Chuck has agreed that he's getting worse by telling me yesterday to remind him about watering the bougainvilleas before 5:00 when he's not good.
Couldn't finish dinner tonight; it wore him out and he's now sleeping at the table.
I realized today that I need to check the time of our flight back to Phoenix. I think it's around 5:00.
The Lord is the Rock of my Salvation, and it's His grace that gets me through each day.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
I never promised you a rose garden
I just heard something on the tv that reminded me of the song that went: "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden." In this life, we have thorns, but God through Jesus has provided a glorious future in our own rose garden.
Chuck is getting worse. I've noticed it, but I asked Charlie and Sarah today and they agreed.
This week I noticed that I had to answer the same question several times before Chuck understood. He is also tiring more easily and has trouble remembering if he took his medication.
We've tried three times in the last several weeks to eat dinner at the Queen Creek Cafe on Friday nights for all you can eat fish and chips (Chuck's favorite). The first Friday night four or five weeks ago and the last two Friday nights we've had to leave the restaurant quickly as he started to "lose it." Last night people had to help get him out of the cafe and into the car. Last night he made it into the house easier than other times when I had to run in the house, start his house air, and bring it out to him before he get himself out of the van. Last night, he made the comment that the restaurant that he couldn't see. Scary!
Tonight after dinner at home, he said he could feel it starting again, and was asleep almost before he sat down on the sofa.
I don't expect him to do chores around the house while I'm at work, but he does them. The last few weeks I've noticed that dishes he said he would do in the morning are not done, and other other things are slipping. I'm not complaining, its's just concerning. I've started doing more of the chores, like washing the dishes after dinner, and it angers him because he says he can do it because he has all day.
Chuck has seen both of his doctors in the last week, but he won't tell me what was said, and as I think I mentioned in a previous post, he went ballistic when I said I wanted to go with him to see his pulmonary specialist.
Chuck is getting worse. I've noticed it, but I asked Charlie and Sarah today and they agreed.
This week I noticed that I had to answer the same question several times before Chuck understood. He is also tiring more easily and has trouble remembering if he took his medication.
We've tried three times in the last several weeks to eat dinner at the Queen Creek Cafe on Friday nights for all you can eat fish and chips (Chuck's favorite). The first Friday night four or five weeks ago and the last two Friday nights we've had to leave the restaurant quickly as he started to "lose it." Last night people had to help get him out of the cafe and into the car. Last night he made it into the house easier than other times when I had to run in the house, start his house air, and bring it out to him before he get himself out of the van. Last night, he made the comment that the restaurant that he couldn't see. Scary!
Tonight after dinner at home, he said he could feel it starting again, and was asleep almost before he sat down on the sofa.
I don't expect him to do chores around the house while I'm at work, but he does them. The last few weeks I've noticed that dishes he said he would do in the morning are not done, and other other things are slipping. I'm not complaining, its's just concerning. I've started doing more of the chores, like washing the dishes after dinner, and it angers him because he says he can do it because he has all day.
Chuck has seen both of his doctors in the last week, but he won't tell me what was said, and as I think I mentioned in a previous post, he went ballistic when I said I wanted to go with him to see his pulmonary specialist.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Update
Haven't posted in a while because of time constraints and physical issues of my own. Right now I'm waiting for a phone call sometime this week telling me I have ordinary arthritis and mouth infection (this is unlikely, I've been on meds and since Monday my mouth is getting worse again.), or I have an autoimmune disease. Blood was drawn on Friday for all sorts of "lovely" diseases.
Chuck just got up from the dining table after sleeping there for two hours. He doesn't sleep well laying down and is usually up by 3 or 4 in the morning. At night he is so tired that the next day he doesn't remember things we've discussed at dinner.
I really want to go to the lung specialist with him next time, but he obstinately refuses my request. Chuck feels I don't trust him and that's why I want to go with him. I really just want information.
I am trusting the Lord for the outcome of my tests because I need to be healthy to take care of Chuck.
Chuck just got up from the dining table after sleeping there for two hours. He doesn't sleep well laying down and is usually up by 3 or 4 in the morning. At night he is so tired that the next day he doesn't remember things we've discussed at dinner.
I really want to go to the lung specialist with him next time, but he obstinately refuses my request. Chuck feels I don't trust him and that's why I want to go with him. I really just want information.
I am trusting the Lord for the outcome of my tests because I need to be healthy to take care of Chuck.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in Glory
In 1987: After the car accident, God provided the job at the preschool.
In 2002, When my back condition no longer allowed me to teach preschool, I found a job at Disneyland.
In fall of 2002: After my heart attack, I was able to take time off and have needed female surgery.
In June of 2003: The Lord brought me to ABC Adult School where I learned all the computer programs necessary for a new job.
