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 am off to the Lake this afternoon with Suzanne and Lukas. Doug will ride with Mark Goldman so that I can have the benefit of air conditioning. We expect a full house and are planning a huge community fireworks display. The Fourth of July is always the Big Weekend at the Lake. Den will fry fish one day, and Doug will cook chickens on his fancy rotisserie another day. I'm stopping by the Butcher Shoppee today to pick up various meats. There is a brand new supermarket at the Lake with ride-around carts. I'll be careful with my driving.
Rose is off to Chicago tomorrow morning. Shirley is already there and will return next week just in time to go to visit family in Louisiana. Rose will be home on Tuesday. Rose and I will get Baby Brayden on Thursday evening for eight days. Well, already he is 'Boy Brayden', having left the baby part as soon as he learned to walk. Jalen is off for two weeks of travel with his maternal grandmothers so we won't see him this trip.
Still no report from the Mayo Clinic. We are making good use of our 'Slim and Bulges' workout room, but can't change its title yet. I am up to 118 pounds so we may end up dropping the 'Slim' when what we wanted was to get rid of the 'Bulges'. I resume my formal physical therapy sessions next week on top of my athome workouts. Also, next week I will see Mary Linehan, my healing touch/massage person. For the moment, I am giving up on accupuncture. Shirley knows a Master Wong in Chicago who has had success with neuropathy using accupuncture. After things settle down from the Fourth of July Holiday and after Boy Brayden's eight-day visit, I'll make a trip to see Master Wong later in July.
===========
I'm spent a lot of time thinking about my illness and what it is teaching me. For one thing, I wonder what people do who have no family or support system to rely on at times like this. Just one example, SOCIAL SECURITY.
Turns out, when you apply for Social Security Disability, you have to fill out reams of forms. I can't write right now. Rose served as my goffer and secretary otherwise I wouldn't have been able to even APPLY.
After you are "awarded" Social Security Disability, you have to wait six months to start drawing it. In my case, I haven't been able to work since December, 2003, (and only sporadically since October, 2003), and I won't draw my first disability check until August. Pray tell, what do people do without family, friends, backup, and resources?
The other bad, bad news about our system is that it will be August, 2006, before I am eligible for Medicare because you have to be disabled--and have proved that you are--for two and one-half years before you can receive Medicare benefits. In the meantime, I pay an incredible amount every month for health insurance.
The Social Security people I have talked with have been extremely helpful, but they have no control over the amount of paperwork and the delays that are built into the system.
Of course, I knew none of this early this year. I assumed Social Security help would be there when a person needed it.
Some years ago, I had another jolting experience with our Social Security System. From 1976 until 1981 Mark went to engineering school in Rolla, partially funded by his father's Social Security benefits. Then the law changed. When Scott and Chris turned 18, their benefits, unlike Mark's, were cut off. You have to wonder how much money our government saved with this kind of short-sighted cost-cutting. And where did that money go?
Enough for now. When I get on my soapbox again, I'll recount some things about medical insurance that I've learned--again the hard way.
In spite of my current difficulties, I realize how very lucky I am. (For example, my son is also my landlord.)
Friday, July 02, 2004
Wednesday, June 30, 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 wonderful e-mail message from Joe's daughter, Lisa, this morning that included a link to photos of the famous dog, Pepper. Here's the link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAN2Hi
And here's Lisa's message:
"Aunt Sue!
I just spent the morning reading through this blog and have really enjoyed it. I hope you are enjoying your stay at the lake and have a great Fourth of July. Jack and I really enjoyed your surprise birthday party and the chance to get reconnected with so many family members. I hope you are feeling better and that you'll get the long-awaited results back from Mayo very soon. May they be very encouraging.
Jack and I leave this Friday for a 10-day trip to Spain. We booked the trip back in February before the train bombings in Madrid. We were obviously frightened then but since Spain has pulled out of Iraq, we're thinking it may actually be one of the safer places to be this summer. But we're making sure to wear no clothing with visible American brand names and this includes banning Jack from wearing his white tennis shoes! He bought a pair of leather sandals or "Jesus boots" as he calls them and is breaking them in. We're looking forward to some wonderful seafood plus all the other great dishes of Spain. I think we'll be able to indulge without guilt because we'll be walking miles and miles everyday to take in all the sites.
Daddy is going to really have his work cut out for him with the dog Pepper during the second week of July because we'll be gone and Lydia will be at a church camp. Actually it will be the mutt who will suffer most because she loves having so many people to play with her and especially scratch her back and belly. Here's a link to see the noble beast:
http://www.shutterfly.com/view/pictures.jsp?aid=67b0de21b216f227f437 (Once you open it, click on View as SlideShow)
Well that's all for now.
Love,
Lisa
sralil@mchsi.com"
I see the message also has the link to the 'dog show.'
Maudie e-mailed that Bernie's surgery is now scheduled for July 29.
Den and I came home from the Lake last night where we have had a very nice few days. Den has gone back today for some days of quiet fishing before our big Fourth of July annual celebration. I will keep some appointments then go back to the Lake on Friday.
I'm still waiting for the report from the Mayo Clinic.
Jana and John are headed to Kansas City over the weekend to see John's sister. Tiffany and Aaron and Haleigh will be at their place at the Lake of the Ozarks and will come over on one of the days.
Chris and Shelly are travelling to Tennessee over the weekend to do "Deliverance" river ride. I told them I didn't want to hear anything about the trip until they were safely home. The same way I felt when Chris jumped out of an airplane a few years ago.
Rose and I are about to take Shirley to the airport for her trip to Chicago.
I had a wonderful e-mail message from Joe's daughter, Lisa, this morning that included a link to photos of the famous dog, Pepper. Here's the link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAN2Hi
And here's Lisa's message:
"Aunt Sue!
I just spent the morning reading through this blog and have really enjoyed it. I hope you are enjoying your stay at the lake and have a great Fourth of July. Jack and I really enjoyed your surprise birthday party and the chance to get reconnected with so many family members. I hope you are feeling better and that you'll get the long-awaited results back from Mayo very soon. May they be very encouraging.
Jack and I leave this Friday for a 10-day trip to Spain. We booked the trip back in February before the train bombings in Madrid. We were obviously frightened then but since Spain has pulled out of Iraq, we're thinking it may actually be one of the safer places to be this summer. But we're making sure to wear no clothing with visible American brand names and this includes banning Jack from wearing his white tennis shoes! He bought a pair of leather sandals or "Jesus boots" as he calls them and is breaking them in. We're looking forward to some wonderful seafood plus all the other great dishes of Spain. I think we'll be able to indulge without guilt because we'll be walking miles and miles everyday to take in all the sites.
Daddy is going to really have his work cut out for him with the dog Pepper during the second week of July because we'll be gone and Lydia will be at a church camp. Actually it will be the mutt who will suffer most because she loves having so many people to play with her and especially scratch her back and belly. Here's a link to see the noble beast:
http://www.shutterfly.com/view/pictures.jsp?aid=67b0de21b216f227f437 (Once you open it, click on View as SlideShow)
Well that's all for now.
Love,
Lisa
sralil@mchsi.com"
I see the message also has the link to the 'dog show.'
Maudie e-mailed that Bernie's surgery is now scheduled for July 29.
Den and I came home from the Lake last night where we have had a very nice few days. Den has gone back today for some days of quiet fishing before our big Fourth of July annual celebration. I will keep some appointments then go back to the Lake on Friday.
I'm still waiting for the report from the Mayo Clinic.
Jana and John are headed to Kansas City over the weekend to see John's sister. Tiffany and Aaron and Haleigh will be at their place at the Lake of the Ozarks and will come over on one of the days.
Chris and Shelly are travelling to Tennessee over the weekend to do "Deliverance" river ride. I told them I didn't want to hear anything about the trip until they were safely home. The same way I felt when Chris jumped out of an airplane a few years ago.
Rose and I are about to take Shirley to the airport for her trip to Chicago.
Monday, June 28, 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
Jalen called to tell me he has learned to ride his two-wheeler, "on rocks, on grass, all over!" Dad taught him. Jalen also gave a further report on Brayden's climbing into the sink: "He even had Dad's toothbrush in his mouth and the water running!" Jalen's paternal great-grandfather died recently. Some of the family, Jalen included, are traveling to the state of Washington (after a trip to Washington, D.C., first) to scatter his ashes. Jalen's rendition of all this to me was something like, "You know, some people when they die are buried and some are burned up. He was burned up." Another part of our conversation was Jalen's thanking me--again--for the PS2 Harry Potter Game and the ten-dollar bill. Oh, the wonders of the six-year-old's world! Scott said the call was Jalen's idea, mainly over the excitement of learning to ride his bike without training wheels.
Jalen called to tell me he has learned to ride his two-wheeler, "on rocks, on grass, all over!" Dad taught him. Jalen also gave a further report on Brayden's climbing into the sink: "He even had Dad's toothbrush in his mouth and the water running!" Jalen's paternal great-grandfather died recently. Some of the family, Jalen included, are traveling to the state of Washington (after a trip to Washington, D.C., first) to scatter his ashes. Jalen's rendition of all this to me was something like, "You know, some people when they die are buried and some are burned up. He was burned up." Another part of our conversation was Jalen's thanking me--again--for the PS2 Harry Potter Game and the ten-dollar bill. Oh, the wonders of the six-year-old's world! Scott said the call was Jalen's idea, mainly over the excitement of learning to ride his bike without training wheels.
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
Hi, it's Rose here. Sue and Den are at the Lake until Wednesday, having gone there yesterday. You can reach Sue at (573) 365-2106. She will come home for a couple of days for her physical therapy appointment then return to the Lake for the Fourth of July Celebration.
Hi, it's Rose here. Sue and Den are at the Lake until Wednesday, having gone there yesterday. You can reach Sue at (573) 365-2106. She will come home for a couple of days for her physical therapy appointment then return to the Lake for the Fourth of July Celebration.
Saturday, June 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
We are still awaiting the Mayo Clinic report, impatiently awaiting. After consultation with Dr. Dooley, I skipped my routine Solumedrol infusion the week before going Mayo. Dr. Dooley thought it might obscure some test results. I am doing about the same without the infusion so am skipping again this week. Dr. Dooley is out of the office until Monday. I will call when he returns to decide with him on my future course of treatment, based on the Mayo Clinic results.
Den is coming in from Chicago today, and we will spend a few days at the Lake. Margaret and Norm may join us for some fishing.
Many people gave me their favorite book for my birthday. I am slowly reading them, although I haven't been able to send 'Thank You's' for all the generosity and thoughtfulness. Niece Nancy sent me one that I deeply appreciate for its spiritual comfort. The rosary bracelets she put me onto have now turned into my favorite gift to give. The artist and I are on first-name basis.
I had an e-mail from Brother Pete who reported on a great weekend with their two of their grandchildren, Kelly's sons. Kelly, Pete, and another grandson Chris are going Chinook Salmon fishing this weekend. Pete said he wondered if Joe didn't have better things to do than go see Cheney when the vice president was in Springfield not long ago.
In other family news, Den's Aunt Doris has a knee replacement last week and in a painful recovery period.
Scott called yesterday to tell us we can keep Brayden for eight days in early July. Shirley is making a pilgrimage to Louisiana at the same time and will miss some days with the baby. During the days we have Brayden, Jalen is taking a trip with his maternal grandmother and great grandmother. Brayden is at the get-in-trouble age. Scott said that he had gone in the bathroom (one of his favorite places), climbed on the toilet and then on the toilet tank to get into the sink. When Scott discovered him, he was sitting in the sink with the water running. Scott thought he was just giving himself a bath. No injuries, thank goodness. Now Scott has turned the water heater so low, he has to take lukewarm showers. I hate to tell Scott, but this is just the beginning of the in-trouble, quick-as-a-wink years. Wait until he is a teen!
Catrina's son Sam is spending two weeks with his paternal grandparents in North Carolina. Robbie's two sons are coming for summer vacation, and Lizzie will go visit the North Carolina grandparents in August. Sam has completely recovered from his bad bout with asthma and pneumonia. And Catrina is totally recovered from her disk problem that caused her some troubling symptoms in the Spring. She had to undergo intensive physical therapy for a time, but her disk problem is fixed.
We are still awaiting the Mayo Clinic report, impatiently awaiting. After consultation with Dr. Dooley, I skipped my routine Solumedrol infusion the week before going Mayo. Dr. Dooley thought it might obscure some test results. I am doing about the same without the infusion so am skipping again this week. Dr. Dooley is out of the office until Monday. I will call when he returns to decide with him on my future course of treatment, based on the Mayo Clinic results.
Den is coming in from Chicago today, and we will spend a few days at the Lake. Margaret and Norm may join us for some fishing.
Many people gave me their favorite book for my birthday. I am slowly reading them, although I haven't been able to send 'Thank You's' for all the generosity and thoughtfulness. Niece Nancy sent me one that I deeply appreciate for its spiritual comfort. The rosary bracelets she put me onto have now turned into my favorite gift to give. The artist and I are on first-name basis.
I had an e-mail from Brother Pete who reported on a great weekend with their two of their grandchildren, Kelly's sons. Kelly, Pete, and another grandson Chris are going Chinook Salmon fishing this weekend. Pete said he wondered if Joe didn't have better things to do than go see Cheney when the vice president was in Springfield not long ago.
In other family news, Den's Aunt Doris has a knee replacement last week and in a painful recovery period.
Scott called yesterday to tell us we can keep Brayden for eight days in early July. Shirley is making a pilgrimage to Louisiana at the same time and will miss some days with the baby. During the days we have Brayden, Jalen is taking a trip with his maternal grandmother and great grandmother. Brayden is at the get-in-trouble age. Scott said that he had gone in the bathroom (one of his favorite places), climbed on the toilet and then on the toilet tank to get into the sink. When Scott discovered him, he was sitting in the sink with the water running. Scott thought he was just giving himself a bath. No injuries, thank goodness. Now Scott has turned the water heater so low, he has to take lukewarm showers. I hate to tell Scott, but this is just the beginning of the in-trouble, quick-as-a-wink years. Wait until he is a teen!
Catrina's son Sam is spending two weeks with his paternal grandparents in North Carolina. Robbie's two sons are coming for summer vacation, and Lizzie will go visit the North Carolina grandparents in August. Sam has completely recovered from his bad bout with asthma and pneumonia. And Catrina is totally recovered from her disk problem that caused her some troubling symptoms in the Spring. She had to undergo intensive physical therapy for a time, but her disk problem is fixed.
Thursday, June 24, 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
Brother Bernie called Tuesday night. He and Maudie are headed over to Olympia to see daughters Tammy and Cindy later this month. From there the two of them will travel to Seattle where Bernie will have surgery on his right leg to improve the circulation. He has doubts that his physicians will actually do the surgery because of the risks involved. Another thing they will do at the VA Hospital is take some kind of nutrition course for diabetics. Bernie chuckled at that, saying he had been taking such courses for 50 years.
Bernie's birthday is June 28. Happy EARLY birthday, Brother!
