Bowling Green Kentucky.  That's where where Brayden and Scott are this morning.  Brayden participated  in the geography contest in his sixth grade class at his school.  He won the middle school contest, competing with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.  Now he and Scott have gone to Bowling Green for the statewide contest..  We called him last night because we were thinking the  state  contest was next week.  We just wanted to know what athletic games he had on Saturday.  Scott said he planned to study some even last night.  Jalen had to go to school and Beth had to work so they couldn't go.  Brayden is probably more excited  about Spring Break going to Colorado with Chris and Shelly.  We are sure he is nervous.  Win or Loose, we'll update.

When I woke up this morning and looked outside, I thought I saw snow.  I didn't have my glasses on and it  wasn't quite daylight. When Rose came in  my room, she confirmed it.  There is some frost out there.  I looked on the computer and it says it is 34 degrees outside,   Isn't Spring ever going to arrive?  Still wearing sweat shirts, but Shirley did get me some tee shirts from Land's Ends.  They arrived today,  I guess  I'll get to wear them and be complaining about the heat in no time.

I will do my bicycle and shower after Marnett gets here.  I think the young men finished the Spring Clean up yesterday. I thought Rose didn't  have any clients today but  she does plus she has a group meeting.

I've done 30  minutes on the bicycle now and getting ready to do some deep knee bends and walking efforts.  I did 50 deep knee bends just  now and can really feel that I've regained some of my strength.

The back yard is swarming with birds and squirrels.  We put out bird seed but see more squirrels than birds.  Marnett refills the feeder when they need it.

Marnett is preparing my lunch now so I'll sign off and eat.

Brayden ready for State Geobee

Update

Sue e-mailed me this update for the Gazette:

"It's a beautiful day today, sunshiny but a bit cool.  Rose is practicing her guitar and I'm not sure what Shirley is doing.  I'm updating the gazette.

Marnett took me to get my pedicure today.  I didn't know I needed an appointment when she and I went yesterday.   It was worth the ride out there (Chesterfield) and the wait.   Thank you again, Linda, for the Christmas gift for a visit to this place. Most enjoyable!

I upped it to 30 deep knee bends today and 30 minutes on the exercycle, besides other stretch and effort.  I haven't  received the permission from the  doctor for the trough to support my arm.  Still  waiting. 

There are young men working around the neighborhood  again today.  I'm ready for Spring Flowers.   The neighbor across the street put their pots out but no plants in them as of yet.  I hope nothing gets 'nipped in the bud'.  We've been feeding lots of squirrels as the squirrels have been eating lots of bird food.

We've been watching "Downton Abbey," and have caught up on all the seasons.  Pete and Janet told us about two other PBS programs they enjoy a lot, "The Bletchley Circle" and "Call the Midwife."  Both are wonderfully interesting and entertaining.  Both are about women's lives in the 1950's in London.  The storylines are great, and in some ways they, like "Downton" are serious lessons about history.  Thank you, Pete and Janet!  

Update

Sue e-mailed me this update earlier today:

"I don't really have much to write about but I do enjoy keeping the Gazette up to date.  Chris and I had dinner at Apple Bees last night.  He and Shelly get to take Brayden on a ski trip Colorado when Brayden is on spring break,  Rose and Shirley and I are jealous.  We would rather keep him.

Just as I was getting on the exercyle this morning, Donald called.   He said he had called before but got no answer.  After I  looked at my call log, I saw I had just  missed his call.   We had a pleasant conversation.  I' m hoping to see him and his family this summer.

There's a crew of young men doing the spring clean up in the yard. One group pulled the all the annuals last summer, and  Shirley is sure it's not the same bunch, but she's watching  them very carefully.  Rose is in session.  I had a gift  certificate for a  pedicure  but didn't  know I needed an appointment. Now Marnett and I have to go back to Chesterfield Mall tomorrow.

Update

Sue e-mailed me this update just now:

"I've done the exer-cycle for 20minutes and 20 and 25 deep knee bends among other exercises every day.  The lake exer-cycle is in need of repair, so I had to miss those days, but I've resumed my schedule since coming home.  Marnett was here today early in spite of her grueling night before last. The  nurse (susan) came today, and we're hoping she and the occupational therapist get approval from the doctor so that Medicare pays for the needed trough for my right arm.  My blood pressure and pulse rate were suitable.   I'm right-handed and now type with my left hand. I make a lot of mistakes.  Sis and I take turns posting to this Gazette.  She sometimes has to stop and 'rest her face and hands' and so do I.

Chris is taking me out to dinner tonight.  I don't know where are going.  Rose has clients right now and  Marnett and I are watching CNN.  Bunny has recuperated today and went to school again. The mail hasn't  arrived yet though I think I see the mailman coming  up  the street.

It was so nice to see Brother Joe on Sunday.  I heard from Leslie, my neighbor in Springfield, too. I was afraid we had lost contact but not so. Chase,  her son, has a  photography shop in  Springfield and  Jeff, the other son lives out west. She came up to  St. Louis and helped me when Denny died.  I hope she comes to see me sometime when I 'm at the lake house.

DECK STAIN

Now i'm back in St. Louis, and it's a lovely day. Rose has gone to have her taxes prepared.  Marnett came to help me with my shower and lunch as usual.  Marnett had to take her four-year-old, Bunny, to the emergency room at 4 AM, but Bunny went to school anyway, and Marnettt came to help me.  We thought one of the therapists was coming today, but she hasn't showed up as of yet.

The deck at the lake house is in dire need of restaining.  Scott and Chris just don't have the time.  I may have part of the stain but I'm not sure.   I found a young man who lives in the area who will give me an estimate on the job, and I'll go from there.  

We're going back to St. Louis today.

