transition

transition

Friday, December 31, 2010

Dec 31, 2010

Well friends and family- today is the last day of 2010- the older I get the faster time slips away. Craig's throat is healing well from the radiation- and his body is healing well from the chemo- now we are playing the waiting game to see if the cancer is gone or not. In January he will also begin treatment for his Hep C- it had been dormant for years but this cancer treatment kicked it up in full gear. I can't begin to express how many times a day I pray for his full healing- it is heart breaking to see how much this has taken a toll on him. The public sees him from time to time and what I hear is how great he looks- but they see him with his heavy coat and jeans on- I see him in his long john and t shirt- the amount of weight he has lost is staggering- and all I can think of is my in-laws with my previous husband- and how much weight they lost before they passed from cancer- and then I go into a panic attack- so yeah- my prayers and angels are working overtime.
But the doctors say that his throat is healing so quickly- so I'm hoping that is a good sign for the rest of his body!
We got rid of 5 of our goats the other day- so now we only have 3- I wanted to downsize the amount of work to be done on the farm- we are also down to 9 chickens- so although we still have our farm I'm not going gung ho on the production of the farm- I would much rather spend my time with my family, or on my art- (sculptures and photography)- Craig's illness has taught both of us a great deal.
So on this- the last day of 2010- I wish everyone good health and much happiness in the following year and every year hereafter! (now I'm off to complete my annual last day of the year tradition- deep clean my house- I love a nice clean house to start the new year with!)

Monday, December 27, 2010

Dec 27, 2010

It has been forever and I apologize! Things have been super crazy and time just slipped thru my hands.
Craig was released from the hospital a couple of weeks ago- the doctors opted to end treatment- he had 5 more radiation treatments and 1 chemo left- but the doctors were afraid that his body was too weak to withstand any more treatments.
He was in a tizzy to get home- and I had to slow him down because I had been going 100 miles an hour doing kids school stuff- packing- farm- everything in the world it felt like.Plus I was getting the benefit put together.
So we came home and then Saturday, December 18th we had his benefit at a non-smoking club in McCall- Foresters. A live band- The River Rock Band set up and started playing their dancing music at 7pm- (Craig practiced with this band for a little bit- and the drummer- Hurricane Bob is a dear family friend- Sara calls him Uncle Bob)
There was a silent auction that went well- many businesses and individuals donated services and items- everything was auctioned off. Then there was the raffle- and door prizes. I must say that I was very stressed and freaking out- but an hour or so into the benefit I realized that everyone was having fun- it was running smoothly- and so I started to breath again. Although it wasn't a knock down drag out success- it was VERY helpful and lovely- the bills will be covered and we can concentrate on Craig healing.
Today we packed and cleaned the little rental in Boise- we spent Christmas Day down there with my brother-in-law John and my neices- this was the first holiday that we have spent together like this and it was SUCH A BLESSING!!! I love those girls- they are so sweet and loving- and John has come such a long way since I first met him. He found G-D and his life has turned into a working miracle- he shed so many of his hurtful habits and has become a very good man- one I'm proud to call my brother. We are planning fishing trips with the girls and him once summer hits- good times ahead!
Anyway- we packed and cleaned th ehouse- only to discover that we didn't have enough room in the car and truck for everything- so the boys and I are going down Wednedsay to get the rest and get their snowboards.
Thank you everyone who helped to make the benefit a huge success- and thank you everyone for their blessings and prayers- I appreciate everything so much- and Craig does too- now just to get him well!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Dec 11 2010