Son Mark is in Naples on business this week. Turns out he will be there for his birthday, which is the 28th also.
Den will be on vacation next week. We will spend a few days at the Lake, and we will have our usual 4th of July weekend with fireworks display. Our actual schedule will depend on various appointments and need to be in St. Louis.
Liz Keay, a long, long time friend of Rose's and mine, came for lunch yesterday. We spent a leisurely time on the patio in the nice, cool, bright weather catching up. Liz is doing a lot of travel and has plans to go to China in September. She is in town for her granddaughter's wedding this coming weekend.
Grandson Jalen is going to Washington D.C. with his maternal grandmothers in early July. Scott will be going with a group of friends on their annual float trip. And we will have Brayden for a few days.
Shirley is making plans for a trip to Lake Charles, LA, to visit members of her family, especially her sister Ann and brother-in-law Lee. Lee has been diagnosed with a serious cancer. In lieu of the annual Frontenot Family Reunion, most of the family are traveling to Lake Charles to visit Ann and Lee.
We are still awaiting the report from Dr. Benn E. Smith of the Mayo Clinic. One of our neighbors dropped in yesterday for a visit. It turns out, some time ago she was involved in an academic study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine how the Clinic earned it excellent reputation for patient care. She was interested in my experience in Scottsdale, and it dovetailed with what she had learned about the Rochester facility.
Brother Bernie called Tuesday night. He and Maudie are headed over to Olympia to see daughters Tammy and Cindy later this month. From there the two of them will travel to Seattle where Bernie will have surgery on his right leg to improve the circulation. He has doubts that his physicians will actually do the surgery because of the risks involved. Another thing they will do at the VA Hospital is take some kind of nutrition course for diabetics. Bernie chuckled at that, saying he had been taking such courses for 50 years.
Bernie's birthday is June 28. Happy EARLY birthday, Brother!
Son Mark is in Naples on business this week. Turns out he will be there for his birthday, which is the 28th also.
Den will be on vacation next week. We will spend a few days at the Lake, and we will have our usual 4th of July weekend with fireworks display. Our actual schedule will depend on various appointments and need to be in St. Louis.
Liz Keay, a long, long time friend of Rose's and mine, came for lunch yesterday. We spent a leisurely time on the patio in the nice, cool, bright weather catching up. Liz is doing a lot of travel and has plans to go to China in September. She is in town for her granddaughter's wedding this coming weekend.
Grandson Jalen is going to Washington D.C. with his maternal grandmothers in early July. Scott will be going with a group of friends on their annual float trip. And we will have Brayden for a few days.
Shirley is making plans for a trip to Lake Charles, LA, to visit members of her family, especially her sister Ann and brother-in-law Lee. Lee has been diagnosed with a serious cancer. In lieu of the annual Frontenot Family Reunion, most of the family are traveling to Lake Charles to visit Ann and Lee.
We are still awaiting the report from Dr. Benn E. Smith of the Mayo Clinic. One of our neighbors dropped in yesterday for a visit. It turns out, some time ago she was involved in an academic study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine how the Clinic earned it excellent reputation for patient care. She was interested in my experience in Scottsdale, and it dovetailed with what she had learned about the Rochester facility.
Tuesday, June 22, 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
Again, it's Rose, typing for Sue:
"Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport yesterday. We went to Applebee's for dinner, came home, and worked out in the 'Slim and Bulges' workout room. Today Shirley and I called for Rose who came in on a flight from Chicago at 2:30.
We are slowly returning to our pre-Mayo routine in this household. Niece Stephanie, her husband Dan and their two sons, Nathan and Jacob, are at the lake house this week. I spent Sunday and Sunday night with Chris and Shelly who were so welcoming and gracious that I felt very much 'at home.' Shelly made some great baklava. Shirley and I didn't know such an extraordinary dish could even be made at home.
Shelly suggested that for some of our more conservative family members, we should give some warning when we post some of our more liberal-leaning messages. We are going even further than to give warning; we want ANYONE to add comments for that surely leads to a rich and rewarding discussion. Niece Jana sent me an e-mail saying she had tried to add a comment but had trouble doing so. It may seem daunting, but believe us, it is really quite easy. Just follow the instructions for signing up for a free Blogspot account and the steps after that for either starting your own blog or commenting on this one.
After Jalen and Brayden went home, we sent a package with a Harry Potter PS2 game, some photos for Jalen's 'Amazin' Jalen' travelogue, and a ten-dollar bill so Jalen could host his father and brother at their favorite place, Home Town Buffet. Scott reported that when Jalen opened the package he exclaimed, 'Wow! I've had some one-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill, but I NEVER had a ten-dollar bill before!'
I had an e-mail from Brother Joe who said they had taken granddaughter Lydia to see the Vice-President when he was in Springfield yesterday."
Again, it's Rose, typing for Sue:
"Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport yesterday. We went to Applebee's for dinner, came home, and worked out in the 'Slim and Bulges' workout room. Today Shirley and I called for Rose who came in on a flight from Chicago at 2:30.
We are slowly returning to our pre-Mayo routine in this household. Niece Stephanie, her husband Dan and their two sons, Nathan and Jacob, are at the lake house this week. I spent Sunday and Sunday night with Chris and Shelly who were so welcoming and gracious that I felt very much 'at home.' Shelly made some great baklava. Shirley and I didn't know such an extraordinary dish could even be made at home.
Shelly suggested that for some of our more conservative family members, we should give some warning when we post some of our more liberal-leaning messages. We are going even further than to give warning; we want ANYONE to add comments for that surely leads to a rich and rewarding discussion. Niece Jana sent me an e-mail saying she had tried to add a comment but had trouble doing so. It may seem daunting, but believe us, it is really quite easy. Just follow the instructions for signing up for a free Blogspot account and the steps after that for either starting your own blog or commenting on this one.
After Jalen and Brayden went home, we sent a package with a Harry Potter PS2 game, some photos for Jalen's 'Amazin' Jalen' travelogue, and a ten-dollar bill so Jalen could host his father and brother at their favorite place, Home Town Buffet. Scott reported that when Jalen opened the package he exclaimed, 'Wow! I've had some one-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill, but I NEVER had a ten-dollar bill before!'
I had an e-mail from Brother Joe who said they had taken granddaughter Lydia to see the Vice-President when he was in Springfield yesterday."
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
Hi, it's Rose again. We are doing a favorite thing: watching the Cubs and the Cardinals battle. And we are dying to see one of these in-town games this week. If anyone has any idea of how to get their hands on three tickets for this sold-out series, please call us!
Hi, it's Rose again. We are doing a favorite thing: watching the Cubs and the Cardinals battle. And we are dying to see one of these in-town games this week. If anyone has any idea of how to get their hands on three tickets for this sold-out series, please call us!
Sunday, June 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
Hello, this is Rose with a quick update. Sue and Chris took me to the airport this morning for my trip to Chicago. Sue is with Chris and Shelly today and part of tomorrow when she will come home.
We had an interesting happening at Walgreen's last night. Sue had called in four of her prescriptions, three topical cremes for her psoriasis and one for her Ambien sleeping medication. When we went to pick them up at the drive-through window, the clerk told us the cost was $549. We were aghast. Sue quickly regained her composure and told the woman to check the new insurance coverage. After a few minutes, we got the real costs--$160, only (?) $160.
We came away shaking our heads. What do people do who cannot afford their prescriptions? Sue said that people like her no doubt just suffer the pains of psoriasis and insomnia with no relief.
Surely, surely we need a National Health Care Insurance Plan in this country. I know I pay over $300 per month for modest medical insurance which, thank goodness, I haven't had much use for, yet. Sue and Den pay almost $2000 per month (YES, PER MONTH!) and still have exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. God only knows what the week at the Mayo Clinic will end up costing them.
I read in today's TRIBUNE that the United States is paying one billion seven hundred million dollars for Iraqi health costs this year alone. That's $1,700,000,000 and only for health care. The other $200 BILLION is for other stuff. Charity begins at home, or should begin at home.
I know I don't fear terrorists nearly as much as I fear my rising medical insurance costs, prescription drug costs, health care costs, and gasoline prices. For someone on a fixed income, these are indeed frightening realities.
These are some dark days in America.
Hello, this is Rose with a quick update. Sue and Chris took me to the airport this morning for my trip to Chicago. Sue is with Chris and Shelly today and part of tomorrow when she will come home.
We had an interesting happening at Walgreen's last night. Sue had called in four of her prescriptions, three topical cremes for her psoriasis and one for her Ambien sleeping medication. When we went to pick them up at the drive-through window, the clerk told us the cost was $549. We were aghast. Sue quickly regained her composure and told the woman to check the new insurance coverage. After a few minutes, we got the real costs--$160, only (?) $160.
We came away shaking our heads. What do people do who cannot afford their prescriptions? Sue said that people like her no doubt just suffer the pains of psoriasis and insomnia with no relief.
Surely, surely we need a National Health Care Insurance Plan in this country. I know I pay over $300 per month for modest medical insurance which, thank goodness, I haven't had much use for, yet. Sue and Den pay almost $2000 per month (YES, PER MONTH!) and still have exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. God only knows what the week at the Mayo Clinic will end up costing them.
I read in today's TRIBUNE that the United States is paying one billion seven hundred million dollars for Iraqi health costs this year alone. That's $1,700,000,000 and only for health care. The other $200 BILLION is for other stuff. Charity begins at home, or should begin at home.
I know I don't fear terrorists nearly as much as I fear my rising medical insurance costs, prescription drug costs, health care costs, and gasoline prices. For someone on a fixed income, these are indeed frightening realities.
These are some dark days in America.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Friday, June 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
Nothing has happened since our last entry except that we flew half way across the U.S. Chris interrupted his poker night to ferry us from the airport, and now we are home.
Dave and Judy Meisel, neighbors at the Lake, called to tell me that the ramp to the swim dock had collapsed. Den was in route to Chicago, and I was about to get on a plane. Dave arranged with a dock company to get the repair underway--for which I am extremely grateful.
When my adopted son, Doug, heard about the problem, he said, "Well, I guess I'll just have to go down there next weekend." For those of you who don't know Doug, he can fix anything and he is a worker.
It was surely nice to get back to chilly St. Louis after scorching Scottsdale. Right now it is 66 degrees. Add 40 to that number, and you know the temperature in Scottsdale.
All week, off and on in our spare hours, we worked crossword puzzles. Rose is following right in our mother's footsteps. When she doesn't know the right word, she just makes one up. And she fills them in in INK!
We came right home and started the washing machine. Today we were reduced to fumbling through our suitcase to find "our cleanest dirty shirts."
After all our confusion about the time change, we don't know whether to stay up or go to bed. Does a two-hour time difference qualify as jet lag?
After all that went on this week at that wondrous Mayo Clinic, the next step is to wait.
Nothing has happened since our last entry except that we flew half way across the U.S. Chris interrupted his poker night to ferry us from the airport, and now we are home.
Dave and Judy Meisel, neighbors at the Lake, called to tell me that the ramp to the swim dock had collapsed. Den was in route to Chicago, and I was about to get on a plane. Dave arranged with a dock company to get the repair underway--for which I am extremely grateful.
When my adopted son, Doug, heard about the problem, he said, "Well, I guess I'll just have to go down there next weekend." For those of you who don't know Doug, he can fix anything and he is a worker.
It was surely nice to get back to chilly St. Louis after scorching Scottsdale. Right now it is 66 degrees. Add 40 to that number, and you know the temperature in Scottsdale.
All week, off and on in our spare hours, we worked crossword puzzles. Rose is following right in our mother's footsteps. When she doesn't know the right word, she just makes one up. And she fills them in in INK!
We came right home and started the washing machine. Today we were reduced to fumbling through our suitcase to find "our cleanest dirty shirts."
After all our confusion about the time change, we don't know whether to stay up or go to bed. Does a two-hour time difference qualify as jet lag?
After all that went on this week at that wondrous Mayo Clinic, the next step is to wait.
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 got to the Mayo Clinic early this morning to sort out insurance issues. Some Blue Choice coverage of various tests was still a question, but Catrina tackled the problem. She called just now to say the Blue Choice representative, Amber, had called her back to tell her that all the testing is covered.
The tests this morning were simple--one was to assess my general level of functioning to establish a quantitative baseline and the other to test my lung functioning. We were back in the room by 11:00 am and are packing and readying to head east.
Rose changed our returning Southwest Airlines reservations so many times that she was embarrassed to do it a fourth time, so she made me do it. We are scheduled out of here at 4:05 pm, arriving in St. Louis at 9:25 pm. We have some time to kill so we'll check out of here, have some lunch, turn in our car, and go to the gate.
Margaret called a bit ago. She was sitting on a park bench on Main Street in St. Charles, eating horehound candy, waiting for Norm and their out-of-towners to finish shopping. They are having a good time.
Den left here to return to Chicago this morning at 8:45. He will be back in Chicago before we leave this area.
We got to the Mayo Clinic early this morning to sort out insurance issues. Some Blue Choice coverage of various tests was still a question, but Catrina tackled the problem. She called just now to say the Blue Choice representative, Amber, had called her back to tell her that all the testing is covered.
The tests this morning were simple--one was to assess my general level of functioning to establish a quantitative baseline and the other to test my lung functioning. We were back in the room by 11:00 am and are packing and readying to head east.
Rose changed our returning Southwest Airlines reservations so many times that she was embarrassed to do it a fourth time, so she made me do it. We are scheduled out of here at 4:05 pm, arriving in St. Louis at 9:25 pm. We have some time to kill so we'll check out of here, have some lunch, turn in our car, and go to the gate.
Margaret called a bit ago. She was sitting on a park bench on Main Street in St. Charles, eating horehound candy, waiting for Norm and their out-of-towners to finish shopping. They are having a good time.
Den left here to return to Chicago this morning at 8:45. He will be back in Chicago before we leave this area.
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
Brother Joe has sent us an e-mail, an update on his medical condition, a report on the famous dog, and an old, old, old story which only he can remember because he never forgets ANYTHING! Here is his missive:
"Sue, there is no way you can keep from worrying but remember my Doctors are (as of today) still trying to determine if I have Gout Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. What I thought was gout all these years flared up again this week in my left ankle & moved forward to my toes. I called the Dr. this morning & he set up a 12:30 appointment. Regular Dr. was off & his replacement saw me. Think he drew out some fluid from my ankle to determine if it gout or RA, then squirted some cordozone back in my ankle. Also put me back on Predisone for 10 days, starting with 3 the first day & tapering off, starting day 3.
Funny story next, Lisa & Lydia were walking the dog Sunday at Sequota Park. Lisa said they were discussing who owned the dog & Lydia assured her the dog belonged to her (Lydia) Later the dog pooped and ownership became questionable. Lisa said Lydia went & got the poop bag & let Lisa do the dirty work.
Remember the time at Marshfield when you got a cat. A deal was made as to which part of the house you, Rose & possible Donald were responsible. The cat pooped twice the same day, in the same room.
Have an enjoyable stay (if possible) in Phoenix & a safe return trip."