I think I have therapy tomorrow.  My exercycle here at the lack is stuck and we can't get it to work.  I'll catch up on exercise when I get back to St. Louis.  I have showered  today and had breakfast.  The kids are still sleeping.  I was the first to bed and the first to rise.

I finally made a trip to the lake house.

It"s been a long dry spell.  The fish still aren't biting but the Marnett family is still trying.                  I had a really pleasant surprise this afternoon.  I had emailed Brother Joe and asked him to join us.  I never got a response so assumed he wasn't coming.  We took the kids to the go carts and when we got back there was a GMC van in my driveway.   I knew he drove a van and Joe was sitting on my back deck.  When I told Rose she guessed who had surprised us.  Or maybe smelled the food!

Sue and Joe

Lake

J.B., Joe, and Sue

Lake

Marnett, Joe, Bunny, Torré

Action Figure

Lake Events

Sue sent this update just now:

"Marnett and her family and I came here on Thursday afternoon, and even though the fish aren't biting. it's great to be here.  I've already talked to Pete but had to call Rose,  She was near her phone and wondering where I was.

Marnett like the series Janet put us on to and plans on watching the rest of them when we get back to St. Louis.  Right now, we're going to take the kids to see if the strip is open.

Television Program

Janet, our brother Pete's wife, put us onto a television program that we've come to love.  It is the PBS series "Bletchley Circle."  We've accessed earlier episodes through Amazon.com and are enjoying them immensely.  Without giving away anything about the plots involved, the premise of the series is that four women who used their intellect and wit to decode Nazi military secrets during WWII find themselves relegated to rather boring lives after the war ended.  The four come together to use their finely-honed skills to solve crimes.  You just gotta love these women!

Bletchley Circle was the place in London where the work of people like Alan Turing (and these women) was done.  After the war, the people involved were sworn to secrecy.  Only in the last decade or so has the story of Bletchley Circle become known.  The director of the show is the daughter of a woman who did this highly-classified work.  There is an interview with her on PBS that is intriguing.

Lake Trip

Marnett and Family are with Sue at the lake where J.B., Marnett's husband, prepared a feast.

Beautiful DayToday

Rose and Shirley are playing scrabble right now in the living room while I'm updating the Gazette in the kitchen.  Marnett came this morning and assisted me with some of my exercises and my shower.  She then took two of her children to the zoo.  I don't know if they ran into Shelly or not,  but Marnett is coming in the morning and I'll know more then.

I'm  getting ready to go to bed  so will say Good Night.

Bray and Basketball

The Abbott Family

RANDY, LYNN, AMANDA, CONNOR, ERICA

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Saturday Morning and Waiting for Pete's Call

We're all up and it's raining here.  At least I think so, haven't been out just looked out the window and it's wet.   It's good to be back home after the overnight stay at Missouri Baptist though their facilities were nice,  Marnett came yesterday and so so did the nurse.

Pete and Janet just called and I asked them to send more updates and pictures from Idaho.  Marnett just got here and Rose is making my egg sandwich.  I did 30 minutes on the exercycle yesterday just because I couldn't get off.  Will finish later.  It's later now and I only did 20 minutes on the exercycle today and was exhausted.  Marnett encourages me and helps me with my exercises which is an inspiration.

Rose and Shirley went to Walgreens and Bed Bath and Beyond and Whole Foods while they were out this morning. They also got a lot of my favorite dessert.  Did you hear that Apple is coming out with a new watch?  I didn't even know they made an old one.

The nurse who came yesterday told me her husband (who works with Chris) said that Chris had brought the new puppy to work.  She is a dog lover too, but a different nurse will be here next time.  

UPDATE FROM STEPHANIE

Stephanie sent the following update this afternoon:

"I am completely down and out, which is pretty much confirmed by the blood counts being at zero, so that means masks, no crowds, no raw fruits or veggies, and avoiding anyone who may be ill. frown emoticon But it is all part of God's plan to eradicate this nasty monster from my body, so I'll just keep on trudging along. We are relegated to the house unless we use a mask. God is so good, and even though we had the extra fun of needing to be pulled out of the mud this morning, it made for an excellent adventure!  I am in a lot of pain right now.  My bones ache to the point that walking is getting difficult.  This will pass as the effects of the chemo wear off, just about in time for the next round of chemo to start.  Mentally, I am struggling with some depression and just the blues in general.  This will also pass, and the doctors have been great about increasing the dosages of my medications. Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts.  Much love to all of you!

Stef"


Many of you keep up with Facebook, as we do.  It was heartwarming to see Stef's post there today.  Her cousin Anna (Bernie and Maudie's oldest daughter) had sent Stephanie a beautiful surprise.  I am sure the surprise lifted Stephanie's spirits.

66 degrees outside

I haven't been out today but take the computer's word for the temperature.  It also says we may get to 75 one day next week so maybe spring is finally coming,  It's been a long winter, as you all know.

I had a check up with my gastroenterologist on Tuesday.  Rose and Marnett both went with me because of the parking situation.  It was quite a shock to learn I had a new ailment--something about an irregular heart rhythm.  The physician sent me straight away to the nearby Barnes-Jewish Hospital emergency room where the attendants took me in immediately and began treatment.  The waiting room was bedlam so bypassing all that was a relief, though the rush was worrisome.  Later in the evening I transferred by ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital, part of the Barnes Jewish system, but in west county.  After some tests, some treatment, an overnight stay, I was released in the early evening yesterday.  Chris called for me, and we had supper at one of our favorite places--Steak 'n Shake.  In this household, you never know what will happen next.

Scott called me after we posted the pictures of Charlie (Chris and Shelly's new dog) and me.  He was astonished, he said, because he thought he had seen a picture of me and a dog on the Gazette.   He wanted to verify that it really was me.  It was, but when Charlie gets full  grown, you won't see another photo.

