Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion
Etcetera
>
Need some prayers
date
newest »
newest »
message 151:
by
Susie
(new)
Apr 07, 2011 03:18PM
Hope you and Fred have a great time on your road trip!!
reply
|
flag
Brakedrum wrote: "Ann, Fred is really looking forward to the road trip. We have policy since the 1990's: do not discuss work, chores or bills. When we leave the house these topics are never discussed. We leave "p..."sounds great, lorraine!
I'm so glad to hear that you and fred are going on a trip. And he's continueing with the good progress reports.
have a great trip, Lorraine, and I like that policy of not discussing problems, very smart. I hope Fred maintains or even goes up.
May update:Fred went to the Dr. last week. His tumors by his liver have shrunk so much that they hardly showed up on his CAT scan. The tumors around his left kidney have shrunk, but have remained the same as the last scan. Dr. did say he would hit a plateau. At least they aren't growing. Fred did gain another 4 pounds in the last month.
Fred received approval from the Dr. to return to work. He's been on temporary disability for 6 months. Returning to work will let us keep our health insurance.
Fred is not old enough for retirement and Medicare.
Fred could qualify for permanent disability, but we would have no health insurance.
So, as of Monday, it was back to work.
Everyone was pleased to see him back yesterday.
Only depressing news: in the 6 months Fred has been off, 3 other workers were diagnosed with liver or kidney cancer and all 3 have died. My stomach was in knots when I heard that tidbit from him.
Keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming. They are greatly appreciated.
Lorraine
Sounds like you got a lot of positive news! Back to work is a big step. Many more good thoughts headed your way.
Brakedrum wrote: "May update:Fred went to the Dr. last week. His tumors by his liver have shrunk so much that they hardly showed up on his CAT scan. The tumors around his left kidney have shrunk, but have remain..."
sounds like good news for fred and you! so glad to hear it!
Great news! I will keep Fred and you in my prayers ;)
Great news, keep it up, even if it means having to work.
Good news about Fred! Not so good about the other people. Sounds like something environmental in the plant that people have been exposed to. My dad has CLL which has turned up in an inordinately high number of people (along with a couple of other not so common forms of cancer) that he used to work with in a certain department of Delco in the early '60s.
Lorraine: the news about Fred's doctor visit is fantastic!I hope Fred finds going back to work to be a positive thing, hate that he needs to go back for the insurance. So sad about the others affected with similar cancers, we just don't know what the chemical exposures we face are causing. Hugs to you both!
Brakedrum wrote: "May update:
Fred went to the Dr. last week. His tumors by his liver have shrunk so much that they hardly showed up on his CAT scan. "
Scary isn't that! So sorry about your Dad's condition. Melodie wrote: "...Sounds like something environmental in the plant that people have been exposed to. My dad has CLL which has turned up in an inordinately high number of people (along with a couple of other not so common forms of cancer) that he used to work with in a certain department of Delco in the early '60s. "
Great news about fred but horrible news about the people at work.
Melodie wrote: "Good news about Fred! Not so good about the other people. Sounds like something environmental in the plant that people have been exposed to. My dad has CLL which has turned up in an inordinately..."My personal family doctor and a relative that is a retired internist, both feel that the cancer was caused by the environment. At Bell Helicopter, Fred is an electrician that trouble shoots and repairs CNC(computer numerical control) machines. There are solvents and different chemicals in the air at the plant. Can't prove a thing, but it sure looks like it's caused by the work environment.
Back in October, November and December Fred was very weak. I made sure he took his meds, fed him well for he had lost over 40 pounds in two months. Around January, I would do daily walks with Fred, getting fresh air, building him up and the walks helped clearing the head of negative thoughts. Then, in February, I had him start lifting small hand weights, his arms were just sagging at the time. By late April, he was eating full meals, began projects like cleaning out the garage, etc. By May, he was ready to go back to work, just needed the Dr.'s okay. He seems a lot more upbeat now and his brain is quick, not dulled from being so sick.
