It is 10 days now before the surgery of my thyroid. I am doing OK with this for now. I have researched and researched information about the surgery and the types of surgery that are offered.
My surgeon is one that will make a small incision to try and avoid a big scar. I am also going home the same day, which in the past was not the case. I am lucky on those two counts. I am worried and so is Sam/Dad. He seems to be more this time around then usual or maybe it is because of the type of surgery.
I think he could handle the other surgeries because it didn't involve anything close to my neck. Now, I will have my neck cut to remove a very large tumor. I am not sure how much of the thyroid the doctor will take as it depends on what he sees when he goes in the area. I am not sure if the whole thyroid will be removed but I have heard a good portion of it. I may or may not have to take medication afterwards.
What is another pill, for me anyway? I take so much now so an addition will not amount to anything.
The months of November and December are turning out to be quite active. Sam/Dad will be flying up to Bethesda, Maryland, on November 7 and having a large meeting on November 8. He will fly back home November 8, but it will be a late flight.
On November 13, I have my surgery. Depending on how I am doing afterwards, will make our other plans work or not. We have a couple of craft shows coming up then and we wanted to attend. Sam/Dad will fly to California on November 26, to work on the bid for an addition to a hospital in San Diego. The bid is on November 29.
The other function, on November 29, is a retirement dinner for a Clark person that Sam/Dad has worked with while he has been with Clark. This retirement dinner is in San Francisco. This will mean that he will finish the bid up in Costa Mesa, maybe by 3 PM, try to catch a flight to San Francisco for the dinner (which is about an hour and a half), and then return to Costa Mesa the next day to finish up the bid.
We just found out when the holiday party will be this year for Clark and it is December 4. Sam/Dad was to return on December 1. The quandary now is whether to stay longer in Costa Mesa for the party. The party will be on the Queen Mary 2. It sounds like a neat venue for a party.
We are also thinking that if everything goes right, we could stop off in Denver, before our return, for a few days.
All of these plans, will depend on how I am doing from the surgery. That is the biggest question we have right now. I don't have a crystal ball to know that answer. It will definitely be a lot of flying. I believe that could be handled but what about Frankie? The time away will be quite long and I have other doctor appointments already booked. Doctor appointments can be rescheduled. I have my indecisions with all of these activities.
We just have to wait and see what happens in a week and half.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
October 22, 2012
October 22, 2012, is a Monday, time 3:30 p.m., I will meet with the surgeon. I hope I will be able to get some answers to the thyroid problem.
I have so many questions about what will happen next. I am sure a biopsy will be done. I have a greater chance that it will be benign then cancer. I still know, from what I have read, that the mass will need to be removed and along with it part of the thyroid. Just how much will be determined once the thyroid is exposed.
These are all things that I have read and partly been told by the Endocrinologist. I also was told that this surgeon, Dr. Stanley Wilson, is conservative in his approach in regards to surgery.
Is this on my mind? You betcha! Are we talking about it much? Not really as there are so many unknowns.
Dad/Sam has other things to concentrate on right now. He has a bid at the end of October. He is flying to California, today, October 15. He will be there until Saturday and fly back to South Carolina, to be here for the appointment on October 22. Whatever is decided at the appointment, will determine whether he fly's back to California. Right now, he has a flight back the next day, October 23.
I have a lot of people praying for me and for good results. I know I will deal with whatever the outcome, as I am strong and have handled major problems in the past.
"It is what it is". Can't change things so I just have to deal with it. It is still scary about the unknown! I am one that needs to know exactly what will happen, so I can organize it in my mind, research and learn more, have things in place. I still will get nervous and anxious, but I will know more.
Now to wait until Monday
I have so many questions about what will happen next. I am sure a biopsy will be done. I have a greater chance that it will be benign then cancer. I still know, from what I have read, that the mass will need to be removed and along with it part of the thyroid. Just how much will be determined once the thyroid is exposed.
