Holden Beach 2011 Update (last one)

We've had a great time thus far but only have 1 more full day left before we leave on Saturday.  Staying in the house that we first stayed in here has been great.  It really is our favorite house...well mine at least.  Yesterday, Wednesday, we went for a long walk on the beach during the morning.  Joe of course, decided to wear his surf shoes and unfortunately ended up rubbing blisters on both of his little toes and they ended up bleeding.  Now he has band-aides on both of them.  We went to Walmart yesterday afternoon and got him some flip-flops so his little toes won't hurt.  It was a great walk though at low tide.   Yesterday was very overcast so we took in a movie (a bad one) and of course it never rained.  At least not until overnight.

Also yesterday during the walk we came across several jelly fish.  Some kids and their dad had a stick with one and one of the kids wanted the dad to "stick it all the way through"...the dad just remarked that he was raising "Lord of the Flies" and walked off.  Later on down the beach we came across the one below.

Today was spent on the beach reading and sunning....well I was sunning, Joe was reading, in the shade of his umbrella.  Another day of strong winds and free full body dermabrasions.  Tonight my sister and brother-in law will arrive with their camper and spend the night with us at the house.  They have reservations at the camp site starting tomorrow through next week so with us here they are able to get down 1 day early and can sleep in and take the camper to the camp site later tomorrow.

As much fun as this has been I can't wait to get into my own bed.  The beds here are NO WHERE near as comfortable and my back is hurting every morning, but for the chance for surf and sand I can stand it for 2 more nights.

In case I don't get to post beforehand, we hope everyone has a great 4th of July!  Be careful and stay safe.

P.S.  The latest is beach wear...hahahahaha

Holden Beach 2011

Now isn't that a serene sight?  We arrived at Holden Beach around 5pm on Saturday and for the most part have been relaxing.  I say "for the most part" because it seems nothing we do or nowhere that we go does drama seem to not follow.

These 2 photos were taken Saturday evening (around 6pm ish) on the wooden walk down to the beach. I had to have Joe take my photo multiple times before I just gave up and kept this one.  It seems he doesn't fully understand how to work my phone camera.  I'm not only smiling there, but also explaining to him how to work the thing simultaneously.  I should have been a ventriloquist.

OK, but now for the drama.  Sunday was a wonderful day that we relaxed and spent hours upon hours on the beach.  Joe stayed in the shade of his umbrella since he was just finishing a round of antibiotics that had warned to stay out of the sun.  But he relaxed, read and listened to the surf and had a great day.  I enjoyed the day as well going in and out from under my beach umbrella getting a little sun.  Then came 4:30am on Monday morning.  Joe was up taking Tylenol, running a high fever, having extreme chills and shivering along with throwing up.  His temp got up to 103 again and I was up running around packing, convinced we were leaving ASAP.  Joe however had different plans and although I packed up our clothes, food and linens, he just laid in bed saying no, we were not going anywhere.  I got the number to the nearest Walgreens so I could call the doctor and have something sent to the pharmacy if necessary.  I got directions to the local hospital and prepared to take him to the ER.  Joe however had different plans and just stayed in bed.  He can be very hard headed.  By 4pm, he was feeling a little better and by 6pm, he was up and in the living room with me.  His only complaint was feeling a little weak.  Once some food was in his stomach he said he was much better.   So although I still think we should have left and gone back to Durham, he got his way and I think was a little pleased that he got his way instead of me getting mine for a change.

We had planned on getting together with some of Joe's family that lives here in the area on Monday night, but since he was under the weather, we had to postpone until this morning (Tuesday).  From left to right that is Timothy, John, Joe, me (Jeff), Holly and Kaitlyn.   Vicki was taking the photo but did switch places with Holly so she could get the photo below.

We even got a photo of just me and Joe.  One of the few good shots I think we've taken lately.  The best part is that I'm behind Joe and you can't see my fat belly!  Right after Joe's family left, I went down to the car only to discover that my battery was dead.  We were planning to go off the island for lunch, so after AAA came, installed a new battery (the trip is getting more and more expensive) we were off the island for a quick lunch and then back to the house and onto the beach.  Speaking of today at the beach, I have never been on the beach with such strong, sustained winds.  I was unable to open my umbrella and Joe had to lower his to barely over his head and hold onto it for the next 2 1/2 hours.  We got full dermabrasions from the sand that was blasted over us all afternoon.  But the day was beautiful and we even took in a walk up and down the beach for awhile.  All in all a very good day.  The best part, Joe has felt very good today and has been able to enjoy himself.