In November of 2003: God softened Chuck's heart, and with Charlie's encouraging words at Thanksgiving, we were able to buy the 1999 van instead of the 2001 van. This is the van I am still driving today with over 200,000 miles.
In February 2004: I started as a temp at L-3 Communications in Anaheim.
End of May, 2004: Chuck lost his job.
June 1, 2004: Power Paragon told me I was being hired as a regular employee with health insurance.
In April of 2009: After the horrific experience of Tommy Jennings being my boss, the Lord showed us this new home in Arizona and we signed the purchase agreement.
In July 2009: I prayed that if it was God's will for us to move, our house in Long Beach needed to sell by Friday. It did!
In Spring 2010: I didn't understand why I couldn't find a job when I was telling them I needed a week off in May for Stacy's graduation and wedding. What I later discovered was it took us two weeks in May for Stacy, one week in So Cal help her pack and preparing for shipping of worldly good, and one week in Nor Cal for the graduation and wedding. God knew what I didn't know.
May 28, 2010: While in So Cal we had installed a new battery in the van but in Nor Cal driving back to Suisun City from Sacramento during Friday night rush hour, the alternator went out. Laura, Katherine, and I made it back to the hotel a little warm from lack of air conditioning, but okay.
May 29, 2010: While all the ladies were having a bridal breakfast, Chuck was able to get a free alternator because we had a lifetime guarantee on the old one. He brought enough tools with him, and he installed the new alternator. God was very busy.
May 30, 2010: On the drive home to AZ, I left my sunglasses in a restaurant in So Cal. Laura was able to go get the glasses the next day and mailed them to me in a Post Office express mail box.
June 21, 2010: I started working as a temp at Bro Retail
Aug 2, 2010: I started my first day at Bro Retail as a regular employee with benefits.
July, 2011: Chuck's battle to get his medication turned out in our favor after prayer with people at my church.
August 2011: Waiting to see what the Lord will do in the current situation.
In 2002, When my back condition no longer allowed me to teach preschool, I found a job at Disneyland.
In fall of 2002: After my heart attack, I was able to take time off and have needed female surgery.
In June of 2003: The Lord brought me to ABC Adult School where I learned all the computer programs necessary for a new job.
In November of 2003: God softened Chuck's heart, and with Charlie's encouraging words at Thanksgiving, we were able to buy the 1999 van instead of the 2001 van. This is the van I am still driving today with over 200,000 miles.
In February 2004: I started as a temp at L-3 Communications in Anaheim.
End of May, 2004: Chuck lost his job.
June 1, 2004: Power Paragon told me I was being hired as a regular employee with health insurance.
In April of 2009: After the horrific experience of Tommy Jennings being my boss, the Lord showed us this new home in Arizona and we signed the purchase agreement.
In July 2009: I prayed that if it was God's will for us to move, our house in Long Beach needed to sell by Friday. It did!
In Spring 2010: I didn't understand why I couldn't find a job when I was telling them I needed a week off in May for Stacy's graduation and wedding. What I later discovered was it took us two weeks in May for Stacy, one week in So Cal help her pack and preparing for shipping of worldly good, and one week in Nor Cal for the graduation and wedding. God knew what I didn't know.
May 28, 2010: While in So Cal we had installed a new battery in the van but in Nor Cal driving back to Suisun City from Sacramento during Friday night rush hour, the alternator went out. Laura, Katherine, and I made it back to the hotel a little warm from lack of air conditioning, but okay.
May 29, 2010: While all the ladies were having a bridal breakfast, Chuck was able to get a free alternator because we had a lifetime guarantee on the old one. He brought enough tools with him, and he installed the new alternator. God was very busy.
May 30, 2010: On the drive home to AZ, I left my sunglasses in a restaurant in So Cal. Laura was able to go get the glasses the next day and mailed them to me in a Post Office express mail box.
June 21, 2010: I started working as a temp at Bro Retail
Aug 2, 2010: I started my first day at Bro Retail as a regular employee with benefits.
July, 2011: Chuck's battle to get his medication turned out in our favor after prayer with people at my church.
August 2011: Waiting to see what the Lord will do in the current situation.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Love the Fresh Cherries
My SuperTarget has had the most wonderful fresh dark cherries the past few weeks, yum. I bought one bag last week and took it to work. It lasted me the entire week, so today, I bought two bags, one for home and one for work. As I am blogging about Chuck and his health, I'm eating myself sick with the cherries.
Chuck's been on the nebulizer for a few weeks now. At first, he was happy with his mental clarity and the fact the his chest pain ended. Now, however, it seems like we're back to where we were. He's getting tired way too quickly, and pain is back. Just eating a meal tires him.
However, nothing slows him down long. He's out cleaning the pool long after he's said that he's tired. We've had two strong dust storms during July, and Chuck's been out in both of them despite warning from me and his doctor. It's very frustrating for me to see him continually do things he shouldn't be doing without a care for his health.
