Here we are in the last week of April and I haven't been successful with keeping my blog up to date. I suppose that is a good sign that our lives are on a more normal path now. Our trips to Duke have been zero since December! He does have an appointment for June 21st for his 7-year anniversary check-up!
He is doing very well and now almost completely finished with the pedicle graft to his right ear for basal cell ca. All the other biopsies at that time were negative! There are now more days when he functions as before and accepting of his restrictions as we almost forget those bad days with the many complications. We have once again been able to spend good time with our families and with our many friends and neighbors. We each find ourselveson many days separated from each other due to individual commitments. We are reminded of those months when everything we did was in dual capacity. It is a blessing that we are very compatible; a requirement of couples when you are together 24-7 for an unlimited amount of time.
We recently returned from 9 wonderful days at the beach. The weather was beautiful with clear skies, low temps, and lots of good company. Son Doug and wife Elizabeth along with our two grandsons, Alex and Max kept up well-fed and did an amazing job of preparing and cleaning the house for the summer. How fortunate we are to have such a loving family!
Homecoming was a little sad because Flo the beagle was not here to welcome us. She was always so excited when we returned along with Bella the large spaniel and Tommy the white cat. They have created a well-worn path from our neighbors yard located diagonally across the road in front of our houses. They always eagerly anticipated a treat when we arrived. Unfortunately, Flo was in the path of a truck and was killed instantly last week. She is missed!
I suppose we are now experiencing a weather change. Very cool, windy and lots of rain yesterday, today and expected tomorrow. The blackberries are blooming and this must be the "blackberry winter" that we usually have close to Mother's Day each year! When it passes, we can anticipate the hot summer days!
Update on our college grands:
John is accepted at NC State! (engineering) Chase has decided on University of Maryland! (engineering)
Michaela will be a senior at UNC Chapel Hill in August! (Occupational Therapy)
Lillie will be a sophomore/junior at ECU! (Nursing)
So proud of our grandchildren!
More Later.......................................Brenda
Monday, April 24, 2017
Oops! Missed March!
March 2017 was a real teaser. We said good-bye to February amid the beautiful flowering trees, tulips pushing through the soil and promise of an early Spring. Unfortunately, true to his word and reputation, the groundhog was right! Six more weeks of Winter from February 2, through most of March. March decided to howl, drop temperatures below freezing, and drop a beautiful snow on all those lovely trees.
So here were are, April 1st, and according to the calendar, Spring has arrived. It is beautiful and Sunny today, but the slight breeze reminds us that our weather is still fickle here in North Carolina. Somehow my colorful tulips managed to stay upright in spite of the strong wind and storms we had on Thursday night. It seems our flowers wherever planted become the favored resting place for our two dogs and one cat. Lee had someone to place a border around the iris beds and tulips, but we had to do a lot of scolding before they finally learned to stay away!
Lee is doing very well, again with the exception of those nasty cancers that continue to appear from time to time on his face, ears head, neck and sometimes arms and hands. We have not kept count, but between the precancerous lesions and the cancers we estimate at least one hundred since 2014. The latest one was on his right ear. It was not squamous cell but was basal cell. The Moh's procedure took most of the day, and he did experience a lot of pain.
(Lost this blog shortly after I began writing. I said yes to a dropped box when I should have said No).. After consulting my computer-smart daughter to try to recover, she gave up after an hour and asked me to try her brother. I took my laptop to him and after telling me my laptop (7 years old) was out of date, he finally found the problem. My security system was protecting me and blocked any entry to the blogger!
All is repaired and will now go to the next month of April and a new blog to bring you up to date!
Brenda
So here were are, April 1st, and according to the calendar, Spring has arrived. It is beautiful and Sunny today, but the slight breeze reminds us that our weather is still fickle here in North Carolina. Somehow my colorful tulips managed to stay upright in spite of the strong wind and storms we had on Thursday night. It seems our flowers wherever planted become the favored resting place for our two dogs and one cat. Lee had someone to place a border around the iris beds and tulips, but we had to do a lot of scolding before they finally learned to stay away!
