You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
And now you can add your comments, news items, etc., directly to this blog simply by double-clicking on "comments" and following the instructions. We especially like family members and friends adding items of interest as it is a way for many of us to keep in touch.
Over the weekend, Den and I went to the Lake. Dave and Judy Meisel made dinner for Den, neighbor Mike, and me. We had great weather and a restful time. Den returned to Chicago on Monday morning. We are nearly ready for the big season-opening Memorial Day Weekend at the Lake. Den will be back on Friday.
Our plot for the getting Scott's children has hatched. Scott and Jalen and Brayden will arrive on Friday here to pick me up for our weekend at the Lake. We will return to St. Louis on Monday. Scott will go on to Louisville, and the children will stay here with Rose, Shirley, and me. The following Friday Sabrina, Dave and boys Alex and Brett will be weekending at the Lake. The Smiths and I will take Jalen and Brayden with us, and somehow we will get them back to Scott early in the following week, which is the week of June 6.
The Mayo Clinic trip is shaping up. It looks like I will be there for tests on June 15, 16, and 17, but it is hard to predict in advance WHICH tests. That will be decided in the initial consult on June 15. It's a long time, hard to wait. Rose will go with me, and we'll try to make it as easy and productive as we possibly can. Hopefully, the neurologist there will find out what is wrong with me and give me a pill.
I have started seeing a new acupuncturist, Dr. Thomas Duckworth. He has encouraged me to quit all dairy products and cut out all sugar, wine excluded. I like him a lot and his work holds out some promise for helping the neuropathy. I saw him on Monday for the second time, and Thursday Chris and I will go back for my third treatment. Dr. Duckworth, so far, seems to be a throwback to the 60's with his long hair and bedside manner. My former acupuncturist, Dr. Ginger, was from China. Dr. Duckworth is from California, and it shows. The dietary restrictions are rough. Turns out sugar is in EVERYTHING. Shirley and Rose are like Holmes' Hounds in sniffing out anything forbidden. Like the old man from Marshfield said, "If I put it in mouth and it tastes good, I spit it out. I know I'm not supposed to have it."
I am continuing my physical therapy at St. Mary's Rehab Center on a weekly basis with Shelley and Susan, physical and hand therapist respectively. They both are encouraging and of great help in my journey. I can now leg press 85 pounds, and a few weeks ago that would have had zippo meaning to me.
We are considering buying a treadmill for use here at home. Niece Sabrina who is a researcher of such things, has shared with us information about treadmills she gleaned in the purchase of the Smith Family treadmill. Turns out the one Sabrina bought is also made by the same company that made the one in the St. Mary Rehab Center, and it is a very good one. More later when we get closer to the actual purchase.
Today is Shirley's birthday, and it is Sabrina's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOU TWO! It is one to remember because our electrical power went off at 3:00 am and only came back on at 6:00 pm. We had terrific storms, hail, and torrential rain this afternoon. Quiet now.
It has been a week for entertaining. Rose and Shirley's friends, Boris and Marjorie, were here for dinner and overnight on Sunday. On Monday Marilyn and Jim Smith, friends of ours for a number of years, were here for dinner. They are staying at my house this week and will leave on Thursday to go on to Chicago. Tomorrow evening Aaron, Tiffany, and Haleigh will be here for dinner.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
At the time of the birthday celebration, I had a wonderful e-mail message from Irma Doty which now is lost. If anyone knows her e-mail address, or, Irma, if you read this, would you please contact me. Thanks!
At the time of the birthday celebration, I had a wonderful e-mail message from Irma Doty which now is lost. If anyone knows her e-mail address, or, Irma, if you read this, would you please contact me. Thanks!
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Yesterday, or today, depending upon which sister you ask, is Brother Joe's birthday. Happy Birthday!
Rose has discovered that Blogspot now allows readers of blogs to make comments. With any luck, she will add that feature to this weblog. I hope many of you take advantage of it and post your comments, news, responses, etc.