To quote the title of one of Erma Bombeck's books, "If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?"
Chuck's been on the nebulizer for a few weeks now. At first, he was happy with his mental clarity and the fact the his chest pain ended. Now, however, it seems like we're back to where we were. He's getting tired way too quickly, and pain is back. Just eating a meal tires him.
However, nothing slows him down long. He's out cleaning the pool long after he's said that he's tired. We've had two strong dust storms during July, and Chuck's been out in both of them despite warning from me and his doctor. It's very frustrating for me to see him continually do things he shouldn't be doing without a care for his health.
To quote the title of one of Erma Bombeck's books, "If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?"
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Blogs
I'm watching Julia & Julie, and listening to Amy Adams (Julie) talking about blogs, so I thought I would write.
Thank you to all my friends for their prayers for the situation with Chuck's medication. As of Thursday this week, all his medication for the nebulizer and his test strips for his blood sugar meter are covered under Part B of Medicare under Durable Medical and are free. I caved last week and paid for his medication, and we received a refund on Thursday. Chuck's tenaciousness paid off, and I am in awe.
Today he is out trimming the sisou trees in our front yard. It's monsoon season, and he concerned that strong winds will blow our trees down. Last time I checked it was still under 100 but he's sweating like a pig. All the trimming is aerobic exercise, and he's exhausted.
I've been frustrated lately because of the way our money is being spent. I handle the finances, but sometimes Chuck spends more than he represented to me. As a result, our back account today is at zero which is better than overdrawn. On a related, but different subject, I have been asking for weeks if we can go see the Dodgers play the Diamondbacks this coming weekend here in Phoenix. Chuck's comment was that we can't do anything until we know what his medication will cost. The tickets are the same price as the 30 pack of beer he buys every week rain or shine. I don't understand why I can't do something I want to do while he gets to do whatever he wants. (Fester, fester, fester, rot, rot, rot. "French Kiss").
With money tight, we're making do with what we have in the freezer. Tonight I'm making meatloaf and baked potatoes. Thank God for air conditioning. Sometimes I improvise. Last night I took miscellaneous pieces of fruit from the refrigerator and poured the leftover blackberry sauce from the shortcakes on July 4 over the fruit. It was yummy. Last time we were short on money, I made a really good dinner out of a mistake. I was preparing to make tuna chow mein, but we were out of rice. So I made a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and added the tuna mixture (tuna, celery, onion, bell pepper, and cashews).. It was delicious.
All this talking about food while watching this movie is making me hungry. Time to make some nachos, I think.
Thank you to all my friends for their prayers for the situation with Chuck's medication. As of Thursday this week, all his medication for the nebulizer and his test strips for his blood sugar meter are covered under Part B of Medicare under Durable Medical and are free. I caved last week and paid for his medication, and we received a refund on Thursday. Chuck's tenaciousness paid off, and I am in awe.
Today he is out trimming the sisou trees in our front yard. It's monsoon season, and he concerned that strong winds will blow our trees down. Last time I checked it was still under 100 but he's sweating like a pig. All the trimming is aerobic exercise, and he's exhausted.
I've been frustrated lately because of the way our money is being spent. I handle the finances, but sometimes Chuck spends more than he represented to me. As a result, our back account today is at zero which is better than overdrawn. On a related, but different subject, I have been asking for weeks if we can go see the Dodgers play the Diamondbacks this coming weekend here in Phoenix. Chuck's comment was that we can't do anything until we know what his medication will cost. The tickets are the same price as the 30 pack of beer he buys every week rain or shine. I don't understand why I can't do something I want to do while he gets to do whatever he wants. (Fester, fester, fester, rot, rot, rot. "French Kiss").
With money tight, we're making do with what we have in the freezer. Tonight I'm making meatloaf and baked potatoes. Thank God for air conditioning. Sometimes I improvise. Last night I took miscellaneous pieces of fruit from the refrigerator and poured the leftover blackberry sauce from the shortcakes on July 4 over the fruit. It was yummy. Last time we were short on money, I made a really good dinner out of a mistake. I was preparing to make tuna chow mein, but we were out of rice. So I made a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and added the tuna mixture (tuna, celery, onion, bell pepper, and cashews).. It was delicious.
All this talking about food while watching this movie is making me hungry. Time to make some nachos, I think.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Too Tired but Thankful
Chuck got all the problems worked out and his new medication is now free thanks to Chris at the Target Pharmacy. He used the nebulizer for the first time tonight, and although it seems to tire him, he said he felt more alert.
Last night was difficult for me because Chuck's CPAP mask wasn't on correctly, so it made a loud noise, but what was worst was when the noise stopped. I thought he had stopped breathing. I woke this morning tired, sore, and emotionally raw.
