Who knew?

Seems Sue is heeding the words of the great poet:

     Do not go gentle into that good night,                               
     Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
     Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

As of this evening, May 21, 2015, at 8:00 pm, she is holding fast to the light.   Chris and Scott are at her bedside, and Chris will spend the night tonight.  Tomorrow she may have to be transferred back to BJEC for hospice care.  When I was arranging for that possibility this afternoon with the BJEC business office, even the woman there knew Sue and was saddened by the news.  [Sue has been in and out of BJEC a half dozen times now and knows all the staff.  In 2005 Denny, Sue's husband, was there several months before his death.]

Lots is happening in these sad days.  Kathleen, the daughter of Sue's long-time and very good friend, Jack Delaney, has agreed to sing at Sue's memorial service, accompanied on guitar by her husband.  The songs we've chosen are the Andrew Lloyd Weber "Pie Jesu" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."  Kathleen knows Sue well through both her father and mother.  Kathleen's words to me were, "It would be a privilege to do this for Sue."  Jack sang at both Sue and Denny's wedding and at Denny's funeral.  Kathleen inherited her singing voice from him.  

Two good family friends are planning a service, part religious, part secular, all Sue.  Family and friends will be invited to speak of their relationship with Sue, either in person or by sending us their message (roseholt@aol.com).   Mark Goldman, who delivered the eulogy for Denny, will do so for Sue.  (That was the only request I ever heard Sue make about her eventual leave-taking.)

This afternoon Marnett brought her eight-year-old son, Torré to say goodbye to Sue--at his request.  Torré is an old soul and bonded with Sue during the family trip with her to the lake in March.  He has also spent time at our house over the past few months.

Sue

Bad News, Good News

The bad news is, of course, Sue's impending death.  She is one tough cookie and is, once again, demonstrating just how tough.  Scott, Chris, and Mark Lary stayed with her last evening, and Scott stayed overnight.  Due to hospital and insurance constraints, Sue may have to be moved to an extended care facility as early as today.  We'll know more when we meet with the social worker at Barnes-Jewish today.  All the hospital staff have been wonderfully informative and caring.  The medical team is keeping Sue comfortable.

And the good news is that Stephanie got a good progress report in her battle with lymphoma yesterday.  She also had another chemo treatment with one more to go.  YAY!!!  We are deliriously happy for her.  Catrina, her sister and neighbor, was her companion and driver yesterday.  All of us are grateful to everyone pitching in to help Stephanie and Dan through this really rough patch.

SUE

Bad news.  Sue's condition has worsened to the point that she may die as soon as today.  Scott arrived early today, and he and Chris are with her now.  I plan to go back later this afternoon.  It is a very sad moment.  As you, Dear Readers, know Sue has put up valiant effort for more than twelve years fighting off debilitating health issues while still enjoying life, especially life at the lake house when she could get there.

With help from everyone, especially Linda, Sabrina, and Marnett, we are keeping vigil at Sue's bedside.  Our friend, Sandy, did an anointing ritual for Sue on Tuesday, just after the physicians told us of her dire condition.  The ritual was most fitting and much appreciated as well as perhaps divinely scheduled.

Sue's sons are fine, fine men, and their wonderful wives have been troopers through all this.  More detail about all that later.  Now, two short stories to illustrate just how much their mother influenced these two.  Brayden has a great friend who only gets to play sports, something both boys love above everything else, because Scott and Beth make it possible.  Scott and Chris and I were reminiscing recently about a kid they grew up with who had tons of opportunities only because Sue and the two of them made it possible.  History repeats itself.

The second story is about Chris.  Parking at Barnes-Jewish Hospital downtown has always been a problem.  Sue has been an in-patient there between 50 and 60 times, so we've really got the hang of it.    And it is a complicated system when you first engage it.  We know when to buy a five-pass card (which years ago sold for $5, now goes for $20).  It's great to have one though when a single park is $15 for a long stay.  This week Chris and I both bought new ones.  When Scott arrived from Louisville this morning, I suggested to Chris that Scott could use his five-pass card when he exited the garage.  Chris, rather sheepishly, said, "Well, I only have one pass left." "Why, Chris, you only bought that card yesterday?"  His response:  "Well, we used one for Linda yesterday, and when I was leaving last night there was an old man trying to process his parking ticket with a credit card.  I saw that it was $15 so I said, 'Here, just use this pass card.'  Then I went on to process my ticket.  There was another old man at the machine on the other side of me having trouble.  I saw his charge was $18, so I said, 'Here, just use this pass card.'  That means I only have one left."

