Dave is amazing

Oh my gosh....is someone out there doing a food dance or eating dance???? Dave had an appetite tonight. #1- I cooked pork chops. He could smell them in the bedroom and was HUNGRY. We had about as many green beans as yesterday (from the garden). I also took some of the cherry tomatoes (from the Mieraus) and cut them in half serving with some tomato vinaigrette. Made a baked potato...that was a no go for Dave. Dave had about 1 whole pork chop, 10 cherry tomato halves about about 10 beans. This included seconds. I'm in awe! Now he's making peanut butter and vanilla ice cream. We'll see what happens with the fresh blueberries, a few left over strawberries and peaches..... maybe another desert latter.

ps- mom helped me finish staining the floor of the deck this evening.

peace, love, groove

and

food.

Tuesday dinner

Pictures: First garden green beans; Dave's dinner: Dave really excited about dinner.

Picked our first beans from the garden. Dave's still into strawberries and peaches. I did some staining on the deck again tonight. Short update...time for bed.

peace, love, groove

Better not rain, but it's still a good day to catch up

Pictures: New fountain, Dave working on some hard drives Sunday x2, the baby bird in our yard Sunday , a butterfly hanging out on the deck Sunday, Dave and Ruthie today, Dave and Nikki today.

So I got some staining on the deck done yesterday and tonight. We're suppose to have 5 days without rain...fingers crossed. We had a baby bird in our yard most of yesterday, he was trying to fly. He's finally gone- good flying to you little buddy. Today, Dave went to the infusion clinic with Julie. His BP is going up and staying on the high normal side. Last night he didn't eat much. The Mierau's stopped by and brought him some cherry tomatoes and peaches. He had peaches twice today. Had some potatoes and strawberries too for dinner. Dave's been working on some hard drives. We went to Best Buy this afternoon to look for a cable he needed. Dave walked all the way and wanted to walk back to the car.... he said "good exercise". Tonight our friend Lisa came over with some information on dietary supplements. There's so much out there. The oncologist thought Dave might try Peptamen. Not sure Dave will like it, we got a sample. Then there's Juven which is pretty promising looking at the recipes they have on their web site. It's just about getting some different flavors and textures. He's trying to keep up with the Healthy Shots. We had a little education with a friendly visit. Thanks again Lisa. Dave is really trying to eat. I think I'm gonna work on an appetite dance (kinda like a rain dance.....). Well back to watching some TV with Dave in the bedroom.

peace, love, groove

Great Saturday

Dave got up around 11 am. He had a cup of coffee! His first one in over a month...well before the trip to NY(really Ohio). He liked it. We spent a lot of time out on the front deck today. Dave saw a robin bathing in the bird fountain this morning. Mark Maki stopped by and Dave sat out on the deck with him for quite awhile. Then we went to the Lester's to visit their new granddaughter- Adeline. (I took a video and I'm have problems getting it on the blog. I'll try facebook and retry tomorrow.) We were there about an hour. Dave even took his shoes off and had some lemonade. Home by 4:20 and time for a short nap. Well, Dave tried to nap. Then Phil and Loni came by with a picnic dinner. We ate out on the.....you're right, the deck. It was so nice with the shade of the trees and the gentle breeze. Dave had requested Phil bring him Popeye's mashed potatoes with gravy. He ate about 1/3 of a cup and some cherry tomatoes. Awesome! We all sat around this small table that's on the deck and ate together. It felt normal. Catherine stopped by and sat with us too. Then Kris and Kevin popped over to say hi. Who would have ever thought we'd sit in the front yard? It's great. Thanks again to everyone who helped.

Friday, Blood, and Fleas

Too bad that wasn't 3 words starting with an "f". Anyway, it's Friday and Dave went in for 2 units of packed red blood cells today. Julie stayed with him and brought him home a little after 3 pm. He's napping now. The infusion clinic is so wonderful to him. I'm sure they are that way with all of their patients. They made Dave feel special.

Now the fleas.....we have fleas!!!! Well the dogs and cat do. I treated the dogs about 2 weeks ago and then I saw a flea on the cat last night. UGH! So the cat got frontline this afternoon and instructions to "kill the fleas". Mom helped me give Ruthie and Nikki flea baths. I'm gonna see if Dave will help bathe Audrey tomorrow or Sunday. We'll take her to the dog wash. Can't stand fleas. We went years without them so I got a little lax with the treatments.