Chris just stopped by on his way home from work.  He frequently pops in to check on us, run an errand, or take me to dinner.  

I thought the Cardinals were playing today but Scott said it was a preseason game and didn't count anyway.

Monday Morning Cold but Sunny

Rose and Shirley had to go out to west county for some tests for Shirley.  Rose went with her and woke me before they left.  Marnett just arrived so I'll finish this later.  I still haven't  got used to the time change.  'Spring forward, Fall back'  I keep repeating that to myself.

I'm finished with my shower and 20 minutes exercycyle ride and having an early lunch   The OT is coming in a little  while.  Rose and Shirley aren't back yet.

They just got back. Now the PT is coming at the same time.   I'll see how OT and PT work together.

Chocolates

Sue came home from Louisville last Sunday with this get-well gift from the Spreitlers—a

40 ounce box of chocolates.  The photo above is of the top of the box.  Right below the "W" 

is a quarter which gives some perspective on the size of the box.  The photo

below (the inside of the box) shows our progress through it in only one week! 

 None of us had ever seen a box this size, but we did our best!

 

THANK YOU, BETH, SCOTT, JALEN, AND BRAYDEN!

 

Chris, Sue, and Charlie

Chris brought their new puppy to meet us this morning.

Tristan snowboarding

Bray snowboarding

Saturday and Pete and Janet called early.

Chris and I went to dinner last night though it wasn't a Red Lobster because he thought it would be too far away and very crowded.  He took me to a different place where we had crab cakes and macaroni and cheese which were very good.   There is a Red Lobster nearby  that Marnett has said we will go to when they were not as crowded,   I was the one who spotted the Red Lobster.  I think Chris was eager to get home to be with their new puppy.  I had the left overs for lunch which were also delicious.

An occupational therapist came this morning,  She will work with me on better use of my arms.  An OT will come at least once a week.  Marnett was here today also.   I did my 20 minutes on the exercycle.  We did lots of other exercises and therapy which we do every day.

Chris is taking me out to dinner tonight.

I want to go to a Red Lobster and hope there's one nearby, I don't know if there is, but hope Chris does.  Marnett has been here assisting me every day this week.  Today a Staff Nurse from Barnes Jewish Hoe Health came here to get blood samples for testing and after at least four  tries, gave up.  Marnett tried, too.  Finally we had to go downtown to the Barnes labs. The same nurse who drew my blood last week got some after only two tries.  Marnett suggested they freeze some in case they need more.

Beth and the boys didn't have school again today, but Scott had to work.  I guess Louisville was chaos last night but the streets were getting some clearing.

Two Up Dates one day.

When we heard about the weather in Kentucky, we called Scott and Beth and probably woke them up. The boys and Beth didn't have school and they had also called off work for Scott.  It's cold here but still snow on the ground from last week.   No more snow and none in the forecast.  Marnett and I chose the right weekend to go to Louisville or we may still be there.  It's still snowing there with lots of cars in ditches and stranded.

Quick Update

Rose has a busy day and I have several things  pending. Chris came by last night on his way home from work.  He's going to take me out to dinner tomorrow night.  It's early  but Marnett is already here.   She's waiting for me to start the tricycle.  Will finish later.

Update from Stephanie

Stephanie sent this update on her progress:

"Hi Tante!

Just wanted to send an update for the blog.  Doctor has decided to up my pain meds in an effort to control the break through pain.  Chemo went well.  All is about as well as can be expected here at our house.  Hope all is well at yours.  Tell Aunt Sue and Aunt Shirley we love them, and we love you mieces to pieces!

Thank you for all the prayers...they definitely work! The chemo infusion went well. Catrina and I arrived at 9 am, had blood work done, saw the doctor, then headed over to the infusion center. They got started between 9:30 and 10 and I got done at about 3. Just as we finished up, Sara StClair arrived with dinner and flowers for me. We are so blessed by this church family of ours, and doubly blessed by my blood family. We stopped at the pharmacy on the way home to drop off new prescriptions. The doctor has decided to double my pain medications, since the break through pain is getting worse in my hips and legs. Hopefully that will take care of that problem and I can start getting some rest when I am sleeping.

Tomorrow is an easy day, just an injection of Neulasta and I am done until next Wednesday when I need to have blood drawn again. The following week I will need to have a repeat of the PET/CT scan to insure that the chemo is killing what it is supposed to be killing, plus blood work, and then the following week chemo.

My goal for this weekend is to make it to church on Sunday. I will wear a mask just to be on the safe side, but I really feel the need to praise our awesome God with my church family.
“Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:13-14

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:14-16

Love you and thank you for all the prayers and kind thoughts!

Stef"

We are holding Stephanie close in our hearts.  She is fortunate to have such loving family and church community who have rallied to her and Dan through this very rough patch.

Thanks, Stef,for keeping us updated on your progress.

We all hope and pray for you and are sure glad you have such a wonderful support group.  Keep the Gazette informed on things there.

Also, Janet, thanks for the pictures,  Was I Godmother to Nancy or Merri?  Wasn't very attentive, was I?

I've had two sessions with my home health helper, Marnett, just since my return  from Louisville.  I have to keep moving.  The visiting nurse came on Monday and will come back this Friday  to see if I've gotten better.  I believe I have.  Other people thinks so too.  Marnett told me today she's never seen a patient with as much support as I have.  She really works me out and measures my day to day progress.  There is some and it gives me more hope.

Merri and Albert Johnson with Granddaughter Bryn

Merri and Bryn  -  Merri is the daughter of Pete and Janet

Home now.