Scott and Chris learned generosity from their mother. 

NEWS ABOUT SUE

Sue's blood pressure was so low this morning that her BJEC nurse determined she needed to be taken to the emergency room at Barnes Jewish Hospital downtown.  Around 7:15 or so she was transported there by ambulance.  Immediately the ER physicians started her on IV fluids (after special effort to get her stuck), gave her medication to stop her AFIB heart reaction, and antibiotics for a urinary tract infection.  She had pretty much stopped eating and drinking for the last few days so was extremely dehydrated.  She hasn't been much aware now for a few weeks, sometimes seeming to recognize one of us but mostly not.  I talked with Chris just now who said she has been admitted to the hospital, and he thought was better than he had seen her in a few days though he was still not sure she knew who he was.

I did remind her that it is Brother Joe's birthday, and that we had indeed remembered belatedly to send his card, a card which (in better days) she would have had in the mail right on time.  I'm not sure she understood.   Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROTHER JOE!

ER physicians told me this morning they were trying to determine the underlying cause for these last weeks during which she has been totally disoriented.  That long seizure almost five weeks ago or possibly a stroke?

WTF.  Why does one person have to suffer so much!

Sue at the Lake surrounded by her Grandchildren

LAST SUMMER

UPDATE ON SUE

Sue is not doing well.  She is still disoriented, cannot communicate beyond "Yes" and "No," often doesn't recognize Chris, Shelly, Shirley, or me.  Her Springfield neighbor, Leslie, visited recently, and Sue did not know her.  All the tests the house physician ordered have come back negative.  There is no apparent underlying cause for her condition.  Sometime this past week, the BJEC therapists stopped working with her because it is just too difficult.  She sleeps a lot and mostly refuses to eat.  Chris and I are seeking a long-term skilled nursing facility for her.  BJEC is a great place for rehab.  For long-term care?  Not so great.

Based on Sue's history (second only to Bill Clinton for come-backs), we are not abandoning hope.  However, the bad seizure she had was on April 15, so her situation is dire.

UPDATE

Sue, Chris, and I met with several of the staff at BJEC--an occupational therapist, a physical therapy, a speech therapy, the resident chaplain, and Sue's social worker--to review Sue's status and the plan for the future.  Sue is still not oriented to time and space.  She does know Chris and me, and she will answer simple questions.  However, her progress is very slow.  She still cannot stand unaided and has to be moved from bed to chair with a Hoyer lift.   The staff who were in the meeting all know Sue very well from her past stays at BJEC and could not be more kind and loving.

I spoke to the house physician, Dr. Bavilsik, after the meeting.  He thought Sue was improved when he saw her on Saturday but was most responsive to my concerns about her slow progress.  He immediately ordered a round of tests--bloodwork, urinalysis, and scans--to make sure Sue is not suffering from some underlying problem the hospital missed.

I will meet again with the social worker on Friday to assess where Sue is.

Sue's Birthday

The Louisville Spreitlers sent Sue a luau party package for her birthday.
Scott explained in the card that he shopped, baked, packed, and mailed the gifts while Beth watched sports. Right, Scott. We recognize Beth's fingerprints. They were all over everything. (More pics in or bikini tops and grass skirts coming.)

Louisville Spreitlers' Gift for Granny

UPDATE

Sue is now at Barnes Jewish Extended Care about five minutes from our house.  She spent eight days at Barnes Jewish Hospital downtown and underwent a whole lot of testing that revealed nothing.  While downtown she suffered a long seizure Tuesday night.  The physician on call gave her a hefty dose of ativan to stop the seizing.  Once before she had a similar dose, and it put her in a groggy, sleepy state for four days.  Same thing is happening now.  We will know a lot more when this stuff wears off, and she come into herself again.  No matter what, though, she will be in for weeks of intensive physical therapy to get back the strength she has lost from 8-10 days lying in bed.  I often wonder why one person has had to endure so much torment.  Sue's spirit is such that, up and alert, she enjoys herself.  I pray she returns to that state and soon.

Janet sent me an e-mail today explaining that it is she and her daughter Nancy who watch "Call the Midwife."  They have a mother-daughter date while Pete is doing his volunteer work at the local hospital.  Makes sense since the program is truly a "chick flick" kind of thing.  Brother Pete has so much soul that he would probably like it, too.