Craig has been home for 4 days now- and still says he is in, "survivor" mode. Most of his time is spent sleeping, the rest of his day revolves around his tube feeding, taking his meds, and H2O- he is trying to get into a schedule with some sort of normalcy. (if that is how you spell it)
Needless to say I can't really tell if his spirits are high,low, or what. His statement about survival mode leads me to believe he is tired of the whole scenario and is ready for it to be over. As would anyone I believe. He is trying to help out around the house with kids, housework- and we have ton of snow that has been falling- so he is thinking of trying to get it moved. Key word being trying- it is my job to get the snow moved BEFORE he gets out there to TRY-
We are having the benefit this Saturday the 18th at Foresters in McCall- I'm currently getting that all organized- with a meeting tomorrow with a few of the volunteers. I really hope it is a success- all this work- if people show up- have fun and leave happy that will be great. Plus they can do some last minute shopping for the holidays- one stop shopping- almost!
I had to run down to Boise yesterday to get some errands run- pack up some of the rental- and I promised my neice I would attend he Christmas Bazaar Concert- it was pretty cute- and her face lit up when she realized I had been able to make it so the trip was more than worth it.
Ok- going to get going- hope everyone is doing well- keep us in your prayers-
(side note- I was in Rite-Aid today and glimpsed an article in some rag mag on Michael Douglas- since Craig is going thru the same thing as he is it caught my eye- what I didn't realize though is that I was crying- tears were streaming down my face before I knew it. Knowing that even one more person is going thru the same thing as us breaks my heart- at the end of the day it doesn't matter if you are rich, famous, poor and unknown- illness doesn't care or discriminate- )
blessing to all!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

December 5 2010

It's been a week since I've been on- wow- times flies when you're not having fun! Craig is still in the hospital- though his white blood cell count was normal as of Friday- they still do not have the nasuea under control. And until they get that under control he has to stay in the hospital. On Friday they were supposed to do a brain scan to see if there was anything wrong that was causing the nasuea- but I haven't heard one way or another if there is. His spirits have been ok- until he starts thinking of our finances- that usually sends him into a panic attack- so I've been trying to do all of the stressing about that on my own. Not that it is any better for me to have a panic attack- lol- but he has enough to think about without adding that to the mix.
He had his last chemo on Friday as well- so that is over! YAY!!
I'll keep everyone updated- and  thank you to everyone for their prayers,blessings, and love

Sunday, November 28, 2010

short but sweet

Craigs white blood cell count is normal!!!!! YAY!! Now to get the stomach infection under control and we'll be out of the woods!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

November 24 2010

Today marks Craig's second day in the hospital- it looks like he is going to be in here until sometime next week- probably a week from today.
The pain meds they gave him yesterday had him so drugged up he doesn't remember anything from yesterday- which is good because I know I was freaked out- and if I'm freaked out I can't imagine what he would have felt.
The high dose of the pain meds and the type of meds caused him to have several mini seizures- like epilepsy I'm thinking. There were times when his whole body was convulsing and he couldn't do anything to stop it. So I think not remembering that would be a good thing.
His pain is under control now- and so is his nasuea- but his white blood cell count is still dropping and his liver levels are becoming more elevated. They are uping the dose of the medication that promotes white blood cell production- but that takes a few days for them to see results. And they ares suctioning out the mucus in his throat- which is helping VERY much in his oxygen intake- his breathing- and the way he sounds when he breathes- now he just sounds like a kitten purring- instead of a whole tribe of lions roaring.
Once again the nurses and the staff here at St. Als are wonderful. Very helpful, caring and knowledgable. Couldn't ask for a better hospital or better staff.
I'm heading to Parma today to pick up the girls- my dad and step-mom picked the girls up at the rental and spent the day and night with them. I'll getthe girls around 3:30- then we'll come back here to visit Craig- then it's back to the rental- then to a cheapo movie- then back to see Craig- then back to the rental to sleep. Instead of having the kidos here all week like we had planned I'm taking them to their Dad's house on Saturday. I hate leaving Craig in the hospital.
I would like to thank all of the sweet caring people who have commited to helping us on this journey. I firmly believe that there are no accidental meetings; everyone in your life has a purpose- even if it is just a smile or a kind word to lift your spirits and make your day. Prayers, blessings, and just knowing that there are people out there who acknowledge our worth makegoing thru this time easier.
 It is so easy to get lost in the day to day process of living that we forget to see the sparkle in the icicle.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Just realized it's been forever