Lee is doing very well, again with the exception of those nasty cancers that continue to appear from time to time on his face, ears head, neck and sometimes arms and hands. We have not kept count, but between the precancerous lesions and the cancers we estimate at least one hundred since 2014. The latest one was on his right ear. It was not squamous cell but was basal cell. The Moh's procedure took most of the day, and he did experience a lot of pain.
(Lost this blog shortly after I began writing. I said yes to a dropped box when I should have said No).. After consulting my computer-smart daughter to try to recover, she gave up after an hour and asked me to try her brother. I took my laptop to him and after telling me my laptop (7 years old) was out of date, he finally found the problem. My security system was protecting me and blocked any entry to the blogger!
All is repaired and will now go to the next month of April and a new blog to bring you up to date!
Brenda
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Spring ? Sunny Saturday
The weather this past week has been amazingly wonderful! I cannot remember a February this lovely. It looks like Spring with all the daffodils, forsythia, flowering trees and the fact that all my tulips and irises are working very hard to push out of the ground. We have a problem with our animals enjoying nesting among the tulips and irises because they happen to be located in warm areas of the yard, particularly those against a sunny brick wall. Lee hired someone to help him place a small border fence around those plants in hopes to discourage Bella, a large yellow spanial mix, Flo, the beagle, and Tommy the white cat. So far it is not working. Bella has stayed away, but Flo the mischievous beagle may be found there at any sunny time, as well as the cat. They have both been scolded and handily removed in hopes they will remember. Oh well, maybe we will see a few blooms!
Lee is doing very well. He manages to stay busy as a consultant to our family and friends in areas of decisions regarding farming and farm equipment. He is also helping his niece handle his brother's estate. All of our children and grandchildren from time to time rely on his expertise in those decisions related to insurance matters. Those grandchildren who now have automobiles are reminded by him from time to time to have their cars serviced, inspected and tags renewed. It is not unusual for a grandchild to call him in regards to a problem. Whenever the parents intervene, I remind them that this is fine because it is good for Lee to continue to feel useful and necessary. I also remind Lee that these situations are a confirmation as to why he has been allowed to live and continue on with his life. He is so important to our family and has always been the rock that we depend on in times of important decisions that need to be made with care.
We are constantly reminded of our place in the time- measurement of life each time we hear news of another family member, friend or acquaintance with announcement of their demise. In spite of trying to avoid the obituary column, we sometimes find ourselves turning there first. Unfortunately, we seem to recognize those who were at one time a part of our lives. Yes, it is depressing, but in a way it reminds us that life is a gift and should be enjoyed each minute. Speaking of enjoyment, Lee is down at his grapevines and he is determined to do some trimming. It is good to see him able to once again do something he enjoys!
I leave you with a parting thought I read recently:
There are three stages of life: Youth, Middle, and You Look Good!
Looking Good..........................................More Later, Brenda
Lee is doing very well. He manages to stay busy as a consultant to our family and friends in areas of decisions regarding farming and farm equipment. He is also helping his niece handle his brother's estate. All of our children and grandchildren from time to time rely on his expertise in those decisions related to insurance matters. Those grandchildren who now have automobiles are reminded by him from time to time to have their cars serviced, inspected and tags renewed. It is not unusual for a grandchild to call him in regards to a problem. Whenever the parents intervene, I remind them that this is fine because it is good for Lee to continue to feel useful and necessary. I also remind Lee that these situations are a confirmation as to why he has been allowed to live and continue on with his life. He is so important to our family and has always been the rock that we depend on in times of important decisions that need to be made with care.
We are constantly reminded of our place in the time- measurement of life each time we hear news of another family member, friend or acquaintance with announcement of their demise. In spite of trying to avoid the obituary column, we sometimes find ourselves turning there first. Unfortunately, we seem to recognize those who were at one time a part of our lives. Yes, it is depressing, but in a way it reminds us that life is a gift and should be enjoyed each minute. Speaking of enjoyment, Lee is down at his grapevines and he is determined to do some trimming. It is good to see him able to once again do something he enjoys!
I leave you with a parting thought I read recently:
There are three stages of life: Youth, Middle, and You Look Good!