I finished reading "Divine" by Karen Kingsbury today. It's second time I've the book, but there have been years in between readings. When asked, I always say this is my favorite book by my favorite author, but I had forgotten so much of the story that it was like reading it for the first time. I'm so thankful I was alone in the lunchroom when I read the last 50 pages because I had tears running down my face so many times that I had to stop to mop up before I could finish reading. It's the story of a modern day Mary Magdalene written in response to the Da Vinci Code.
I am too tired to continue, but I am so thankful for everyone's prayers and God's greatness.
Last night was difficult for me because Chuck's CPAP mask wasn't on correctly, so it made a loud noise, but what was worst was when the noise stopped. I thought he had stopped breathing. I woke this morning tired, sore, and emotionally raw.
I finished reading "Divine" by Karen Kingsbury today. It's second time I've the book, but there have been years in between readings. When asked, I always say this is my favorite book by my favorite author, but I had forgotten so much of the story that it was like reading it for the first time. I'm so thankful I was alone in the lunchroom when I read the last 50 pages because I had tears running down my face so many times that I had to stop to mop up before I could finish reading. It's the story of a modern day Mary Magdalene written in response to the Da Vinci Code.
I am too tired to continue, but I am so thankful for everyone's prayers and God's greatness.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Money, Money, Money
Money is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is. I don't love it, and I don't hate it, but I do love to spend it. I have spent so much money on things that I couldn't live out and now can't remember. In the past, I have spent us into major credit card debt, house refinancing, and life insurance loans. It's a slippery slope that starts as a fun ride.
Money/food is my rebellion, and I use it to make myself feel good. Right now I'm cutting back on my fats and added sugar, so, of course, I want to spend money. We are still not sure how much Chuck's new medication will cost, and all I can think about is the letter from Home Depot telling me if I buy something $299 or over, I get interest free credit for one year. Hello bar-be-que.
If I'm honest with myself, I'm sure this is my reaction to the decline I am seeing in Chuck's health and all the issues trying to get his new medication. I'm also tired from several extremely busy weeks at work. Not a good combination. Tomorrow I'm planning to return two pairs of dress pants and a shrug that I bought last weekend, and Sunday, I'm going to church, which I haven't done in a while.
Money/food is my rebellion, and I use it to make myself feel good. Right now I'm cutting back on my fats and added sugar, so, of course, I want to spend money. We are still not sure how much Chuck's new medication will cost, and all I can think about is the letter from Home Depot telling me if I buy something $299 or over, I get interest free credit for one year. Hello bar-be-que.
If I'm honest with myself, I'm sure this is my reaction to the decline I am seeing in Chuck's health and all the issues trying to get his new medication. I'm also tired from several extremely busy weeks at work. Not a good combination. Tomorrow I'm planning to return two pairs of dress pants and a shrug that I bought last weekend, and Sunday, I'm going to church, which I haven't done in a while.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I love Karen Kingbury's books, but
I felt like I was kicked in the gut today at lunch today when I read the diagnosis of beloved character, Landon, in "Learning". Learning is the 2nd book in the Bailey Flanigan series, and this series is part of the Baxter Family books now numbering around fifteen.
Landon was thought to have polymyositis from his work at Ground Zero following 9/11, but instead was diagnosed with COPD. I can't describe my feelings when I saw that word in my book. Almost pure horror. I don't know if I can watch a fictional character deal with the illness that is killing my husband, and yet, I still want to read for the other parts of the story.
I know I can't escape what is happening to Chuck, but I didn't think I'd find a reminder in a book by my favorite Christian author.
Landon was thought to have polymyositis from his work at Ground Zero following 9/11, but instead was diagnosed with COPD. I can't describe my feelings when I saw that word in my book. Almost pure horror. I don't know if I can watch a fictional character deal with the illness that is killing my husband, and yet, I still want to read for the other parts of the story.
I know I can't escape what is happening to Chuck, but I didn't think I'd find a reminder in a book by my favorite Christian author.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Prayer Request Update
Thank you for praying about Chuck's prescription situation. He spoke to a wonderful man at Medicare who told him that Prescription Solutions is wrong and he should go somewhere else for his medications. Chuck mentioned Target, and guy said Target was great. Chuck went there, and it looks like very good news. As far as we know now, there will be no charge for the medication, and Target helped him with some of his other medications saving us over $300.00 so far.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Medical Update
Please pray for Chuck tomorrow as he tries to untangle the mess of changing medications through Medicare. His doctor changed him from Advair to a nebulizer with medication in May. His Advair prescription as been cancelled, the nebulizer is here, but no medication.
First they said they didn't receive the prescription, so Chuck's doctor sent it again. Friday, Chuck was told we needed to send $1100.00 to get the medication which shouldn't be true.
There are many categories of medical coverage. One that became familiar to us is durable medical. Chuck's CPAP machine and oxygen fall under durable medical as does the nebulizer and medication.
