Snow???

The TV weather people haven't had this much fun since Hurricane Ike. Yes, it snowed today in Southeast Texas. They tell us this is the earliest it's ever snowed in the Houston area, but they also tell us it usually only snows once every four years or so. We did have a few flurries last December, so this snowfall really wasn't due.

Reid had an appointment at MD Anderson and I had really hoped to get him there. This is what it looked like when we were ready to leave. It didn't look too bad, but the snow flakes were the largest ones I had ever seen (and I'm from New Jersey originally). You can't really tell by the picture, but believe me they were huge!

Anyway, as we drove along the snow really started to come down. This is about six miles from the house. The median was decorated with American flags in honor of a soldier that was killed in Afghanistan. He was from a neighboring town, but his funeral service was held at a church in our town and this is the route the motorcade would be taking later in the day to the cemetery. I thought it was really nice that our town put out all the flags in his memory. You can only see the one in this picture, but they lined the median for miles.

The camera caught some of those big snowflakes and they actually look like pieces of torn paper.

The snow kept getting worse and visibility was poor. Shortly after this we called the hospital and got his appointment rescheduled for next week and then headed home. By the time we got to the house the snow had let up and shortly afterwards it turned to rain.

We did have a few more snowflakes around dinner time, but now it's all gone. I realize this would be no big deal to people living up north, but for us it was exciting. Once again I didn't need our snow shovel. Yes, we still have one. It came with us when we moved to this part of the country in 1980. We've kept it all these years because you just never know. We've kept the sled too. I guess it's wishful thinking.

It Must Be Working...

I tell Reid that the chemo must be working. Yesterday morning he woke up with sores in his mouth and it's worse today. The nausea is better, but now the sores are preventing him from eating the way he should. He's already lost fifteen pounds as of a week ago and I'm afraid it's probably more by now.

I'm hoping he'll feel a bit better tomorrow since he has his first rehab appointment at MD Anderson. He has been walking around the house without the walker lately, but the numbness from the chest down remains. He still uses the walker when he needs to do a bit more walking...like when we go to the hospital. He tires easily and it helps.

Progress has been made! I took down the remaining Halloween decorations today. Of course, I cheated and threw them in the garage. I still have to pack them away. Christmas decorating can't be too far behind...I hope!

And I attended a meeting at Dad's nursing home this morning where they gave me an update. Since Dad doesn't say or remember much I had no idea that he was participating in some of the activities. He enjoys the "country ride" they have once a month. They load them in the van and drive around looking at the countryside. I'm sure he enjoys getting out, but probably doesn't remember as soon as he gets back.

There were some people singing Christmas Carols at the nursing home this morning. Afterwards, Dad continued to sing Carols and even remembered all the words. It's strange how Alzheimer's affects memory. He can't remember what he did fifteen minutes ago, but he remembers all the words to some of the Christmas Carols. Anyway, he was having a good time and that's what counts.

And I'm starting to worry about my memory! (Maybe it's just the stress?) I went grocery shopping and completely forgot about Sophie being in the backyard. I never leave her out longer than fifteen minutes. I hope she enjoyed all the extra time she had to watch squirrels. She sure was happy when I got back!

Christmas Is Coming???

Yes, Christmas is fast approaching and I'm wondering if I'll get around to putting up any decorations this year. All the indoor decorations are kept at a storage facility and it means going over there and sorting through boxes and then lugging everything over here. It seems like every day I have some place to go...today I'm going to try and get a permanent, tomorrow I have a meeting at my Dad's nursing home, and Friday I have to take Reid down to MD Anderson for rehab.

Perhaps next week. I expect that Reid will be feeling better. The way it's been going is that he has chemo and then for a week he feels really bad. I've been trying to cook things that he likes and he does attempt to eat, but unfortunately he can't keep much down and feels horrible. As a parent it's heartbreaking to see. He's already been through so much and now he has to endure at least five more months of chemo. He's a real trooper and never complains. He's just determined to do what he has to do in order to get better. So, next week should be a "good" week and maybe then I can get some decorations up.

He's scheduled for his next chemo on Saturday, December 12th which means he should feel OK for Christmas. I believe his next treatment after that won't be until December 26th. I think I'll make Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs for Christmas dinner. Everyone loves that meal. Before my Dad moved here we used to go out to dinner on Christmas Day, but as it became more difficult to take Dad out we discontinued that practice. Now we need to keep Reid away from crowds in hopes of keeping him well through chemo, so we'll stay here. He needs to eat well while he can and Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs is one of his favorites.

I went to the nursing home to see Dad yesterday and brought him his favorite Mc Donald's meal. He enjoyed it and then as I was leaving began eating the meal that the nursing home was serving. He has an excellent appetite. There are days when he's talkative, but most days he isn't and sadly yesterday he only said a few words. As sad as it is to see Dad like this...in a way it's a blessing. He's content and doesn't even realize I'm not there as often any more. And that makes it easier for me.

Soup Day!

