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. :)