Dear Friends,
This afternoon finds me watching the earthquake coverage for the east coast and being thankful that we are not involved. What fear something like this must generate in people who remember the recent Japan quake.
Fear is something that we know first hand, and fight all the time. Fear of suffering, death, losing loved ones and being out of control. We all realize that we should calm ourselves and have faith, but when the bottom is dropping from the market and homes are selling for 60 percent of the asking price just two years ago, it creates plain old fear.
So I can understand how Deb would feel about the liver scan scheduled for September ninth. There is already cancer present, we know, and the last scan was several months ago, so a bit of fear or concern would be expected. We will know more after the scan.
We see some good results in the lymphedema therapy, with a steady decrease in the retained fluid. That has Deb feeling better.
With September 11th coming soon, it's not too early to remember those who died in that terrible tragedy.
Being content is the hardest thing to do, but if you can pull it off, you will find much more satisfaction in life.
God Bless,
Dan
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The routine continues
Good Morning!
It's a bright and sunny day here in the Chicago area, with Arizona type temperatures and Florida humidity. As I sit next to a snoozing Strider and sip coffee, I'm counting down the days to my retirement on July 31st. I'll be at work next week and then gone forever.
Most of you may remember I had a short retirement in 2000 at the end of my career at Kemper. But now, at 66, I imagine my employment days are over.
I continue to recover from my hip replacement. I feel good except for a lack of stamina. I'm at my best pushing a cart around a store, something that frightens Deb a bit.
I have three more therapy sessions this week. I've discarded all walking aids.
Deb is going to therapy three times a week to reduce the swelling in her left arm. She also is taking some occupational therapy to help with range of motion in her right arm.
We feel as if we've received a special blessing from God. Our health continues to improve and we hope for further good results. We have been doubly blessed by your prayers.
Our friend Jack is having tests again for his non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Please remember him in your prayers.
God Bless each of you, and bring you health and grace.
Dan
It's a bright and sunny day here in the Chicago area, with Arizona type temperatures and Florida humidity. As I sit next to a snoozing Strider and sip coffee, I'm counting down the days to my retirement on July 31st. I'll be at work next week and then gone forever.
Most of you may remember I had a short retirement in 2000 at the end of my career at Kemper. But now, at 66, I imagine my employment days are over.
I continue to recover from my hip replacement. I feel good except for a lack of stamina. I'm at my best pushing a cart around a store, something that frightens Deb a bit.
I have three more therapy sessions this week. I've discarded all walking aids.
Deb is going to therapy three times a week to reduce the swelling in her left arm. She also is taking some occupational therapy to help with range of motion in her right arm.
We feel as if we've received a special blessing from God. Our health continues to improve and we hope for further good results. We have been doubly blessed by your prayers.
Our friend Jack is having tests again for his non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Please remember him in your prayers.
God Bless each of you, and bring you health and grace.
Dan
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Nothing Startling Out There For US
Hi everyone,
I'm reporting this as I sit and wait for my car to be ready at the dealer. Oil change. At least they have Wi Fi.
Deb is in her second week back to work. She was so tired last week. This week is a short week and when she has therapy, she takes a half day of vacation, so it is easier on her and she gets home early. She continues to have therapy on her right arm for range of motion and the left arm for lymphedema. Her arm is wrapped in gauze, foam and sport elastic bandages each day and will stay that way until the swelling goes away. The path for lymphatic fluid was disrupted when several lymph nodes were removed at the surgery in 2007. Up until the bout with shingles everything was fine. The shingles resided in the left arm.
She soldiers on without too much to say one way or the other. I'm trying to help since I'm still home. I will do the laundry, the trash and get dinner ready, and try to do things I've put off. I think she is convinced that while cancer is still in her liver she is not out of the woods.
I expect that she will be working as long as she can, and we have no idea how long Kemper will want her. I'm retiring July 31st. My hip replacement is coming along fine. I'm having therapy three times a week.
I am aware of how God has blessed us with good medical care, and so much more. Without him how could we go on with our lives?
Thank you all for prayers, cards and good thoughts. It does make a difference. God hears each one.
God Bless
I'm reporting this as I sit and wait for my car to be ready at the dealer. Oil change. At least they have Wi Fi.
Deb is in her second week back to work. She was so tired last week. This week is a short week and when she has therapy, she takes a half day of vacation, so it is easier on her and she gets home early. She continues to have therapy on her right arm for range of motion and the left arm for lymphedema. Her arm is wrapped in gauze, foam and sport elastic bandages each day and will stay that way until the swelling goes away. The path for lymphatic fluid was disrupted when several lymph nodes were removed at the surgery in 2007. Up until the bout with shingles everything was fine. The shingles resided in the left arm.
She soldiers on without too much to say one way or the other. I'm trying to help since I'm still home. I will do the laundry, the trash and get dinner ready, and try to do things I've put off. I think she is convinced that while cancer is still in her liver she is not out of the woods.
I expect that she will be working as long as she can, and we have no idea how long Kemper will want her. I'm retiring July 31st. My hip replacement is coming along fine. I'm having therapy three times a week.