It seems like it has been awhile since I have posted on here. I know I posted on the other blog but not this one.
Today is Saturday- the 20th I believe. We are home for the weekend and are heading back down to Boise tomorrow-late afternoon. And we are taking the kids with us for the entire week- so that should prove exciting!
Craig is doing ok. His fatigue has increased- but he is eating thru the tube and is getting the nutrition he needs. He needs to up his hydration- but we might end up having him do that in the infusion room at the hospital. The fluid thru his veins- although longer to take than putting it in his tube- his body seems to utilize it better. So now weight loss is at a minimum- though at 132 he can't afford to lose any more weight.
Tuesday is his last chemo- we are so excited. Then after that I believe he has 12 more radiation treatments- we will know if he is cured about 3 months after the last go-round of radiation- at least that is what the docs say. He is also going to find out about a biopsy and some liver tests- it looks like those might take place in January- and if it is decided he needs treatment for his Hep C then that will be 6 months-but from what I understand it is 3 days a week- and something that can be done in McCall with lab and checkups in Boise.
I am very thankful for everyone who calls or writes to check up on us- we are hanging in there and doing the best we can. Craig is EXTREMELY grumpy and irritable- but I'm chalking that up to the stress and cancer. That would be enough to make anyone grumpy!
Best wishes to all

Saturday, November 6, 2010

November 6th 2010

I wish I had better news to put on here. Craig isn't doing so well. He had chemo again on Tuesday- stronger that the first go round of chemo. He hasn't been eating,(via the feeding tube or otherwise)- and he isn't taking the medication unless I am pretty witchy about him taking it. So knowing that even though I have to be the bad guy in this I stay up and make sure he takes his anti-nausea meds every 4 hours. I just haven't figured out a way to make him keep his feeding tube in. I guess I CAN'T force him- thats the thing. All I can do is make sure he has what he needs and hope he does what the docs say.
I guess the one good thing in this time is that we didn't go home this weekend so he wasn't able to go out and do anything to hurt himself more.
And we have had Sara here since Wednesday. I can't even express how amazing it has been to have her with us. Caleb and his girlfriend are going to take her backup the mountain on Sunday- but she has gone with us the the doctors office and to his radiation. I think that now that she has seen where we go and what we do that the seperation will be easier on her. Plus it gives me some time with her- I wish that all the kids could be here but that isn't going to happen until Thanksgiving. I miss my babies that is for sure.
I really hoping that things even out soon- I know everything is very difficult for Craig right now- and that his spirits are low, he is grumpy as hell- but all I can do is be there for him and try to make his lifeas easy for him as I can.
Thank you to everybody! And much love and thanks to my grandparents- I love you guys!!!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Nov 2nd 2010

Craig had his 2nd go round of chemo today. I took in my computer so we could go over my photos from the past 2 years- at Craig's insistance I'm going to have a portfolio put together- gives hime something to think about. The chemo medication they gave him today is stronger than the first time- and he is already dragging. Plus since he has Hep.C his liver function is down- and  so there is that worry as well. But we are just going to keep an eye on that and do the liver biopsy and such AFTER his treatment. Too much to worry about right now.
Sunday night was a hoot- we took Sara and her friend out trick-or-treating.  So glad we did that.
All of our best to everyone.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Home again,October 29th 2010

Home again, home again jiggety jig. Woke up this morning at 7am to get Craig to his radiation appointment at 8:15, then had to rush to get to a thrift shop because the costume we had found for Sara a month ago was too small. Talk about parents freaking out! We were very lucky and put together a gypsy outfit for under $6.00-  woo-hoo- a great buy. And she is adorable in it.
Sara had asked Craig and I three weeks ago if we would go to her class Halloween party and walk with her in the parade. And even though Craig was feeling tired and a bit ill to his stomach he walked with her and I, and all of the 4th grade munchkins. After the 45minute stroll around town we ended up back at the school and helped pass out treats, took photo's, and when I noticed CRaig starting to doze off I took him home. But Sara was so thrilled and happy to have us there- her teacher said she had been talking about it all day- so I'm glad Craig and I are Rock-Star parents!

Once we were back at our peaceful 5 acres here in New Meadows all I wanted to do was rest- but CRaig kept zipping around like a squirrel on Red Bull- until all his energy was gone and now he is napping in his favorite chair having dinner.(tube feeding- with this he can have breakfast in bed EVERY day.....lol
Tomorrow Craig,Sara and her friend KImber are going to carve pumpkins- I might sneak in and help but scooping out the guts kinda makes me gag. The smell and the feel are enough to keep me away.
So I'll post pics of the three doing Halloween stuff this weekend.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

October 28th 2010

Tomorrow we head up the mountain early- around 9:00am- in order to be at the school by noon so we can put on Sara's costume- do the school party thing- and then back home for a fun filled Halloween weekend. Blah- I'm trying to gather up enthusiasm for this. I think I'm going to be a nurse in scrubs- (get your mind out of the gutter- short nurse skirt in New Meadows??? I'd freeze!!) Craig found this crazy alligator mask he wants to get-so hopefully we'll have time to get it before we leave tomorrow- if not-then we'll improvise. We haven't "done" Halloween in so long this is going to be an adventure for sure.

