Hi Friends...
This will be quick as Cameron is waiting for his turn on the netbook, and the little kids need to be put to bed. Today we started out the day going to church, and that felt really good! All of the kids are really enjoying their Sunday school classes and Youth Group at Gold Coast Christian Church. After church we ate lunch and Bill took a nap.
I got a bunch of stuff today from www.freecycle.org. Check and see if they have a group in your area. Basically, people post stuff that they want to give away, and you respond by e-mail, and then go pick it up. Today I made 2 Freecycle stops -- both within 5 minutes of our house, and I got lots of good free stuff -- like a bag of new stuffed animals, clothes for me and Molly, a jacket for Cameron, 8 board games, a Christmas comforter set, and some twin sheet sets. I LOVE FREE!!!! And of course, you can post stuff you want to give away, too -- and people will come and pick it up. It's great. And now with my new cell phone, I get my e-mail as soon as it comes in and so I can respond right away which equals more free stuff!
After I came back from my second Freecycle run of the day, Bill got up and took the boys shopping. They went to Big 5 and got killer deals on skateboards, so it was "the best day ever!" They also went grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. I took a 2 hour nap, and it felt great. I woke up just as they were coming home.
We helped Bill unpack, and then he went to one more grocery store ALONE -- I can't imagine why he didn't want helpers? I just hung around the house with the kids. When he got home, we had pizza for dinner. Then Cam and I worked on an English project. He had to do a literary analysis of something written during the Harlem Renaissance. He chose an essay by Langston Hughes. I was an English minor and I love that kind of thing, so I helped him out. We got done in about 1 1/2 hours, which was pretty good for a 9 paragraph essay. We had fun together, and I think he learned something, too!
That's all for today... I'm looking forward to a good week...I'm going to visualize the Cellcept protecting my organs, tissues, joints, etc. from the lupus. I am the LUPUS WARRIOR! And I will kick its butt!
More tomorrow...
Much Love,
Michele
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:-0
Hi friends!
Yesterday, the cleaners came, and it always makes me SO happy when they transform my house from a big mess to heavenly clean:-) They came in the morning and so, we had an early start on homeschooling. We were even done early enough to go to the park before I had to go pick up Cam from school at 3 p.m. I walked around the park while the kids played tennis. It felt nice to get some exercise again -- it had definitely been too long. I tried not to overdo it, though -- only did the big circle 4 times, that's probably only 1 mile. But it's a start.
While picking up Cam from school yesterday, we saw Bill on his way to Urgent Care with an ear infection. He got some meds and will hopefully be feeling better soon! When I got home from the school pick-up, I realized our freezer in the garage had been left open (by me, so I can't blame anyone!). I had to do damage control and decide what to throw away, what was still frozen, and what had dethawed and needed to be cooked right away! That was fun. But at least I discovered it while most of the food was still able to be salvaged!
I was really tired last night and went to bed early. Maybe it was the exercise! Today we slept in, and then my nurse came by at noon to do my vitals (yes, I'm still alive!) and change my PICC line dressing.
This afternoon I went on an outing with Cameron to spend his birthday money. First, we ate lunch at In 'N Out Burger. Thanks, Annie! Then we went to Target (where he bought a watch) and to GameStop (where he bought styluses and a Pokemon game). We also preordered his Pokemon Soul Silver Game. It will be in on March 14th at midnight. I think I'll send Bill with him to get it. I don't want to go anywhere (especially GameStop) at midnight on a Saturday:-( Anyway, Cam still has a bunch of money left, and it was fun to spend the time with him. He really is an awesome kid!
Since I got home, I've been puttering around the house -- doing laundry, e-mail, and other various things. Bill is currently making roast beef and mashed potatoes for dinner. It smells great! My head is killing me, so I'm going to sign off and go do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
More tomorrow...
Much Love,
Michele
Yesterday, the cleaners came, and it always makes me SO happy when they transform my house from a big mess to heavenly clean:-) They came in the morning and so, we had an early start on homeschooling. We were even done early enough to go to the park before I had to go pick up Cam from school at 3 p.m. I walked around the park while the kids played tennis. It felt nice to get some exercise again -- it had definitely been too long. I tried not to overdo it, though -- only did the big circle 4 times, that's probably only 1 mile. But it's a start.
