Field Trip for Deb & Angels + UPDATE

It was a beautiful day, Deb felt good, so off we went in Gracie to fly to a seafood dinner at Hilton Head, SC. Afterward, we returned to Peachtree City via a Georgia coastal tour so Deb, Jeff and Cassy Sims could see all the beautiful Golden Isles. Deb was tired, but so grateful for sunshine and the comfy seats in Gracie. She was so glad to go somewhere besides Arkansas in the faithful plane.

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MONDAY UPDATE:
At lunch Monday, Deb said the pictures made her look like she had an easy day but if you could see her today you would see her in bed all day hurting. Guess we overdid it even though she sat most of the day and did very little walking.
Vern

Saturday trip out

Deb slept late and then moved into the sun room. Late afternoon the cabin fever finally got the best of her and she wanted to take a short drive. We have a new Sam's Club that just opened a few miles away. We decided to drive over and checkout the crowd. Just in front of us, a car backed out of a spot as a family with a store provided electric cart arrived. So, Deb said 'let's try it!'
So, into the cart and store we went. Deb really enjoyed being out of the house and doing a bit of shopping. Driving the cart around the crowded store was challenging. Nobody was hurt, we are glad to report.

The short trip was just what she needed! Then home to the sun room and a bit of Vern's cooking.

Weds evening-ends a long hard day

Deb had a very hard day. She slept most of the day with bad stomach cramps, etc. She was so dehydrated her blood pressure was low and she was faint. I got her up at 10 pm tonight and she laid on the sun room couch while I fed her broth and dry toast. At 11pm I helped her back to bed. She was still faint and disoriented.

We have the hope of tomorrow.

Tuesday evening/ Weds am :(

Looks like we under-estimated the weekly chemo. To date, it has been mild in our local hospital. It lulled us to not be prepared for what chemo can do to one.  Last night it kicked in with all it's awful affects. Sleep was elusive, and Deb is miserable this morning. She's cold and hot at the same time. Nausea and diarrhea, etc. Hopefully it will pass quickly.

Sunday ride

Deb had hoped to go to church today but was so tired she slept until 11:00am. After she had a bite to eat she asked to go for a long ride, perhaps to Warner Robins to see her mother. By the time she bathed and dressed she said perhaps a medium length ride. When we got in the car, she said was good for a short ride only. I asked where she wanted to go and she said "Tractor Supply." Was I shocked!  "Why there," I asked? Her answer ? "To look at birdhouses!"

What? Well she wanted to look at birdhouses so we could put some up outside the sun room so she could watch the birds. We ended up buying a feeder to hang in a tree and a supply of bird seed.

Leaving there she wanted to go by Pike Nursery to look at plants. She found a few of her favs on sale. She is a plant lover and talks talks to them as she tenderly encourages them to grow.

Guess what plants she bought?

How about that head of hair? Looking good Babe!

Eliana visits grandparents Saturday

Friday evening

Weds evening Deb was able to attend our small group meeting in Peachtree City. She was very tired after an hour, but at least she was present for a while and able to be with our friends. Thursday was mostly resting. Friday noon'ish was a trip to the hearing doctor. The chemo killed off most of what remained of Deb's hearing. However, there is a new technology hearing aid just out that will do the job. The new hearing aids are very high-tech and need fine-tuning adjustments. Deb's link in via bluetooth to her cell phone and tv. That allows her to hear without turning the volume super high and ruining everyone else's {Vern's!}.

Hope your days have gone well. It's been a challenge to go from multiple daily posts and high drama to our more sedate lifestyle at home. We are grateful for the 'boredom of rest'! Another word for Peace!

Peace and Blessings all!

Rough Tuesday

Our local hospital chemo clinic with 16 chemo chairs

Deb in the local chemo chair. She was very cold and sleepy today.
Today began another 28 day cycle in Deb's chemo. The new cycle has different drugs. It was tough to get Deb up this morning for the 8:30 show time at the hospital. Deb was treated until 12:30, came home, and went to bed in her clothes. When I got home from work after 6 pm, she was still asleep. She got up for a good supper I threw together, then started talking about going back to bed. Our speculation is that all the chemo she has had the last cycle finally kicked in.

Sunday

Deb over did it earlier in the week and could not attend church today although she really wanted to. She was just too tired.

Early afternoon Amanda, Ellie, and Angel Candice came for a short visit.

More Family Christmas Pix-Tired of them yet? UPDATED

Photographer Jon (Amanda's husband) presented us with several DVDs full of treasured family photos. Deb had requested this because we really became aware of the fragility of life and we've seen how quickly loved ones can fade away. You never know when a visit or snapshot will be the last.

Enjoy life today! It is fleeting.

Thanks Jon!

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Katka's parents were waiting for Trey and Katka in Brussels. They are drivng back to Prague Sunday

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Saturday : progress

Deb made remarkable healing progress this week. Because of the snow and ice her weekly chemo was Thursday instead of Tuesday. We have just completed the first at-home 28 day chemo cycle and next Tuesday switch chemos. Deb has some anxiety as the mega-doses of this bad boy she had in Arkansas were not fun. However, the maintenance levels of chemo she has had have not been the awful doses she endured all last year.

