Wednesday, December 27, 2006

This week's Photo Scavenger Hunt

You will find this week's Photo Scavenger Hunt over at There is a Season.  It is being hosted by my sister Valerie.  It is a very special Photo Hunt this week.  It is in celebration of our 100th photo scavenger hunt!  I hope that you will participate.  Go over to Val's journal and leave your entry in her comments section.  The deadline to turn in your entry will be extended till Monday at 11 PM EST.  That way you will have time to go out Sunday night and have fun, and still show us your New Year's Eve photos if you would like.  But that is only one of the subjects that is up for grabs for the Photo Hunt.  Go over to Val's journal and check it out!

Love you, and may we have lots of photo taking together in the future, Krissy :)     

Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas

               

I hope you all have been having a Merry Christmas.  I've been having a wonderful one.  I am so thankful to God that John got to spend this Christmas at home instead of in the hospital.  We have been having a truly blessed time.  Today was a quiet day, spent just by ourselves, as Valerie was not feeling well.  So we ate our Christmas feast alone.  It was delicious!  Yesterday was lots of fun also, as John's parents came to visit.  John and I exchanged gifts today and I got a mousepad with kitties on it.  He is also going to buy me yarn (when I tell him what kind!) so I can learn how to crochet.  I want to make a blanket.  I got John two pairs of jeans, as he has lot 65 pounds, and the other pairs are just too large, LOL. 

Before I go, I wanted to ask you, who out there remembers the silver aluminum Christmas trees?  If you are my age you will remember.  Did you have one in your childhood?  They came with a color wheel that spun around, making the tree change colors!  Nowadays we would think of them as tacky, but gee were they glorious to a child!  We couldn't wait to put ours up ever year.  I googled "silver aluminum tree" and found a photo, as well as one of the color wheel. 

      

Well, I guess that's enough reminiscing for now, you all have a great week.  Love you all, Krissy :)

  

monday morning question

         

Rudolph runs away from home because he believes he is a misfit.  He comes to the Island of Misfit Toys with Yukon Cornelius and Hermey the Elf.

Which toy can you most relate to on the Island of Misfit Toys?  (a bird that cannot fly but swims instead, a train with square wheels, a squirt gun that squirts jelly, a white elephant with pink spots, a Charlie-In-The-Box, a blue airplane, a cowboy that rides an ostrich, and a ragdoll named Sue)

                                   

My answer: I care about and would take home the Ragdoll named Sue.  I was reading online that nobody could answer what was wrong with her and why exactly she was on the Island of Misfit Toys.  Then it was suggested by several people that while she did not have any physical problems like the other toys, perhaps her problems were inner.  One minute you see her elated, and the next minute she is crying.  So it is my guess she has mood issues.  I empathize with her!  So she is my favorite, LOL.

Which toy is your favorite?  Krissy :)     

Photo Hunt Participants...

Photo Scavenger Hunt #99

Anything Christmas

Here are the entries:

My Photo Journey

The Light's On... But No One's Home

The Light's On... But No One's Home

The Light's On... But No One's Home

Promise... Me

Footprints in the Sand

Gina's Space

Linda's World

Thank you all for participating this week.  These were all special and fun! 

Next week's Photo Scavenger Hunt will be hosted by my sister Val.  She will post the subject in her journal tomorrow (Tuesday).

Love you all, Krissy :)

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Anything Christmas!

Here is my entry for this week's Photo Hunt - Anything Christmas. 

These are some cookies John and I made for his home healthcare nurse for Christmas.  Mini-Chocolate Chip with raspberry jam!

    

This is is something I made John do - stand in the lawn with a Santa hat on!

                       

                       Merry Christmas, everyone!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

How to take digital photos

I thought I would throw out a few tips on how to take better digital photos.  Hopefully this will make all of our shots better.  I know this stuff is really basic, but sometimes I need basic!  If you have any additional tips for everybody, please leave them in the comments section.  Thanks!

1.  Pick subjects that are interesting.  Your photos will be more interesting, your enthusiasm will show through in your work.

2.  If you want to take a shot of something and have it occupy most of the photo, then fill up the frame (as you look through the camera) with the subject.  You can do this either by getting up close to the subject, or using the zoom feature on your camera.

3.  Watch what you cut out of a picture.  You don't want to be cutting off people's legs, or their head, or half a Christmas tree, or, well you get the idea.

4.  Watch what setting you put the camera on.  There are different settings for different distances.  There is a landscape setting for photos that are far away, and a macrosetting for things that are three feet and closer.  And many settings in between.  Choose your settings carefully.

5.  Sometimes shoot your subjects vertically.  Especially when photographing people.  What this means is, turn your camera vertically (not horizontally).  That way you will not be cutting person's legs off and just getting half their body in.

6.  Take more than one photo!  Take lots!  You have the luxury to snap away with a digital camera.  This way you can choose which photo(s) you would like to keep and which you would like to discard.  You will have a much better chance at getting a good shot this way.  You may just come away with many good photos.

7.  Don't always take a picture shooting head on in front of your subject.  You can take the picture from below looking up, or from above looking down.  Try different angles.

8.  If it is dark, and you can't see your subject, turn on the light, or use your flash! 

9.  Before you shoot, check out the background.  Is it untidy or distracting?  Perhaps you need to clean it up, or move the camera to take your shot from a different angle.

10.  If you are photographing a person, look at your model for a moment.  Is there a last minute thing on your model that needs to be taken care of?

11.  Consider joining a photography community on the net.  Others will give you an honest opinion on your work.  This will help you take better photos.

12.  Learn from others.  What do you like in their photos.  Really think about it.  Is it the composition?  Angle?  Style?  Lighting?  Colors?

13.  Learn from yourself and your own successes and mistakes.

14.  Consider using your photo shop program to enhance your photos.  I am not talking about going hog wild here and changing colors of your photos.  I am just talking about cropping them, and simple things like that.

15.  Read the Owner's Manual that came with your camera!!!

16.  Have fun! 

Krissy :)
Tags: , , ,

A few days before Christmas

Hi.  I haven't meant not to post in so long.  I don't think I have been this busy in, well, who knows how long.  But it has been a good kind of busy.  I have been having fun doing all kinds of Christmasy things!  Since John has not been admitted to Hershey the whole of December, I have been able to do a lot of things I didn't expect I would be able to.  I have gotten to bake, do Christmas cards, shop, and do a Christmas journal!  What fun I have been having.  I have just been living a normal life and it is great! 

