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
Pete and Janet arrived this afternoon, bringing tomatoes and onions so we let them in. They are Marshfield tomatoes from Slim Day and Wallawalla sweet Washington onions. Pastor in Greenwood, eat your heart out!
Pete and Janet had dinner with Joe and his whole family last night in Springfield and couldn't say enough nice things about their evening--what a great family, the warmth of welcome, and the catching up. Pete said Joe even sprung for the dinner, so tonight we know we can send the waiter over to Pete after our meals at Pio's in St. Charles with Margaret and Norm. [Joe, thanks!]
We gave our out-of-towners the choice of staying here, at the Oakland House, or at Margaret and Norm's. Their response was, "Is Joe's room available ifor him this weekend if we stay at the Oakland House." I assured them it was, so that was their choice.
We have much more to update--news from Aunt Virginia, baby and Scott coming tonight, Guy's weekend, Den's arrival today, and photos from the visit with Kim, Alex, and Evelyn yesterday. But right now we are off to dinner.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 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
Pete and Janet left today to on their travels. They will arive in St. Louis Wednesday or Thursday. Our big family gathering will be on Sunday at Rose and Shirley's. We'll have, along with great food, a prayer service, this one designed for the children. We'll have Brayden and possibly Jalen, and the guys will be home from their lake weekend in time for our gathering. Chris and Shelly have a golf tournament that day.
Den and Scott will be in on Thursday and will go to the lake on Friday. Scott and child(ren) will stay overnight with us on Sunday before their trip home.
Rose and I drove here to Chicago yesterday, stopping in Downer's Grove just west of here for my accupuncture treatment with Master Wang. The trip was uneventful except for a gigantic breakfast we had at Cracker Barrel. We ate so much that we weren't hungry for the rest of the day. Shirley was already here, working away, and the three of us will drive home Tuesday morning. Shirley is teaching a class for the St. Louis Jung Society called "Women's Empowerment as Shown in Film," and her class starts Tuesday evening.
On Thursday, Mary took me out to lunch at the Bluff's, a country club in St. Charles that has a fine restaurant. Part of the fun was just being with Mary who was well-known by everybody in the restaurant so that we were treated like queens. Mary's husband, Linn, has a parttime job at the club.
Rose is also teaching a class for the Jung Society, and that class first met on Thursday. She is doing a "Readings in Jung" topic, and it went well. Both Shirley's and Rose's classes meet every other week.
My car was making a frightful clamor which we wanted fixed before we drove here in it. Doug and Suzanne, bless their hearts, came picked it up, Doug fixed it, and they brought it home. Now, that's service! Thank, Guys. [Doug, like Joe, works free and provides the parts, but I understand only for a select few.]
Again, a reminder about the Family Gathering on Sunday. We'll eat late in the afternoon to accomodate the most family members.
Pete and Janet left today to on their travels. They will arive in St. Louis Wednesday or Thursday. Our big family gathering will be on Sunday at Rose and Shirley's. We'll have, along with great food, a prayer service, this one designed for the children. We'll have Brayden and possibly Jalen, and the guys will be home from their lake weekend in time for our gathering. Chris and Shelly have a golf tournament that day.
Den and Scott will be in on Thursday and will go to the lake on Friday. Scott and child(ren) will stay overnight with us on Sunday before their trip home.
Rose and I drove here to Chicago yesterday, stopping in Downer's Grove just west of here for my accupuncture treatment with Master Wang. The trip was uneventful except for a gigantic breakfast we had at Cracker Barrel. We ate so much that we weren't hungry for the rest of the day. Shirley was already here, working away, and the three of us will drive home Tuesday morning. Shirley is teaching a class for the St. Louis Jung Society called "Women's Empowerment as Shown in Film," and her class starts Tuesday evening.
On Thursday, Mary took me out to lunch at the Bluff's, a country club in St. Charles that has a fine restaurant. Part of the fun was just being with Mary who was well-known by everybody in the restaurant so that we were treated like queens. Mary's husband, Linn, has a parttime job at the club.
Rose is also teaching a class for the Jung Society, and that class first met on Thursday. She is doing a "Readings in Jung" topic, and it went well. Both Shirley's and Rose's classes meet every other week.
My car was making a frightful clamor which we wanted fixed before we drove here in it. Doug and Suzanne, bless their hearts, came picked it up, Doug fixed it, and they brought it home. Now, that's service! Thank, Guys. [Doug, like Joe, works free and provides the parts, but I understand only for a select few.]
Again, a reminder about the Family Gathering on Sunday. We'll eat late in the afternoon to accomodate the most family members.
Tuesday, September 21, 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
Our family get-together while Pete and Janet are here is tentatively set for Sunday, October 3. More detail as we know it. If you have comments or preferences, please let us know ASAP.
Brother Joe sent a newsy update today. Here it is:
"Thanks for the weblog update. The date of Saturday Oct. 2nd sounds good. Hopefully, I/we will be going to one of the final St. Louis Cardinal baseball games but so far, we have various conflicts. I may see if there is a charter bus to & from the game on Thurs, Sept 30th or Fri. Oct. 1, & go by myself.