These are all things that I have read and partly been told by the Endocrinologist. I also was told that this surgeon, Dr. Stanley Wilson, is conservative in his approach in regards to surgery.
Is this on my mind? You betcha! Are we talking about it much? Not really as there are so many unknowns.
Dad/Sam has other things to concentrate on right now. He has a bid at the end of October. He is flying to California, today, October 15. He will be there until Saturday and fly back to South Carolina, to be here for the appointment on October 22. Whatever is decided at the appointment, will determine whether he fly's back to California. Right now, he has a flight back the next day, October 23.
I have a lot of people praying for me and for good results. I know I will deal with whatever the outcome, as I am strong and have handled major problems in the past.
"It is what it is". Can't change things so I just have to deal with it. It is still scary about the unknown! I am one that needs to know exactly what will happen, so I can organize it in my mind, research and learn more, have things in place. I still will get nervous and anxious, but I will know more.
Now to wait until Monday
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Changes Part 2
I don't have great news to write about right now. My thyroid mass grew from 3.4 cm to 3.7 cm. I am being referred to a surgeon and I am awaiting his call to set up an appointment. I really don't know what will happen or when. It is so hard to wait for something to happen as you want that something to happen now.
They say patience is a virtue and I do have patience most of the time. I can wait in a doctor's office for quite awhile when he is behind, as long as I know, I can deal with traffic, I can wait for that repairman. I can get a chance to reschedule if necessary. This other waiting, waiting for that phone call to continue on with a problem, is so difficult. You can't reschedule something that might be wrong with you.
I don't know why my neurologist in California did not say something to me. It wasn't his right to dismiss it. I had the report and yes, it did say that I had a large mass, but I did not know that this was an issue that should have been checked. What made the neurologist I have here, suggest for me to see someone? Were they more aware of the necessity? I really don't know the answer to the question. I am angry though that I wasn't given the option to decide for myself in California. What made that doctor decide that this was not something to look at or not to feel the need to even discuss it with me?
I know that is history or as I have said "water under the bridge". I have to deal with the here and now. So I wait! I want to call so badly and get an appointment. This surgeon may not have all the results yet or hasn't had time to review. Why can't an appointment be made anyway? Patience is a tough word for me right now.
I am trying to stay busy. I have been typing up notes for Sam to take for his bid in California for a hospital. This is another issue, Sam wanting to fly to California for this bid and staying until the end of the month of October. He wanted to leave this week, but changed and stayed an extra week. He really needs to leave next Monday and will be there until November 1. I would like to go but things are so much up in the air.
Life has thrown a curve ball. How do you deal with the uncertainty? I guess you have to trust in God, your friends support, and to keep reminding yourself that you are strong and you will get through it.
It is still hard to wait....
They say patience is a virtue and I do have patience most of the time. I can wait in a doctor's office for quite awhile when he is behind, as long as I know, I can deal with traffic, I can wait for that repairman. I can get a chance to reschedule if necessary. This other waiting, waiting for that phone call to continue on with a problem, is so difficult. You can't reschedule something that might be wrong with you.
I don't know why my neurologist in California did not say something to me. It wasn't his right to dismiss it. I had the report and yes, it did say that I had a large mass, but I did not know that this was an issue that should have been checked. What made the neurologist I have here, suggest for me to see someone? Were they more aware of the necessity? I really don't know the answer to the question. I am angry though that I wasn't given the option to decide for myself in California. What made that doctor decide that this was not something to look at or not to feel the need to even discuss it with me?
I know that is history or as I have said "water under the bridge". I have to deal with the here and now. So I wait! I want to call so badly and get an appointment. This surgeon may not have all the results yet or hasn't had time to review. Why can't an appointment be made anyway? Patience is a tough word for me right now.
I am trying to stay busy. I have been typing up notes for Sam to take for his bid in California for a hospital. This is another issue, Sam wanting to fly to California for this bid and staying until the end of the month of October. He wanted to leave this week, but changed and stayed an extra week. He really needs to leave next Monday and will be there until November 1. I would like to go but things are so much up in the air.