John is doing well, all things considering.  At first he was getting two units of blood twice a week, but now he only gets blood about once a week.  Actually, he hasn't had blood at the present time for a week and a half!  His doctor started him on chemo for the Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) and it seems to be working!  His red blood cell count actually went up by itself this week instead of down when it was time to get blood, and he didn't need to get the blood.  That is the first time this has happened in months!  It appears the chemo is working.  Perhaps he won't have to get his spleen out after all!  John has four more weeks of chemo.  Right now he is going for labwork three times a week to get his counts checked.  Between labwork, chemo and blood, this makes a busy week for the both of us, but we can handle it.  We have other appointments too.  Some times by the end of the day we are dog tired.  But that's ok.  At least John is not hospitalized in Hershey.  And there is light at the end of the tunnel.  He is also not running fevers anymore, and is feeling pretty good, except a little weak at times.  And sometimes he feels sick from the chemo.  But he feels way better than he did the last few months.

So it looks like we are going to have a good Christmas!  On Christmas Eve we are going to Midnight Mass.  On Christmas morning it will just be John and me.  We will open our presents.  Then my sister Valerie and her boyfriend are coming over for Christmas dinner.  It sounds like a really fun day.

Let's see.  What else is new?  I have a new pair of glasses!  John says they are modern.  I like them very much and think they are modern and sort of glam.  I think I will be able to carry them off, LOL.  When I get a chance I will take a photo of them for you all. 

Oh, I didn't say anything about the trip to Hershey last week yet.  Dr. Claxton is extremely pleased with John's progress.  But I guess you can already ascertain that from what I wrote above.  

Okay, so I guess I better go.  Does anybody know what to get a kitty for Christmas?  He doesn't like toys much.  He gets bored with them because he is so smart.  Michael also can't do catnip.  While other cats get mellow (high?)  he gets MEAN and aggressive!  He starts attacking things and people.  He must be getting high off of it and it just makes him very aggressive.  He starts running around and acting crazy and clawing people like a totally possessed cat.  So he is the hardest person on my list to shop for, LOL.  Do you have any ideas?

Love you all, Krissy :)  

Monday, December 18, 2006

monday morning question (late, LOL)

         

Will you be watching football on Christmas day? 

question brought to you by my husband John!

My answer:  No

John's answer:  Yes, LOL.

Huh???

photo scavenger hunt #99 subject...

     

Photo Scavenger Hunt #99 will be due on Sunday, December 24, at 11:00 PM EST.

The subject for this week is: ANYTHING CHRISTMAS.  

Here are some ideas: Christmas cards, favorite Christmas ornament, Christmas lights on houses, stockings, manger scene, Christmas village, gifts, etc.

Use your imagination and do whatever you would like this week, as I know it will be a busy week for you.  So do something easy and fun!   

Please place links to your entry submissions in the comments section below, including your full entry URL.  Thanks for playing, and let's have fun!  ~Krissy :)

Photo Hunt Participants...

Photo Scavenger Hunt #98

Christmas Tree or Christmas Decorations

Here are the participants:

Footprints in the Sand

These are my Thoughts

Scavenger Hunt Journal

Sassy's EYE

ALMOST Paradise

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

going to Hershey for 3 days

Hi, you all!  Just wanted to let you know that if you don't see me around for a few days, the reason is that John and I will be in Hershey for the next three days.  Don't worry, it is pretty routine stuff.  He is going to get a check up and have a few tests done.  Then on Thursday he is getting blood transfusions.  And then on Weds. we will be travelling home.  And as so as we get home we will have to run over to the local hospital here so he can have more tests and get "typed and crossed".  That means that they will draw blood and check and see exactly what kind it is, so they can give him more blood on Monday.

Okay, so how are things going with John?  I am sorry, I should have written a few days ago.  I know some of you are wondering because you have been emailing me.  I haven't kept up with this journal as I should because i have been SO busy.  But a lot of what I have been doing is fun stuff.  Christmasy stuff!  And then there is the just plain chores and helping John. 

So John's allergic reaction subsided pretty quickly, thanks to the Benadryl he was given.  He didn't even need to see the doctor on Monday.  

He goes to chemo every Tuesday, and he gets blood on Monday and Thursdays.  The local hospital is still messing that up some, but now they are a little better about it, since we called Mitzi and she called them.  But the thing about it is, even though they do give John his blood, they keep insisting every time, "Are you SURE you are supposed to be getting blood twice a week?"  "Because we are SURE you are supposed to get it once every two weeks".  I don't know where they got that stuck in their head, but they keep saying it over and over again.  And John keeps insisting on his blood.  If he got it only once every other weak he would be dead!  He hasn't gotten it that infrequently in MONTHS.  All they have to do is look at their records.  What are they talking about?  Mitzi has called and spoken to them repeatedly.  Strange.

They are also making other mistakes.  John had to return to the hospital four times in the same day, one day last week, to get the same test over and over again, due to their mistake.  That's what he told me.  I remember driving him three times.  Poor guy must have took the bus one of the times, LOL.  I remember us going out at 10:30 at night for the last time that day and getting back around midnight, trying to beat the courier who was leaving at midnight to bring blood to the Red Cross !

At any rate, all these mistakes are manageable, they are not preventing him from getting his blood or chemo.  They are just major annoyances.  Okay, end of rant and rave.

At any rate, we are leaving this morning and coming back Friday night.  So you all have a nice week and I will see you this weekend if I don't have a chance to write an entry while I am away.  Oh, Val is going to be doing entries for the Christmas journal, Joy To The World.  So that will keep going.  

Okay, bye bye for now.

Love you all lots, Krissy :)

Monday, December 11, 2006

monday morning question

         

Did you like to ride around looking at Christmas lights when you were a kid? 

Do you like to drive around looking at them today?

My answer:  So shoot me!  It's two questions!  I was just real curious if you liked to see lights nowadays. 

My answers are YES and YES.  I loved looking at them as a kid.  I still go around looking at them as an adult!

I haven't done it yet, but I found out last year that my town has a bus ride tour that drives you all around town looking at the lights.  There is even an announcer, and he stops at the best houses so you can get a better look!  Just like when you were a kid!  At the end of the tour you get some homemade cookies and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.  I am going to take the tour this year, as it sounds like an inexpensive and great way to have some fun.

Okay, have a great week everybody, love you, Krissy :)

photo scavenger hunt #98 subject...

      

Photo Scavenger Hunt #98 will be due on Sunday, December 17, at 11:00 PM EST.

This week I thought we would take a photo of our Christmas tree.  I think it would be fun to see all the pretty trees out there.  If you would rather take a photo of a Christmas decoration, inside or outside of your home, that is okay too.  

