We had another movie night! Gregory and Adena were here for this movie night. We are enjoying their company.
We watched Turbo and the kids loved it. (Cute little laughs on occasion!)
Some wanted another movie night on Tuesday too!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Let us be Thankful
This was in a letter from Connor -
Let us rise up and be thankful, for
if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't
learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we
didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
Buddha
Buddha
;)
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Boston's Blessing
Boston Drew Hebdon
Born 13 February 2014
was blessed today, Sunday, 30 March 2014.
It was a lovely day!
We just pulled out some fun toys and things for the centerpieces.
Akleigh enjoyed them! ;)
The food was great and it was awesome to have family and friends together for this special occasion.
Life is Good!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Weekly Doctor Visit
Terry saw Dr. Smith and things are somewhat remaining the same.
White blood count (WBC) is quite low at 0.6(LL) but that is somewhat expected at this point after Vidaza infusions, and they think it will be better next week.
Cyclosporine levels are where they expect, but we are beginning to taper that drug, hopefully to allow some graft verses disease. He was taking 175mg twice a day and is going down to 150mg twice a day. This should help him shake a little less, but he is still taking enough that he will remain shaky. Any reduction of this medication is always a good thing even if it is only one small pill less. It's an icky one!
We will continue the hydration at 1 liter per day because of the creatinine levels. Drinking liquids kinda irritates him and makes him feel more nauseated, so he doesn't drink enough to flush the kidneys like they need with all this medication.
all is well! ;) except for what isn't ;)
White blood count (WBC) is quite low at 0.6(LL) but that is somewhat expected at this point after Vidaza infusions, and they think it will be better next week.
Cyclosporine levels are where they expect, but we are beginning to taper that drug, hopefully to allow some graft verses disease. He was taking 175mg twice a day and is going down to 150mg twice a day. This should help him shake a little less, but he is still taking enough that he will remain shaky. Any reduction of this medication is always a good thing even if it is only one small pill less. It's an icky one!
We will continue the hydration at 1 liter per day because of the creatinine levels. Drinking liquids kinda irritates him and makes him feel more nauseated, so he doesn't drink enough to flush the kidneys like they need with all this medication.
all is well! ;) except for what isn't ;)
Monday, March 24, 2014
Frozen
What a great evening we had, but I only got one photo before we began. Here is Akleigh, in her pjs, as we are getting ready for a night at movies in our family room.
We had a picnic in the family room while watching the movie. I put down a blanket and pillows for the kids and we had pigs in a blanket, veggies and popcorn and donuts. (Things that wouldn't cause a mess if they dropped on the carpet.)
It was fun to see the kids dance and sing to the music in the movie and stand up to the TV to get a close up view of the excitement taking place on the screen.
I brought the camera out and set it on the table thinking it would remind me to take pictures, but I was wrong. So this is all I got. However, it is the memory that will linger in our hearts and I think our vote is to do it again sometime ..., and again ..., and ..., well, you get the picture.
Maybe next time I'll get the picture(s).
We had a picnic in the family room while watching the movie. I put down a blanket and pillows for the kids and we had pigs in a blanket, veggies and popcorn and donuts. (Things that wouldn't cause a mess if they dropped on the carpet.)
It was fun to see the kids dance and sing to the music in the movie and stand up to the TV to get a close up view of the excitement taking place on the screen.
I brought the camera out and set it on the table thinking it would remind me to take pictures, but I was wrong. So this is all I got. However, it is the memory that will linger in our hearts and I think our vote is to do it again sometime ..., and again ..., and ..., well, you get the picture.
Maybe next time I'll get the picture(s).
Being Home ...
It's time for a new post isn't it?!?!? I've been wanting to post something for awhile now, and just haven't done it. Today is the day ..., and it's a long one. I should do short posts more often, but it just didn't happen that way this time.
I think things are beginning to feel a bit more "normal" around here. It's kind of a new normal, but it's becoming a more comfortable place. All of our stuff from Seattle is put away, but there is still much to do because I'm still focusing on things that need deep cleaned and organized. I've been trying to do that for a few years now, so that is certainly normal for me.
I have accomplished a few things on the list, like cleaning the pantry and food storage areas. That makes me feel good. My biggest accomplishment last week was that I cleaned the pump house. WOW! I haven't done that in a long time, so that feels good.