While picking up Cam from school yesterday, we saw Bill on his way to Urgent Care with an ear infection. He got some meds and will hopefully be feeling better soon! When I got home from the school pick-up, I realized our freezer in the garage had been left open (by me, so I can't blame anyone!). I had to do damage control and decide what to throw away, what was still frozen, and what had dethawed and needed to be cooked right away! That was fun. But at least I discovered it while most of the food was still able to be salvaged!
I was really tired last night and went to bed early. Maybe it was the exercise! Today we slept in, and then my nurse came by at noon to do my vitals (yes, I'm still alive!) and change my PICC line dressing.
This afternoon I went on an outing with Cameron to spend his birthday money. First, we ate lunch at In 'N Out Burger. Thanks, Annie! Then we went to Target (where he bought a watch) and to GameStop (where he bought styluses and a Pokemon game). We also preordered his Pokemon Soul Silver Game. It will be in on March 14th at midnight. I think I'll send Bill with him to get it. I don't want to go anywhere (especially GameStop) at midnight on a Saturday:-( Anyway, Cam still has a bunch of money left, and it was fun to spend the time with him. He really is an awesome kid!
Since I got home, I've been puttering around the house -- doing laundry, e-mail, and other various things. Bill is currently making roast beef and mashed potatoes for dinner. It smells great! My head is killing me, so I'm going to sign off and go do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
More tomorrow...
Much Love,
Michele
Friday, February 26, 2010
CAMERON'S BIRTHDAY WAS FUN!!!
Hi Friends,
So, yesterday was all about Cameron and his 17th birthday. We decorated the house with birthday banners (solar system/space theme), balloons, and crepe paper. The homeschoolers did a great job. They also helped me make his cake, and they did all of Cameron's chores for him as a special treat on his birthday! When I brought Cameron home from school, they all jumped out and played "Happy Birthday" music, yelling "surprise!" Cameron was happy and even let them all hug him.
He had a good day at school yesterday and was happy with the decorations. Last night Annie, Amber and Matthew came over for cake and to watch Cameron open his presents. That was fun, but a little chaotic! I had to take some pain killers and a xanax by the time it was all said and done! The cake was a hit, and I think Cam was happy with all of his presents. He got cash from both sets of grandparents. From Bill and I, he got a gift card to Target and we're preordering a new Pokemon DS game, Soul Silver, so that he'll have it on 3/14 when it comes out. Molly, Nate, and Isaac used their own allowances to buy him presents. Molly got him a shirt with the Owl on it that says "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute!" Nate got Cameron the movie, "Free Willy," and Isaac got him "Flipper." We went with an animal theme for presents as Cameron is into animals (that's his current career goal) and we're also going to the zoo for his birthday activity later in the month. And, Annie made Cam's day by bringing him a pair of jeans and a gift card for In and Out Burger. (I noticed this morning when Cam left for school, he was wearing his new shirt and jeans!)
After cake and presents, we sent Amber and Matthew home. And we went out to Burger King (Cameron's choice) for dinner. That went well and was fun EXCEPT for when Isaac puked! I think he just ate too much -- chocolate chip cookie cake and potato chips at home, and then a big burger, fries, and a "suicide soda" (all the sodas from the soda machine mixed up together!) -- anyway soon enough it all came up. We had to get him and the area cleaned up and keep the other kids from sympathetic vomiting! But we managed. You have to love being the parents!
By the time we got home, it was almost bedtime for the little kids. We were all tired. And I was in bed by midnight. This morning, Cam asked me to make him eggs -- so I got up and did that. And now I'm just puttering around the house, doing stuff, and waiting for the cleaners. Nate is still asleep -- I think yesterday wore him out. When he wakes up, we'll start school.
More later...
Much Love,
Michele
So, yesterday was all about Cameron and his 17th birthday. We decorated the house with birthday banners (solar system/space theme), balloons, and crepe paper. The homeschoolers did a great job. They also helped me make his cake, and they did all of Cameron's chores for him as a special treat on his birthday! When I brought Cameron home from school, they all jumped out and played "Happy Birthday" music, yelling "surprise!" Cameron was happy and even let them all hug him.