Last evening we had dinner with (again, on) Den at Ruth's Kris Steak House. No doubt, we had the best steak EVER. Rose and I were underdressed, as it turns out, and Den was overcharged, as it turns out. We had a fine time, but we lingered so long that it was too late to call Niece Kaye when we returned.
Catrina, bless her heart, read the yesterday's weblog update, and immediately called to offer help in sorting out the insurance issues. We may have to get her involved again, depending on what Blue Choice decrees.
This morning it is off to the Mayo Clinic extra early to take advantage of the two-hour time difference with the insurance office in St. Louis.
It's already warm here in Sunny Scottsdale and going up to 107 today.
Brother Joe has sent us an e-mail, an update on his medical condition, a report on the famous dog, and an old, old, old story which only he can remember because he never forgets ANYTHING! Here is his missive:
"Sue, there is no way you can keep from worrying but remember my Doctors are (as of today) still trying to determine if I have Gout Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. What I thought was gout all these years flared up again this week in my left ankle & moved forward to my toes. I called the Dr. this morning & he set up a 12:30 appointment. Regular Dr. was off & his replacement saw me. Think he drew out some fluid from my ankle to determine if it gout or RA, then squirted some cordozone back in my ankle. Also put me back on Predisone for 10 days, starting with 3 the first day & tapering off, starting day 3.
Funny story next, Lisa & Lydia were walking the dog Sunday at Sequota Park. Lisa said they were discussing who owned the dog & Lydia assured her the dog belonged to her (Lydia) Later the dog pooped and ownership became questionable. Lisa said Lydia went & got the poop bag & let Lisa do the dirty work.
Remember the time at Marshfield when you got a cat. A deal was made as to which part of the house you, Rose & possible Donald were responsible. The cat pooped twice the same day, in the same room.
Have an enjoyable stay (if possible) in Phoenix & a safe return trip."
Last evening we had dinner with (again, on) Den at Ruth's Kris Steak House. No doubt, we had the best steak EVER. Rose and I were underdressed, as it turns out, and Den was overcharged, as it turns out. We had a fine time, but we lingered so long that it was too late to call Niece Kaye when we returned.
Catrina, bless her heart, read the yesterday's weblog update, and immediately called to offer help in sorting out the insurance issues. We may have to get her involved again, depending on what Blue Choice decrees.
This morning it is off to the Mayo Clinic extra early to take advantage of the two-hour time difference with the insurance office in St. Louis.
It's already warm here in Sunny Scottsdale and going up to 107 today.
Thursday, June 17, 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
Thursday, June 17, 2004, 6:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Well, more waiting. We just returned from our debriefing consult with Dr. Benn E. Smith. He has not yet reached any conclusions and won’t until all the test results are in. In fact, he wants me to have two more tests tomorrow, which means we will be extending our stay here into the evening. In our meeting when I pressed Smith for possibilities, his response was that it is as if there are 20 different pieces of cake in front of us with no point in selecting THE ONE until the recipe is in place. Some of the ‘cakes’ are treatable; some are not. When all the results and evaluations and interpretations are complete, Dr. Smith will mail copies of the Mayo report to both Dr. Dooley and to me in 10-14 days.
Smith did tell me there is no improvement in the nerves in my legs, something that was a great disappointment to hear. About my disease, he was neither encouraging nor discouraging. He would not venture any guesses as to a definitive diagnosis or prognosis at this point.
Earlier in the day I had blood drawn and a spinal tap, both of which were no big deal. Smith said the spinal fluid looked good, improved over the condition in February.
From our 4:00 pm meeting with Smith, we went to the insurance desk because these additional tests must be approved by Blue Choice, my insurance carrier. Of course, Blue Choice personnel had gone for the day, so tomorrow Rose and I will go the Clinic very early to get the necessary approvals rolling.
We have changed our flight from 10:10 am to 6:30 pm tomorrow and have arranged for a late checkout time here at the Embassy Suites.
Overall, I am very disappointed, but shouldn’t really be surprised. These past months have been ones of a lot of waiting for answers.
A brighter note to the day: We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking a beautiful golf course.
We will leave our room shortly to meet Den for dinner, another respite from all this fretting and waiting.
Thursday, June 17, 2004, 6:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Well, more waiting. We just returned from our debriefing consult with Dr. Benn E. Smith. He has not yet reached any conclusions and won’t until all the test results are in. In fact, he wants me to have two more tests tomorrow, which means we will be extending our stay here into the evening. In our meeting when I pressed Smith for possibilities, his response was that it is as if there are 20 different pieces of cake in front of us with no point in selecting THE ONE until the recipe is in place. Some of the ‘cakes’ are treatable; some are not. When all the results and evaluations and interpretations are complete, Dr. Smith will mail copies of the Mayo report to both Dr. Dooley and to me in 10-14 days.
Smith did tell me there is no improvement in the nerves in my legs, something that was a great disappointment to hear. About my disease, he was neither encouraging nor discouraging. He would not venture any guesses as to a definitive diagnosis or prognosis at this point.
Earlier in the day I had blood drawn and a spinal tap, both of which were no big deal. Smith said the spinal fluid looked good, improved over the condition in February.
From our 4:00 pm meeting with Smith, we went to the insurance desk because these additional tests must be approved by Blue Choice, my insurance carrier. Of course, Blue Choice personnel had gone for the day, so tomorrow Rose and I will go the Clinic very early to get the necessary approvals rolling.
We have changed our flight from 10:10 am to 6:30 pm tomorrow and have arranged for a late checkout time here at the Embassy Suites.
Overall, I am very disappointed, but shouldn’t really be surprised. These past months have been ones of a lot of waiting for answers.
A brighter note to the day: We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking a beautiful golf course.
We will leave our room shortly to meet Den for dinner, another respite from all this fretting and waiting.
Wednesday, June 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
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 11:30 am, Scottsdale Time
Another test finished, this one called Autonomic Study, which looks at the functioning of small involuntary nerves in the body. The EMG yesterday was an examination of the large nerve and muscle functions. Now you know as much as I do. It was painless but uncomfortable at times, unlike the EMG which was terrible, both uncomfortable and painful. The technician explained everything as we went along and was as gentle and patient as all the staff has been. She couldn’t interpret the test; that will be done by a physician-neurologist. The results showed up on a graph which, with all the ups and downs, looked something like Bush’s approval polls.
I had to fast before this test so after it was over, Rose and I went back to our suite where we ate a huge breakfast. We have a small refrigerator and microwave, but no stove. As it turns out, to make toast or fry eggs, all you have to do is step onto the patio and place them on the table for five minutes. We haven’t tried that, but think it would work.
Rose, my traveling computer whiz, couldn’t figure out how to sign up for the high-speed computer connection in our room. We didn’t have Chris to show her the way. Den told us how to sign onto AOL, using dial-up, which turned out to be easy and a good deal less expensive anyway. That Rose, she is always making simple things difficult.
And now we are at Borders, having come here to sign onto their T-Mobile Hot Spot—another one of Rose’s ideas. So here we are having $7.00 worth of coffees to save an interconnection fee of 75 cents, and again she can’t make the connection work. Where is Chris when we need him? Even though all our plans come to naught (“The best laid plans of mouse and women all come to no good end”, we are having a good time—in between treks up the road to the Clinic and the worrisome business I have there.
This afternoon I have a Skin Sensation Test. The explanation for the test is in its name.
We won’t see Den today because he has some big product demonstration going on and has to work. We plan to call niece Kaye (Bernie and Maudie’s daughter who lives in Mesa) tonight.
We’ve been checking in occasionally with folks at home. Margaret and Norm have out-of-town guest, Norm’s niece and husband. Sam, Margaret and Norm’s grandson, flew to North Carolina yesterday, alone at age eight, to visit his other set of grandparents. He is a fine and courageous young traveler. Rose and I surely hope he is not homesick for we both remember that miserable condition, for which ‘home’ is the only cure.
Chris will take Shirley to the airport this afternoon for her usual trip to Chicago.
Rose has just finished a book she enjoyed enormously, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE. She says it has made all the waiting around at the clinic a real pleasure and recommends it highly.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 8:00 pm, Scottsdale Time
Well, it is now evening, and the temperature has dropped to 99 degrees.
The Skin Sensation Test proved to be short and simple, not uncomfortable or painful. Again, the technician was gracious and kind. She will forward the results to Dr. Smith for his interpretation.
Dr. Smith has added blood tests to my itinerary, which mean that we have to be at the Clinic by 7:15 am tomorrow. I am required to fast for the 12 hours before the blood is drawn, so Rose and I ate a simple supper here in our room. We enjoyed it immensely, watching the Cubs win as we munched.
After the blood letting, I am scheduled for a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). For any of you who have seen “Miss Evers’ Boys,” you know what one of those is. I’ve had three previously, and Mary Myers, bless her heart, has had too many to count. It’s not a picnic, but the worse part is having to be very still for hours afterwards to avoid a bad headache.
Mark and Scott called to check in today. Things are good with them and their families. Chris took Shirley to the airport in the little car, and she said he was his delightful self. We wonder how they carried her luggage! They no doubt discussed the new Harry Potter movie as both are big fans.
We have to be up and about really early tomorrow so plan to turn in early.
More later.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 11:30 am, Scottsdale Time
Another test finished, this one called Autonomic Study, which looks at the functioning of small involuntary nerves in the body. The EMG yesterday was an examination of the large nerve and muscle functions. Now you know as much as I do. It was painless but uncomfortable at times, unlike the EMG which was terrible, both uncomfortable and painful. The technician explained everything as we went along and was as gentle and patient as all the staff has been. She couldn’t interpret the test; that will be done by a physician-neurologist. The results showed up on a graph which, with all the ups and downs, looked something like Bush’s approval polls.
I had to fast before this test so after it was over, Rose and I went back to our suite where we ate a huge breakfast. We have a small refrigerator and microwave, but no stove. As it turns out, to make toast or fry eggs, all you have to do is step onto the patio and place them on the table for five minutes. We haven’t tried that, but think it would work.
Rose, my traveling computer whiz, couldn’t figure out how to sign up for the high-speed computer connection in our room. We didn’t have Chris to show her the way. Den told us how to sign onto AOL, using dial-up, which turned out to be easy and a good deal less expensive anyway. That Rose, she is always making simple things difficult.
And now we are at Borders, having come here to sign onto their T-Mobile Hot Spot—another one of Rose’s ideas. So here we are having $7.00 worth of coffees to save an interconnection fee of 75 cents, and again she can’t make the connection work. Where is Chris when we need him? Even though all our plans come to naught (“The best laid plans of mouse and women all come to no good end”, we are having a good time—in between treks up the road to the Clinic and the worrisome business I have there.
This afternoon I have a Skin Sensation Test. The explanation for the test is in its name.
We won’t see Den today because he has some big product demonstration going on and has to work. We plan to call niece Kaye (Bernie and Maudie’s daughter who lives in Mesa) tonight.
We’ve been checking in occasionally with folks at home. Margaret and Norm have out-of-town guest, Norm’s niece and husband. Sam, Margaret and Norm’s grandson, flew to North Carolina yesterday, alone at age eight, to visit his other set of grandparents. He is a fine and courageous young traveler. Rose and I surely hope he is not homesick for we both remember that miserable condition, for which ‘home’ is the only cure.
Chris will take Shirley to the airport this afternoon for her usual trip to Chicago.
Rose has just finished a book she enjoyed enormously, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE. She says it has made all the waiting around at the clinic a real pleasure and recommends it highly.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 8:00 pm, Scottsdale Time
Well, it is now evening, and the temperature has dropped to 99 degrees.
The Skin Sensation Test proved to be short and simple, not uncomfortable or painful. Again, the technician was gracious and kind. She will forward the results to Dr. Smith for his interpretation.
Dr. Smith has added blood tests to my itinerary, which mean that we have to be at the Clinic by 7:15 am tomorrow. I am required to fast for the 12 hours before the blood is drawn, so Rose and I ate a simple supper here in our room. We enjoyed it immensely, watching the Cubs win as we munched.
After the blood letting, I am scheduled for a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). For any of you who have seen “Miss Evers’ Boys,” you know what one of those is. I’ve had three previously, and Mary Myers, bless her heart, has had too many to count. It’s not a picnic, but the worse part is having to be very still for hours afterwards to avoid a bad headache.
Mark and Scott called to check in today. Things are good with them and their families. Chris took Shirley to the airport in the little car, and she said he was his delightful self. We wonder how they carried her luggage! They no doubt discussed the new Harry Potter movie as both are big fans.
We have to be up and about really early tomorrow so plan to turn in early.
More later.
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
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 6:00 am Scottsdale Time
The time here is very confusing. We have a hard time knowing what it is, but thank goodness our cell phones do! We are two hours behind our normal clock, so here it is early to bed and early to rise.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 6:00 am Scottsdale Time
The time here is very confusing. We have a hard time knowing what it is, but thank goodness our cell phones do! We are two hours behind our normal clock, so here it is early to bed and early to rise.
Tuesday, June 15, 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
Tuesday, June 15, 2004, 4:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Rose and I are sitting in the Starbuck’s Coffee Shop at Barnes & Noble, just west of the Mayo Clinic where we have spent the day.
The day started with registration and a bit of an orientation. All the insurance forms and necessary precertifications were in place Part of the registration included an itinerary for my three days here with the tests scheduled along with explanations of the tests and instructions for preparing for them. From registration we went to the Neurology Offices for my initial consultation.
I met with Dr. Benn E. Smith, the neurologist here, for over two hours. Rose was allowed in for part of the session. Smith took a complete history and did a comprehensive examination, more complete than by any of my previous physicians. Dr. Smith is extremely personable and kind. He cautioned me that some 25% of cases like mine defy diagnosis. It was only faintly comforting that he told me I most probably don’t have some rare form of cancer because if I did, it would have killed me months ago. At the conclusion of all the testing, I will once again meet with Dr. Smith to hear his findings.
After a very brief break for lunch in the patient cafeteria, I went for my first test, one of those horrid EMG’s. That took another two and one-half hours, and Dr. Smith conducted some of it, a Dr. Ross a portion, and two technicians some of it.
Tomorrow morning I have to be at the Clinic at 8:00 am and testing will take up most of the day.
The Mayo Clinic is one impressive place. Like almost all the architecture in this area, it blends perfectly into the surrounding desert and mountains. Inside it is extremely modern and extremely efficiently laid out. As best we can tell after one day there, it is one of the most organized places we’ve ever seen. All the staff and volunteers bend over backwards to ease any difficulties that might arise. I found the experience there very soothing.
Our trip here yesterday could not have been any easier. Southwest Airlines and airport personnel at both airports were on hand with a wheelchair and we scooted to the head of all lines. Rose was so impressed she is thinking of feigning a handicap any time she travels.
We got to our Embassy Suite like two homing pigeons and found the people there equally accommodating. The Bell person found us a wheelchair which we are using for the days we are here, both at the hotel and in the city.