Deb's hair is really coming back. She looks so good! Her mind is clear and there have been several milestones this week.
>Coming home from chemo Thursday, Deb asked me to take her to the grocery store. As she went up and down the aisles she seemed to be at the Smithsonian instead of Publix.
>She attended her first Lady's Bible study.
>She served dessert to some guests.
>She went out to supper at a local restaurant with another couple.
>Her 'decorator and project' brain function kicked in and she's already adding to my honey-do list.
>Her attitude of gratitude is growing and she is so thankful to be here and to be improving.
Is she tired? Yep! She pushed herself hard. She must get  plenty of rest.
It sure is good to have more of her back!

Pops!

Trey,Katka, and Evelyn made it home safely to Brussels. Here is a fun video Trey took with my phone as Evelyn giggled at me telling her my name just a few days prior to her departure. Watch and listen to see this. Turn the volume up!

Deb's chemo was canceled due to the ice storm . It has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Blessings all!

Takeoff for Brussels! Finally!!!!

www.flightaware.com Enter Delta 124. Watch it cross the pond.

Trey, Katka, and Evelyn got caught in the ice storm and ended up at the 'Hartsfield Hotel' for over 50 hours. They got a few blankets and made a pallet and a 'tent' between chairs so they could have some night time privacy.

Praise God for getting them on their way!

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Text from Trey at 4:44am Ga time- "we're here, bags and all"

So greatful for the visit and sorry Georgia hospitality was 'icey.'

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Because of the ice, the chemo clinic did not open. Today we must reschedule. Deb is doing great!

Still in the airport! Please Pray!

Trey,Katka,and Evelyn have been at the Atlanta Airport over 24 hours due to the snow/ice storm. Last night they were within a few minutes of takeoff after a lengthy de-icing. The new law charging the airline $30,000 per passenger after 4 hours on the ramp kicked in and the plane taxied back in, let them off for a few minutes, then re-boarded and taxied back out to get back in the de-ice line. When the pilots ran out of on-duty time, the plane taxied back in and they spent the night in the terminal on the floor. Today a new flight to Paris was guaranteed. Now, at 6:30 pm, they have been taken off the plane and told the flight is cancelled and they must re-book and claim their mountain of baggage, go thru customs again, and the airline has no further responsibility.

So, the roads are iced over, they are stuck at the terminal, there are no close-by hotel rooms, and so there...

Pray for clarity of thought and a way to get them the place and rest they need.

So, let me share pix from this past week.

Sunday

Deb was not able to do church this morning but Stephen, Trey,Vern, Katka, and Evelyn did! In fact, it was Evelyn's first ever church service. She was well behaved and admired by all who met her!

Trey,Katka, and Evelyn were booked Atlanta-Brussels direct this afternoon but their flight was canceled. Trey was able to get an Atlanta-Paris ticket and we took them to the airport just before the ice and snow began. Katka's father plans on driving to Paris to pick them up. He's visiting from Prague, an additional ten hour drive.

Deb and I were so blessed to have both Evelyn and Eliana here with our three kids and spouses. Deb and I just sat in the sun room and enjoyed the babies. The little cousins are so compatible and fun to be with.

We will miss them!

Happy New Year! A visit from Deb's 'Sister'

Suddenly I realized that no posts had been made since last year! Shame on me!

This afternoon Jackie came to visit Deb. Jackie and Deb are teacher buds who both grew up in Albany,Ga. When they get together, look out! Gattling gums! They are a real hoot together.

Earlier today friend Mary dropped by. Yesterday friend Doris visited and brought lunch. Thanks!

These visits are a real blessing. Deb has been housebound due to weather, weakness, and trying to avoid the numerous bugs floating around out there. Deb has been downright lonely! I suggested she 'schedule' a daily visitor. Obviously she doesn't have the endurance for long visits, but if you want to get on her schedule for about an hour per visit, give her a call or email. I've been taking Deb to Tuesday chemo. Someone who would like to spend more time with her could take her back and forth to Piedmont Fayette on Tuesday mornings.

The sun room is proving to be a good decision as Deb is practically living in the sun room. It is so cheerful and comfy. Come check it out! Thanks, construction angels who made it possible!

If you look closely at Deb's picture above, you may see the fresh crop of hair coming in. Deb looks so good and is glad to leave the wig in wig storage.
Her lab numbers are looking good. We are very pleased with the treatment she is receiving. The facility and staff are first class.

I've been working as much as possible trying to catch up.

Trey, Katka, and Evelyn flew down to Ft. Meyers,Fl. a few days ago and rented a car to visit the Keys. They love the sea and diving. Later tonight they come back to Peachtree City. Sunday afternoon they return to Europe. We will miss them!

Blessings all!