Saturday, Update

Hello, not much to report here, but had to share this awesome pic of the grands and the grandkids. Dad's holding up, a bit more energy this week, but a bit more pain too.
Toodles, Marianne

Merry Christmas everyone

Hello.

I hope everyone has a great day today. We're just getting ready to head down to mom and dad's. We had a nice early xmas with Di, Ran, Ben, virtual Dave, Trisha's family (Jenna and Tyler, Fred, Trish's mom, and Joe), Danny, my hubby and boys, and Sophia.

Dad was having some pain yesterday, and we had his meds upped a bit, and he seems to be doing better today. Check out the slide show on the main page and you can see pictures of our xmas.

Ta Ta for now, Marianne

Good Sunday :-)

Hi everyone--my son Kenny says Happy Holidays with the Grands small rosemary Xmas tree.

Dad had a pretty good day. He enjoyed watching the game with my hubby, my Ben, and Ran (he has a Ben too you know)--and is resting now.

Nothing else to report right now.

Toodles, Marianne

Hi All,
Dad successfully had his blood and saline transfusion today. I went with Mom and Dad to help them get into the outpatient treatment center at Zion. Mom and Dad were there for around 5 hours. We left the house around 7:45, and were back home by 1:30pm.

Dad felt a little better near the end, he made a few jokes, but he's pretty wiped out from all the activity of the day. Dad is having a few friends over tomorrow to watch football. Victor, Steve, Ran--come on by if you want--just give a call first.


Ta ta for now. Marianne

Update

Hey Everyone,

It's been a pretty rough week. Dad is very weak. The hospice team and Dad's oncologist think that he's lost a lot of blood (partially b/c his liver is probably not functioning, and partially because he lost a lot of blood when his blood got too thin), he's had nose bleeds and loss from hemorrhoids.

Tomorrow morning we are heading over to the hospital for a transfusion. Everyone thinks that it could really perk Dad back up.

Dad is still completely lucid, which is wonderful, but he sleeps most of the day, and gets very dizzy and unstable on his feet.

Mom is hanging in, she finally got out of the house with Goldie tonight. She seemed to really enjoy herself. Goldie, Jan, and Trisha all check in on Mom daily, they make us food, run errands for mom, do some shopping--it's priceless to have friends like these. She and I couldn't do this without them. Victor and Ran (Dad's good friends) also stop in to offer a hand and to visit quite often. I know that Dad (and Mom) really like it when they do.

Dad was up in his chair for an hour or so early this evening and he had a wonderful heart-to-heart with my 12 year old Ben. Ben loves his Grampa so much, as does Kenny, but Ben has a harder time talking things through.

That's enough for now.

Love, Marianne

A note from Julie

I just haven't felt like there's been a ton of news (as to my nagging guilt about not posting lately). I sure appreciate all the emails, calls, notes, food, etc. everyone's been sending. I'll let Mom take the floor with her note below. Love, M "Well it seems I haven't written in ages, but I have a bit of time to do so now. I just got on the computer and saw all your messages. So good to hear from everyone. Since Dan's B.D. celebration on the 10th...he has not been well....Sat. he came down with chills and fever. (which could be the chemo he had on Friday) and has been down in bed ever since (which could also be chemo, cancer, good ole sickness, etc). He isn't in pain, we switched to some new pain meds and they are helping Dan. We have had hospice come every day to check in on Dan and they have been very helpful and reassuring. My nephew's visit from Bremerton, WA. was great and a great B.D. surprise for Dan. All the food you all brought for Dan's B.D. was just great, and he loved the cards as well. For those who could make it, thanks for being here. Also thanks again to all our family and friends for being so supportive--I haven't had to cook in days!!!! I am not leaving Dan alone at this time, he is very weak and in bed, not sure if he will make his chemo on Friday. But you all know Dan, he does rally back at times....we will see . We ARE at a different level with his illness (pancreatic cancer). We have been able to get some paper work done and that has been good to get out of the way. Dave Sweet and Bill Smith--if you read this, send my daughter Marianne an email at ma.mcginnis@gmail.com. We have favors to ask both of you and are having trouble finding your emails. Dan is lucid, but needs to rest a lot. We are not sending out holiday letters or cards this year...but do send mental wishes to you all for the best holidays and the new year to come. Take care , Julie"

Thank You

Thanks so much to everyone who helped out with refreshments at the party.











Here's Mom and Deborah with babies

Happy 67th!

Hey Dad, Happy Birthday.

I'm up at my usual 5:30am, going over the events of last night. I think it's safe to say that your party was a success. Just one wine spill (sorry Mom, wasn't me) and lots of laughter and good times.

Nothing could have made me happier than to look over and see you and Mom laughing and talking with your generous supply of family and friends.

"They" say (whoever They are) that you can judge a man by the company he keeps. If that's true, then you are one loving, intelligent, funny, kind, and sensitive guy. I love you so much.

M.A.

P.S. Please send me your pics whoever took them, and I'll post them here. ma.mcginnis@gmail.com.

