Two Monday Gifts

After such a long wait, the physical therapist finally arrived today to work with Susan. Her name is Velma, and according to Susan and Doug she is very nice and well acquainted with the needs of cancer patients and those with lymphedema. Velma will be here 2 to 3 times a week for a little bit of time for each visit. She gave Susan a list of exercises, how many repetitions to do, and helpful advice to make Susan stronger and to work wonders on her "tick hand."

One of the many suggestions that Velma provided was an accessory that we can buy for Susan so she can step in and out of the shower carefree. Susan was excited about that idea.

Susan said that she didn't nap as much today, and she said is determined not to. She moved around a lot, and she and Kay cleaned out the refrigerator together to make room for more grub. She made herself snacks and spent some time scooping watermelon into little balls and putting them in a container for future snacking.

For dinner she ate Chinese food - steamed chicken with vegetables, fried jumbo shrimp, and crab puffs. She got her protein and carbs for the evening. Her appetite is as healthy as before.

The second surprise that arrived today was from Susan's long-time friend Reed Herman. He wrote very kind sentiments in a card and got her two little gifts. They were the "Grow a Pirate" toy with peg-legged pirate with a hook hand. The other was a "Grow Your Own Pirate Treasure." You put the two of them in a glass of water and they grow 600% their original size. They were very thoughtful gifts, and Susan was very touched. Thanks, Reed! You know her very well.

Here we see Susan with the card from Reed Herman and the two Pirate gifts.

Susan's looking sunnier and determined to be more independent. I see that happening. It's a slow process, but it's an unwavering one. She's well on her way.

Ray

Ten Days Flew by Too Fast

Saturday

Saturday afternoon, Kaylee, Kari, Ashlee, and I went to Star Furniture. I decided to use my bonus check to buy a new couch, with Susan’s comfort in mind. At first I thought maybe a new recliner, since my other one, the “coma chair” was beyond resuscitation . But then I thought a recliner couch would be even better, especially for Susan. Why should one person enjoy complete lethargy when two in a coma is better than one?

The sales lady was nice, but a little pushy. She really wanted us to buy a more expensive leather one which wasn’t as tranquilizing as the second one we saw. The tan couch with double recliner ends was what I decided with the sage-like advice from Kaylee, Kari, and Ashlee guiding me to the correct decision.

It is perfect for Susan: comfortable with pillow arm rests. The leg rests lift with a touch of a button. It should be arriving on Wednesday. I’ll be taking the day off to wait for its arrival, while Susan visits two doctors that day. Doctor Shree and Doctor Nguyen. We’re hoping that the following week, Susan will be ready for her third chemo. So keep the prayers coming for Susan to have a good and healthy blood count to receive the next treatment.

Here's the couch. I can almost feel myself disappearing into the cushions.

Kari and me with leg rests kicked up. Yep, you're going to have to peel Susan and me off this thing with butter-coated spatulas.

That evening, Mike had a very considerate and thoughtful idea. He was telling us about the Apple T.V., which I never heard of. I’m still a little vague about what it does and its full potential, but in essence, it’s a device that works with our internet, and with it we can download movies, music, play our IPods, display our photographs, etc., etc. on our television. It sounded very cool. So that evening he bought it for Susan. Awesome! We were anticipating it to work last night, but our television is old technology; therefore we need a new TV. But no worries; we have a tax refund coming up in a couple of weeks; we’ll buy a new one and get the Apple T.V. to work. Thanks, Mike; it’s going to be great fun for all once we have it up and running on a proper medium - a medium that's flat, wide, and plasma in nature.

Sunday

Sadly, after a ten day visit, the Walstads returned to Minnesota. We had a lot of fun with them, and they lifted Susan’s spirits like no other. Kaylee constantly ministered to Susan, while the rest of the family did their own thing to make each day they were here therapeutic and fulfilling. Even folks like Doug, Kay, Kari, and me felt an uplift with the Walstads here. An old saying goes that “you encounter more angels on a winding path than from a straight one”; and I’m inclined to believe that after these ten days passed - a little too quickly if you ask me.