Life has thrown a curve ball. How do you deal with the uncertainty? I guess you have to trust in God, your friends support, and to keep reminding yourself that you are strong and you will get through it.
It is still hard to wait....
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Changes
Fall has arrived. We are having warm temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. We actually opened our bedroom windows last night instead of using air conditioning. This has not happened for a very long time.
The electric bills have not been extremely high because our house is very efficient with keeping a good even, cool temperature. Thank goodness!
I had three MRI's done in the last couple of weeks. One for my head, one for the spine, and one for my neck. Everything is stable with the MS but the MRI showed a mass on my thyroid, about an inch and a half. The doctor reading the MRI or my Neurologist could not figure out what it was showing, so I was asked to go to an Endocrinologist to have it checked.
Being in Bluffton, South Carolina has great advantages with location, easy living, and good friends that were made. The biggest problem, though, is finding good doctors. I have had to drive to Savannah, Georgia, for some appointments, which is about 30-40 minutes, which isn't a bad drive. I have my Neurologist in Port Royal, SC, which is about the same distance from us only going North.
The other issue is finding a specialist that takes our insurance too. I thought I found one in Savannah, who takes our insurance, said they were taking new patients, and had my Neurologists office send all my information. I was told I would be called to make an appointment, either on Monday afternoon or sometime on Tuesday of this present week, September 24 or 25.
I waited and waited, but I did not hear from anyone. By early afternoon, on Tuesday, I placed a call to the doctor's office in Savannah, Georgia. I was put into voice mail and I left a message with her nurse. I did not receive a call back on Tuesday and I am still waiting for a call today, Wednesday. I even called my Neurologist, on Tuesday late afternoon, to let them know I had no response yet from this doctor and they placed a call to get someone but also was put into voicemail. How can a doctor's office calling another doctor's office, not get a response back?
S o o o o, I let my fingers do some walking on the Internet to find a doctor maybe in Charleston. Charleston is a longer drive, about 2-1/2 hours but we are willing to go anywhere to get the help we might need. I did find another doctor in Charleston, who takes our insurance, called my Neurologist's office today, gave them the information, and they were going to try and get an appointment for me. Again, I have not heard a thing! If this new doctor I am trying to get, does not respond either, I have another one to call. Why is this being so hard? Can't someone understand that the person who has an issue with any part of their body, needs to have an answer to put their mind at ease or for them to determine what their next step would be, to handle the problem?
This is so frustrating!!!!
I have hooked up with a local support group. I am not actually a leader for the group, but someone that will help them out. The group is mainly made up with people from Sun City, though there are a couple of us "outsiders". It has been hard to fit with this group, as conversations tend to go with the doings at Sun City and they want to socialize. So far, not a lot has been accomplished, but I hope I can help out with this issue.
I have a hard time following conversations when multiple conversations are going at once. I get distracted, from the main speaker, when people are having "side bar chats". I have decided now to ask people to not talk while someone is talking. As I usually say, "One Conversation at a Time". You would think that this would be common sense but I also realize the need to say something before it is forgotten. We just have to learn to take our turns.
The electric bills have not been extremely high because our house is very efficient with keeping a good even, cool temperature. Thank goodness!
I had three MRI's done in the last couple of weeks. One for my head, one for the spine, and one for my neck. Everything is stable with the MS but the MRI showed a mass on my thyroid, about an inch and a half. The doctor reading the MRI or my Neurologist could not figure out what it was showing, so I was asked to go to an Endocrinologist to have it checked.
Being in Bluffton, South Carolina has great advantages with location, easy living, and good friends that were made. The biggest problem, though, is finding good doctors. I have had to drive to Savannah, Georgia, for some appointments, which is about 30-40 minutes, which isn't a bad drive. I have my Neurologist in Port Royal, SC, which is about the same distance from us only going North.