Marnnett  and I got back yesterday afternoon and  must have crossed paths with Beth and Brayden who were probably eager get back home before dark.  They were traveling from Kansas City to Louisville, while we were driving from Louisville to St. Louis.

I will try to do some posing more often. I know I can.  I'm behind but will try to
catch up.

Trip to Louisville

Sue and Marnett went to Louisville Friday morning to see Scott and Brayden.  Beth and Jalen were not home, having gone to Kansas City for the celebration of Beth's grandmother's 95th birthday.

Here are some photos Scott sent.  Brayden playing basketball.  Brayden and Tristan just out of the pool.  Marnett, Tristan, Sue, and Brayden in a huddle.

  

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UPDATE FROM STEPHANIE

Stephanie sent this update for the Gazette this evening:

"I went today and had my next round of blood work done.

My numbers have rebounded and are back in the normal range. That means I still need to be careful, but no more masks when I go out. Hand washing, avoiding those with colds or the flu, and being extra cautious when I am around crowds (I believe the exact words were "This doesn't mean you can run out and go to Target."), and extra care to make sure I don't catch anything are still required, but I can now eat fresh fruits and veggies again and if I am feeling up to it, go to church. So yay! Thank you all for the prayers.

After my blood draw, I went and got my hair cut, since it is going to start falling out, and with it cut it won't look quite so scraggly. Then my neighbor and I went to lunch and had a margarita to celebrate the good blood work.

I came home then and took a 3 hour nap. I am still exhausted...but they have told me to expect that.

Next week I have doctor appointments on Monday, then a lumbar puncture with chemo on Tuesday, then Wednesday another visit with the oncologist, followed by my 2nd round of Chemo.  If that goes well, chemo will be done on Wednesday, and then the Neulasta shot on Thursday.  If there are too many complications then they will spread the chemo over Wednesday and Thursday like the last time, with the shot on Friday.  Regardless it is going to be a long week, and I would appreciate prayers.  I have rides arranged for every day, with Jacob and my church family.  They are so awesome.

Friends provided dinner tonight...pork roast, potatoes, carrots, salad, with chocolate pudding for dessert.  They will be providing dinners every Wednesday as long as I am in treatment and will also be cleaning my house for me every other week.  I got an amazing gift from a very special person of a Roomba iRobot, and it works awesome for between times.  Dan is doing all the work around here, as I am not allowed to do ANYTHING, with the exception of eating, sleeping, and playing games.  It gets boring for me and I am sure it is overwhelming for him, so please lift him in your prayers.  He is an exceptional man.

Thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers.  God bless all of you!

Stef

---------------------

Thank you, Stephanie.  So good to hear uplifting news--both about your progress and about your wonderful support system.

UPDATE FROM STEPHANIE

Stephanie sent this update for the Gazette:

Thank you to all the prayer warriors who stormed the heavens last night and today

I had a minor issue last night that landed me in the hospital. We are still not sure what caused the chest pain that I was experiencing, but I was SURE it was a heart attack. I have never had anything hurt that severely before. It felt like someone was beating me in my sternum with a ball bat. Anyway, they ran all the tests and they came back fine, so no heart issues. After spending the whole night awake and in immense pain, they finally got the pain back under control, and I was allowed to come back home. I am still unable to go anywhere without a mask, and visitors have to wash their hands thoroughly, even if they have no signs of illness (if you come by and are sick, I am sorry but we can't let you in). In advance, I say THANK YOU! I am truly blessed by each and every one of you!

Love you all,

Stephanie

First Visitor

First Bird at our Finch Feeder

Very cold this morning

UPDATE FROM STEPHANIE

Stephanie sent me this update for the Gazette:

"I just wanted to update everyone.  I finished my first round of Chemo on Thursday and got my first Neulasta shot on Friday.  I have been very run down, having fevers off and on, lots of pain and tummy issues (mostly nausea).  I have been eating lots of saltines and tea with no sugar, and small portions of food as I can take it.  My sense of taste and smell are really messed up and lots of scents upset my stomach.  Poor Dan had to rewash the laundry in a non-scented laundry detergent due to this.  I went today for my first round of blood work, and it appears that my immune system is pretty much non existent right now.  The white blood count and neutrophils are almost 0 and my platelets are also pretty low. I am relegated to the house, no stores, no town, no church :'(, and anyone who is in any way ill is not allowed near me.  So, basically, isolation.  :(  I had to buy some new medical equipment today, a new BP cuff, new temporal thermometer, and...TADA...masks!  My newest fashion accessory.  If my temperature gets to 100.5 I have to go to the hospital for admittance and IV antibiotics.  They will check the levels again next week, and move on from there.  I can't have my next course of chemo until the counts rebound, so that is my request for now...please pray for those numbers to climb back up!  Thank you!"

Thank you, Stephanie.  I know there are many in our far-flung family who appreciate getting your updates and who are praying for your full and fast recover.  We may not be able to move heaven, but if there is anything on earth any of us can do, please, call on us.

UPDATE FROM SUE

Sue e-mailed me this update for the Gazette:

"I've had dinner with my old  buddy, Jack, will again tonight. My roommate will join us tonight. Rose been  here everyday, and Chris almost every day.  My phone isn't working, so Pete called Rose because he wasn't sure it was Saturday.  She and I called him and Janet back later just to catch up.

One of the therapists here asked if I  was still keeping up the Gazette, which of course I try to do.

Scott bought a Ford Explorer, and Chris has shingles.  Good news/Bad news.

Sue"

UPDATE FROM STEPHANIE

Stephanie's diagnosis and treatment are happening at a breakneck speed.  Here is the update she sent for posting on "The Family Gazette":

Here is the latest:

With the help of a wonderful friend from church, Shawna Rogers, I made it to my appointment this morning at 8:30. I met with the oncologist, and he told us that the MRI of the brain showed that although there are numerous tumors in my skull, it has not spread to my brain, and as an added gift, it is also not in my bone marrow. This is the first really great news we have gotten since God started us on this journey, and I know that it is due to the prayers that you have been storming the heavens with. Thank you!