On another note- I'm STILL trying to get Craig to listen to me and take his meds as prescribed- but he is so stubborn- I guess that when he gets really ill to his stomach he'll listen- I hope anyway!
That's about all for now- I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying Autumn!

Monday, October 25, 2010

October 25,2010

Back in Boise.
We left home around 4pm or so- the drive was actually nice- even though it was raining and nasty. With all of the nessecary work we had done to our little car it runs like a dream. I am SO thankful because I had been worried about driving up and down 55 this winter with bald tires, stuts and shocks completely gone- the car fishtailing around corners and dive bombing when we braked. (Had to get the brakes replaced as well)- but now- thanks to so wonderful awesome sweet friends our family will be safe on the 100 mile plus one way trek.
Craig used his feeding tube for the first time last night. My heart always aches each time he cleans his tube or has anything at all to do with it. He gets into such an anxious panic that he is usually sweating and shaking by the time he is done. Each time I offer to do it for him so he doesn't have to go thru that- but he says he "has to do it himself". stubborn sweet man
It's rainy and cold here in Boise- I don't know what we'll do with ourselves this week if the weather stays like this!
Off to go wake up Craig- he needs another nutrition shake cocktail thru his tube- and we have to get ready to head off to the hospital- day number 10!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

October 16th, 2010

The first weekend home. Craig came home with me- but I knew what his plan was and nothing I said could change his mind. He has 3 or 4 jobs that aren't quite finished yet and he doesn't want to 'disappoint' his customers. My feelings on this are mixed. I am amazed that his work ethic is so strong even when he feels like crap and is on the verge of throwing up- and I'm mad as hell that he is jepordizing his health in this fashion. If he falls off a damn roof because he is so stubborn I don't know what I'll do. pfff- damn it

Ok- on the other hand it is so nice to be home and see and hug our kidos. I missed them so much. Even though they are off and doing their own thing- at least I can see them, talk to them, and hug them!
I also posted 6 photo's on here that are for the silent auction. Which I am doing via e-mail and snail mail- plus probably at a function the first weekend in November. If you want to bid then either e-mail me with the title and amount- or send me a note thru USPS- 3802 Meadow View Circle, New Meadows Idaho 83654- Att Sandra Davis
Or e-mail idsweetie72@hotmail.com
Please put amount, your name, phone numbers and address- the photo's will be 16x20 or otherwise appropriate size- framed with a dark frame and white matte.
They will be numbered 1 of 10, or 2 of 10. Meaning only 10 will be printed in MY lifetime of each photo. So good luck!
And there will be 4 metal boxes that I make stationed throughout our area for a 'donation raffle' whatever denomination you wish to put in the box is great. Then put your name and number on the ticket- and winners will be dfrawn the first week in November- I guess I should get out to the shop and get busy!
Since Craig had his own business- and didn't have health insurance our family is pretty much scrambling for the funds to purchase his medication, fuel for travel, plus we have an extra household we have to have for 2 months, along with everyday stuff. 3 kids and a husband that is having daily treatment for cancer- I can't think of a time when we have required help like we need now. So I really appreciate everything and anything that everyone is doing- I hope your angels tuck you in every night!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