Suns out....time to go stain. Hoping to get some pictures of Dave playing the piano this weekend. After the blood transfusion his energy level should pick up.

peace, love, groove

Feels like some victory

Appointment this afternoon went pretty well. Dave walked from the front door to the MD office, had a lab draw and then we went in for his appointment. His potassium is 2.5, still low. The doctor mentioned he can take the pills or......eat food like bananas or potatoes. More ammunition for me. He did lose 3 lbs. Not too bad for 3 weeks. His hemoglobin was 8.8 last week and he thought some blood tomorrow would help. I know he'll feel better after that! Dave's chest x-ray looked good- scar tissue and a "shadow" which they feel is nothing. Still some fluid in the left base, but a lot better. Lungs sound pretty good. Hmmmmm, well he does have thrush again and that's part of why he's having issues eating. Back on Diflucan for 2 weeks. All and all, he's better. Plan is to continue IV fluid 3 x/week until next appointment. Get chest and abdomen CT scan before next appointment. Next appointment is July 22. That is the one year anniversary of Dave's cancer diagnosis. Feels like a victory to me!

Peace, Love, Groove.

Storms blowing through

Dave went with Joni to get IV fluids today. I think we're coming to the end of that. Tomorrow at 2 pm is Oncologist appointment..... will have update in the afternoon. Dave is walking more and going outside a lot more. Tonight he had some baked potatoes with butter and thought it was fine. He had about 4 bites....YEAH! Mom made us dinner which also included baked catfish.

Tornado watch until 1 am. The more severe storms are east of us, so far. Lots of thunder and lightening. Still trying to get a descent weather window so I can stain more of the deck. I think part of the next 3 days will work.

To the movies

Well, we made it to the movies. Dave walked in and out (plenty of walking for him today). We went to "Get him to the Greek".... pretty funny. We're both a little tired. I didn't get a nap (hee hee). So, I'll say P, L, G for tonight.

Keeps looking up

I didn't get to check on Dave's Hemoglobin, but the oncologist left a message Friday that Dave's potassium was low again. He has to take potassium just once a day for a couple weeks. He hates the liquid and will try pills again. Hopefully that means his hemoglobin is up or at least stable. Today Dave went to get his infusion with Julie, Julie, Julie. His BP was 135/95 this morning, we're still holding BP pill for now. He tried some Thai soup for dinner, did well until he tried some of the chicken. In general he is stronger and feels a little better everyday. AND he wasn't totally wiped out from the weekend...that's good. Thursday is oncologist appointment. I think tomorrow we're going to go to a movie....shhhhh I'm excited.

P, L, G

Another picture from Saturday

Picture: Tim and Dave Saturday

Here's a picture Phil Maki took at the concert Saturday night. Today Dave came out in the back yard about 3 pm and didn't come in until after 9. John Payne stopped by and talked music and stuff with Dave. He's been through "recovery" and I'm thankful Dave has his friendship....along with several others. My guy...I just love him so. Time for bed. So P, L, G for now!

A wonderful Saturday evening in downtown Benton Harbor

Pictures: Dave and Mike Gates; the stage- Niki Harris; Dave tired of pictures with Meg in the back; Dave and Dave; Beth and Dave; Dave and Katie.

What a wonderful night. I mean it! Sunny with a breeze and clear blue sky! Dave started "getting prettied up" around 2 pm. He took a nap while I got ready. Then about 6:30 we went to the Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together concert in downtown Benton Harbor. Our good friends Beth (Harris) and Mike welcomed us. We sat with the other Maki's (Phil and Loni), Katie too, their neighbors and the Kirshenbaums. Saw Van, Jeannie, Jill and Meg Simpson there. Also Mike Gates and Jay Handy. Can't forget Jill Bond! Dave got to spend a few minutes with his friend Tim Fitzgerald who played with Nikki Harris tonight. We did take the wheelchair for Dave, but he did so well. We ended up in the shade for most of the time since the sun was a little hot. We stayed until almost 9...... about 2 hours. Quite an outing for us both. I'm so happy Dave got to enjoy some live music. Niki was amazing. FYI she has a new single/album out.