Please place links to your entry submissions in the comments section below, including your full entry URL.  Thanks for playing, and let's have fun!  ~Krissy :)

Saturday, December 9, 2006

blood transfusion reaction

John and I are off to the local hospital.  He appears to be having a reaction to a blood transfusion he had today (Friday).  Please don't worry, it is only mild - hives.  But the instruction sheet says that if this at all occurs, to come to the emergency room immediately.  So I guess that is what we'll do.  I'll let you know what happens when we get back.  From what I have read on the net, it can be controlled with antihistemines.  PLEASE, no Hershey...

Love and take care, Krissy 

Edit:  It is now 4:20 and we just got home.  It was indeed an allergic reaction that he had, but the doctor said it was not from the blood transfusion.  The reason was because it was too localized, and not over his whole body.  She reached this conclusion after calling John's local oncologist's associate.  After giving John benadryl and tylenol (which he can have more of over the next few days), she told him to go to his local oncologist on Monday so he can look at John's rash again.  I don't quite understand that.  If it is not related to the transfusion, why would he be visiting an oncologist instead of his regular primary care physician.  But she said the oncologist could see if John had an allover rash.  That would indicate a blood transfusion reaction.  That sounds contradictory to me.  Hmmm.  Ok, so anyway tomorrow I will write an update in this journal on what has been going on with John.  I haven't done that in a few days. 

Krissy :)

Thursday, December 7, 2006

please play along!

        

In my new Christmas journal, Joy To The World, I did an entry today.  At the end of it I listed "Gifts your husband doesn't want for Christmas".  I think it was pretty funny.  Then I listed some things I didn't want for Christmas.  To name a few of them- a carton of cigarettes, a gerbil or any other kind of rodent for that matter, a subscription to Popular Mechanics and a Chia Pet!  I was hoping others would play along Please go to the Christmas journal and tell us what you DON'T want for Christmas.  Come on guys, this is just for fun! 

Click to go to journal entry ~~~~~~>   Joy To The World  

Krissy :)  

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

A Christmas Survey

I found this Christmas survey in Val's journal who got it from Monica.  It looked like a lot of fun, so I thought I would do it.  Maybe you'll learn a little more about me after reading it.  If you want to play along, you can copy and paste the questions below into your journal, and leave your link in Val's comments section so she can see your answers!

  

     

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?  Definitely wrapping paper, especially bright foil wrapping paper!  With shiny bows!  Or interesting designs, both traditional and funny   

2. Real tree or artificial?   Artificial!  They are easier to clean up after, and very low maintenance.  They don't catch on fire, or drop little needles!  And I have always had one, even the silver one when I was a kid! 

3. When do you put up the tree?  Right now I can't put one up because my cat Michael would climb it, eat it, bat the bulbs around, or eat the bulbs, LOL 

4. When do you take the tree down?  N/A

5. Do you like eggnog?  Yes.  Not the alcoholic kind, though.  But I do worry about ingesting raw eggs.  They are raw in there, aren't they?
 
6. Favorite gift received as a child?  I would have to say my dog named Rolf.  He was a Sesame Street character.  You could stick your hand in him and make him talk. 

7. Do you have a nativity scene?  I wish I did but I don't.  Michael our cat would get that too.

8. Hardest person to buy for?  Any man in my life (except John).  Men are foreign creatures to me and I just don't know what they want.  I have been told that they don't want Soap-On-A-Rope for Christmas, nor a Chia Pet, nor another tie that sings Jingle Bells!  What to get my Dad then?  I have no idea.      

9.  Easiest person to buy for?  John because he tells me what he wants, and I can always give everybody else gift certificates.  Now you may think that is tacky, but, people can really get something they WANT, and they won't have to regift.  I love getting gift certificates!

10. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?  Oh gee, snail mail.   

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?  It doesn't matter anyway, because I like to give more than receive.     
 
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?  "It's A Wonderful Life".  Plus I love all those little Christmas specials like "A Charlie Brown Christmas", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", and the like.  

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?  This year I started in November. 
 
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?  Nope.   

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?  nuts, cookies, chocolate, chicken (not turkey) dinner with trimmings, tangerines,   

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?  I like all one color the best, maybe blue
 
17. Favorite Christmas song(s)?  "Silent Night", and maybe "Joy To The World", and lots of other ones!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?  definitely stay at home, with John and my kitty, then let relatives visit a few days later here!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?  Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, and  of course the most famous reindeer of all - Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
 

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?  gotta have a star!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?  Always Christmas morning.  If you are THAT impatient, you can open one on Christmas Eve! 

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?  Rude people at sales.  They push you out of the way to get the best items.  They also cut in front of you to get your parking space.  They are just generally inconsiderate and out for themselves.  Now don't get me wrong, most people this time of year are VERY generous, and go out of their way to help others.  It is just a few people. 

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?  All themes and colors.  But if I were going to do a whole tree in one color I would pick blue and white, or I would pick red.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?  Didn't we already have this question?

25. Do you have Jesus in your heart this Christmas?  Yes!

Merry Christmas!  Krissy :)

  

 

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

chew toy

It's crazy.  I've got writer's block.  I dread doing entries anymore.  It seems like all I ever have to write about are John's health issues!  I must be boring as all-get-out.

But what can I do?  So here goes an attempt at an entry.  First let me start with how John is doing, because I think it is important, LOL.  All things considered, he is doing quite well!  His blood came in yesterday, and he received two bags.  His face now has it's color back, and he is rosey red!  He is no longer weak.  Thank God for that.  Today he is at chemo and soon I am hoping he won't have to get the four bags of blood a week, because the chemo will start working.

As I dropped him off for chemo today, I was so proud of him.  "He can handle it,"  I thought.  He's a trooper.  

Yesterday after getting blood the hospital told John that he was scheduled to get blood once every two weeks.  This is wrong.  He is supposed to get it two times a week.  Ugghhhh.  The hospital is already messing up.  But they are insisting.  So I had to call Hershey (Mitzi, Dr. Claxton's nurse).  Mitzi will get back with me today.  She is also getting back with me about the local oncologist.  He thinks that John is supposed to get labwork twice a week, but John's supposed to get it three times a week.  So they refused to do the labwork yesterday!  Uggghhhh.  So Mitzi will have to straighten that out too.  Why are these local folks so incompetent?  The nurses locally at the oncologist's office got some other things wrong also, and were mean to me, but I won't bore you all with the details. 

Oh, good, I just got some mail, be right back!  Hey, that's not for me, that's for John.

My cat is staring up at me!  I don't know why, I don't have any food for him, LOL.