The other issue is finding a specialist that takes our insurance too. I thought I found one in Savannah, who takes our insurance, said they were taking new patients, and had my Neurologists office send all my information. I was told I would be called to make an appointment, either on Monday afternoon or sometime on Tuesday of this present week, September 24 or 25.
I waited and waited, but I did not hear from anyone. By early afternoon, on Tuesday, I placed a call to the doctor's office in Savannah, Georgia. I was put into voice mail and I left a message with her nurse. I did not receive a call back on Tuesday and I am still waiting for a call today, Wednesday. I even called my Neurologist, on Tuesday late afternoon, to let them know I had no response yet from this doctor and they placed a call to get someone but also was put into voicemail. How can a doctor's office calling another doctor's office, not get a response back?
S o o o o, I let my fingers do some walking on the Internet to find a doctor maybe in Charleston. Charleston is a longer drive, about 2-1/2 hours but we are willing to go anywhere to get the help we might need. I did find another doctor in Charleston, who takes our insurance, called my Neurologist's office today, gave them the information, and they were going to try and get an appointment for me. Again, I have not heard a thing! If this new doctor I am trying to get, does not respond either, I have another one to call. Why is this being so hard? Can't someone understand that the person who has an issue with any part of their body, needs to have an answer to put their mind at ease or for them to determine what their next step would be, to handle the problem?
This is so frustrating!!!!
I have hooked up with a local support group. I am not actually a leader for the group, but someone that will help them out. The group is mainly made up with people from Sun City, though there are a couple of us "outsiders". It has been hard to fit with this group, as conversations tend to go with the doings at Sun City and they want to socialize. So far, not a lot has been accomplished, but I hope I can help out with this issue.
I have a hard time following conversations when multiple conversations are going at once. I get distracted, from the main speaker, when people are having "side bar chats". I have decided now to ask people to not talk while someone is talking. As I usually say, "One Conversation at a Time". You would think that this would be common sense but I also realize the need to say something before it is forgotten. We just have to learn to take our turns.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Where is the time going?
It is almost Fall! The start of craft shows, warm apple cider, fires in the fireplace, cooler nights, and beautiful days. Before you know it, it will the holidays.
We have had a busy summer this year. We spent a good portion of July in California and in August, we had Gabe and Sophia, our grandchildren, stay with us for a few days. Tony and Abby were finally able to see our house in South Carolina and that was very special. We don't get a chance to see any of the family much, so this visit was wonderful.
We continue to change things around the house. Right now, a bookcase is being built for either my craft room or maybe the office. We are not sure where it should go. The craft room is looking pretty good as we had put up a shelf above my work table, that holds baskets right now but it looks great. It has given the room a more finished look. It is still a work in process.
I will have a girlfriend from High School visiting this weekend, September 15-18. We have stayed in touch all these years, since 1971. I have a few other friends that I also stay in touch with from High School but Cathy will be the first one to visit.
I have to come up with ideas for sightseeing. She likes history and there is definitely history around here. We only have a couple of days to visit so we need to plan the best sites in a short amount of time. I guess it is time to let my fingers to do the walking on the Internet.
I did get good news about my eyes. They are both doing just fine. The specialist said he saw a couple of small spots that looked to be swelling but it was not anything for him to worry about right now. I am to have my ophthalmologist keep an eye on them, which I see every three months.
I also had two MRI's done, one last week for my brain, and this week for the neck and spine. I will see my neurologist in a couple of weeks to get the results. I am still on the oral drug called Gilenya. This may change once I see the doctor. I have had issues with walking and stumbling but I haven't fallen, which is a very good thing.
We keep looking at trips or cruises but we haven't decided on anything. My issue is the walking of places. I would like to see so many different things but I have to either not see them or to figure out a way to do so. So far, the figuring out has not been very successful. It is so very hard to not be able to do things without a second thought. I have to plan for my energy and the length of time of walking. I have to make sure I am not in really hot heat for a long time without getting my body core back down to better temperature. If not, I won't be able to function for very long. You would think that the cold would be better for me, but if the cold is too cold, my legs won't function either. Can't win either way!