Good things!

Pictures: Dave hanging out on the front deck; lots of beans and stuff; the peas are blooming; Nurse Stice reporting for duty.

Dave's been going out on the front deck more. He told me today he really likes it. It's good to see him getting around better. He only did one "walk" today, but did it on his own- no reminders. Checked his emails yesterday and said there were 200. He hasn't been on the computer since he went in the hospital. Eating is about the same. A few small bites of egg, then some strawberries tonight. Mom came over about 9 am "ready for duty" with her homemade nurses hat and bag. Before she left, she handed me her reports from the last 2 days. Julie took Dave to the infusion clinic, to get an x-ray, and brought him home. Lab work again today, I'll have to call for the results on Monday. I want to keep an eye on his hemoglobin.

Tomorrow we have the concert to go to and I think Dave will do okay. He has a few friends playing too. It will be nice to get out again. Will post pictures soon.

P,L,G

Rehab starts now!

Dave went to get his fluid infusion with my mom today. After I got home, Dave got up and did his first walk to the back gate and back. He didn't get too short of breath. Our goal is 3x/day (at least twice). It's probably 75 feet??? Anyone good at that stuff? He is tolerating me and the "rehab"program, but most importantly.....he's starting to do it. YEAH!

Mom brought us dinner and we ate together. Dave tried sausage (that didn't go well), potatoes and some fresh strawberries (which he liked and said tasted good). Then he had some applesauce and about 1/2 of a orange push up. He's really trying so hard. I told him I'm so happy and proud. I really do empathize with how difficult it is. Dave is joking more and giving opinions... which is good too. Mom and I moved the new piano (vs. the old piano) close to the bedroom and both Dave and I promised to start playing. I'll get a picture of him in the next few days.

P,L,G

Another Radiation Graduation

Dave's last lung radiation treatment was today. We met with the nurses and MD when he was done. The plan is to check a lung CT scan in 4 to 6 weeks to see the results. We discussed the remaining brain tumors and he felt we should look at what further treatment would give Dave. Having gone though 2 major radiation treatments, he said Dave needs to recover and get back to doing the things he loves first. We will go back in 3 to 4 weeks to see how Dave's doing and when it makes sense to get another brain MRI (I liked that idea). Dave is still dizzy at times and not eating well. He's lost 15 lbs since starting lung radiation. While this is common, they want him to stop losing. I loved what the MD said to that......Dave's rehab job is to eat, even if it's work and he doesn't like it, and to start doing things so he can get his strength back. Of course Dave asked "when will my appetite and taste come back". Unfortunately the answer is- no one knows.

Lee's plan:

Give Dave lots of different foods to try and see if anything tastes good.

Move the new electric piano close to the bedroom so Dave can start playing some again.

Encourage him to walk outside 3 times a day.

He'll continue fluid infusions 3x/week at least until oncologist appointment next week. I'll start my plan tonight and tomorrow.

Peace, Love, Groove

Monday Monday

I hit the door at 10 am, big inservice this afternoon. My employer let some acute care sales staff go this morning, that keeps you on your toes. Julie and Tim shared radiation and infusion "duty" with Dave today. He's still having tummy issues and dizziness, but BP seems okay. I didn't have time to call the oncologist today, sounds like I might need to tomorrow. Well, we will see the radiation oncologist tomorrow and that may answer some of our concerns. Seems like it's 1/2 step forward and 1/4 step back....or something like that. Last radiation tomorrow. YEAH!

Dave's spirits seem good and he's having a chocolate shake for dinner. He hasn't had one in a couple weeks (still watching the diary intake some). Also, he tried Dr Pepper today and really enjoyed that. Time to exfoliate Dave's temples (left over dry skin from the brain radiation). I'm billing it (to Dave) as a spa treatment.

Peace, Love, Groove!

Restful Sunday evening

We had very little rain this weekend, if you're wondering. Tim and Joni came over today and helped me make a new gate for the side yard. Of course, Tim really made it. Joni was his gal Friday. I got a lot done in the yard and house the last couple days. That always feels good. I sat down with my computer at about 8 pm, watched the Tony Awards and looked through pictures from last fall. Apple computers (and maybe others) can identify faces on pictures which can make it easier to sort. I fell way behind and started working on catching up the last couple weeks. Wow- looking at pictures starting from last July is kinda emotional. The journey we ALL have been on.....