I know that I owe many, many notes of thanks for everything people did to make my birthday such a special one. Those notes are on our 'to do' list, however, we have to work them into Rose's schedule as I cannot write right now. In the meantime, I do want to go on record as being extraordinarily grateful for the Abbotts who were so gracious and giving and for all those who travelled so far for the occasion.
The news here is that my date at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, is set: June 15 at 9:00 am. I don't have details at this point, but the Clinic is sending an informational package. Rose and I will fly Southwest to Phoenix, rent a car, and stay in something like an Embassy Suites or the like. We don't know the length of stay or much else so far. We'll update through the weblog as we find out.
Our water-walking niece, Catrina, continues to sort out all the insurance mess for me. It surely takes a village to organize the kind of extensive medical care I'm needing these days!
A brief review of the week just past:
On Wednesday Shirley went to Chicago. On Thursday I had a lovely evening with Doug, Suzanne, Lukas, and Josie while Rose went to a Democratic fundraiser where Janet Reno was the featured speaker.
On Friday, it was time again for the Solumedrol infusion. I had a new home health team from the SSM Group who were great. As usual, I had four bags of the stuff over an 18 hour period. This time, the seventh in the series, was smoothest of all. I've had no ill effects as sometimes has been the case. Other than an improved steadiness and no falls since the beginning of this treatment, I can't tell it is doing a lot. But, then, it's still soon. This condition crept up on me, and I am hoping it leaves me the same way.
Saturday I had my usual treatment with Mary Lenihan which is incredibly soothing. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I go back to Mary for another touch healing session, and on Thursday, I am going to a new acupuncturist, Dr. Duckworth, someone Mary recommends highly. More on that after the initial consultative visit.
Sunday Chris called for Rose and me. We dropped Rose at the airport for her trip to Chicago, and I spent overnight with Chris and Shelly. We had a good time together, going to the Casino for dinner and some light losses. Chris says he prefers winning.
On Monday Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport, and today Shirley and I picked Rose up at the airport. Denny will be back from various travels on Thursday, and we will call for him at the airport. As you can see, there is a lot of coming and going in this household.
We (Shirley, Rose, and I) are thickly plotting ways to get our hands on Jalen and Brayden. We haven't seen them since the birthday bash--which is a very long time!
Yesterday, or today, depending upon which sister you ask, is Brother Joe's birthday. Happy Birthday!
Rose has discovered that Blogspot now allows readers of blogs to make comments. With any luck, she will add that feature to this weblog. I hope many of you take advantage of it and post your comments, news, responses, etc.
I know that I owe many, many notes of thanks for everything people did to make my birthday such a special one. Those notes are on our 'to do' list, however, we have to work them into Rose's schedule as I cannot write right now. In the meantime, I do want to go on record as being extraordinarily grateful for the Abbotts who were so gracious and giving and for all those who travelled so far for the occasion.
The news here is that my date at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, is set: June 15 at 9:00 am. I don't have details at this point, but the Clinic is sending an informational package. Rose and I will fly Southwest to Phoenix, rent a car, and stay in something like an Embassy Suites or the like. We don't know the length of stay or much else so far. We'll update through the weblog as we find out.
Our water-walking niece, Catrina, continues to sort out all the insurance mess for me. It surely takes a village to organize the kind of extensive medical care I'm needing these days!
A brief review of the week just past:
On Wednesday Shirley went to Chicago. On Thursday I had a lovely evening with Doug, Suzanne, Lukas, and Josie while Rose went to a Democratic fundraiser where Janet Reno was the featured speaker.
On Friday, it was time again for the Solumedrol infusion. I had a new home health team from the SSM Group who were great. As usual, I had four bags of the stuff over an 18 hour period. This time, the seventh in the series, was smoothest of all. I've had no ill effects as sometimes has been the case. Other than an improved steadiness and no falls since the beginning of this treatment, I can't tell it is doing a lot. But, then, it's still soon. This condition crept up on me, and I am hoping it leaves me the same way.