I've also watched all of "House of Cards," all that is available to date, that is.  The dark, unattractive characters in "House of Cards" are far removed from the shining examples of personhood in the women of "Call the Midwife."   Neither Sue nor Shirley will watch it.

A Television Show

Janet and Pete recommended another BBC television series to us, "Call the Midwife."  We are hooked on it.  The premise of the show is quite simple.  A group of nuns and nurse midwives provide healthcare, especially prenatal and natal care, to people in a very poor part of London in the 1940's and 50's.  I have watched all the past shows by purchasing them from Amazon.com and watching them on my iPad (my private television set, as it turns out).  Shirley and Sue are catching up.   This is the most gripping television I have seen since the 1980's when I was similarly hooked on "I, Claudius," also a BBC presentation.

At Janet and Pete's recommend, we also watched "The Bletchley Circle."  Wonderful, too.  We are waiting for further guidance on great entertainment. 

UPDATE ABOUT SUE

Sue was scheduled to enter rehab at BJC on Wednesday but suffered a setback during the night, so she remained at Barnes Jewish Hospital until this afternoon when she was transferred to BJEC for rehab.  I saw her shortly after her arrival by ambulance.  She was sleepy and tired, not fully conscious of the move or her situation.  She had a lot of med modifications and changes while hospitalized, and it always takes a while for her system to settle down after such an ordeal.

Janet and Merri; Mother and Daughter

Brayden visiting his Grandmother in Hospital

Brayden Greeting Sue in Hospital

Caitlin in Front of the Church

Caitlin is Pete and Janet's granddaughter who was married on Saturday.

SPRING IN OUR VILLAGE

SP

UPDATE ABOUT SUE

Last Wednesday Sue had a setback and by Thursday noon was headed to the emergency room in an ambulance.  After days of testing and scratching of many heads, most things have been ruled out.  She is a medical mystery and, at the same time, a medical marvel.

Sue spent the first night at Missouri Baptist Medical Center then was transferred to Barnes-Jewsish downtown where her physicians are.  Today she will go back to Barnes Jewish Extended Care (BJEC) for intensive rehab.  Her spirits are good.  She is enjoying Cardinal baseball but hasn't been well enough to do her usual computer stuff.

Chris, Shelly, and Brayden returned from their ski trip to Colorado late on Friday.  We had Brayden Saturday.  Sue was overjoyed to see him.  At age 12 he is as delightful as he was at age 2.  Shirley and I went with him to the Galleria shopping center to buy new pants, all his now too "high water."  Looking around, he said he didn't care for those clothes that had "names on them."  Smart kid.

Yesterday we learned that Jalen has been awarded the Kentucky Governor's Scholar Award, a huge deal that means he will get much of his in-state college paid.  This summer he will spend five weeks at a Kentucky university in an intensive college experience as part of the award.  Congratulations, Jalen!!!  The award is given to students who have an excellent academic record (Jalen has a 4.0 GPA), test well, have shown leadership ability, and involved writing an essay.

I Started this post but i'm but i'm not sure where it went.

The nurse just for her last visit and the occupational and physical therapists are all three finished with me.  The trough is in and Marnett and I will pick it up in the morning.  We haven't heard much from Colorado nor Kentucky but that is no surprise.  

We're having Whole Foods Chicken for supper and Marnett and I may go out to lunch after we pick up the trough.  I think the doctor's office had misplaced it and found it.

Bray with Shelly and Chris

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!

Stephanie sent this update for the Gazette:

"I went for my Intrathecal Methatrexate treatment on Tuesday, March 24th, and had some complications.  It took 4 lumbar punctures before they were able to get any spinal fluid back and do the chemo treatment for the brain and central nervous system.  What should have taken about 15 minutes took 2 hours and I was very sedated by the time they were done.  We finally arrived home about 4:30 or so.  I went the next day to the oncologist for my check up and RCHOP chemo and when they too my temperature by for head, it was only 94.5.  It was  taken orally and it was 101.5, so everything was put on hold until the following Monday and a round of antibiotics.  I was able to get my RCHOP chemo, but it has moved things back by nearly a week, so we are going to be at this a bit longer.

While there the doctor gave me the results of the latest CT/PET scan and that appears to show that the tumors are beginning to shrink, PRAISE GOD!.  We will continue on this course of action until the chemo is done (I have one more round of the Intrathecal Methatrexate and 3 more of the RCHOP), then after 6 weeks they will do another CT/PET scan and check the progress of the tumors.  If there is more growth, then more chemo....if not then they will continue to follow up with scans periodically and we will do whatever is needed to treat this cancer.  It does have a 49% chance of recurrence within the first 4 years, so if you could add some prayers for me to be in the 51%, I would be most grateful.  Thank you so much for the prayers, the cards, the hats, and all the loving thoughts.  Anna (Fellin) thank you for the beautiful and comforting quilt.  I am attaching a picture.