We shopped for some groceries, had a good (not great) Mexican dinner, and went to bed early, the two-hour time delay having caught up with us.
Den arranged to be here on a business trip, and we are having dinner with (actually on) him tonight.
More later when we have more to say.
9:00 pm, Tuesday
And we have more to say.
Pete called to see how we are doing. He and Janet are looking forward to having son Kelly and his two boys for the weekend. Turns out, Pete is very familiar with Phoenix and gave us some tips about this place. He asked if we were wearing our long johns. We are not. The temperature here today hit 106. Tomorrow there is the promise of 107.
We met Den south of here at the Holiday Inn near Sky Harbor Airport for dinner. He is busy with his distributor and is doing some kind of product demonstration that neither Rose nor I understood, but it is good for his business. We will no doubt have dinner again. He leaves to return to Chicago on Friday earlier in the day than we fly back to St. Louis.
I am very tired, and it is early to bed.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004, 4:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Rose and I are sitting in the Starbuck’s Coffee Shop at Barnes & Noble, just west of the Mayo Clinic where we have spent the day.
The day started with registration and a bit of an orientation. All the insurance forms and necessary precertifications were in place Part of the registration included an itinerary for my three days here with the tests scheduled along with explanations of the tests and instructions for preparing for them. From registration we went to the Neurology Offices for my initial consultation.
I met with Dr. Benn E. Smith, the neurologist here, for over two hours. Rose was allowed in for part of the session. Smith took a complete history and did a comprehensive examination, more complete than by any of my previous physicians. Dr. Smith is extremely personable and kind. He cautioned me that some 25% of cases like mine defy diagnosis. It was only faintly comforting that he told me I most probably don’t have some rare form of cancer because if I did, it would have killed me months ago. At the conclusion of all the testing, I will once again meet with Dr. Smith to hear his findings.
After a very brief break for lunch in the patient cafeteria, I went for my first test, one of those horrid EMG’s. That took another two and one-half hours, and Dr. Smith conducted some of it, a Dr. Ross a portion, and two technicians some of it.
Tomorrow morning I have to be at the Clinic at 8:00 am and testing will take up most of the day.
The Mayo Clinic is one impressive place. Like almost all the architecture in this area, it blends perfectly into the surrounding desert and mountains. Inside it is extremely modern and extremely efficiently laid out. As best we can tell after one day there, it is one of the most organized places we’ve ever seen. All the staff and volunteers bend over backwards to ease any difficulties that might arise. I found the experience there very soothing.
Our trip here yesterday could not have been any easier. Southwest Airlines and airport personnel at both airports were on hand with a wheelchair and we scooted to the head of all lines. Rose was so impressed she is thinking of feigning a handicap any time she travels.
We got to our Embassy Suite like two homing pigeons and found the people there equally accommodating. The Bell person found us a wheelchair which we are using for the days we are here, both at the hotel and in the city.
We shopped for some groceries, had a good (not great) Mexican dinner, and went to bed early, the two-hour time delay having caught up with us.
Den arranged to be here on a business trip, and we are having dinner with (actually on) him tonight.
More later when we have more to say.
9:00 pm, Tuesday
And we have more to say.
Pete called to see how we are doing. He and Janet are looking forward to having son Kelly and his two boys for the weekend. Turns out, Pete is very familiar with Phoenix and gave us some tips about this place. He asked if we were wearing our long johns. We are not. The temperature here today hit 106. Tomorrow there is the promise of 107.
We met Den south of here at the Holiday Inn near Sky Harbor Airport for dinner. He is busy with his distributor and is doing some kind of product demonstration that neither Rose nor I understood, but it is good for his business. We will no doubt have dinner again. He leaves to return to Chicago on Friday earlier in the day than we fly back to St. Louis.
I am very tired, and it is early to bed.
Thursday, June 10, 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
One more medical test to report, my bone density test. Turns out my bones are in such good shape that the technician asked what kind of exercise program I was on. In all my 60 years, no one has ever asked me THAT question or accused me of such a thing.
Actually, I AM on an exercise program designed by my physical therapist, and it is paying off. When I first started last February, I could leg press 20 pounds. Now I'm up to 85 pounds, and my balance is much improved. What continues to be worrisome is that my hands are not getting better. And, of course, no doctor has been able to diagnosis this strange illness. Hence, the trip next week to the Mayo Clinic.
Going out to St. Luke's yesterday for my MRI turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. For one thing, a security guard clued us into a short cut and a great place to park. For another the 30 minutes in the MRI chamber, while unpleasant, was easier than the last two times. The tranquilizer I took helped a lot. Dr. Dooley hasn't called about the MRI results, but he didn't anticipate it would show anything. My double vision has lessened, which he also predicted.
One more medical test to report, my bone density test. Turns out my bones are in such good shape that the technician asked what kind of exercise program I was on. In all my 60 years, no one has ever asked me THAT question or accused me of such a thing.
Actually, I AM on an exercise program designed by my physical therapist, and it is paying off. When I first started last February, I could leg press 20 pounds. Now I'm up to 85 pounds, and my balance is much improved. What continues to be worrisome is that my hands are not getting better. And, of course, no doctor has been able to diagnosis this strange illness. Hence, the trip next week to the Mayo Clinic.
Going out to St. Luke's yesterday for my MRI turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. For one thing, a security guard clued us into a short cut and a great place to park. For another the 30 minutes in the MRI chamber, while unpleasant, was easier than the last two times. The tranquilizer I took helped a lot. Dr. Dooley hasn't called about the MRI results, but he didn't anticipate it would show anything. My double vision has lessened, which he also predicted.
Wednesday, June 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
Jana and John came over Thursday evening and had pizza with us. We still had Jalen and Brayden. John and Jalen really hit it off over Play Station 2. Brayden was his usual shy self but warmed up because he did love the pizza.
Jana and John are settling into their apartment. They were headed to Kansas City on Friday to meet Cindy and Danny to go to a Royals game.
Mark came on Friday to take me to my physical therapy appointment and take care of the boys while I was there. Then we went to Forest Park for lunch and for Mark to take the boys on a long boat ride. They loved it, and Brayden warmed up considerably to his Uncle Mark.
Friday was one full day. As soon as we got back from the park outing, Rose, the boys, and I went to Whole Foods to get some groceries for our lake weekend. Then off to meet Sabrina on Highway K (which was a dirt road such a short time ago and today is a metropolitan highway with stores and traffic like the middle of Chicago). Dave and Brett and Alex were waiting for us when we (Sabrina, boys, and I) arrived at the lakehouse around 8:00 pm. Brayden and Jalen slept the whole way.
We had a great weekend. Dave took the three big boys to "Harry Potter III", which was a wondrous outing for them. Jalen's excited report about the movie was to verify all the storyline Shirley has told him, and to express great shock that "they said 'bloody H' several times." Even when I pressed him, he would not say what the 'H' stood for. Brayden had a grand time with the big kids and loved all the doting attention he got.
We came home on Sunday, stopping by the Abbotts to pick up Margaret Ann who spent the night with us at the Oakland House and then made the trip with us over to Mount Carmel on Monday to return the boys to Scott. Margaret and I got back from Mount Carmel in time to call for Shirley at the airport. Shirley and I went to Applebee's for dinner Monday evening. On Sunday evening Margaret, the boys, and I went to Pasta House for dinner. Brayden and Jalen were model boys, and can that Brayden eat! He went straight from the bottle to table food and loves it. He is an eclectic eater, unlike his father and his brother.
Brayden had a grand time at the Abbotts and seemed to drop all his shyness. I guess his being around so many uncles, aunts, and cousins but also with his protective brother and Granny was very therapeutic. He stole hearts all the time he was here. Jalen is quite an artist and left a whole exhibit for our refrigerator. He also made a get-well poster for Sam which Margaret Ann took to give Sam. (See below.)
We have spent a week worrying and awaiting news about Catrina's Sam. He had a severe asthma attack, complicated by pneumonia. Thank goodness the crisis has passed and yesterday Sam got a clean bill of health from his doctor.
On Saturday I developed a worrisome new symptom--occasional double vision. It hadn't gone away by Monday, so I called my neurologist, Dr. Dooley, who had me come in Tuesday. He had a name for the condition and feels it is nothing to worry about, indeed is quite common. As a precaution and because I would have to have one next week at the Mayo Clinic anyway, he is having me get an MRI (another one) today.
Dr. Dooley also cancelled my Solumedrol treatment that was scheduled for Thursday and Friday, thinking it might interfere with testing next week at Mayo.
Everything is coming together for the trip to Scottsdale to see a specialist at the Mayo Clinic next week. The biggest headache is getting precertification/preapproval from my insurance company. Catrina, who has had to be out of work because of Sam, is back today and is on top of the problem. Thank goodness!
One of our nieces, Kaye, daughter of Bernie and Maudie, lives in Mesa, AZ, which is near Scottsdale (we think). Rose and I will try to get together with her while we are there.
Week to week, the days go at whirling speed. It is some mean, dirty trick that the older you get, the faster the time goes by. I was amazed that it had been a week since we updated this blog.
Brother Joe just called. His granddaughter and daughter, Lydia and Beth, are in St. Louis for two days as part of Lydia's gifted student program. Mother and daughter will visit St. Louis U, Washington U, and UMSL, all of which are trying to recruit Lydia even though she is not yet in high school. We are all very proud of this young woman!
Joe is busy working around the house. His dog is his best friend these days and wags his tail to beg to go along with him. Joe and Dog are in obedience school together. We don't know if they are passing or not.
Pete told us Donald, Vita, and Vita's mother had gone to Washington, D.C., for the WWII Memorial dedication over Memorial Day. The news about Bernie is that he took a fall on Sunday and is suffering from a bruised backside. Pete and Janet have tickets to see Glen Campbell in Jackpot, Nevada. [Pete calls the place 'Crackpot.' You know, like Wendover is 'Bendover'.]
Margaret saw her cardiologist yesterday and got a clean bill of health. She goes back in six months. And Rose, I don't want to forget her. She is home from Chicago and going with me today to hold my toe for the MRI.
And now the Big News from 905 Barnard College Lane. We got our new exercise equipment yesterday--a treadmill and an exercycle. Shirley has dubbed our exercise space "Slim and Bulges," which is her translation of "Curves", applied to the three of us. The equipment is still brand new. We'll report on the mileage here occasionally--unless we're too embarrassed.
Jana and John came over Thursday evening and had pizza with us. We still had Jalen and Brayden. John and Jalen really hit it off over Play Station 2. Brayden was his usual shy self but warmed up because he did love the pizza.
Jana and John are settling into their apartment. They were headed to Kansas City on Friday to meet Cindy and Danny to go to a Royals game.
Mark came on Friday to take me to my physical therapy appointment and take care of the boys while I was there. Then we went to Forest Park for lunch and for Mark to take the boys on a long boat ride. They loved it, and Brayden warmed up considerably to his Uncle Mark.
Friday was one full day. As soon as we got back from the park outing, Rose, the boys, and I went to Whole Foods to get some groceries for our lake weekend. Then off to meet Sabrina on Highway K (which was a dirt road such a short time ago and today is a metropolitan highway with stores and traffic like the middle of Chicago). Dave and Brett and Alex were waiting for us when we (Sabrina, boys, and I) arrived at the lakehouse around 8:00 pm. Brayden and Jalen slept the whole way.
We had a great weekend. Dave took the three big boys to "Harry Potter III", which was a wondrous outing for them. Jalen's excited report about the movie was to verify all the storyline Shirley has told him, and to express great shock that "they said 'bloody H' several times." Even when I pressed him, he would not say what the 'H' stood for. Brayden had a grand time with the big kids and loved all the doting attention he got.
We came home on Sunday, stopping by the Abbotts to pick up Margaret Ann who spent the night with us at the Oakland House and then made the trip with us over to Mount Carmel on Monday to return the boys to Scott. Margaret and I got back from Mount Carmel in time to call for Shirley at the airport. Shirley and I went to Applebee's for dinner Monday evening. On Sunday evening Margaret, the boys, and I went to Pasta House for dinner. Brayden and Jalen were model boys, and can that Brayden eat! He went straight from the bottle to table food and loves it. He is an eclectic eater, unlike his father and his brother.
Brayden had a grand time at the Abbotts and seemed to drop all his shyness. I guess his being around so many uncles, aunts, and cousins but also with his protective brother and Granny was very therapeutic. He stole hearts all the time he was here. Jalen is quite an artist and left a whole exhibit for our refrigerator. He also made a get-well poster for Sam which Margaret Ann took to give Sam. (See below.)
We have spent a week worrying and awaiting news about Catrina's Sam. He had a severe asthma attack, complicated by pneumonia. Thank goodness the crisis has passed and yesterday Sam got a clean bill of health from his doctor.
On Saturday I developed a worrisome new symptom--occasional double vision. It hadn't gone away by Monday, so I called my neurologist, Dr. Dooley, who had me come in Tuesday. He had a name for the condition and feels it is nothing to worry about, indeed is quite common. As a precaution and because I would have to have one next week at the Mayo Clinic anyway, he is having me get an MRI (another one) today.
Dr. Dooley also cancelled my Solumedrol treatment that was scheduled for Thursday and Friday, thinking it might interfere with testing next week at Mayo.
Everything is coming together for the trip to Scottsdale to see a specialist at the Mayo Clinic next week. The biggest headache is getting precertification/preapproval from my insurance company. Catrina, who has had to be out of work because of Sam, is back today and is on top of the problem. Thank goodness!
One of our nieces, Kaye, daughter of Bernie and Maudie, lives in Mesa, AZ, which is near Scottsdale (we think). Rose and I will try to get together with her while we are there.
Week to week, the days go at whirling speed. It is some mean, dirty trick that the older you get, the faster the time goes by. I was amazed that it had been a week since we updated this blog.
Brother Joe just called. His granddaughter and daughter, Lydia and Beth, are in St. Louis for two days as part of Lydia's gifted student program. Mother and daughter will visit St. Louis U, Washington U, and UMSL, all of which are trying to recruit Lydia even though she is not yet in high school. We are all very proud of this young woman!
Joe is busy working around the house. His dog is his best friend these days and wags his tail to beg to go along with him. Joe and Dog are in obedience school together. We don't know if they are passing or not.
Pete told us Donald, Vita, and Vita's mother had gone to Washington, D.C., for the WWII Memorial dedication over Memorial Day. The news about Bernie is that he took a fall on Sunday and is suffering from a bruised backside. Pete and Janet have tickets to see Glen Campbell in Jackpot, Nevada. [Pete calls the place 'Crackpot.' You know, like Wendover is 'Bendover'.]
Margaret saw her cardiologist yesterday and got a clean bill of health. She goes back in six months. And Rose, I don't want to forget her. She is home from Chicago and going with me today to hold my toe for the MRI.
And now the Big News from 905 Barnard College Lane. We got our new exercise equipment yesterday--a treadmill and an exercycle. Shirley has dubbed our exercise space "Slim and Bulges," which is her translation of "Curves", applied to the three of us. The equipment is still brand new. We'll report on the mileage here occasionally--unless we're too embarrassed.