Saturday I had my usual treatment with Mary Lenihan which is incredibly soothing. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I go back to Mary for another touch healing session, and on Thursday, I am going to a new acupuncturist, Dr. Duckworth, someone Mary recommends highly. More on that after the initial consultative visit.
Sunday Chris called for Rose and me. We dropped Rose at the airport for her trip to Chicago, and I spent overnight with Chris and Shelly. We had a good time together, going to the Casino for dinner and some light losses. Chris says he prefers winning.
On Monday Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport, and today Shirley and I picked Rose up at the airport. Denny will be back from various travels on Thursday, and we will call for him at the airport. As you can see, there is a lot of coming and going in this household.
We (Shirley, Rose, and I) are thickly plotting ways to get our hands on Jalen and Brayden. We haven't seen them since the birthday bash--which is a very long time!
Friday, May 14, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
We are still waiting to hear from the neurologist at the Mayo Clinic. We thought the physician Dr. Dooley recommended was in Rochester, MN, but turns out he is in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Dooley talked with the neurologist, Dr. Benn E. Smith, on Monday and faxed my records to him. I guess these things take a while, but the waiting is awful.
Meanwhile, this has been a week for navigating Sue's new insurance, Blue Choice. She has had to make dozens of calls just to sort out who has to approve what and to get various referrals and precertifications. Thank God for Catrina! Catrina knows the ins and outs of the insurance world like nobody we've ever known.
Mother's Day was several days long, like Sue's birthday. Mark and Karen took Sue and Den and Shirley and me to Bar Italia for a fabulous meal in their outdoor garden on Saturday evening. On Sunday Sue and I met Chris and Shelly, Shelly's grandmother, mother, and uncle for Mass at St. Richard's, the Peterson's home church. Then we went to Chris and Shelly's for a wonderful family brunch and Mother's Day celebration. Den joined us there. After that festival Den and Sue took Den's mother out for dinner along with Den's sister Lari and her husband and son.
Mother's Day weekend was wonderful.
We'll finish this update later. Right now the press of events is upon us!
We are still waiting to hear from the neurologist at the Mayo Clinic. We thought the physician Dr. Dooley recommended was in Rochester, MN, but turns out he is in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Dooley talked with the neurologist, Dr. Benn E. Smith, on Monday and faxed my records to him. I guess these things take a while, but the waiting is awful.
Meanwhile, this has been a week for navigating Sue's new insurance, Blue Choice. She has had to make dozens of calls just to sort out who has to approve what and to get various referrals and precertifications. Thank God for Catrina! Catrina knows the ins and outs of the insurance world like nobody we've ever known.
Mother's Day was several days long, like Sue's birthday. Mark and Karen took Sue and Den and Shirley and me to Bar Italia for a fabulous meal in their outdoor garden on Saturday evening. On Sunday Sue and I met Chris and Shelly, Shelly's grandmother, mother, and uncle for Mass at St. Richard's, the Peterson's home church. Then we went to Chris and Shelly's for a wonderful family brunch and Mother's Day celebration. Den joined us there. After that festival Den and Sue took Den's mother out for dinner along with Den's sister Lari and her husband and son.
Mother's Day weekend was wonderful.
We'll finish this update later. Right now the press of events is upon us!
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
The big news this week for me is that I saw my new neurologist, Joseph Dooley, yesterday. [New insurance coverage has required me to make this change since Dr. Bennett Frank is not a provider for Blue Choice.] Dr. Dooley is recommending that I go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, to see a specialist there. Dr. Dooley will set up the appointment, and I will be going in four to eight weeks. Rose will accompany me to Rochester, and we anticipate a stay of few days. In the meantime, I will continue the Solumedrol and hold off on the next level of treatment, the immunoglobulin infusions.