The ministering angels surrounding Susan. We'll be all glad when they come back again


A quick Update:


During the Walstad visit I was amazed to see Susan progress so well. She’s moved around more than she has before. When the Walstads first came down, there were moments when Susan needed to rest more; but later on during the course of ten days, she was able to keep up more with the visits and stay awake much of the time ( the chemo and the antibiotics still make her a little tired, but that’s chump change compared to the other times when she’s awake and carrying on with the rest of the family).

This afternoon we find Susan walking into the kitchen and getting her own snacks and iced drinks. It’s an amazing accomplishment for her - for all of us for that matter.

She’s even able to stand up longer than before, which is a huge feat.

We always find her saying: “every day I’m getting stronger and stronger.” And those aren’t just words. Everyday there’s evidence of that happening. We couldn't be prouder of her

Susan cleaning her own mug...and then....

...Here she is getting her own ice for her clean mug. See what I mean about having reason to be proud?

Keep up your prayers! We can see how well they work.

Ray

Date Night For Sue!

YEAH!! A family-free date night for Sue & Ray!! Look how happy & good Sue looks!! Ray's not too bad himself!! He is "almost" smiling!

Sat. am, Sue sitting at her table with Mike, Alex & Grandma!!

Happy Sue, she wanted a Starbucks iced honey latte (ashlee's fave) and Mike & Alex got it for her on Fri evening!!

Sue was doing great Friday! Her side effects at a bare minimum and she never felt sick or "hot flushy"! SO thank the Good Lord for the blood transfusions! They really helped her!

Her appetite has been good for certain things, now it is "orangatan food, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, cherry tomatoes and ice berg lettuce!! But it is so good for her!! We told her to eat what tastes good and what her body wants, and she has been eating VERY healthy organic food ( minus the nacho cheese doritos!!)

Friday, Ray had some good news, he had received a bonus at work, that was a surprise! We were all so happy and proud of him!! SO we decided as a family, to leave Sue and Ray to celebrate and have a night for themselves! So we all went out to dinner, and Ray picked up Sue's fave Chinese and brought it home for a "mini-date night"!! SHe was THRILLED!!

SUe has been gaining strength and able to get up off the couch by herself sometimes and she can walk around pretty good now, she uses her walker "just in case". SO we are

hopeful, with the start of physical therapy and help for her right side, she may be able to be independent soon. She really really is tired of having to always ask for help, even though none of us mind!!

Saturday (today) we arrived to find Sue sitting at the table, (see pic) which is new, shw always got too tired to do that so she is really doing well! Ashlee, Mike and ALex went and got us all shipley's donuts and kolaches and she sat and ate her orangatan food and kolache and a donut!! We are all so proud of her, and praying she keeps regaining her strength so she can do more things for herself!

Thanks for visiting! We leave tomorrow after our 10 fun days, the time has gone fast and we are all sad to leave! Especially when we heard there might be 5" snow arriving just in time for us to come home....!! Take care and please keep praying for Sue and leaving your beautiful comments, they really do make a BIG difference to Susan!!

XOXO Kaylee

Mo' White Cells and bring on the BLOOD!!

Grandpa Doug was a little tired after all his late night wake up calls and early mornings...

Sue was treated to a "milkshake" hospital style - milk, shaken!!!
Kaylee, Sue & Mom ( Kay) with Sue while she is receiving her blood transfusions
Happy Sue, in the wheel chair she gets to borrow from the church my mom works at and attends, my dad had fixed it up with a right arm rest (for her lymphedema arm) and left leg rest!

Greetings to Y'All!!

The day was absolutely MN summer perfect, except this is Houston spring...and we heard the day we return we are supposed to get 5" of snow in balmy beautiful MN!! :( Oh well...a girl can dream!

