June 8, 2008

Chris and I started the day with a bike ride up to Trumbolt. I swear, we were faster today - at least I didn't feel so sluggish, but the clock does not lie. We will try to beat our time next ride.

Got a call from mom this morning after our bike ride. Dad is sick. Spiked a fever last night and was admitted to the Huntsman 4th floor. U of U's bone marrow transplant floor was full, so they were sent to Huntsman instead. He is getting IV antibiotics and fluids. He was very dehydrated and felt completely horrible. They have drawn cultures - we should know in a couple of days what they show. Otherwise, his CXR looked fine, no pneumonia. CBC looked okay. He is just so sick. Mom is so worried. I hate not being there, not able to do anything from here but wait and worry. They say that 80% will end up in the hospital with an infection at some point after starting chemo. As far as the chemo goes, he finished the first round of his 4-day infusion of Depace on Friday. Dad told me yesterday on the phone (before he started feeling sick) that he had noticed the ridge of his sternum tumor receding. It is amazing that in such a short period of time the tumor is already being affected. The plan was to have his Neulasta shot (growth hormone to stimulate stem cells) today, Sunday. Since he is sick now, they still gave the "go ahead" for the Neulasta and he had it this afternoon. Mom said that it is a bugger of a shot; the side effects are very painful. I guess the bones feel very challenged and the body feels like it is trying to squeeze out any good stuff from the bones that it can. Very painful. It does my heart some good to know that he is there at the hospital and will be given any meds, pain meds or regular meds, through his Port-A-cath and be comfortable, not in pain. Mom was planning to go back to the condo tonight to sleep. She has been up all night, up all day. Bless her heart.

June 6, 2008

I got a sad call from Kate last night. Her husband, Eldon, lost his dad on June 3rd. He had cancer and it had recently come back. The funeral was this morning and I was able to attend. It was a lovely service. I saw some people that I hadn't seen for awhile, including Kate's parents and sister, as well as the rest of Eldon's family. It was a very nice tribute to his father. There were tears, but the speakers truly brought the spirit of friendship and love into their talks, focusing on the many hats that he wore, the funny things he did, and the love that he had for his children and grandchildren. I am so glad I was able to go!

School's out!

June 4, 2008

School was let out last week, May 28. The kids are official bums now. I am going to do my best to keep them busy, busy, busy this summer!! So far, Lauren is still in bed this morning (it is 9:48) and I have "calmly and respectfully" asked her to get out of bed already TWICE. Looks like Drill Sargent Brenda needs to visit, hmmm?? A bunk party sounds to be the perfect maneuver here (dump mattress, pull sheets, empty drawers, etc.)

Trevor came up to me the other day and said "Mom, Gus is making love to the blanket!" I laughed to myself at the notion that he said "making love" (like he even has a clue what that means!). Trevor, seeing my "yeah right" look on my face then demonstrated exactly what Gus was doing to the blanket. He started swiveling his hips and said "This was what Gus was doing!" Holy crap! So...yeah. He WAS right (definitely not the imagery I want my kids seeing). My cat is fixed...apparently he is horny. I have asked Jamie, the animal guru, about this odd display and she said it was normal. Well, I hope it is a short phase as he was doing the same thing to Lauren's most favorite bathrobe today! I, not wanting to disturb him out of respect (I can't believe I said that!), said to Lauren, "Gus is pawing at your bathrobe, just so you know." She said "Ewwwee! Now I have to wash it again!" Apparently, this has happened before (Ick). So, I have to think of how I can use this as a teaching moment for the kids, as it is becoming the big joke of the family. I have my ideas. This is going to be a fun summer.

Dad gets his Port-A-Cath

Yesterday, June 3, 2008, was a momentous day as my dad started his first round of chemo. It is called D-PACE. It is a mixture of highly toxic stuff that is contained in a backpack, which he wears; it continuously pumps chemo for 24 hours, then they return to the Hunstman for a refill x4 days, x4 infusions. They said if it spilled in their condo room, HAZMET would have to come in for cleanup. Yikes! Dad is doing well, not feeling any different. They said it would be 2-3 days before side effects would be felt. He and mom traveled up to SLC on Monday and he had his Port-A-Cath implanted. He was woozy and sick to his stomach afterwards, coming off the meds from his implantation. Amy and I drove up to drop off a bunch of totes that mom had packed, food, cleaning supplies, etc., so we were able to check out their new place! We cleaned, wiped down surfaces with clorox, and helped mom put things away in the kitchen. It is a very cozy place! Two big windows - one views the pool and pretty patio. Mom said the sunrise Tues. morning was beautiful. Dad was feeling much better later that night before Amy and I left, and we all shared a brownie together. He even was feeling up to having one of his favorite cookies, the grassshopper cookie. We had some good laughs, took some pictures (yes...I will post!), and then we headed on our way.

Blaine and Kay's 40th Wedding Anniversay

May 31, 2008

Today was mom and dad's 40th anniversary. We were so lucky to be able to spend it with them! Insurance had stalled on dad's chemo admit last week, so we took advantage of it and had a great party for them. We had a wonderful shiskabob (sp?) BBQ with chicken, steak, veges, watermelon, corn on the cob; the works! It was good food, good fun, great company. We gathered after dinner and gave presents to mom and dad. Also, each daughter had written a letter to mom and dad. Jana and I chickened out on reading ours on our own, so dad stepped in and read them aloud. Amy, who had a 5 page written letter, read hers aloud. It was so funny and heartwarming...I was really touched by it. Later (the skeeters were biting!) we went inside and had some delicious chocolate cake and ice cream. It was such a great time! Thank you mom and dad for being such a great example of love, honor, and respect to each other. I love you very much!!

We had such a great night together. Thank you for the memories!!

Madison graduates from Kindergarten

The kids had a water party the day before graduation, May 26th. It was tons of fun and the weather was perfect!

The next day, May 27th, was graduation. There were 2 morning and 1 full-day Kindergarten classes. These kids are so cute and smart! I can't believe that this year is finally to a close. Madison was awarded the "Queen of Narnia" award, which is an award for the outstanding student who holds true the virtues of responsibility, accountability, and respect. We are so proud of Madison!! The "King of Narnia" for her class was Lake Williams, who is the son of Rhonda (Allred) Williams, a fellow friend and coworker from my days at Dr. Clarks' office. How cool is that??? We are so proud of you, Madison.