T-Minus 1.5 Days and Counting

Yep...just 1 1/2 days until Joe and I leave for a week at the beach!!! I can't begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to a week at Holden Beach. It's been a couple of years since we were last down there and I have missed it. We are renting the house that we rented the very first time we stayed down there. It is an adorable one level just about 75 feet from the beach. It's called Pirates Pride and it is the cutest little blue house. I'm not sure how much online time I will log while down there. I have 5 new books to read and none of them are short ones. Between reading, lying on the beach and sleeping, I hope to rest A LOT!! I also hope that Joe gets even more rest. This will be his first real trip away from Durham since last October and he is due some relaxation.

This trip comes on the heels of a 6 day visit from Joe's brother Bill. We had a great time and it was so wonderful for Joe to get to spend time with his brother. Especially since his last visit was cut short in December by Joe's hospital stay.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and next week too. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and support. It is so greatly appreciated.

P.S.  Joe's oncologist, Yousef Zafar, is the lead author of a study on "Out of Pocket Costs for Cancer Patients" and there is a recent article in the Wall Street Journal blog about the study.  You can read about it by clicking here .   It's very interesting and somewhat disconcerning to know how the insurance industry and those with limited or no insurance have their care impacted so negatively.  Joe is a part of the study that Dr. Zafar is doing.  Please take the time to read the article. 

Quick Chemo Cycle 3 Round 1 Update

Today was the the first round of Joe's 3rd cycle of chemo at Duke.  Since Joe's brother Bill is visiting from Vegas, he had the privilege of accompanying Joe today.  It was a good thing too since Joe's appointment was later today, 9a.m. and he didn't finish chemo until about 12:45pm.   That would have put me out of the office for a long time today!  Bill got to meet Joe's oncologist, Dr. Zafar, and the doctor got Bill's Seal of Approval.  The report today was a good one.  Dr. Zafar was pleased with last week's CT scan results which showed the tumor has shrunk some and he was also pleased, as was I when I saw them, with the results of todays blood tests.  His white blood cell count was down to 5.9 and his bilirubin count was at .6 (I don't think it's ever been that low before...especially impressive since last Tuesday it was at 1.7)  Regardless he got a good report today and the chemo went off without any issue..i.e. they got a good vein quickly without having to stick him more than once.  The down side to me not going is no photos :(
Oh well, there will be a next time.  Next week would be his 2nd time of Cycle 3 but since we are doing the beach trip, he gets to skip it!  That has been one of the best things about our oncology team, they have bent over backwards to work with our schedule and allowed us to maintain as much of a normal life as possible.   A big shout out to Dr. Zafar, Leigh Howard & Minoka Hicks (even though Minoka is now working with a different doc - we miss her!!!)

Thank you to everyone for their continued prayers and good thoughts.  They seem to be working!

A Quick Pre-Weekend Update

Just a quick pre-weekend update. Joe had to go to Duke yesterday for some more blood work and the antibiotics seem to be doing their job. His white blood cell count is back down to a more normal level as are his bilirubins. The NP changed his prescription to a milder antibiotic that hopefully won't have the side effect that the Ciproflaxin does. Joe's brother Bill is visiting this week from Vegas so we have had a fun evening laughing and carrying on. He will be here through next Wednesday. Tomorrow Joe's family from Greenville will be down for the day and we will be having Parkers BBQ for lunch!

Here's to hoping everyone has a great Father's Day weekend.

Can't We Have Just One Week Without a Trip To Duke?