Back to practicing medicine without a license, Don't you think Janet should consider another house nurse besides Pete? One time Aunt Mit was removing a splinter from brother Bob's finger & he told her she would make a better butcher that a Dr.
Not much new around here. Just keeping busy. The new overtime rules did not change my rate of pay! Still work free & furnish all materials.
My Dr. appointments are pretty well routine. On Oct. 18th the 60 day follow-up or whatever it is called is with Dr. Tay, the rheumatologist. The goutric arthritis & also the rheumatoid arthritis appears to be responding to the pills.
The Dr. appointment on Oct. 19th is also pretty routine. Our own D.R. (Donald Roy, the Felin Boy) gave me the best explanation of what the surgeon will do. He has had the same or very similar surgery, except his was close to one of his eyes & required very close & careful surgery. In my case, both of the skin cancers are near the end of my nose. Donald explained (verified) what the Dr. will do & that is remove a small portion of the skin, inspect it in a microscope to insure all the roots are removed. This is out patient surgery & I will be sitting in the waiting room until inspections are complete. They will call me back in for additional removal & this process continues until the results show all the roots have been removed. The original sample show them to be benign. Paperwork said bring some reading material. Thanks to daughter Lisa, I will take The Da Vinci Code book she & Jack loaned me several months back.
Take care of yourself, will see you soon!
Love, brother Joe"
We are urging Joe to stay for a few days and we will put him up and feed him well. That DA VINCI CODE, which the three of us have read, should occupy him in the waiting room for as long as necessary. It is a great read!
Chris and Shelly are having the cleaning lady at the Oakland House in case Pete and Janet end up bunking there, but they may choose to stay here or at Margaret and Norm's when the time comes. We haven't had an update on Janet's recuperation since Sunday, but will post when we hear.
Shirley leaves for Chicago tomorrow. My car has a 'problem' which Doug says is a simple fix. He and Suzanne will pick it up tomorrow and fix it, so that Rose and I can tool off to Chicago in it on Saturday. There I will see Master Want for two accuncture sessions, and we will return on Tuesday.
I had physical therapy, two sessions today, and tomorrow see my healing touch therapist. I am working the problem of what further medical treatment with my two neurologists, Dooley and Frank. Right now, I am continuing the Solumedrol that Dr. Frank started last February. The question before me is whether and how I add immuno-globulin IV treatment to my regimen. My strategy is to try anything that holds promise of helping.
As to my condition, I am stronger in some ways, but my hands are THE PROBLEM. There are many things I cannot do, and the left hand seems to be going the way of the right hand, that is to say, toward uselessness. On a more hopeful note, the rest of me is getting better. My balance is good. I can walk unaided, can workout daily, and have good stamina. I don't sleep well without my trusty Ambien, but recent sleeplessness may be part of the side effects of the return to Solumedrol treatments. Daughter-in-law Shelly reminded me that steroids bring with them insomnia.
Rose and I spent some time with Margaret yesterday. She is recuperating just fine, has lost weight, has great hair, and looked like a million dollars. She goes back to her physician tomorrow, and we will provide an update after we hear from her about her checkup. [Margaret, maybe it is time to send those baggy purple pants to the Good Will? They are getting awfully long.] This afternoon she and Norm were planting garlic in their garden for harvest next spring.
There are three big family birthdays this month. Dan, Stephanie's husband, and Dave, Sabrina's husband, and Connor are September birthdays. For Dave, this is the Big One--the Big Five-O. We think Randy and Lynn have their big Four-O's early next month. And Rose turns 62 in October--the Big Social Security Moment. She is working the system as I write. She has big ambitions to be a Double Dipper. Just as she finally gets educated, she is retiring!
Our family get-together while Pete and Janet are here is tentatively set for Sunday, October 3. More detail as we know it. If you have comments or preferences, please let us know ASAP.
Brother Joe sent a newsy update today. Here it is:
"Thanks for the weblog update. The date of Saturday Oct. 2nd sounds good. Hopefully, I/we will be going to one of the final St. Louis Cardinal baseball games but so far, we have various conflicts. I may see if there is a charter bus to & from the game on Thurs, Sept 30th or Fri. Oct. 1, & go by myself.
Back to practicing medicine without a license, Don't you think Janet should consider another house nurse besides Pete? One time Aunt Mit was removing a splinter from brother Bob's finger & he told her she would make a better butcher that a Dr.
Not much new around here. Just keeping busy. The new overtime rules did not change my rate of pay! Still work free & furnish all materials.
My Dr. appointments are pretty well routine. On Oct. 18th the 60 day follow-up or whatever it is called is with Dr. Tay, the rheumatologist. The goutric arthritis & also the rheumatoid arthritis appears to be responding to the pills.
