September 27, 2019

Patience.  A fairly simple word.  Not as simple as dog, cat, ball, Jane or any one of thousands of one syllable words.  It is a word condition trait I have been working for decades to develop.  These past few months are certainly testing that trait.  Patience as the weeks move on as doctors schedule test after test trying to find what is causing this breathing/coughing issue.  Pretty sure my body may glow in the dark soon with all the CT scans, x-rays and barium fluoroscopy tests of late.  

Waiting for test results can be a test of another kind.  A test of patience.  Even though the people doing the tests see what is going on they cannot give the answer.  Must go through channels, specialist doctor to GP.  Eventually the results will be given to me.  After being able to see the image on the barium swallow when on my right side I have a pretty good idea what is coming.  That is with some help from internet images and informative articles.  Time will tell.

night of injury

More short books being read by me.  Listening to classical guitar while visiting blogs.  Writing my own blogs on the days I feel good enough to think.  Energy comes and goes.  The energy level determines how much I write, do laundry, maybe cook.  Only light cleaning as movements involving leaning over brings on the coughing.  That leads to breathlessness.  Then shaking and tiredness take over my old body.  Best if I just do not do those things so I can just do the simple stuff and Hubby is good with that.  He is beyond patient.  I am blessed.

fake smile

Our bonus grandson has sustained a leg injury.  Torn MCL for sure and waiting results of MRI to check for ACL tear.  This is the same guy that went through the burst appendix and follow up surgery this year.  Two years ago it was cracked ribs.   Poor kid cannot get a break or maybe more like too many things get broken.

On a lighter side of life a friend from days of old noted she and her husband were visiting Hyannis, Massachusetts.  I mentioned there was a brick with my parents name on it at the JFK memorial.  A few days later we received these photos.  

 The brick is one of the first on the walk as you enter.  My youngest sister had visited, also, a few years back.  The friend is closer to the age of my youngest sister.  They were in high school and college together.

Back in my early marriage days Hubby and I were youth sponsors at church.  This friend and her husband both were in the group we sponsored.  I was only 22 and these two were 16 and 17.   In addition, my parents and her parents were church friends, too.  Janna, the friend, was in Youngest Sis (Sis4) wedding as a bridesmaid.  So lots of history between the two families.  

It is Friday afternoon in central Texas.  We are not hitting triple digits in temperature today but still being a good 10 degrees above normal.  Hot, dry and not even a hope of relief in sight.  Life is still good.  Hope all you folks have a great weekend.

Namaste,
Janice 

9-21 and 22-2019

It is nearing the end of baseball regular season here in the US.  My hubby is a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan.  After watching and listening to the games for the last 50+ years, I have become a fan myself.  It is almost a daily ritual from late March through September for us.  Saturday the game was a long one with lots of walks.  The lead changed hands probably 5 or 6 times.  The game was in the bottom of the ninth.  Cards were ahead by one run.  Carlos, who we like, was the closer.  Carlos walked the first batter after my man Yadi could not hold onto foul ball.

Hubby was on the edge of his seat.  Well, on the edge of his recliner sort of kinda.  Hubby is not an excitable person except when it comes to his Cardinals.  He gets concerned.  He will let out an oh no.  Or say he would not have called it that way.  Now remember this guy has the sloth as his spirit animal.  The team won and he did not even change his expression.  Our son called immediately from two states away about the win.  Hubby just cracked a smile.

Sunday afternoon was another cliff hanger of a game.  The Cards, also known as the Cardiac Cards, won with a tie breaker double base hit in the top of the ninth inning. Still Hubby showed little excitement even though this clinched a post season playoff berth for the Cardinals.  In addition the Cardinals' win made it a sweep of the Cubs in a four game series in Wrigley field.  The first time for that feat since 1921.  Still not much of a reaction.  That's the guy I love and cherish!



His tempered reactions have always been a huge reason our marriage has survived and thrived for 52 + years.  My quick temper was a negative from the start.  Slowly through the years he and his family have evened me out a lot.  Of course I have also been the one that was willing to take risks at times.  Some did not go too good.  Others worked out for the better.  Basically we have been a pretty good fit. 

Other than the ball games this past weekend we have had grand animal duties.  Son, DIL, two of the grandsons and Grappa (DIL's dad) all went to Arkansas to attend parents weekend at the granddaughter's university.  We chose to sleep at home but spend time at Son's home during the day and evening.  That means DJ was sleeping here, too.  With us. In our bed.  Friday night our first chore was a bath for her.  She was smelling like a dog.  She loves playing in the water so bath time is easy.  Once dried she smelled like cucumber melon.  Much better.