Medical needs are still number one around here, but they are also taking a back seat to other things. That sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it. I guess I just mean to say that it's getting easier trying to combine it all - in daily tasks and in my head. We are getting Terry's hydration (4 hour infusion) done daily and his medicines are getting taken regularly as well. Some days it still feels tricky with some of the scheduling, but it's working okay. It's nice to only have one appointment a week for a few weeks before starting the daily chemo treatments again. Terry is feeling a little less nauseated now after being off chemo for a week. We hope it lasts. He still doesn't have a lot of energy, and wishes for more. Oh! The BK virus (urine infection) is gone - that is definitely a good thing. He would love to be out with the guys more, but has only been able to spend a couple hours a few days with them and feels pretty wiped out afterward. It's still good to be home and a part of the support system.
We were able to attend church meetings again Sunday and it was a lovely day. By the end of Sacrament meeting the spirit was touching my heart and soul very strongly. I was feeling grateful to be there for the third Sunday in a row since we moved back home. Sunday School and Relief Society were also great meetings and by the end of RS my heart was overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to be there and to feel of the spirit that was ever present that day, (and missed so many Sundays in Seattle - it was good to feel it). If it's like the first transplant, it will take me a while to feel like I've picked up where I left off (spiritually), but it's good to feel it happening already. I am so grateful for the gospel, for leaders and teachers and friends and family who teach and testify and serve to bless lives. I feel blessed! I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and for His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
I neglected to post about this last week - on our way home from Church last Sunday we were able to help a friend replace a flat tire. We were in our church clothes and they got a bit dirty, but we all agreed that it felt so good to be helpful and give of ourselves to help another.
It wasn't long before a friend showed up to help us help another. Serving and giving is a great thing in life. What a blessing it is to all involved. (BJO got these photos with her phone - maybe I need a new phone so I can take photos like this too. But then again, I don't need to be learning about a new phone right now.)
Being involved and serving leads me to our missionary sons, Elders Connor and Chase...
We have received Chase's release date - June 25th - only three months from now. We can tell with his letters that he is finishing strong. He loves the area he is in and the people there. We can feel that his testimony continues to be strengthened as he continues to serve. He read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end through the month of January and is currently reading the Old Testament with plans to have it completed before he is released.
Connor is doing great as well. He is just over his one year mark (end of Jan.) and is going strong. He too is strengthening his testimony as he helps others. He is training a new missionary that is older than he is and it's feeling a bit odd for him, but he loves the work and is anxiously engaged in a good cause.
It's been great to have the kids stop in on occasion and we love the hugs and attention from the grandkids. It is awesome to see them at church across the way and get the sweet smiles and waves filled with love and then the hugs that follow. We had family over Sunday evening and it was fun to be with them.
We look forward to more gatherings and visits from other family members through the next few months. We'll try to remember to get photos and post about those great moments yet to come. Life is getting busier and busier with the upcoming events this year. I hope I don't crash ..., but then ..., if I do it won't be the first time and I know from past experience that I will get up and dust myself off and get going again. Much like little children that fall to the floor and jump up and go some more. It happens all the time doesn't it!
BrittanyJo has been helping with the little girls basketball each weekend and Anthony has begun tennis. I'm hoping for some good weather to be outside and cleaning this week - it needs it. But there is still enough to do in the house if not.
Life is happening around us ... and LIFE IS GOOD!
I think things are beginning to feel a bit more "normal" around here. It's kind of a new normal, but it's becoming a more comfortable place. All of our stuff from Seattle is put away, but there is still much to do because I'm still focusing on things that need deep cleaned and organized. I've been trying to do that for a few years now, so that is certainly normal for me.
I have accomplished a few things on the list, like cleaning the pantry and food storage areas. That makes me feel good. My biggest accomplishment last week was that I cleaned the pump house. WOW! I haven't done that in a long time, so that feels good.
I went to Moses Lake for the first time in over 6 months. Another WOW! It felt a bit strange, especially because I was alone. I haven't done that much lately. Just in case I was feeling a bit like I was missing Seattle, someone along the highway hung a 12th man flag from their home to make me feel better. I assure you that I do feel at home, but as much as I don't miss Seattle, that flag did make me smile. I went to pick up some medication for Terry. I stopped at a few stores just to see if I could find something I'd like to buy and nothing seemed to call my name, except for the movie Frozen.
(We'll be watching that tonight. I love the good in that movie and the family love that prevails. It's Fun!)
I spent more on the medication than on other things combined that day. That is a good thing too, because if I'm trying to clean and organize this place it's good not to bring other things in to the clutter. I do feel like I'm having a hard time letting things go though. I'm trying to create a Goodwill or yard sale box and it's not as easy as I hoped. I need to be able to let go of things easier. How do I do that?