The Dr. appointment on Oct. 19th is also pretty routine. Our own D.R. (Donald Roy, the Felin Boy) gave me the best explanation of what the surgeon will do. He has had the same or very similar surgery, except his was close to one of his eyes & required very close & careful surgery. In my case, both of the skin cancers are near the end of my nose. Donald explained (verified) what the Dr. will do & that is remove a small portion of the skin, inspect it in a microscope to insure all the roots are removed. This is out patient surgery & I will be sitting in the waiting room until inspections are complete. They will call me back in for additional removal & this process continues until the results show all the roots have been removed. The original sample show them to be benign. Paperwork said bring some reading material. Thanks to daughter Lisa, I will take The Da Vinci Code book she & Jack loaned me several months back.
Take care of yourself, will see you soon!
Love, brother Joe"
We are urging Joe to stay for a few days and we will put him up and feed him well. That DA VINCI CODE, which the three of us have read, should occupy him in the waiting room for as long as necessary. It is a great read!
Chris and Shelly are having the cleaning lady at the Oakland House in case Pete and Janet end up bunking there, but they may choose to stay here or at Margaret and Norm's when the time comes. We haven't had an update on Janet's recuperation since Sunday, but will post when we hear.
Shirley leaves for Chicago tomorrow. My car has a 'problem' which Doug says is a simple fix. He and Suzanne will pick it up tomorrow and fix it, so that Rose and I can tool off to Chicago in it on Saturday. There I will see Master Want for two accuncture sessions, and we will return on Tuesday.
I had physical therapy, two sessions today, and tomorrow see my healing touch therapist. I am working the problem of what further medical treatment with my two neurologists, Dooley and Frank. Right now, I am continuing the Solumedrol that Dr. Frank started last February. The question before me is whether and how I add immuno-globulin IV treatment to my regimen. My strategy is to try anything that holds promise of helping.
As to my condition, I am stronger in some ways, but my hands are THE PROBLEM. There are many things I cannot do, and the left hand seems to be going the way of the right hand, that is to say, toward uselessness. On a more hopeful note, the rest of me is getting better. My balance is good. I can walk unaided, can workout daily, and have good stamina. I don't sleep well without my trusty Ambien, but recent sleeplessness may be part of the side effects of the return to Solumedrol treatments. Daughter-in-law Shelly reminded me that steroids bring with them insomnia.
Rose and I spent some time with Margaret yesterday. She is recuperating just fine, has lost weight, has great hair, and looked like a million dollars. She goes back to her physician tomorrow, and we will provide an update after we hear from her about her checkup. [Margaret, maybe it is time to send those baggy purple pants to the Good Will? They are getting awfully long.] This afternoon she and Norm were planting garlic in their garden for harvest next spring.
There are three big family birthdays this month. Dan, Stephanie's husband, and Dave, Sabrina's husband, and Connor are September birthdays. For Dave, this is the Big One--the Big Five-O. We think Randy and Lynn have their big Four-O's early next month. And Rose turns 62 in October--the Big Social Security Moment. She is working the system as I write. She has big ambitions to be a Double Dipper. Just as she finally gets educated, she is retiring!
Monday, September 20, 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
Pete and Janet called to let us know that Janet has pneumonia, and they will delay their trip east until she is better. She was diagnosed on Thursday and by Sunday she was 'some better,' according to Pete. However, with Pete as home health nurse, Janet surely will not malinger.
Pete had talked with Bernie recently. Bernie and Maudie were camping with their club. Bernie is still wearing his boot cast for the broken ankle. The two of them are planning a cruise through the Panama Canal in January. One of Kaye's son will be married in Mesa, AZ, in February. Bernie and Maudie will fly there for that event. Surely sounds like Brother Bernie is doing well and is on the move.
We've had no recent updates from Brother Joe. Pete had talked with him, too, but Joe didn't talk about his health. Pete said Joe spends time walking that dog.
Mark is still recovering from his bicycle accident. He has to wear a sling. He still has pain, and he has not yet started physical therapy. He doesn't go back to the doctor for another month. He is working out by walking and riding a stationary bicycle. I told him to stay off his street bike, but none of my son listen to me anymore. Did they ever?
We are working on plans for a big family get-together at our house when Pete and Janet are here. Shirley, Rose, and I are going to Chicago and will return on Tuesday, September 28. We don't yet know exactly when Pete and Janet will arrive, so our get-together date is not yet set. We're leaning toward Saturday, October 2. If anyone has a preference as to date and time, let us know.
The Guys' Lake Weekend is October 1-3. Scott is leaving Brayden with us on Thursday evening. We will keep him until Scott returns from the Lake on Sunday. When I talked with Scott yesterday, he said he had cleared the dining room table completely except for the salt shaker. In a flash, Brayden had dumped the salt out and was playing in the mess he made. Obviously, Brayden is in training for the Terrible Twos
This past weekend was Gals' Lake Weekend. I rode down with Shelly on Friday afternoon, and returned with Angie, Tammy, and Debbie yesterday afternoon. We ate and ate and ate, shopped, and 'cackled', as the guy next door called it. There were fourteen of us altogether. We started this weekend tradition in 1995 so this was our ninth anniversary event.
