. It will have been almost two weeks since it was cut, but it hasn't been a problem due to the cooler weather.
By the way, the fire ants are gone. The washing powder trick worked again.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sugar Land, Texas: The Shug
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I-Pad Delivered
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 57 degrees, pertly cloudy skies
In what has become the new normal, I woke several times last night, getting up for s short time each time until I got sleepy again. As a result, I only get about 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night, but usually feel halfway decent until about 1100 hours the next day. Then, it seems like I hit a wall for the rest of day, taking short naps. I'll be glad to get my sleeping habits straightened out.
While I was feeling decent, I went to town to pick up a few groceries. It won't be long that I won't be able to go in the stores because of my white blood cell count being too low to be out in public due to the risk of infection. At that time, the doctors have told me that I need to do everything I can to prevent colds, etc., so I'll probably sit in the truck and let Carolyn go do the shopping.
I took my second round of oral chemo drugs today, as well as the first round of oral steroids. So far, I don't feel any effects from the drugs, but have plenty of stuff to help those ill effects if they arise. Only two more days of chemo drugs this week, then I get three days break.
Our water heater quit heating water late this afternoon, and I have no idea what the problem is. I suspect both heating elements went out, so I'll go get two new ones tomorrow and change them out. If that doesn't work, I'll call a plumber. We're not looking forward to cold showers.
NCIS, out favorite television show, had it's season finale tonight. Does it seem like shows have less and less episodes as time goes on? Especially those that we like so much? Only about 5 to 6 months until new shows come back.
The I-Pad I ordered was delivered today. I spent a little time getting it set up and the battery charged, and downloading some program updates. In addition, I downloaded the manual that tells how everything works. I can see how this is going to be a handy little tool for me, once I figure out how everything works. I guess the best way to describe it is that it it very much like an I-Phone, without the telephone features. And, it has a much bigger screen. Since I still don't have an I-Phone, it's a lot to learn.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Gadsden, Alabama: All American City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 57 degrees, pertly cloudy skies
In what has become the new normal, I woke several times last night, getting up for s short time each time until I got sleepy again. As a result, I only get about 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night, but usually feel halfway decent until about 1100 hours the next day. Then, it seems like I hit a wall for the rest of day, taking short naps. I'll be glad to get my sleeping habits straightened out.
While I was feeling decent, I went to town to pick up a few groceries. It won't be long that I won't be able to go in the stores because of my white blood cell count being too low to be out in public due to the risk of infection. At that time, the doctors have told me that I need to do everything I can to prevent colds, etc., so I'll probably sit in the truck and let Carolyn go do the shopping.
I took my second round of oral chemo drugs today, as well as the first round of oral steroids. So far, I don't feel any effects from the drugs, but have plenty of stuff to help those ill effects if they arise. Only two more days of chemo drugs this week, then I get three days break.
Our water heater quit heating water late this afternoon, and I have no idea what the problem is. I suspect both heating elements went out, so I'll go get two new ones tomorrow and change them out. If that doesn't work, I'll call a plumber. We're not looking forward to cold showers.
NCIS, out favorite television show, had it's season finale tonight. Does it seem like shows have less and less episodes as time goes on? Especially those that we like so much? Only about 5 to 6 months until new shows come back.
The I-Pad I ordered was delivered today. I spent a little time getting it set up and the battery charged, and downloading some program updates. In addition, I downloaded the manual that tells how everything works. I can see how this is going to be a handy little tool for me, once I figure out how everything works. I guess the best way to describe it is that it it very much like an I-Phone, without the telephone features. And, it has a much bigger screen. Since I still don't have an I-Phone, it's a lot to learn.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Gadsden, Alabama: All American City
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, May 16, 2011
First Treatment
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 54 degrees, cloudy, light showers, cool
We were at the bank when they opened this morning, seeking help on signing and notarizing important legal papers concerning medical treatment and so forth. It took about 30 minutes to get everything done, and then we left to go to my first treatment session at the cancer center.
We arrived at the cancer center early, and had a little wait as the place was busy. Whenever you go to a facility like this, look at the general ages of the people being treated. Most of them are older, and we see very few younger patients. The older a person is, the more likely it is that they will have to be treated for a life threatening disease.
When I was finally called, most of my time was spent getting acquainted with what the facility offers for patient comfort, and precautions to follow when taking treatment so I'll know what to do when specific examples come up, like a fever. The drugs were explained again, and I found that what I'm taking are some of the more benign cancer drugs as far as causing nausea and side effects. On the other hand, instead of taking drugs just one day a week, I'll be taking two of them multiple days, with one being taken four days a week. So, that leaves three days a week that I won't be taking any drugs for Amyloidosis.