Dr. Dooley, like Dr. Frank, has no definitive diagnosis for my condition. He says I may go through the Mayo Clinic and still not have a diagnosis or a better treatment plan, but he also says that if he were in my place, he would go to Mayo.
We like Dr. Dooley very much. He personable, warm, and very communicative. He also has a great sense of humor. I should know this week my schedule for the trip. Rose and I came straight home and looked up info about the Clinic on the internet. For what we knew before we saw Dr. Dooley, we could have gone to Rochester, New York! Turns out the Mayo Clinic has a great website with every piece of information one could need.
Monday was Den's and my 13th wedding anniversary. Den sent me a beautiful bouquet which I am looking at this very minute.
On Saturday, Rose and I went to Whole Foods to grocery shop. For the first time, I tried one of those electric-powered, ride-on shopping carts. Immediately, I ran into a table and knocked over 50 pounds of potatoes! My driving improved, however, and the rest of the shopping was without incident, although one man went out of his way to avoid me as I went about the store.
Jana and her fiance' John arrived for dinner Saturday evening, having spent the day looking for apartments. They stayed overnight to do more looking on Sunday. Later in the week, Jana e-mailed me that they found places in the Colony apartment complex at Page and Bennington in Maryland Heights near the old Glenlea House which will mean a short commute for Jana to her new job. Rose and I very much enjoyed these two young people, and we look forward to more family nearby.
Chris and I took Rose to the airport Sunday morning for her usual trip to Chicago, then I spent Sunday and Monday with Chris and Shelly. Sunday evening the three of us went to the casino where we met Aunt Kathleen. We had dinner there, won a few bucks, and had a great time.
This was an interesting baseball weekend, as the Cardinals were playing the Cubs here in town. Rose and Shirley are Cub fans; the rest of us root for the Cards. Chris' parting comment to Rose on Sunday was that he thought there might be a few tense days in the household as the Cardinals trounce the Cubs. Lucky for all, they split the series. Peace reigns.
Another piece of news, good news and bad news, is that on Saturday I got notification that my disability Social Security has been approved. I will start getting a monthly check in August and two years from August I would be eligible for Medicare. However, I have every intention and hope to be much better and off disability long before then!
Another change, necessitated by my new insurance, is that I go to a different primary care physician. Chris and Shelly went with me Monday morning for what turned out to be a hello-how-are-you-and-here-is-the-referral-you-need kind of meeting. I will only see this guy annually--which I am glad about as he has zero bedside manner.
Chris, Shelly, and I picked Shirley up at the airport Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning Shirley and I picked Rose up. Karen came and finished the flower planting, and Rose and I bought additional plants for the front porch and to spread around back. The garden here is looking great, and we don't know if this is the peak.
The big news this week for me is that I saw my new neurologist, Joseph Dooley, yesterday. [New insurance coverage has required me to make this change since Dr. Bennett Frank is not a provider for Blue Choice.] Dr. Dooley is recommending that I go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, to see a specialist there. Dr. Dooley will set up the appointment, and I will be going in four to eight weeks. Rose will accompany me to Rochester, and we anticipate a stay of few days. In the meantime, I will continue the Solumedrol and hold off on the next level of treatment, the immunoglobulin infusions.
Dr. Dooley, like Dr. Frank, has no definitive diagnosis for my condition. He says I may go through the Mayo Clinic and still not have a diagnosis or a better treatment plan, but he also says that if he were in my place, he would go to Mayo.
We like Dr. Dooley very much. He personable, warm, and very communicative. He also has a great sense of humor. I should know this week my schedule for the trip. Rose and I came straight home and looked up info about the Clinic on the internet. For what we knew before we saw Dr. Dooley, we could have gone to Rochester, New York! Turns out the Mayo Clinic has a great website with every piece of information one could need.
Monday was Den's and my 13th wedding anniversary. Den sent me a beautiful bouquet which I am looking at this very minute.