... The answer is apparently not. Joe awoke this morning with chills and so I took his temp around 6:10am. At that time it was 102.1 so he took 2 Tylenol and rolled back over in bed. I took my shower and after getting dressed for work, took his temp again at 6:45am and it had dropped to 101.7 . I called the oncology triage phone number and left a message. I had to open the office this morning so I went on into the office until other staff got there just before 8:30am. About 15 minutes after I got back home, the triage nurse from the Duke clinic called and asked him to come to the clinic. So here we sit. He has had his blood drawn and we are now back in an exam room. His temp is normal, his oxygen level is good at 99, pulse rate is at 94 but his blood pressure is low at 106/51. The nurse just brought him a large cup of water and some cookies and crackers so he is happy eating and reading the newspaper. Me? Not so happy, the worry wart is taking over. The tune from "Hee Haw" just keeps going through my mind...." Gloom, despair and agony on me, deep, dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me.".

Ok, we are now in radiology waiting for Joe to have an ultrasound on his right leg. He has been complaining of some pain in the shin/calf area. They want to rule out a blood clot. He just went down to get it done leaving me sitting here with a lady who is very talkative. Please let this ultrasound be quick. Topics to discuss are getting sparse.

Chatty lady from Salisbury

Joe is out of the ultrasound and I have pushed him in the wheelchair back to the clinic (not a short trip by the way). Now we wait again in the clinic to see the NP and get the lab results. Joe is trying to eat $60 worth of the cookies to make up for the co-pay. The cookie platter is practically empty at this point. And I want my chicken salad sandwich that I made this morning for my lunch.

It's now 1:25 pm and we are back in the exam room again waiting for Leigh. Lab results in:
white blood cell count is elevated (up 7 points since last Monday), ultrasound on leg was fine however. Ordering more blood work apparently...Leigh left frustrated. But now she is back.  We are now going for a CT scan BACK over at Duke North. Joe is going back on the Ciproflaxin antibiotic and if he gets to feeling worse we are to come to the emergency dept ASAP. Also, if Leigh gets a bad report from the CT scan she will call and possibly direct admit Joe to the hospital. Joe's temp is now back up to 101.2. Not sure what effect that will have on things. At this point, the CT scan is set for 5pm. Joe has had more blood drawn (5 times thus far today). He is beginning to look like a blue mummy with all the blue bandage wraps.

A blue mummy with attitude

Finally I got my chicken fingers!!! Since we have the break we went over to the cafe to get something to eat. But we are still just sitting and waiting until 5pm. We were thrilled when Lucinda & Challie Sullivan arrived to sit with us in the cafe.   Thank you so much for keeping us company during our wait.  I was also very happy to see my favorite doctor from throughout this whole ordeal starting back in October, Dr. Richardson.  She was the chief resident in surgery and I really liked her take charge attitude and extremely caring manner.  I knew she was leaving Duke this month to take an attending position at a hospital out of state so I didn't think we would see her again, but while we were sitting in the cafe she came in, saw us and came over to say hello.  It was very nice to be able to thank her again and wish her well in her new position.

Finally, we went off to Radiology for the CT scan and checked in about 4:40pm, Joe was called back at 5pm, changed into the lovely gown (see photo below)

Now if that isn't an image that will sear your brain, I don't know what is.

Joe is very tired, has already eaten his dinner and will be making it an early night.  Tomorrow, barring any issues, he is under strick orders (from me) to not do anything.  Not even leave the house until I get home from work.  Should there be any rise in fevers, chills or other symptons during the night or early morning, we will be going straight to the Duke Emergency Department, so he had better behave himself.

We just received a call from the NP, Leigh Howard (who I absolutely adore....she is the BEST) and she has seen the CT scan which shows the stint is in place and isn't clogged so the infection should not be coming from that.  She did have a bit of good news too in that the scan showed that the tumor has shrunk some.  That almost makes today worthwhile!!!!  She will call again once she has the blood and urine culture results. That could take a couple of days. 

Thank you to everyone who has called and inquired today.  Your love and prayers are felt and much appreciated.



It's A Big Day: Race for the Cure & Dianne's Wedding Day

Today is a big day. We've been waiting since the fall for Dianne & Lennie's wedding and the day has arrived. Today at 5:30 pm she will become Dianne Rosenbluth at the Chapel of the Cross. Joe and I get to get all dressed up and join in the festivities. Also today is the Race for the Cure which we have been watching online at WRAL. Tomorrow is the "A Proclomation of Hope - Sing for the Cure" with the Triangle Gay Men's Chorus with the Common Women's Chorus at Meymandi Concert Hall at 7 pm. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster and at the door. Please come out and enjoy a wonderful night of music while supporting an important cause.