Speaking of my cat Michael, he has been going crazy the past few days.  I have been packaging a few Christmas boxes to be mailed and he has been clawing the suitcases.  He claws the suitcases when he is stressed out and thinks weare going to Hershey!  Well, since John and I have been packaging the boxes (to mail for Christmas), he thinks we are going to Hershey, and he is panicking, poor kitty.  So I tell he to go play with his "chew toy" instead.  His chew toy is the handle to his box of cat litter, LOL.  You see, he hates to play with cat toys, most bore him.  So when he started to claw the suitcases/ furniture, etc. we told him to go chew on his "chew toy" and he came to learn what that meant, LOL.  He also knows it as "handle", LOL.  So today, all day he has been chewing on his "handle" aka "chew toy".  That keeps me happy, LOL, as I don't want the suitcases ripped up.  

Let's see what else is new.  It snowed a little today.

Let's see.  I just told you about John, my cat, and the weather.  Ugghhhh!  I had better quit while I am behind!

Love you all, Krissy :)                 

Monday, December 4, 2006

monday morning question...

           

Fruitcake.  Delicious or doorstop?

My answer:  Delicious.  I love the stuff.  I even like the store-bought kind!  I buy it!

What's your answer?  Krissy :) 

                     

Home, but not home free

Hello everybody.  I guess you know by now that John and I are at home.  And loving every minute of it. 

We got here Thursday night.  I haven't posted yet because I kind of wanted to keep a low profile.  I have just been doing a lot of things I have wanted to do, things I really haven't gotten to do in months.  And boy it feels great.  I am really enjoying being home.  Sorry I didn't update you all sooner on what was going on with John.

Let's see.  How is he doing?  He is doing a lot better than before he went in the hospital this last time.  He still requires a lot of blood though - four units a week.  They are giving him two bags on Thursday and two on Sunday.  At least that is what they are supposed to be doing.  Things are already messed up.  When he went for his scheduled blood today (Sunday), the local hospital said it wasn't ready.  They said it wouldn't be ready until Monday or Tuesday.  This would never happen at Hershey Medical Center.  That was the whole purpose of setting up two days a week on schedule.  So he could have scheduled transfusions.  Tomorrow morning we call Mitzi.  I think she will have something to say to them about this!

I feel bad for John.  He is already turning pale, and is tired and out of breath.  He is okay now, but in a couple of days will be sick again if they don't hurry up.  

As far as the Hemolytic Anemia goes, it is still not giving up the fight, as John puts it.  It wants to hang on to him.  He is receiving chemo for it though.  I believe 8 treatments (8 weeks worth).  

Gee, the guy upstairs is playing his stereo REALLY loud past midnight.  I find that quite inconsiderate.  He does that often.  He is so rude! 

Anyway, getting back to John, between chemo (four hours weekly), blood twice a week (an all day affair), the home nurse (three days a week), and additional labwork twice a week, John has appointments seven days a week.  This is not counting his regular doctor's appointments.  This is every day in December.  Maybe they will give him Christmas off, LOL.  I hope so!  But I am really not complaining because we are home.  It is much nicer than being in the hospital.

So that's about it for now.  How is he overall feeling?  "Tired, but not too bad."  I wish they would give him that blood on time, then he probably would have said "good". 

So on a final note I wanted to say that I am too busy to do the Photo Scavenger Hunt for this coming week, but I promise we will do it for the rest of December.  I have the subjects all planned out!  So thank you for bearing with me, and being patient.  

Love you all,

Krissy :)

Thursday, November 30, 2006

We may come home.

It looks like this is going to be a short hospitalization for John. He just got to the hospital on Monday and they are already talking about discharging him today (Thursday).  Either today or tomorrow. 

Dr. Claxton has decided that John will get chemo for four to eight weeks, probably eight, to try to help the Hemolytic Anemia.  And he figured there was no reason John couldn't get the chemo where we live, as well as the blood John will need, so he decided John could be sent home soon.  Then the doctor doing the rotations made the decision yesterday that John could come home today.

I hope it is not too soon, but John is looking so much better than when he came in.  Like a different person.  And he can get the blood and chemo where we live.  Mitzi, Dr. Claxton's nurse, has set it up so that John's blood will be available where we live, twice a week, no matter what, so that if he needs it, it will be there, instead of him having to wait days like before.  So that will be a new and excellent thing.

So anyway, it was Dr. A. that decided John should go home today.  I know that Dr. Claxton wants John to get treated at home, but I am not sure when he wanted him to leave.  But I feel ok about John leaving now.  Oh, there has already been one diagnostic test, and John's Hemolytic Anemia has improved!  After one treatment of Rituxin (chemo).  So I am excited.

But I remember this happening once before, and thinking he was going to be cured by the chemo, so I asked Dr. A. if the chemo would really cure John, and he answered that it hadn't in the past, and that Dr. Claxton thought it probably wouldn't.  So Dr. Claxton will in the future most likely take out John's spleen.  Does anybody know if a spleen is an important thing to keep?  To me this is scary.  I keep hearing opposing opinions on this.  Well you see, maybe it is important to keep one's spleen, but if you are going to die from something else if you leave it in, maybe you have to get it out.  John is requiring four bags of blood every week now, and with each bag of blood, it is becomming harder and harder to find a match, because each bag adds new antibodies, and makes the next bag have to be rarer.  Eventually, they may not be able to find blood for John.  There is a possibility that he got a bag of blood that was not a match for him at one time - somebody made a mistake.  That's what one of the docs said.

At any rate, if it is alright healthwise for John to be at home, I am really excited about being there.  John and I will be able to do things in our own little nest!  It will feel so good to be at home.  John will be able to get the blood and chemo at the local hospital there.  We will have as normal a life as possible.  I am feeling positive. 

Okay, I have to go now and see John at the hospital.  I love you all.  I will get back to you and let you know whether or not we came home or stayed in Hershey.  Krissy :) 

       

 

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

John got chemo last night

I've been so busy I haven't had time to write. 

We are in Hershey again.  Yes, John is in the hospital.  He was hospitalized promptly after his visit to Dr. Claxton on Monday.  I thought he would not have to go in this time, really I did.  But to be on the safe side, we packed bags before we left on Monday in case we were going to have to stay.  I am glad we did.  

He's a lot sicker than I thought he was.  Oh, I don't mean to sound like he is doing horribly.  They may even send him home in a week they said.  But his Hemolytic Anemia is worse again.  He is requiring four bags of blood a week now instead of two.  Which means the Hemolytic Anemia is really being a problem.  The reason they will probably send him home is they will finish his treatment back home where we live.  And the treatment is?  Chemo.  Poor guy.  He has had so much chemo in his lifetime.  But if it will get him better he has to have it.  He already started his first round yesterday.  Since we got here he has had four units of blood and four hours of chemo.  

