Transfusions!

I didn't post about Terry's transfusion last Thursday because it was just too busy of a day ..., and weekend for that matter.  Anthony took Terry to Thursday's appointments because I was home preparing for the family reunion.  There was no blood draw because we knew we just wanted him to have a boost for the festivities, so it was a scheduled transfusion of one bag of platelets and two units of red blood cells.   They got done in time to meet us at Chico's for dinner that night.

Today was a scheduled blood draw and doctor visit.  Nothing new showed up in the reports, in fact, it looked very much like last week's report.  The reds were high enough to not need any more today.
RBC = 3.02(L)
HCT = 26.6(L)
HGB = 9.1(L) 

The platelets were still low at 3(LL) so he did receive one bag of platelets. 

It's sad that we can't do anything about the white cells because they are always so low and seem to need some help. 
WBC = 0.02(LL)
ANC = 0.0(LL)

image found here

 

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.”

 

Psalms 27:14

 

 

Ron and Gelene Rodeback Family Reunion 2014

 

It was family reunion time at our house this past weekend.  Our family hosted the Ron and Gelene Rodeback Family Reunion and we had a great time in spite of the heat.  It is always awesome to get family together!   

 

As I planned this event there were a few things I kept in mind.  These quotes were among those things on my mind.

image from here

 

image from here

 

I tried to decide between three themes for this reunion, and couldn't choose just one, so I used all three, each day having it's own theme.  Each focusing on our living family enjoying time together and learning about the family members who have lived before, including many we have not met. 

image from here

Every morning and every evening I gave a family/ancestor spotlight, and my siblings and their spouses were responsible for a family scripture, and a family prayer.  I really loved that part of every day.  It added a beautiful feel to our time together.

Before I continue I must add a disclaimer - We are using photos from BJo's phone and a few we took with my camera when ever we thought about it, but we were not the family photographer.  I'm anxious to get the other photos from those who were family photographers.  ;)   These photos, however blurry or bad they might be are still better than no photos.

EAT, PRAY, LOVE
Our opening social began Thursday evening with dinner at Chico's - in memory of the family dinners there in our childhood on special occasions. 

We were missing a couple families at the time this photo was taken, but the count for this evening was 68 plus another 8 or so extended family members that came to visit.  28 other family members were unable to attend the reunion, and we missed them.  

After dinner we thought we'd head to bed, but decided to put out the tables and cloths and chairs, and hung lights in the tent.  It didn't take long with so much help.

 

 

 

 

A FAMILY - A FAIR
Friday was so hot that we didn't follow our agenda as planned, but we took things slow and easy, visiting and setting up for our Country Fair.  Each of my siblings and I were responsible for a booth at this Country Fair.   Our schedule was to begin our fair in the mid afternoon, but the heat was so undesirable that we decided to wait until evening.  So, we relaxed, visited, cooked, and cleaned, we held babies ...,
 

 

we looked through reunion books from the past 5 years,

had our ancestor spotlight in the cool of the house,

 

 

and had some fun at the first booth set up for the day - this awesome and awesome-r fun ;) compliments of my brother.

 

Finally, in the cool of the evening the Country Fair was open and oh what fun we had.  Everyone did a great job with their booths and we really had a good time.

 

 

FAMILY TREASURES - TREASURE FAMILY

Our last day :(
We took a group photo (last photo in this post), had a pie eating contest ...,

and went up to the neighbors/friends pond for a fun afternoon.

 

 

Before dinner we brought out the guns for some clay pigeon shooting, and several had their first experience with shooting.  (Not me! The only gun I ever have shot was a stick when I was young ;)

We had an impromptu tractor parade.  ?????    We moved a tractor back into its place (having used it for photo backdrop) and one of the little gals wanted a ride.  Well, then others wanted a ride and still others wanted to drive them.  So ...,  some people got their first ride, some got to drive the tractor for the first time.  We had 4 or 5 tractors running around the back yard and down the road beside the house.  :)   We would have used those for fair rides the night before if we'd have only known!  :)  (I tried to make a collage of the tractor rides, but it kept shutting down on me, sorry!  This post has taken me several tries to finally make it work.)

There was a lot of free time to play together and spend time getting to know each other better.