Cough and voice are improved.  But the breathing is still not easy as it should be with the heat.  Guess that about catches us up on all the happenings. 

Ya'll take care.

GO CARDS!

September 20, 2019

While at the pulmonologist's office yesterday, she asked if I was rinsing my mouth after using the inhaler.  I answered that I was actually doing it twice.  "Ah, you are an overachiever!"  Not really just do not want a case of thrush caused by the stupid inhaler meds was my thought.  She smiled and said she got it.

This is not the first time in my life I have been told that by a stranger.  A woman from the Springfield news paper had come to my home at the recommendation of a friend.  The friend had told them my house and yard should be featured in the Christmas edition.  The lady had shown up in the late spring.  No Christmas decorations in sight.  But she was still interested in the back yard for sure.  One look and her comment was, "You are an overachiever."  I did not consider it a compliment.

Last spring two friends that I had worked with for about 20 years were in town.  We met for lunch.  Over the course of the visiting one of the group said, "Jan, you were always too hard on yourself.  You are a perfectionist, an overachiever".  What?  Just doing a job following the 4-H motto 'to make the best better' makes me an overachiever?  That seemed to indicate that I was reaching beyond my capabilities.

What do the folks that set the definition of overachiever say about this? 

Definition of overachiever   one who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level especially at an early age.

I am 10 weeks shy of 73.  Why would rinsing my mouth twice instead of once make me on overachiever?  At 47 I had the opportunity to take a blank slate of a back yard and build the garden I dreamed of for years.  Why was having a vision and following through make me an overachiever?  How did performing the assigned tasks at work to the best of my ability make me a perfectionist and an overachiever?

My one and only child has a masters degree in Industrial-organizational psychology.  Click here for an explanation of what the degree focus is.  This sweetheart of a son tells me more often than not that I need to quit trying to please my dearly departed mother.  Mom was a perfectionist and expected her four daughters to perform to that standard in every way.  We were frequently reminded of our short comings. 

And why would my son say something about not pleasing his beloved Granny Mary?  Because when he opens a gift and thanks me I habitually say the same thing.  "Now if that is not something you like just return it.  The gift receipt is in the box", says me.  The last time I did it, he put his hand up palm forward and instructed me, "Mom, you are no longer allowed to say that at the time someone opens a gift.  You have a 24 hour silent mode before you can say it, okay?"  Fine, just fine.

A new goal in life is now to just chill.  Learn how to just enjoy the moment.  Do not worry if something is not perfect or if there is dust on the furniture.  Actually I have been doing that with sewing and dusting for several years.  Though I did remove the sleeve that I accidentally sewed in upside down, oops.  Some things I want to appear normal, teehee. I have a pile of mending, sewing projects and items for two non family members to complete.  They can wait till I can feel like I can do something physical without coughing fits. 

Momma would yell at me for reading non-assignment books noting they were probably just trash and a waste of time.  I'll think I'll just continue to read a book every few days.  Time I overachieved at pleasing myself.

Ya'll have a great weekend.  Or a lousy one if you prefer.  I'll be here quietly reading.

Here is a photo from the plane as we landed in Charleston, South Carolina, June, 2019.

the waters

writing their names

read by angles

© petra domina

(aka, Rock Lady)

September 19, 2019

Today was the pulmonoligist appointment.  Three more tests to be done.  Breathing, swallowing and scan of esophagus.  Two tests on 9/26 and last one on 10/16.  Two medications stopped and two new ones.  All still seems good with lungs.  Depending on the test results I may be sent to a gastro specialist.  Educated guess was damage to voice box due to acid reflux combined with constant post nasal drip.  Oh, well I do enjoy a good mystery!

If you have heard of flooding in Texas, it is no where near us.  Our area only getting a few scattered showers.  That does not mean the folks in the Houston area are not in read trouble.  Really sad situation.  43 inches (1 meter) of rain in one area a single day.  And we humans continue to migrate to areas where floods are getting even worse.

Our trip in June to South Carolina was to several of the locations where the previous hurricane did damage.  Here are a few photos of our visit to Myrtle Beach at the Myrtle Beach State Park.  We did not spend very long on the beach but what time we were there was very pleasant.  The cool ocean breeze made the walking very pleasant.  Waded out and were surprised to find the water very warm, something like 87℉, 30℃.

Corn crop along the road.

Tobacco barn

Must take a flower photo

And sea oats

Castle remains

Notice how thick the umbrellas are in the distance?

And this is the public state park beach.