I had this e-mail from Jalen yesterday:
"Dear Granny how are you doing? I miss you could you sed me sum pictures? of you and antrose do you want to know about bray bray he's good he got a cup and got toilet watter and spillt it if you sen me sum pictur's I will sen you sum ps my sore is geting better Love Jalen"
Jalen is now in First Grade but goes to Second Grade Reading and Writing Classes. He is able to express himself very well and has a wonderful imagination and vocabulary. We love getting letters and e-mails from him and will send him sum pictures today.
Pete and Janet called to let us know that Janet has pneumonia, and they will delay their trip east until she is better. She was diagnosed on Thursday and by Sunday she was 'some better,' according to Pete. However, with Pete as home health nurse, Janet surely will not malinger.
Pete had talked with Bernie recently. Bernie and Maudie were camping with their club. Bernie is still wearing his boot cast for the broken ankle. The two of them are planning a cruise through the Panama Canal in January. One of Kaye's son will be married in Mesa, AZ, in February. Bernie and Maudie will fly there for that event. Surely sounds like Brother Bernie is doing well and is on the move.
We've had no recent updates from Brother Joe. Pete had talked with him, too, but Joe didn't talk about his health. Pete said Joe spends time walking that dog.
Mark is still recovering from his bicycle accident. He has to wear a sling. He still has pain, and he has not yet started physical therapy. He doesn't go back to the doctor for another month. He is working out by walking and riding a stationary bicycle. I told him to stay off his street bike, but none of my son listen to me anymore. Did they ever?
We are working on plans for a big family get-together at our house when Pete and Janet are here. Shirley, Rose, and I are going to Chicago and will return on Tuesday, September 28. We don't yet know exactly when Pete and Janet will arrive, so our get-together date is not yet set. We're leaning toward Saturday, October 2. If anyone has a preference as to date and time, let us know.
The Guys' Lake Weekend is October 1-3. Scott is leaving Brayden with us on Thursday evening. We will keep him until Scott returns from the Lake on Sunday. When I talked with Scott yesterday, he said he had cleared the dining room table completely except for the salt shaker. In a flash, Brayden had dumped the salt out and was playing in the mess he made. Obviously, Brayden is in training for the Terrible Twos
This past weekend was Gals' Lake Weekend. I rode down with Shelly on Friday afternoon, and returned with Angie, Tammy, and Debbie yesterday afternoon. We ate and ate and ate, shopped, and 'cackled', as the guy next door called it. There were fourteen of us altogether. We started this weekend tradition in 1995 so this was our ninth anniversary event.
I had this e-mail from Jalen yesterday:
"Dear Granny how are you doing? I miss you could you sed me sum pictures? of you and antrose do you want to know about bray bray he's good he got a cup and got toilet watter and spillt it if you sen me sum pictur's I will sen you sum ps my sore is geting better Love Jalen"
Jalen is now in First Grade but goes to Second Grade Reading and Writing Classes. He is able to express himself very well and has a wonderful imagination and vocabulary. We love getting letters and e-mails from him and will send him sum pictures today.
Thursday, September 16, 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
I had a third appointment with Master Wang on Monday and still haven't made a decision about continuing treatment with him.
Shirley, Rose, and I flew back to St. Louis Tuesday afternoon where Chris met us at the airport. He had picked up the mail at the other house so he could hurry us home in time for the arrival of the SSM home health nurse who was here at 3:30 to begin the Solumedrol infusions once again. These infusions are the same ones I had from late February until late May every two weeks. The nurse puts an IV needle into my arm, begins the first infusion, and we finish over the next 18 hours with three additional treatments. This time the whole process went very smoothly. I think the Solumedrol has a very subtle and helpful effect, but it is still early. One problem is sleeplessness. I am not sure it is the medication, but last night I was awake a LOT. Of late, I have been sleeping extremely well, which is the case for most of my life and a real blessing.
Yesterday my healing touch session with Mary was wonderful! Mary starts our sessions with a prayer/dedication, and that sets the tone for hour. It is the fastest hour of my week. I don't actually fall asleep, but do enter a state of deep tranquility and meditation.
We've been watching Ivan and worrying about Shirley's family who live in Louisiana and Donald and Vita whose place must have been hit pretty hard. Shirley's one brother lives in New Orleans in the French Quarter. She talked with him yesterday, and he told her he was enjoying being there without tourists, traffic, and noise, and wasn't concerned about his safety. The news this morning is that New Orleans was largely spared. Other members of Shirley's family live more inland so did not have to evacuate.
This coming weekend is our annual 'Girls' Weekend at the Lake.' This year there are 16 of us converging to eat, sunbathe, shop, cook, drink, laugh, gossip, and relax. I had a dream Wednesday night that I was making a mountain of chicken salad for the occasion, my traditional contribution to the food chain--which is a long one! So, there's nothing to do but get busy once again with the shopping and the chopping. I'll put Rose and Shirley to work.
The top to Chris and Shelly's Honda Del Sol was stolen a week ago. Chris located one on E-Bay, but until it arrives Shelly is having to ride around with a tarp. Luckily, we haven't had rain here until now. Ivan is having an effect.