Love you all,

Stef"

She also sent along the photograph of herself holding the quilt Anna made for her which we posted earlier.

Thanks for the update, Stephanie.  We wish you more good news and a speedy transit through the effects of the chemo.

Many of our readers have expressed an interest in helping Stephanie and Dan through this troubling time.  They have family and church people who help with the everyday needs like travel, shopping, and housekeeping.  They are having considerable financial difficulties.  Anyone wishing to help, please send your check to:  Stephanie and Dan Schmitt, 80 Michael Court, Troy, MO  63379.

Happy Easter To Everyone

We don't have any plans that I know of except for a fine dinner.   Chris and Shelly and Brayden are in Colorado (Copper Mountain) on a ski-snowboard trip.  Chris and Brayden stopped by here Friday evening so we got  to see them briefly.  Brayden is on Spring break and was eager to get to Chris and Shelly's and see the new puppy. We ordered pizza and he commented that was the first time he had ever seen me eat pizza.  Chris agreed with him about my eating pizza.  I liked it.

Marnett isn't coming today but tomorrow both the helpers will come.  Marnett has really worked out very well and I'm  hoping to find someone as effencient as she is for lake time. I want to spend some time down there and find someone to stain the deck.  My lake exer-cycle  bike isn't working, and I need someone to take a look at it.  The boat and wave runner need de-winterize.

It's chilly this morning - 34 degrees.  Probably a lot colder on Copper Mountain.  The Cardinals versus the Cubs start the baseball season today in Chicago.  Scott told me the  game won't be on TV here.  I don't know why not.

I'm not good on Facebook (better at AOL) will try to catch up and learn.

Bear and Bray in Colorado

Stephanie

Here is something I stole off Stephanie's Facebook page that is too wonderful not to share here:

Stephanie wrote:

"This quilt was made and sent to me by my cousin Anna last month, and it is, without a doubt, the softest, most warming, comforting quilt I have ever used (and, yes, it travels in it's own plastic protective bag to Chemo!) Thank you so much Anna."

She added this beautiful photo:

Good Friday With Several Changes

It's Good Friday.  The home healthcare nurse came yesterday and will only come one more time.  My heart rate was good and my blood pressure was also good.  I thought the occupational therapist was going to come back but maybe I was mistaken.   I keep doing alI can.  Marnett took me to my neurologist appointment on Wednesday, and I don't have to go back to see him for several months,

Brayden and Beth leave Louisville! tonight and will meet Chris in St. Louis.  .  Beth is going on a cruise with her mother and a girlfriend.  Chris, Shelly and Brayden will go on to Colorado on their ski trip.

We had three young men here for dinner who had recently returned from Colorado, and they said there's plenty of snow for skiing,  They are bikers, rock climbers, and also skiers.    We're not sure about where in Colorado the Spreitlers are staying but maybe we'll find out soon.

I'm waiting on Marnett to assist me in the shower, to help me with my exercises, and perhaps go out to lunch with me.  Plans change around here (sometimes even after I have gone to bed) and I don't know about the change until the next day or so.

Now PLANS HAVE CHANGED.  Highway 64 in Louisville is closed because of flooding (Ohio River?),  and Brayden's and Beth's schools are closed too.  Beth is bringing Brayden to St. Louis today so we're hoping to get to see more of them.  Brayden and Beth are both on Spring Break.  They will go home together next weekend upon their returns to St. Louis.

I interviewed a woman this week who is a potential for a summer companion at the lake. She came with Marnett on Monday briefly and is highly recommended by Marnett.  She doesn't have any small children and has a nice car.  She's coming back on Monday for more orientation.   I haven't definitely hired her yet, but she's a real possibility.  I'm wanting to spend some Spring time at the lake also.

The deck at the lake really needs staining, and I believe I may have some of the stain in the storage shed.  If not, I'll get it.  I would really like to get done before summer gets here.

I'm sitting by the front window hoping to see Beth and Brayden arrive.

Now, plans have changed again.  Chris is coming over here with Brayden so we will get to see them today.  We're going to convince them they should stay and have salad (leftover from last night)  and we'll order in a pizza for the main course.  Beth is spending the evening with her girlfriend.  Shelly is packing for the Colorado trip.