Looking Good..........................................More Later, Brenda
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Duke Visit Jan.31, 2017
We finally made the Duke visit that was previously scheduled for December 17, 2016 for Lee's semi-annual clinic visit with the transplant doctor. That visit had to be canceled because he had to schedule another surgical procedure at Duke on December 16. That procedure was for another skin graft to his frontal and central area of his scalp due to another large squamous cell cancer that grew rapidly. He was rescheduled for post-op visit and for the previously cancelled transplant appointment on January 9th, which as you recall, we had snow; therefore another cancellation and reschedule!
We were able to catch-up on all labs, respiratory function tests, chest x-ray, and a post-op visit with the plastic surgeon. I am happy to report that he had excellent results from all tests, and the plastic surgeon was so delighted with his good healing that she dismissed him except for any further necessary procedures (which we are hoping to avoid)!. Even though we had to get up @ 5:00 a.m. and travel three hours to meet the 10.00 schedule, it was a wonderful day. We had a cool, but sunny day to travel and arrived back home around 5:30 p.m. We decided to celebrate by stopping by the Krispy Kreme on the way home! Our clandestine purchase was quickly discovered when daughter Julia happened to phone as we were placing our order for one dozen fresh, hot doughnuts!
It is hard to explain to those who have not experienced long episodes or interventions of time filled with unexpected medical complications that are a part of the recovering process for those having a lung transplant. We have discovered the importance and the sheer luxury of having normal days. These have been counterbalanced with the not so normal days when we must once again fall back into the old patterns of tests, new diagnosis, treatment and the discouraging days that follow while watching our loved one once again struggle to get back to where they were prior to the present affliction.,
Clinic days sometimes provide opportunities for meeting "colleagues" or those who have similar histories. This usually occurs whenever a conversation begins in the waiting area such as the one we had yesterday when we chose to pass an hour for lunch in a small alcove seating area off the main hallway. While we were eating our packed- lunch sandwiches, I remarked to the couple seated directly across from us that I had learned to pack for the day when coming to the clinic. She answered in agreement and soon we were exchanging histories between the four of us. This is what we learned:
1. He had a lung transplant 8 years ago @ Duke
2. His last name is same as ours, only spelled differently
3. They live approximately 20 miles from us
It is always encouraging to meet another who has a good post-lung transplant record. The two men were able to compare notes, and when we departed, we felt we had been in the presence of another support team. It is always good for Lee to see that life goes on, and that we do not need to think any differently about his livelihood or his statistically expected length of survival! Fortunately, we have learned to put that behind us and live as we would before the transplant, with a few added precautions!
So..............................it was good to have a normal clinic day!...........Good to meet some new friends.....................and good to be able to eat Krispie Kreme doughnuts without feeling guilty!
More Later...........................................................Brenda/
We were able to catch-up on all labs, respiratory function tests, chest x-ray, and a post-op visit with the plastic surgeon. I am happy to report that he had excellent results from all tests, and the plastic surgeon was so delighted with his good healing that she dismissed him except for any further necessary procedures (which we are hoping to avoid)!. Even though we had to get up @ 5:00 a.m. and travel three hours to meet the 10.00 schedule, it was a wonderful day. We had a cool, but sunny day to travel and arrived back home around 5:30 p.m. We decided to celebrate by stopping by the Krispy Kreme on the way home! Our clandestine purchase was quickly discovered when daughter Julia happened to phone as we were placing our order for one dozen fresh, hot doughnuts!
It is hard to explain to those who have not experienced long episodes or interventions of time filled with unexpected medical complications that are a part of the recovering process for those having a lung transplant. We have discovered the importance and the sheer luxury of having normal days. These have been counterbalanced with the not so normal days when we must once again fall back into the old patterns of tests, new diagnosis, treatment and the discouraging days that follow while watching our loved one once again struggle to get back to where they were prior to the present affliction.,
Clinic days sometimes provide opportunities for meeting "colleagues" or those who have similar histories. This usually occurs whenever a conversation begins in the waiting area such as the one we had yesterday when we chose to pass an hour for lunch in a small alcove seating area off the main hallway. While we were eating our packed- lunch sandwiches, I remarked to the couple seated directly across from us that I had learned to pack for the day when coming to the clinic. She answered in agreement and soon we were exchanging histories between the four of us. This is what we learned:
1. He had a lung transplant 8 years ago @ Duke
2. His last name is same as ours, only spelled differently
3. They live approximately 20 miles from us
It is always encouraging to meet another who has a good post-lung transplant record. The two men were able to compare notes, and when we departed, we felt we had been in the presence of another support team. It is always good for Lee to see that life goes on, and that we do not need to think any differently about his livelihood or his statistically expected length of survival! Fortunately, we have learned to put that behind us and live as we would before the transplant, with a few added precautions!