Good news about Fred. And I'm sure the at home rehab has helped him a lot. Hugs to you both.
Brakedrum wrote: "By May, he was ready to go back to work, just needed the Dr.'s okay. He seems a lot more upbeat now and his brain is quick, not dulled from being so sick. ..."Lorraine, it appears you missed your calling. You've done a tremendous job nursing Fred back to health. Will keep you both in my prayers for continued success in his recovery.
Thanks everyone, for positive thoughts and prayers. They are working!!!
Fred had another appointment this past Wednesday. Dr. can't feel the tumor in the liver area and the kidney tumor (original tumor) was barely felt upon examination. He gets a CAT scan at the end of the month when the Dr. can truely see the size of the tumors. Dr. asked if he experienced any pain.....nope. Only negative news: he didn't gain or lose weight, stayed the same.
The first week at work, he really felt tired. This week doing better. According to Dr.'s orders he's not to lift anything more than 10 pounds and sit and rest when needed. His coworkers are a God send, they help him whenever he needs it and they check on him to make sure he takes his meds at the appropriate time.
Meantime, we have been riding the trike. We completed the Ghost Towns 2010-2011 sites (35 in all)of Texas during Memorial Holiday.
Let me explain something about the old bikers. We know bikers that have ridden for over 15 years to 50 years.. .oldest being in his 80's. We have known bikers in their 70's riding a trike with a portable oxygen backpack and the tubes up his nose and still rides.
The National President of the Boozefighters MC was in a horrible wreck, car went into his lane, he veered to his right and ran smack into a highway sign. They thought Big John wouldn't make it. He's using a walker now, straps it on his trike and rides. He has to keep riding to continue being a member of the club.
I know several other bikers with broken limbs that wrecked very badly in the last few years, all are riding again. "Citizens"(the general public) don't realize that a true biker will do anything and everything to keep riding. It is such a motivational enticement for bikers and for Fred.
Here are some shots of an area ride, beautiful bluebonnets in the spring(Texas state flower) and a wooden suspension bridge:
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/rec...
That is just wonderful news! I'm so glad Fred it doing so well - its very inspiring. Best of all that he is able to ride - I'm so happy for you both!
Sounds like Fred is doing great!! So happy that your lives now include the activities you love!
Fabulous news from Fred's check-up, Lorraine; I am so glad for both of you! Thanks for illustrating the Biker's dedication to riding and the photos. Determination helps in healing and in doing what you love! Great photos!
that it such good news thanks for sharing the pictures. I hope you both continue riding for along time to come.
Well, It's been a year since Fred was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He sees the doctor every month and they take blood and urine samples. Every other month, he also has a CAT scan. That morning he cannot have food, water or coffee, but has to drink 32 ounces of "contrast", a chalky liquid. The last few months the tumors barely show up on his scans. The doctor examines him on the table and has a hard time feeling the size of the tumors.The only down side this month, Fred has lost 3 pounds. I wonder if the tumors are dissolving and are being removed from his system.
Meantime, Fred's appetite is completely normal. He eats portions now that he used to eat before he became sick. His typical lunches for work: sandwich, fresh fruit cup, coffee cake or mini-donuts, Campbell's microwave soup and cookies for break time.
He is still working as a CNC tech/electrician at 8 hour days. This job requires him to be on his feet most of his shift.
Other news: We had rain on Monday. This was the 3rd time it has rained since the first day of summer. Yes, it's still hot. .. over 100 degrees, but at least I don't have to shovel it. And with it being so dry- - - -no mosquitos.
Take care and thanks for your support,
Lorraine
Fred has a good caretaker which is a big reason he's done so well, I'm sure. All good thoughts continue your way!!
Sounds like things are staying right on track. We're all happy for you and Fred.
Lorraine - that is excellent news! I am so glad that Fred is getting such good care and with your love and support, his health shows strong evidence he is beating his cancer! Best wishes to both of you! Brakedrum wrote: "Well, It's been a year since Fred was diagnosed with kidney cancer."