I enjoyed a day with Dan and Shawna, including some time at the Sunny Skies Cafe and a trip to Michaels. I got some coloring books and crayons as a way to help pass the time and calm my nerves. We then went to hospital and I had my first Lumbar Puncture chemo and then the placement of the port. The RCHOP chemo will start tomorrow morning. I have be there at 7:30 and it will take about 5 hours for it to run. Then I have to go back by radiology and let them look at the port as it is unusually sore. Jacob is going to take us tomorrow.

I cannot express the depth of my gratitude and love for my ROC family. Shawna spent 12 hours running us around today...what a treasure she is. Thank you God for sending her into our lives. Not only do I have an amazing sister in Christ, but also a wonderful friend!  I am also beyond blessed to have the family and friends that God has provided me.  There are so many who face this battle alone, and for them I cry.

Again, thank you so much for you love, your prayers, your messages, and your kindnesses. God has blessed me beyond measure!

Stephanie

BACK AT BJEC

I'm back at BJEC and hope I don't have to stay so long this time.  Many of the people remember  me and tell me I'm better when I came in than I was last time.  Rose has already been here today.  I talked with Pete and Janet on Saturday and Shelly brought me a goodie on Sunday.  Chris came to the hospital several times, Rose every day.  I moved to BJEC by ambulance yesterday.  I got a shower today for which I am very grateful!

Jalen Invites Sophia to the Prom

Brayden Playing Basketball

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UPDATE

Turns out Sue has pneumonia.  She is much better, back to herself.  She is in the Queeny Tower section of Barnes-Jewish Hospital on the 11th floor in a room with a spectacular view of Forest Park. The nurses there are extremely thoughtful and kind.  Looks like she will be there until some time tomorrow (Saturday) for treatment with IV antibiotics.

NEWS

Stephanie sent me the following update for posting here:

"Hello, all...I am now home from the doctor. It has been a long day, and the news is not the best. I have a rare type of non hodgkins lymphoma, stage 4. They still need to do an MRI of the brain and a lumbar puncture to make sure that it has not spread to the brain or spinal fluid. They also need to do an echo cardiogram to check my heart, and once these are done, they will start a chemo regimen. The PET/CT scan shows that the cancer is throughout my whole body and there are lots of bones involved. Thank you for your prayers. With much love, Stef"

Many of you have been following Stephanie's FaceBook Page and have seen the outpouring of love, prayers, and well wishes folk have sent her way.  We add ours.  Stephanie has a fine team of physicians plotting out her care and treatment.  We, too, hold her in our hearts and in our prayers.

In other news in the same category, Sue became very ill yesterday, sleepy, unable to walk, generally bad.  By 5:15 pm her fever was 103.3 degrees, so I called her primary care physician for the second time that day.  Her orders:  take Sue to the emergency room by ambulance.  By 6:00 pm She was in a bay in Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the Central West End.  The ER was bedlam, so much so it looked like ones in Iraq I've seen on television.  By11:00 pm the ER physician had decided to admit Sue, but there were no rooms available.  Finally today around 6:00 pm she was moved to a room.

So far, there is no definitive diagnosis of this problem.  Certain possibilities have been ruled out, but Sue is getting antibiotics.  

Snow Last Night

But it didn't amount to much.  I'm sure kids will still have school. They're probably disappointed (Goldman too).  Rose is up and brought me my usual breakfast of fried egg and toast.

I'm sure the Stephanie and Dan are anxiously awaiting Wednesday as we all are.  We're praying for a favorable report.

Sis has a guitar lesson today and I have therapy.  One of my little pleasures is sitting in the kitchen where can watch the squirrels eating the bird food.

February First is Brother Pete's Birthday

This update is a day early for the Birthday and I won't post  his coming age (as usual).  I've  already talked to him this morning.  I think we determined it's colder in Missouri than in Idaho.  He had already talked to Brother Joe.  Joe probably remembered the birthday occasion.

Chris stopped by yesterday and brought me his old Fit Bit.  The therapist thinks my new one is working and perhaps we're reading it wrong.  We'll see how they compare.   I had another therapy session yesterday and will have one Monday and then have an evaluation on Wednesday.

I took a break and am going to finish posting now.  I've had lunch and my shower and  now Marnett is helping Rose put the cover on the fireplace. Shirley is at CVS which is a long time trip for her.  She prefers Walgreens but had a better coupon for CVS.

Brayden had a basketball game this morning.  His team lost and Brayden fouled out.  I  asked Scott if Brayden would care if I posted that info,  Scott again is sure that Brayden never reads the Blog.  I think he's a Face Book Contributor.  I'll try to find out and get his address.  I'm trying  to learn Facebook.

Stephanie had more tests yesterday but the results won't be available until next Wednesday. Meanwhile, she has everyone's prayers.  Catrina has set up a PayPal to Bank of America account for anyone able to contribute to the awful expenses Stephanie is encountering.  Her insurance annual deductible, her co-pays, the long distance she travels for tests, etc., are stretching her and Dan to the max.  Any contributions that can at least remove some of the stress they feel will be much appreciated.  The information for contributing through PayPal are on Catrina's Facebook page.  Or, if you are uncomfortable with PayPal, please send your contribution directly to:  Stephanie Schmitt, 80 Michael Court, Troy, MO  63379.  There is a good thing to report in all this.  Until last year Stephanie was uninsurable due to an existing condition, lupus.  She now has some health insurance for the first time in about 25 years.