 

Our traditional candy toss was last on the list.  This is better than a piñata because no one has to hit anything.  Grandpa Ron just starts tossing candy out to everyone and everyone scrambles to fill their hands full.  This started over 20 years ago with just a few grandchildren and peanut m&ms and last year the peanut m&ms got traded for individually wrapped Hi Chew candy. 

Here is our family - 67 of them anyway.  Word has it that by the end of the year our count will be at 100 - unless there is something coming up we are unaware of at the moment ;).

 

Family is our treasure and we do treasure our family time together, and are so grateful for the love that was shown throughout the weekend. 

Now especially for my family ...
to those who came ...

Thanks for coming!  Thanks for sharing!  Thanks for helping! Thanks for cooperating! Thanks for EVERYTHING!

and to all, including those who were unable to attend ...
Thanks for being you!


YOU'RE ALL AWESOME!  :)

I LOVE YOU!

;) We can't wait until next years family reunion!!!!! ;)

 

 

Appointment

Terry had his scheduled appointment yesterday and red blood counts were high enough that he didn't need any red cell transfusion. 
RBC = 3.06(L)
HGB = 9.3(L)
HCT = 27(L)

However, the platelets weren't a great number, so they did one bag of platelets. 
Platelets = 3(LL)

It took a couple hours for them to arrive, but that wasn't a problem because I (Elaine) had a lot of shopping to do in preparation for an upcoming family reunion.  (FYI - BJo was there to help me and it was a good thing or I'd still be there dragging heavy carts around by myself.  I couldn't believe how long it took us ..., and we hurried.)

The problem actually ended up being that Terry had to sit in the clinic for a few hours waiting for me. He often sits in the car when I do my shopping, but it was 108 degrees when he got done, and we decided it would be best if he waited inside a cool building rather than out in the heat.

Terry's other counts were about the same.
WBC = 0.2(LL)
ANC = 0.00(LL)

His next appointment is Thursday and they are already set up for red blood cell and platelets transfusions at 8:00 in the morning. 

He is very slow and aching and lacks energy, but is pushing himself to do a few odds and ends around the house and farm.  He hates sitting and doing nothing, especially when the need is so great, and he wants to accomplish something.  It hurts me to see him so warn out.  I'll feel better when he can feel like he doesn't have to push so hard ..., he will feel better too.  ;) 


I went searching for a quote and within one minute I found this quote that fits perfectly here.  I'll try to stop "stressing" now ..., I mean right now!  ;)

image found here

"Stress makes you believe that everything has to happen right now. 

Faith reassures you that everything will happen in God's timing!"

Have a great day everyone!

Short Stay

We made the trip to the clinic to check blood counts and get transfusions as needed.  His counts were about the same.

WBC = 0.2(LL)
RBC = 3.03(L)
HGB = 9.2(L)
HCT = 26.7(L)
Platelets = 4(LL)
ANC = 0.1(LL)

You may have noticed that the reds were up a bit - increased numbers meant that Terry only needed one bag of red blood cells and one bag of platelets.  That made for a short stay on the hospital floor.

Well, I guess I'll stop here, making it a short post for a short stay.

Have a great day!

Another Day at the Clinic

Today was Terry's regularly scheduled weekly doctor visit.  Today was quite normal in some respects, but different in others.

Terry saw a man at the clinic that he recognized from a government office he has visited regularly through the past several years of farming.  He has always admired this man, especially for his willingness and eagerness to help in any way, and his ability to do so, even with a physical ailment.  We cannot share info with doctors, but when you find someone in the chemo/infusion room there is no hiding the reason they are there.  It hurts ones heart to see such good people suffer with such things in life.  We pray for him and his family.

The hospital floor must have been full today because we had to go to the second floor/surgery center for the transfusion.  Oh what a change that was.  Chairs instead of beds, small and cramped areas instead of large rooms, and nurses that are new to the transfusion routine.  They were all kind and helpful and we were out of there just after 5:00pm, so they did do their job with haste, but we sure wondered what we were getting ourselves into for the first half hour or so.

Terry did get a transfusion.
RBC = 2.92 (L)  and  HCT = 26.1(L) - these counts made the decision to have 2 bags of red blood cells.
Platelets were 4(LL) - which meant he received one bag of platelets.