Wednesday, June 02, 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
Another very busy week! Tiffany and Haleigh came for dinner last Wednesday. Shirley, Rose, and I had shopped earlier in the day at St. Louis Mills, and we found a perfect outfit for Haleigh. She put it on when she arrived, and it was indeed perfect. She and Shirley had a great time in the 'sandtray' room while Tiffany cut Rose's and my hair. Thank you, Tiffany! We feel like 'new women' with our hair cut fresh.
On Thursday, son Chris came and took me to my appointment with Dr. Duckworth, whome he called 'turkey neck' which is not even close.
We had terrific storms on Thursday evening. Den arrived for the weekend late in the day. We met Jana, her fiance' John, her mother Cindy, her stepfather Danny, and her sister Trish for dinner at the Pasta House. The wind blew, the chips flew, . . . and so on and so forth. Since Jana and John could not get into their apartments on Thursday, they and the rest of the family spent the night at our Oakland House. They got settled in over the weekend.
Cindy is going through a real ordeal these days. She has been having chemotherapy for cancer, and recent tests have indicated the tumors have shrunk, which is very good news. She is very proud of these two beautiful daughters!
Friday morning Den went on the lake. Later in the day, Scott and sons Jalen and Brayden arrived from Louisville, picked me up here, and we drove to the lake. We had a grand Memorial Day Weekend, always the opening day for the season. Doug, Suzanne, and Lukas arrived Friday evening. Goldman and Maddog came also. We ate well, enjoyed the water, fished, and generally hung out.
Now Jalen wants to pass along his message. Here it is: I hope all of you have heard that Sam is sick, and I am very worried about him. Sam is Catrina's son and is my second cousin. He has asthma and had to go to the hospital last night.
Day after tomorrow we are going to the lake house, and Sabrina's sons, Brett and Alex, are going to be there. We are going to have a great time at the lakehouse together. We are going to swim together, play together, and slippy slide together.
Last week at the lakehouse Miranda was there. She is a neighbor, she lives down the street, very far away. She won't be there this weekend, but my best friends are.
Today we went to the Art Mart and got Sam a get-well poster with dragons and lizards, and stars. Sam is staying the night at the hospital with lots of doctors and nurses. Tomorrow he is going home. I am very worried about him. A long, long time ago when I was here, we had Granny a special picture party. Sam was there. Lizzy was there. Jacob was there. A whole lot of friends were there. Alex and Brett were there. Miranda was there. We had a super duper great night. When the party was over, we stayed at Chris' and Shelly's. We had a great time, and then I had to go back to Louisville, Kentucky.
My brother is playing with the keys right now. Granny is messing with the remote, and Aunt Rose is working with me.
Tonight Granny, Brayden, Aunt Rose, and I went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. We had a great time, and ate some good food. Then we went to have dessert at Maggie Moo's. I had chocolate ice cream with sparkles. The others had their favorite ice cream. I stood outside and held the door for people. Then we went home where we are making this welblog right now. It is just a little bit until my bedtime. I will go to bed when everybody does because of all the scary stuff in my imagination. Here is a trick that might help you if you have a bad dream. I read this in a book. If you have a bad dream, that means your mind runs free.
It is my summer break. YIPPEE!!! I am glad to be out of school, like every other student in my classroom. Here are some of the names of my friends: Jeremy, Jerred, Cedric, Hunter, Lauren, Annabel, Victoria (just like my momma's name, Vicky). Momma just called right now. Daddy called earlier. I hurt my leg riding on my scooter, but I am better now.
Brayden is pretending to drink water. He almost put my gameboy in the cup. Whoops! That was close. Granny is scolding Brayden and she looks like she is mad at him. Brayden just loved her so the scolding is over. What a sweet baby!
We picked Granny up at her massage place, and now we are home.
Good night, Folks!
The End of Jalen's message for Granny's weblog.
=============
Both Shelly and Chris came to visit yesterday afternoon, separately as it turns out. Shelly is finishing her school year and is taking the summer off. Chris was between classes. Both Jalen and Brayden are making friends with them but slowly as Brayden has a real fear of people.
Shirley left for Chicago today. I am looking forward to the weekend. David and Brett and Alex went to the lake today. Sabrina, Jalen, Brayden, and I will go down on Friday. Jalen is very excited at spending time with these cousins. I, of course, will much love being with the Smith's.
Another very busy week! Tiffany and Haleigh came for dinner last Wednesday. Shirley, Rose, and I had shopped earlier in the day at St. Louis Mills, and we found a perfect outfit for Haleigh. She put it on when she arrived, and it was indeed perfect. She and Shirley had a great time in the 'sandtray' room while Tiffany cut Rose's and my hair. Thank you, Tiffany! We feel like 'new women' with our hair cut fresh.
On Thursday, son Chris came and took me to my appointment with Dr. Duckworth, whome he called 'turkey neck' which is not even close.
We had terrific storms on Thursday evening. Den arrived for the weekend late in the day. We met Jana, her fiance' John, her mother Cindy, her stepfather Danny, and her sister Trish for dinner at the Pasta House. The wind blew, the chips flew, . . . and so on and so forth. Since Jana and John could not get into their apartments on Thursday, they and the rest of the family spent the night at our Oakland House. They got settled in over the weekend.
Cindy is going through a real ordeal these days. She has been having chemotherapy for cancer, and recent tests have indicated the tumors have shrunk, which is very good news. She is very proud of these two beautiful daughters!
Friday morning Den went on the lake. Later in the day, Scott and sons Jalen and Brayden arrived from Louisville, picked me up here, and we drove to the lake. We had a grand Memorial Day Weekend, always the opening day for the season. Doug, Suzanne, and Lukas arrived Friday evening. Goldman and Maddog came also. We ate well, enjoyed the water, fished, and generally hung out.
Now Jalen wants to pass along his message. Here it is: I hope all of you have heard that Sam is sick, and I am very worried about him. Sam is Catrina's son and is my second cousin. He has asthma and had to go to the hospital last night.
Day after tomorrow we are going to the lake house, and Sabrina's sons, Brett and Alex, are going to be there. We are going to have a great time at the lakehouse together. We are going to swim together, play together, and slippy slide together.
Last week at the lakehouse Miranda was there. She is a neighbor, she lives down the street, very far away. She won't be there this weekend, but my best friends are.
Today we went to the Art Mart and got Sam a get-well poster with dragons and lizards, and stars. Sam is staying the night at the hospital with lots of doctors and nurses. Tomorrow he is going home. I am very worried about him. A long, long time ago when I was here, we had Granny a special picture party. Sam was there. Lizzy was there. Jacob was there. A whole lot of friends were there. Alex and Brett were there. Miranda was there. We had a super duper great night. When the party was over, we stayed at Chris' and Shelly's. We had a great time, and then I had to go back to Louisville, Kentucky.
My brother is playing with the keys right now. Granny is messing with the remote, and Aunt Rose is working with me.
Tonight Granny, Brayden, Aunt Rose, and I went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. We had a great time, and ate some good food. Then we went to have dessert at Maggie Moo's. I had chocolate ice cream with sparkles. The others had their favorite ice cream. I stood outside and held the door for people. Then we went home where we are making this welblog right now. It is just a little bit until my bedtime. I will go to bed when everybody does because of all the scary stuff in my imagination. Here is a trick that might help you if you have a bad dream. I read this in a book. If you have a bad dream, that means your mind runs free.
It is my summer break. YIPPEE!!! I am glad to be out of school, like every other student in my classroom. Here are some of the names of my friends: Jeremy, Jerred, Cedric, Hunter, Lauren, Annabel, Victoria (just like my momma's name, Vicky). Momma just called right now. Daddy called earlier. I hurt my leg riding on my scooter, but I am better now.
Brayden is pretending to drink water. He almost put my gameboy in the cup. Whoops! That was close. Granny is scolding Brayden and she looks like she is mad at him. Brayden just loved her so the scolding is over. What a sweet baby!
We picked Granny up at her massage place, and now we are home.
Good night, Folks!
The End of Jalen's message for Granny's weblog.
=============
Both Shelly and Chris came to visit yesterday afternoon, separately as it turns out. Shelly is finishing her school year and is taking the summer off. Chris was between classes. Both Jalen and Brayden are making friends with them but slowly as Brayden has a real fear of people.
Shirley left for Chicago today. I am looking forward to the weekend. David and Brett and Alex went to the lake today. Sabrina, Jalen, Brayden, and I will go down on Friday. Jalen is very excited at spending time with these cousins. I, of course, will much love being with the Smith's.
Tuesday, May 25, 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
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 28, 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
Some family news Joe sent Sue and me in an e-mail yesterday. Vera Felin, age 85, died on Monday. She had been ill for a time. Vera was the wife of one of Uncle Louis son's, Bill. Uncle Louis and Aunt Mary had two offspring, Bow, Bill, and Fanny. Some of you may remember Fanny and Caroline, Vera and Bill's daughter, from the family reunion in 1997. Here is the link for the obituary in today's Springfield newspaper: http://cityguide.ozarksgateway.com/fe/Obituaries/Profile.asp?businessid=58158
On Sunday several of us were wondering about Vera. On Monday, this news.
Bernie and Maudie are camping with Margaret and Norm in one of Missouri's beautiful state parks.
Some family news Joe sent Sue and me in an e-mail yesterday. Vera Felin, age 85, died on Monday. She had been ill for a time. Vera was the wife of one of Uncle Louis son's, Bill. Uncle Louis and Aunt Mary had two offspring, Bow, Bill, and Fanny. Some of you may remember Fanny and Caroline, Vera and Bill's daughter, from the family reunion in 1997. Here is the link for the obituary in today's Springfield newspaper: http://cityguide.ozarksgateway.com/fe/Obituaries/Profile.asp?businessid=58158
On Sunday several of us were wondering about Vera. On Monday, this news.
Bernie and Maudie are camping with Margaret and Norm in one of Missouri's beautiful state parks.
Tuesday, April 27, 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 long (and long-awaited) birthday celebration has ended, but I'm still feeling all the love, attention, wishes, hopes, and prayers showered upon me. I'll try to recap some of the highlights since my last entry here.
Last Wednesday evening, Pete and Janet, Margaret and Norman, Rose and Shirley, Brother Joe and I had dinner at Lewis & Clark Restaurant in St. Charles. Joe picked up the tab for Rose, Shirley, and me and managed to sidestep Pete, who would have added the whole table to Joe's tab if he could have. Earlier in the day, Pete had set a great example by treating several of us to lunch. Joe didn't rise to the bait. Thanks, Joe and Pete!
Joe and Pete left Thursday morning to join Donald, et. al., on their deepsea fishing trip. Both said they felt bad that they would miss the party on Friday evening and didn't breathe a word about the surprise "do" planned for Sunday afternoon.
Bernie and Maudie arrived on Thursday, having driven in their truck/camper from Spokane, and Rose and I joined them at the Abbott's for dinner. Janet was there, but Shirley had her last class and couldn't come.
Scott and his two sons, Jalen and Brayden, arrived about 2:00 am on Friday. I konked out, but Shirley and Rose stayed up to greet them and tuck them in.
Things started hopping then on Friday. Den arrived from Chicago in the morning. Kelly and Merri arrived from Boise, Idaho, in the early afternoon. Sally and her granddaughter Amanda drove in from Kansas, as did Joe and Debby. Later in the evening Sandi and Tammy arrived from Portland and Olympia.
The party was great! Chris and Shelly decorated with the help of Shelly's Aunt Kathleen, using the theme "Diamonds are Forever." The clubhouse was the perfect place for this event. Chris' slideshow was a big hit. I want to thank all those who helped set up: Chris, Shelly, Kathleen, Rose, Scott, Jalen, Den, and our bartender Josh. They did a lot of running and a lot of work.
I can't list here all the people who came. It was wonderful! It continues to amaze me that so many friends and family went so out of their way to share my birthday with me. I was deeply touched, and, frankly, quite astonished! Thanks to all who came, who ate and drank, who laughed, who brought gifts and cards and blessings and stories.
And, of course, there was as much work cleaning up as in getting ready. Thanks to all who pitched in: Chris, Shelly, Catrina, Robbie, Den, Merri, Kelly, Sandi, Tammy, Scott, Rose, Doug, Suzanne. No doubt I've missed some.
Den and I spent the night at Chris and Shelly's and felt so very welcome. They gave us their bed and slept on the floor with their two dogs!
Saturday was another big event. We had a fish fry at Rose and Shirley's. Den caught (and confiscated from his brothers) enough crappie to feed a small army. It was raining so he did all the cooking in the garage. We had about 25 family come to that event.
I thought Sunday would be a winding down day with most people leaving either early in the morning or sometime in the afternoon. I stayed in my room at Rose and Shirley's on Saturday night, and Den picked me up Sunday morning so we could tend to some practical matters at our house. Our plan was to go to the Smith's (Sabrina, Dave, Alex, and Brett) in the afternoon to see a few of the family still around. When we arrived, the only car in the driveway was Shirley's. SURPRISE! There were 40 or 50 people hiding in the kitchen area, waiting to sing 'Happy Birthday.' All the cars were parked about a block away. I was taken back, but had to go to the bathroom so badly I could hardly register who all was there. ALL MY SIBLINGS, Bernie, Joe, Pete, Margaret, Rose, Donald! That gathering has only happened a few times in many, many years and only then for sad occasions. This was indeed a joy and a great gift. The Kansas bunch, who had all said tearful goodbyes (crocodile tears, it turns out) the night before, were there. Joe daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jack, surprised me and Joe by coming from Springfield.
And here, once again, I have to say THANK YOU! Sabrina opened up her home and her heart to so many, and took two days off work to prepare. The house and yard looked like something from "Better Homes and Gardens." I have no idea who all pitched in for this wondrous surprise--Sabrina, Sephanie, Catrina, Margaret, Janet, Maudie. The weather was good so all the children had a great time playing outdoors. There were perhaps 50 people there.
One great treat, especially for someone like me who insists on instant gratification, were the photos from the Friday party that Stephanie and family organized into albums as a gift for me on Sunday. It was such a big job that it surely took most of Saturday to accomplish. Thank you, Schmitt's!
Everyone departed on Monday except for Bernie and Maudie. Again Monday evening, Margaret and Norm hosted a dinner. It was delicious and gave Rose and me the opportunity to spend some time with Bernie and Maudie whom we hadn't seen a lot of in all the hubbub. Their daughters, Sandi and Tammy, stayed at Rose and Shirley's house while here. We got to spend a lot of time with them and enjoyed getting to know these two wonderfully capable, interesting, and loving nieces. Bernie and Maudie and Margaret and Norm have gone camping together today.
Clearly, it takes a village to celebrate one's 60th birthday as we did this one! Again, THANKS to all for making me feel so loved and cherished.
