Medical Madness

Do you ever feel that when one thing goes wrong, EVERYTHING goes wrong? It seems to be happening in our family right now. Quite frankly, it sucks.

Dad will be having surgery on his heart. Actually they are replacing the aortic valve. Without the surgery he would have two years at most to live, and would be in extreme pain. There are risks with him having the surgery as well. He chose to have the surgery, and Shannon, mom and I talked with him about it and we all came to the same conclusion. It's worth the risk of surgery to have him with us, and to not be in pain.

Mom has surgery next Wednesday. They are going to make small incisions near her fractured vertebra, insert a balloon, pump it up so that it lifts, and inject cement into the space that is created. I can't remember the name of the surgery, but it is used for lumbar purposes. She thinks she will be able to go home the same day, but I'm going to ask the doc to keep her in at least overnight, if not longer. That means spending Thanksgiving in the hospital, but if it takes care of the constant pain that she is in, then it is worth it.

Little Bryan has been diagnosed with osteopenia. He is in the very early stages of osteoporosis (the precursor) at the tender age of four years old. Already he is suffering bone loss. The doctors are talking growth hormone shots for him which would mean one shot a day every day for I believe two months. The sad part is that insurance will probably NOT cover the cost ($2,000 per month) for the shots. You can't keep Bryan down, though. He is curious about everything, and "I got it" is one of his favorite sayings. Nothing holds him back. I love, love, love that boy and hate to think that anything could be wrong with him.

My father-in-law Bill had prostate cancer two years ago, (or was it three?) colon cancer last December, and now has stomach cancer. He is malnourished because he hasn't felt up to eating since Phyllis, my mother-in-law, passed away in July. He was down to 129 lbs.a few weeks ago when he was hospitalized for pneumonia. He is gaining weight slowly. We don't know yet what course of action will be taken for the cancer.

On the up side, Alana's sonogram revealed that the developing bundle of joy is touting a penis, so little Gabriel will be welcoming a little brother at the end of April. I'm thrilled with the thought of another boy!

It's quiet in the house right now. Bryan likes to wake up bright and early, so I should hit the bed and get some sleep. It's going to be a busy week this week with the upcoming surgery and holiday, so I need my sleep!

Hoping you all have good health,
shel

oops....I Hit a Parked Car!

Well, the last few days have been kind of crappy (pardon my vulgarity.) I had a big meeting to go to on Wednesday, and as I pulled into the parking spot with my big old 8 passenger van, I scraped the Hyundai Santa Fe in the spot next to me. I'm almost 49 years old, so I suppose I was due. I've never been responsible for damage before. Luckily the cop and the owner of the other car were nice folks.

On the same day my daughter told me that the Honda broke down in the IGA parking lot. I was very fortunate that it was just out of gas.

Tonight I found out that a Master Gardener friend (and the one that figures my taxes) passed away suddenly. Also heard that my pen pal of nearly 35 years is requesting prayers for her pregnant niece that was bitten by a copperhead snake. How tragic. Sometimes I whine around about my life, but when I compare it to others I realize that my life is full of lumpy potatoes...in other words, it's full of stuff that is really nothing compared to the tragic lives of others.

Today I took dad to the doctor's office to get his heart monitor removed. I hated hurting him as I pulled the tape off, but I had to do it. Poor pop.

Wal-Mart is down to two jars of Vlasic Baby Kosher Dill pickles. If I had any money, I'd buy them both. DARN the luck!

Ady & Jaden were here for a few hours tonight. We had hamburgers, cottage cheese, and chips. Not the most nutritious of meals, but the kids loved it. They were both very good and had lots of fun playing.

Last night little Bryan and Jessie came over. Jessie typed up her resume' while Bryan and I had a good time. He's definitely Gramma's Boy. I hope he can come over this weekend.

I got to see little Gabe for a while on Wednesday. He, too, is Gramma's Boy (although he does love his Papa and will jump out of my arms to go to him.)

Leaves are all over the place here. I hate autumn...it's so depressing. Most of my trees are naked, with the exception of some stubborn oaks that drop their leaves in spring. Tomorrow is a FREE DAY!!!! I plan on coming home right after work so I can mow. I'm SO excited! In the next few days I'll have to get wood for the frame of the koi holding tank. It's going to warm up enough that I'll be able to work outside.

OH, I'm excited about Saturday. I'm going to meet Shirl in Decatur at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We'll go Xmas shopping after that. I can't wait!

Enjoy your evenings,
shel