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!
transition
Friday, October 29, 2010
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!
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!
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!
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.....
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-
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!
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!
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!
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-
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-
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