Monday was my last appointment with Dr. Frank, the neurologist who has been treating me. He assured me that the neurologist I am switching to (Dr. Joseph Dooley) because of insurance restrictions is very competent and someone to trust. I've come to trust Dr. Frank and to love his nurse Beth and will miss both. They both asked me to keep in touch and let them know how I am progressing. Dr. Frank checked me over and thought I am a little stronger in some ways and a little weaker in others. He assured me that I do not have ALS, something I've worried a lot about. But he still has no idea what I do have nor what will cure it. My expectation is that Dr. Dooley will, after consultation with Dr. Frank, continue with the course of treatment we've begun. My last Solumedrol IV infusion is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. Through all the dinners, parties, gatherings, conversations, and travelling about, I have felt great. My energy has been good, and my balance continues to improve.
Today has been busy. Physical therapy, hand therapy, and healing touch therapy this morning.
Already, Shirley, Rose, and I are plotting and planning for how and when we can get Scott and children back here for a visit.
There was a great deal of interest in a family reunion. I think it would be a really good idea to start the planning for one, possibly during the summer of 2005. If you have suggestions for such an event, let me know. I will need a lot of help pulling one together, but there seem to be a number of nieces and nephews willing to spearhead the planning. Sandi (Bernie's daughter) is starting a family news weblog, and that might be a way to broaden the word beyond this weblog. Please e-mail us any suggestions, and we will post them. The main thing that would have to happen soon is to set the date and place.
Again, if anyone wants information or news posted here, please let me know. Catrina gathered e-mails from everyone and has already distributed them. Thank you, Catrina! If anyone who reads them, would like his/her name added to Catrina's list or didn't get the list, please let us know.
The long (and long-awaited) birthday celebration has ended, but I'm still feeling all the love, attention, wishes, hopes, and prayers showered upon me. I'll try to recap some of the highlights since my last entry here.
Last Wednesday evening, Pete and Janet, Margaret and Norman, Rose and Shirley, Brother Joe and I had dinner at Lewis & Clark Restaurant in St. Charles. Joe picked up the tab for Rose, Shirley, and me and managed to sidestep Pete, who would have added the whole table to Joe's tab if he could have. Earlier in the day, Pete had set a great example by treating several of us to lunch. Joe didn't rise to the bait. Thanks, Joe and Pete!
Joe and Pete left Thursday morning to join Donald, et. al., on their deepsea fishing trip. Both said they felt bad that they would miss the party on Friday evening and didn't breathe a word about the surprise "do" planned for Sunday afternoon.
Bernie and Maudie arrived on Thursday, having driven in their truck/camper from Spokane, and Rose and I joined them at the Abbott's for dinner. Janet was there, but Shirley had her last class and couldn't come.
Scott and his two sons, Jalen and Brayden, arrived about 2:00 am on Friday. I konked out, but Shirley and Rose stayed up to greet them and tuck them in.
Things started hopping then on Friday. Den arrived from Chicago in the morning. Kelly and Merri arrived from Boise, Idaho, in the early afternoon. Sally and her granddaughter Amanda drove in from Kansas, as did Joe and Debby. Later in the evening Sandi and Tammy arrived from Portland and Olympia.
The party was great! Chris and Shelly decorated with the help of Shelly's Aunt Kathleen, using the theme "Diamonds are Forever." The clubhouse was the perfect place for this event. Chris' slideshow was a big hit. I want to thank all those who helped set up: Chris, Shelly, Kathleen, Rose, Scott, Jalen, Den, and our bartender Josh. They did a lot of running and a lot of work.
I can't list here all the people who came. It was wonderful! It continues to amaze me that so many friends and family went so out of their way to share my birthday with me. I was deeply touched, and, frankly, quite astonished! Thanks to all who came, who ate and drank, who laughed, who brought gifts and cards and blessings and stories.
And, of course, there was as much work cleaning up as in getting ready. Thanks to all who pitched in: Chris, Shelly, Catrina, Robbie, Den, Merri, Kelly, Sandi, Tammy, Scott, Rose, Doug, Suzanne. No doubt I've missed some.
Den and I spent the night at Chris and Shelly's and felt so very welcome. They gave us their bed and slept on the floor with their two dogs!
Saturday was another big event. We had a fish fry at Rose and Shirley's. Den caught (and confiscated from his brothers) enough crappie to feed a small army. It was raining so he did all the cooking in the garage. We had about 25 family come to that event.
I thought Sunday would be a winding down day with most people leaving either early in the morning or sometime in the afternoon. I stayed in my room at Rose and Shirley's on Saturday night, and Den picked me up Sunday morning so we could tend to some practical matters at our house. Our plan was to go to the Smith's (Sabrina, Dave, Alex, and Brett) in the afternoon to see a few of the family still around. When we arrived, the only car in the driveway was Shirley's. SURPRISE! There were 40 or 50 people hiding in the kitchen area, waiting to sing 'Happy Birthday.' All the cars were parked about a block away. I was taken back, but had to go to the bathroom so badly I could hardly register who all was there. ALL MY SIBLINGS, Bernie, Joe, Pete, Margaret, Rose, Donald! That gathering has only happened a few times in many, many years and only then for sad occasions. This was indeed a joy and a great gift. The Kansas bunch, who had all said tearful goodbyes (crocodile tears, it turns out) the night before, were there. Joe daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jack, surprised me and Joe by coming from Springfield.
And here, once again, I have to say THANK YOU! Sabrina opened up her home and her heart to so many, and took two days off work to prepare. The house and yard looked like something from "Better Homes and Gardens." I have no idea who all pitched in for this wondrous surprise--Sabrina, Sephanie, Catrina, Margaret, Janet, Maudie. The weather was good so all the children had a great time playing outdoors. There were perhaps 50 people there.
One great treat, especially for someone like me who insists on instant gratification, were the photos from the Friday party that Stephanie and family organized into albums as a gift for me on Sunday. It was such a big job that it surely took most of Saturday to accomplish. Thank you, Schmitt's!
Everyone departed on Monday except for Bernie and Maudie. Again Monday evening, Margaret and Norm hosted a dinner. It was delicious and gave Rose and me the opportunity to spend some time with Bernie and Maudie whom we hadn't seen a lot of in all the hubbub. Their daughters, Sandi and Tammy, stayed at Rose and Shirley's house while here. We got to spend a lot of time with them and enjoyed getting to know these two wonderfully capable, interesting, and loving nieces. Bernie and Maudie and Margaret and Norm have gone camping together today.
Clearly, it takes a village to celebrate one's 60th birthday as we did this one! Again, THANKS to all for making me feel so loved and cherished.
Monday was my last appointment with Dr. Frank, the neurologist who has been treating me. He assured me that the neurologist I am switching to (Dr. Joseph Dooley) because of insurance restrictions is very competent and someone to trust. I've come to trust Dr. Frank and to love his nurse Beth and will miss both. They both asked me to keep in touch and let them know how I am progressing. Dr. Frank checked me over and thought I am a little stronger in some ways and a little weaker in others. He assured me that I do not have ALS, something I've worried a lot about. But he still has no idea what I do have nor what will cure it. My expectation is that Dr. Dooley will, after consultation with Dr. Frank, continue with the course of treatment we've begun. My last Solumedrol IV infusion is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. Through all the dinners, parties, gatherings, conversations, and travelling about, I have felt great. My energy has been good, and my balance continues to improve.
Today has been busy. Physical therapy, hand therapy, and healing touch therapy this morning.
Already, Shirley, Rose, and I are plotting and planning for how and when we can get Scott and children back here for a visit.
There was a great deal of interest in a family reunion. I think it would be a really good idea to start the planning for one, possibly during the summer of 2005. If you have suggestions for such an event, let me know. I will need a lot of help pulling one together, but there seem to be a number of nieces and nephews willing to spearhead the planning. Sandi (Bernie's daughter) is starting a family news weblog, and that might be a way to broaden the word beyond this weblog. Please e-mail us any suggestions, and we will post them. The main thing that would have to happen soon is to set the date and place.
Again, if anyone wants information or news posted here, please let me know. Catrina gathered e-mails from everyone and has already distributed them. Thank you, Catrina! If anyone who reads them, would like his/her name added to Catrina's list or didn't get the list, please let us know.
Friday, April 23, 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
Driving Directions to the Vineyards Clubhouse
Take the Page Avenue Extension west to the first stop light beyond the Missouri River, Harvester Road. Go left. Or, from Highway 40, take Highway 94 north and turn on Harvester Road. Take Harvester Road to Caulks Hill Road (there's a Walgreens at that intersection), and go left.
Continue to the stop sign at Towers Road where you will turn right. The second street on your left is Napa Lane, which is also the second entrance to the Vineyards Subdivision. The clubhouse (756 Napa Lane) is on the left, just after you pass the first street in the subdivision. There is a parking lot for the clubhouse.
Driving Directions to the Vineyards Clubhouse
Take the Page Avenue Extension west to the first stop light beyond the Missouri River, Harvester Road. Go left. Or, from Highway 40, take Highway 94 north and turn on Harvester Road. Take Harvester Road to Caulks Hill Road (there's a Walgreens at that intersection), and go left.
Continue to the stop sign at Towers Road where you will turn right. The second street on your left is Napa Lane, which is also the second entrance to the Vineyards Subdivision. The clubhouse (756 Napa Lane) is on the left, just after you pass the first street in the subdivision. There is a parking lot for the clubhouse.
Tuesday, April 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
Keeping current family news, I want to share these e-mails from Cindy (Bobby Felin's widow) and Danny, her husband as well as one from Cindy and Bobby's daughter, Jana. Here they are:
Hi Sue,
We called the phone numbers listed on your website, but didn't leave a message. We called to wish you happy birthday, and a complete recovery. We would like to celebrate with you, but will not be able to do that. I had hernia surgery yesterday, & will not be back to work until the 28th, and Cindy has bloodwork every Monday followed by chemo treatments every Tuesday. Karen starts a new job and will be unable to get time off. She got married on New Year's Day in Las Vegas to Cristian Henderson, and is very busy preparing to move into a bigger apartment in Salina.
Jana will graduate from K-State this May, and is working for Footlocker in Human Resource Management as well as working part-time at the university Rec center. She is considering moving to Nashville to work as a recruiter in the medical field.
Tricia is attending Hutchinson Community College, then on to Wichita State pursuing a degree in physical therapy. She works weekends at a local nursing home as a CNA.
It sounds like there will be quite a few friends and family that will attend your birthday party, so we know you will have a great time! A big hug from all of us and we wish you a very happy birthday!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Love, Danny & Cindy
Aunt Sue -
Mom gave me the invitation to your 60th!!!
Congratulations!!! I will not be able to make it -
I'm so busy with school, working 2 jobs, and trying to
find a place to live after graduation and jobs for my
boyfriend, John, and me. I was in St. Louis this last
weekend. I didn't know that you and Aunt Rose lived
there. I thought all three of my great-aunts lived in
Springfield for some reason! I have job offers with
KPG in St. Louis and one at SBR in Nashville. They are
both recruiting firms. So...John and I may be moving
to St. Louis at the end of May!!!! He will know this
week if he gets a job with FM Global in St. Louis. If
I'd known you and Aunt Rose were living there, we
would have stopped by!
I was sad to hear about your health. I read through
your website - I'm glad that you put that together for
everyone to read. I really hope that things can get
worked out for you. Remember that everything works
out how it is supposed to. God works in mysterious
ways!
I mailed an invitation for my graduation to you, Aunt
Rose, and Aunt Marge. (I didn't have your address so
I sent your invite to Aunt Rose's) I know you won't
be able to make it, but I wanted to send you one
anyway. Mom and Danny got me a cedar chest. I just
got it in the mail today. I wanted one to put all my
memorbilia for when I get married and have kids -
awhile from now!
Well, I should try to do some homework. I told Mom
that I only had to get a D in the rest of my classes
to graduate - She informed me that I had better do a
lot better than that! Write back and let me know how
everyone is. (I don't have Aunt Rose's and Aunt
Marge's e-mails)
Love,
Jana
"When you are unconditionally committed to a goal, the attainment of that goal is already assured."
========================
Please add Cindy and Danny to your prayer list.
Congratulations, Jana, on your accomplishment and good luck with that job!
Another whirlwind week here. Saturday Chris and I took Rose to the airport for her bi-monthly trip to Chicago. Then Chris and I went to the graduation exercises at Vatterott where he teaches. That was great fun for a mother because I heard lots of wonderful things about Christopher. Music to my ears.
After that Chris took me to Sabrina and Dave's house for the weekend. (Sabrina is Margaret and Norm's second daughter.) They and their two sons, Alex and Brett, made me so welcome that it brings tears to my eyes. The boys are so like Scott and Chris were at their ages, and Sabrina and I noted the likeness a lot together. One minute they were fighting; the next they were best friends. They do outgrow it, Sabrina! In our board game, "Sorry," Alex was the big winner.
Den returned from the Lake fishing trip Sunday afternoon and picked me up. Monday he left very early to return to Chicago and is in San Jose this week on business.
Chris and I picked Shirley up from the airport on Monday afternoon. Today the home healthcare IV infusion nurse came and put the shunt in my arm for this round of the Solumedrol treatment. My new doctor/nurse Shirley had lots of experience with this sort of thing and filled in for Rose who was still in Chicago. Her experience was with a cat that she kept alive with IV therapy and a lot of love. Her experience is still current, I am happy to report.
Later in the afternoon, we picked Rose up at the airport, shopped for some birthday party stuff, and now we're about to do the next IV drip. After that, It's out to the Abbott's to visit with them and with Pete and Janet who arrived today.
Arrangements for the party are well in hand, I am told. It's hard for a person like me who so loves to do to sit idly by while all this preparation is done around me. I tell them it's my party, and I'll do as I want to, but they're stronger than me right now.
That Rose, she is always wanting to add Bush jokes here, but this time I won't let her. I do wonder where she's exposed to this kind of stuff.
Keeping current family news, I want to share these e-mails from Cindy (Bobby Felin's widow) and Danny, her husband as well as one from Cindy and Bobby's daughter, Jana. Here they are:
Hi Sue,
We called the phone numbers listed on your website, but didn't leave a message. We called to wish you happy birthday, and a complete recovery. We would like to celebrate with you, but will not be able to do that. I had hernia surgery yesterday, & will not be back to work until the 28th, and Cindy has bloodwork every Monday followed by chemo treatments every Tuesday. Karen starts a new job and will be unable to get time off. She got married on New Year's Day in Las Vegas to Cristian Henderson, and is very busy preparing to move into a bigger apartment in Salina.
Jana will graduate from K-State this May, and is working for Footlocker in Human Resource Management as well as working part-time at the university Rec center. She is considering moving to Nashville to work as a recruiter in the medical field.
Tricia is attending Hutchinson Community College, then on to Wichita State pursuing a degree in physical therapy. She works weekends at a local nursing home as a CNA.
It sounds like there will be quite a few friends and family that will attend your birthday party, so we know you will have a great time! A big hug from all of us and we wish you a very happy birthday!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Love, Danny & Cindy
Aunt Sue -
Mom gave me the invitation to your 60th!!!
