topic Re: Paging Gracies Mom in Wellness

Paging Gracies Mom

cookiegal — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:23:57 GMT

Hi Gracies Mom!! I've been thinking about you all week!!!! I pray everything went well with your surgery!!!!!! Just wanted to send you some hugs!!! Please keep us updated when you can!!!!!

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 20:04:10 GMT

Happy New Year Loopy & Cookie!!!!

Hope you both had a wonderful Christmas!! Would enjoy hearing the details of your holiday when you have a chance!

We went down state and visited with Joe's family--we had an enjoyable visit. It was great seeing our three great-nieces (ages 5,2 and 8 months). Food was good, exchanging gifts was fun and watching Gracie pal around with her doggy cousin Tino was priceless (she wore herself out running around the house with him). All in all, it was a good day.

On a down note, my Mom was admitted to the hospital Sunday morning--seems she had an infection on her good leg that the doctor was concerned about. She is still in the hospital, although I was told she might be going back to her nursing home today or tomorrow. I haven't spoken to the doctor that's treating her yet, so I have no idea what's going on with her. I did speak to a geriatric doctor after she was admitted and she was concerned with a few things--Mom's low weight (104 lbs--but she was only 80 lbs when she went into the nursing home!), two bed sores (I didn't know about that) and problems with her memory (or as the doctor put it--"cognitive issues")---we're not sure if it is the morphine messing with her mental capacity--or if she is becoming demented. Not a good way to start the new year, but I just have to deal with what is--I'm doing the best I can for my Mom, even though she doesn't realize it.

I have a CAT scan scheduled for Jan 11th (am happy I was able to get it done on a Saturday so Joe doesn't have to take a day off of work)--then see my surgeon on Jan 27th andy the radiation doc on feb 4th (wish me luck!). Joe also needs a colonoscopy--which will be done in February--his three year follow-up after a polyp removal. I really didn't want to start 2014 off with so many doctor appointments--but, so be it.

What did you two do for New Year's? We stayed home last night (New Year's Eve) and I made a big, fat, gooey lasagna!!! No plans for today--staying home relaxing. We're expecting a snow storm Thursday into Friday--I took the rest of this week off from work, but Joe has to go in tomorrow. He told me he will probably stay home on Friday if we get a snow storm--he's tired of fighting with the weather--plus it is supposed to be bone chilling cold on Friday and Joe is working on an outside job. I received a new crock-pot as one of my Christmas gifts--guess I'll make a hot & hearty dinner with it on Friday (a recipe I call "mish-mosh"--browned ground beef, baby carrots, peas, onions, celery and cream of mushroom soup--cooked in a crock-pot for four hours--then served over rice or wide noodles--yummy to the extreme!!).

Hope 2014 brings lots of good health, fun and happiness for all of us!!!!!!!

Love & Hugs,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

LooPY — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 05:40:12 GMT

~~*HAPPY NEW YEAR GM AND COOKIE!!*~~ I hope you're both doing well! I'm tired of winter already, and it's only January! It's been a rainy mess the last few days, but at least we don't have to shovel it--this would have been a lot of snow!

GM--I've been thinking of you today--how did your CAT scan go? Let me know how you made out--great, I hope! I'm so sorry to hear the news about your mom. I'm really glad that she put on weight at the home, but sad about the bedsores--they really need to tend to that, and I hope they cleared up her leg infection, because those sorts of discomforts only add to their confusion and loss of cognition. I'm sending good thoughts and well wishes your way!

cookie--I hope you had wonderful holidays, too! I can only imagine how difficult, stressful and tiring it must have been to move, and sell the house with all the cleaning typically involved, and prepare for Christmas, too! I can imagine because my folks bought their first house and moved in on Christmas Eve day! I remember being 6 yrs. old sitting on the empty living room floor, playing with some dollies while things were being moved in! Let me know how everything went--I'm hoping, well!

On New Year's Eve we were going to go to a restaurant in town at 8:00 for dinner. (We always went out with our friends, but sadly we all haven't been able to do that the last couple of years, due to some health issues.) Anyway, it was so bitter cold that we decided to go to a different restaurant at 5:00 instead! Two dorky early birds--hahaha--but the dinner was delicious, and we were really happy when it got even colder and we were already home, snug as a bug in a rug! My friend hosted her annual New Year's Day bacchanalia--she's happier to just have the party, and it makes it easier for her. We all had a great time, and by the time she finished feeding us, we all knew what our New Year's resolution would be--dieting!!!