Medical needs are still number one around here, but they are also taking a back seat to other things. That sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it. I guess I just mean to say that it's getting easier trying to combine it all - in daily tasks and in my head. We are getting Terry's hydration (4 hour infusion) done daily and his medicines are getting taken regularly as well. Some days it still feels tricky with some of the scheduling, but it's working okay. It's nice to only have one appointment a week for a few weeks before starting the daily chemo treatments again. Terry is feeling a little less nauseated now after being off chemo for a week. We hope it lasts. He still doesn't have a lot of energy, and wishes for more. Oh! The BK virus (urine infection) is gone - that is definitely a good thing. He would love to be out with the guys more, but has only been able to spend a couple hours a few days with them and feels pretty wiped out afterward. It's still good to be home and a part of the support system.
We were able to attend church meetings again Sunday and it was a lovely day. By the end of Sacrament meeting the spirit was touching my heart and soul very strongly. I was feeling grateful to be there for the third Sunday in a row since we moved back home. Sunday School and Relief Society were also great meetings and by the end of RS my heart was overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to be there and to feel of the spirit that was ever present that day, (and missed so many Sundays in Seattle - it was good to feel it). If it's like the first transplant, it will take me a while to feel like I've picked up where I left off (spiritually), but it's good to feel it happening already. I am so grateful for the gospel, for leaders and teachers and friends and family who teach and testify and serve to bless lives. I feel blessed! I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and for His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
I neglected to post about this last week - on our way home from Church last Sunday we were able to help a friend replace a flat tire. We were in our church clothes and they got a bit dirty, but we all agreed that it felt so good to be helpful and give of ourselves to help another.
It wasn't long before a friend showed up to help us help another. Serving and giving is a great thing in life. What a blessing it is to all involved. (BJO got these photos with her phone - maybe I need a new phone so I can take photos like this too. But then again, I don't need to be learning about a new phone right now.)
Being involved and serving leads me to our missionary sons, Elders Connor and Chase...
We have received Chase's release date - June 25th - only three months from now. We can tell with his letters that he is finishing strong. He loves the area he is in and the people there. We can feel that his testimony continues to be strengthened as he continues to serve. He read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end through the month of January and is currently reading the Old Testament with plans to have it completed before he is released.
Connor is doing great as well. He is just over his one year mark (end of Jan.) and is going strong. He too is strengthening his testimony as he helps others. He is training a new missionary that is older than he is and it's feeling a bit odd for him, but he loves the work and is anxiously engaged in a good cause.
It's been great to have the kids stop in on occasion and we love the hugs and attention from the grandkids. It is awesome to see them at church across the way and get the sweet smiles and waves filled with love and then the hugs that follow. We had family over Sunday evening and it was fun to be with them.
We look forward to more gatherings and visits from other family members through the next few months. We'll try to remember to get photos and post about those great moments yet to come. Life is getting busier and busier with the upcoming events this year. I hope I don't crash ..., but then ..., if I do it won't be the first time and I know from past experience that I will get up and dust myself off and get going again. Much like little children that fall to the floor and jump up and go some more. It happens all the time doesn't it!
BrittanyJo has been helping with the little girls basketball each weekend and Anthony has begun tennis. I'm hoping for some good weather to be outside and cleaning this week - it needs it. But there is still enough to do in the house if not.
Life is happening around us ... and LIFE IS GOOD!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Doctor Visit
We had a blood draw and doctor visit in Wenatchee today. Nothing much to talk about, but medicine refills and hydration needs. Everything else is about the same, including how Terry is feeling - nauseated and not so energetic.
Here is a copy of the flowsheet from today's blood draw, which includes the normal range and the counts for the last three appointments (with the dates at the top) -
For some reason she was concerned with the Potassium and Magnesium, and made changes in his hydration.
It is interesting that the whites are up a bit. WBC has been pretty low lately. Okay, they are still low, in fact they are LL, but still up from the last couple weeks. :) We'll see if that lasts.
Well, gotta run!
Here is a copy of the flowsheet from today's blood draw, which includes the normal range and the counts for the last three appointments (with the dates at the top) -
For some reason she was concerned with the Potassium and Magnesium, and made changes in his hydration.
It is interesting that the whites are up a bit. WBC has been pretty low lately. Okay, they are still low, in fact they are LL, but still up from the last couple weeks. :) We'll see if that lasts.
Well, gotta run!
Friday, March 14, 2014
A Report!