My Hubby of 52 years stands on the beach of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  This was the last of the lower 48 states for us to visit.  Toes in the Atlantic and it was time to get some food. 

And time for us to gather to return to Texas.

Unfortunately this area of the beach lost 3 sea turtle nests to the hurricane.  Bummer.

Ya'll take care.  See you later.

September 8, 2019

To quote a favorite Star Trek actor, "Oh, my!"  What the last 10 days have presented.  An appointment with the GP on August 29 proved to be more questions and no answers.  The process of elimination was begun.  Breathing test showed normal output though it did send me into a coughing fit.  Blood was drawn with some effort.  A shot in the rump and I was sent to get a chest x-ray.  Friday results from the x-ray was within normal limits.  No signs of pneumonia.  Blood tests would not be back until after the long Labor Day weekend.  The prednisone shot seemed to lessen the tightness in my sternum area.

On Monday. Labor Day, the breathing issue developed into at times a swallowing issue.  Cold liquids helped a bit as the tongue seemed to be swollen.  On Tuesday morning the doctor's nurse called to say the blood draw saw all things to be normal.  Every test showed all functions being normal.  Yet I could hardly talk to the nurse.  An appointment was made for the afternoon with the doctor's PA.  More checks.  Blood pressure up a bit.  Blood ox measured 99%.  Great.  We walked about 100 steps and the blood ox dropped 5%.  My voice was weak and I was dizzy.  I felt shaky which had been happening on and off recently.  EKG was taken.  Guess what.  Normal.  What the what?  Another blood draw to check for clots and two additional medications to be added to help with the swelling and coughing.  Depending on the results of the blood test a CT scan could be ordered.

Wednesday morning the PA called to say after a meeting with the doctor it was decided to send me for a CT scan without waiting on blood results.  Someone would call to schedule the time.  They did and Friday afternoon at 3:00 would be the time to show up for the scan.  Friday was, also, the day to attend a play, "Ann".  We were meeting Baby Sis, Youngest BIL and Youngest Nephew for dinner at 5:30 at Winebelly.   It might be close but we should be able to make it work.

Governor Ann Richards

Except. . .  it seemed when the folks began working to put the IV in my arm to get more blood my body said 'enough, no more blood!'  In the process of wiggling the catheter and massaging to increase the blood flow the brain decided it was done.  Asking first for water and noting that I felt I might pass out things shifted.  It took quite a bit to get me stabilized again, ice packs and cold cloths certainly helped.  And apple juice never tasted so good.  As I was moved to the scanned my body was covered in perspiration.  My hair was wet as I lay down on the scanner table.

The scan was quick.  I was ready to get dressed to leave to make it to the next appointment.  No you need to wait about 15 minutes to get the results of the scan.  If a clot is found you will need to go directly to the hospital.  What?  No I have fun stuff to do tonight!  Still being a bit shaky and sweaty I was placed in the sedation room.  I laid down and waited for the results.  Tick, Tick, Tick.

Strange the things one thinks of laying on a gurney, your body still sweaty from nearly fainting.   An attendant noted that if I went to the hospital in and ambulance the IV could be left in place.  If my husband took me to the hospital the IV would have to be removed.   My mind said, "Look, I do not want another prick.  So just pay for the ambulance."  Tick, Tick. 

We need to leave by no later than 4:30.  4:15 the attendant notes the radiologist is almost to my scan.  Finally she arrives to note there are no clots!!!  Great.  Every thing looked normal and my doctor would call and discuss the results further.  Catheter pulled, dressed and we were in the car by 4:30.  Horrible traffic in Austin and a couple of bad turn choices and we were late getting to the restaurant but who cared, no clot in my lungs.  The food was fabulous, the show was funny and we all had a great evening.

Saturday evening we met up with the FAB (our Son's) family for Hubby's belated birthday celebration.  Sis, Y BIL and Y nephew joined in the fun.  All day my breathing had done well.  The 2 block walk in the 100 degree heat to the cafe left me breathless.  Yep, heat definitely effects whatever this condition is.  Cold liquids helped.  Eventually breathing and voice was returning to as good as it gets now.  Hubby and I decided he would pick me up at the door when we left.

Now it is Sunday afternoon.  As I sit just typing on my laptop in a cool room with cool liquids breathing is almost normal.  I stayed in the apartment and walked around long enough to get the equivalent of a mile.  A distance and pace that 3 months ago would not even break a sweat.  Now I get winded.  I feel shaky and my hands have a slight tremble.  What next?  A pulmonoligist and hopefully some answers.

Ya'll all take care.  See you in a few.