We've had some good old fashion soup days lately. It's gotten cold...well, cold to us anyway. It's somewhere around 50 today, but it's a damp cold. Are you feeling sorry for us yet? :)

Reid has been feeling kind of "yucky" from the latest round of chemo, so yesterday I made a pot of his favorite soup. For the life of me I can't remember if I ever posted this recipe before. but if I did it's worth repeating. It's so simple to make, feeds an army, and in our family it's everyone's favorite. I found this recipe in an old magazine while sitting under a hair dryer at JC Penny. I quickly scribbled it down on a piece of scrap paper.

Here's a picture. Unfortunately, I forgot to take it last night while it was hot, so here it is ice cold from the refrigerator. It somehow looks better hot, but you'll get the idea anyway.

Meatball Minestrone

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. olive oil
3 (15 oz.) cans Cannellini beans, untrained, divided
1 (32 oz.) box chicken broth
1 (1.4 oz) package vegetable soup mix (I use Knorr vegetable soup mix.)
60-64 frozen cooked meatballs
1 (14 ½ oz.) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, oregano
½ t. dried, crushed red pepper
8 oz. Uncooked rotini pasta
1 (10 oz.) bag, fresh spinach, torn
Garnishes: Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley

Saute garlic in hot oil in stock pot over medium high heat one minute; stir in two cans beans and chicken broth. Bring to boil.

Stir in vegetable soup mix until dissolved. Add meatballs, tomatoes, and red pepper. Return to boil. Add rotini and cook, stirring often for 15 minutes.

Stir in remaining can of beans and spinach. Cook five more minutes. Garnish if desired. Yield: 4 quarts; Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 30 minutes

I'm Still Thankful!

YEA! Reid had his second chemo treatment today at MD Anderson. That's two treatments which completes one cycle. Don't ask me why they call two treatments one cycle, but they do. Tomorrow he has to go back for a shot to boost his blood count in hopes of keeping him from getting ill. That has to be done 24 hours after the chemo.

One of these days I'll remember to bring my camera. I'm never posting pictures because I keep forgetting to take them. On Thanksgiving Day I completely forgot. Everyone was together and I was brain dead. Oh well, there's always Christmas.

I'm thankful that Reid's getting better!!!

30 Days Of Thanksgiving

1. I am thankful that I finally realize Thanksgiving Day is more than turkey, gravy, dressing, sweet potatoes, Campbell's Green Bean Casserole, etc. Thanksgiving is about being thankful for those closest to us and for the many blessings we have received (and we've been receiving a lot lately).

Note: This is where I should be inserting the Norman Rockwell picture of our happy family. Unfortunately, I was lost in the moment and never even thought to take a picture. :)

2. I am thankful that the steaks we threw on the grill turned out perfectly!

3. I am thankful that Keith and I were able to spend time with Dad this morning at the nursing home and that he was content and happy with the Mc Donald's milk shake we brought him. He didn't realize it was Thanksgiving Day, but he sure knew he was enjoying that milk shake!

4. I am thankful for the cool, crisp day. It really seemed like fall to this New Jersey girl.

5. I am thankful that we'll be sleeping late tomorrow morning (or as late as the cats allow) and won't be getting to any stores at 4:00 AM. Even if they were giving it away for free I wouldn't be there!

I hope your Thanksgiving was as blessed as ours!!!

30 Days Of Thanksgiving...

I never realized the obstacles that would keep me from posting on a regular basis. Believe me, it's not due to not feeling thankful. I just never anticipated that I'd get sick for a week...on top of everything else!

1. I'm am thankful that Reid had his first appointment at MD Anderson yesterday!!!

I feel so blessed that they have agreed to treat him. There's nothing worse than having a child sick with cancer (no matter what age) and then having to worry about whether or not he'd get treatment on top of that is very stressful. Now we can just focus on getting him well!

He's back down at MD Anderson this morning for a spinal tap. I feel so bad...he's been through so much already, but they felt they wanted to make sure there wasn't any cancer in the spinal fluid. On Saturday he'll go back for another chemo treatment.

2. I'm thankful that tomorrow our little family will all be together. That's what Thanksgiving is all about to me!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow!

When It Rains It Pours...30 Days Of Thanksgiving

1. I'm thankful that Reid came home from the hospital on Monday!

2. I'm thankful that he'll have his first appointment at MD Anderson on Tuesday.

3. I'm thankful that Reid is feeling better each day and is able to eat.


I'm sorry I haven't been updating my blog, but Reid came home on Monday and by Monday evening I was ill with a stomach virus. The timing couldn't have been worse. The last thing we want is for him to get sick, so I've been isolated in our bedroom. This is the first time I've ventured out to the computer room and I'm only here for a few minutes. I'm still not 100%, but hope to be back within a couple of days. It probably will be after Thanksgiving before I catch up with E-Mail. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers!

30 Days Of Thanksgiving...

1. I'm thankful that Reid has begun his journey back to good health with his first chemo treatment!!!

2. I'm thankful that tomorrow he'll be coming home from the hospital!

3. I'm thankful that my sister was here this past weekend and was able to celebrate Dad's 91st birthday with him at the nursing home.

4. I'm thankful that the truck started up and we weren't stranded in the hospital parking garage today.

5. I'm always thankful for Zoom, but I wish she wasn't sitting here on the computer desk swatting me with her paw.

More Good News! 30 Days Of Thanksgiving!

MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has accepted Reid for treatment under their financial aid program. We are thrilled...and very, very thankful! It is one of the best cancer hospitals in the country.

Today he has been sleeping due to the medication he's been given for nausea. If things go as expected he should be released from Memorial Hermann Hospital on Monday. I will forever be grateful to them for the wonderful care he's received while hospitalized. The doctors there have been very supportive and were pleased to learn that we've been able to obtain follow up treatment for him at MD Anderson. Memorial Hermann is a wonderful hospital and the doctors and staff will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Today, I am thankful for all the good things that have happened in recent days!

Thank you everyone for your support and prayers! I am thankful for all of you!!!

Reid's On His Way...

Reid's Chemo got started last night and finished around 3:30 this morning. I spoke to him a few minutes ago and so far he's feeling fine. The doctor told me that the mass in his chest would begin shrinking within a few days. Isn't that amazing?

This is the answer to our prayers. We believe he is on his way to being cured. The next six months (or longer) may not be easy, but we're keeping the final goal in mind. I hope he'll be discharged from the hospital within a few days.

I haven't forgotten about 30 Days Of Thanksgiving. When Reid is home I'll resume those posts, but today I am so thankful for all of your prayers and concern. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Update...

Reid was moved yesterday to Oncology in anticipation of starting chemo. Some tests have to be done before they determine the correct treatment plan. Thank you for your prayers!

Reid's back in the hospital...

...and I'll have to take a break from 30 Days Of Thanksgiving. It's not that I'm not thankful...I just won't have much time online.

We took him in yesterday through the Emergency Room for shortness of breath. He's doing fine and I should know more today. I'm getting ready to head on back to the hospital this morning when rush hour is over.

Thank you for your prayers!

30 Days Of Thanksgiving - Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009

OK...here's today's list right on time. Sorry about having to post yesterday's list today, but I'm not online as much as I used to be.

1. I'm thankful for freedom of religion.

2. I'm thankful we have never known what it's like to go to bed hungry.

3. I'm thankful for hot apple cider with whipped cream on top!

4. I'm thankful for air conditioning...which is a necessity here year round. Even on cooler days we often run it just to get the humidity out. Don't want to live without it!

5. I'm thankful for good television entertainment. In a short while we'll be watching The Amazing Race...one of my favorite shows. (I'm rooting for the Harlem Globetrotter's team this year.)

30 Days Of Thanksgiving - a day late!

I'm a day late...never had a chance yesterday to post, so I'll do two posts today! I'm already behind anyway because I was a little late finding out abut the 30 Days Of Thanksgiving. Here's Saturday's list:

1. I'm thankful that Reid was able to get a swine flu vaccination while they were still available!

2. I'm thankful for all the good memories I have compiled over the years.

3. I'm thankful for my 2000 Mustang. I've taken good care of it over the years and still enjoy going for a ride.

4. I'm thankful for my backyard. I especially enjoy sitting out on the deck this time of year when the weather is gorgeous.

5. I'm thankful for Grace...our fifteen year old cat who seems to sense when I need her presence. (We'll actually have her fifteen years this month. She arrived on our doorstep the night before Thanksgiving...thus her name. Grace always comes before Thanksgiving dinner.)

30 Days Of Thanksgiving

1. I'm thankful for the little squirrel that startled me when I opened the shed door today. There he was hard at work hiding a nut. I couldn't help but laugh!

2. I'm thankful for my Vogue Ginny Doll collection. I've loved Ginny since childhood and can't help but smile when I look at my dolls.

3. I'm thankful that I didn't get too lost in the heavy fog this morning and arrived at my destination safely.

4. I'm thankful that every time I talk to Keith (our oldest son) on the phone he makes me laugh. He's got a great sense of humor.

5. I'm thankful for my daily newspaper. I'd be lost without my Houston Chronicle and hope it will be around for a long time.

30 Days Of Thanksgiving - November 5, 2009

1. I'm thankful for my American Flag that I can freely fly because of the sacrifices made by our armed forces. Today my flag flies in memory of the soldiers lost in the tragedy at Fort Hood.

2. I'm thankful that I was reminded to be thankful for all that I have. It's so easy to take it for granted or forget.

3. I'm thankful that family is never really far away.

4. I'm thankful for the compassionate doctors we have on our side.

5. I'm thankful for our happy dog, Sophie. She always seems to know when to make us laugh.


Reid went back to the Neurosurgeon today and had the staples removed from his back. He was thankful for his first real shower in around three weeks! It was the first thing he did when we got home.

Thanks again for all your prayers!!!

30 Days Of Thanksgiving - November 4th

1. I'm thankful for the beautiful weather...low humdity and temperatures in the 70's!

2. I'm thankful for the squirrels that keep my sweet dog entertained for hours in the backyard.

3. I'm thankful for the encouragement I receive from perfect strangers while trying to find medical treatment for our son.

4. I'm thankful for Zoom (our newest kitty)...who celebrated her one year anniversary with us. She's a tiny, feisty cat who's here today because of a strong will to live. We all admire her attitude.

5. I'm thankful for fall and pumpkin milkshakes at Jack In The Box, pumpkin lattes and muffins at Starbucks, and pumpkin pancakes at Ihop. Can you tell I like pumpkin?