I'm wishing you both the happiest, healthiest New Year, filled with lots of love and laughter! And as always, a wish for peace.

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 14:43:05 GMT

**Hello Dear Loopy!!**

You are so sweet to ask about my Mom--and my CAT scan…...

My Mom isn't doing well--her body and mind are failing. Every time my phone rings, I jump--thinking it's the nursing home with bad news. She was finally discharged from the hospital after seven days--the infection in her leg was better--but there is only so much they can do. I'm going to try to get down to the nursing home this Saturday (if it isn't snowing)--I speak to my Mom every three days or so, but she sounds awful--very weak and not always lucid--she perked up when I told her I will try to come see her. Will keep you ladies informed.

As for my CAT scan, I couldn't have it done--it was rescheduled for this Monday (Jan 20). I had a slight reaction to the contrast dye when I had my last scan in June--a few hives on my back--I took Benadryl when I got home and didn't think much about it. Come to find that it is a big deal--my next reaction could be fatal! I have to be pre-medicated with steroids 13 hours, then 7 hours, then 1 hour before the scan--and also with Benadryl--before the technicians will touch me. It was a wasted trip--waste of time & gasoline! good thing it was a Saturday and Joe didn't miss a day of work for nothing! Ugh, there's always an issue…….anyway, will let you know my results when I know---probably not until my Jan 27 appointment with my oncology surgeon.

Sounds like you had a wonderful New Year's Eve and Day, Loopy!! Wonderful!!

Cookie--Are you out there?? Please let us know how you are and what's been happening!!

Time for me to feed Gracie, then head off to work…...

Love & God Bless,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 00:00:43 GMT

Just wanted to let Loopy & Cookie know……….

WOOHOO!!! Great news!!! My CAT scan was fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I see my surgeon on Monday (Jan 27)…………..wish me luck!!!!!!!

Hugs,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

cookiegal — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 17:34:56 GMT

Good morning ladies!!!! Soooooo sorry for being out of the "loop"!!! It was so nice to catch up on your posts!!!!!!! I'm glad you both had nice holidays!!! HOORAY GM on your CAT scan results!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!! What a relief!!!!!!!!! I know what you're talking about when you described the allergic reaction you had with the dye. That happened to my husband--he had hives head to toes. The next time he needed a similar test, he wasn't able to for fear he could have a worse reaction. I can't recall what exactly we did--I think they did a different type of test all together. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom!!! That makes me very sad!!!!! She will be in my prayers!!!!!!! Hopefully you were able to visit her!!!! My mom ended up having emergency surgery on her heart to drain fluid. It was crazy--she was only to be in the hospital one to two overnights but it ended up being 5 days!! She had more fluid than they thought and her dr said she's lucky to be here to tell the tale!!!!!! I felt sorry for her because her stay was over the period when we had a foot of snow, so visitors were limited!!!! And of course she insisted no one visit. But that didn't keep everyone away!! Lol. Unfortunately I couldn't go for a variety of reasons--snow, work and moving!! Plus, no one realized she would be there that long--each day we would think that's the day she would be coming home!!! But I felt really guilty about that--I guess that's why I would call her 3-5 times each day she was there!!! Lol. The nurses teased her about that!!! And speaking of nurses, they were truly wonderful there---my mother still can't say enough wonderful things about how well they cared for her!!! I want to send them a thank you note telling them how much I appreciate all they did for her!!!! Anyway, mom is home recovering and doing very well--in fact I saw her last weekend and she's doing well--probably doing too much!!! Lol Good news--we settled on the house!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!!! What a stress off our backs---it was a lot of work trying to move everything out with the weather we have been having---talk about bad luck--nothing was easy that's for sure!!!!!!!!!!! It seemed like the weather had it in for us!!!!! Between the snow, ice and temps!!!! The kids have had 5 snow days already--and it's snowing now as I write this!!!!!!!!!! I can NOT wait for spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well I have to cut this short--my DH is giving me dirty looks lol. That's because I pulled my back (don't ask lol). And he's been making me ice it--and I'm past due for my next icing!!! Lol. I keep telling him when I'm done typing this--which of course is taking me forever because I'm doing it with one finger on the iPad!!! So I'll sign off now and write more later Hugs to you both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

LooPY — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 03:23:03 GMT

Hi GM and cookie!!