On Saturday, Rose and I went to Whole Foods to grocery shop. For the first time, I tried one of those electric-powered, ride-on shopping carts. Immediately, I ran into a table and knocked over 50 pounds of potatoes! My driving improved, however, and the rest of the shopping was without incident, although one man went out of his way to avoid me as I went about the store.
Jana and her fiance' John arrived for dinner Saturday evening, having spent the day looking for apartments. They stayed overnight to do more looking on Sunday. Later in the week, Jana e-mailed me that they found places in the Colony apartment complex at Page and Bennington in Maryland Heights near the old Glenlea House which will mean a short commute for Jana to her new job. Rose and I very much enjoyed these two young people, and we look forward to more family nearby.
Chris and I took Rose to the airport Sunday morning for her usual trip to Chicago, then I spent Sunday and Monday with Chris and Shelly. Sunday evening the three of us went to the casino where we met Aunt Kathleen. We had dinner there, won a few bucks, and had a great time.
This was an interesting baseball weekend, as the Cardinals were playing the Cubs here in town. Rose and Shirley are Cub fans; the rest of us root for the Cards. Chris' parting comment to Rose on Sunday was that he thought there might be a few tense days in the household as the Cardinals trounce the Cubs. Lucky for all, they split the series. Peace reigns.
Another piece of news, good news and bad news, is that on Saturday I got notification that my disability Social Security has been approved. I will start getting a monthly check in August and two years from August I would be eligible for Medicare. However, I have every intention and hope to be much better and off disability long before then!
Another change, necessitated by my new insurance, is that I go to a different primary care physician. Chris and Shelly went with me Monday morning for what turned out to be a hello-how-are-you-and-here-is-the-referral-you-need kind of meeting. I will only see this guy annually--which I am glad about as he has zero bedside manner.
Chris, Shelly, and I picked Shirley up at the airport Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning Shirley and I picked Rose up. Karen came and finished the flower planting, and Rose and I bought additional plants for the front porch and to spread around back. The garden here is looking great, and we don't know if this is the peak.
Saturday, May 01, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
We have heard from many of the family this week. Pete and Janet arrived home safe and sound after driving through a blizzard part of the way. Bernie and Maudie left Thursday morning to head home after spending a few days camping with the Abbott's. Tammy called to say she is safe and is looking forward to that Chicago weekend we are cooking up. I had an especially poignant e-mail from Sandi. Here is a portion of it:
"I got to spend the next morning with Shirley's daughters Carrie and Monica, and Tyson. They came over for breakfast the next day and we watched Chris' CD (slide show) from Sue's party. I offered a disclaimer to the "girls" before I started it b/c of the stark resemblance Shirley had to Sue. Carrie has especially been affected by it and has had a very difficult couple of years. But, they both wanted to watch it - especially b/c of the likeness to their mom. So we all sat in the family room holding hands and watching it - several times. (Tyson hadn't gotten there yet.) One picture is so much like Shirley that Monica yells, " Yikes! That one gave me goose bumps!" We were all teary and enjoying it at the same time."
Like Sandi, Carrie, and Monica, Rose and I were both teary and enjoying that e-mail at the same time. [For those of you who may not know, Shirley, aka 'Peggy', is Bernie and Maudie's daughter who died last year after a difficult bout with cancer. She was only 49 and was one beautiful young woman. All of us were mindful of her absence when we gathered as family last weekend.]
Today, Brother Bob's granddaughter (daughter of Bob's son who died suddenly a few years ago) is in St. Louis looking for an apartment. She graduated this spring from Kansas State University in Manhatten and has taken a job in St. Louis. Lucky for us! She and fiance' John are coming for dinner this evening with Rose and me. Shirley is in Chicago this week and will miss getting to meet this member of the family whom we hope to see a lot of once she is settled in St. Louis.