Medicare has a stopping point in prescription coverage called "The Gap" or "The Donut Hole" after a certain amount of money has been paid for prescriptions. Chuck is now in the gap now and probably won't have enough "out of pocket" expenses for Medicare to pay for any prescriptions for the rest of the year. His doctor knew this, and that's one of the reasons he's been changed to the nebulizer.
Chuck has had very few dealings with insurance companies and claims, so he gets very frustrated when he is told something he doesn't understand or doesn't like. I'm gone from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, so he has to do all the investigation by himself.
As I asked, please pray. He needs his medication, and we don't want to pay if it is covered under durable medical coverage.
First they said they didn't receive the prescription, so Chuck's doctor sent it again. Friday, Chuck was told we needed to send $1100.00 to get the medication which shouldn't be true.
There are many categories of medical coverage. One that became familiar to us is durable medical. Chuck's CPAP machine and oxygen fall under durable medical as does the nebulizer and medication.
Medicare has a stopping point in prescription coverage called "The Gap" or "The Donut Hole" after a certain amount of money has been paid for prescriptions. Chuck is now in the gap now and probably won't have enough "out of pocket" expenses for Medicare to pay for any prescriptions for the rest of the year. His doctor knew this, and that's one of the reasons he's been changed to the nebulizer.
Chuck has had very few dealings with insurance companies and claims, so he gets very frustrated when he is told something he doesn't understand or doesn't like. I'm gone from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, so he has to do all the investigation by himself.
As I asked, please pray. He needs his medication, and we don't want to pay if it is covered under durable medical coverage.
Warning!
Don't ever give Chuck important information in the evening. By the time I arrive home at 6:30, his cognitive skills are sadly lacking.
Example: We were expecting our former neighbors, Don and Terri Roberts, to arrive in Queen Creek today, Sunday, any time after 12 noon. Well, imagine our surprise when they arrived yesterday afternoon. I was out grocery shopping for their visit and left my cart with an employee so I could hurry home. I found out later from Don that he had called Chuck Thursday night, which I knew, but Chuck didn't remember that they changed the day of their arrival. We specifically did the gardening yesterday so he wouldn't be too tired for their visit and planned the final house things for this morning. The house wasn't ready, we were hot and tired from planting our new Yellow Bells and Morning Glories, and my bed wasn't made.
Chuck is much more functional in the morning. It's hard for me to leave him this way and return to anger, frustration, and a diminished ability to function. He does so much work out the heat, 113 today, and doesn't eat or drink enough water.
He did way too much yesterday and was in pain at 5 am this morning. Later we talked about maybe going to see a movie and for this to his day of rest. Not too long later, I returned from Target, and Chuck was edging the grass along the fence by hand. When I couldn't find him in the house, I said I would scream if I found outside, so after I saw him, I stuck my head out the door and screamed. That got his attention.
I have been left unaware of things, too. Babysitting the grandchildren, school assemblies, band performances, and dinner invitations and/or changes to the same.
So again, if any important information is to be exchanged, call me or tell Chuck in the morning.
Linda
Example: We were expecting our former neighbors, Don and Terri Roberts, to arrive in Queen Creek today, Sunday, any time after 12 noon. Well, imagine our surprise when they arrived yesterday afternoon. I was out grocery shopping for their visit and left my cart with an employee so I could hurry home. I found out later from Don that he had called Chuck Thursday night, which I knew, but Chuck didn't remember that they changed the day of their arrival. We specifically did the gardening yesterday so he wouldn't be too tired for their visit and planned the final house things for this morning. The house wasn't ready, we were hot and tired from planting our new Yellow Bells and Morning Glories, and my bed wasn't made.
Chuck is much more functional in the morning. It's hard for me to leave him this way and return to anger, frustration, and a diminished ability to function. He does so much work out the heat, 113 today, and doesn't eat or drink enough water.
He did way too much yesterday and was in pain at 5 am this morning. Later we talked about maybe going to see a movie and for this to his day of rest. Not too long later, I returned from Target, and Chuck was edging the grass along the fence by hand. When I couldn't find him in the house, I said I would scream if I found outside, so after I saw him, I stuck my head out the door and screamed. That got his attention.
I have been left unaware of things, too. Babysitting the grandchildren, school assemblies, band performances, and dinner invitations and/or changes to the same.
So again, if any important information is to be exchanged, call me or tell Chuck in the morning.
Linda
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Tidbits of Life
It's Saturday evening, so we are half-way through the weekend, ugh!
Monday, at work, I was reading an old Good Housekeeping at lunch when I saw a article talking about sugar addiction. I wasn't concerned about addiction, but I was concerned about the amount of added sugar i have been consuming. Just that day, I calculated I had consumed around 28 tsps. of added sugar before 2:00pm. God gave me a vision of the 16 tsps. in the 20 oz. Coke, and said, "Eat it", and I almost gagged looking at those 16 tsps. of sugar. I still can't eat anything with an extreme amount of added sugar, and I am reading labels. I'm not drinking soda, so I'm off caffeine, too.