So..............................it was good to have a normal clinic day!...........Good to meet some new friends.....................and good to be able to eat Krispie Kreme doughnuts without feeling guilty!
More Later...........................................................Brenda/
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Cat Square
Lots of interesting things have been happening in North Carolina, but the weather continues to hold true to its record for the most variable weather conditions. Where else in the US can you expect to see two days of 10 degree morning readings with gray and overcast clouds, only to enjoy 68 degrees with sunshine three days later? Having just returned from an appointment in Hickory, I was delighted to leave the heavy winter coat at home and enjoy the light jacket! I was surprised to discover that the heat in the car had automatically switched to the AC. I might add that my eyes are welcoming the green of the returning lawns as opposed to the blinding light of sun on the snow, requiring sunglasses even in the house!
Today has been a good day for each of us to return to being out and about. Lee had a pedicure appointment and finished his outing with lunch at Shorty's Short Stop. The highlight of our last day of confinement was when our good friends Ted and Dianne dropped by and we all decided to go for lunch at the Cat Square Cafe'.
For those of you who are not familiar with our location, we proudly profess that we live in a unique area of western Lincoln county. Our farm is sandwiched between several rural roads. Most of the roads in Vale are named after those families who were first landowners in this area. Then there are those roads that make one take a second glance and wonder how that came to be. Where else can you find names like "June Bug Road", "Henry" or, Howard's Creek Mill Rd., and"Owl's Den Road". The two more significant landmarks in this area of Vale are Cat Square and Hog Hill. We happen to live somewhere in between the two.
The legacy of Cat Square is that it is a crossroads between two country roads. There is no traffic light nor blinking caution light there. It is a two-way stop with Cat Square road being the main thruway. Legend has it that at one time, this was the place to leave abandoned felines. In tribute to that, the center of the intersection is painted with a large white square and inside the square is white- painted cat's face. Cat Square is famous for having one of the largest and longest Christmas parades within a four-county area. Each year votes are taken for the new mayor of Cat Square several weeks prior to this event. This is a great honor and the mayor is the grand marshal of the parade. Anyone can enter the parade with whatever. The revelers are also joined by all the trucking companies housed in Vale along with the Shriners, and different church floats. I would be remiss if I did not mention the 200 or more horses and their riders! Lee has entered his 1931 Ford A-Model roadster several times and I and several of our grandchildren have enjoyed riding in the parade! Happy to report that it is now unlawful to use this area for a depository for felines.
I am not sure how Hog Hill garnished that name, but have to assume there may have been an abundance of hog farms in that area. Today it is famous for the Hart Square 1850's villages. You can read all about it through Google. We have been there on several occasions and it is truly an amazing adventure. It is only about four miles from our house.
Anyway, back to the Cat Square Cafe'. I have to admit it is not fancy by any means, and as Lee has explained to me, it was at one time a gas station. The interior probably has not changed a lot since the gas station other than a coat of paint, some red curtains, serving counters, the kitchen in full view, and a lone picture of an outdoor scene of a Paris restaurant. The tables are bare and the chairs are simple. Hand-written signs adorn the walls as to prices, rules and serving hours. Strangers visiting for the first time might be tempted to leave, but that would be a mistake, because they serve the best hamburgers, sandwiches and sometimes full dinner plate specials that are the best! If you want to find a burger of the 1950's (BH & Mac) before Hardees and MacDonalds, try Cat Square!
We enjoyed the ambiance of the area and good conversation with our friends. The place was warm on the cold day and the friendly waitress was efficient and timely with our order. We never felt rushed to leave our table and had the advantage of greeting a few neighbors along the way.