30 Days Of Thanksgiving

Two posts in one day?? Hey, there's a good reason.

When I have a few extra minutes I try and quickly scan a few blogs. Today I happened upon Mimi's blog, Our Family Attic. I used to read her blog on a regular basis, but "real life" got in the way of my blog time and so I've been absent for a while. I believe in divine intervention and I don't think it was an accident that I stumbled upon her 30 Days Of Thanksgiving post. I'll try and keep up, but might have to play catch up again. Here's my first five:

1. I'm thankful for the love and support I've received over the last few weeks.

2. I'm thankful that my son was diagnosed with a good cancer instead of a bad one. (Bet you didn't even know there was a good one.)

3. I'm thankful for the wonderful medical care he received at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. It was amazing...everyone we came in contact with was kind and compassionate. No grouches in the bunch. Just a great group of professionals. The care was excellent! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

4. I'm thankful for my family. We're definitely all in this together and we're circling the wagons to fight this thing as a group.

5. I'm thankful for all the prayers!!!!!

A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss...

...and so we keep plugging along leaving no stone unturned in our quest to find treatment for Reid.

Today his application for financial assistance from MD Anderson was submitted by the county clinic. Please say a prayer that his application will be considered. Meanwhile, we're still exploring all other options.

He's been very optimistic, but the last couple of days have been downers as he slowly accepts his diagnosis, limitations, and lack of a treatment plan. He had hoped his legs would have improved some by now, but I think it's still too early. He has an appointment with the neurosurgeon on Thursday to have the staples removed and we'll see what he says then.

Here are some pictures that I took on Monday, October 26th...the day he came home from the hospital.

He said he felt like a kid at the grocery store, but this is what they used to wheel him to the car. Our grocery stores have something very similar only with a shopping cart attached to the back. The dog was something Jim found at a hospital gift shop. We did have a lot of fun with him. People would walk past Reid's room and do a double take. Just about everyone that past thought we had a real dog in his room.

And here's our real dog welcoming him home! (Yikes! The house is a mess...don't look!)

Once again, thank you for your warm thoughts and prayers. Betty

Felt Like Crying...

We left the house this morning at 7:00 AM to be at Mall Of The Mainland for the Swine Flu Immunization Clinic which was supposed to begin at 10:00 AM. Unfortunately, the only unlocked door at the mall was located quite some distance from where the line was forming. I told Reid to take his time, sit and rest when needed, and I would run ahead and save us a place in line. (I had brought a folding chair along for him.) There were only 15-20 people ahead of us and they had 5,000 doses!!

They started early and around 9:00 they began handing out clipboards with the form to be signed and by 9:20 Reid had gotten the immunization. For me it was a very emotional experience. I felt like crying, but Reid would have been mortified, so I kept my emotions in check. We celebrated by having breakfast at Denny's.

What a difference a few weeks make. All of a sudden the Swine Flu vaccine became very important to us. Before he left the hospital they gave him the regular flu vaccine, so all he needed was the Swine one.

We were commenting today on how Howard Hughes almost seems normal to us now. We carry hand sanitizer and every time we touch a new surface we sanitize.

And so we keep on plugging along and continue to try and do everything we can to get treatment for him. Thanks again for all your prayers! I can't even begin to tell you how much they are appreciated.

I finally got some pictures off my camera and uploaded to the computer. They'll appear in my next post because right now Blogger won't cooperate.

He's Home!!!

Reid came home from the hospital on Monday, but I just haven't had time to post. He's doing well and the pain has lessened some, but his legs are still numb and he must use a walker to get around. He's in good spirits and very optimistic. He raises my spirits!

Since Reid doesn't have insurance the hospital told us to go to a clinic in Galveston County and they would contract out his treatments. Well, that's not the way it works. We've been to the clinic and the doctor told us that we shouldn't be optimistic since they no longer have any place to send people for specialized care since UTMB in Galveston stopped doing indigent care post Hurricane Ike. If we lived a mile away in Harris County there would be services available.

I haven't really been paying a whole lot of attention to the health care debate since it all seemed so political and I've always considered politics a necessary evil in a Democracy. No matter what is proposed the other side is going to object. That's just the way it works. Now that it's impacted my son's life I'm paying more attention. Yes, he should have had insurance, but he didn't and he's 33 years old and in good health except for the Hodgkin's Lymphoma. With treatment there is over a 90% chance that he'll be cured, but he needs treatment. So, we're trying to figure out a way. He had insurance, but quit his job and then went back. He lost his insurance and was ready to fill out the forms in October and send them back in when he became ill. Please continue to pray. This whole thing has been an emotional roller coaster and the ride is not over yet.

I'll try and be better with updates, but I spend a lot of time online trying to find resources, taking Reid to appointments, etc. And today I mowed the lawn and I'm trying to vacuum the house one room a day. And, Jim and I are very tired.

Final Pathology...

I forgot...we got the final path report. (See how I've picked up the hospital lingo?) It is Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At this time it's the best possible outcome. Hopefully, treatment will begin soon.