Sue did A M A Z I N G today!! Her entourage, consisting of my mom, dad and I, again accompanied her to get her white blood cell booster shot at Dr Nyguyen's office, my mother watched as she will now be administering the shot going forward to skip the Dr visit! Then on to the hospital for Sue's two red blood cell transfusions which took 5 hours to receive. The nurse was wonderful and Sue rested and relaxed and actually, as hoped and prayed for, missed the whole "hot flushes" part of Day 2 of chemo!!! WOOO-HOOO!! She also was hungry and ate well all day! We were so thankful. She did not feel well this am, but dragged herself to the appt's and then was alot better with a beautiful pink flush to her cheeks when all was said and done and hungry! We were all happy! Thanks so much for your prayers! They are working! We are all so thankful for her great attitude and her resolve to kick the cancer in the bootie!! Have a great night and please keep praying. We prayed today for all of you and for the the Lord to bless all the blood donors who donated their blood to help others as it has helped Sue so much!! Take care and thanks again!

XOXO Kaylee

Sue's Chemo Today

Ashlee, Sue, Mom and Dad at the Medical Center after Sue's chemo!! Ray had gone to work!

Dad, Sue's oncologist, Dr Nyguyen, and Sue getting her chemo!
Sue resting in her recliner while getting her pre-chemo meds
Sue's "entourage" Ray, Ashlee, Mom and Dad (Kaylee is the photographer!!)
Sue & Ray on the way to get chemo

Happy Wednesday and thanks for all your comments checking to see how everything went!

Sue's chemo went super, and super fast! With her permanent chemo port, they were able to do blood draws and push the chemo through so it took about 2 hrs total at the oncologist's office!

It was really a neat set up, they have nice cushy leather recliners and then they get the chemo as they relax. My mom, dad, Ray and Ashlee & I all went so were joking about Sue always having an "entourage"! I asked her if she wanted to wear my BIG sunglasses and act like a celeb!! 

This laptop won't let me download pics, but I have them and will download when I have access to a different computer! I just wanted to let everyone know, so far so good.

Details:

Her white blood cell count was up, her platelets were up, her spirits were high, her red blood cells down...so tomorrow she has to have a shot to boost her white cells after chemo, as the chemo brings the house down so to speak, and she will have a blood transfusion at the hospital. So after chemo today, we got her a few cool home health supplies which made doing a few things alot easier for her, and then headed to the hospital for a pre-check in and lab work so her blood will be all ready tomorrow and we can "express" in. Tomorrow is really the toughest day for her as she gets hot "flushes" and feels really tired. I was pretty excited that she is getting blood tomorrow as that really boosts her energy level and makes her feel better. She has had low blood counts since she has been home and it makes you feel tired when you expend any energy. So hopefully that may offset a few side effects! We'll see!

Sue is pretty much my new hero, someone to look up to, someone who is making the very best of a very bad situation and looking to the positive constantly. She is always worried about someone else. She has been getting up off the couch, yesterday by herself, walking to the door and walking back. She is gaining strength daily and perservering in the face of this dreadful disease. She is really amazing and using the power of positive thinking and an "I can do it" attitude and accomplishing more and more everyday!

We are awaiting the arrival of some new headscarves and wigs, which I cannot wait to try on her!! My mom and dad continue their daily "ministrations" and help her amazingly. I told her today, can you believe all the people praying and caring and supporting YOU?? She feels very very blessed by all of you! Thanks to everyone, we read your comments to her daily and they really help to keep her spirits lifted up! Ray has been a saint to allow all the Frangos' and Walstad's to invade his daily life and turn it upside down!! He has had a great loving attitude, for which I know helps Sue to keep hers!! My mom and dad have been more positive and more amazing than I have ever seen them. My mom went to her church to work at 4pm and took Ashlee with her to help out!! She loves introducing Ashlee to her friends! Ashlee said Grandma knows EVERYONE!!

Everyone has pulled together and it is a true blesing to all involved!

Look for pics in a few hours!!! Thanks again!

XOXO Kaylee

A Big Thanks from Susan!

I just wanted to thank everybody for their prayers, love, comments, words of wisdom, humor, etc..!! I want you all to know how much it means to me that you are all thinking & Praying loving and caring and there for me! I feel lifted, and comforted everyday by your outpouring of love!

I have my 2nd chemo tomorrow and I appreciate everybodies prayers for a positive second treatment! I will post more in the coming days. 

Love to you all,

Susan

Martinez Visit & A Venture Outdoors!

On this beautiful day in Houston, Sue decided to get outside!! She walked around in the sun and the fresh air and sun on her face felt GREAT! Dad and Sue outside
YEAH!! You made it!