I've been off of unhealthy fats for a few weeks now since I had the drastic side effect from the Niaspan I was taking for my cholesterol. I'm off the Niaspan for now, but I'm still not eat the fats because I don't want a repeat. Think of the warnings for diet product, Alli.
As a results, I've lost a few pounds so far, and I haven't noticed any side effects from the changes. I also feel good, because I'm doing something good for my health, and able to stay away from yummy things that are bad for me to eat.
On another subject, I finally today realized what Chuck means when he says I'm telling him what he's saying. I interrupt him, so he assumes that I'm correcting him. Only took 35 years!
Today we made a trip to Harper's Nursery in Mesa after hearing them for months on the Rosie on the House show. We bought six Morning Glory bushes and six Yellow Bells to add to our backyard landscaping. I was surprise at the low price and that we get a lifetime guarantee with the plants.
We stopped at Paradise Bakery in Queen Creek which has most of the Panera Bread items. I tried the lowfat, Lemon Chicken Orzo soup along with the Strawberry Chicken Salad with non fat dressing that is available every summer. The soup was more than delicious, and to add to my first paragraph, the entire meal had only 2 tsps. of added sugar. I love the salad with all the fruit and walnuts, but I could have eaten a lot more of the soup. During dinner, Chuck had a short coughing fit and started going under. He had to sit for a while to get more oxygen before we could leave.
I did it! I put the Sequel portable concentrator in the car.
Please pray for a quick resolution to Chuck's prescription problems. His provider has already stopped his Advair prescription, but won't fill the order for the nebulizer and medication because they say they didn't get a prescription for the equipment. All this drives him crazy.
I was able to explain to him out insurance billing and contracts with physicians. I think he understands that we won't owe the money disallowed my Medicare.
Tomorrow is Father's Day. I have the most wonderful father in the world. He provided emotional safety for me when I was growing up. He built me a playhouse with a built up foundation, a sink with running water, electricity, louver windows, and a dutch door. I could play with my dolls, play my records, and have a place to go when I wanted to run away, or in my fantasy, to fly to Neverland with Peter Pan. The playhouse is gone, but foundation is still there to remind me of my dad's love for me.
Dad used to take me to Dodger games. Saturday night was Ladie's Night, and I'd get in the bleachers for .50. The last time we sat in the bleachers was few years ago, and after seeing someone break a bench to use as a weapon, we decided to pay for better seats.
He loves Jesus with his heart, and he had a servant's heart when taking care of my mother. I am so blessed to be his daughter.
Monday, at work, I was reading an old Good Housekeeping at lunch when I saw a article talking about sugar addiction. I wasn't concerned about addiction, but I was concerned about the amount of added sugar i have been consuming. Just that day, I calculated I had consumed around 28 tsps. of added sugar before 2:00pm. God gave me a vision of the 16 tsps. in the 20 oz. Coke, and said, "Eat it", and I almost gagged looking at those 16 tsps. of sugar. I still can't eat anything with an extreme amount of added sugar, and I am reading labels. I'm not drinking soda, so I'm off caffeine, too.
I've been off of unhealthy fats for a few weeks now since I had the drastic side effect from the Niaspan I was taking for my cholesterol. I'm off the Niaspan for now, but I'm still not eat the fats because I don't want a repeat. Think of the warnings for diet product, Alli.
As a results, I've lost a few pounds so far, and I haven't noticed any side effects from the changes. I also feel good, because I'm doing something good for my health, and able to stay away from yummy things that are bad for me to eat.
On another subject, I finally today realized what Chuck means when he says I'm telling him what he's saying. I interrupt him, so he assumes that I'm correcting him. Only took 35 years!
Today we made a trip to Harper's Nursery in Mesa after hearing them for months on the Rosie on the House show. We bought six Morning Glory bushes and six Yellow Bells to add to our backyard landscaping. I was surprise at the low price and that we get a lifetime guarantee with the plants.
We stopped at Paradise Bakery in Queen Creek which has most of the Panera Bread items. I tried the lowfat, Lemon Chicken Orzo soup along with the Strawberry Chicken Salad with non fat dressing that is available every summer. The soup was more than delicious, and to add to my first paragraph, the entire meal had only 2 tsps. of added sugar. I love the salad with all the fruit and walnuts, but I could have eaten a lot more of the soup. During dinner, Chuck had a short coughing fit and started going under. He had to sit for a while to get more oxygen before we could leave.
I did it! I put the Sequel portable concentrator in the car.
Please pray for a quick resolution to Chuck's prescription problems. His provider has already stopped his Advair prescription, but won't fill the order for the nebulizer and medication because they say they didn't get a prescription for the equipment. All this drives him crazy.