A cycle of drugs is four weeks, then the cycle starts again. I will do three cycles, then go back to Atlanta to Emory University Medical Center for testing and evaluation on whether to keep doing what we're doing, or make changes.
How long is this all expected to go on? I have no idea.
We didn't get of of the cancer center until almost 1400 hours, so we stopped at Rosie's Cantina for a late lunch. Not bad, but not Texas, either.
When we got home after 1530 hours, we found that Fedex had tried to deliver the I-Pad that I ordered last week. It has to be signed for, so they will bring it back tomorrow. I'm looking forward to playing with it, since my oncologist told me I can use it at the cancer clinic on their public wifi. Cool!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Port Clinton, Ohio: Walleye Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 54 degrees, cloudy, light showers, cool
We were at the bank when they opened this morning, seeking help on signing and notarizing important legal papers concerning medical treatment and so forth. It took about 30 minutes to get everything done, and then we left to go to my first treatment session at the cancer center.
We arrived at the cancer center early, and had a little wait as the place was busy. Whenever you go to a facility like this, look at the general ages of the people being treated. Most of them are older, and we see very few younger patients. The older a person is, the more likely it is that they will have to be treated for a life threatening disease.
When I was finally called, most of my time was spent getting acquainted with what the facility offers for patient comfort, and precautions to follow when taking treatment so I'll know what to do when specific examples come up, like a fever. The drugs were explained again, and I found that what I'm taking are some of the more benign cancer drugs as far as causing nausea and side effects. On the other hand, instead of taking drugs just one day a week, I'll be taking two of them multiple days, with one being taken four days a week. So, that leaves three days a week that I won't be taking any drugs for Amyloidosis.
A cycle of drugs is four weeks, then the cycle starts again. I will do three cycles, then go back to Atlanta to Emory University Medical Center for testing and evaluation on whether to keep doing what we're doing, or make changes.
How long is this all expected to go on? I have no idea.
We didn't get of of the cancer center until almost 1400 hours, so we stopped at Rosie's Cantina for a late lunch. Not bad, but not Texas, either.
When we got home after 1530 hours, we found that Fedex had tried to deliver the I-Pad that I ordered last week. It has to be signed for, so they will bring it back tomorrow. I'm looking forward to playing with it, since my oncologist told me I can use it at the cancer clinic on their public wifi. Cool!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Port Clinton, Ohio: Walleye Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Router Repairs, Etc.
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 56 degrees, cloudy, misty
After breakfast at home, we worked on a few things we have needed to do for some time. The upcoming chemo treatment has made us realize that we need to update our wills, which my sister Janie is helping us do. She is a paralegal in an attorney's office in Florida, and has been so since she graduated high school. She offered to help us, so we are drawing on her expertise as we get other types of paperwork ready.
Carolyn went through some old paperwork, and we set aside some stuff that needs to go to a safety deposit box. I'm not sure why we've allowed things to go like this, unless it's spelled Amyloidosis.
We found a puzzle we bought several months ago during the winter. We never started putting it together, so started today. This is a very difficult puzzle, with 1000 pieces. At the rate we're going, it'll take us a month to finish it. Carolyn has mentioned she might want to frame it if it looks as good put together as the cover on the box looks.
I bought a router for the Internet in an effort to allow visitors to use their computers when visiting. For the last three months, the router has not worked, and I didn't have the gumption to find out why. Today, I tackled that problem in an effort to find out why it quit working. I had a feeling it was connected to the network security keys inside the setup of the program. Accessing the program, I printed out the administrator's information. Then, I started tinkering with the settings. I found that the security features had been changed. Using the trial and error method, I chanced up on the proper security keys. Yes!! Now, we have a working router again.
Why is it so important to have a working router? Well, for guests, obviously, but also because I bought an I-Pad which will be delivered on Tuesday. The I-Pad is perfect for using wifi, which means I can take it out to the porch or in to the bedroom and still access the Internet. I can also take the I-Pad with me when I have treatments to help the time pass. There are probably many uses that I haven't thought about. My daughter Lori has one, and loves it. Maybe she can recommend some apps for it.
My appetite has improved somewhat in the past two weeks, even though I continue to lose weight, but at a slower pace. My attempts to eat different foods have been like an education, as I find that some foods still don't taste like I remember, but are bearable. This evening, I tried some Equate Nutritional Shake, and found that it tastes much like a melted vanilla milk shake. I might be able to do something with these drinks, although I'd rather be eating something I liked.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Refugio, Texas: Birthplace Of Nolan Ryan
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 56 degrees, cloudy, misty
After breakfast at home, we worked on a few things we have needed to do for some time. The upcoming chemo treatment has made us realize that we need to update our wills, which my sister Janie is helping us do. She is a paralegal in an attorney's office in Florida, and has been so since she graduated high school. She offered to help us, so we are drawing on her expertise as we get other types of paperwork ready.