Sue with Ray's parents, Raymond & Janie!

Raymond & Janie came to visit Sue this am, bearing gifts!! Beautiful head scarves and fab barbeque from the Easter dinner we all sadly missed! We all had a great visit this am and Sue has been up and about all day! Her spirits are great and she was feeling some energy! We had a nice day visiting and cleaning! My mom had to work this afternoon so Ashlee went with my mom to her work at the church in the daycare and had a ball! Mike & Al golfed in the gorgeous weather!! RAy came home to find an excited wife who had felt the sun! Tomoorow is Sue's DR appt with her kidney specialist who is watching her sodium levels carefully and then Wed at 9am is her 2nd chemo!! Please keep SUe in your prayers for continued energy and blood levels that are closer to the normal range!! Have a great night!

Easter Blessings From All Of Us to YOU!

HAPPY HAPPY EASTER BLESSINGS

FROM ALL OF US IN TEXAS!

Auntie Susie got a cool Easter basket from her niece Ashlee & nephew Alex
Happy Easter from Sue & Ray!!

LOOK WHO'S STANDING UP TO SAY~
HAPPY EASTER BLESSINGS ARE ON THEIR WAY!
Thanks for visiting Sue's blog and for your care, love & prayers! We are praying for YOU today!

XOXOXOXO
Sue, Ray, Doug, Kay, Kari, Kaylee, Mike, Ashlee & Alex!!

All Fresh on Saturday!!

Oh NOOOOOO...Kaylee, Ashlee & Koo-Koo discover Shipley's kolache's....they are irresistable fluffy donut dough that melts in your mouth with sausage and cheese inside! I imagine they are not lo-cal and definitely NOT lo-carb!!

Ray, a Type 2 diabetic enjoying his first Shipley plain donut in 2yrs! So, that's what it takes to get Ray to smile....

Sue with her fab supporters and her cool turban and scarf this am!

My mom doing her "daily ministrations" to Sue! Here she is washing her feet and then applying lotion!

Ashlee & her Auntie Koo-Koo outside at Sue & Ray's heading for Shipley donuts...our new fave!

This am has started out great! Sue is in great spirits and loves her bald head! She said it feels good! I like doing her turbans and scarves! I even got her faux eyebrows and faux eyelashes, but that's for later!! Mike & Alex are on Day 2 of golfing at Redstone GC and loving this amazing weather! The national news showed Mpls snowstorm and we all laughed as we are here in shorts and tees!! Ash and I and Kari are going to do a little shopping today and get out and about for awhile! It is really really nice to be here ! We are deciding what to do tomorrow for Easter...we have alot of people and not alot of space to make a feast! We'll keep you updated! Have a great day and thanks for checking the blog!!

An Update On Sue!!

Swami Susan says that her outlook looks really good.

After having her head shared, Susan tried on purple three-tiered turban with artificial hair. She looked awesome.

Susan with her hair completely shaven off. This might be a new look for her after remission. Ray is completely envious; he wants his head shaved, too.

Carol arrives to shave Susan's head. They both look like they're enjoying themselves a little too much.

Before the head-shaving episode, Susan decided, just for kicks, to sport a mohawk. Here she poses with her sister Kari and her niece Ashlee.

Here's a side view of Susan's mohawk. Ray really wants her to have a mohawk after her remission.

Susan and Carol clowing around after she receives her mohawk. What a pair.

The shaving of the head begins.

Susan shows where the port was installed. Even her neck, with all the bruising, is healing really well. This demonstrates that her growing platelets are doing their job.

Susan and Ray posing standing together. Why won't Ray ever smile for the camera?

Greeetings and Apologies for the lack of information for the last few days!! We have been VERY busy here in Houston!

It is absolutely gorgeous here and none of us Minnesotans want to think about heading back any time soon, as the magnolias are blooming, the trees and grass are green and the flowers are in bloom! High 70's and not a snowflake in sight!!! AHHHHHHH! Heaven!

Mike & I and the kids arrived late Wed night, and went over to visit with everyone bright and early THursday am. Sue has really gained strength from the last time I saw her, she can get up with help, sit up and visit and her coloring has improved! We had a nice day and some great seafood for dinner!