Not really any news but wanted to brag a bit

We're praying for Stef and hope the results we hear next week are favorable.

I  heard from Ron and Georgia Reinhardt today.  For those of those who may not know,  Brick was his boss at GMAC and my boss after  Brick died in that accident (which has now been over thirty years ago).  Ron and Georgia now live here in St. Louis and Florida.

The bragging I wanted to do was about Brayden.  He won the Geography Contest for the whole school.  This includes sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.   He's in sixth grade.  I asked Scott if any student had done so but he did't know.  I also asked him if Brayden would care if I put this in the Gazette.  Scott doesn't think he even reads it "so go ahead."  Brayden will go to a Kentucky State Contest in the next few months but Scott wasn't sure when that would be.

I am finally learning some about Facebook with Rose's help, but am more used to Email.
I.E. Marthaboaz@aol.com  or marthaboaz@gmail.com  Again, from the very beginning of my having a cell, the number is 314-452-3685.

I have therapy again tomorrow.  I'll wear my new Fit Bit.  Marnett doesn't think it's registers right.
  We're getting neighbors across the street.  I can see house from where I ride  the exercise bicycle in the mornings.  The For Sale Sign is gone and there's been  activity,  In the backyard here, the  squirrels eat the birdseed we leave out and also leave a nasty mess around, but they're hungry too and we feel sorry for them.

Wednesday

I was confused about when Stef was getting her results and thought it was going to happen today, but won't be until next week.  Nevertheless, everyone is praying and we will update the Family Gazette as soon as we have any information.

I've had two therapy sessions this week.  I bought a new Fit Bit.  I lost both mine and Rose's while testing/comparing them.  I was going to replace hers, too, but she's waiting until Apple comes out with their "Apple Watch."  My therapist wanted to know if that was some kind of fruit,  Pete, What do you think?

The hairdresser came and cut my hair yesterday.  We should have  done a before and after picture.  Marnett came three times so far this week.  I continue  to do the cycle 20 minutes and exercise  here as much as I can.

More I forgot to post

Brayden had a basket ball game on Saturday in which he scored two baskets. Scott and Beth had to get up early on their day off to get him to a 8;30 AM game, but I'm  sure they sure to get him there on time.

I had physical therapy again today.  The head therapist worked with me and was very encouraging. He pointed out things I could do today that  I couldn't do my first time there and  encouraged  me to keep on striving. I go back on Wednesday.

Jalen and Brayden (with much help from Beth) made me a calendar for Christmas and I use it to keep track  of  my appointments.  I'm having my haircut tomorrow, and  the hairdresser comes here. I met Linda through her.  She  also does Rose and Shirley's hair.  Marnett has met her and will  be here tomorrow.

Lovely Weekend at the Lakehouse

Linda, Chris and I went down Friday when Chris got off work.  Linda drove because the Acura was in the shop, and we didn't want to leave Shelly without transportation, so it worked out just fine.  We stopped in Jefferson City for a hamburger and at Paul's at the lake for stuff for Linda to make breakfast.  She is a great cook.  Chris volunteered to do the grocery shopping on Saturday, so we made him a list and sent him on his way.

Pete called with his Saturday morning call.  It was cold in Idaho.  We didn't have potatoes as they weren't on  the shopping list.  Marnett had brought me a crab cake from Whole Foods which Linda and I had for lunch.  Famous Barr made great French Union Soup years ago, and Linda makes a duplicate.  It was delicious.  [Rose and I had it also for dinner last night.]  Mad Dog came over Saturday after noon and had dinner with us but wouldn't stay for breakfast on Sunday.

The sun was out on Saturday, but it was still chilly.  It drizzled yesterday all the way home.  There's a lot of new construction going on across the cove from the lake house.  Linda took a picture which Rose will post later.

I'm looking forward to the next trip to the lake.

Photos:  New construction across the cover at the lake.  A selfie--Chris, Sue, Linda

UPDATE FROM STEPHANIE AND DAN

"Auntie, here is an update for the blog:

We have just returned from the hospital and the news, while not a surprise to God, was not what we had hoped to hear.  The preliminary biopsy showed cancer (lymphoma). I will be returning to SLU to have a full body PET scan done to determine the extent of the cancer, and then visiting the orthopedic surgical oncologist as well as another oncologist to find out the exact type of lymphoma, the stage, and where all it is within my body.  At that point they will decide which course of chemotherapy and the duration of that treatment.   If there is any good news in this, it is that Lymphoma is a readily treated cancer.  It may take a while, but there are treatments and they do work.

We want to thank all of you for your prayers, calls, thoughts, cards, and messages these last couple of weeks.  They have bolstered our spirits and lightened our burden.  We love each and every one of you!  God is so good and He is always faithful.  We will continue to praise Him in this storm.

Always in His powerful grip,

Stef and Dan"

Not Really Any News. Another Quiet Sunday.

Spring seems to be finally getting here.  It's been a long time coming. Chris and Linda and I are going down to the lake on Friday until Sunday and I'm really looking forward to that.  If anyone else can go anytime the following week, I'd like to go too. - -or that weekend-.  Just let me know.

I had three sessions of therapy and will have three more this week.  The house across the street has been on the market for a long time and it looks like it has perhaps sold.  We're not sure.  There's never any lights on since the for sale sign went up, but today there's been a van in front.

I'm having dinner with Chris and Shelly tonight.   No more news about Stephanie.  Brayden's basketball team won yesterday.  Scott didn't take his camera so he didn't send any pictures for us to post.

[Posted Monday afternoon]

Thank you, Catrina, for the news about Stephanie. We're praying the next update will be good news.   Catrina and Rose spent a long time informing the family in the Gazette, and we're hoping they continue to do so.