October 14, 2010

It is almost 11:00am and it is chilly in this little house! I'm turning up the heat I think!
Craig seemed to sleep well last night with very little discomfort. I know he got up around midnight to eat some applesauce- hydrate and take his meds. But right now he is sleeping away- all nice and cozy under the covers- probably warm as well- think he would wake up if I put my frozen feet on his? lol
Yesterday was his 2nd go round with radiation- it actually doesn't take much time, I was surprised. But we did see the docs afterwards which took the time. But they are all so very kind and understanding about everything! They truly stress the importance of communication so if there is any discomfort of any kind they can address it immediatley- even on my end! There are also 2 exercise classes per week- (at the Y)- if Craig feels up to it I think I might start taking him there to take advantage of that-
Now Craig is taking 5 medication for nausea- but they seem to be working for the moment- all I can say is thank you G-D!!!! I felt so bad for him- and there is really nothing I can do except be supportive- but sometimes I feel that isn't enough and I so wish to do more. I even felt a little guilty the other night when he was having so much trouble- I would go in and out of dozes- but he couldn't even do that he felt so bad.
Tomorrow after his treatment I head back up the hill to see our children- I miss them so MUCH!! I miss our home too- the nice peaceful beauty of it. Craig wants me to take lots of pictures so I can put pics of home all over this little new home- city life is so different that country life! It takes forever to go anywhere and forever to get anything done! So much noise, so many lights- and people seem to be so wrapped up in getting from point A to point Z that they don't stop to breathe- 
So that is what is going on around here- Craig is sleeping- I'm freezing- and the city noise is invading our lives. But Craig is getting treatment- the staff at St.Als to amazing- and we have so many friends and family praying for us that I know we will make it thru this time.
Now to go warm up my feet.....

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

October 12, 2010

Hey everyone!
Yesterday was a looonngg day. Began with the 9:30 Chemo class that was supposed to last 1 1/2 hours- ended being 2 1/2 hours. So that made us late for Craig's appointment to have the pic line put in. Which put us back at the house for lunch- then over to the hospital again around 1pm for that appointment, and after that lab work. Whew! I felt so horrible for Craig because the pic line looked pretty ugly. He hardly bruises but half of his forearm was black and blue. And after the drugs wore off he said it felt like someone stabbed him in the arm with a fork. yuck
When we got back to the house I dropped him off and went to run errands and get my flu shot. All of our family has to get flu shots so that we don't get sick then pass it on the Craig and his weakend immune system. I hate needles but the shot didn't really hurt at all. Which is a good thing- because I really don't want to be a baby about that kind of stuff when Craig is going thru so much!
Sara is already missing us- and I miss the kids. Sara called me crying Sunday evening in hysterics because she missed us- made me cry- but there isn't really anything I can do except talk to her everyday and see them on weekends. I did however put together a little care package for the kids- little books, little treats and things- I'm thinking I'm going to do this every week- maybe that will help with the seperation anxiety's.
And today Craig started his first round of Chemo and radiation. He'll be at the hospital for the whole day- chemo is 6 hours- I stayed home because I really hurt my back yesterday moving things around here in the house- I'm actually having to use my walking cane because it hurts so much. I couldn't get into the car even! ack- so I'm resting today- taking some of Craigs pain meds- and hopefully tomorrow- (I'm sure)- I'll be able to take him to his appointments. I feel horrible about him having to do this day by himself- like I'm being a bad wife to my darling husband- but once again- not something I can do anything about right now.
Our little house is so sweet and comfy- I'm very happy that we got it all together so that Craig will feel comfortable and at ease when he comes home from the Cancer Center- that was extremely important to me- the more comfortable he is the better I like it!
Thanks to everyone who is keeping us in your prayers- you are such a godsend-

Sunday, October 10, 2010

October 10, 2010

Last night was so wonderful! We had a house full of loving gracious friends and everyone seemed to have such a great time. I like those kind of evenings.
So for the past 3 days I have been cooking and freezing up a storm. I bought enough food for about 20 meals for the kids and Tracy-( the young lady who will be staying at our house)- it was a frenzy with groceries piled on the counter and the kitchen was such a mess! But I got everything done and put in the freezers so I feel better about that aspect of leaving the kids without me.
Tomorrow is the big day. Day 1 of our new life. Craig has a chemo class at 9:30, then he has his 'pic' line put in, then he has to go and see the chemo doctor for labs and other things. Tuesday he has his first round of chemo and radiation. The chemo itself is going to take about 6 hours- that is a long day! Though I think the radiation treatment time is much shorter.
We will be leaving here around 1:30 or so today- the washing machine is going, the dishwasher is going, and I'm trying to get loose ends tied together before we hit the road.
Thank you so much to our guests from last night- our family had a splendid time!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