We'll take some pictures and post them.  They're not here yet.

Easter Gifts

Easter Basket

Easter Bunny Came

Thank you, Beth, Scott, Jalen, Brayden!!!

Merri Felin Johnson, Daughter of John L. (Pete) and Janet Felin

Zions names new president for eastern Idaho

Merri Johnson

Zions Bank has named Merri Johnson its Eastern Idaho region president.

Johnson joined Zions in 2001 as a customer service manager in the Idaho Falls Downtown Financial Center and later was promoted to operations manager for the region. She has served as financial center manager, commercial loan officer and consumer loan officer.

In her new position she is responsible for the “strategic direction, market share growth and profitability of the region’s 13 financial centers,” according to a Zions news release. She also directs the region’s retail sales and service, small business lending, financial center operations and community relations efforts.

Zions Bank operates 25 full-service financial centers in Idaho and 100 financial centers in Utah. The company's Web site is www.zionsbank.com.

===================

Congratulations, Merri!  

Tuesday Afternoon

Rose and Shirley are both with clients.  Rose and Marnett took me to my primary care physician yesterday, and I should not have to go back to see her for three or four months.  That was good news. Now I'm going to my neurologist tomorrow for a follow up check.  Marnett is taking me there because Rose and Shirley are both working.

I got a haircut today.  our hairdresser comes here to the house to cut it.  With all the great help I have, I'm sure I could get into the salon, but it's nice to be pampered.  Rose and Shirley both go there and are going tomorrow.

Just tried to call Scott but got voice mail.  I wanted to talk to Brayden.  Chris must be on call since he doesn't answer either.

I continue to do my daily exercises on the exer-cycle and deep knee bends.  I walk as much as I can .  I'm to get a trough for my right arm, and we thought it was in when it wasn't even ordered yet.

Scott just returned my call.  Beth and Brayden leave Saturday from Louisville.  Scote didn't think we would get to see Brayden on the route to Colorado, but thought we might get to see both him and Beth on their way home. Beth is going on a cruise with her mother who lives in Washington D.C. while on spring break.   Scott and Beth are driving to St. Louis.  Chris and Shelly and Brayden are driving on to Colorado, I'm not sure where.

UPDATE

Looking at pictures from the GeoBee closely  which we did, we see  Brayden is about the shortest and we assume the youngest one there (and also the smartest).  He didn't beat all the older and bigger kids, but  he was very competitive.  We  are very proud of him.

 Now he is excited and looking forward to Colorado with Uncle Chris and Aunt Shelly on Spring Break and skiing. They leave next Sunday.   I'm  not sure where in Colorado they are staying.  Jalon  chose not to go because he doesn't like cold weather. Beth is going on a cruise with her mother while  the rest of the family  is gone.  I asked Scott what he was going to do while the family was gone and and he replied. "'Nothing, again I'm not good on Facebook, but Brayden has promised to teach me."  He's not very  good on phone calls or emails either.

Chris and I went to dinner last night.  Shelly couldn't join us.  It was at JJ'S in St. Charles and Chris said we had been there before.  I had forgotten having been there, but  they had delicious hamburgers and I remembered THEM.   When I got home, Rose and Shirley were serving dessert to guests from Madison, Wisconsin. I joined them for that.

 The guests left early this  morning, I wasn't even up yet.  This is the start of a long journey for them.  I'll have to ask the Geography Contest Competitor just how far  away Madison  is.

Rose is practicing the guitar.  She went to the grocery store yesterday after she had made out a list,  and had to call me to read off the list to her.  She knew she  had forgotten something,   She had  "but only one thing - the list".

Rose and I had Margaret much in mind yesterday, her birthday.  Joe knew when Bob's was.  It was also in March.  

Bob is buried in St. John,  KS.  I hope Jana and John and the girls are still planning on spending some time with me at the lake house again this summer, the rest of the  Kansas relatives too.  I need more help, but love being there and hope they do.

I don't have the boat  de-winterized yet.  Doug has done the wave runner for several years and knows how, but it's too soon to ride it now.   I'm sure the water is too cold and I don't believe the fish are biting  yet..  I need to find some one to stain the deck.  Marnett has kids in school or she would be perfect to stay with me and she has a husband!   I would like to be there where  when they stain the deck.  Right now, I just want some one to give me an estimate on doing it and I'd like to have it  done before the season starts.

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.