He had a good day at school yesterday and was happy with the decorations. Last night Annie, Amber and Matthew came over for cake and to watch Cameron open his presents. That was fun, but a little chaotic! I had to take some pain killers and a xanax by the time it was all said and done! The cake was a hit, and I think Cam was happy with all of his presents. He got cash from both sets of grandparents. From Bill and I, he got a gift card to Target and we're preordering a new Pokemon DS game, Soul Silver, so that he'll have it on 3/14 when it comes out. Molly, Nate, and Isaac used their own allowances to buy him presents. Molly got him a shirt with the Owl on it that says "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute!" Nate got Cameron the movie, "Free Willy," and Isaac got him "Flipper." We went with an animal theme for presents as Cameron is into animals (that's his current career goal) and we're also going to the zoo for his birthday activity later in the month. And, Annie made Cam's day by bringing him a pair of jeans and a gift card for In and Out Burger. (I noticed this morning when Cam left for school, he was wearing his new shirt and jeans!)
After cake and presents, we sent Amber and Matthew home. And we went out to Burger King (Cameron's choice) for dinner. That went well and was fun EXCEPT for when Isaac puked! I think he just ate too much -- chocolate chip cookie cake and potato chips at home, and then a big burger, fries, and a "suicide soda" (all the sodas from the soda machine mixed up together!) -- anyway soon enough it all came up. We had to get him and the area cleaned up and keep the other kids from sympathetic vomiting! But we managed. You have to love being the parents!
By the time we got home, it was almost bedtime for the little kids. We were all tired. And I was in bed by midnight. This morning, Cam asked me to make him eggs -- so I got up and did that. And now I'm just puttering around the house, doing stuff, and waiting for the cleaners. Nate is still asleep -- I think yesterday wore him out. When he wakes up, we'll start school.
More later...
Much Love,
Michele
Thursday, February 25, 2010
HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY CAMERON:-)
Hi Friends,
Today is Cameron's 17th Birthday. I can't believe my first baby is 17 already! I'm so proud of the young man we've raised, though. He's an awesome person. If you want to call him to wish him a Happy Birthday, his cell phone is 805/630-9728 and he's done with school at 3:20. The homeschoolers and I are working on decorating the house for his birthday today. We also need to make his birthday cake and I need to run over to Wal-Mart for last-minute birthday gifts and balloons!
Yesterday, after I blogged -- I went and picked up Cam from school. Even though it was raining, the drive went better. Except that I had a killer headache and couldn't take any Dilaudid until I was done with my driving for the day! But as soon as I got home and verified that Bill was on his way to take me to the doctor -- I took the pain meds and they, at least -- dulled the pain a bit.
We collected all the kids who were playing at friends' houses and Cam and Molly watched the younger ones during my doctor's appointment. Bill took me (was glad he drove, lots of accidents in the rain!!!) and we finally have a treatment plan. Dr. Karpouzas and Dr. Cohen have agreed -- we are going to give CellCept 2-3 months to work. CellCept is the experimental drug for lupus patients. It's usually given to organ recipients to keep them from rejecting their organs.
So, I have a reprieve on chemo, and hopefully the CellCept will bring on a remission. I am moving up quickly to the maximum dose, which is 3,000 mg per day. I am also tapering off the steroids -- Thank God! All other meds will stay the same. I think I feel good about the decision. I basically asked Bill and the doctors to make it since I'm the one with the broken brain! I was wary about doing chemo again, because I end up going from an over-active immune system to no immune system. And then I catch every infection and keep ending up in the hospital. But my bloodwork wasn't good this time either. So, hopefully we made the right decision and this less invasive treatment will work! Just keep praying, please!
Last night, we made it back to Oxnard in time for Nate and Molly to go to Youth Group at church. They were pleased. We left Cameron home alone, so he was pleased to have some time to himself, too. And Isaac got a special treat because Bill, Isaac, and I went and grabbed some dinner after dropping off Nate and Molly. Then we stopped at the 99 cents store for birthday decorations and headphones for all of our new phones. We got home, unpacked, and it was time for Bill to pick up the kids from church. Then soon enough it was bedtime.