Good news - boxes are no longer stacked in the family room, and my stuff room is re-organized (as good as it can get before I finish scrapbooking and find a place for a few things being stuffed in there until they have a place of their own).
The pantries are re-organized, but the kitchen counter is still cluttered with medical supplies and I have not yet determined where I'm going to store them. One thing I know for sure, is that I don't like them on the kitchen counter. I'll get that figured out this week if things go well.
There are a few boxes left to take care of in our bedroom, including a suit case I need to finish unpacking. I have a lot of organizing to do in many other areas of the house, but I am excited for the challenge and look forward to each completion.
I had to take a break from the cleaning and organizing to figure out our tax info, and that seemed a bit challenging trying to find records. When I am at home I have a place for those papers, but at Seattle things got a bit confusing ..., and bringing them home was even worse. The good thing is that those things are now put in their proper place. It just seemed a bit un-nerving to me at the time, trying to find the things I needed in the piles of things to put away.
Life is supposed to be getting normal for me, but this new normal is still a bit off and I hope to find it soon. Day to day life is happening here. I'm finding it tricky to get used to all this again. Wow!
Medicine changes are happening, which makes timing a bit easier, but we are still hydrating daily. It is nice to have our 5 days of Vidaza infusions complete now. No more trips to Wenatchee this week! That ought to help our transition into our home life become a bit smoother. Our next appointment is Tuesday. We will have a weekly appointment to see the doctor and get blood work done.
Terry is feeling nauseated and icky, and lacking in energy/stamina. Other than that, he is fine! ;)
It was a no school day today so we took the kids to Wenatchee with us and did some much needed shopping for them. We saw a couple 12 Flags in our travels today ..., reminding us of the sights and sounds of Seattle. Anthony got some more driving time in, but the wind made it really tricky. It not only blew us around, but it made visibility difficult (if not impossible) at times with the sand blowing across the road. We made it home safely and were happy to be inside, away from the blistery day. Ah, the comforts of life! We are lucky!
We are BLESSED!
Well, I'm waiting up for BJo, so I think I'll find something constructive to do ....
SCCA sent us a box of supplies we have to put together and take to the clinic each week, so I guess that will be a good and quiet constructive activity for me till she gets home.
I will only do a few, because they take up more room when they are all put together - and then where would I store them all? Oh Bother!
The pantries are re-organized, but the kitchen counter is still cluttered with medical supplies and I have not yet determined where I'm going to store them. One thing I know for sure, is that I don't like them on the kitchen counter. I'll get that figured out this week if things go well.
There are a few boxes left to take care of in our bedroom, including a suit case I need to finish unpacking. I have a lot of organizing to do in many other areas of the house, but I am excited for the challenge and look forward to each completion.
I had to take a break from the cleaning and organizing to figure out our tax info, and that seemed a bit challenging trying to find records. When I am at home I have a place for those papers, but at Seattle things got a bit confusing ..., and bringing them home was even worse. The good thing is that those things are now put in their proper place. It just seemed a bit un-nerving to me at the time, trying to find the things I needed in the piles of things to put away.
Life is supposed to be getting normal for me, but this new normal is still a bit off and I hope to find it soon. Day to day life is happening here. I'm finding it tricky to get used to all this again. Wow!
Medicine changes are happening, which makes timing a bit easier, but we are still hydrating daily. It is nice to have our 5 days of Vidaza infusions complete now. No more trips to Wenatchee this week! That ought to help our transition into our home life become a bit smoother. Our next appointment is Tuesday. We will have a weekly appointment to see the doctor and get blood work done.
Terry is feeling nauseated and icky, and lacking in energy/stamina. Other than that, he is fine! ;)
It was a no school day today so we took the kids to Wenatchee with us and did some much needed shopping for them. We saw a couple 12 Flags in our travels today ..., reminding us of the sights and sounds of Seattle. Anthony got some more driving time in, but the wind made it really tricky. It not only blew us around, but it made visibility difficult (if not impossible) at times with the sand blowing across the road. We made it home safely and were happy to be inside, away from the blistery day. Ah, the comforts of life! We are lucky!
We are BLESSED!
Well, I'm waiting up for BJo, so I think I'll find something constructive to do ....
SCCA sent us a box of supplies we have to put together and take to the clinic each week, so I guess that will be a good and quiet constructive activity for me till she gets home.
(the styrofoam boxes hold a vial)
(one of everything!)
I will only do a few, because they take up more room when they are all put together - and then where would I store them all? Oh Bother!
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