I'm not one to brag but I think the photo below proves that Joe cleans up good!

Before..........and...........After

Here the vanity in me required a photo together just prior to leaving for the wedding.

Joe has had an excellent week. Very little fatigue and the antibiotics seem to have helped some with his stomach issues. There are still occasionally some pains where the hernia is, but all things considered, this week has been better than most in the past couple of months.  This coming week will be his "off" week so that means no chemo!!!!!!!!  Hopefully that will make this coming week even better.

Continued thanks to everyone who has expressed concern for Joe and have included him in their prayers.

Cycle 2: Chemo Treatment 3

As is usually the case, Chemo day starts off with a bit of a panic.  Panic to get up so early.  Panic to get ready quickly, panic to get out of the house on time and lastly panic to get though the lab & doctors appointment portion and make it up to the Chemo infusion center on time.  We are pretty good at all of this except the getting to the infusion center on time which is out of our hands.  As most of you know I am a bit of a conrol freak and hate to be late for anything so I stress over that part even though it doesn't seem to phase the workers in the infusion center at all.

We made it to Duke early, Joe got his lab work done early, saw the NP a little late and got up to the infusion center 30 minutes late so here we sit an hour past his scheduled time with him reading and me typing.

The doctors portion went well, but they suspect a little infection in his stomach/bowel area and so are going to start him on an antibiotic.   Appointments are scheduled for the next 3 week cycle with one week off for our beach trip.  Not that I'm counting but as of today we have 19 days before we leave!

Finally, into the infusion center at 11am and chemo running smoothly.  Out of there by 11:45 and home by 12:05...just like clockwork!  While I am changing into my work clothes, Joe made me a couple of PB&J sandwiches for lunch which I scarfed down in record time and got to the office just before 1pm.

Since this has been a less than entertaining post...haven't been able to muster up much humor today...not sure why, but since I didn't, here's a little comic relief.

And can anyone identify what this is (picture below, not above)

Continued thanks to all our friends, family and everyone who continues to pray for Joe.

"Joseph" of Arabia

I'm sure you're curious what that title is about. I can only say it was Joe's idea.   He decided he wanted to watch "Lawrence of Arabia" this afternoon and then suggested the title, however the title of the post has nothing to do with the actual post.  Not unless he is  planning to don some robes and track a lot of sand in the house!  The week has been pretty good with only one bad day for Joe.  He overdid it a little on Thursday but he had plans with a close friend and wanted to follow through so he doesn't regret it.  He got to go to lunch and see a movie as planned with her and had a great time.

Today we put on our new suits and went and had our pictures made for the church directory.   Even if I do say so myself, we looked pretty darn dapper.   Afterwards we treated ourselves to lunch at Maggiano's where we severely over ate.  After that it was back home where I promptly took a nap.  Seems like I do that a lot these days.

One thing which I neglected to mention in Tuesday's post after Joe's doctors appointment is that we got another diagnosis.  We had noticed over the last 2-3 weeks that right in the middle of Joe's stomach where his surgical incision was, that an area about the size of a grapefruit had started to protrude.   This was very bothersome to Joe since his stomach had flattened so much with his weight loss.  Therefore we asked this week at the doctor what this distended area was.   The answer was a hernia.   Apparently it is very common with surgeries where they have to cut through the abdominal muscle.  The only solution would be another surgery.   Unless it becomes a painful issue for Joe, they will just let it be.   They don't want him having anymore surgeries anytime soon.  Right now it's more a nuisance for Joe than anything else.  Losing his " washboard" abs has just been a blow to his ego. ;)

Tomorrow will be an early rise for church (where apparently everyone knows I nap in the car during the 8:30 am service) and then after the late service we might take in a movie.  Monday is Joe's last treatment of his second cycle after his 7:30am labs and doctors appointment at Duke.

Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for Joe and keeps us in their thoughts.