Today I have physical therapy. Chris will be by sometime in the afternoon. Tomorrow I see a new dermatologist, then it's off to the Lake until Sunday.
I had a third appointment with Master Wang on Monday and still haven't made a decision about continuing treatment with him.
Shirley, Rose, and I flew back to St. Louis Tuesday afternoon where Chris met us at the airport. He had picked up the mail at the other house so he could hurry us home in time for the arrival of the SSM home health nurse who was here at 3:30 to begin the Solumedrol infusions once again. These infusions are the same ones I had from late February until late May every two weeks. The nurse puts an IV needle into my arm, begins the first infusion, and we finish over the next 18 hours with three additional treatments. This time the whole process went very smoothly. I think the Solumedrol has a very subtle and helpful effect, but it is still early. One problem is sleeplessness. I am not sure it is the medication, but last night I was awake a LOT. Of late, I have been sleeping extremely well, which is the case for most of my life and a real blessing.
Yesterday my healing touch session with Mary was wonderful! Mary starts our sessions with a prayer/dedication, and that sets the tone for hour. It is the fastest hour of my week. I don't actually fall asleep, but do enter a state of deep tranquility and meditation.
We've been watching Ivan and worrying about Shirley's family who live in Louisiana and Donald and Vita whose place must have been hit pretty hard. Shirley's one brother lives in New Orleans in the French Quarter. She talked with him yesterday, and he told her he was enjoying being there without tourists, traffic, and noise, and wasn't concerned about his safety. The news this morning is that New Orleans was largely spared. Other members of Shirley's family live more inland so did not have to evacuate.
This coming weekend is our annual 'Girls' Weekend at the Lake.' This year there are 16 of us converging to eat, sunbathe, shop, cook, drink, laugh, gossip, and relax. I had a dream Wednesday night that I was making a mountain of chicken salad for the occasion, my traditional contribution to the food chain--which is a long one! So, there's nothing to do but get busy once again with the shopping and the chopping. I'll put Rose and Shirley to work.
The top to Chris and Shelly's Honda Del Sol was stolen a week ago. Chris located one on E-Bay, but until it arrives Shelly is having to ride around with a tarp. Luckily, we haven't had rain here until now. Ivan is having an effect.
Today I have physical therapy. Chris will be by sometime in the afternoon. Tomorrow I see a new dermatologist, then it's off to the Lake until Sunday.
Monday, September 13, 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 found Sabrina's photos. They are available on an internet site called "Ofoto." It's a place anyone can post pictures so that others can log on and view them. Here is the address:
http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=uj8ro3u.19pxvh2i&Uy=-hpjcyl&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3fshowSlide%3dtrue&Ux=1&UV=163162154557_27779957306
I'm back at Rose and Shirley's apartment this morning. Den picked me up here on Saturday, and we had a lovely dinner at Chicago Prime. The leftovers are good, too. We returned here yesterday afternoon.
Rose's bicycle was stolen from the building storage sometime during the past two weeks. She was disappointed to find it missing UNTIL she went to the local bike shop and test rode some new ones. After that, she was kind of glad that her 12 year-old Schwinn was gone. Now she has a brand new one with more gears than, according to her, she'll ever use, a computer that tells her more than she ever needs to know, and a bike rack she will probably never carry anything on. But she is happy, happy with it.
Shirley, who has battled her old, old desktop computer for weeks, finally popped for a new Compaq yesterday. Thank God she had the laundry done before she got it because she's not come up for air since! She doesn't eat or sleep, and she hardly hears us when we talk to her. She and Chris were on the phone commiserating into the evening yesterday as she transferred her old files and settings.
Right after lunch today, we are off for our third appointment with Master Wang. On Friday, I took my list of questions which he, more or less, answered to my satisfaction. He is firm that he can help me. However, his help will require many, many treatments over a period of months. I haven't yet decided what I will do.
We are flying home tomorrow. Chris will call for us at the airport. It's been a restful few days here for Rose and me. Shirley has worked hard, seeing clients and battling her computer viruses.
We found Sabrina's photos. They are available on an internet site called "Ofoto." It's a place anyone can post pictures so that others can log on and view them. Here is the address:
http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=uj8ro3u.19pxvh2i&Uy=-hpjcyl&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3fshowSlide%3dtrue&Ux=1&UV=163162154557_27779957306
I'm back at Rose and Shirley's apartment this morning. Den picked me up here on Saturday, and we had a lovely dinner at Chicago Prime. The leftovers are good, too. We returned here yesterday afternoon.
Rose's bicycle was stolen from the building storage sometime during the past two weeks. She was disappointed to find it missing UNTIL she went to the local bike shop and test rode some new ones. After that, she was kind of glad that her 12 year-old Schwinn was gone. Now she has a brand new one with more gears than, according to her, she'll ever use, a computer that tells her more than she ever needs to know, and a bike rack she will probably never carry anything on. But she is happy, happy with it.
Shirley, who has battled her old, old desktop computer for weeks, finally popped for a new Compaq yesterday. Thank God she had the laundry done before she got it because she's not come up for air since! She doesn't eat or sleep, and she hardly hears us when we talk to her. She and Chris were on the phone commiserating into the evening yesterday as she transferred her old files and settings.