He also had a CT scan done and it showed fluid around the heart.  Right now they are just going to watch it.  Because it could be worse they said, and if they removed the fluid at this time, it would just come back.  The fluid build up is caused by complications from the transplant, as well as the constant blood he has been getting.  But if it does happen to get worse in the future, they will have to operate.

Okay, so what else?  I really can't think of what else is going on right now, perhaps because I covered it all, or perhaps my brain is just tired.  

Tonight tired is a good word to describe how I feel.  And shocked.  Because surprised is too mild of a word.  The doctors thought the Hemolytic Anemia wouldn't be making a major comeback, but would be getting better.  And now it is getting worse again.  I didn't think this would happen.  I thought we would be spending more time at home.  I am hoping we get to go home soon.  I hope that's not selfish of me.  Besides wanting John home (but not before he is better), I want to be home too, because I have a lot of things there I wanted to do.  I just want to be home for awhile!

I am dumbfounded, but I am not discouraged.  I am surprised (yes, I really did think he would stay home for awhile!) but I am not despondent.  I am a little disappointed, but, I believe in the Lord's timing, and I believe He will send us home when the time is right, and I will be able to deal with that timing, no matter when it is.  It feels so good to have that kind of faith in place, and to be able to trust. 

So on I go, onto another day.  Praying that John get better and better, trying to be there for him.  Trying to keep his spirits up.  And trying to give the doctors all the information they need to make good decisions regarding his care.  Okay, I'm off, but maybe I'll take a little nap before I go to the hospital, LOL.

Love you all,  Krissy :)

Monday, November 27, 2006

Photo Hunt Participants...

Photo Scavenger Hunt #97

The subject for this week's Scavenger Hunt was "Thanksgiving Theme".  These were great entries!  You  all invited us into your home on this special day and I want to thank you for that!  Here are the very special entries:

Footprints in the Sand

my spot

My Hugs Journal

Promise... Me

From Here to There

Confessions Of An Angel Waitress 

Lost in my own thoughts

Dribble by Chuck Ferris did art and leaves.   

Thanks for playing, Krissy :)

*Edit:  There will be no Photo Scavenger Hunt this week coming up.  I just don't know if I will be in Hershey or not with John.  I just can't handle doing it.  Sorry.  I will return as soon as possible to doing the hunts.  Maybe the following week.  Thanks for being patient, my friends.  Krissy :)

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Introducing a Christmas journal!

Tomorrow morning John and I are going to see Dr. Claxton in Hershey for a scheduled appointment.  Hopefully we won't have to stay.  He has been running a fever for about a week, as high as 100.7.  **Sigh**

I wanted to let you all know that Val and I have started a Christmas journal.  It is called Joy To The World!   We will be adding a new entry every day in December.  It will be informative and lots of fun!  Go check it out.  I have already opened it up so you can see the first entry!  Please consider putting it on alerts.  :)

Love you all lots,

Krissy :) 

Friday, November 24, 2006

A friendly competition!

Something exciting is about to begin in J-Land.  It is Kellen's next Journal Tournament, and it is called Tournament Revolutionized!  I have participated in two of his tournaments  and they have been a blast!  Basically what occurs is Kellen gives us questions, and we search out the answers.  We can use the internet, friends, books or any source we want, we just can't ask each other for the answers.  The person who gets the most answers correct wins an award for his sidebar!  Usually Kellen has three parts to the tournament, but this time he is only going to have one part of 20 questions, a shorter version.  So this would be a good time for you to try it out!  Go to his journal and sign up!

Kellen has given us this blurb to put in our journals to explain about the Journal Tournament:

JOURNAL TOURNAMENT-A three task tournament between journalers, building community and friendly competition in J-Land.  The tournament is in an experimental phase...a one task 20 question Tournament Revolutionized.  If you sign up, you will be asked to complete those 20 questions by the appropriate deadline, and whoever has the most points, will be declared the winner!  It's a great way to get involved and see if you like the Journal Tournament without signing up for the full three tasks.  Everyone who has joined the past three tournaments has had a blast!  See what it's all about... http://journals.aol.com/love2sing2007/JournalTournament.  Now registering through November 30!  

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving

                                      

                    A Thanksgiving Prayer

 

  

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you, Lord, that I can hear.  There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you Lord, that I can see.  There are many who are blind. 

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off the effort of rising, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise.  There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short, thank you Lord, for my family.  There are many who are lonely. 

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you Lord, for the food we have.  There are many who have no job.

And Lord, when I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day, please help me remember the gift of my life.

Author Unknown

  

something fun to read:  questions called in to Turkey Talk-Lines

John and I wish you a very peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving.  Love to all my friends and family, Krissy

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

There's no place like home!...

Hey journal friends!  We got home from Hershey Medical Center last night but I was so exhausted I couldn't do an entry.  I've finally caught up on my sleep so here I am. 

Well, as you can tell, John was discharged from the hospital pretty quickly, by the decision of Dr. E.  When I first heard John was going to go, I was kind of upset and John and I were considering whether or not to phone Dr. Claxton.  Next thing you know the Physician's Assistant came in the room and said Dr. Claxton had been spoken to (I am guessing yesterday's doctor had arranged this - the doctor who was trying to get John the tests!).  The P.A. said that Dr. Claxton wanted John to take a new medicine.  It is a very strong medication that acts against all kinds of fungi, especially mold.  I think Dr. Claxton was worried that John might have fungal pneumonia as John's pneumonia has been hanging on for so long and his pain level is 8 without the pain meds.  And still pretty high with the pain meds.  So anyway, Dr. Claxton gave John about 4 scripts for different meds.  And gave John an appointment for a CT scan and a check up with him on this coming Monday.  This made me very happy and I was comfortable with John leaving the hospital at this point.  So all is well.  If Dr. Claxton wants him back in the hospital on Monday, he will put him back in, but I am hoping John will be able to be treated at home.  But at least he will get a thorough check up.

So last night on the trip home from the hospital, when we got two towns over, I looked up, and I noticed the town was all decorated for Christmas!  Gee, they start even earlier than me!  I am not talking about individual houses, but the actual town.  Here in PA the whole towns get decorated, by the local county governments I think.  Or maybe townships, I am not sure how they do it exactly.  Anyway, when I lived in VA, we never did anything like that.  So John and I are looking around at the pretty Christmas decorations.  Each pole along the road is decked out in a wreath with a bigred bow, LOL.  And we get out and I notice it is snowing, LOL!  Crazy.  I am thinking, but it is not even Thanksgiving!  And as we got into our hometown, I noticed it was also decorated for Christmas downtown!  Big silver and blue snowflakes that sparkle were attached to the poles.  They were so pretty!

Okay, now that I am in the holiday mood, I better get off here and do some holiday things, LOL.  Oh yes, I better think of Thanksgiving first, I still have a little shopping to do, LOL.