Those numbers were all disappointing, however the ANC was different today.  When you look at the chart for the last several weeks you will see that the counts have been 0.0(LL).   Well, if it was different today then you know it only has one direction to go and that is up.  Don't cheer too loud and long because it only went up to 0.1(LL), but we like any little change we can get as often as we can get it.  0.0 and 0.1 are really the same count, but doesn't it just look a little better to see that 1 there.  ;)


That's about it for the news, so here is a quote for today -

image from here

 

"Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed.  It means the damage no longer controls your life."

 

 

Friday Chemo and Transfusion

Terry had chemo yesterday and it went well.  This was the last day of the 5 day treatment.

It has been kind of fun this week to watch the chemo nurses learn a new computer program and see just how difficult it is making things for them.  They are all good natured about it, and they realize the benefits of it, but it has certainly been a source of confusion.  There are maybe a dozen nurses (and we know each one of them) and they are smiling and pleasant about it all, all of the time.  There has been a specialist there each day to help them along and teach them how to use this program and each day they have learned a little more and become a little better.   We could see and hear that they would learn that there was still so much more to learn, which brings to mind the saying that goes something like this - "The more I know the more I know I don't know." 

visual from here

"The more you know, the more you realize how much you don't know. The less you know, the more you think you know." David T. Freeman

This new process created some slower moments in the infusion room, but the hospital floor still holds the record for slow moments ..., by far.   Note:  I'm saying that with a smile. 

After the Dacogen infusion we went to the 3rd floor (hospital floor) for the red blood cell and platelets transfusions. 

Terry's counts today:
WBC = 0.3(LL)  [same as Tuesday]
RBC = 2.78(L) [3.21(L) Tuesday]
HGB = 8.5(L) [9.8(L) Tuesday]
HCT = 24.8(LL) [28.3(L) Tuesday]
Platelets = 5(LL) [6(L) Tuesday]
(The reds, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets were all down some so doctor wanted the transfusions today.)

As I calculated the time it might take after hearing the blood was ready I thought we might get home by 5:00pm.  Then we learned that with this new program comes a new "orders" form and that form gave instruction for the blood to be transfused over 2 hours instead of 1 hour per bag.  OH BOTHER!   We may have left the hospital around 5:30pm.  

Things went well for the first few hours, but about 4:00pm Terry started to shiver and chill.  His temperature (45 or 60 minutes later) was 103.5 - NOT GOOD!  The trick those nurses use is to have the patient cough and breathe heavy for a minute or two and take the temperature again.  This has taken the temp down about one degree before, but this time it went to 100.9, and a minute later was 98.something ... I don't remember for sure. 

Terry did throw up a little during the fever/coughing time.  He wants to blame it on the coughing since hard coughing does often make him feel that way.  I was concerned that some sort of infection is present again.  The nurse didn't seem to be too concerned about anything and sent us home.  Okay!  I like going home, but I like making sure all is well too. 

The chilling subsided about 10 to 20 minutes after we got in the car, but the fever returned as we got closer to home so we gave him some Tylenol.  

I'm sure the smoke in the air isn't helping with his sinus and coughing issues.  The smoke was really bad in Wenatchee.  It looked like it was starting to snow when I got out of the car, but it was small pieces of ash floating around in the air.  I spent a few hours doing some shopping and by the end of the day my clothes smelled like I'd been at a camp fire.

Terry had an okay night and is doing fine this morning ..., at least that is what we keep telling ourselves ;)   No fever, just weary and achy (and whatever else he doesn't share out loud).  That's fine ..., right?

I thought I'd add this little story I found for a SMILE -  ;)

A farmer who's been involved in a terrible
road accident with a large truck ended up in court fighting for a
big compensation claim. "I understand you're claiming damages for
the injuries you're supposed to have suffered?" Stated the counsel
for the insurance company.

"Yes, that's right," replied the farmer,
nodding his head.

"You claim you were injured in the accident, yet I
have a signed police statement that says that when the attending
police officer asked you how you were feeling, you replied, 'I've
never felt better in my life.' Is that the case?"

"Yeah, but"
stammered the farmer. "A simple yes or not will suffice," counsel
interrupted quickly. "Yes," Replied the farmer.

Then it was the turn
of the farmer's counsel to ask him questions. "Please tell the court
the exact circumstance of events following the accident when you
made your statement of health," his lawyer said.

