Saturday December 9, 2017

Weight 117.4, calories 898. We are working at eating the leftovers in the fridge prior to our departure early Monday so the choices are pretty controlled.

A weather front came through last night bringing rain and lowering the temperature. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be in the low 60s (nights in the 40s). I have some projects which I might work on with the cool weather: I have 14 curtain panels to hem (bought them at a cheap price, but they are too long); curtain rods to install; lights to swap out; pictures to put up. I'll work at whatever I feel like doing.

I was invited to start walking with a neighborhood group daily (if it isn't raining), so I'll get to know some more women that way. Tonight there is a golf cart/bicycle Christmas parade in the park (they decorate them with lights).

Yesterday I did some Christmas shopping and got a couple of things for DH. Nearly all his gifts will stay here, so I'll take pictures and wrap them. I also bought one gift for him to give to me (and will do another one online today). The kids are already done except for stocking stuffers.

So 2 more days to go home, which I am both looking forward to and dreading at the same time. I'm looking forward to seeing my children, decorating for Christmas and the holidays. I am not looking forward to an empty house without Duchess and the PS (eyelid) that I'm having on Thursday (yikes, that is coming fast).

Have a super Saturday!

No weight the last few days. Eating has been so-so.

Biopsy at Mayo confirmed the PET scan results - widespread metastasis including skeletal muscle, lymph nodes, abdominal wall and peritoneum. He is pretty much riddled with it. Plan is to get chemotherapy locally to extend duration and quality of life. Best guess averages are that he has 6-12 months if chemo is effective. We are actually doing okay with this news, at least for today.

DS#2 turns 18 on Wednesday. How do they grow up so fast? Need to order him a giant decorated cookie and we will go out for sushi. Each year they get to pick their birthday treat and dinner. I think all of my Christmas shopping is done, with the exception of sending some money to my parents so they can hire a housekeeper in FL. Thinking I might just hire one for myself too, especially if I pick up hours.

Snow on the ground this morning, yuck. But then again it is December in WI and snow on the ground is expected!

Paula

"snow on the ground....yuck". LOL.

No words. Hugs.

Glad you are okay. I guess that's really the best approach. I have a co-worker who is in the same situation. The spent the last 6 months traveling everywhere he's wanted to go. They have had a blast. Things are slowing down for him now, but they are both very content and at peace with what is soon to come.

Enjoy your Saturday.

Hugs to you and your family.

The kids do grow so fast.

Hire the house keeper.

I love the idea of a house cleaner. It's such a relief to come home to a clean house. I only have them come every two weeks, but it makes all the difference. They have a crew of 3 and are there for 3 hours. That's 9 hours of cleaning I don't have to do (and who am I kidding, I never would)!

Hugs to you on your husband's news.

Paula, Ben and you have so much faith and dignity in this difficult time. It is good that priorities are clear. Sending love and hugs to all of you.

Jeez, Paula! I so admire Ben's and your plans for the coming months. Continuing hugs for you. And I'm welcoming yours back.

Good morning!

Paula, I hope you are enjoying your family this morning. I'm glad there is a plan in place and there is some reassurance that Ben tolerated this chemo previously. (Am I remembering that right?). I found Ben's goals moving, thank you so much for including them in your Caring Bridge post. They certainly make me re-evaluate what truly matters.

Yes, those kiddos DO grow up fast! I just occurred to me that my daughter will be an ADULT in a year. She is so busy, so ready to embrace the future. I'm like Slow Down, enjoy NOW! But that is just me being selfish. I know for sure that I personally wouldn't want to go back to being 17 so how can I blame her for wanting to fast forward?

Most of my Xmas shopping is done. This morning's workout is complete. Lots of stuff to do today including a holiday party at MIL's group home. They are all such nice people. I'm hoping to hike with Linda the neighbor tomorrow.

Liz, I dread you walking into your house with one less pup to greet you. Hopefully DS will be right there to give you a big hug.

I'm going to attack the family room and kitchen. There is an excess of stuff laying around and way too much of it is my stuff. I am being a bad roommate to my family so must remedy that.

Which reminds me.....Paula! Get thee a house cleaner!

Peace and hope,

Shel

It has been a while since I have posted. Part of it is that I don't want to write down the wt of 237. Can't seem to get a handle on it. I have always been a sleepy head so night eating was not an issue. For some reason I am eating at night. My activity level is as active as my back will let me be. I thought the weight would drop back off but it hasn't. Calories are 16-1800 most days. Maintenance is tough and not for the weak.

On a happier note. We are going to the hospital tomorrow night to admit DD#1 for delivery to be induced. She looks ready. She is 40 weeks. DD#2 has another 6 weeks or so before she is due.

I have been dragging wood out of the burn piles lately. There is a burn ban on so I have a little more time. I am even cutting firewood because I can't stand to see it burned in the piles. Maybe next year I can sell it.

More later, David