Congratulations!!! I will not be able to make it -
I'm so busy with school, working 2 jobs, and trying to
find a place to live after graduation and jobs for my
boyfriend, John, and me. I was in St. Louis this last
weekend. I didn't know that you and Aunt Rose lived
there. I thought all three of my great-aunts lived in
Springfield for some reason! I have job offers with
KPG in St. Louis and one at SBR in Nashville. They are
both recruiting firms. So...John and I may be moving
to St. Louis at the end of May!!!! He will know this
week if he gets a job with FM Global in St. Louis. If
I'd known you and Aunt Rose were living there, we
would have stopped by!
I was sad to hear about your health. I read through
your website - I'm glad that you put that together for
everyone to read. I really hope that things can get
worked out for you. Remember that everything works
out how it is supposed to. God works in mysterious
ways!
I mailed an invitation for my graduation to you, Aunt
Rose, and Aunt Marge. (I didn't have your address so
I sent your invite to Aunt Rose's) I know you won't
be able to make it, but I wanted to send you one
anyway. Mom and Danny got me a cedar chest. I just
got it in the mail today. I wanted one to put all my
memorbilia for when I get married and have kids -
awhile from now!
Well, I should try to do some homework. I told Mom
that I only had to get a D in the rest of my classes
to graduate - She informed me that I had better do a
lot better than that! Write back and let me know how
everyone is. (I don't have Aunt Rose's and Aunt
Marge's e-mails)
Love,
Jana
"When you are unconditionally committed to a goal, the attainment of that goal is already assured."
========================
Please add Cindy and Danny to your prayer list.
Congratulations, Jana, on your accomplishment and good luck with that job!
Another whirlwind week here. Saturday Chris and I took Rose to the airport for her bi-monthly trip to Chicago. Then Chris and I went to the graduation exercises at Vatterott where he teaches. That was great fun for a mother because I heard lots of wonderful things about Christopher. Music to my ears.
After that Chris took me to Sabrina and Dave's house for the weekend. (Sabrina is Margaret and Norm's second daughter.) They and their two sons, Alex and Brett, made me so welcome that it brings tears to my eyes. The boys are so like Scott and Chris were at their ages, and Sabrina and I noted the likeness a lot together. One minute they were fighting; the next they were best friends. They do outgrow it, Sabrina! In our board game, "Sorry," Alex was the big winner.
Den returned from the Lake fishing trip Sunday afternoon and picked me up. Monday he left very early to return to Chicago and is in San Jose this week on business.
Chris and I picked Shirley up from the airport on Monday afternoon. Today the home healthcare IV infusion nurse came and put the shunt in my arm for this round of the Solumedrol treatment. My new doctor/nurse Shirley had lots of experience with this sort of thing and filled in for Rose who was still in Chicago. Her experience was with a cat that she kept alive with IV therapy and a lot of love. Her experience is still current, I am happy to report.
Later in the afternoon, we picked Rose up at the airport, shopped for some birthday party stuff, and now we're about to do the next IV drip. After that, It's out to the Abbott's to visit with them and with Pete and Janet who arrived today.
Arrangements for the party are well in hand, I am told. It's hard for a person like me who so loves to do to sit idly by while all this preparation is done around me. I tell them it's my party, and I'll do as I want to, but they're stronger than me right now.
That Rose, she is always wanting to add Bush jokes here, but this time I won't let her. I do wonder where she's exposed to this kind of stuff.
Thursday, April 15, 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 the following e-mail from Sandy (Bob's daughter), saying they would not be at the party and explaining why. Please add Richard to your prayer list.
"Dear Aunt Sue,
I hope you have a wonderful birthday party, sounds like it will be fun. That is one thing I can say about the Felin family they know how to throw a party! We will not be able to attend, Richard has had some major health problems since the first of the year. He had a quadruple bypass done in January and ended up staying in the hospital for 28 days. He had to have 3 stents put is his right leg 3 weeks ago and last Friday he had 6 stents put in his left leg. He still has a blockage in his abdomen put at this point they are not going to do anything with that blockage. He has developed an ulcer on his left heel that hopefully will start to heal now that the stents are in. I will keep checking back to your web site regarding your party. I hope you can post some pictures of everyone who attends for those of us who are unable to attend. Glad to hear you are doing much better. Have a wonderful time at your party!!!
Love,
Sandy"
If anyone has other family news he/she would like posted here, just send me an e-mail and I will post it. [Actually, my doctor/nurse/secretary Rose is doing my typing for me.]
Den arrived from Chicago on Friday, just minutes from the time Aaron arrived from Dallas. Shirley and I picked them up at the airport. Aaron walked right past Den at the airport. Den had shaved off his mustache, and Aaron had never seen his dad without it. I didn't even notice until Aaron discreetly told me. Tiffany and Haleigh picked Aaron up at our house, and we played Easter Bunny for Haleigh.
On Saturday Den and I went to Kim and Mike's, again in service to the Easter Bunny, and had a great visit. Alyssia, Den's granddaughter, will make her First Communion on Sunday, and there is a family party following. Our gift for this special occasion is a rosary bracelet from the artist in Louisiana, the artist Nancy Hafla introduced me to. Mike has offered to pick me up and take me home so I can attend the Mass and party, but I don't think I will be able to go. I am conserving my strength for the big birthday bash next Friday.
Doug and Suzanne had us over for dinner on Saturday evening. The Easter Bunny took a basket for Lukas. Chris and Jane Crawford and their two children were also there.
Sunday was Easter. Rose and Shirley cooked a wonderful dinner and invited Margaret and Norm and Den and myself for the meal. We had a great time, and the Easter Bunny left some colored eggs for the occasion.
Chris and Shelly were in Chicago for the weekend, returning on Sunday, Shelly's birthday, in time for a party with her family. Happy belated birthday, Shelly!
Joe Felin came to St. Louis for a railway club meeting Monday evening. On Sunday he and Leslie retrieved our mirrors from the Springfield House, and Joe brought them with him. He spent the night at Rose and Shirley's on Monday. On Tuesday morning, Margaret and Norm and Den and I joined the three of them for breakfast. It is always a treat to see Brother Joe and to have that kind of family visit.
Tuesday was also physical therapy day, and the day this week I saw Dr. Ginger for accupuncture. Late in the afternoon Den and I went to the Lake for overnight. We visited with David and Judy, great neighbors who are so helpful in so many ways.
Den and I returned to St. Louis on Wednesday evening in time for closing on the Springfield House today. Right now Den is with Aaron, on their way to the Lake for a weekend of fishing with Den's brothers. Their assignment is to catch enough crappie for a big fish fry. Friday they will go to Bennett Springs for trout fishing, then return to the Lake for more, yes, more fishing.
Shirley left yesterday (Wednesday) for her normal work days in Chicago. Rose will leave Saturday, and I will spend the weekend with Sabrina, Dave, Alex, Brett, and Lucy. [Lucy is the dog.] I have to hang around home until the papers from the closing arrive, then Chris will ferry me to the Smith's house at Lake St. Louis.
The birthday party plans are laid. Please get your RSVP in so we have enough food and drink for everyone. The 'story book' is taking shape. If you want yours included, please send it. My head is swollen from all the wonderful stories so far. There must be some censorship being exercised for people are sending only printable stuff.
We think Bernie and Maudie are traveling this way. Pete and Janet will arrive some time next week.
We do need itineraries from out-of-towners! We will try to accommodate everyone. Margaret and Norm, Chris and Shelly, Rose and Shirley, and Den and I have some room. Bernie and Maudie will have their home on wheels.
Scott continues to sort out his domestic problems. Today was a hearing about child custody, and Scott was hoping the end result would be that he could pick the boys up tonight, both Brayden and Jalen. It's a contentious and messy situation, and Scott really worries about the effect on the children. I worry because Scott misses his kids and hasn't been able to see them for over a week because of the legal mess. Scott's attorney is a crackerjack, one of the finer ones in Kentucky, and holds out great promise that all this can be resolved and quickly. Scott hopes to avoid blame and retaliation.
Enough for now. Rose and I are headed to California Pizza Kitchen for supper.
I had the following e-mail from Sandy (Bob's daughter), saying they would not be at the party and explaining why. Please add Richard to your prayer list.
"Dear Aunt Sue,
I hope you have a wonderful birthday party, sounds like it will be fun. That is one thing I can say about the Felin family they know how to throw a party! We will not be able to attend, Richard has had some major health problems since the first of the year. He had a quadruple bypass done in January and ended up staying in the hospital for 28 days. He had to have 3 stents put is his right leg 3 weeks ago and last Friday he had 6 stents put in his left leg. He still has a blockage in his abdomen put at this point they are not going to do anything with that blockage. He has developed an ulcer on his left heel that hopefully will start to heal now that the stents are in. I will keep checking back to your web site regarding your party. I hope you can post some pictures of everyone who attends for those of us who are unable to attend. Glad to hear you are doing much better. Have a wonderful time at your party!!!
Love,
Sandy"
If anyone has other family news he/she would like posted here, just send me an e-mail and I will post it. [Actually, my doctor/nurse/secretary Rose is doing my typing for me.]
Den arrived from Chicago on Friday, just minutes from the time Aaron arrived from Dallas. Shirley and I picked them up at the airport. Aaron walked right past Den at the airport. Den had shaved off his mustache, and Aaron had never seen his dad without it. I didn't even notice until Aaron discreetly told me. Tiffany and Haleigh picked Aaron up at our house, and we played Easter Bunny for Haleigh.
On Saturday Den and I went to Kim and Mike's, again in service to the Easter Bunny, and had a great visit. Alyssia, Den's granddaughter, will make her First Communion on Sunday, and there is a family party following. Our gift for this special occasion is a rosary bracelet from the artist in Louisiana, the artist Nancy Hafla introduced me to. Mike has offered to pick me up and take me home so I can attend the Mass and party, but I don't think I will be able to go. I am conserving my strength for the big birthday bash next Friday.
Doug and Suzanne had us over for dinner on Saturday evening. The Easter Bunny took a basket for Lukas. Chris and Jane Crawford and their two children were also there.
Sunday was Easter. Rose and Shirley cooked a wonderful dinner and invited Margaret and Norm and Den and myself for the meal. We had a great time, and the Easter Bunny left some colored eggs for the occasion.
Chris and Shelly were in Chicago for the weekend, returning on Sunday, Shelly's birthday, in time for a party with her family. Happy belated birthday, Shelly!
Joe Felin came to St. Louis for a railway club meeting Monday evening. On Sunday he and Leslie retrieved our mirrors from the Springfield House, and Joe brought them with him. He spent the night at Rose and Shirley's on Monday. On Tuesday morning, Margaret and Norm and Den and I joined the three of them for breakfast. It is always a treat to see Brother Joe and to have that kind of family visit.
Tuesday was also physical therapy day, and the day this week I saw Dr. Ginger for accupuncture. Late in the afternoon Den and I went to the Lake for overnight. We visited with David and Judy, great neighbors who are so helpful in so many ways.
Den and I returned to St. Louis on Wednesday evening in time for closing on the Springfield House today. Right now Den is with Aaron, on their way to the Lake for a weekend of fishing with Den's brothers. Their assignment is to catch enough crappie for a big fish fry. Friday they will go to Bennett Springs for trout fishing, then return to the Lake for more, yes, more fishing.
Shirley left yesterday (Wednesday) for her normal work days in Chicago. Rose will leave Saturday, and I will spend the weekend with Sabrina, Dave, Alex, Brett, and Lucy. [Lucy is the dog.] I have to hang around home until the papers from the closing arrive, then Chris will ferry me to the Smith's house at Lake St. Louis.
The birthday party plans are laid. Please get your RSVP in so we have enough food and drink for everyone. The 'story book' is taking shape. If you want yours included, please send it. My head is swollen from all the wonderful stories so far. There must be some censorship being exercised for people are sending only printable stuff.
We think Bernie and Maudie are traveling this way. Pete and Janet will arrive some time next week.
We do need itineraries from out-of-towners! We will try to accommodate everyone. Margaret and Norm, Chris and Shelly, Rose and Shirley, and Den and I have some room. Bernie and Maudie will have their home on wheels.
Scott continues to sort out his domestic problems. Today was a hearing about child custody, and Scott was hoping the end result would be that he could pick the boys up tonight, both Brayden and Jalen. It's a contentious and messy situation, and Scott really worries about the effect on the children. I worry because Scott misses his kids and hasn't been able to see them for over a week because of the legal mess. Scott's attorney is a crackerjack, one of the finer ones in Kentucky, and holds out great promise that all this can be resolved and quickly. Scott hopes to avoid blame and retaliation.
Enough for now. Rose and I are headed to California Pizza Kitchen for supper.
Friday, April 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
Den will be in from Chicago this afternoon. Doug and Suzanne have invited us to dinner tomorrow evening, and I plan to attend Easter Vigil services later in the evening with Rose and Shirley. Den and I will have Easter dinner at Rose and Shirley's.
Yesterday at 7:00 am, I completed the fourth round of the Solumedrol intravenous treatment. This time it didn't affect me as it has before. I am not so shakey, nor wobbly on my feet. However, it does bring with it sleeplessness. And I've gained a few pounds, a good sign.
I've had a number of insurance issues to work out. Thanks to niece Catrina, who is an extremely knowledgeable insurance agent, the issues are mostly resolved now. It has surely been helpful having someone who knows the ins and outs of this difficult subject to consult. Not only is she knowledgeable, she is also extremely caring and considerate.
Chris and Shelly are in Chicago for the weekend. Sunday is Shelly's birthday. They are staying at Rose and Shirley's apartment and no doubt are having a great time.
Scott, in Louisville, is going through a difficult period. He is in the midst of a messy divorce with issues over child custody. All of us know how crazy Scott is about his sons. Not being with them is so hard for him. Having brother Chris and lifelong friend Mark Goldman come for the weekend was an respite from some of the difficulties. Scott's e-mail address is:
http://www.sspreitler@insightbb.com
After the trip with Scott's sons over to Louisville and two days with them, Mark sent me this e-mail:
"hey mom,
I just wanted to say hi and tell you that Jalen is the most well mannered and nicest youngsters i have been around and that I am very impressed with the job Scott is doing with the boys and that I think that has to come from you.
I will talk to you soon,
love you
mark"
Of course, I loved Mark's message! We too find Jalen to be one wonderful six-year-old and love to have him come visit. Jalen is quite an artist. We took him to the Art Mart while he was here. Now he wants to go there every time he visits. His Uncle Mark wants to take him to a Children's Museum in downtown St. Louis on his next visit.
Brayden, at age 14 months, is a joy. He's learning new things every day, and just beginning to talk.
A Happy and blessed season to everyone!
Den will be in from Chicago this afternoon. Doug and Suzanne have invited us to dinner tomorrow evening, and I plan to attend Easter Vigil services later in the evening with Rose and Shirley. Den and I will have Easter dinner at Rose and Shirley's.
Yesterday at 7:00 am, I completed the fourth round of the Solumedrol intravenous treatment. This time it didn't affect me as it has before. I am not so shakey, nor wobbly on my feet. However, it does bring with it sleeplessness. And I've gained a few pounds, a good sign.