We have an assortment of eating establishments around the area. Lee and his good friend Hewitt often take advantage of Shorty's Short Stop, located closer to our house. Most of the days he makes sandwiches to order, but then frequently surprises his clientele with a free home-cooked meal. His small convenience store also houses a garage and Shorty is an excellent mechanic!
Aaaah! Country! The only place that refuses to be pushed forward while it still has the means to exist during the time before................................................................
More Later.............................................Brenda
Today has been a good day for each of us to return to being out and about. Lee had a pedicure appointment and finished his outing with lunch at Shorty's Short Stop. The highlight of our last day of confinement was when our good friends Ted and Dianne dropped by and we all decided to go for lunch at the Cat Square Cafe'.
For those of you who are not familiar with our location, we proudly profess that we live in a unique area of western Lincoln county. Our farm is sandwiched between several rural roads. Most of the roads in Vale are named after those families who were first landowners in this area. Then there are those roads that make one take a second glance and wonder how that came to be. Where else can you find names like "June Bug Road", "Henry" or, Howard's Creek Mill Rd., and"Owl's Den Road". The two more significant landmarks in this area of Vale are Cat Square and Hog Hill. We happen to live somewhere in between the two.
The legacy of Cat Square is that it is a crossroads between two country roads. There is no traffic light nor blinking caution light there. It is a two-way stop with Cat Square road being the main thruway. Legend has it that at one time, this was the place to leave abandoned felines. In tribute to that, the center of the intersection is painted with a large white square and inside the square is white- painted cat's face. Cat Square is famous for having one of the largest and longest Christmas parades within a four-county area. Each year votes are taken for the new mayor of Cat Square several weeks prior to this event. This is a great honor and the mayor is the grand marshal of the parade. Anyone can enter the parade with whatever. The revelers are also joined by all the trucking companies housed in Vale along with the Shriners, and different church floats. I would be remiss if I did not mention the 200 or more horses and their riders! Lee has entered his 1931 Ford A-Model roadster several times and I and several of our grandchildren have enjoyed riding in the parade! Happy to report that it is now unlawful to use this area for a depository for felines.
I am not sure how Hog Hill garnished that name, but have to assume there may have been an abundance of hog farms in that area. Today it is famous for the Hart Square 1850's villages. You can read all about it through Google. We have been there on several occasions and it is truly an amazing adventure. It is only about four miles from our house.
Anyway, back to the Cat Square Cafe'. I have to admit it is not fancy by any means, and as Lee has explained to me, it was at one time a gas station. The interior probably has not changed a lot since the gas station other than a coat of paint, some red curtains, serving counters, the kitchen in full view, and a lone picture of an outdoor scene of a Paris restaurant. The tables are bare and the chairs are simple. Hand-written signs adorn the walls as to prices, rules and serving hours. Strangers visiting for the first time might be tempted to leave, but that would be a mistake, because they serve the best hamburgers, sandwiches and sometimes full dinner plate specials that are the best! If you want to find a burger of the 1950's (BH & Mac) before Hardees and MacDonalds, try Cat Square!
We enjoyed the ambiance of the area and good conversation with our friends. The place was warm on the cold day and the friendly waitress was efficient and timely with our order. We never felt rushed to leave our table and had the advantage of greeting a few neighbors along the way.
We have an assortment of eating establishments around the area. Lee and his good friend Hewitt often take advantage of Shorty's Short Stop, located closer to our house. Most of the days he makes sandwiches to order, but then frequently surprises his clientele with a free home-cooked meal. His small convenience store also houses a garage and Shorty is an excellent mechanic!
Aaaah! Country! The only place that refuses to be pushed forward while it still has the means to exist during the time before................................................................
More Later.............................................Brenda
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
On Being a Nurse
Many of you know that I have the nursing background as having been a registered nurse, or RN. I spent the first nineteen years of my career as a nurse, alternating between staff nurse, to surgical nurse manager and for a short while, nursing supervisor on week-ends. All of those roles were completed during the years I resided in the small town of Lenoir, a unique and lovely area nestled in the foothills of North Carolina. I ended my last 20 years employed by Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory, NC, as director of a vocational one-year program called Surgical Technology. I retired in 2000. In 2002, with bittersweet emotions, I placed my nursing license on the non-active list in our state. It was a decision to retire, but leave the door open to return if I so desired.