Right after lunch today, we are off for our third appointment with Master Wang. On Friday, I took my list of questions which he, more or less, answered to my satisfaction. He is firm that he can help me. However, his help will require many, many treatments over a period of months. I haven't yet decided what I will do.
We are flying home tomorrow. Chris will call for us at the airport. It's been a restful few days here for Rose and me. Shirley has worked hard, seeing clients and battling her computer viruses.
Thursday, September 09, 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
Shirley, Rose, and I came to Chicago yesterday, Shirley and Rose for work and myself to see Master Wang, an acupuncturist and oriental medical doctor who has a reputation for helping people with neuropathy. Chris took us to the airport and except for having to limit his lifting, is recovering from his minor surgery just fine. He goes back to have the stitches removed in two weeks.
Joe Felin called Wednesday morning because he hadn't seen an update to the Blog for a while. He was waiting for a call from a doctor recommended by the dermatologist who did the biopsy on the lesion on his nose. The dermatologist told Joe he has to have further treatment based on the biopsy results. Joe, keep us updated and we'll pass along information here.
Joe also said he had sent flowers to Clinton (AKA 'Slick Willie') and was waiting for Pete's check to cover half the costs. He may have a long, long wait! [Pete, perhaps you could just e-mail Joe the money?]
Den is in Ottawa, Canada, this week on business and will return to Chicago on Friday.
Some of the recent photos are from the brief stop Scott and sons made at our house on Labor Day. The one of Pete and Grandsons is from an e-mail Merri sent. Sabrina also sent pictures but they seem to be lost in cyberspace. We'll post those when we become more blogsmart.
I've had my first session with Master (Dr. of Oriental Medicine) Wang. He was optimistic and hopeful that he might be able to help. Actually, he was positive he could help. He said that in his 30 years of practice, he has seen five people with my problem and was able to help them. He did something to my neck and gave me acupuncture for 20 minutes. I have my second appointment tomorrow. At this point, I am very much a 'Show Me' state resident, so will wait and let Master Wang show me.
As you might guess, I keep a vigilant watch for information about progress in stem cell research. There are reports of late that people have been treated sucessfully for various ailments with stem cells. Rose reminds me that once the federal government unleashed funds for AIDS research, effective treatments were developed extremely fast. Remember how hopeless AIDS cases were only a short time ago?
Today is a gorgeous day here in Chicago. Shirley is working, and Rose and I are sitting in the living room overlooking Lake Michigan which is stunningly beautiful. Rose and I went grocery shopping this morning and plan to spend some time on the beach this afternoon.
This apartment is small, has a spectacular view from its location on the 10th floor--the beach directly below and Lake Michigan perhaps 80 yards away. I guess I would dub it 'Turnbeau." Rose calls it "Turnbow North." Except for its location, it is quite modest. There is a garage in the basement with an attendant who gets the car for you. Rose's car is so old that she hates to call down and ask for it because it just doesn't fit.
Shirley, Rose, and I came to Chicago yesterday, Shirley and Rose for work and myself to see Master Wang, an acupuncturist and oriental medical doctor who has a reputation for helping people with neuropathy. Chris took us to the airport and except for having to limit his lifting, is recovering from his minor surgery just fine. He goes back to have the stitches removed in two weeks.
Joe Felin called Wednesday morning because he hadn't seen an update to the Blog for a while. He was waiting for a call from a doctor recommended by the dermatologist who did the biopsy on the lesion on his nose. The dermatologist told Joe he has to have further treatment based on the biopsy results. Joe, keep us updated and we'll pass along information here.
Joe also said he had sent flowers to Clinton (AKA 'Slick Willie') and was waiting for Pete's check to cover half the costs. He may have a long, long wait! [Pete, perhaps you could just e-mail Joe the money?]
Den is in Ottawa, Canada, this week on business and will return to Chicago on Friday.
Some of the recent photos are from the brief stop Scott and sons made at our house on Labor Day. The one of Pete and Grandsons is from an e-mail Merri sent. Sabrina also sent pictures but they seem to be lost in cyberspace. We'll post those when we become more blogsmart.
I've had my first session with Master (Dr. of Oriental Medicine) Wang. He was optimistic and hopeful that he might be able to help. Actually, he was positive he could help. He said that in his 30 years of practice, he has seen five people with my problem and was able to help them. He did something to my neck and gave me acupuncture for 20 minutes. I have my second appointment tomorrow. At this point, I am very much a 'Show Me' state resident, so will wait and let Master Wang show me.
As you might guess, I keep a vigilant watch for information about progress in stem cell research. There are reports of late that people have been treated sucessfully for various ailments with stem cells. Rose reminds me that once the federal government unleashed funds for AIDS research, effective treatments were developed extremely fast. Remember how hopeless AIDS cases were only a short time ago?