Lorraine, what a turnaround. You guys are very lucky. I know your hard work and diligence had a big impact. Here's hoping for continued good health.I had a CT scan a few weeks ago. That chalky stuff is the pits. They try to fluff it up with banana and berry flavoring but that doesn't quite cut it. But I guess the good news results you are getting make it worth the hassle.
Lorraine, I'm so glad to hear things are going well.
Great news, Lorraine. Sounds like the battle is being won. Truly so happy for you both!
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Lorraine, what a turnaround. You guys are very lucky. I know your hard work and diligence had a big impact. Here's hoping for continued good health.I had a CT scan a few weeks ago. That chalk..."
Sorry to hear you had to go thru that. Fred prefers apple or lemon flavor, if they have it. He doesn't like the berry or mocha. Fred always hated bananas, so that flavor is out.
Fred had his October Dr.'s visit. The latest CT scan showed the tumors are not shrinking, but also they are not growing. He did gain one pound this month. He's still working 8 hour days as an electrician. We get to keep our health insurance that way. Lorraine
Go Rangers!!!!
Lorraine, the weight gain is great news. Will send some prayers that next month you'll be telling us the tumors started shrinking again. Amazing that he's working full days. Is he currently undergoing any treatment? Stay strong!
Fantastic news, Lorraine! It is great to hear that Fred is able to work and that the tumors are not growing. Enjoy the playoff baseball and good luck!
Keep it up, and enjoy life to its fullest.
Brakedrum wrote: "Fred had his October Dr.'s visit. The latest CT scan showed the tumors are not shrinking, but also they are not growing. He did gain one pound this month. He's still working 8 hour days as an elect..."go fred! what great news for you both!
Dawn wrote: "Lorraine, the weight gain is great news. Will send some prayers that next month you'll be telling us the tumors started shrinking again. Amazing that he's working full days. Is he currently under..."Dawn, yes Fred takes 2 oral chemo pills in the morning and 2 oral chemo pills in the evening. These pills are specifically for kidney cancer. Side effect is the terrible Diarrhea he gets.
Barry wrote: "Keep it up, and enjoy life to its fullest."We attended in the last month, the Get 'r Done rally in Corsicana. We packed our tent in the lower trunk and packed our sleeping bags and pillows in the tour pack. Everything fit good.
We attended the a MC anniversary party in Ft. Worth. We know a few members and chatted for awhile at their clubhouse.
We attended a MC annual Chili Cook Off in Waxachie. We go every year for over 10 years now. Had a good time and enjoyed seeing old friends.
Saturday, we visited a local dealership Fred's fellow co-worker is a member of a MC and he wanted us to stop by their table at the Babes& Blues and BBQ Party. It seems every darn road around us is under construction.
Yesterday, we just took a spin around the area. We were heading west bound on a road crossing at an intersection and noticed the lane we were in was going to fizzle out due to construction and barrels placed in our path. After the light changed Fred poured on the throttle to get ahead of traffic in the other lane. He said our front wheel of the trike lifted off the ground. He thought that was so cool. Lordy, I swear another gray hair popped in my head.
Lorraine (Go Rangers !!!!)
Lorraine (Go Rangers!!!!)Last night's game was a good one. Great pitching vs good pitching.
Daniel wrote: "Lorraine (Go Rangers!!!!)Last night's game was a good one. Great pitching vs good pitching."
That pitcher was amazing ;)
Lorraine: you must be even happier with your Texas Rangers tonight! Exciting baseball times for them! Yikes on the trike lifting off the ground, another gray hair indeed! :)
Susie in KS wrote: "Daniel wrote: "Lorraine (Go Rangers!!!!)Last night's game was a good one. Great pitching vs good pitching."
That pitcher was amazing ;)"
Yes, and to think that Holland just turned 25 years old this month.