I've had a number of insurance issues to work out. Thanks to niece Catrina, who is an extremely knowledgeable insurance agent, the issues are mostly resolved now. It has surely been helpful having someone who knows the ins and outs of this difficult subject to consult. Not only is she knowledgeable, she is also extremely caring and considerate.
Chris and Shelly are in Chicago for the weekend. Sunday is Shelly's birthday. They are staying at Rose and Shirley's apartment and no doubt are having a great time.
Scott, in Louisville, is going through a difficult period. He is in the midst of a messy divorce with issues over child custody. All of us know how crazy Scott is about his sons. Not being with them is so hard for him. Having brother Chris and lifelong friend Mark Goldman come for the weekend was an respite from some of the difficulties. Scott's e-mail address is:
http://www.sspreitler@insightbb.com
After the trip with Scott's sons over to Louisville and two days with them, Mark sent me this e-mail:
"hey mom,
I just wanted to say hi and tell you that Jalen is the most well mannered and nicest youngsters i have been around and that I am very impressed with the job Scott is doing with the boys and that I think that has to come from you.
I will talk to you soon,
love you
mark"
Of course, I loved Mark's message! We too find Jalen to be one wonderful six-year-old and love to have him come visit. Jalen is quite an artist. We took him to the Art Mart while he was here. Now he wants to go there every time he visits. His Uncle Mark wants to take him to a Children's Museum in downtown St. Louis on his next visit.
Brayden, at age 14 months, is a joy. He's learning new things every day, and just beginning to talk.
A Happy and blessed season to everyone!
Wednesday, April 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 Rose's e-mail address is: http://www.roseholt@aol.com
A note to any out-of-towners who are coming to the birthday party: If you need a ride from the airport or a place to stay, let us know ASAP. We will try to accommodate all of you with a little planning. Just call or e-mail us from this weblog. Thanks! It is going to be one wonderful party.
We had word from Pete and Janet that they enjoyed the 'fish' story. Our brothers are all quick-witted, and they all think alike.
A note to any out-of-towners who are coming to the birthday party: If you need a ride from the airport or a place to stay, let us know ASAP. We will try to accommodate all of you with a little planning. Just call or e-mail us from this weblog. Thanks! It is going to be one wonderful party.
We had word from Pete and Janet that they enjoyed the 'fish' story. Our brothers are all quick-witted, and they all think alike.
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 happy to see that Joe's granddaughter Lydia has exceeded her fundraising goal for the Relay for Life. You can see for yourselves at this website:
https://www.acsevents.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=41325&lis=1&kntae41325=212D760E5C83473DAFA2468D7092E87E&supId=17627510&team=
This morning has been busy. Blood tests at the hospital, then to my touch healing practioner for a session, and back home just in time for the Home Healthcare nurse, Marcie, to start my IV for this round of treatment.
We are happy to see that Joe's granddaughter Lydia has exceeded her fundraising goal for the Relay for Life. You can see for yourselves at this website:
https://www.acsevents.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=41325&lis=1&kntae41325=212D760E5C83473DAFA2468D7092E87E&supId=17627510&team=
This morning has been busy. Blood tests at the hospital, then to my touch healing practioner for a session, and back home just in time for the Home Healthcare nurse, Marcie, to start my IV for this round of treatment.
Tuesday, April 06, 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
Niece Catrina saw her neurologist today who could tell her nothing definite except that she has some kind of disc problem that may be pinching a nerve. Next week she is scheduled for an EMG test.
I had another card from Cousin Wanda Jeanne, but she gave no update on Ricky. I also got a card from Kaye Peterson (Bernie and Maudie's daughter) who lives in Mesa, AZ. Brother Joe sent an e-mail, saying he agreed with Catrina that this weblog is a way to get news about the whole family. We will try to pass along news we receive. Joe will be in St. Louis for a Railway meeting on Monday. We plan a breakfast with him on Tuesday.
Den and and I close on our Springfield house on the 15th. This sale has taken a long time, but it looks firm at this point.
I've had a great few days. Sunday Shirley, Rose, and I did some shopping and spent time at the Carmelite Monastery in meditation. Monday Tiffany and Haleigh came. Tiffany cut my hair. We had a great visit although Haleigh was shy at first.
Dave Smith finished our fence which now looks like new. He had coffee with Rose and me, and we had a wonderful political discussion. [Rose tends to get animated about the topic.] Mark and Karen came for dinner Monday evening. Mark had spent the day in Augusta, GA, at the Masters Golf Tournament where he saw Tiger Woods, et. al., play. Karen, who designed the backyard landscaping here is almost as happy with the result as we are. She tells us that all the final planting will be finished this week.
Today was my physical therapy day at St. Mary's. Immediately following that, Rose and I met Joanne Callahan for lunch in the hospital cafe. One of Joanne's gifts to us is that she keeps us mindful that healing is about a lot more than medicines, hospitals, and doctors and nurses.
I've talked to Scott and Chris, both of whom gave me some debriefing about the Louisville weekend. On the trip over (about 275 miles from St. Louis) Chris and Mark Goldman decided a diaper change was due. Mark declared that he was exempt because it clearly was a job only for blood relations. Luckily it was a simple diaper change.
Tomorrow I start another round of the IV infusion of the Solumedrol. That's the good news and the bad news. After three rounds of infusions now, at two week intervals, I can say they leave me weak and down-in-the-dumps for a few days. I still hope the treatments are helping. I am considering antidepressants to provide some relief from unnecessary suffering.
Brothers Donald, Joe, and Pete are going to Florida deep-sea fishing soon. Chris and Scott reminded us recently that Pete in particular is a great fisherman. They told us this story. When they were about eight and ten years old, they visited Uncle Pete and Aunt Janet in Idaho Falls one summer. Uncle Pete took them fishing in a rented boat. At some point on the river, they started catching fish. Uncle Pete got excited and decided to mark the spot. With great fanfare he took out his knife and scratched an X on the bottom of the boat. The two boys looked on in wonderment, but didn't say a word. When they got home, their Uncle Joe came to visit one day. The boys were eager to tell him just how "dumb Uncle Pete was!" Upon hearing the story, Uncle Joe, without missing a beat, said, "Why that was dumb! What if you had got a different boat next time?"
The Uncles went deep-sea fishing last year also. Chris and Scott think they probably did mark the boat.
Niece Catrina saw her neurologist today who could tell her nothing definite except that she has some kind of disc problem that may be pinching a nerve. Next week she is scheduled for an EMG test.
I had another card from Cousin Wanda Jeanne, but she gave no update on Ricky. I also got a card from Kaye Peterson (Bernie and Maudie's daughter) who lives in Mesa, AZ. Brother Joe sent an e-mail, saying he agreed with Catrina that this weblog is a way to get news about the whole family. We will try to pass along news we receive. Joe will be in St. Louis for a Railway meeting on Monday. We plan a breakfast with him on Tuesday.
Den and and I close on our Springfield house on the 15th. This sale has taken a long time, but it looks firm at this point.
I've had a great few days. Sunday Shirley, Rose, and I did some shopping and spent time at the Carmelite Monastery in meditation. Monday Tiffany and Haleigh came. Tiffany cut my hair. We had a great visit although Haleigh was shy at first.
Dave Smith finished our fence which now looks like new. He had coffee with Rose and me, and we had a wonderful political discussion. [Rose tends to get animated about the topic.] Mark and Karen came for dinner Monday evening. Mark had spent the day in Augusta, GA, at the Masters Golf Tournament where he saw Tiger Woods, et. al., play. Karen, who designed the backyard landscaping here is almost as happy with the result as we are. She tells us that all the final planting will be finished this week.
Today was my physical therapy day at St. Mary's. Immediately following that, Rose and I met Joanne Callahan for lunch in the hospital cafe. One of Joanne's gifts to us is that she keeps us mindful that healing is about a lot more than medicines, hospitals, and doctors and nurses.
I've talked to Scott and Chris, both of whom gave me some debriefing about the Louisville weekend. On the trip over (about 275 miles from St. Louis) Chris and Mark Goldman decided a diaper change was due. Mark declared that he was exempt because it clearly was a job only for blood relations. Luckily it was a simple diaper change.
Tomorrow I start another round of the IV infusion of the Solumedrol. That's the good news and the bad news. After three rounds of infusions now, at two week intervals, I can say they leave me weak and down-in-the-dumps for a few days. I still hope the treatments are helping. I am considering antidepressants to provide some relief from unnecessary suffering.
Brothers Donald, Joe, and Pete are going to Florida deep-sea fishing soon. Chris and Scott reminded us recently that Pete in particular is a great fisherman. They told us this story. When they were about eight and ten years old, they visited Uncle Pete and Aunt Janet in Idaho Falls one summer. Uncle Pete took them fishing in a rented boat. At some point on the river, they started catching fish. Uncle Pete got excited and decided to mark the spot. With great fanfare he took out his knife and scratched an X on the bottom of the boat. The two boys looked on in wonderment, but didn't say a word. When they got home, their Uncle Joe came to visit one day. The boys were eager to tell him just how "dumb Uncle Pete was!" Upon hearing the story, Uncle Joe, without missing a beat, said, "Why that was dumb! What if you had got a different boat next time?"
The Uncles went deep-sea fishing last year also. Chris and Scott think they probably did mark the boat.
Sunday, April 04, 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. You can also e-mail Rose at http://roseholt@aol.com
We had an e-mail from Catrina who encouraged us to keep up the weblog even after Sue is recovered because she says she has never been so up-to-date about family news. If anyone who reads this has information or news he/she would like posted, simply send either Sue or me an e-mail or snailmail, and we will post it.
We have nearly completed the invitations to the birthday party. If we have missed anyone, let us know.
A note to Mike Madden: If you read this, please send us your mailing address.
We had an e-mail from Catrina who encouraged us to keep up the weblog even after Sue is recovered because she says she has never been so up-to-date about family news. If anyone who reads this has information or news he/she would like posted, simply send either Sue or me an e-mail or snailmail, and we will post it.
We have nearly completed the invitations to the birthday party. If we have missed anyone, let us know.
A note to Mike Madden: If you read this, please send us your mailing address.
Saturday, April 03, 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
Son Chris called for the boys last night. It took a while for him to load up all the toys and other stuff kids have to have, and to get the DVD player in his truck rigged for Jalen's viewing comfort. And off they went to pick up Mark Goldman then on Louisville. Scott had carefully instructed Jalen to say: "How much longer til we get there? I'm hungry. There's a McDonald's. I need to go to the bathroom. I'm thirsty." Later on we found a suitcase of clothes that didn't get loaded. Shirley, Rose, and I picked up "Catholic fish" for dinner, ate, and mostly moped in the silence of the house. We also rested, watched, and slept through "Whale Rider."
Bernie called Thursday evening to say he and Maudie are coming to the birthday party. They are leaving Spokane on the 13th and making a leisurely trip. Tammy (from Tacoma) and Sandy (from Portland) are also coming.
Sally (from St. John) is coming. And today in an e-mail from Pete and Janet, they told us Merri (from Idaho Falls) and Kelly (from Boise) are coming.
We are purely delighted that many people are coming for the party. We will find places for everybody to stay. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity for a lot of far-flung family and friends to get better acquainted.
In response to inquiries about how I am faring--still no diagnosis or prognosis. I've been checked and rechecked by the best. My neurologist, Dr. Bennett Frank, (yes, that really is his name though it seems reverse) says he doesn't know what is the matter with me and doesn't think anyone else would either. He also said that at the Barnes-Jewish medical complex in St. Louis, they see one mysterious case like mine about once a year. And I don't know what happens to that one! The treatment with intravenous Solumedrol began five weeks ago. I have infusions every other week. So far, I can't tell a lot of difference in my physical condition although the strange falls I had been suffering since last August have stopped (knock on wood!). Something is better. Please keep up your prayers for healing. And remember also Jacob (Den's nephew), Ricky (Wanda Jeannne's son), Catrina (Margaret's daughter) who goes to the neurologist on Tuesday, and Brothers Bernie and Joe who have battled some health problems lately.
Son Chris called for the boys last night. It took a while for him to load up all the toys and other stuff kids have to have, and to get the DVD player in his truck rigged for Jalen's viewing comfort. And off they went to pick up Mark Goldman then on Louisville. Scott had carefully instructed Jalen to say: "How much longer til we get there? I'm hungry. There's a McDonald's. I need to go to the bathroom. I'm thirsty." Later on we found a suitcase of clothes that didn't get loaded. Shirley, Rose, and I picked up "Catholic fish" for dinner, ate, and mostly moped in the silence of the house. We also rested, watched, and slept through "Whale Rider."
Bernie called Thursday evening to say he and Maudie are coming to the birthday party. They are leaving Spokane on the 13th and making a leisurely trip. Tammy (from Tacoma) and Sandy (from Portland) are also coming.
Sally (from St. John) is coming. And today in an e-mail from Pete and Janet, they told us Merri (from Idaho Falls) and Kelly (from Boise) are coming.
We are purely delighted that many people are coming for the party. We will find places for everybody to stay. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity for a lot of far-flung family and friends to get better acquainted.
In response to inquiries about how I am faring--still no diagnosis or prognosis. I've been checked and rechecked by the best. My neurologist, Dr. Bennett Frank, (yes, that really is his name though it seems reverse) says he doesn't know what is the matter with me and doesn't think anyone else would either. He also said that at the Barnes-Jewish medical complex in St. Louis, they see one mysterious case like mine about once a year. And I don't know what happens to that one! The treatment with intravenous Solumedrol began five weeks ago. I have infusions every other week. So far, I can't tell a lot of difference in my physical condition although the strange falls I had been suffering since last August have stopped (knock on wood!). Something is better. Please keep up your prayers for healing. And remember also Jacob (Den's nephew), Ricky (Wanda Jeannne's son), Catrina (Margaret's daughter) who goes to the neurologist on Tuesday, and Brothers Bernie and Joe who have battled some health problems lately.
Friday, April 02, 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
Today is the last day for St. Louis for a while. I am leaving on this day. Aunt Shirley, Aunt Rose, Granny, and other people are going to miss me. On the 23rd we'll be back for Granny's birthday party. Uncle Ding and Mark Goldman are picking up Brayden and me to take us home to Louisville. Uncle Ding and Mark Goldman are going to stay with us for a while. I am doing this e-mail. Brayden is asleep, and Granny and Aunt Shirley are talking. Now Uncle Ding is here to pick us up. Love, Jalen.
Today is the last day for St. Louis for a while. I am leaving on this day. Aunt Shirley, Aunt Rose, Granny, and other people are going to miss me. On the 23rd we'll be back for Granny's birthday party. Uncle Ding and Mark Goldman are picking up Brayden and me to take us home to Louisville. Uncle Ding and Mark Goldman are going to stay with us for a while. I am doing this e-mail. Brayden is asleep, and Granny and Aunt Shirley are talking. Now Uncle Ding is here to pick us up. Love, Jalen.
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