GM--I'm so sorry to hear your mom isn't doing well--I know your visit will be just what the doctor ordered! But I'm so delighted that your CAT scan came back A-OK (and no allergic reaction--how scary!!!) What great news!! Thanks for sharing it!! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow for sure--fingers crossed!! I know you're in good hands with your surgeon--he sounds like a great guy! Please keep us posted!

cookie--I'm so thrilled that your mom came came through that emergency surgery with flying colors! I know it must have been so stressful, especially with everything else you've had going on. I'm so happy that she received such wonderful treatment--such a blessing! and that she is recovering nicely at home! And what great news about the house settlement! But it was supposed to take stress off your back, not have you pull your back! That can be so painful--take good care of yourself, and listen to your hubby (even though we don't like to admit when they're right--hahahaha!)

It's been so freezing cold and so snowy, that I haven't seen the light of day in weeks, except to fill in with groceries when the hubby is home on the weekend with his 4 wheel drive! What a winter! I'm counting down the days until spring, and trying to delude myself into thinking it's sooner, because I'm noticing it's ever so slightly lighter, ever so slightly later! (Any port in a storm, to keep me on this side of sanity!!) Take care and be well both of you!

A mountain of hugs bigger than our snowdrifts! ((((((((((())))))))))

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 23:41:37 GMT

**Hi Cookie & Loopy**

I spoke too soon, my dear friends……my CAT scan was not "all clear"…….saw my surgeon four days ago. My exam went well--he didn't feel anything amiss--however, my scan showed a 1 cm soft tissue mass in my pelvis that wasn't there before--on the left side.The surgeon said he wasn't too worried, but he wants me to show the scan (I have the disk) to my radiation doctor when I see him this coming Wednesday--he wants his opinion if we should take a wait & see attitude--or if I should have a PET scan to see if the mass is anything to be concerned about. I also have radiation cystitis--a common occurrence after pelvic radiation--I have to ask what can be done for that. It doesn't hurt, but it's annoying--I always feel like I have to go to the bathroom. I'm more worried about the new mass--however--it also could be from the radiation itself--something benign.

Of course, my Joe is worried sick about me---I have good days & not so good days right now--until I hear something positive from the radiation doctor. Why is it nothing goes smoothly since I was diagnosed??

Please say a prayer or two for me.

Love,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

LooPY — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 22:03:29 GMT

Oh no, GM! I've been thinking and thinking about you, and just assumed everything was hunky dory--I hope you'll be able to go to your appt. tomorrow, and not be delayed because of the weather (we'll be getting walloped by another snowstorm followed by an ice storm--oh joy) I know how it is to wait for results--the anticipation can just make us a wreck. Here's hoping the little mass is benign and part of the radiation cystitis. I'll be holding you in my heart, and waiting to hear from you, with fingers crossed--sending healing thoughts and wishes your way! Please let me know how you make out--I'll be looking out for you!

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:51:00 GMT

*Loopy*

You are so sweet!!

Unfortunately, I think I live in the same area you do (but upstate) and we are getting a terrible snow storm today--we have about 11 inches or so right now--Joe is outside snow blowing before it turns to ice (he had to stay home from work as his bus wasn't running).

My radiation doctor appointment was canceled for the third time--my new appointment is this Monday at 11:30am, but now I hear we are supposed to get another snow storm Sunday into Monday!! I couldn't stand it if my appointment has to be canceled again!! I've decided to try and not dwell on it until Monday---I was getting myself sick with worry when I got my results--I just stopped functioning!--and that's a waste of time. I feel OK and everyone tells me I look great--I can't believe anything might be wrong with me again.

On top of that, Joe will be losing his job on Friday--when it rains, it pours! He already put feelers out for a new job--we cannot afford for him to be out of work for any length of time--I have a stack of bills to pay! Turns out his shop slowed down--they placed the men that have been with them the longest on Joe's job--and are letting go of the men that are already there--not fair, I know--but that's the way it works. Hopefully Joe can latch onto a new job quickly---I cannot deal with worrying about so many things at once.