Monday night

Here are Gramps and Kenny putting together a fishing pole. Dad has had a great day. We've had a hard time keeping him settled. He cleaned off his work bench in the garage and got his tools in order.

And you see Ben, as promised, posing with his football, and finally Sophia and Grams. Grams said, "not fair, I look terrible," to which, Sophia and I responded, "paybacks are a b..."

And actually, she looks great in general, and for someone who has been sick for the last two days.

Dad also has an acupuncture appointment for Dad this Wednesday at 2pm that we are all excited about.

toodles.

;-)

Monday

Dad is doing pretty well today, and he had a nice Sunday as well. He spent a lot of time visiting and watching football with Ran. Marsha and Ernesto stopped by, as did Judith (with yummy coffee), Jan, Goldie, grandson Ben, and his friend David. Cheryl also brought us casserole for dinner--always so nice to not have to worry about cooking.

Mom unfortunately got hit with this stomach bug that had her in bed all day. She's better today, still shaky and sleeping lots, but keeping down food.

Other than some shakiness being caused by one of Dads meds he seems pretty up. I'll be heading back down there with the boys shortly. Dad's been on his email some today--so he's getting back to that too.

That's all for now. toodles

Tday pic

Here's a pic from T-Day at Nancy and Dave's (thanks Pam)

Gramps at Ben's Football Game

Okay, I know this isn't a picture of Ben playing football, but I don't have one--I'll try to get one on here later today, but I did want to start this post with Ben because Dad had so much fun watching his playoff games yesterday. Anyhow, this is how Ben eats before a game, after a game--pretty much 24/7 ;-).

Ben won both his games (YAY), and Dad, who had planned on just watching one, stayed for both. It was a beautiful sunny day here in Sandy Eggo, and we were sitting in a lovely park--so all of it was great.

Mom got to sneak off to the store, and I got to sneak off for a hike on my much missed mountain. My husband was able to have a well deserved night off from being a single Dad and went out with friends to hear some music last night, while I hung out at home with the kids--and Linda came over for a visit.

I know that all days won't be this wonderful, but we are sure trying to savor the ones that we do get.

I'm looking into acupuncture for Dad--we've decided to skip all the insurance mumbo jumbo and just pay out of pocket for someone local.

I'm off for another quick run up the mountain--and then over to spend the afternoon with Mom and Dad.

I haven't spoken to Mom and Dad yet this morning--fingers crossed that they had a good night's sleep.

Toodles, Mar

Happy Saturday

Good Morning. Dad had a fantastic night's sleep, and is in great mood this morning. He's even going to try to go see Ben's last flag football game at 11:30am. Dad started a new pain medication last night, Lyrica. He just takes it at bedtime and that seemed to make all the difference. Except for a 2:30am trip to the restroom, he slept from 9:30pm to 7:35am this morning.

YAHOO. We'll take it.

Friday Eve

So, the 3D's headed back home today. We had such a great visit. The Baby Fix was a definite uplift for all of us.

Dad had his first chemo today at 2:30--it went well. Dad was in good spirits after, and had a great appetite for dinner. Now we're focused on having a relaxing weekend. Dad's pain seems more under control at the moment, and the doctor has recommended yet another pain medication to add to Dad's night time regimen--we'll see how it goes.

That's really all there is to report as of now, I'll be back online when there is more news.

Take care, M

mom and Baby

Friday Morn

Good Morning.

On Wednesday afternoon we had a visit with Dad's hospice doctor, nurse and social worker. The doctor spent a lot of time going over Dad's meds and updating them to be more effective.

The changes: The doctor increased the base rate that is delivered through his subcutaneous pain pump, and also doubled the amount that Dad can give himself if he is feeling breakthrough pain on top of that. The doctor also changed the type of sleep medication.

At first, this all seemed to work, but by yesterday morning, Dad's pain was back up. It seems to get out of control whenever Dad has to do something active. Yesterday it was a shower with the home health aid that seemed to set him off. After that, he spent most of the afternoon in bed.

Dad did get up last night to watch the football game with Danny, Ran (who made us his yummy chicken), and the grandsons. He was happy to see the Chargers beat the Raiders, and was able to stay up after that and play with baby D a bit. The 3D's have been here since Wednesday afternoon--it's a total treat for Mom--and me, and Dad when he is up. What an absolutely gorgeous guy Baby D is--I'm trying to get some pics up shortly. So keep an eye out.

Dad was up every hour last night--and still doesn't seem to be able to get comfortable enough to rest for long periods of time.

This afternoon at 2:30, Dad will go for his first Chemo treatment. I'll be staying over tonight with one of my boys.

Thanks Jan--we loved your potatoes and chicken--not a drop left of anything. And thanks Goldie for being our grocery shopper.

I'll try to get a slideshow of the baby going now.

Love, Marianne

Bring on the love and good energy

Dad got up about an hour ago and we had a wonderful talk about all sorts of things (just between me and my Pops ;-) ), but one thing he told me that he is really enjoying is when the house is full of people. Not just people talking to him, just friends and family who are all visiting with each other, playing music, watching football, chatting, playing cards, etc.