Dave still rested a lot yesterday and today. He came outside to watch some of the gate building. Then it was time for another nap. Around 5:30 I went to get pizza and Dave soup from Santaniello's. I was surprised to see Dave waiting out by the back door when I got back. Said he was worried 'cuz I seemed to be gone a long time. Well....I did go get gas, pop and milk too. Glad he had the gumption to get outside for a second time today. Two more days of radiation to his lung.

Too early to tell

Feels like rain....I think it's gonna rain..... can't plan a campfire when it's most likely gonna rain. Maybe we should wait for a better weekend. We have a concert to go to next Saturday, but Friday night and Sunday are free. I'm checking the weather reports right now. Oh, and we're going to the Gene Harris Coming Home Concert with the other Maki's next Saturday.

Dave has to be feeling a little better. He's joking around more and talking more like himself. His blood pressure has been better, although it's still low enough that he doesn't need his BP pill. I think he'll feel more like campfires etc. in the next couple weeks or so. We need to work on stamina. Plus it will be more fun when he has an appetite and starts cooking some again. He's still such a great CW.

Humid but still nice

I got a lot of catch up work done today. This evening I mowed the lawn at 8 pm before the "rain". That was a challenge with the humidity. Watered some things and filled the bird feeders. I'm sitting on the front deck now, there's a gently breeze and it's cooling down which is so nice. Dave didn't want to come out just yet...I'm still working on that one.

Joni took Dave to radiation and infusion this afternoon. He had a lab draw today. WBCs= NORMAL, Platelets= ALMOST NORMAL, Hemoglobin= down to 9. He may need a transfusion. It would help his energy level so much, but they may want to let him increase on his own. I'll probably call the oncologist Monday morning to ask. I didn't see his electrolyte lab results. He is scheduled for 2 more radiation treatments and then a pause for a few weeks before checking a CT scan. He's still coughing up stuff, but it's much clearer. Next week he gets a Chest x-ray before his oncologist appointment which may get us some information. Most importantly, he seems stronger every day. I wish he'd eat more. As our friend Linda Shocklee says..."'cuz he's a foodie." I'm thinking that will get better after radiation is done.

I'll keep everyone posted about possible camp fires this weekend. Would love to have one tomorrow night...weather and Mr Maki will be the deciding factors. TGIF!

Almost the weekend

Pictures: Noah and Nanny-Boy with the "dog"; Dave drinking a peach smoothie x2; Nanny-boy and the dog; Dave and Nanny-boy on the deck.

Last busy work day on the road. Boy, I was way tired when I got home. I found a fountain for the front yard...and the birds. Mom and I put it together when I got home. Okay, I'll come clean. I tripped and fell in the parking lot at Lowe's. Went down on my knee and quickly decide to turn for my hip to hit the ground instead of my hands and maybe face. Before I knew it I was on my back laughing with my legs up in the air. A nice young man was helping me take the new fountain to my car and helped me up. I said "that was fun, should we do it again?".

After checking the garden it was time for a nap with Dave. Dave asked at radiation today about the nausea and trouble eating and they told him it was normal for the radiation he's getting, which made him feel better. Joni made him a peach smoothie with secret ingredients, Tim dropped it by and I talked him into enjoying it on the deck. While the dogs where in the back yard, Nancy-boy was scratching at the front door so I got his collar and let him come out with us. Then Noah, Kris and Kevin came over to visit with the kitty. Tonight Dave had some brownie and yogurt for din-din. Step at a time... better every day.

I can't wait for Friday...it's been a long week. I think my day with my VP went well, still it was a little stressful. I've been out of the door between 7 and 8 am all week. I'm trying to decide about stain for the deck. The weather men are saying chance of rain.... hopeful for clear weather to stain and have a camp fire this weekend. Will keep watching. :)

Busy week...well for me

I have lots of inservices to do for my job this week...and travel. Leaving Dave for long days is hard, but my mom comes over and many friends are helping out. Dave started chest radiation again and had his IV infusion today. He's still not eating much. I keep thinking about ways to improve that..... including some double secret kinda manipulative ways. Today I suggested Dave just take bites of different foods to see if anything tastes good. We'll see how that goes.