So, for today -- it's all about the birthday!!! I'll try to take some pictures and post them on Facebook later in the week. Have a great day:-)
Much Love,
Michele
Today is Cameron's 17th Birthday. I can't believe my first baby is 17 already! I'm so proud of the young man we've raised, though. He's an awesome person. If you want to call him to wish him a Happy Birthday, his cell phone is 805/630-9728 and he's done with school at 3:20. The homeschoolers and I are working on decorating the house for his birthday today. We also need to make his birthday cake and I need to run over to Wal-Mart for last-minute birthday gifts and balloons!
Yesterday, after I blogged -- I went and picked up Cam from school. Even though it was raining, the drive went better. Except that I had a killer headache and couldn't take any Dilaudid until I was done with my driving for the day! But as soon as I got home and verified that Bill was on his way to take me to the doctor -- I took the pain meds and they, at least -- dulled the pain a bit.
We collected all the kids who were playing at friends' houses and Cam and Molly watched the younger ones during my doctor's appointment. Bill took me (was glad he drove, lots of accidents in the rain!!!) and we finally have a treatment plan. Dr. Karpouzas and Dr. Cohen have agreed -- we are going to give CellCept 2-3 months to work. CellCept is the experimental drug for lupus patients. It's usually given to organ recipients to keep them from rejecting their organs.
So, I have a reprieve on chemo, and hopefully the CellCept will bring on a remission. I am moving up quickly to the maximum dose, which is 3,000 mg per day. I am also tapering off the steroids -- Thank God! All other meds will stay the same. I think I feel good about the decision. I basically asked Bill and the doctors to make it since I'm the one with the broken brain! I was wary about doing chemo again, because I end up going from an over-active immune system to no immune system. And then I catch every infection and keep ending up in the hospital. But my bloodwork wasn't good this time either. So, hopefully we made the right decision and this less invasive treatment will work! Just keep praying, please!
Last night, we made it back to Oxnard in time for Nate and Molly to go to Youth Group at church. They were pleased. We left Cameron home alone, so he was pleased to have some time to himself, too. And Isaac got a special treat because Bill, Isaac, and I went and grabbed some dinner after dropping off Nate and Molly. Then we stopped at the 99 cents store for birthday decorations and headphones for all of our new phones. We got home, unpacked, and it was time for Bill to pick up the kids from church. Then soon enough it was bedtime.
So, for today -- it's all about the birthday!!! I'll try to take some pictures and post them on Facebook later in the week. Have a great day:-)
Much Love,
Michele
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
WET WEDNESDAY....
Hi Friends,
It's raining, it's pouring...here in the usually sunny Southern Caliornia:-( I decided to blog now as I think the rest of the day will soon get away from me. The kids got up earlier than usual today -- by 8 a.m. and were done with their homeschooling by 1 p.m. We spent a lot of time today making decorations for Cameron's 17th birthday, which is tomorrow. We will hang the decorations tomorrow while he is at school, so that he has a big surprise when he gets home!
I need to go pick up Cameron in an hour and am hoping to do my daily Bible reading before then, too. After picking up Cam and returning him home, Bill is going to take me to my 5:00 appointment with Dr. Cohen. I am really hoping that we will decide on a treatment plan for me. Not knowing is very stressful!
We also need to pick up presents for Cameron tonight and crepe paper and balloons to add to his birthday decorations -- not that we're leaving things to the last minute or anything! But he's pretty easy to please, tomorrow night he wants to go to Burger King for his birthday dinner, and I'm making him my famous chocolate chip cookie birthday cake. He requests it every year. The homeschoolers will help me make it tomorrow and I'll post pictures on FaceBook, I'm sure.
Nate and Molly also want to go to the Youth Group tonight at 6:30 at our new church. So, hopefully we'll be back from Thousand Oaks in time.
Anyway, I'll blog more tomorrow...
Much Love,
Michele
It's raining, it's pouring...here in the usually sunny Southern Caliornia:-( I decided to blog now as I think the rest of the day will soon get away from me. The kids got up earlier than usual today -- by 8 a.m. and were done with their homeschooling by 1 p.m. We spent a lot of time today making decorations for Cameron's 17th birthday, which is tomorrow. We will hang the decorations tomorrow while he is at school, so that he has a big surprise when he gets home!