Pete has already called this morning inquiring about Stephanie, but we won't know any more until they get the results of the tests.  If 'they don't call us, we''ll call them' and pray again for the best.

I'm waiting for Marnett and I've had breakfast this morning.  I had my three sessions of therapy this week.  Shelly stopped by yesterday with some chili and tuna salad.  She and Chris have invited me out for dinner this Sunday.

[Written this morning around 9:30 am and posted at 9:30 am.]

News about Stephanie Abbott Schmitt, Margaret and Norman's Daughter

I asked Catrina, Stephanie's sister to send an update on Stephanie's situation for the Family Gazette since so many people had bits and pieces of the events in her life through Facebook.  Here is Catrina's update:

"Auntie,

Just wanted to share an update on Stef so the family could know what was going on and mostly so they could pray for her. 

Stef fell in October, tearing her rotator cuff and breaking her shoulder, which may turn out to have been a blessing in disguise.  She had surgery to repair in November, and she started a long 16 week recovery including intensive physical therapy.  While going for physical therapy, her knee started hurting.  She has suffered off and on over the last few years with some knee pain but was finally at a place where she could hopefully get some relief.  She asked the doctor/physical therapist to help with her knee pain, but after several appointments, her pain was worse which is obviously not supposed to be the case, so they ordered an X-Ray.

On December 30, she went in for that X-Ray.  It showed some areas of abnormalities so her physician immediately ordered an MRI, which she had done on December 31st.  She went in the following week for the results, and the news was not what we expected. The report showed possible metastatic changes in the bone (secondary cancer changes in her bone marrow) and her doctor referred her to an oncologist.  That appointment was yesterday. 

When she first arrived, the oncologist indicated that as a previous smoker, these areas in the bone marrow might be where the blood supply had been compromised and then restored.  While rare, it does happen.  The course of action would be to wait and see if there were changes in a few months. Later, after he looked at the X-Ray/MRI, he was very concerned and did not want to wait.  Stef will have a bone biopsy next Tuesday morning.  Once the oncologist has those results, he/they will decide a plan of action. 

BTW – Stef is a very strong lady.  The recovery time on her shoulder was shortened by 8 weeks!

As many folk know, I’ve started a FaceBook page, “Stef’s Prayer Warriors”.  Let’s get the word out so we can get as many people as we possibly can storming the heavens with prayers for my dear sister.  She’s done so very much for others, especially our mom, it’s time to give a little back. On that Facebook page, I’ve also included a PayPal link for folks to donate monetarily if they can. The gas to drive from Troy to downtown St. Louis alone is costly enough, but so is anything else Stef and Dan may need to buy, food while down there, etc. – this can help. I was going to do gofundme or another fundraiser site such as that, but they take 8% plus $0.50 per transaction, so by doing PayPal, which only takes 2%, and I think that’s only if we don’t use a bank account so I’ve opened a BOA savings account for her specifically for this. And an FYI – I will be ordering “STEF’S PRAYER WARRIOR” rubber bracelets and selling them for $1.00 with 100% of the profit going into her account.

Love you, Auntie. 

Catrina King"

Those of you who attended Margaret's service last September no doubt remember the moving eulogy Stephanie gave for her mother--with only about five minutes warning.  A transcript of that eulogy is in the archives of this blog.  Stephanie is quite a woman, made strong by some life challenges that many people never have to face.  She was a major support person for her parents in recent years and cared for her mother after Margaret could no longer live alone.  When Norman developed symptoms from the illness that took his life, it was only Stephanie he allowed help and guide him through his medical care and last days.  

Chris and the Lake House

Chris stopped by and checked on the lake house last Friday, and everything was fine. He was in the area and did that for us after the really cold weather we have had.  It is much warmer no--here and there.   

Prism

We're back and the ophthalmologist  inserted prisms in my glasses.  She also did a lot of testing on my eyes and adjusted my glasses while we were there.  We hurried and waited, as one always seems to do at a doctor's office.  That was a long sentence, wasn't it?  I hope this fix works.  I go back on March 2  (already have it marked on the calendar Beth made me at Christmas).  I only go back sooner if this doesn't work,  back March 2 for a regular checkup.   So far it's working.

Dinner's ready.

Seeing with one eye closed

Shelly is taking me back to my eye doctor this afternoon because I've been seeing with one eye closed and I'd like to find out why.  I don't even note I do this until I'm told.  I hope it's simple to fix and hope this is my last trip for a while.

Marnett is here today and has been very helpful. Rose has a guitar lesson and both she and Shirley have clients this afternoon.

TIVO Schematic

John and Ryan Felin

  Kelly's sons, Pete and Janet's grandsons

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         

Kelly and Sons, John and Ryan

   Hmm, Kelly's boys are now taller than he is!

P1010132 (3)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         

Kelly, John, and Ryan Felin

PC300125

 

TIVO System

OUTSIDE THE CABINET

TIVO On Paper

--
Sent with Genius Scan for iOS.
http://bit.ly/download-genius-scan

TIVO

I see that TIVO is now advertising on the Family Gazette, no doubt because of some mention of it in a post.  For about two years we had ATT U-Verse television and internet, and we had constant, recurring problems.  If we wanted to watch the news, I knew to turn the thing on a good 15 minutes before to make sure it was working.  ATT service people were good, just far too necessary.  U-Verse was just not ready for prime time, and ATT billing was so random we never knew what to expect beyond expecting expensive.

The final straw came when some technician told us we needed to rewire the house at an added cost of $250.  We changed to Charter, and I bought a TIVO DVR system.  It took me about 12 hours, miles of wires (mostly hidden in a cabinet), and several conversations with TIVO technicians to get the system up and running.  It works just great and costs roughly half of what U-Verse did.