Thank you for your friendship, love and support dear Loopy!!!! I will post what the radiation doctor tells me when I finally see him--when it stops snowing!!!!!

Hugs,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 23:42:10 GMT

**HI Loopy & Cookie!**

We're snowed in here--and will be for the next couple of days I think---it's just brutal. Joe is snowblowing, but our street still hasn't been plowed much, so we are going no where.

Saw my radiation oncologist three days ago. He told me not to worry--that the small mass seen on my CAT scan is nothing--he had me look at it with him--protruding from a thin layer of fat in my pelvis (something everyone has) is a small polyp-like or skin-tag like thing--both of my doctors think it's also made of fat--however--my radiation doctor wants me to have a PET scan in early May, just to "put this thing to bed", as he put it. If my insurance won't approve the PET scan (they cost $5,000!), then he will recommend an MRI instead. He also told me that this mass is definitely not a lymph node--plus, it is located very far away from where I originally had the cancer--and even where I had the recurrence. That's good. I also have radiation cystitis--it's annoying have to go to the bathroom so much, but as long as I don't have pain or bleeding, he's not going to give me anything--he told me my bladder will heal by itself. On a bright note, he told me I look WONDERFUL---so many of my doctors have told me that--I swear it must be the make-up I wear (or did I look bad before?? LOL!!).

I decided not to dwell on this recent glitch--after all, if my surgeon or radiation doctor thought it was something serious, I'm sure they would send me for more tests right away--and not let me sit on it until May, right?

Also, Joe is still working, thank the Lord! Even Joe doesn't know what's going on--his boss is being vague--but for now he still has his job. YAY!!

Today neither of us could get into work--and possibly tomorrow will be the same. If Joe's bus into the city isn't running, he can't go in. They are predicting 6 more inches of snow overnight--on top of what we got today, which looks like 12 inches+. Plus we still had a foot of snow on the ground already---we are getting buried in it!

By the way, Happy Valentine's Day to you ladies!!! Any plans for tomorrow?

Hugs,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

LooPY — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:26:07 GMT

Hi GM!! I'm so glad to see you! What wonderful news for you and your Valentine, just in time for a special celebration!! I'm so happy to hear that! I'm sure it's exactly what your radiation oncologist said! They absolutely wouldn't let things percolate until May, so you should relax now! And how great that he and the other docs (rightly) said that you look wonderful!! Remember Fernando (Billy Crystal) said--it is better to look good than to feel good! Hahahaha! Gotta love him! But when you look good and feel good too, you've got it 'made in the shade' as my mom would say!

We got about a foot of snow today and are expecting more later into tomorrow. I'm hunkering down, still huddled in my house. There's a thick layer of ice (even though the snow is plowed) on our driveway, so my car stays inside, and so do I! Otherwise, I risk careening into the house or the fence! At this rate, I might not have contact with the outside world until the 4th of July!

I'm really happy that Joe is working--things are tough, that's for sure. My hubby's business has been weathering that storm, and after so many rough years, it can really get you down. He went to Chicago for his annual trip to the auto show, so he won't be here for Valentine's Day, but I'm glad that he went because it's good to have a chance to get away from that stress for a few days. Besides, he's been my Valentine for over 50 years, so we can make our Valentine's Day another day! We always say, sometimes you have to be a contrarian!

Before he left he gave me the funniest card ever--a picture of a head shot of a woman in a retro looking TV and the caption reads: At her age she no longer believed in free love........But she was hoping for a senior citizen discount. Hahahaha! Priceless! And he gave me the coolest book called 'Everything I Need To Know I Learned From A little Golden Book', filled with life lessons with appropriate illustrations from Little Golden Books. We remembered just about all of the pictures! It's a perfect present for all of us who grew up with them!

Wishing you and Joe a romantic and wonderful Valentine's Day, filled with fun, love and--chocolate! I hope we'll hear from cookie--I'm a little concerned about her, and hope everything's OK. Stay snug and warm, and roasty toasty, and fill me in on your Valentine's Day festivities!!

Hugs and smooches,

Loopy

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 23:27:19 GMT

Happy Valentine's Day Loopy!! And to Cookie too--where are you? We're getting worried--please post soon!!