(I tried twice to put up a hyper link for Hodgkin's Lymphoma from Wikpedia and both times the wrong thing appeared. I've given up! Just Google Hodgkin's Lymphoma for more information.)

Sunday...

It looks like he'll be going home tomorrow!!! At least that's the plan right at the moment. The Thoracic Surgeon said that the latest X-ray looked OK and as far as he was concerned he could go home tomorrow. I see no reason for the other doctors to disagree since they were ready to send him home last Monday before the lung problem developed. Reid feels good and is ready to go, so we're keeping our fingers crossed. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Another Update For Today...

I'm still home and will head back to the hospital shortly. I called Jim and he said they were removing Reid's chest tube as we spoke. However, one of the doctors said he'd have to stay in the hospital for a day after the chest tube was removed, so it doesn't look like he'll be coming home today. Reid is discouraged...he wants to get out, come home, and get a good night's sleep. On my way back I'm going by Perry's and getting him one of their pork chops. He loves them and we're hoping it will cheer him up since there's absolutely nothing wrong with his appetite.

Thanks again...Betty

Nothing New...

I don't have anything new to report except that we think the chest tube will be removed today and we think that means he'll be discharged. They took him for a CT scan at 2:30 this morning (I'm learning that hospitals are definitely 24/7 operations) and when I left to come home to shower they were supposed to be taking him for a chest X-ray. I'm sure all of that will factor into whether or not he is discharged.

Now we have to worry about where he'll receive treatment because he does not have insurance. Up until now we didn't have to worry because he went into the hospital on an emergency basis. We've been told that there aren't that many resources in our county and UTMB at Galveston does not do indigent care (that's what it's called) post Ike. The social worker has given us the name of a clinic and once the "official" diagnosis is made there might be other places we can try. I would have loved to have seen him continue with the doctors he's been seeing...especially the Oncologist. Everyone has been wonderful at Hermann Hospital and he's received excellent care. I just can't say it enough. We have truly been blessed. God led us to that hospital thought their emergency room. I don't know what would have happened if we had gone any place else.

I'll be heading back to the hospital in a little while. I've turned off mail to my Yahoo groups and have been deleting a lot of mail. If I've missed something I apologize...my time at home is limited. I can't even begin to say how much I appreciate your prayers!!! Betty

Preliminary diagnosis

Late yesterday afternoon we were told of the preliminary diagnosis. The pathologist hasn't officially signed off on it, but they're saying he has Hodgkins Lymphoma and they just have to determine which of the four types so they know the proper treatment. The doctor told us that at this time it is the best possible scenario. It is treatable.

Yesterday he went around 20 hours without any pain medication which is good. I'm a little concerned about his coughing. It seemed to increase yesterday, but he has to inhale into a devise that helps with his lung expansion and that causes him to cough more. I'm hoping that won't be a problem and the chest tube can be removed and he can come home.

This morning when he got up to walk to the bathroom I could see him walking a little faster. He uses a walker and I'm assuming he will until he can actually feel his feet under him. There's one injection that he gets in the stomach and he can't feel it when they give it to him, so he's still quite numb from the waist down. Just not sure how much of that feeling will return.

We're hopefull and appreciate all prayers. Thank you!!

I have no new news today. The doctor told us yesterday that the pathologists still can't determine what's going on. They initially thought it could possibly be a sarcoma, but the pathologist still won't sign off on that as a diagnosis and so we wait, hope, and pray.

Now if it wasn't for all the medical equipment in the ICU you would never know there was anything wrong. He looks healthy. This was before the back surgery.

This was after he was moved out of ICU and post back surgery.

And this was yesterday. He's sitting in a chair with the chest tube equipment.

I hope we can bring him home in the next day or so. I'll stay at the hospital again tonight. With the chest tube I'm there to help him if he wants to get up. The one tube has to be disconnected and that way he doesn't have to wait for a nurse.

His walking seems to improve a little each day although he still doesn't have all the feeling back. They told him it might not come back, but we definitely see improvement. PT works with him a little each day and he uses a walker.

All prayers appreciated.

Please excuse all errors...typing or otherwise. Not a lot of time to proofread.

Family Picture

I couldn't get this picture to upload with the previous post, so I'm putting it in a separate post. I didn't want to take a chance of losing everything that I had just typed. That's Reid on the left on Christmas Day 2004. All prayers are appreciated and updates will follow as time allows. Betty

How quickly things change...

Life rolls along and you just never realize how quickly things can change. Our lives changed on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. That's when we first realized that something was very wrong.

Our 33 year old son, Reid had been complaining about a back ache for a few weeks. Then he developed a cough and went to one of those walk in clinics at the grocery store where he was given medicine for bronchitis and told that if he didn't get better to go somewhere else where he could see a doctor. He didn't get better so on October 10th he went to an emergency clinic where they gave him muscle relaxers for his back, something for pain, and a decongestant. He still didn't feel any better and by now was complaining about his legs feeling funny. So, on October 13th my husband took him to a different emergency clinic where they took an X-ray. At first they thought he had an enlarged heart, but after a cat scan realized it was a large mass in his chest. He was immediately transferred to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. After an MRI he was transferred down to Hermann Hospital in the Houston Medical Center and put in the neuroscience ICU. They had also had a mass on his spinal column.