A couple of weeks ago, an ATT U-Verse sales person, a young woman rang the doorbell and wanted to sell us on U-Verse.  Needless to say, she did not get far.

I Had Three Sessions of Therapy this week

I had the 3 sessions of therapy this week and the therapist assured me she was going to continue with my three times a week help with my improvement, which she has seen and will report back to my referring doctor.

We have a bird feeder in the backyard but squirrels get more food from it than birds.  We do get several of both.  Rose also got a finch feeder for Christmas but it's still full,  Maybe they went south for the winter.  As cold as it's been, smart finches.

Lake on the 23rd

Linda and Chris and I will go go down to the lake on the 23rd and return on the 25th.  I'm excited about it but also realize something could come up.   I would like Linda to make some French Onion Soup while we're there.  She makes it just like the old Famous Barr kind and is a wonderful cook.

We may get some more snow although there wasn't much this week.  It's still been cold. Pete hasn't called  with his Saturday call yet but I'm sure he will soon.

Still Cold

It's still very cold and isn't going to warm up soon.  Rose and Shirley both had to go out but I got to stay in where it was warm.  Marnett came again in spite of the cold weather and helped me as she always does.  Rose is practicing her guitar right now and Shirley is with a client.

If you read the Gazette and notice that some of the pictures aren't coming through, let us know.  we can post them again.  It's been called to our attention that this has happened.

Bitter Cold in Missouri

It snowed and the wind blew last night, but I slept right through it.  Marnett came and helped me and took me to therapy and assisted me just as she always does, in spite of the weather.  She is really good help and companionship and exceeds herself a lot.

Chris came and took me to dinner last night.  Goldman came on Monday and helped us take down our Christmas decorations.  The roads were fine when Marnett took me to therapy.  I go back to Friday and can continue the three times a week but also do the exer -cycle 20 minutes and other exercises.  I keep trying to improve and therapists and other people besides myself notice improvement.

Chris' new haircut

Chris' new haircut

Bird Seed Box

Art by Shelly

Bird Seed Box

Art by Shelly, Chris' wife

Chris

BH - Before Haircut

Missed Therapy

Rose will post those pictures from Janet and from the  weekend - in fact she may be posting them now.  We miss Brayden very much and wonder if he misses us at all. Probably not.

I missed my therapy session today because I decided to have a pedicure and a manicure.
I wasn't done in time to get there for our appointment and had to cancel. Marnett did take me, just one of the helpful things she did for me today.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year--lots of family, friends, feasting, and good cheer.  This afternoon we took down the Christmas tree with the help of our gold man, Mark Goldman, who every year comes over to put up the tree and decorate it, then comes back to take it down and put everything away.

Clearing out the living room allowed us to see things that in the hubbub of our family gathering we glossed over.  Beth, Scott, and Boys gave us two calendars with lovely photos for each month.  Already we are using Sue's both to look at and to track events.  For the calendar cover they used the group photo of the Felin sibs that we took at Sabrina's about ten years ago, something more precious with the passage of time.  Marnett, who is now familiar with Pete's weekly check-in with Sue, guessed which one of the brothers was Pete.  I asked her how she knew, she said, "He looks like a Pete.  [Of course, the calendar had Beth's thoughtful fingerprints all over it, as did the formal thank you card we received in the mail from Jalen and Brayden.]

Chris and Shelly, knowing how much we love bird-watching, gave us a finch feeder and thistle food  [Try saying that a couple times in succession.] plus a storage box filled with bird seed.  Shelly painted the four seasons on the sides of the box and a cardinal with birdhouse on the lid.  I have photographed the box and will post pictures later.  It is a work of art.

Brayden was here from New Year's Day until yesterday morning.  He had a fine time especially bowling, hiking, and being with Chris and Shelly.  Brayden and Shelly even cut Chris' hair, they claim with the dog shears.  I'll post a photo of his new hair style soon.  Actually, it looks great.  Shelly met Scott to pick up Brayden on Thursday and then met Jalen yesterday for the return trip home.  Nice to have that young man now driving!

Quiet Sunday

Shelly has already picked Brayden up and is meeting Scott half way.  Rose isn't feeling very well so she went back to bed.  Chris is here and he and I are setting in the living room messing  with our computers.  Marnett isn't coming today so I won't get many of my exercises done.

We had a super dinner at 'Kreis's' last night.  I'm sure I had never eaten crab when I was eleven years  old and Brayden and I shared a portion in the shell.  Brayden helped me and the waiter cracked them.  I also know my mother had never eaten crab, catfish but not crab.  We once took her to some costly restaurant in Springfield and as we were leaving she commented that people would notice that our supper was worth more than our car.  She was probably right back then.

Shelly is bringing Steak and Shake as she returns from the half way trip.  She's started back already.  Chris is laying on the sofa watching football. Hope Rose doesn't have the flu.

Pictures From Idaho

We had a wonderful dinner and I'm sure Rose will post those pictures and also the ones that Janet forwarded in the morning.  Brayden and Shirley are watching a movie and Rose and I are going to bed,,

Brayden

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Marnett and Sue

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Shirley - January 01, 2015

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Sue and Marnett - January 02, 2015

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It's 2015

Scott is bring Brayden half way and Shelly and Eli meeting the other half from Louisville today, and we'll get him until Sunday. He will spend one night with his Aunt Shelly and Uncle Ding and their dogs which he so loves.  Rose and I are up having our first coffee,  When I checked my fit bit on going to bed last night, I had done over my record which was around eleven hundred steps.  Yesterday it registered over 1200.  I had some assistance, but I'm eager to tell my therapist when I go tomorrow.

I think we're all going out for a family dinner Saturday night, and I haven't heard how Brayden is getting home.  I'm sure he will have school on Monday.  I'm expecting Marnett pretty soon.