So...please continue to feel free to come by. Dad says not to worry about overwhelming him, he'll sleep when he wants to sleep. Dad also especially enjoys his guy friends who make him laugh and joke around with him.

Toodles. M

Wednesday Morning Update, 12/3/08

Good Morning. Dad has now had his hospital bed for two nights and it seems to be working fairly well. He also received his walker and wheelchair, but hasn't needed to use them yet.

It seems like Dad's pain is being managed a little more effectively--mostly with the subcutaneous pump that delivers dilauded, and an occasional oral dilauded. Every day (sometimes every hour) differs, but Dad has good times during the day and evening when he can and wants to visit. Overall, he seems in pretty good cheer, and he is still hopeful that he's going to fight his cancer and have a longer survival rate.

Dad is mostly lucid, but the medication and/or the cancer does seem to make thinking clearly more of a challenge for him, and he does have some periods of restlessness. We've had so many visitors--thanks to everyone who's brought food, run errands, and just been available--it's been a great help to Dad, Mom, and me.

Nights are definitely interupted as Dad tries to get comfortable and to make it to and from the bathroom--the level that Dad needs to be at to control his pain (and an additional sleeping med at night) leaves him unsteady especially when he is tired, so Mom is up several times during the night to help. I'm staying here, but she didn't call on me at all last night--I try to take over during the day so she can rest.

Last night, Dad hung out with my two boys and Steve Seaborg (he and my boys really enjoyed the visit).

Today will be busy--both Mom and Dad are still sleeping while I write this--around 11am the UU minister will come by for a visit, then the 3D's--Danny, Deborah, and Baby D will arrive for a two night stay (YAY--baby-fix!), and we have a visit with the hospice nurse Pat, and the hospice doctor.

I'm sure I'm forgetting various things, but that's all I can remember right now. I'll try to get an update out tomorrow. Dad still has his appt. for chemo on Friday, and we plan on taking him.

Feel free to drop by--just please understand that Dad or Mom may be resting--but all are welcome.

Thanks again to all the family friends--Goldie, Jan, Trish, my super-fantabulous husband, my ultra-wonderful Sophia, Ed, Steve, Bruce etc. etc. who have been so supportive.

Love, Marianne

Hospice Nurse Visit

Dad's hospice nurse came at 11:30 today. Dad seems to have his pain meds working pretty well now, and he's been able to sleep quite a bit. He does seem to be a little confused, but he's not upset by it, and even seems to be able to chuckle about it a little.

We'll be getting a hospital bed, walker and wheel chair delivered this afternoon. Jan, Trisha, Goldie, Ran, Marsha, Sandy, Nancy, Phyillis, Bruce, my hubby, my wonderful step-daughter Sophia--and many more have all checked in and offered to help in various ways. Stacy, Pat, Molly and Sarah all stopped by last night. We appreciate it all so much. Mom is sleeping now, she gets the brunt of the night time wakings and discomforts that Dad experiences, so I'm able to take over during the day and watch over all for a bit, and am hoping that she can rest up.

Wouldn't it be nice if time could just stand still for a bit? I'm so thankful to be able to be here with my folks. I was out watering Dad's plants a while ago and was thinking about how all us kids used to play in the tree that was in the back backyard (as we call it), remembering my pet pigeons, our chickens, the gardens, our cats, Katie and I having Christmas in the middle of the summer. This backyard is filled with life that my dad has created--It reminds me that I'm filled with life that my dad created also--nature, music, family and friends.

Waxing a little nostolo-melancholy-istic. ;-)

Mar

more pics of grampa and baby D

getting a hospital bed

Dad has had a couple of falls. One last night and one just now. He's okay--other than a couple of bruises, but we're concerned enough that we are going to go ahead and get a hospital bed moved in as soon as possible, a walker, and we've made Dad promise that he'll call us before trying to get out of bed--he needs to be supervised 100% of the time.

Monday 12/1/08

I'm not 100% clued into blogs so we'll see how this works. I'm going to try to post updates about how Dad is doing here--and that way everyone can just click on whenever they want to know what is happening. I keep missing some emails--and I'm thinking that this might be the better way to go. We'll see.

Yesterday, Sunday, was filled with visits from friends. It really made Mom and Dad's day. Dad was having a good day with his pain pretty under control. He was able to visit for quite a while and really seemed to enjoy it.

Please feel free to continue to visit. I'm now staying nights with Mom and Dad--and my super fabulous husband is holding down the fort with the kids at night.

Nights are a bit rough--Dad's medication leaves him a bit confused, and he is up and down a lot.

We are just trying to take each day as it comes. Dad is still adamant that he wants to give the chemo a go on 12/5. His oncologist says that there is only a 5 to 10% chance that it will help--and the help is more with pain control not with extended survival. She (the doctor) says that she feels his time will be on the short side--but no one knows for sure. She said weeks to months.

It's all so surreal, especially with Dad being so very alive right now.

Please continue to feel free to come by anytime. We don't know who will be up--but you are welcome to hang out, watch TV, etc. etc. --whatever you have time for.

Much love, Marianne.