He was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, but it was canceled due to concerns expressed by the anesthesiologist. She wanted more tests while the neurosurgeons wanted to get that mass out quickly because it was pressing on his spinal cord. Due to the large mass the anesthesiologist was afraid that when they turned him over for surgery his breathing would be compromised. Then it was decided to do a chest biopsy under local anesthesia in the hopes they could determine what it was and start treatment without surgery. The pathologist were unable to determine what it was after four different samples. So, it was finally decided that the benefit of surgery outweighed the risk and the spinal surgery was done on Friday. Preliminary pathology seems to indicate a cancer, but once again we're waiting for a final report. They seem to be having trouble identifying what's wrong and are doing stains. (At least I think that's what it's called and it takes longer.)

He's been up on his feet walking a little, but the legs are still numb. Then Monday they thought about sending him home, but realized air was leaking from the chest biopsy into his skin which happens sometimes. Actually, it has something to do with the lung separating from the wall and air leaking in. They've been watching for it. So, a chest tube had to be put in for a few days. It was good that he didn't come home or we would have been rushing him to the ER.

I can't say enough about how wonderful everyone has been at Hermann Hospital. We've probably spoken with ten or more doctors. Last night I spent the night since he's been even more uncomfortable since the chest tube was put in. I'll be spending the night again tonight. I'm home now doing a load of laundry and taking a shower.

When I know more I'll try and post more. Please keep Reid in your prayers. Thank you, Betty

I'm back....

Has it really been that long? The last time I spoke to you was June 12, 2009. Time flies when you're having fun.

Or not having fun! It's just been a hot and busy summer. I moved my Dad to a nearby nursing home around two months ago. Sadly, his Alzheimer's has progressed to the point where very little that he says makes sense...that is when he speaks at all. Dad was a salesman and a politician so he was always good with the gift of gab, but no longer. Visiting him is difficult. Most of the time he just stares at me. And he has recurring urinary track infections which cause him to be even more confused and at times combative. Last week he became non-responsive and his blood pressure went up and his pulse rate went down. It didn't last too long and he came out of it on his own. Actually, this has happened around 3 or 4 times in the last two years. So, it's always something keeping me hopping. I told my husband that it's official...I'm old and tired.

Actually, if you saw my Dad you'd think he looks pretty good. On days when he's alert and well rested he looks fine. Here's a picture of him in his room at the nursing home.

He does enjoy the milk shakes I bring him. In fact, if I ate as much as him I'd weigh 200 pounds. One thing he has is a very good appetite.

My sister came a couple of weeks ago and Dad recognized her immediately. I just don't think he remembers any more that she was here.

We attended the Texan's game and saw them humiliated by the NY Jets.

I'm afraid my enthusiasm for NFL football has waned considerably since the commissioner decided to allow Michael Vick back into the NFL and Philadelphia decided to offer him a job. Yes, I believe in forgiveness, but playing in the NFL is a privilege and with that privilege goes responsibility. There should be no place in the NFL for an ex-con. Unfortunately, we had already paid for our season tickets when the announcement was made. We won't have tickets next year. I know the NFL could care less and obviously they won't go under because of my lack of support, but I just have to do what is morally right for me. I'm the one that wanted the season tickets each year. My husband would just as soon watch on TV. Now he'll get his wish.

I've been sewing today, so I'd better get back to work. I'll try and get back over to my blog more often and maybe even participate in Pink Saturday every so often.

ANALOG TO DIGITAL

Analog to digital. Have you heard? If not you've probably been on Mars for the past year and a half. Today was the big day when TV finally went from analog to digital. We have cable, so the transition was unnoticeable to us. However, if a hurricane comes through this year we'll certainly notice. Our little battery operated TV will now be useless. I wonder if anyone even gave that a thought?

I still yearn for the old days when there were only a few channels and most of the day the test pattern appeared on the TV screen. This picture is from 1951 and that's our first TV in the background.

My sister and I used to enjoy watching Winky Dink. They say that's the first real "video game," but would be considered very primitive by today's standards. I still remember the green clear plastic that stuck to the TV screen. We would help Winky Dink by drawing on the TV with crayons. My sister was two years older than me, so she got to do most of the drawing. Anyone with an older sister can probably relate.

We have five TV's in this 2,000 square foot home. We all watch TV in separate rooms. I remember in the 1970's when my husband and I used to get the kids to bed by prime time and watch TV in the evening together. Those days are gone forever.

When we lived overseas with the Navy we only used our little black and white TV once. That was on July 20, 1969. We dragged the TV out, turned down the volume, and listened on Armed Forces radio while man walked on the moon.

Personally, I miss the old days. When we didn't have TV overseas we spent more time with neighbors and friends. We used to visit and play games. When we didn't have all these darn channels in the 1970's my husband and I used to enjoy the same shows. We spent more time together. Now we're always interrupting each other's TV show to have a simple conversation. And I'm afraid the Internet is making everyone even more isolated. Yes, we have Internet friends, but nothing can replace face to face friendships.

This is all progress...right?

MY PINK SATURDAY POST IS BELOW!