October 6th, 2010

Hey everyone! Autumn is here- my all time favorite time of the year. The colors are amazing- our woods are full of hues of amber, gold, red, and green. Simply lovely.
Craig is doing ok- at dinner tonight he was saying that he wakes up in the morning depressed and not wanting to do anything- but once he gets up and starts moving around his attitude gets better. I didn't know this. I knew of course that the cancer has given him a different outlook on things- but I didn't know his early morning feelings. I wish I could help him in that area. :-(  He should be starting treatments next Monday- Wednesday at the latest and that is a big worry for him. Who can blame him? The unknown is horrid- and my poor baby is going to have to deal with so much-
I went to Weiser today to get chicken scratch- the drive was a good diversion- I got to try out my MP3 player on the way- great sound and it will be awesome for the trips back and forth from Boise- those 100t miles will just fly on by!
One of the boxes for the benefit is done- and I've started on 3 more- I really think that they are going to be useful- and they are so pretty and unique.
A very special and heartfelt thanks to a beautiful special friend- I appreciate, (we) your kindness and generosity- Ann- you and Bill are the greatest! And a thank you to another friend Leslie- you are very kind and I thank you! And of course thanks go out to everyone who is praying for our family- good vibes are awesome!

Monday, October 4, 2010

October 4, 2010

It is a rainy day today- I always correlate rainy days with lazy days, only I don't have time to be lazy now. lol
Trying to figure out how to get my car fixed. We have been putting off some repairs because of financial limitations- but the car isn't going for that anymore. It needs shocks, struts, tires, and the radio put in. I thought I could do the radio- but after 10 hours of trying to get the wiring correct I finally admitted defeat. A hard thing for me to do.
Plus I called the Cancer Care Center to check on Craig's treatment start date, hopefully we will hear from them soon so I can schedule kid things around it. His stomach is healing! yay! Though it is still tender, the nurse loosening the tube was a godsend. The swelling has gone down, he can turn it much easier, and the pain has diminished quite a bit. Now I am showing him how to take care of the tube- which gives him great amounts of anxiety- so to lessen that I usually do most of the cleaning. However he does have to learn how to take care of it as well.
I spoke with the bank today about setting up an account for people who wish to help out financially- and that want to help but don't want/ can't attend the 2 benefits we are having. And anything that we receive will go straight into this account and be used exclusively for any expenses related to Craig's illness. It will be easier to keep everything separated that way.
Now I'm off to start preparing meals I can freeze for the kids for weekday dinners- I am so with it in that department- made a month calender for nightly meals then purchased all the ingredients this past weekend. I get to make a HUGE mess in the kitchen- omg- then I'll have to clean it up- no lazy day for me today!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

October 2, 2010

We rolled onto the Davis driveway around 7:30 tonight. Finally home! It was a very long Friday and Saturday. Craig and I took the girls down to Boise with us for a family night last night- well- it was almost a whole family night, Caleb was missing since he had Homecoming this weekend.
Yesterday Craig has the consultation with the Dietitian, then we had a consultation with the Chemo doctor. (He was a hoot- very somber and regimented- so I acted like a bit of a goof ball and got a few smiles out of him. But both Craig and I really liked him)
Then we went thru the simulation for the radiation treatments. Actually I went thru the part with Craig that I would be responsible for-(guiding him into the radiation waiting room then hanging out waiting for him to be done- he has all the hard work)
While Craig was doing this the girls and I delivered Itty our foster kitty to her new mom, then we went to the house we rented to drop off the trailer. The girls decided to hang out there while I went to pick up Craig from the hospital. Poor darling was so tired. We did get the stomach tube figured out though, the surgeon had placed the cap on way to tight, so his stomach wall was smashed up against the inside flange that holds everything together. Hard to describe but it was so painful for him. He says that since the nurse loosened it that it feels much better.
Once at the house he ate a bit, then the girls and I went to do some shopping, ate dinner, then went to see Alpha and Omega,in 3D- I had never seen a 3D movie before so it was interesting. And it make me a bit sick to my stomach. Go figure.
So this next week we are going to wrap up a few final things, I'm going to try and get the sculptures done, and get the photo's ordered. Then I'm going to sit down and start figuring out the benefit stuff.
A very special thanks to Cheryl- the bed and linens are very much appreciated! And to our new next door neighbor- the $30.00 couch we bought was much to heavy for us to move so he and a friend came over and moved it in- now I just how to figure out how to get it to recline! It is going to be my bed on nights when Craig is having trouble sleeping.
Hope everyone had a good weekend-