So good to hear from you, Loopy!!!! You made me feel so much better--that you feel my doctors wouldn't let me go until May without more tests if they were concerned with what was found on my CAT scan--it feel good that you verified it!!

We got lots of snow too--12 inches last week---14 inches yesterday and 6 more overnight--my street looks like Alaska! Thank goodness for snow blowers!! Now I hear they are predicting 4 more inches tomorrow. This has been a crazy winter--so many big snow storms. Last night around 10pm we heard ice pellets hitting our house--it was like a hail storm. I know what you mean about hunkering down and staying inside--which is what I've been doing. No way would I drive to work in this weather--it's not worth an accident.

Joe has been home, too. The bus he takes into the city isn't running, so he had no choice. He's also off on Monday for President's Day--so this turned out to be a mini-staycation! Unfortunately, Joe doesn't get paid when he's not at work--next week's paycheck will be mighty slim--but it's out of his control. He's been busy snow blowing and shoveling--snow is one thing--but so much ice--and it's packed solid. The one good thing is that our power never went out--even though we have a small generator in our shed, it would be impossible to get to--the snow and ice have drifted and are leaning against the shed door--the door opens out, so it would be close to impossible to get to that generator.

Oh my--you've been married a long time, bless you two!! We've been married for 33 years, but we've been together for 42 years--a lifetime!

I LOVE the Valentine's Day card your husband gave you---Little Golden Books--I remember them like it was yesterday! My Mom would bring one home for me every time she went grocery shopping. Terrific memories!!

Joe wanted to take me out to dinner tonight, but it's cold and nasty out---besides the fact the restaurants hike up their prices on this holiday--we'll go out another time. We'll have our usual Chinese take-out tonight (that is, if Joe can get to the restaurant and if the place is open!). I gave Joe the cutest little dog figurine--it looks just like Gracie--found it on eBay last month and i knew he would appreciate it. I told him not to get me anything, but the doorbell rang a short time ago and there was a flower delivery for me--a dozen multi-colored roses in a glass vase with an "I Love You" sparkly heart in the middle of the flowers--just beautiful!!---I really appreciated the colorful flowers after so much snow and stormy weather!!

Tonight on TCM they are playing one of my favorite movies.."Marty"…from 1955--do you remember that one? We plan on watching it if we don't fall asleep (which I tend to do!).

Sorry your beloved won't be home today, but like you said, you two can celebrate the day another time--when you do, I hope it's romantic and marvelous!!!!!!!! Since your husband isn't home, you can be OUR Valentine today--me, Joe and Gracie would be honored!!!!!

Be careful in this weather--dress warm if you go out--watch for ice patches!!!!!!

Love & God Bless,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

cookiegal — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 05:25:16 GMT

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!!!!!! Loopy, you can be my Valentines as well as my DH is now asleep on the sofa and I'm sitting here all by myself!!! Lol. I'm not complaining though--it's nice to finally have a moment to sit down and relax!!!! That's my present!!! Hee Hee I hope your DH is enjoying the auto show and you are enjoying some "you" time!!! Ohhhhh, i love the book you received---I love love love Golden books--such sweet memories attached to those books!!!! Like you GM, my mom would buy them for me when we would go grocery shopping,,, we didn't have much then so that was always a special treat!!!! :-). And speaking of special, so sweet of Joe to get you flowers!!!!! He's a keeper for sure!!!! :-) GM, I'm so so sorry for all the anxiety you had gone through regarding your health!!!! And I'm sorry for just now getting around to reading the posts and finding out about this!!!! But Thank God all is ok!!!!!! Phew!!!!!! Truly, what a relief!!! As Loopy said, you an relax now!!!!!!!! YAY!!!! Part of the reason I was MIA was because I had to go to the hospital for overnight stay for a biopsy (because of my lupus)---but great news--all is ok!!!!!!!!! Another YAY!! I wasn't overly concerned because I knew my dr was just being cautious!!! :-). So this week I was just taking it easy and recovering---I guess that it was a good week week to get lots of snow!!! Lol. Although in general, this weather has been such an annoyance, ESP with work!!! I haven't been able to work as much because I'm constantly having to take off because of the school closures!!! Hopefully this will be the last snow day!!! I'm glad to hear Joe is still working--I'll keep my fingers crossed nothing changes in that regard!!! Well one more health test for me--then after that, I HOPE I'll be done for a while!!!! I had exam by my gyno dr and he felt some "fullness" on my left side, so I'll be having an ultrasound next week. Hopefully that will go ok!!! Then after that, hopefully I'll be dr free for a while!!! Lol. Well, I'm hearing reports for another 3-6 inches of snow tomorrow morning--WHEN WILL IT END?!?!? I saw a funny picture--it was an outdoor bulletin for a church that said "whoever is praying for snow, please stop"!!!! Yes, please do!!! I for one have had enough snow to last me the next 4 winters!!!! Lol. I also heard that Pennsylvania broke a 140 year record (or something like that) on the amount if snow we have received this year!!! I'm starting to get cabin fever!!!! (And so you know it's bad because I'm a serious homebody). Lol. Well I better get going--I'll nudge my DH to wake up and head to bed!! So romantic aren't we?!?! Bahaha. :-). Oh, btw GM, what makeup do you use?!?!? I'm a makeup junkie and always looking out for something new!!!! Hee Hee. I'll say goodnight and wish you both a wonderful weekend!!! Be safe if heading out!!! Lots of hugs!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