Today is a gorgeous day here in Chicago. Shirley is working, and Rose and I are sitting in the living room overlooking Lake Michigan which is stunningly beautiful. Rose and I went grocery shopping this morning and plan to spend some time on the beach this afternoon.
This apartment is small, has a spectacular view from its location on the 10th floor--the beach directly below and Lake Michigan perhaps 80 yards away. I guess I would dub it 'Turnbeau." Rose calls it "Turnbow North." Except for its location, it is quite modest. There is a garage in the basement with an attendant who gets the car for you. Rose's car is so old that she hates to call down and ask for it because it just doesn't fit.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Tuesday, September 07, 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
It's Tuesday after the Labor Day Weekend at the Lake. A good time was had by all. All included Doug, Suzanne and children; Scott and boys; Chris and Shelly; Goldman and Maddog; Stacy and Mike Derrington who is home from Afghanistan on leave; and of course Den and I. We had good, good food, fireworks, fishing, cards, and wonderful children.
Scott and sons came all the way from Louisville, stopping only once on the way there. I rode back with them on Sunday and we stopped at Rose and Shirley's for a late lunch and a break from all the travelling for them. Jalen had school today so it was imperative they got home last night. Scott said Brayden is a great traveler, sometimes so quiet Scott has to check to make sure he is in the backseat.
We have some new photos from various sources to share. Here they are:
It's Tuesday after the Labor Day Weekend at the Lake. A good time was had by all. All included Doug, Suzanne and children; Scott and boys; Chris and Shelly; Goldman and Maddog; Stacy and Mike Derrington who is home from Afghanistan on leave; and of course Den and I. We had good, good food, fireworks, fishing, cards, and wonderful children.
Scott and sons came all the way from Louisville, stopping only once on the way there. I rode back with them on Sunday and we stopped at Rose and Shirley's for a late lunch and a break from all the travelling for them. Jalen had school today so it was imperative they got home last night. Scott said Brayden is a great traveler, sometimes so quiet Scott has to check to make sure he is in the backseat.
We have some new photos from various sources to share. Here they are:
Wednesday, September 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
I saw Dr. Dooley today. After talking with my former neurologist, Dr. Frank, last week, I decided that a possible course of treatment is immuno-globulin IV injections. Dr. Frank, although he hasn't seen me since late April, thought that treatment is the logical next step for me. So, off to Dr. Dooley who is the one who will have to justify the reason and the expense to my insurance company. Dooley doesn't think the immuno-globulin (IMG therapy) will do any good. He understands my dilemma: do I do nothing and just wait OR do I do something in the hope that it will help me. His concern is the side effects of the IMG--possible diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure--which are significant.
What we decided during the appointment was that I would resume Solumedrol treatments which we discontinued in early June just prior to my trip to the Mayo Clinic. These treatments, as before, will be done at home by home health care nurses and by Rose and Shirley.
As for the IMG, I plan to go back to Dr. Frank, who is not covered by my new insurance, for a consult. If he still thinks IMG is a possible course of treatment, then I will deal with the question of insurance coverage. Dr. Dooley is writing a letter to Dr. Frank giving him all the test data and information from the past four months.
Dr. Dooley thought I looked very healthy, that I am stronger in the legs, but my hand has worsened. I have gained about ten pounds over the last six months. [This particularly pleases Rose who cannot lose a single pound in spite of hours and days of vigorious exercise. It might be the ice cream, but I won't tell her.]
I feel really good, have been sleeping better for the past few nights, and my spirits are higw. However, I am very frustrated at not being able to do as I have all my life. We work out every day, and I go to physical therapy once every week.
Margaret Anne say her surgeon today for a post-op check-up. She is doing fine. She will have to return in a month, but meanwhile can resume all her normal activities. She and Norm are planning to take their mobile camper to their lake lot this weekend. Catrina, Robbie, Sam and Lizzie will join them.
Sabrina just called. She was on the way to the library with her sons. They must have had some kind of political discussion. Alex said he thought his teacher and a classmate who sits next to him were both Republicans. Sabrina asked, "Well, Alex, what are you?" Alex, after a moment's thought responded, "I think I might be that other thing. What's it called?"
And speaking of politics, here is the latest update from Joe:
"All things considered, it sounds like you are making GOOD progress. Remember you were always very active & busy. Once you get back like most us are in, then you can continue
toward your usual fast pace.
How did "blog" get its name?
Pete & I finally got together this week. I called him. I told him it was Dick Chaney calling. He said "this is George Bush"
More Greenwood news, I also went to the Dr. this morning, a Dermatologist. Sounds almost like a political description. As expected, they took a sample off my nose & it will be analyzed, then will get back to me, in about 2 weeks.
Glad to hear Marge & Mary Pauline are recovering nicely, or getting "some better"
Bye for now,
Have a big Labor Day weekend & hello to everyone."
As to how 'blog' got its name, I think it is shorthand for 'weblog.'
The news from my three sons is:
Chris: He had a suspicious 'thing' removed from his upper back. Turns out it is more than suspicious so he has to go back to have more of the surrounding tissue removed next Tuesday. No Big Deal, he assures me.