Love you all, Krissy :)

   

photo scavenger hunt #97 subject...

         

Photo Scavenger Hunt #97 will be due on Sunday, November 26, at 11:00 PM EST.

This week we will do a "Thanksgiving Theme".  I thought we'd be flexible.  Here are some ideas.  Take a photo of your favorite holiday dish, or if you want to, take a photo of your whole holiday meal.  Or take a photo of something you are thankful for.  For you across the pond, and others, do anything you'd like.  Perhaps you could join us by taking a photo of something you are thankful for.  Just have fun and take it easy this Holiday week!

Please place links to your entry submissions in the comments section below, including your full entry URL.  Thanks for playing!  ~Krissy :) 

Monday, November 20, 2006

Aggravated!

Most of you probably know by now that John is back in the Hospital - Hershey Medical Center.  We had to leave suddenly by ambulance.  We've been here since Friday.

This admission has been so frustrating.  I am not going to go into too much except to say this.  One oncologist believes John's pneumonia is still really bad and wants him to stay in the hospital, the other one insists he leave tomorrow (Monday).  So we will probably be leaving on Monday and getting home Monday night.  The doctor who insists that John doesn't have pneumonia, or not much of it, won't let any tests be run, won't let the other doctor do an x-ray or CT scan, and discontinued John's antibiotics for his pneumonia that was started by Dr. Claxton about a week ago.  You do NOT discontinue a course of antibiotics.  Even if somebody is feeling better they are supposed to take them until they are gone, because the illness can come back.  Everybody knows that, especially a doctor.  I wonder what he is doing.  Why does he keep insisting John doesn't have pneumonia?  He keeps telling him, you must have pulled a muscle or fractured a rib.  Meanwhile, the hospital that sent John up in the ambulance assesed him with an x-ray and determined he still had pneumonia.  Also a week ago on Monday Dr. Claxton took an x-ray, and read it, and said that John had pneumonia and fluid on his lung.  But Dr. E. insists it is a pulled muscle instead.  He told the other oncologist he could run tests in the morning, and then in the afternoon stopped him from doing so, then told him John was going home Monday morning.  So unless something drastically changes, we will be coming home.

Another reason John came up here besides the pneumonia (which by the way hurts him at a level of 8, on a pain scale of 1 - 10, 10 being the worst pain he has had in his life), is the fact that he needed blood again.  But not a little bit.  Four bags!  Yes, four bags in one day.  He was white as a ghost when he got to the hospital.  He had gotten blood one week prior, and he needed four bags instead of two this time.  To those of you who understand counts, his HGB was 6 and his HCT was 17, after getting blood one week earlier.  Folks, that is close to what he was when he was first in the hospital with the Hemolytic Anemia.  And according to Dr. Claxton, he is supposed to be getting better.  So sad.  But the odd thing is this.  On the tests they ran this hospital stay, John IS getting better.  So they can't figure out why he needs the blood.  They can't understand what is going on.  I guess what they checked for is getting better, something else must be going wrong.  Now they have to find out what it is and correct it.  But they are puzzled.

Never ending.  Never ending.

I am a little concerned about John going home, because I don't want him to have to turn around and be hospitalized again in a week.  I am excited though that we may have a Thanksgiving at home, and am hoping to stay home for December and Christmas.  John's parents are coming for Christmas.  And I have so much planned for fun.

John has an appointment with Dr. Claxton in a week from Monday (that's one more week).  So at least he will get the CT scan and maybe Dr. Claxton will give him some more antibiotics, who knows.  I'm sure Dr. Claxton will make a good decision.  I feel much more comforted knowing John will have this appointment next week.

Okay, I am making this entry a little too long.  Oh, one more thing, LOL.  John is receiving an award from our local cancer group tomorrow.  He won't be there to be able to pick it up, but they are going to pick it up and deliver it to him in a few days.  It will be presented during a Thanksgiving dinner.  I wrote something up to be read at the dinner in honor of John and emailed it to the Executive Director of the group for her to read to everybody before the award is given out.  I think I wrote a pretty good speech, LOL.  Anyway, they picked John this year to give it to because he is a fighter and a survivor, and because he has a good attitude.  I am so proud of him!

Okay, got to get off of here.  I just wanted to tell you all to go to There is a Season to see all the Photo Scav Hunt links (for the subject ART).  Also go there to find the Monday Morning Question and the subject for the next Photo Scav Hunt.  My sister Val is graciously doing it for me while I am in Hershey.  She is the best!

Okay, must run, love you all, Krissy :)

 

 

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #139: White Meat v. Dark Meat

                                   

Scalzi's Assignment:

Weekend Assignment #139: It's time for Thanksgiving dinner! Which do you prefer -- white meat, or dark meat? Explain your answer. Because it seems that most people have a preference one way or another, and sometimes they can get testy about it.

For those of you who for some reason disdain the whole turkey scene, answering "neither" is acceptable, but you need to explain why and offer an alternate dish for consumption.

Extra credit: Being Thanksgiving, note one thing you've been thankful for in 2006.

Oh, this one's easy!  White meat rules.  Dark meat is gross!  There is a reason people don't like dark meat.  It is too rich.  It is greasy, man.  Sometimes it is even slimy!  Makes the tummy ache.  And what is the problem with a big plate of white meat slathered in gravy anyway?  Gravy is one of the four basic food groups, is it not?  Nice salty gravy, that is the way to go! 

What am I thankful for in 2006?  That I wasn't part of a Ron Popeil infomercial audience, nor do I work for the man!  His infomercials last eight hours long!  You remember ~ "Set It and Forget It!" 

Okay, that's all folks, have a Happy Thanksgiving and eat the turkey meat of your choice! 

Love, Krissy :) 

Hemolytic Anemia is getting better

We're back again from Hershey.  The trip was was actually nice.  We stayed in a nice motel this time so nobody at Hope Lodge would get John's pneumonia.

John saw Dr. Claxton on Monday morning.  Dr. Claxton looked at John's chest X-ray and said that there was fluid on the lining of the lungs.  He told John to come back in two weeks for a CT scan and another checkup.  John is still in a lot of pain.  Dr. Claxton figures in another three to four weeks he will be over the pneumonia.  Hopefully.

Now onto the subject of the Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.  It is actually getting better!  John requires blood less often!  There is also a test to see if it is getting better, and the test confirms that it is.  Dr. Claxton thinks that eventually, some day, John may not even require blood anymore!  Won't that be something else?!

Well I have to get off of here.  This entry is going to be short.  I have lots of chores and errands to do, and lots of phone calls to make.  Talk to you soon, Krissy :) 

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

photo scavenger hunt #96 subject...