You'll find today's Pink Saturday post below. I'm just hoping someone can give me a hand today. I notice that some people seem to read just about every Pink Saturday post and I'm hoping someone has a tip on how they travel from blog to blog quickly.

This morning I tried going to Beverly's blog and clicking on one of the links. Then after posting my comment I tried backing up into Beverly's blog again, but I kept getting a message that prevented me from returning to her blog. In past weeks I've copied and pasted all of the blog links into a Word Document and then started working off the list. That takes time since Internet Explorer has to come up each time.

I can't help but think that there must be a better way to do it. Something probably so simple that I'm missing it. How do you go about reading all the Pink Saturday posts? Any advice or tips for me today? Thanks.

I'M BACK FOR ANOTHER PINK SATURDAY!

I'm back from the Fire Flies Doll Convention in Orlando and ready for another Pink Saturday. I'm playing catch up and hope to have time to visit some of your blogs this weekend. I've missed you!

While in Orlando I tried to find some pink for you. The city buses are very colorful and I managed to find a couple of pink ones.

And I saw some pretty planters outside a restaurant at Downtown Disney. There's a little pink in there.

And I found this chair outside Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Restaurant at Universal City Walk.

And bare with me here...I know there isn't any pink in this picture. The reason we went out to Universal City Walk was to see Jimmy Buffet's HU-16 aircraft. I've been wanting to get there for a few years. Why? When my husband was in the Navy we lived in Sicily and the Navy used an HU-16 aircraft for their Medivac flights.

I flew on a plane like this a number of times and loved it. Then many years later I developed a fear of flying and avoided flying for a long time. I kept thinking back to those Navy days and the little plane that I was never afraid to fly on. Just goes to show you that there's no rhyme or reason to phobias. I'm long over my fear of flying, but wanted to see an HU-16 again. YIKES...I had forgotten how small it was! This is a plane that can even land on water. I'd love to be able to fly on one again. And for fear of flying help I recommend SOAR. He understands the psychology behind fear of flying better than anyone else.

Now back to more pink. While at the Fire Flies Convention I managed to snap pictures of some Vogue Ginny Dolls with pink flowers during one of the programs.

Well, that's it for this week's Pink Saturday. I'm sure I could have found more pink in Orlando, but usually I was too busy having fun to think about taking pictures!

For information on Pink Saturday and a list of this week's participants be sure and visit Beverly's blog by clicking on the Pink Saturday logo on my sidebar. Thank you Beverly for organizing this weekly event for us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH!!!

I'm writing this in advance since I'll be in Florida on May 31st. I just wanted to wish my son a Happy 40th Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH!!!

This is a picture of Keith a few years ago when we visited Little Italy in New York City. We were in search of a good Italian meal. Keith was born in Naples, Italy.

Good Bye For Now...

I've fallen way behind and just haven't had time the last couple of weeks for blogging. I miss reading my favorite blogs, but hope to catch up soon.

Our oldest son is turning 40 on May 31st. Tomorrow he'll arrive from Austin and the family will get together and celebrate his birthday a little early.

Then we leave on Monday for a week in Florida. Jim and I will enjoy a few days rest and then I'll be attending the Fire Flies Convention while he rests for a few more days.

I'll see you all when I get back.

PINK SATURDAY TIME!

Once again it's time for Pink Saturday and today's post will have to be short and sweet. In fact, I almost forgot to compose this post...things have been a little hectic lately.

I enjoy collecting Vogue Ginny dolls...both the vintage and modern day ones. For today's Pink Saturday I'm sharing a photo of some of my dolls dressed in pink.

As you can see, they were performing a concert in the music room. What a talented bunch! The doll standing in the corner is a Vogue Jill Doll from the 1950's, sitting at the piano is a modern day vintage reproduction Ginny, standing with the violin is a modern day Ginny doll, the doll with the flute is my 1954 childhood Ginny, and the doll with the harp is another modern day Ginny.

For information on Pink Saturday and to see a list of the other participants click on the Pink Saturday logo on my sidebar. Thank you Beverly for hosting Pink Saturday.

I probably won't be participating in Pink Saturday for the next couple of weeks. My son is going to be visiting from Austin next weekend and then we're taking a short trip to Florida. I'll see you when I get back!

PINK SATURDAY AND A GALVESTON UPDATE

I've written before about Galveston Island since Hurricane Ike and today I'm going to combine Pink Saturday with another update.

Last Saturday we drove down to Galveston for the 35th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. I wondered if they'd even have it this year, but they didn't let something like a hurricane deter them. The home tour was back and it was better than ever.

I saw plenty of pink on the tour. This is the 1892 Smith Cottage on Ball Avenue. It not only came through Ike OK, it also survived the 1900 hurricane. We wondered how long it took to paint all those shingles.

They don't allow photographs to be taken inside the homes, but the yards looked so pretty with all the new landscaping. The salt water storm surge from Ike killed most of the old landscaping.

I thought this looked pretty with the white picket fence...

This one had some architectural element from a demolished Galveston hotel decorating their landscaping. (There are some light pink flowers in there.)

I really thought this backyard was pretty...

And these people marked how high the water came in their backyard with blue tape...

Look closely...you'll see a little pink along the back fence here.