Today, Sue had her blood tests and then possible chemo, but her levels were still sub par but had come up, so the chemo appt was set for this upcoming Wed at 9am.

We also found out that the oncologist believes that the cancer may have invaded her bone marrow which is causing her anemia, basically her blood levels to remain subpar.

Cancer is an evil demon, and it is very tiring and heartbreaking. However, Ray took the am off to go with my dad, Ashlee, Sue and I to the Dr and we had some lovely conversations with people in the waiting room, that made us thankful for what Sue has because she has hope, where so many people do not.

Sue's hair stylist came over this evening for another Antonio's Flying Pizza party and she shaved her hair off! When I got here Sue's hair was starting to come out and it was leaving some very thin spots, so Sue decided she wanted to be pro-active and not wait for the inevitable and have her head shaved! Carols her stylist brought her husband and came over and took her hair off in stages. First a mohawk, and we all got a kick out of it! Pictures to follow! I had brought head scarves and eyebrows and eyelashes with me, so she helped us learn to tie them and made it "fun".

Everyone is rallying around Sue and it is pretty amazing! Frankly, I cannot believe her attitude, she is so positive and upbeat in the face of losing her hair and some not so great news. She really wanted to get the chemo treatment as that's what goign to ultimately make her feel better.

My mom and dad have been attending to her every need and even needs she didn't know she had!!! So, thankfully she is drawing alot of strength from alot of people. So thanks and keep praying for Sue, for the cancer to be stopped in it tracks, for strength, for her blood levels and for her great attitude! Thanks for keeping up and Ray and I will keep up daily!!! Thanks for caring and for reading this and for praying!!

XOXOXO

Kaylee

Better Late Than Never

SUNDAY

Sunday morning, Susan got the rare opportunity for another free massage from me. I'm going to have to start charging for my services. This is becoming a habit and I'm no richer.

Susan was sitting on the couch and she was practicing lifting herself up from the couch. Nobody really believed she intended to get up; I don't think she was even thinking about getting up. BUT SHE DID! On her own, with no help from anybody. Cheers went up. Victory! One of many to come.

To demonstrate it wasn't a fluke, Susan attempted to do it again ten minutes later. This time I was by her side, just in case her legs gave out from the first success. I touched her arm, but I didn't support her and I didn't lift her. Again, she did it on her own. There must be magic in my massages.

Later in the day she tried to do likewise from the chaisse lounge. It didn't go as she planned, but she was able to do it with a little assistance. Soon, maybe in a day or two, she'll be able to do it by herself.

MONDAY

On Sunday afternoon, Kay discovered a small irritation on Susan. Kay made an appointment with Dr. Nguyen's office to have Susan looked at on Monday afternoon. It turned out to be a minor tear in the skin. A little topical cream was needed. It wasn't serious.

While there, Susan had her blood platelets looked at to see how it had progressed since last Friday. They were still low. But her white blood cells was progressing really well. Last Friday, they were at .01. Today they were at .91. The ideal level for her next chemo would have to be 1 or 1.5. She's real close. Although her red blood cells and platelets were low, Dr. Nguyen believed that once the white cells rise, the hemoglobin and platelets will catch up. But he has doubts whether her blood count will be ready by Friday for the next chemo. He was hoping to shoot for Good Friday, but he said that even if her chemo took place the following Friday, she was still doing well - most chemo treatments are performed every three weeks.

He prescibed a shot to help boost her white blood cells. He even wrote up a prescription for two medicines to help her with the nauseousness she started experiencing Sunday.

Aside from all of that, she's doing well and the doctor seemed real pleased with Susan's growing strength, spirit and positive attitude.

A little repose with Luna until she is ready to go back to battle the next day.

Ray

Saturday at Spa Martinez

The morning began with sleeping in (at least for me that was the case). Susan woke a little after seven to tackle the day. The bruising from around her neck is healing quite well; an indication that we believe is the gradual increase of her platelets. A good sign in preparation for next Friday's chemo.


That afternoon, Susan received a hand massage with the finest lotion meticulously plucked from Walgreens inventory, a shampooing from her mother, and a rare back massage from her husband.