We are doing well in South Carolina. We have really gotten into the slower pace. We don't seem to worry about things as much as we did in California. Going out on the boat is so relaxing. We go about 4 mph. and that is all the way in speed. It is OK, as we have nothing else to worry about right now.
We have had a busy summer this year. We spent a good portion of July in California and in August, we had Gabe and Sophia, our grandchildren, stay with us for a few days. Tony and Abby were finally able to see our house in South Carolina and that was very special. We don't get a chance to see any of the family much, so this visit was wonderful.
We continue to change things around the house. Right now, a bookcase is being built for either my craft room or maybe the office. We are not sure where it should go. The craft room is looking pretty good as we had put up a shelf above my work table, that holds baskets right now but it looks great. It has given the room a more finished look. It is still a work in process.
I will have a girlfriend from High School visiting this weekend, September 15-18. We have stayed in touch all these years, since 1971. I have a few other friends that I also stay in touch with from High School but Cathy will be the first one to visit.
I have to come up with ideas for sightseeing. She likes history and there is definitely history around here. We only have a couple of days to visit so we need to plan the best sites in a short amount of time. I guess it is time to let my fingers to do the walking on the Internet.
I did get good news about my eyes. They are both doing just fine. The specialist said he saw a couple of small spots that looked to be swelling but it was not anything for him to worry about right now. I am to have my ophthalmologist keep an eye on them, which I see every three months.
I also had two MRI's done, one last week for my brain, and this week for the neck and spine. I will see my neurologist in a couple of weeks to get the results. I am still on the oral drug called Gilenya. This may change once I see the doctor. I have had issues with walking and stumbling but I haven't fallen, which is a very good thing.
We keep looking at trips or cruises but we haven't decided on anything. My issue is the walking of places. I would like to see so many different things but I have to either not see them or to figure out a way to do so. So far, the figuring out has not been very successful. It is so very hard to not be able to do things without a second thought. I have to plan for my energy and the length of time of walking. I have to make sure I am not in really hot heat for a long time without getting my body core back down to better temperature. If not, I won't be able to function for very long. You would think that the cold would be better for me, but if the cold is too cold, my legs won't function either. Can't win either way!
We are doing well in South Carolina. We have really gotten into the slower pace. We don't seem to worry about things as much as we did in California. Going out on the boat is so relaxing. We go about 4 mph. and that is all the way in speed. It is OK, as we have nothing else to worry about right now.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Where did the summer go?
I just saw that I have not blogged for over 2 months. WOW! It wasn't because I didn't have anything to say, it was because I was away from my computer.
We spent a good portion of July in California. There was bid that was being worked on and it was important that Clark got it. The work has been slow coming into the company and things were getting tough regarding whether to lay anyone off or where to cut expenses. The stuff that most companies have had to face with this economy.
I am proud to say that the job was awarded to Clark for about $127 million dollars. The job will be taking about two (2) years to complete. It should keep people working for awhile.
The weather has been quite warm to down right hot around here. We have been told to wait until September/October as the weather will become very comfortable and enjoyable to do things outside again. I can't wait.
We are having Gabe and Sophia with us for a week. It has been an adjustment for everyone but we are working through it and I think things will get better and better as time goes on. We were excited for them to stay with us as they were to spend time with us. Sophia helped her Pop Pop clean the Duffy boat inside and out. She was a big help in sweeping and washing things off.
Gabe, Sophia, and Pop Pop are at the swimming pool again today. Many times they want to go to the pool a couple of times a day. There is a lazy river set up as part of the pool and the current is pretty strong. You take a floaty to hang onto and away you go. I had a hard time getting my feet under me to stand up to get into slow water. It was a fun time especially going through the little water fall. Sophia wanted me to do this with her many times. I just have an issue with floating anyway. I can even float in a bathtub.