Carolyn went through some old paperwork, and we set aside some stuff that needs to go to a safety deposit box. I'm not sure why we've allowed things to go like this, unless it's spelled Amyloidosis.
We found a puzzle we bought several months ago during the winter. We never started putting it together, so started today. This is a very difficult puzzle, with 1000 pieces. At the rate we're going, it'll take us a month to finish it. Carolyn has mentioned she might want to frame it if it looks as good put together as the cover on the box looks.
I bought a router for the Internet in an effort to allow visitors to use their computers when visiting. For the last three months, the router has not worked, and I didn't have the gumption to find out why. Today, I tackled that problem in an effort to find out why it quit working. I had a feeling it was connected to the network security keys inside the setup of the program. Accessing the program, I printed out the administrator's information. Then, I started tinkering with the settings. I found that the security features had been changed. Using the trial and error method, I chanced up on the proper security keys. Yes!! Now, we have a working router again.
Why is it so important to have a working router? Well, for guests, obviously, but also because I bought an I-Pad which will be delivered on Tuesday. The I-Pad is perfect for using wifi, which means I can take it out to the porch or in to the bedroom and still access the Internet. I can also take the I-Pad with me when I have treatments to help the time pass. There are probably many uses that I haven't thought about. My daughter Lori has one, and loves it. Maybe she can recommend some apps for it.
My appetite has improved somewhat in the past two weeks, even though I continue to lose weight, but at a slower pace. My attempts to eat different foods have been like an education, as I find that some foods still don't taste like I remember, but are bearable. This evening, I tried some Equate Nutritional Shake, and found that it tastes much like a melted vanilla milk shake. I might be able to do something with these drinks, although I'd rather be eating something I liked.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Refugio, Texas: Birthplace Of Nolan Ryan
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Excuses For A Milkshake
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 64 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, showers, windy
I slept better last night, but I'm still lacking in the total amount of time I need to be sleeping. Amyloidosis treatment starts Monday, and I have already been given a sleeping aid in the event I need it. Maybe I need to try the pills out ahead of time to make sure they work. Then again, maybe not. I've never used anything like that before, and only want to if needed.
I had my usual breakfast this morning, but I noticed my stomach acted like it was a big hole about mid-morning. I invited Carolyn to Hardee's for a breakfast sandwich, which filled my stomach hole nicely. Normally, we eat breakfast at home, but with what I'm going through right now, something outside the house goes over well.
When we got home, we rested for about an hour, as I took a short nap. Actually, I have no idea how long the nap was, but I enjoyed it. After the nap, we got something positive done, as we cleaned out the shop and garage both.
Later in the day, we went to town and bought a weed eater, another extension cord, and three chairs for the screened porch. For the first time ever, I asked for help with getting stuff to the truck, as my strength gave out on me. Oh, well. At least I'm still trying.
Before we started home, we bought a sandwich and a milkshake. I have really grown to like the milkshakes. I find myself making excuses to go to town so I can buy one.
After getting home, I called my cousin Faye to see how her husband Cut is doing. He had a stroke earlier in the week, and was moved to a rehab center yesterday. It looks like a long and hard road for his recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cut and his family.
More late, be safe.
Today's Town - North Charleston, South Carolina: Hub Of The Low Country
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 64 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, showers, windy
I slept better last night, but I'm still lacking in the total amount of time I need to be sleeping. Amyloidosis treatment starts Monday, and I have already been given a sleeping aid in the event I need it. Maybe I need to try the pills out ahead of time to make sure they work. Then again, maybe not. I've never used anything like that before, and only want to if needed.
I had my usual breakfast this morning, but I noticed my stomach acted like it was a big hole about mid-morning. I invited Carolyn to Hardee's for a breakfast sandwich, which filled my stomach hole nicely. Normally, we eat breakfast at home, but with what I'm going through right now, something outside the house goes over well.
When we got home, we rested for about an hour, as I took a short nap. Actually, I have no idea how long the nap was, but I enjoyed it. After the nap, we got something positive done, as we cleaned out the shop and garage both.
Later in the day, we went to town and bought a weed eater, another extension cord, and three chairs for the screened porch. For the first time ever, I asked for help with getting stuff to the truck, as my strength gave out on me. Oh, well. At least I'm still trying.
Before we started home, we bought a sandwich and a milkshake. I have really grown to like the milkshakes. I find myself making excuses to go to town so I can buy one.
After getting home, I called my cousin Faye to see how her husband Cut is doing. He had a stroke earlier in the week, and was moved to a rehab center yesterday. It looks like a long and hard road for his recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cut and his family.
More late, be safe.
Today's Town - North Charleston, South Carolina: Hub Of The Low Country
Not all who wander are lost.
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