Planning to stain the deck this weekend. Maybe finish a couple projects around the yard. Hoping to get Dave out for a fire, even if it's short. Will post if we do and everyone is welcome!

Small victories

Well, Dave had 1 scrabbled egg and applesauce for breakfast. YEAH! Trying to get in 3 healthy shots in today. He tried pasta...still tastes bad, so dinner was yogurt. Cutting down on milk products and I think he's a little better. I'm keeping 2 fingers crossed.

Dave's tummy and male drivers.......both can be bad

Dang! Dave went to get IV fluids this afternoon, my mom took him. He got dizzy twice and then had a couple "tummy aches". When asking him to explain it sounds like he's bloated and has cramping....so I'm wondering if it's all the milk products he's eating and drinking....??? Dinner tonight is peanut butter on celery and a pickle. Thank goodness for Healthy Shots. So that's the tummy part of the title.

For the male driver part (sorry I couldn't resist), I got in a car accident going to pick up prescriptions for Dave this evening. Little me (sorta little) in my RAV 4 slowed down to turn right into the pharmacy and there was a car there on my right side!!!!! It's one lane!!!!! He was not happy, he being the other driver. I held it together, no tears. The policeman said it was his fault, he argued....a lot and changed his story several time. "I was beside her....She was behind me...... I was behind her...." Oh, this was a good one "there's room for 2 cars there". It was his fault. My front right bumper is messed up, the left side of his car is messed up. I'm happy no one was hurt. Did I say he was wrong?

Dave has no appointments tomorrow. I did try to talk him into an assignment....eat food and drink. It's a battle that I won't surrender to, honest.

Getting out.... a little bit

Pictures: Chuck and Dave- desert, Sue and Lindsey keep the food coming; Mark, Chuck, Dave and Cookie; Wayne and Claudia.

We went to Lucus Mierau's high school graduation party today. Dave wanted to go and we stayed a little more than an hour. It was nice to see him smile and walk some. He ate 1/2 meatball and a brownie!! We've known Lucus and his older brother since they were born. Hard to believe the baby of their family is grown. Mom came with us to the celebration and then helped me trim the front bushes in between the rain when we got home. Dave's been up a couple more times and even went out on the front deck to visit with Phil and Loni. I really think things are looking up. There are more camp fires in our future and I'll let everyone know when to come!!!!

Weekend- really?

Dave went to get his 3x/week infusion yesterday, then napped. His hemoglobin is 9.7 (it was 9.4 on Monday). We hope that means it's starting to increase because that should help his energy. His voice is stronger and more normal now.

Tim and Joni came over and did some finishing touches on the deck in the afternoon. It's ready to stain....as soon as it's okay to stain. I'm still working on that detail. Dave didn't want to go out to dinner with us, he wanted to stay home and rest, so I went and left him alone. I'm starting to leave him alone for short periods again without feeling too worried. Hoping he'll start doing a little more this week. It takes so long to recover from being in the hospital like that. I remember the oncologist telling us back in December that it takes about twice as long as the chemo time to start feeling like "yourself" again. That would have been a year or so, but than he went through radiation and more chemo. He's such a great CW!

A Better Appointment

Dave doesn't have to see the oncologist for 3 weeks. He thinks things are looking up and Dave will continue to improve....and rest. We'll get a Chest x-ray before the next appointment to see how the left lung is doing. He feels Dave should move to another IV chemo that is tolerated better. Once again, no more Taxol or Carboplatin. Dave is willing to talk about it in 3 weeks. He walked part of the way up to the office today, but rested most of the day away. Thank goodness for Healthy Shots, he only lost 2 lbs this week. I'm working very hard to turn that around. I have an idea......

Already Hump Day

Dave gets a rest from radiation! He saw the radiation oncologist today and he's free until next Wednesday. I don't remember the total number of treatments he can have....but when he's done they'll wait 4 weeks and then check a CT scan. That's similar to the brain tumor treatment check.

So tomorrow all Dave has is an appointement with the regular oncologist at 11. He seems to be doing a little better everyday with the fluid replacement so far. We'll see how long that should continue. He ate some cereal tonight, just still gets "full" pretty quickly. I guess we were tired, fell asleep at about 8 pm. Let's see if we can get back to sleep again. :)