I share this with you so that you may understand the story I am about to relate to you:
This past December 9, Lee had another large squamous cell growth removed from his upper forehead and scalp area. (This was the fourth in the past two years, across the same area, requiring large grafts.) Even though the Moh's was done locally, it was determined that the surgery would be too extensive therefore imperative that Lee return to Duke. We were fortunate to see his same surgeon the following Monday. The surgeon had a cancellation in her schedule and Lee was promptly asked if he would like to fill it on Friday the same week.
We both nodded in agreement because there he sat with his head completely bandaged covering the conspicuously large hole on the top of his head! It had now been left open for me to dress and cover for the past three days and I would need to continue that until we returned for the surgery four days later on Friday. After she described how she would repair with skin grafts she left us with the surgical resident. He looked at Lee's head and asked me what type of dressing I had been using. I answered that if he would gather the following supplies, (which he promptly gave to me), I would do the dressing myself before we left. He turned and looked at me and this is what he said:
YOU USED TO BE A NURSE, DIDN'T YOU? I redressed Lee's area and wondered why I had been somewhat offended by his remark.
It was the first time I had been addressed as a "used to be a nurse". I was somewhat taken aback by his comment. As unbelievable as it may sound, once a nurse, you always feel like a nurse. This had been reinforced over and over again through all the hospitalizations and conversations any and all times Lee has been at Duke. Most of the time I was recognized as a colleague of sorts and allowed to be part of the engaging conversations as regards to medications, procedures, complications, etc. and no one ever addressed my status as a USED to be nurse.I was most often introduced to others as "Lee's wife IS a nurse!".
I suppose I needed that; however, I still feel like a nurse and I am grateful for my background and expertise since it has been helpful to both of us. One of my most crowning moment was last summer when I was spending time with one of my granddaughters as she was planning to leave for her freshman year at ECU. She had just surprised me with her announcement that she would be pursuing a nursing degree! I had never heard her mention that she wanted to be a nurse! I asked her why, and when did she make that decision. She answered that she made the decision after watching how easy it was for me to help her granddaddy with all his care and she wanted to make sure that she could be ready to do that someday if she needed to!
WOW!
So, I would surmise in a number of ways, and to some very special people in my life , I am still a nurse!
I will continue to share stories with you from time to time and will keep you updated on Lee. Right now he has gone to the dentist to repair a tooth. He is out and about most days doing whatever he desires.
I will not predict how often I will write; because it depends on our schedule that is subject to change quickly. You may hear from me frequently or monthly, and hopefully not annually! I want to thank all of you who answered via FB. Your encouragement will keep me writing!
More Later.............................................................................Brenda
I share this with you so that you may understand the story I am about to relate to you:
This past December 9, Lee had another large squamous cell growth removed from his upper forehead and scalp area. (This was the fourth in the past two years, across the same area, requiring large grafts.) Even though the Moh's was done locally, it was determined that the surgery would be too extensive therefore imperative that Lee return to Duke. We were fortunate to see his same surgeon the following Monday. The surgeon had a cancellation in her schedule and Lee was promptly asked if he would like to fill it on Friday the same week.
We both nodded in agreement because there he sat with his head completely bandaged covering the conspicuously large hole on the top of his head! It had now been left open for me to dress and cover for the past three days and I would need to continue that until we returned for the surgery four days later on Friday. After she described how she would repair with skin grafts she left us with the surgical resident. He looked at Lee's head and asked me what type of dressing I had been using. I answered that if he would gather the following supplies, (which he promptly gave to me), I would do the dressing myself before we left. He turned and looked at me and this is what he said:
YOU USED TO BE A NURSE, DIDN'T YOU? I redressed Lee's area and wondered why I had been somewhat offended by his remark.
It was the first time I had been addressed as a "used to be a nurse". I was somewhat taken aback by his comment. As unbelievable as it may sound, once a nurse, you always feel like a nurse. This had been reinforced over and over again through all the hospitalizations and conversations any and all times Lee has been at Duke. Most of the time I was recognized as a colleague of sorts and allowed to be part of the engaging conversations as regards to medications, procedures, complications, etc. and no one ever addressed my status as a USED to be nurse.I was most often introduced to others as "Lee's wife IS a nurse!".