Thursday, September 30, 2010

New Life

On August 19, 2010 the Davis Family's life was changed. We discovered that my darling husband has cancer. Stage 3 tonsicular cancer. Started in his tonsils then moved over to his neck lymph nodes.
After almost a month of waiting for a visit with the Cancer Center doctors we were told that Craig's chance of a total cure was 75%. What a relief. My husband didn't want to mess with chemo and radiation if his chance of survival wasn't good, quality rather than quanity is how we both believe.
But now that we have the complete diagnosis we are faced with a multitude of problems that need solved. We have 3 children- who is going to take care of them while Craig is in treatment? We have a small hobby farm- who is going to take care of the house and animals? How are we going to pay for a second place for us to stay in Boise while Craig is having treatment? The fuel, the wear and tear on the car, medicine, doctor bills, hospital bills, kid stuff, household stuff, farm stuff- this list seems to be endless.
So, as is my usual form, I started with lists, then went down the list of problems and began to resolve.
My previous husband, Mark- will have the girls Monday thru Thursday. And I will be coming home on Fridays to stay at the house, leaving Monday mornings,(way early), to make it down to Boise to pick up Craig for his treatment. And since my son is already living with Mark he wasn't a worry.
A young lady who has house sat for us before will be here during the weekdays, and weekends if I need her- with no charge. And since Kitty and Sara will be riding the bus home then they can still do their household/animal chores before mark gets off of work.
My biggest worries were the easiest to take care of- with a cell-phone, computer,internet, teacher's help, and Skype I will be able to see and correspond with my children while I am away.
Now for the rest- medical bills? That seems to me to be a mountain, (and Ann- I'm afraid I only have a spoon to move this mountain!)I have filled out so many papers for assistance I am getting carpal tunnel- and the guidelines and rules are so ridgid. One lady laughed and explained, (as I gasped at the pile of paperwork she gave me to do)-"We just want to make sure you aren't a secret millionaire", REALLY? If I was a millionaire I wouldn't be filling out all those papers!
So right now money is our main concern. My husband is self-employed, no insurance, and now he is unable to work. The tonsilectomy wiped him out, and he had his stomach tube placed Friday the 24th. The procedure that was supposed to go smoothly with little recovery pain has had my husband writhing around on the bed and crying with pain. I can't imagine how the rest of this adventure is going to go.
We do, thankfully and with G-d's grace have wonderful friends and neighbors. A beautiful amazing friend of ours has ben racking her brain coming up with ideas- (her and her hubby)- a band Craig used to play with wants to do a benefit, and our children are talking with their friends to put together a family dance night- with donations and proceeds going to the "Davis Family Fight Cancer Fund"- as my oldest daughter calls it.
I believe that everything happens for a reason- and I'm trying to view this time in our life as a time of renewal, so please keep your fingers crossed and I'll keep everyone updated!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Jan 27, 2009

Eve is growing in leaps and bounds- literally!! She is flying all over the house-thank goodness for diapers because keeping up with the little doeling is impossible! (yes- our goat wears diapers while in teh house- but she is only 27 days old!)
Luckily Lollie, our black lab, has gotten used to her antics and lets Eve jump up and down on her. Pretty funny to watch!
Still winter- still snow on the ground- but at least it is sunny today!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Jan 26, 2009

Today I go online to look for online scholorships for 2 things- A)photography marketing classes, and B) plain ole marketing classes. Have to do something to keep my hands and mind busy while the snow is still falling- (for 2 more months I might add)
I have been looking thru seed catalogs online and in hand- my garden this year is going to be 4 times the size it was last year- and I'm really looking into companion planting and group plantings. Heirlooms seem so interesting- might be fun to try a few of them.
The eggs I put in the homemade incubator Jan 15 seem to be developing well- I candled a few last night- and although I really don't know what I'm looking at he dark spot is getting bigger- so I hope that is a good sign. I also put in others on the 24th- and I'll just keep adding more and rotating as they hatch- until I have hatched out 100- (New pulletts and meat).
I am really getting excited about ordering my Buff Brahamas- but I'm holding off until March to get them- that way by June they'll be ready to go out to their new tractor coop- oh yeah