I was able to explain to him out insurance billing and contracts with physicians. I think he understands that we won't owe the money disallowed my Medicare.
Tomorrow is Father's Day. I have the most wonderful father in the world. He provided emotional safety for me when I was growing up. He built me a playhouse with a built up foundation, a sink with running water, electricity, louver windows, and a dutch door. I could play with my dolls, play my records, and have a place to go when I wanted to run away, or in my fantasy, to fly to Neverland with Peter Pan. The playhouse is gone, but foundation is still there to remind me of my dad's love for me.
Dad used to take me to Dodger games. Saturday night was Ladie's Night, and I'd get in the bleachers for .50. The last time we sat in the bleachers was few years ago, and after seeing someone break a bench to use as a weapon, we decided to pay for better seats.
He loves Jesus with his heart, and he had a servant's heart when taking care of my mother. I am so blessed to be his daughter.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What do I . . . . Part 2
Getting hit with bad attitude when I walk in from an 1 hour commute is tough. I finally was able to ask him what things are not covered? He's concerned because medicare pays a small amount of the total bill. If I understand correctly from past experience, they have a contract and pay what is usual and customary. We will definitely know when bills arrive.
Right now, he's grilling a pork loin, and it's making me nervous having him and his oxygen around the little BBQ. But it smells heavenly!
Linda
Right now, he's grilling a pork loin, and it's making me nervous having him and his oxygen around the little BBQ. But it smells heavenly!
Linda
What do I . . . .
What do I say or do when Chuck informs me that medicare is not going to pay for his doctor visits? He says if they won't pay, then he won't go to the doctor because he doesn't want to spend the money. I think and said that if he won't spend the money to go to the doctor, how can I justify spend money on copays for my doctor visits and medication?
I still need to ask him what particular items medicare won't cover, but now is not the time. Sometimes I dread coming home from work.
I still need to ask him what particular items medicare won't cover, but now is not the time. Sometimes I dread coming home from work.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Chinese Jump Rope
I realized today that dancing around Chuck's 50 ft oxygen hose is a lot like playing Chinese Jump Rope. Put your foot in, pull your foot out, and crisscross without getting tangled. Because of my back condition, I need to be so careful not to trip or get caught in his hose during the morning hours. Chuck has no idea of how the hose responds when he pulls it or uses a whipping motion to free the hose if it gets caught on the baseboards.
I'm a slow learner because I just realized today, that, when possible, I need to walk on the outside of the hose and not in the space created by the hose. I also realized that my walk with the Lord is a lot like walking around Chuck's hoses. When I do things my way, the path is difficult, but with Jesus, the path is clear.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Linda
I'm a slow learner because I just realized today, that, when possible, I need to walk on the outside of the hose and not in the space created by the hose. I also realized that my walk with the Lord is a lot like walking around Chuck's hoses. When I do things my way, the path is difficult, but with Jesus, the path is clear.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Linda
Sunday, June 12, 2011
OUR STORY CONTINUES
The weekend is coming to a quick conclusion. Right now I’m watching Peter Pan, because I’m in a flyaway mood. After Chuck’s episode on Friday night, everything has gone well. We had a close call Saturday night, but God gave me the wisdom to find a good solution.
Our grandkids, Leah and Zay spent Saturday night with us and brought their tent for a campout in our backyard. After a pizza dinner, the kids and I walked to our mailbox, and Chuck was going to finish with the tent before his portable ran out of air. As we approached the house on the return trip, Chuck was out front talking to a neighbor which allowed his portable to go dry. He still needed to work with tent, but said he’d be okay. This concentrator as a 50 ft hose and he said it would not reach to the tent area.
Leah came in for flashlights, and we went to my room to get the flashlights from our nightstands. She started to back out of our room and around the family room, when I remembered we have an outside door in our bedroom. While Leah took the flashlights to Chuck and Zay, I grabbed Chuck’s hose, started his machine, and took the hose through our bedroom and out the door. Surprise, the hose was long enough to go through our room and out the door. He was shocked and immediately, he had air.
We had fun last night with Leah and Zay and got into many interesting conversations. Zay doesn’t remember our trip to WDW when he was 4, so we got the pictures and went though the entire trip. While viewing pictures of the Character Breakfast, I commented on a picture, “Oh, look, there’s Stacy and Laura with Pooh”. The kids both broke into giggles and I soon join them.
Today I made homemade spaghetti sauce. This is Chuck’s favorite recipe for sauce. It’s Rhu’s Marinara from myrecipes.com. I triple the recipe and freeze sauce for use later. This time I used diced tomatoes and had fresh basil and oregano from a neighbor girl, Hannah. She grows vegetables and herbs to raise money for a trip to see the girl she sponsors through Compassion.
To prevent a situation similar to Friday night, we are going to start taking the portable concentrator in the car when we leave the house. It runs on battery and can be charged in the car or by AC.