         

Photo Scavenger Hunt #96 will be due on Sunday, November 19, at 11:00 PM EST.

This week's subject is art.  Interpret this any way you would like.  It can be something inside or out of your house.  It can be a painting, a statue, architecture, or anything you would like.  It can even be something you made!  

Please place links to your entry submissions in the comments section, including the full entry URL.  Thanks for playing!  ~Krissy :)      

Monday, November 13, 2006

monday morning question...

           

Cats:  Rule or drool?

Lobster:  Eat or no treat?

Ties:  Wear or nowhere?

Escargot:  Slime or sublime?

The silly things you make up in the middle of the night, LOL. 

Anyway, here are my answers:

cats - rule!!! (even their masters) 
 
lobster - uhhmm, yuck.  Ask me about my childhood experience sometime, LOL, and you'll know why I don't like lobster!

ties - wear!!!  There is nothing like a man in a tie, LOL!

escargot - slimey and gross, gross, gross! 

Okay, now you answer!  Love, Krissy :)  

my sister Grace has a journal!

Sitting here being reflective.  Hey, I am too busy for this!  Anyway, I wanted to tell you all about a new journal.  It is my sister Grace's.  Why not check it out and leave her a comment?  Her journal is The Daily Post.  

Anyway, just wanted to let you know I will be gone for a day or two.  John and I have to go to Hershey.  It will only be for a checkup though.  Then I will be back to resume my busy life.  We WILL spend some time at home, LOL.  Actually John is doing ok right now.  He is in some pain, but is not spiking high fevers, so the doctors are saying he is ok.  So we will be back home Monday night or Tuesday night at the latest. 

Talk at you soon, Krissy  :)           

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Lucy, we're homeeeeeee!

Ugghhhhh!  Lost this entry to the black hole.  Starting again!

I was just telling you all how good it is to be home.  John and I got here last night.  It is soooo good to be here!  

John should have his pneumonia for three to four weeks more.  He is still in a lot of pain, and has to lay down a lot.  But at least we are home.  I am so enjoying it here, and he likes to be home too.  

Yesterday's ride home from the hospital was so much fun.  Val's boyfriend (we call him John2) and Valerie picked John and me up from the Hospital in Hershey and drove us home.  Then the four of us sang Christmas carols on the way home!  It was a blast.

Last night I heard my first Christmas song on the radio.  And today I bought my first Christmas presents!  Just a couple of little things.

I also got my first EVER IN MY LIFE call on my cell phone.  It was from Val!  She told me she loved me and to have a good day! 

I would have gotten a call days earlier, but the cell phone was never set up correctly by those who sold me the cell phone.  I had to call the service no., and they did something to activate the ring yesterday, LOL.  And they also did something to give me the ability to retrieve my voice mail.  All that time people were calling me and I had no way of picking up their calls.

Oh, and I was pretty electronically illiterate too, LOL.  I wasn't getting calls after that for another reason, LOLOLOL.  Valerie noticed why.  I didn't have my cell turned on, LOL.  Val told me I had to turn it on, and keep it on when I wanted calls.  I didn't know that, LOLOLOL.  Oh well, you live and learn!  So Val finally called and now I know it works, LOLOLOL.  

Okay, gotta run.  John is having some trouble, and the dishes are awaitin' me.  I have to pretend to be a housewife, LOL.  Just long enough to make it back to this computer again, LOL.  Actually, I am not a bad housewife, it is just that I have been away from this computer for so long, there is so much I want to do on here!  Arggghhhh, computer withdrawl from my very own computer!  I would like to spend about a day on here, LOL.  Maybe two!  Okay, now that my little confession is done, I gotta run.

Love you all, Krissy :)   

Friday, November 10, 2006

got a VIVI for BEST EMOTIONAL!

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

That's a lot of thank yous because I have a lot of thanks in my heart.  I want to thank you all for awarding me a VIVI.  I received BEST EMOTIONAL.  I guess I am emotional, LOL. Anyway, it is SUCH an honor to be recognized by my peers.  I never drempt I would get an award.  I want to thank you all.  You all are the best.  I never thought when I began journaling that I would meet such a great group of people.  You are my second family.  I love you all.

Krissy :)

Check out VIVIs here

John is getting discharged Friday

Hi journaly peoples!    

The doctors came in John's room tonight and told him he was going home tomorrow (Friday).  They took two X-rays of the pneumothorax today, decided it wasn't that large, and said it would reabsorb itself.  I hope they know what they are talking about.  I am nervous about John returning home, but there is nothing I can do about it.  I believe the hospital tries to push you out at the earliest date possible it seems.  I am not sure why, but that has been the way it seems to operate.  I am also wondering why they are sending John home without knowing what kind of pneumonia he has.  The cultures have not had time to grow yet.  But they said that John would be OK, they would just send him home on oral antibiotics just like the ones he has been getting through the IV.  One of the nurses said that John should still have the pneumonia for weeks and weeks.  That it hangs on for a long time.  I had mentioned to Dr. E. that perhaps we should go over to Hope Lodge for a day, and he said he was not comfortable with John being at Hope Lodge with pneumonia.  Yet he is discharging him to home.  Wow.  Well I guess I have to trust the doctor knows what he is doing.  Anyway, Dr. E. set up an appointment for John in two weeks with Dr. Claxton.  I feel good about that.  Dr. Claxton can check John out.  And at that time he can decide what he is going to do about John's Hemolytic Anemia. 

While I am a little nervous, and wonder if we will end up back here, in another sense I am relieved.  I wanted to be home for Thanksgiving.  And Christmas.  I hope we get to stay home through the Holidays!  John will be sick for awhile and will have to lay around a lot, but at least we will be at home, and if he does do OK there, then it will be good, because it will be familiar and nice surroundings. :)  And I have so many things I want to work on at home, both things I have to do AND some fun things!  Now I am getting excited!  Ahhhh, to have a normal and boringlife again, LOL.  Life's little rewards!  

Okay, love you all, Krissy :)

Thursday, November 9, 2006

of penumothorax and a cell phone!

Good morning.  For those of you who are concerned about the hour at which I am up, LOL, I went to bed super early, and woke up early.  So don't worry about me, I am getting enough sleep.  Anyway, I am going back to bed after I write this.  I just wanted to play a little POGO (gotta have a little down time!) and to write this entry. 