cookiegal — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 05:28:34 GMT

Btw--not sure if I mentioned this before, but for some reason, when I'm typing this on the iPad, the font looks bigger and there are spaces between the paragraphs--but as soon as I hit "submit", the type face is smaller and my spacing is gone!!!!!!!!!!! Makes me mad because it makes it harder to read!!!!! I have no idea why it does that!! I'll try to figure it out!!! Well again, I'll say goodnight!!!! Have a super great weekend!!!!!!! :-)

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 19:49:24 GMT

**COOKIE!!!!!**

So very glad you posted!!!!!! Loopy and I were getting concerned, but am glad everything is all right!!

Before I forget, you asked what kind of make-up I use--I'll be happy to tell you! I use L'Oreal Visible Lift Foundation (in Buff Beige), Physician's Formula multi-colored blush (in Blushing Peach) and to set everything I use Mally Poreless Face Defender--it evens everything out and doesn't appear powdery. I wear black or brown eyeliner only on my top lids (I wear glasses and my eyes are small, so the liner makes my eyes stand out a bit--I don't use the liner on my lower eye--that would make them smaller). On occasion I wear eyeshadow--all sorts of brands--I also use a primer on my lids so the shadow stays on. I find that L'Oreal De-Crease works for me as a primer.

I'm very happy that your biopsy came back fine--YAY!!!! I will pray your lupus continues to stay quiet.

Please let us know how your ultrasound goes--I will pray all will be OK.

It is snowing here AGAIN--they say we will get 2-5 more inches today. Between Thursday & Friday we got 19.3 inches--on top of the 12 inches we got last week. I'm so sick of the snow--and the cold. Like you, Cookie, I'm a homebody too--but enough is enough!

I'm thrilled you two posted--it's been awhile--I was hoping everyone was all right.

Be careful if you ladies go out---ice patches are everywhere!!

Love,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

LooPY — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 03:27:49 GMT

Hi GM and cookie!! I'd be honored and thrilled to be both your Valentines!! Whew, cookie! Are we glad to see you!! I'm so happy that the biopsy was A-OK!! Fingers crossed--I'm holding you in my heart, and sending healing wishes for a good ultrasound report--please let us know how you make out. Oh--from what I gather from posters on the boards, the ipad problem has to do with QVC. How exactly, I don't know!

I'm so glad both of you had a lovely Valentine's Day! How sweet of Joe to send beautiful flowers GM! They are so bright and cheerful, especially in the snowy, cold winter we've had! My good friend from Denmark buys herself a bouquet from the grocery store every week--a habit left over from her days in DK, where the winter days are so short, and the weather so cold that everyone needs a little lift! Sounds good to me, right about now! My Valentine and I are going on 47 years married, but we've been hangin' out together for almost 53 years! Wow!--I remember when I thought someone who was 30 was old!! Ha ha!

Today for the first time, I actually took a walk into town! I looked up and thought--What is that golden orb in the sky? Oh yeah--I remember--it's the sun!! I didn't think I'd see the light of day 'til the 4th of July! But it looks like we're in for another spate of frosty cold, snowy weather in a couple of days--oh, boo! Just when the ice had finally begun to melt from the driveway! No one enjoys being in their own little house more than I do, but even I am starting to get just a wee bit stir crazy!