This was actually my first time in the pool. I wasn't sure how I would handle it but I did OK. The hardest part for me was walking on the pool deck. I was catching my toes and it didn't feel very good. As good as it felt in the pool, we had to get out because another rain storm was coming again. No lightening but we did hear thunder. We made it back home before the first rain drops fell.
We had asked Gabe and Sophia what they wanted as far as dinners were concerned during the week. The first request was for TACO's. I made it up for dinner and there wasn't anything left for leftovers. Gabe made sure of that! We all enjoyed the dinner as Dad and I haven't had taco's in a very long time. See what the kids are helping us with--having dinners that we hadn't thought about having.
Our next activity will be finding the Putt-Putt golf. There are three on Hilton Head but we are trying to decide on which one to go too. I am pretty sure we have narrowed it down but I am not sure if the trip will be today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday). The time is getting close for our afternoon showers.
Frankie has become a fixture on our Duffy boat. He always wants to get "on board" and even goes to the slider at the back door to try and say he wants to go out on the boat. It happens everyday about 5:00. Then he will tell us when it is about 6:00 for dinner. This is a smart dog, for sure.
All the houses on our street have been finished. The one next door I was so happy to see done as everything the workers were using usually wound up in our yard or they just took over our space for their own supplies. Irritating to me but not to Dad. He works in construction so he didn't see a problem. In fact, even the noise of the saws and the air guns didn't phase him a bit. The doors did remain shut just the same.
All the neighbors are great. We have get togethers at each others home usually once or twice a month. It is nice to be able to do that now. In California, people came home, drove into their garage, door goes down, and you never see them again. Such a difference with the friendliness and the waving hello to everyone. This is becoming our home more and more each day.
We spent a good portion of July in California. There was bid that was being worked on and it was important that Clark got it. The work has been slow coming into the company and things were getting tough regarding whether to lay anyone off or where to cut expenses. The stuff that most companies have had to face with this economy.
I am proud to say that the job was awarded to Clark for about $127 million dollars. The job will be taking about two (2) years to complete. It should keep people working for awhile.
The weather has been quite warm to down right hot around here. We have been told to wait until September/October as the weather will become very comfortable and enjoyable to do things outside again. I can't wait.
We are having Gabe and Sophia with us for a week. It has been an adjustment for everyone but we are working through it and I think things will get better and better as time goes on. We were excited for them to stay with us as they were to spend time with us. Sophia helped her Pop Pop clean the Duffy boat inside and out. She was a big help in sweeping and washing things off.
Gabe, Sophia, and Pop Pop are at the swimming pool again today. Many times they want to go to the pool a couple of times a day. There is a lazy river set up as part of the pool and the current is pretty strong. You take a floaty to hang onto and away you go. I had a hard time getting my feet under me to stand up to get into slow water. It was a fun time especially going through the little water fall. Sophia wanted me to do this with her many times. I just have an issue with floating anyway. I can even float in a bathtub.
This was actually my first time in the pool. I wasn't sure how I would handle it but I did OK. The hardest part for me was walking on the pool deck. I was catching my toes and it didn't feel very good. As good as it felt in the pool, we had to get out because another rain storm was coming again. No lightening but we did hear thunder. We made it back home before the first rain drops fell.
We had asked Gabe and Sophia what they wanted as far as dinners were concerned during the week. The first request was for TACO's. I made it up for dinner and there wasn't anything left for leftovers. Gabe made sure of that! We all enjoyed the dinner as Dad and I haven't had taco's in a very long time. See what the kids are helping us with--having dinners that we hadn't thought about having.
Our next activity will be finding the Putt-Putt golf. There are three on Hilton Head but we are trying to decide on which one to go too. I am pretty sure we have narrowed it down but I am not sure if the trip will be today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday). The time is getting close for our afternoon showers.
Frankie has become a fixture on our Duffy boat. He always wants to get "on board" and even goes to the slider at the back door to try and say he wants to go out on the boat. It happens everyday about 5:00. Then he will tell us when it is about 6:00 for dinner. This is a smart dog, for sure.