I am aware of how God has blessed us with good medical care, and so much more. Without him how could we go on with our lives?
Thank you all for prayers, cards and good thoughts. It does make a difference. God hears each one.
God Bless
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Improving day by day
Hello everyone,
Since I last wrote, Deb has had a couple of doctor's appointments and is starting a physical therapy program to help with range of motion in the right arm and lymphedema in the left arm. We think her bout with shingles called the lymphedema.
So, she is going to a specially certified therapist for this at Centegra Hospital, three times a week. Yesterday she went to the prosthetic store for some new stuff to wear. She still is very tender.
The doctors conferred and believe that no radiation is necessary now. They will monitor the liver via a scan every three months or so and she will take Arimidex, an anti cancer drug in pill form, every day.
Deb seems in good spirits, but she will have to be better to return to work on 6/20.
We seems to be enjoying being home together. The days are filled with medical appointments and therapy it seems. We are thankful for the continuing prayers and good wishes that keep us positive and focused.
We are blessed by all those who lift us and we are confident that all will be well as time goes by.
God Bless,
Dan
Since I last wrote, Deb has had a couple of doctor's appointments and is starting a physical therapy program to help with range of motion in the right arm and lymphedema in the left arm. We think her bout with shingles called the lymphedema.
So, she is going to a specially certified therapist for this at Centegra Hospital, three times a week. Yesterday she went to the prosthetic store for some new stuff to wear. She still is very tender.
The doctors conferred and believe that no radiation is necessary now. They will monitor the liver via a scan every three months or so and she will take Arimidex, an anti cancer drug in pill form, every day.
Deb seems in good spirits, but she will have to be better to return to work on 6/20.
We seems to be enjoying being home together. The days are filled with medical appointments and therapy it seems. We are thankful for the continuing prayers and good wishes that keep us positive and focused.
We are blessed by all those who lift us and we are confident that all will be well as time goes by.
God Bless,
Dan
Friday, May 27, 2011
Post Surgery Update
Good morning everyone,
I have to apologize for the late update. I became preoccupied with the day to day issues that cropped up prior to our surgery.
I had my right hip replaced on 5/2/11 in Centegra Hospital in McHenry. On Thursday I went to the rehab facility in Lake Zurich for a couple of weeks instead of doing rehab at home as I did the first time (2004). I'm home now and getting alone. Not too much pain.
Deb had a mastectomy on May 18Th at Centegra Hospital. The pathology report indicates that the tumor in the breast was gone, due to the chemotherapy. Six of six lymph nodes were cancerous and there was some involvement in the armpit, although there were clear margins. Today her doctors are going to conference her case to decide what to do next. There is still liver involvement and we should hear more next Tuesday when we go to the surgeon.
Deb has pain in the right arm and shoulder area that will last for a while. She is taking a shower now and that always helps the spirits. She is resting as much as possible. Her mom was here for several days after she came home and was a big help with everything.
We have been blessed with meals delivered by friends and those meals we ordered through dinewise.com, thanks to the generosity of the Kemper team.
We have also been blessed again with so many people praying for us. We've been added to prayer lists all over the country, by some gracious people.
We feel blessed by God with healing and support, and we know that all is in his hands.
Thank you for reading this,
Dan
I have to apologize for the late update. I became preoccupied with the day to day issues that cropped up prior to our surgery.
I had my right hip replaced on 5/2/11 in Centegra Hospital in McHenry. On Thursday I went to the rehab facility in Lake Zurich for a couple of weeks instead of doing rehab at home as I did the first time (2004). I'm home now and getting alone. Not too much pain.
Deb had a mastectomy on May 18Th at Centegra Hospital. The pathology report indicates that the tumor in the breast was gone, due to the chemotherapy. Six of six lymph nodes were cancerous and there was some involvement in the armpit, although there were clear margins. Today her doctors are going to conference her case to decide what to do next. There is still liver involvement and we should hear more next Tuesday when we go to the surgeon.
Deb has pain in the right arm and shoulder area that will last for a while. She is taking a shower now and that always helps the spirits. She is resting as much as possible. Her mom was here for several days after she came home and was a big help with everything.
We have been blessed with meals delivered by friends and those meals we ordered through dinewise.com, thanks to the generosity of the Kemper team.
We have also been blessed again with so many people praying for us. We've been added to prayer lists all over the country, by some gracious people.
We feel blessed by God with healing and support, and we know that all is in his hands.
Thank you for reading this,
Dan
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Another Milepost
Hi everyone,
Deb called just now, after meeting with her surgeon, and told me they selected May 18th as the date for her surgery.
My surgery (hip replacement) is scheduled for May 2nd, so we will both be off together for awhile.
Surgery is only one step in the process, of course, but after the subsequent radiation treatments, she will start the follow up treatments and we hope a full and permanent cure.
Deb is so happy to be finished with chemotherapy and to be able to start tasting food again, without the terrible metallic flavor associated with the chemo side effect.
With the start of warm weather we hope to spend more time outside enjoying the yard.