It is Derby Weekend in Louisville, and Scott is hosting some out-of-town friends for the event. This weekend is a particularly busy one for Scott and his business. On our refrigerator is Jalen's latest artwork. Anyone who has been in our kitchen has oohed and aahed over his amazing portrayal of characters and the talent he shows at age six. Of course, we leave his artwork up until it turns yellow.
We are off to the grocery store and have a busy weekend upon us.
We have heard from many of the family this week. Pete and Janet arrived home safe and sound after driving through a blizzard part of the way. Bernie and Maudie left Thursday morning to head home after spending a few days camping with the Abbott's. Tammy called to say she is safe and is looking forward to that Chicago weekend we are cooking up. I had an especially poignant e-mail from Sandi. Here is a portion of it:
"I got to spend the next morning with Shirley's daughters Carrie and Monica, and Tyson. They came over for breakfast the next day and we watched Chris' CD (slide show) from Sue's party. I offered a disclaimer to the "girls" before I started it b/c of the stark resemblance Shirley had to Sue. Carrie has especially been affected by it and has had a very difficult couple of years. But, they both wanted to watch it - especially b/c of the likeness to their mom. So we all sat in the family room holding hands and watching it - several times. (Tyson hadn't gotten there yet.) One picture is so much like Shirley that Monica yells, " Yikes! That one gave me goose bumps!" We were all teary and enjoying it at the same time."
Like Sandi, Carrie, and Monica, Rose and I were both teary and enjoying that e-mail at the same time. [For those of you who may not know, Shirley, aka 'Peggy', is Bernie and Maudie's daughter who died last year after a difficult bout with cancer. She was only 49 and was one beautiful young woman. All of us were mindful of her absence when we gathered as family last weekend.]
Today, Brother Bob's granddaughter (daughter of Bob's son who died suddenly a few years ago) is in St. Louis looking for an apartment. She graduated this spring from Kansas State University in Manhatten and has taken a job in St. Louis. Lucky for us! She and fiance' John are coming for dinner this evening with Rose and me. Shirley is in Chicago this week and will miss getting to meet this member of the family whom we hope to see a lot of once she is settled in St. Louis.
It is Derby Weekend in Louisville, and Scott is hosting some out-of-town friends for the event. This weekend is a particularly busy one for Scott and his business. On our refrigerator is Jalen's latest artwork. Anyone who has been in our kitchen has oohed and aahed over his amazing portrayal of characters and the talent he shows at age six. Of course, we leave his artwork up until it turns yellow.
We are off to the grocery store and have a busy weekend upon us.
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Saturday Morning in St. Louis:
Things are returning to normal after a wonderful week of birthday celebrations. I want to thank everybody for all the attention, love, support, prayers, cards, gifts, and work given to me. Especially I want to thank Joanne, Shelly's mother, for her turning her creative talents into beautiful decorations for the party on Friday.
On Thursday Chris picked me up and we went to Blueberry Hill for lunch. Being with Chris is always medicinal. We spent the afternoon running errands and enjoying the beautiful day. Thursday evening Rose and I went over to the California Pizza Kitchen at the Galleria for dinner. On Friday, it was time once again for the Barnes-Jewish Home Healthcare nurse to come and begin the last round of my intravenous Solumedrol treatments. Rose and I completed this round just this morning. So far so good.
Saturday Morning in St. Louis:
Things are returning to normal after a wonderful week of birthday celebrations. I want to thank everybody for all the attention, love, support, prayers, cards, gifts, and work given to me. Especially I want to thank Joanne, Shelly's mother, for her turning her creative talents into beautiful decorations for the party on Friday.
On Thursday Chris picked me up and we went to Blueberry Hill for lunch. Being with Chris is always medicinal. We spent the afternoon running errands and enjoying the beautiful day. Thursday evening Rose and I went over to the California Pizza Kitchen at the Galleria for dinner. On Friday, it was time once again for the Barnes-Jewish Home Healthcare nurse to come and begin the last round of my intravenous Solumedrol treatments. Rose and I completed this round just this morning. So far so good.
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