I need to go pick up Cameron in an hour and am hoping to do my daily Bible reading before then, too. After picking up Cam and returning him home, Bill is going to take me to my 5:00 appointment with Dr. Cohen. I am really hoping that we will decide on a treatment plan for me. Not knowing is very stressful!
We also need to pick up presents for Cameron tonight and crepe paper and balloons to add to his birthday decorations -- not that we're leaving things to the last minute or anything! But he's pretty easy to please, tomorrow night he wants to go to Burger King for his birthday dinner, and I'm making him my famous chocolate chip cookie birthday cake. He requests it every year. The homeschoolers will help me make it tomorrow and I'll post pictures on FaceBook, I'm sure.
Nate and Molly also want to go to the Youth Group tonight at 6:30 at our new church. So, hopefully we'll be back from Thousand Oaks in time.
Anyway, I'll blog more tomorrow...
Much Love,
Michele
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A QUICK HELLO...
Hi Friends...
Just time to say hello and touch base briefly as I promised Cam he could use the netbook before bedtime. And I'm currently sitting in the dark between Nate and Isaac's bed to encourage them to fall asleep quickly.
Today was a good day... after Bill and Cam left for work and school, I puttered around the house, did my Bible readings and prayers, and generally enjoyed the quiet time. By 9 a.m., my homeschoolers were up and joining me for breakfast. We did some schoolwork through the morning, and at noon Molly took the boys to the park while I took a bath. Since I have a PICC line and a Fentanyl patch, I get to bathe every 3 days when the patch gets changed. This is how I've learned to appreciate the little things in life, like a bath! Anyway, they had recess at the park, I got cleaned up, and we were all happy!
Also, I have been having a great time on FaceBook. I've reconnected with friends and family, and now I've even reconnected with my former principal and colleagues from WAY BACK WHEN in Pensacola, FL when I worked at St John's as a first grade teacher. And now I've connected with a bunch of my former 1st grade students who are now in their 20's. Talk about a pleasant blast from the past!
Anyway -- after lunch, recess, and my all-important bath, we worked on schoolwork and finished up by 3 p.m. At that point, I went to pick up Cameron from high school. I've been able to cut down on Dilaudid and that means I am sometimes safe to drive. So, the good news was -- I was able to pick up Cam today. The bad news is it took 45 minutes to drive the 6 miles to his school here in our lovely city of Oxnard. I blame all the red lights and the crazy drivers. But Cameron was very patient with me even though I was late -- and we then drove home. I viewed it as time well-spent with my son.
After school, the kids did their usual friend hang-out stuff! I worked on some laundry and mostly hung out with Molly and her friend, Amber. We baked chocolate chip cookies, which were a hit for snack!
Cameron had a better day and came home with no homework today -- so he was in a happier mood. And Bill was home by 6:15 and cooking a wonderful dinner of spaghetti, garlic bread, broccoli and salad. It was SO good! Thanks, honey:-)
Tonight I'm aiming to get to bed at a reasonable hour. Tomorrow I have an appointment with Dr. Cohen at 5 p.m. Hoping for a good treatment plan. Your prayers are much appreciated!
I'll let you know what I know when I know it...
Much Love,
Michele
Just time to say hello and touch base briefly as I promised Cam he could use the netbook before bedtime. And I'm currently sitting in the dark between Nate and Isaac's bed to encourage them to fall asleep quickly.
Today was a good day... after Bill and Cam left for work and school, I puttered around the house, did my Bible readings and prayers, and generally enjoyed the quiet time. By 9 a.m., my homeschoolers were up and joining me for breakfast. We did some schoolwork through the morning, and at noon Molly took the boys to the park while I took a bath. Since I have a PICC line and a Fentanyl patch, I get to bathe every 3 days when the patch gets changed. This is how I've learned to appreciate the little things in life, like a bath! Anyway, they had recess at the park, I got cleaned up, and we were all happy!
Also, I have been having a great time on FaceBook. I've reconnected with friends and family, and now I've even reconnected with my former principal and colleagues from WAY BACK WHEN in Pensacola, FL when I worked at St John's as a first grade teacher. And now I've connected with a bunch of my former 1st grade students who are now in their 20's. Talk about a pleasant blast from the past!