I suppose I needed that; however, I still feel like a nurse and I am grateful for my background and expertise since it has been helpful to both of us. One of my most crowning moment was last summer when I was spending time with one of my granddaughters as she was planning to leave for her freshman year at ECU. She had just surprised me with her announcement that she would be pursuing a nursing degree! I had never heard her mention that she wanted to be a nurse! I asked her why, and when did she make that decision. She answered that she made the decision after watching how easy it was for me to help her granddaddy with all his care and she wanted to make sure that she could be ready to do that someday if she needed to!
WOW!
So, I would surmise in a number of ways, and to some very special people in my life , I am still a nurse!
I will continue to share stories with you from time to time and will keep you updated on Lee. Right now he has gone to the dentist to repair a tooth. He is out and about most days doing whatever he desires.
I will not predict how often I will write; because it depends on our schedule that is subject to change quickly. You may hear from me frequently or monthly, and hopefully not annually! I want to thank all of you who answered via FB. Your encouragement will keep me writing!
More Later.............................................................................Brenda
Monday, January 2, 2017
HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2017!
I have to admit to making a commitment to one of my nursing friends that my new year's resolution would be to return to my blog. She has lived far away from me in California and our only means of connecting has been through copies of e-mails from others. She answered me by telling me how much she missed my blog......so here we are......a new year and a new beginning.
It is hard to believe that seven years have passed since Lee became seriously ill shortly before Christmas in 2009. In June 2017, we will hopefully celebrate a victory of his achievement of seven full years with his lung transplant. I am happy to report that his lung has been good to him even though he at times has been somewhat abusive to it by disobeying instructions from the pulmonary team at Duke! I might add, he has also rallied at times against my "bossiness" as he calls it when I remind him of his "Do not do this" list. It is, however, those times when he tends to forget he has a foreign organ that he gets into trouble.
He has finally accepted that he can no longer work in soil after getting a serious lung infection that had to be treated aggressively with steroids and strong antibiotics in 2015. The antibiotics interfered with other drugs which in turn created heart problems such atrial fibrillation moving us into 2016 with his having serious heart problems. March, 2016 required a seven hour ablation with results that lasted through July. He continued to take A F meds that made him extremely weak to the point he could hardly walk. August 2016 required another long ablation after previously having a serious of 4-5 cardioversions. So far the last ablation has left him with a normal sinus rhythm and a progressively stronger heart and body as a result of discontinuing the drug. So far, so good on the heart issue.
Lee's biggest challenge now continues to be the squamous cell carcinomas that evidently love to grow on his scalp, face and neck with occasional scatterings on his arms and hands. This is a direct result of lowered immune system and his exposure to radiation years ago. The medicine that suppresses his immune system cannot be stopped or he will reject the lung, so I guess you could say "damned if you do and damned if you don't". To date we have lost count, but estimate it close to fifty. His scalp has been moved around with grafts so many times that hair is now growing in places we once called bald!
So much for Lee, now to other issues: I guess you could say I am doing very well in spite of some arthritis in my back and a gut that tells me when I am overworked and stressed! Sleep has become evasive and I now belong to that unwanted group of "Insomniacs"! I have tried it all, warm milk and cookies, reading, reading, reading, and even the special teas that are sure to aid. Whenever I am desperate, I do rely on the drug my GP provides, but having fear of dependence, I am extremely selective and precautious. I have also tried a small glass of wine, only to fall asleep quickly and awake two hours later with a headache! Oh well!
I was able to have twenty-some family members for Thanksgiving, and to host four different Christmas gatherings. I did, however, arrange for assistance with food, and clean-up with all our children. It worked well and we honestly had some wonderful holiday time with our families.. Our last visiting group was here for an overnight for New Year's/ Christmas and our last visitors came New Year's day for a light lunch! All in all, we feel grateful for the time we have and also that our family continues to remember to come by.