Take good care, be well and stay safe, both of you! x0x0x0x

An extra heapin' helpin' of hugs--(((((((((())))))))))

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 23:48:23 GMT

Hello Dear Loopy!!

Looks like we are in for MORE snow on Monday--they are predicting 3-6 inches up by me, but a foot in the city---oh when will this winter ever end?????

Joe was laid off on Thursday (he knew it was coming), but was able to find another job by that evening. However, he suddenly got very sick and had to go to the doctor---it was thought he had the flu (yes, we got our flu shots)--the doctor tested him fore the flu, but he came up negative--so it's just a nasty sinus infection/bronchitis type of thing. Unfortunately,t being so sick, Joe couldn't start his new job on Friday (it's an outside job and the doctor said NO)--he wanted to start on Monday, but now with the storm coming, he's not sure he will be able to get into the city (especially if his bus isn't running). I hope his new boss understands and doesn't give his job away--always a possibility. And so this weekend will be spent coddling my poor hubby--plenty of hot soup and antibiotics!

I love the story about your Denmark friend--buying herself flowers at the market! I used to do the same when I had the extra money--fresh colorful flowers make everything look happy!!

Did you and your hubby celebrate Valentine's eventually?

My Mom is status quo---not good, but not horrible. At least the wonderful nursing home is keeping her clean, well fed and as healthy as she can be. I haven't been able to get down there to visit her---the weather has been too sketchy--and it's hard to find parking because of the ice & snow in the street--but hopefully we can get down there soon. My brother works 10 minutes away from her, so he gets there once a week when he can.

Cookie---how was your ultrasound?????? Please let us know!!

Bundle up and be careful on Monday-----snow, snow, go away……...

Hugs,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

Gracies Mom — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:02:07 GMT

**Loopy & Cookie**

My Mom was admitted to the hospital last Monday with pneumonia and sepsis--they didn't expect her to last the night, but here we are a week later and she's still around--but the doctors are expecting her to pass away within a few days or so. She is not responsive--I have agreed to a DNR--no heroic measures--no CPR or ventilation or feeding tubes. I have a phone meeting at 3pm today with her palliative care team--they feel she is in pain and want to discuss options to keep her comfortable so she has a peaceful passing. My brother is having a tough time with all this--he was close to Mom--he cannot make any decisions about her care, but I am consulting with him before I give the doctors permission for anything.

Meanwhile, Joe's Mom was admitted to the hospital yesterday with terrible abdominal pain--turns out she was having a gallbladder attack--and is full of gallstones. She is having surgery this morning to remove her gallbladder. She is 87 years old and a smoker, so we are concerned.

Please pray that my Mom has an easy passing--that is my main goal. I'm trying to hold it all together until Mom is buried--then I can deal with my emotions.

Hope all is well with you ladies…...

God Bless,

Re: Paging Gracies Mom

LooPY — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 04:00:02 GMT

Oh, GM I am so sorry to read this sad news about your mom--I know how difficult is is to bear witness to their decline, and my heart and thoughts go out to you as you deal with this upsetting situation. I'll be thinking of her, and you, and wishing you both peace and no suffering.

Oh my goodness--Joe's mom is in the hospital, too? My mom had gallbladder attacks from the time she was pregnant with me (barely 21.) Of course I never knew this. Much later she said they were much, much worse than childbirth. She finally had her gallbladder out after having dinner at my house one evening. (Who knew my cooking was so toxic?!) I'm thinking of his mom too, with every good wish that she comes through the surgery with flying colors!

And I hope Joe himself is feeling lots better, poor guy! Those bronchial infections are really the pits! I'm so glad he was able to find work so quickly after being laid off, and am so hoping it all worked out for him.

Even though the winter has been never ending, there's a light at the end of the tunnel with Daylight Savings time, and longer days! We've had a little tease of Spring with warm sunny days, but just so we shouldn't get too complacent, Mother Nature is going to sock it to us on Thursday with 20* temps and--the 'S' word!!

Please keep us posted and know that I'm thinking of you---with love---

Take care and be well x0x0x0x0x

Loopy