We continue to be blessed by our friends and family during this season. Our pastor and small group also are a great source of comfort to both of us as we move from one phase of this to another. Your prayers and thoughts, the cards and gifts, have reminded us of how kind and considerate loving people can be in times of stress and doubt.
For now we try to stay as close to God as we can. We try our best not to worry about tomorrow or any of our tomorrows, but instead we give thanks for our many blessings and praise Him for loving us so much.
God Bless everyone,
Dan
Deb called just now, after meeting with her surgeon, and told me they selected May 18th as the date for her surgery.
My surgery (hip replacement) is scheduled for May 2nd, so we will both be off together for awhile.
Surgery is only one step in the process, of course, but after the subsequent radiation treatments, she will start the follow up treatments and we hope a full and permanent cure.
Deb is so happy to be finished with chemotherapy and to be able to start tasting food again, without the terrible metallic flavor associated with the chemo side effect.
With the start of warm weather we hope to spend more time outside enjoying the yard.
We continue to be blessed by our friends and family during this season. Our pastor and small group also are a great source of comfort to both of us as we move from one phase of this to another. Your prayers and thoughts, the cards and gifts, have reminded us of how kind and considerate loving people can be in times of stress and doubt.
For now we try to stay as close to God as we can. We try our best not to worry about tomorrow or any of our tomorrows, but instead we give thanks for our many blessings and praise Him for loving us so much.
God Bless everyone,
Dan
Friday, March 25, 2011
How we cope
Hello to friends and family,
Deb sent this recently, and I think it summarizes how she feels going into her last chemo infusion.
Well, if you’ve been following the blog, you pretty much know what’s been going on. I had chemo last Thursday and have been coming into work the Monday after with the days after chemo pretty much being lost. I just lie around, watch TV and sleep. Of course that is what my body needs, but I hate it. It looks like the chemo is having some positive impact; I’m going to be really happy when I complete my final treatment in 3 weeks. I’ll feel like I can start moving forward even though surgery and radiation are not something I’m particularly looking forward to other than a means to an “end”.
I’m thankful to still have a job here. I think having to get up and have a place to go each day helps me get through. And, of course, it’s been year-end, so it’s been busy. Also a good thing, except when I feel like I’m not pulling my weight because of the time I have to take off. Everybody has been good about it though.
My step-daughter Krista and her family visited March 3 – 6. Fortunately it was the weekend before my next chemo, so I felt pretty good. Mostly we talked, ate and watched movies, so it was pretty low key. They had been to the water parks at the Wisconsin Dells earlier in the week, which was non-stop action, so I think they were ready to just relax. It worked out well for all.
This time of year I start craving corned beef and cabbage. We are going to friends on Saturday for dinner and I can’t wait. I won’t enjoy it as much as I’d like because of my sense of taste being off, but I know what it’s supposed to taste like! That will be good enough for me.
Deb’s attitude and patience is legendary, as you can imagine being married to me for almost 21 years. In spite of all that goes on she manages to keep up at work and at home and still have time for Strider and me.
Next Thursday is her final chemotherapy. We will learn then about a surgery schedule.
Thank you all for your prayers. We appreciate all the words of encouragement and love. We’ve had some great notes from our two exchange students, Masha in Russia and Sebastian in Augsburg Germany, assuring us that they pray for us and love us too!
God Bless Everyone
Deb sent this recently, and I think it summarizes how she feels going into her last chemo infusion.
Well, if you’ve been following the blog, you pretty much know what’s been going on. I had chemo last Thursday and have been coming into work the Monday after with the days after chemo pretty much being lost. I just lie around, watch TV and sleep. Of course that is what my body needs, but I hate it. It looks like the chemo is having some positive impact; I’m going to be really happy when I complete my final treatment in 3 weeks. I’ll feel like I can start moving forward even though surgery and radiation are not something I’m particularly looking forward to other than a means to an “end”.
I’m thankful to still have a job here. I think having to get up and have a place to go each day helps me get through. And, of course, it’s been year-end, so it’s been busy. Also a good thing, except when I feel like I’m not pulling my weight because of the time I have to take off. Everybody has been good about it though.
My step-daughter Krista and her family visited March 3 – 6. Fortunately it was the weekend before my next chemo, so I felt pretty good. Mostly we talked, ate and watched movies, so it was pretty low key. They had been to the water parks at the Wisconsin Dells earlier in the week, which was non-stop action, so I think they were ready to just relax. It worked out well for all.
This time of year I start craving corned beef and cabbage. We are going to friends on Saturday for dinner and I can’t wait. I won’t enjoy it as much as I’d like because of my sense of taste being off, but I know what it’s supposed to taste like! That will be good enough for me.
Deb’s attitude and patience is legendary, as you can imagine being married to me for almost 21 years. In spite of all that goes on she manages to keep up at work and at home and still have time for Strider and me.
Next Thursday is her final chemotherapy. We will learn then about a surgery schedule.
Thank you all for your prayers. We appreciate all the words of encouragement and love. We’ve had some great notes from our two exchange students, Masha in Russia and Sebastian in Augsburg Germany, assuring us that they pray for us and love us too!
God Bless Everyone
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