Scott: He and his two sons will be heading to the lake around 4:00 pm on Saturday. He is having car troubles and is having to sort all that out. Never fear, Scott, like Sabrina, is the ultimate smart consumer.
Mark: No new word. We need an update, Mark. Let us know how you are mending, and let us know when that fancy new car (Lotus) arrives. We want to take it for a spin and see if it will pop wheelies.
Many of you know Chris is a computer guru. When we have had computer woes, he has tried to teach us things like bytes, drives, rams, roms, DVD, OS, etc. We keep asking, "But is the electric on?" until he gets exasperated.
Well, Sabrina also has kept Rose and me much up-to-date (at least into the '90's.) Just this week I had, at Sabrina's recommend, a 'wax job' on my eyebrows and mustache. It was a first. Believe you me, when that salon operator pulled off the wax, I knew the meaning of "job." It's a little closer to home than computer language and a lot more painful!
Den will be here from Chicago tomorrow. We will head off to the lake for the Labor Day Weekend and will update again early next week.
HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
I saw Dr. Dooley today. After talking with my former neurologist, Dr. Frank, last week, I decided that a possible course of treatment is immuno-globulin IV injections. Dr. Frank, although he hasn't seen me since late April, thought that treatment is the logical next step for me. So, off to Dr. Dooley who is the one who will have to justify the reason and the expense to my insurance company. Dooley doesn't think the immuno-globulin (IMG therapy) will do any good. He understands my dilemma: do I do nothing and just wait OR do I do something in the hope that it will help me. His concern is the side effects of the IMG--possible diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure--which are significant.
What we decided during the appointment was that I would resume Solumedrol treatments which we discontinued in early June just prior to my trip to the Mayo Clinic. These treatments, as before, will be done at home by home health care nurses and by Rose and Shirley.
As for the IMG, I plan to go back to Dr. Frank, who is not covered by my new insurance, for a consult. If he still thinks IMG is a possible course of treatment, then I will deal with the question of insurance coverage. Dr. Dooley is writing a letter to Dr. Frank giving him all the test data and information from the past four months.
Dr. Dooley thought I looked very healthy, that I am stronger in the legs, but my hand has worsened. I have gained about ten pounds over the last six months. [This particularly pleases Rose who cannot lose a single pound in spite of hours and days of vigorious exercise. It might be the ice cream, but I won't tell her.]
I feel really good, have been sleeping better for the past few nights, and my spirits are higw. However, I am very frustrated at not being able to do as I have all my life. We work out every day, and I go to physical therapy once every week.
Margaret Anne say her surgeon today for a post-op check-up. She is doing fine. She will have to return in a month, but meanwhile can resume all her normal activities. She and Norm are planning to take their mobile camper to their lake lot this weekend. Catrina, Robbie, Sam and Lizzie will join them.
Sabrina just called. She was on the way to the library with her sons. They must have had some kind of political discussion. Alex said he thought his teacher and a classmate who sits next to him were both Republicans. Sabrina asked, "Well, Alex, what are you?" Alex, after a moment's thought responded, "I think I might be that other thing. What's it called?"
And speaking of politics, here is the latest update from Joe:
"All things considered, it sounds like you are making GOOD progress. Remember you were always very active & busy. Once you get back like most us are in, then you can continue
toward your usual fast pace.
How did "blog" get its name?
Pete & I finally got together this week. I called him. I told him it was Dick Chaney calling. He said "this is George Bush"
More Greenwood news, I also went to the Dr. this morning, a Dermatologist. Sounds almost like a political description. As expected, they took a sample off my nose & it will be analyzed, then will get back to me, in about 2 weeks.
Glad to hear Marge & Mary Pauline are recovering nicely, or getting "some better"
Bye for now,
Have a big Labor Day weekend & hello to everyone."
As to how 'blog' got its name, I think it is shorthand for 'weblog.'
The news from my three sons is:
Chris: He had a suspicious 'thing' removed from his upper back. Turns out it is more than suspicious so he has to go back to have more of the surrounding tissue removed next Tuesday. No Big Deal, he assures me.
Scott: He and his two sons will be heading to the lake around 4:00 pm on Saturday. He is having car troubles and is having to sort all that out. Never fear, Scott, like Sabrina, is the ultimate smart consumer.
Mark: No new word. We need an update, Mark. Let us know how you are mending, and let us know when that fancy new car (Lotus) arrives. We want to take it for a spin and see if it will pop wheelies.
Many of you know Chris is a computer guru. When we have had computer woes, he has tried to teach us things like bytes, drives, rams, roms, DVD, OS, etc. We keep asking, "But is the electric on?" until he gets exasperated.
Well, Sabrina also has kept Rose and me much up-to-date (at least into the '90's.) Just this week I had, at Sabrina's recommend, a 'wax job' on my eyebrows and mustache. It was a first. Believe you me, when that salon operator pulled off the wax, I knew the meaning of "job." It's a little closer to home than computer language and a lot more painful!
Den will be here from Chicago tomorrow. We will head off to the lake for the Labor Day Weekend and will update again early next week.
HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
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