I have continued to write in small ways during the past two years. I collaborated with my brothers on a book of memories from our older sister, Bonnie. I hope we will be able to do that again sometime. Both my brothers are excellent writers. Jim Herman has published four books, and Dennis Herman has published two. The one we did together was called "Bonnie's Treasures". and all books may be found on Amazon.com under books.
I did publish a small book recently, called "Around the Kitchen Table". It is about my now deceased mother-in-law, Lillie Knight. I have not made it available to the public, and have shared it with the entire Knight family. She was quite the matriarch, and was my best friend for so many years. I have many writings stored in my computer about other interesting people and events. I am hoping to get those together and into a book in 2017.
I do enjoy writing and I do love to tell stories! At this stage of my life I feel an urgency to get everything in my head into a written form!
Hang on Bloggers and Friends..............It may be a wild ride, but I will give it another try!
Hopefully, More Later............................................................Brenda
It is hard to believe that seven years have passed since Lee became seriously ill shortly before Christmas in 2009. In June 2017, we will hopefully celebrate a victory of his achievement of seven full years with his lung transplant. I am happy to report that his lung has been good to him even though he at times has been somewhat abusive to it by disobeying instructions from the pulmonary team at Duke! I might add, he has also rallied at times against my "bossiness" as he calls it when I remind him of his "Do not do this" list. It is, however, those times when he tends to forget he has a foreign organ that he gets into trouble.
He has finally accepted that he can no longer work in soil after getting a serious lung infection that had to be treated aggressively with steroids and strong antibiotics in 2015. The antibiotics interfered with other drugs which in turn created heart problems such atrial fibrillation moving us into 2016 with his having serious heart problems. March, 2016 required a seven hour ablation with results that lasted through July. He continued to take A F meds that made him extremely weak to the point he could hardly walk. August 2016 required another long ablation after previously having a serious of 4-5 cardioversions. So far the last ablation has left him with a normal sinus rhythm and a progressively stronger heart and body as a result of discontinuing the drug. So far, so good on the heart issue.
Lee's biggest challenge now continues to be the squamous cell carcinomas that evidently love to grow on his scalp, face and neck with occasional scatterings on his arms and hands. This is a direct result of lowered immune system and his exposure to radiation years ago. The medicine that suppresses his immune system cannot be stopped or he will reject the lung, so I guess you could say "damned if you do and damned if you don't". To date we have lost count, but estimate it close to fifty. His scalp has been moved around with grafts so many times that hair is now growing in places we once called bald!
So much for Lee, now to other issues: I guess you could say I am doing very well in spite of some arthritis in my back and a gut that tells me when I am overworked and stressed! Sleep has become evasive and I now belong to that unwanted group of "Insomniacs"! I have tried it all, warm milk and cookies, reading, reading, reading, and even the special teas that are sure to aid. Whenever I am desperate, I do rely on the drug my GP provides, but having fear of dependence, I am extremely selective and precautious. I have also tried a small glass of wine, only to fall asleep quickly and awake two hours later with a headache! Oh well!
I was able to have twenty-some family members for Thanksgiving, and to host four different Christmas gatherings. I did, however, arrange for assistance with food, and clean-up with all our children. It worked well and we honestly had some wonderful holiday time with our families.. Our last visiting group was here for an overnight for New Year's/ Christmas and our last visitors came New Year's day for a light lunch! All in all, we feel grateful for the time we have and also that our family continues to remember to come by.
I have continued to write in small ways during the past two years. I collaborated with my brothers on a book of memories from our older sister, Bonnie. I hope we will be able to do that again sometime. Both my brothers are excellent writers. Jim Herman has published four books, and Dennis Herman has published two. The one we did together was called "Bonnie's Treasures". and all books may be found on Amazon.com under books.
I did publish a small book recently, called "Around the Kitchen Table". It is about my now deceased mother-in-law, Lillie Knight. I have not made it available to the public, and have shared it with the entire Knight family. She was quite the matriarch, and was my best friend for so many years. I have many writings stored in my computer about other interesting people and events. I am hoping to get those together and into a book in 2017.
I do enjoy writing and I do love to tell stories! At this stage of my life I feel an urgency to get everything in my head into a written form!
Hang on Bloggers and Friends..............It may be a wild ride, but I will give it another try!
Hopefully, More Later............................................................Brenda
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