So I found out what it was that the doctors were looking for on the CT scan last night.  It was a pneumothorax.  Turns out John has one.  It is an air pocket outside the lungs.  Actually, it causes a partially collapsed lung, because the air is outside the lung, which collapses the lung.  Guess what.  They did it to him during the bronchoscopy.  By poking the instrument through the wall of the lung.  Before they did the procedure the doctor did warn us that this did happen to one in 200 or 300 people.  I asked John if he still wanted the bronchoscopy, and he said yes.  He wanted to stop hurting.  In my mind I was thinking he would have a complication, just because he always gets one.  But then I pushed the thought out of my mind, because I didn't want to be hysterical.

At any rate, a pneumothorax can be very dangerous.  But the doctors said John's was pretty small.  Right now they are just watching it and hoping it reabsorbs itself back into the lungs.  If not, they will have to go back inside the lungs, poke through the lung wall, and suck the air back in.  Then they will have to wait for the lung to heal itself.

Oh boy.

As far as what kind of pneumonia John has, they are not sure yet.  They are going to have to wait "several" days to see what the cultures show.  Dr. E. said tonight that he doesn't think it is fungal (praise God), because it doesn't look like fungal under the microscope or on the X-rays.  So now we wait and see what the cultures grow.  

Well, that's about it on that news.  Actually John is feeling a little better and is not in as much pain!  He went for a walk in the hospital halls tonight!  I am going to keep him walking and sitting up in his bed, as much as possible.  I am excited about his progress.  As are the doctors.

On another note, I finally joined this century!  I have a cell phone now!  I will tell you what.  This is the first cell phone I have ever owned in my life, LOL.  I am so excited!  It will really help with John and all.  I just feel so cool with it, LOL.  And liberated in a way.  I won't have to always be trying to find a phone, or being tied down to a certain area when I am expecting a vital call.  I will be able to move around.  Welcome to this century, me!

Well, I think I'll go back to bed now.  Love you guys, Krissy :) 

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

some goodbyes

Hmmm.  Let's see if I can keep this short because it is a little after one in the morning.  Probably not, LOL.

Today was a long day.  John had several tests and visits from specialists.  Both Dr. Ehmann, the rotating oncologist, and Dr. Claxton, his regular oncologist came in for awhile.  Dr. E. listened to John's lungs and announced to his students that there was no need for a CT scan, that he could hear something in John's lungs.  Then he asked the students to listen to see if they could hear it.  They each took turns.  John told me later he was grateful that he served some purpose for the student's education, LOL.

Dr. Claxton and Dr. Ehmann conferred and decided that John should probably get IVIG again and chemo to try to stop the Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.  He will get it after the pneumonia clears up.  I am hoping John will be able to get it at home and not in Hershey.  I like it here, but I don't want to live here over the holiday season!  I think it will take at least four weeks to be administered.  

So anyway, John went for a bronchoscopy today after seeing the doctors and it was two hours before he returned to the room.  I went upstairs and played around on the computer, answered alerts and such.  Then I grabbed lunch.  When John came in the room I was relieved to see him, he had made it through the anesthesia and had no collapsed lungs, LOL.  I know I can be so dramatic, but it seems lately if something can go wrong, it happens to John, so I started to get a little concerned while I was waiting for him, thinking about the complications the doctor told us could occur during the procedure.

Then John was told that his blood counts were so low, and that he needed two bags of blood.  He didn't get any yesterday because they were worried that the blood would move blood clots along.  But not being concerned about that today, they wanted to give him blood immediately.  So they hung the first bag of blood.  By this time it was 7 PM.  Poor John hadn't eaten all day because of tests and they had forgotten toorder his dinner and it was finally getting here at about 7 AM when somebody busted in the room and shouted at him "Stop, don't eat!  Put your fork down."  I think John had gotten one bite in, LOL.  I asked what the problem was and the nurse said John couldn't have food because he needed to get a CT scan.  I thought this rather odd as Dr. E. said John didn't need a CT scan.  So I made a mental note to ask what the CT scan was for.  Then a lady from transport with a gurney showed up, and she was trying to take John downstairs to have the scan.  "You can't take John off our unit," the nurse insisted.  "You will have to do the CAT scan later.  He is getting blood and could have a reaction, and you wouldn't know what to do.  He has to stay on this floor until he is done with the blood."  Then the nurse told the transport woman she could have John after one bag of blood, then he would get the CT scan, then he could come back upstairs and eat his dinner, then he could have his second bag of blood.  I calculated this all out.  This put John to winding down around midnight.  What a long day for him.

Anyway, then a pulmonary specialist doctor walks in.  She asked John a lot of questions.  Then I asked her why they were doing a CT scan on John.  She said during the bronchoscopy that they MAY have found something unusual.  But she wouldn't tell us what it was until after they did a CT scan and did some conferring (the doctors).  So here I am worrying, wondering the two worst possibilities.  Fungal pneumonia or a tumor.  I gotta cut this out.  My mind is getting carried away with me.  Anyway, they are going to let us know tomorrow I think.  

So on that note, I should probably go to bed.  I need to be bright for tomorrow.  It may be a long day.  There is so much I want to tell you all about, but don't want to ramble on and on.

Oh, I do want to mention that so called "lost item" is found.  It was probably never stolen.  That is good to know that those going through hard times wouldn't do that to one another.

And on a final note I would like to say goodbye to Rex, a stem cell patient who died yesterday.  You will be missed.  And so will you - Kay, Jay, Rhonda, Bill, Roger, and Duke.  Don't think that I didn't notice your passing these past few months.  I think I was just too numb to say goodbye to you all.  Many of you were in the core group who were here all these months John was here also.  Out of all of you who got stem cell transplants, John is the only one still left alive.  And maybe Phil, I am not sure if he made it or not. 

Rex, you were so humerous.  You had such a zest for life.  Goodbye Rex.

Kay, you were my best friend here at The Lodge.  We sat up every night and talked.  I loved you.  I still do.  Why did you have to go?  Goodbye Kay.  I believe we will meet again someday.

Jay, I love you immensely.  You were such a stellar guy.  Even among the Amish, there was not one as honest and as good as you.  I miss you.  Goodbye Jay.  See you in Heaven.

Rhonda, you made me laugh!  And you were always willing to play games with us on nights when we were bored.  Goodbye Rhonda.  Love you.

Bill, thanks for the kindness you showed me in offering me rides to the hospital.  You were such a kind soul.  Sitting there at the kitchen table in Hope Lodge in great health one day, gone a couple of days later.  Goodbye Bill.

Goodbye Roger.  Didn't know you long, because you died about a week after your transplant.  Too bad we didn't get to know you.  Goodbye Roger.

And finally Duke.  You were bigger than life.  You were as big as your name.  Many in J-Land will remember you because I told them how you did St. Patrick's Day for us here at Hope Lodge, and Italian Day.  You had everybody singing along and having a great time.  You will not be forgotten.  Goodbye Duke.

Hello John.      

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