A beautiful blackbird just landed on our fence, but it flew away before I could take a picture. The birds here, in Arizona California
Linda
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Welcome
This is an attempt to blog my thoughts and emotions during the final days/years of my husband Chuck's battle with Emphysema.
Emphysema causes the small airsacks in the lungs to pop to create one big airsack instead of 5 small ones, resulting in less efficiency while breathing.
Chuck was diagnosed with COPD with Emphysema and Congestive Heart Failure in July of 2001. For many years it was just the inconvenience of morning diuretics that caused any problems. He was still able to work and to all his normal activities.
In 2006, Chuck was diagnosed with lung cancer in his upper right lobe. The hope of the doctors was that this lobe had the majority of the emphysema, and with removing the lobe, his breathing would be better. Following his surgery in November of 2006, the day before Thanksgiving, it was determined that the removed portion of lung did have cancer, but no emphysema. From this point on, Chuck is living with one large lobe, and three smaller ones trying to do the job without the upper right lobe. Unfortunately, he left the hospital with oxygen, and has been on oxygen ever since.
Twenty-four hour oxygen brings many challenges. The biggest to me is leaving the house for an extended amount of time, or in the evening. Chuck has three different machines that can provide him oxygen. He has a large electric concentrator that stays in the house and is used to late night, sleeping, and early morning. He has a portable concentrator that runs on electricity and rechargeable battery. We take this on trips and its allowed on airplanes. The third item is a portable liquid oxygen dispenser that he refills from a large tank in our garage. Chucks daily activities determine how much of the liquid oxygen is used. In the evening, it is usually low, and he's not good at judging how much he has remaining.
Last night I surprised him when I got home and said we would go to Queen Creek Cafe for all-you-can-eat fish and chips. I waited while he took his evening meds, cleaned up, and refilled his liquid oxygen. When we seated at the restaurant he realized that he didn't fill is oxygen and the supply was running low. He said he would be fine, and we didn't need to leave, so we waited for our food. Just as I was finishing my meal, I looked at him and realized we needed to leave. Chuck had been oxygen long enough that he was starting to have trouble functioning. He was able to get to the car while I paid the bill, and I quickly drove home. When we arrived, he stayed in the car while I ran in to start his concentrator and brought his hose out to him. Later that night he asked what had happened because he didn't remember.
At his last visit with his pulmonary specialist he was told that he only has 1 to 2 years left in this fight with this disease. Hearing this made it all amazing real, and I realized one of these times will be his last. This blog is an attempt to express my thought and feeling during these last days.
Emphysema causes the small airsacks in the lungs to pop to create one big airsack instead of 5 small ones, resulting in less efficiency while breathing.
Chuck was diagnosed with COPD with Emphysema and Congestive Heart Failure in July of 2001. For many years it was just the inconvenience of morning diuretics that caused any problems. He was still able to work and to all his normal activities.
In 2006, Chuck was diagnosed with lung cancer in his upper right lobe. The hope of the doctors was that this lobe had the majority of the emphysema, and with removing the lobe, his breathing would be better. Following his surgery in November of 2006, the day before Thanksgiving, it was determined that the removed portion of lung did have cancer, but no emphysema. From this point on, Chuck is living with one large lobe, and three smaller ones trying to do the job without the upper right lobe. Unfortunately, he left the hospital with oxygen, and has been on oxygen ever since.
Twenty-four hour oxygen brings many challenges. The biggest to me is leaving the house for an extended amount of time, or in the evening. Chuck has three different machines that can provide him oxygen. He has a large electric concentrator that stays in the house and is used to late night, sleeping, and early morning. He has a portable concentrator that runs on electricity and rechargeable battery. We take this on trips and its allowed on airplanes. The third item is a portable liquid oxygen dispenser that he refills from a large tank in our garage. Chucks daily activities determine how much of the liquid oxygen is used. In the evening, it is usually low, and he's not good at judging how much he has remaining.
Last night I surprised him when I got home and said we would go to Queen Creek Cafe for all-you-can-eat fish and chips. I waited while he took his evening meds, cleaned up, and refilled his liquid oxygen. When we seated at the restaurant he realized that he didn't fill is oxygen and the supply was running low. He said he would be fine, and we didn't need to leave, so we waited for our food. Just as I was finishing my meal, I looked at him and realized we needed to leave. Chuck had been oxygen long enough that he was starting to have trouble functioning. He was able to get to the car while I paid the bill, and I quickly drove home. When we arrived, he stayed in the car while I ran in to start his concentrator and brought his hose out to him. Later that night he asked what had happened because he didn't remember.
At his last visit with his pulmonary specialist he was told that he only has 1 to 2 years left in this fight with this disease. Hearing this made it all amazing real, and I realized one of these times will be his last. This blog is an attempt to express my thought and feeling during these last days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)