And someone had a pink bike just like mine! It goes nicely with the pink chair.

Lots of pretty pink blooms...

And this Oleander survived the storm although a lot of others didn't and have already been replaced.

This has no pink, but I liked it! On second thought maybe the cushions on the bench are pink-ish?

And really no pink here either, but don't you think it's neat the way they built the fence around the tree?

Bare with me pink people...no pink here either and this home wasn't even on the home tour. I just thought it would be so much fun to live in an old firehouse and had to take a picture. (I wonder if there's still a pole?)

And this was my favorite home on the tour. I know the picture is a little dark, but I really liked it and could actually picture myself living here. It's the 1904 Youens Home at 1512 Rosenberg. (Again, no pink...sorry.)

And now for the Galveston update. I'm happy to say that things have greatly improved since my last visit. It's now almost 8 months since the storm and things are looking a whole lot better. More and more business are opened. Along the Strand there are now more businesses opened than closed. There are still a lot of homes that appear to be abandoned or repairs have just recently begun.

And we still saw some of this, but not along the main streets any more. This was in some of the back alleys behind the homes.

And this is what I meant about some of the homes being abandoned or repairs just beginning.

And sadly it appears that a lot of the beautiful old trees on the island are dead. There are one hundred year old live oaks that probably won't make it. They're going to wait a while before they start taking them down in hopes some might come back, but it doesn't look too promising. All of the trees in these pictures should be full of leaves.

But there are a lot of things that have returned to normal on the island too.

The Carnival Conquest was getting ready to sail...

Some of the off shore oil rigs were in for repairs...

And one of our favorite eating places was opened again and we were able to eat outside on the dock overlooking the tall ship Elissa.

If you go back and read my earlier Galveston Island post you will see that things have greatly improved in the last eight months. Galveston is coming back!

For more information on Pink Saturday and to see a list of this week's participants click on the Pink Saturday logo on my sidebar. That will take you to Beverly's blog. Thank you Beverly for hosting Pink Saturday.

I'LL MISS YOU...

I've decided that Alzheimer's really stinks! I go over and see my Dad most days, but only stay a short while. He rarely talks and when he does it usually doesn't make any sense. I now totally understand what Ronald Reagan's daughter meant by the long goodbye.

I feel like I really need a break. Visiting him is depressing for me, but we're the only family he has here and so I have to go. When I don't go I feel guilty. I even feel guilty when I wish I didn't have to go. I love my father, but my father is already gone.

Yesterday he was sitting on the front porch when I arrived. I had gone by McDonald's and picked up a vanilla shake for him. He seemed to enjoy it, but didn't say more than a few words. I sat in the rocking chair next to him and we both rocked for a while. As I was ready to leave he looked up at me and said, "I'll miss you." I walked to the car and cried. That's because I already miss him.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? HOW ABOUT PINK SATURDAY FOOTBALL?

Last Saturday we attended the Houston Texans Draft Party at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Football doesn't have to be violent and brutal. It can be feminine too. Take a look at all the pinks I found...



Pink footballs...what more could we ask for?

How about DeMeco Ryan's jersey in pink? DeMeco is a middle linebacker and I love to watch him play.

Or a Mario Williams jersey in white with pink numbers? (Yikes...I think I saw an $83 price tag!) Mario is a Defensive End and another player I really enjoy watching on the field. He was the very first player chosen in the 2006 draft by the Houston Texans. It has turned out to be a very good decision and Mario played in the 2009 Pro Bowl this past February.

And look at this...they had a silent auction and you could bid on a pink package that included all the pink items in the picture above.

GO TEXANS AND HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

Be sure and visit Beverly's blog by clicking on the Pink Saturday logo on my sidebar. There you will find a list of today's Pink Saturday participants. Thank you Beverly for organizing this weekly event.

INTRODUCING ROSCOE...

*See note at bottom.

My son snapped this picture of Roscoe sleeping in a basket with the lamp shining down on him. All the cats like to sleep in this basket when the lamp is turned on. I say they're sunbathing whenever I see one there.

I always meant to introduce my animal family on my blog and thought I'd start with Roscoe. We don't know where Roscoe came from, but he showed up as a skinny cat at my son's apartment door. Keith put out a dish of food and he quickly ate it all. The next day he was back for more. Keith kept feeding him and after a few days decided to post signs around the apartment complex asking if anyone had lost a cat. No one responded.

One of my proudest accomplishments as a mother was instilling in all my sons a love and compassion for animals. Keith already had two cats, and that was all the apartment complex allowed. One of his cats was one that had been hanging around our yard and when no owner could be located Keith agreed to take him in. So, Keith now pointed out that it was my turn to take in a cat he found. And that is how Roscoe came to live here.

The first thing we did was take him to the vet to be tested for feline leukemia and to be fixed. Then we brought him home and fattened him up. :) Not intentionally...it just happened.

Roscoe has the sweetest personality. You couldn't ask for a nicer cat. He gets along well with the dog and all the other cats. He never causes any trouble. We enjoy having him as part of our family

*Note: I'm ready to scream. I've saved and published this post three times and every time the double spacing between paragraphs disappears. I'm going to try one more time and then leave it. Could it be because I changed the font?