I'm putting up quite the sweat for the love of my life. Susan seems well pleased, not to mention refreshed from my labors.

The day ends with the finest cuisine of frijoles barrachos (my recipe) and Mexican rice. Kari and Kay bought chicken fajitas from Escalantes. It was quite the feast. Now Susan is ready to call it in with a movie (Hairspray) and a small cup of ginger and peach tea. What a life.

3 Day Breast Cancer Walk

Good Morning!

A few of Sue's friends are organizing a team to do the 3 day breast cancer walk in honor of Sue. They are looking for more walkers and more sponsors! My sister Kari and I and my daughter Ashlee are considering going to Dallas/FT Worth for the walk. If anyone is interested, please visit the site below. It is amazing! All the proceeds benefit breast cancer research and it is huge!! I was amazed and Deb, NICE JOB on the team site!! Here's the link that will tak eyou right there!

http://08.the3day.org/goto/captainsusanspirates

Let us know on the comments if you are interested!!

Friday's At the Doctor's

Susan had her appointment with Dr. Nguyen today. She's been a little apprehensive about it. She was concerned that one, she'd either have to go back to the hospital for one reason or another; or two, they would have to delay her next chemo because of her blood count.

The four of us boarded the car - Susan, Kay, Doug, and me - and arrived minutes to spare, just in time to fill out a bunch of paperwork which was about as much fun as...well, filling out paperwork.

Apparently Home Health Care was supposed to have contacted Susan for physical therapy to help her build up her muscles and stamina, according Dr. Nguyen. They haven't, which surprised him. To say the least, he was none to happy with Home Health Care; he had the nurse contact them to see to to it that they set up an appointment with Susan. She has that going for her.

After a blood test, Dr. Nguyen determined that Susan's blood count was real low, as expected from the chemo. But it wasn't low enought to postpone chemo set for Good Friday; at least not yet. She has to take one more blood test next Friday, and if her blood count is good, they'll administer the next chemo. But the best part about today, she doesn't have to go to the hospital like she feared that she would.

Her white blood cells are low, too, and as a precaution she has to avoid some people for a time, and will need to occasionally check her temperature.

In spite of feeling a little weak, unable to fully lift herself off the couch or the chaisse lounge without some assistance, or completely work her right arm, she's still in good spirits. She continues to feel better about herself, and she's looking forward to her next chemo.

There appears to be no stopping Susan. She's determined to beat this.

Gettting Stronger; Getting Better

There is no prouder moment in my life than watching Susan make a panty-waist out of this disease. She's getting stronger, and I can see it in the way she walks with the walker and as she pushes herself up off the couch. I can hear it in her voice, as it is thicker than when it was when she was in the hospital; there's even more spirit to it, which I've missed. Even her hugs are stronger when I reach down for one.

Now that she's home, she's moving more than she did in the hospital. She walks the distance to the bathroom. She stands up on her own without supervision to wash her face and brush her teeth. Granted, our home is not as large a the average home, but it's a perpetual triathlon when you consider her condition. And she's mastering it each day.

But she couldn't do it alone. Her mom and dad have been caretaking her while I'm at work. They help her out of the chaise lounge and prepare her meals and snacks.


Here we see Kay washing Susan's hair.

Susan's agenda was to go outside and sit on the swing today. She worked the nerve to take a step outdoors. Just as she was about to move further on the patio, it started to rain. Guess she'll have to reserve that plan for Friday. Stupid Houston weather.

Tomorrow she's visiting Dr. Nguyen, her oncologist. They plan to run a few blood tests on her and discuss the results, and determine if Good Friday is still set for her next chemo day. I'm sure it will proceed as planned. As I've been saying in previous posts, Susan is doing remarkably well. She's sleeping less during the day (and when she has to nap, it's mainly because of the antibiotics and the chemo). She spends more time either walking, standing, and less time warming the cusions of the chaise lounge. Let's face it, she was released from the hospital earlier than planned, and before my eyes each morning and every evening when I return from work, she's becoming more and more like the Susan I know. Indeed I am proud of her. I can't wait to hear what her parents have to say what she did while I was gone.

Ray