Anyway -- after lunch, recess, and my all-important bath, we worked on schoolwork and finished up by 3 p.m. At that point, I went to pick up Cameron from high school. I've been able to cut down on Dilaudid and that means I am sometimes safe to drive. So, the good news was -- I was able to pick up Cam today. The bad news is it took 45 minutes to drive the 6 miles to his school here in our lovely city of Oxnard. I blame all the red lights and the crazy drivers. But Cameron was very patient with me even though I was late -- and we then drove home. I viewed it as time well-spent with my son.
After school, the kids did their usual friend hang-out stuff! I worked on some laundry and mostly hung out with Molly and her friend, Amber. We baked chocolate chip cookies, which were a hit for snack!
Cameron had a better day and came home with no homework today -- so he was in a happier mood. And Bill was home by 6:15 and cooking a wonderful dinner of spaghetti, garlic bread, broccoli and salad. It was SO good! Thanks, honey:-)
Tonight I'm aiming to get to bed at a reasonable hour. Tomorrow I have an appointment with Dr. Cohen at 5 p.m. Hoping for a good treatment plan. Your prayers are much appreciated!
I'll let you know what I know when I know it...
Much Love,
Michele
Monday, February 22, 2010
THE BOYS PHONES CAME TODAY!!!
Hi Friends,
Well, after my earlier blog, we left to pick up our freebies in Ventura. And on the way out the door, we ran into the Fed Ex man with Nate and Isaac's new phones. They were absolutely thrilled. We don't have a land line anymore -- just cell phones, and it was time for Nate to get his phone. He is spending a lot of time with friends at the park, etc. and also is old enough to stay home alone. And as far as Isaac goes -- yes, I know 7 is a bit young to have a phone, but it gives me peace to know that the next time I'm in the hospital, I can contact each child and they can contact me whenever they want or need me.
We got some good stuff on the Freecycle run -- clothes, shoes, lotions, toys, etc. We came home and sorted through it all. Then we had lunch and finished up our homeschooling. Bill brought Cameron home from high school and activated the boys' phones. I helped Cam with some of his homework as he had more than usual -- due to make-up work caused by going on the Marine Biology field trip to Channel Islands on Friday.
Bill worked later than usual, but as a special treat -- my friend, Annie, showed up all the way from Simi Valley with Big Gulps and donuts in hand. She knows the way to my heart:-) And the kids love her, too! We just did instant food for dinner and the evening passed quickly as everyone's phone needed to be reprogrammed. If you need a list of the new phone numbers, please e-mail me at blandmm@msn.com. I don't want to list them in this blog as it's public domain.
Annie went home and the kids were all in bed by 10 p.m. Bill is still watching the Olympics, and we should probably go to bed soon! I'll try not to forget tomorrow and blog...
Much Love,
Michele
Well, after my earlier blog, we left to pick up our freebies in Ventura. And on the way out the door, we ran into the Fed Ex man with Nate and Isaac's new phones. They were absolutely thrilled. We don't have a land line anymore -- just cell phones, and it was time for Nate to get his phone. He is spending a lot of time with friends at the park, etc. and also is old enough to stay home alone. And as far as Isaac goes -- yes, I know 7 is a bit young to have a phone, but it gives me peace to know that the next time I'm in the hospital, I can contact each child and they can contact me whenever they want or need me.
We got some good stuff on the Freecycle run -- clothes, shoes, lotions, toys, etc. We came home and sorted through it all. Then we had lunch and finished up our homeschooling. Bill brought Cameron home from high school and activated the boys' phones. I helped Cam with some of his homework as he had more than usual -- due to make-up work caused by going on the Marine Biology field trip to Channel Islands on Friday.
Bill worked later than usual, but as a special treat -- my friend, Annie, showed up all the way from Simi Valley with Big Gulps and donuts in hand. She knows the way to my heart:-) And the kids love her, too! We just did instant food for dinner and the evening passed quickly as everyone's phone needed to be reprogrammed. If you need a list of the new phone numbers, please e-mail me at blandmm@msn.com. I don't want to list them in this blog as it's public domain.
Annie went home and the kids were all in bed by 10 p.m. Bill is still watching the Olympics, and we should probably go to bed soon! I'll try not to forget tomorrow and blog...
Much Love,
Michele
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