All the houses on our street have been finished. The one next door I was so happy to see done as everything the workers were using usually wound up in our yard or they just took over our space for their own supplies. Irritating to me but not to Dad. He works in construction so he didn't see a problem. In fact, even the noise of the saws and the air guns didn't phase him a bit. The doors did remain shut just the same.
All the neighbors are great. We have get togethers at each others home usually once or twice a month. It is nice to be able to do that now. In California, people came home, drove into their garage, door goes down, and you never see them again. Such a difference with the friendliness and the waving hello to everyone. This is becoming our home more and more each day.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Proof Reading
I need to take the time to proof read my posts. I usually do but this last post I didn't. I read it after it was sent and boy, I did mess up some. I do hope everyone could get the idea of what was being said. My mind was thinking faster than I was typing or I went back and read a section, made changes, and did not check to make sure everything flowed correctly, and I left behind extra words, and no sense at times.
Just to update on the last message about June. I have my ticket to California but a place to stay has not been determined yet. Clark has a condo in Long Beach that employees can stay in from time to time. Sam will be inquiring about this condo for us to stay in while there instead of a hotel. If we can get this, then we will bring Frankie. We both do not want to leave him for this week, in a cage, without making it comfortable for him. He is like a puppy with an attitude. Frankie just will not understand why he is being left. On short trips, this is OK as he also knows we will be back. With leaving him at the vet for a week, having his teeth cleaned too, while we are gone, will make the situation and his going to the vet, a terrible experience. (I know I would not like it). Frankie is part of the family.
I have so many little projects to get down around the house and I don't know where to begin. I know, at the beginning...he he. I just need to concentrate on one thing at a time instead of trying to do all the projects at once; nothing is resolved at that point.
Today is a new day and a renewed desire to finish at least one of the projects. Hey, It's a start! One of the bigger projects is to update my paper address book, update the house phones with names and numbers, update our cell phones with the same information, and then put everything on the computer's address book. Can you see why it is taking me so long to finish.
I then have to move all my documents, photos, etc. from the mac and me accounts to I Cloud as Apple has decided to stop using the @mac.com and @me.com. What a chore this one is too! I read the directions and it is also in multiple steps. I will need to sync my I Phone and I Pad to the computer, check to make sure everything has been moved to where it should be, and then do the update. Sam doesn't have the patience to mess with this chore. I don't mind doing it, but I dislike being interrupted in my concentration. This happens frequently...
Why can't life be a little easier? I guess we wouldn't grow and learn if it was too easy. This will make one a better person; one of which should be able to handle anything that might come along. I still would like to see how that easier feeling, feels like, but I just don't think it will be happening anytime soon.
Just to update on the last message about June. I have my ticket to California but a place to stay has not been determined yet. Clark has a condo in Long Beach that employees can stay in from time to time. Sam will be inquiring about this condo for us to stay in while there instead of a hotel. If we can get this, then we will bring Frankie. We both do not want to leave him for this week, in a cage, without making it comfortable for him. He is like a puppy with an attitude. Frankie just will not understand why he is being left. On short trips, this is OK as he also knows we will be back. With leaving him at the vet for a week, having his teeth cleaned too, while we are gone, will make the situation and his going to the vet, a terrible experience. (I know I would not like it). Frankie is part of the family.
I have so many little projects to get down around the house and I don't know where to begin. I know, at the beginning...he he. I just need to concentrate on one thing at a time instead of trying to do all the projects at once; nothing is resolved at that point.
Today is a new day and a renewed desire to finish at least one of the projects. Hey, It's a start! One of the bigger projects is to update my paper address book, update the house phones with names and numbers, update our cell phones with the same information, and then put everything on the computer's address book. Can you see why it is taking me so long to finish.