"Certainly,"
replied the farmer. "After the accident my horse was thrashing
around with a broken leg and my poor old dog was howling in pain.
This cop comes along, takes one look at my horse and shoots him
dead. "Then he goes over to my dog, looks at him and shoots him dead
too. Then he come straight over to me and asked me how I was
feeling. "Now, mate, what the [heck] would you have said to him?"




I smiled!  How 'bout you?

It reminds me that "it's all relative!"

HAVE A GREAT DAY!


SaveSave

:) DAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to TERRY!

Dacogen infusion went well today! 
It was quick and easy as far as infusions go.  Terry doesn't have much in the way of side affects with this chemo drug, but he is feeling more achy the last few days.  We are hoping that means things are beginning to work inside.  It could mean that he has been up and doing a bit more than before and is paying for it with achy bones. 

The last twenty four hours and a few memories ...

This week brought us warm weather, smoky skies, chemo treatments, and a trek for the two youngest in the family.  It has also brought other things ..., there is much to do around here ....

Monday night BJo and Anthony began to paint the swing set - waiting till evening when the heat wasn't as bad.

This is a BEFORE (with a few family and friends enjoying them) ...

Summer 2014

And this is the DURING ...

Anthony and BJo Summer 2014 (bonus: Ginger and Michael in the background changing water :)

 

I'm lovin' the new color!

Have I told you - my dad made this swing set many, many years ago when I was young.  My siblings and I played on these swings and created many great memories together.  (So, the BEFORE picture should really be a picture of when it was in our yard as I was growing up, but I don't have one of those at the moment.)

When my parents moved in 1982 they couldn't take the swings so Terry and I got to bring them to our house where our children and grandchildren have enjoyed them, and will continue to enjoy them for many years.

Gregory, Elaine, Brandon, Terry, Summer 1985

 

On occasion my siblings and their children and grandchildren have also been able to enjoy them in our yard, and we hope for many more of those opportunities.

Cousins 1991

My sister and her children were here when we moved them from the old house (as seen above) to the new house (as seen below), and what a grand memory that is.

August 1998

They had a lot of fun on them after they were moved over.

Cousins 1998

And, most recently we had family come for Turner's baby shower in May and again for BrittanyJo's graduation in June and my dad had just put new boards on the seats.  My brother and his grandchildren enjoyed them that day, with a few other friends too.

Family 2014

So much fun!  Much more fun to come!

You'll have to wait a while for the AFTER painted picture because it will be a few days before it is completed.

Moving on ...
Tuesday brought us to crossroads going every-which-way.  Anthony and BrittanyJo left for a pioneer trek with the youth of the Othello Stake.



We hope the hot weather doesn't wear all those trekkers down too fast, and we hope they all enjoy their time, even though it is going to be rough.  We can do hard things!  And, doing hard things with the proper attitude makes us better people.

Chase was heading out to work this morning and Terry and I were heading to Wenatchee again, for day two chemo (Dacogen), a doctor visit, and blood cell transfusions.

So next up is our medical report.
We learned that all of Terry's counts were either the same or slightly better, and that is good for Terry.  The white blood counts (WBC) went from 0.1 on Friday to 0.3 today.   You'll see on the chart below that 0.3 hasn't been on the chart for awhile now, even with twice a week transfusions, so that is good.
You'll also see that the reds (RBC) are up, the Hemoglobin (HGB) is up, and the Hematocrit (HCT) is up.  Excellent!  Well, the counts are not excellent, but the fact that they are up a slight amount is excellent.
Platelets remained at 6, but remember, he didn't have platelets on Friday.  YEAH!
We love it when a number increases, even ever so slightly.  This means that Terry must finally be producing more of his own cells.  We are hoping and praying that this trend continues.

You might have noticed that there are some counts missing, especially the Absolute Neutrophils (ANC), but they weren't back in time to be printed.  We checked My Chart on line and found that they are still 0.0(LL).   That didn't surprise us. 

So, we had our doctor visit and the Dacogen infusion, but we didn't have the red blood cell or platelets transfusions today because the doctor wanted to wait a few days to see what the counts will do on their own.  ;)   No long day at the clinic/hospital for us today.  :)


I love good news and just wanted to share it today, but now I must get up and start doing something to check things off my TO DO list, especially since I'm home tonight and can do that.   We hope you have a great day and find some good news in your life too, even if it is ever so slightly good. 

We send our love to all!  We know that if you are reading this you are cherished family or friends (and some we have not even met yet) and we love you!