I then have to move all my documents, photos, etc. from the mac and me accounts to I Cloud as Apple has decided to stop using the @mac.com and @me.com. What a chore this one is too! I read the directions and it is also in multiple steps. I will need to sync my I Phone and I Pad to the computer, check to make sure everything has been moved to where it should be, and then do the update. Sam doesn't have the patience to mess with this chore. I don't mind doing it, but I dislike being interrupted in my concentration. This happens frequently...
Why can't life be a little easier? I guess we wouldn't grow and learn if it was too easy. This will make one a better person; one of which should be able to handle anything that might come along. I still would like to see how that easier feeling, feels like, but I just don't think it will be happening anytime soon.
Friday, June 1, 2012
WOW, Its JUNE!
Ok, that sentence is nothing really special except we are in the sixth month already. Today is also the start of hurricane season. I didn't think I would be talking or thinking about hurricanes. Our newspaper gave the list of names for the hurricanes this year. Chris will be the next name used with Tony further down on the list. Hmmm, I wonder what type of hurricanes they will be...
We will be celebrating our wedding anniversary this year in California. We will be there for about a week. Frankie won't be able to go with us this time. He will have to be boarded at the Vet. He never has had to do this as he was boarded at someone's home. We are concerned how he will take this change. He will be put into a small cage and will not have the freedom he usually has while at home. We both wish we could take him but the California plans will not allow it.
My craft table has been started. It has been so warm to hot, the last few days (take goodness for A/C), that it makes working in the garage almost impossible. At least a little bit has been done so I can wait a little while longer.
Our neighborhood is changing again. The lot next to us had been sold and the house is now going up. It will be the last house in our section. We are missing the openness that was provided to us when the house wasn't there. Of course we have said to ourselves, we should have purchased that lot. If we had, we would have had to pay HOA fees in addition to our present house. We pay two separate fees now.
I am pretty sure we have all of our doctors set up now. I have another new appointment to go too but the rest are complete. We saw our new dentist on Thursday and it was a fantastic experience. They used different tools. To take pictures of your mouth, the hygienist used a hand held camera that was the size of a wand. The pictures taken went straight to their computer. They now had a pictures of your teeth and then could add any further detail. The office also had something that looked like a black light that she used to look into your mouth. This device could tell whether you had cavities or problems with your mouth for the dentist to take a look further. I go back in two weeks to have a spot on the inside of my left cheek rechecked to see if it is still there or has gone away. Of course, my mind is going crazy but I was also told not to worry about it. If it was still there, then the next step will be to an oral surgeon. So, I wait.
This office, though, has been the best we have ever gone too. They all are so pleasant, the cleaning was easy and not rough as the last one was in California. They have TV's in each exam room. One of the rooms is for kids only and they show cartoons or shows that would interest the age of the child. Where was this when the kids were growing up?!
We had a problem with the Duffy boat the other day. We took it out and before we went too far, we lost power or just about. We called the gate house to try and find someone to help. We were had to go backwards in order to go forwards. The boat corrected this situation so the boat could go forward as it should have been doing, but it did it on its own. We made it back to the house but just barely. A repair service was contacted and we learned that the Duffy boat needs to be on a charge all the time. We were told the batteries just ran out of juice. We would charge the boat for most of a day or after taking it our and then take it off the charge at night fall. The boat has now been on a charge for the last couple of days but one particular person is anxious to get back out on the lake. Sunday will be the day.
We had Karen and Eddie spend the Memorial Day weekend with us. Karen had a conference in Washington DC and was able to stop for a visit on her return home. They did have to cut it short when Beryl decided to pay South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida a little visit. Karen and Eddie were able to make it back home before the heavy rain started. Florida did lose some power but we didn't have any problem. Beryl started as a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and almost to hurricane force, Category 1, status. It stayed a storm when it reached land fall and slowly left the area after drenching the states with much needed water. Everyone has been dealing with drought conditions, that this soaking was a welcomed relief.
June is now starting to look full already. Between appointments, social events at the clubhouse, and trying to complete projects, we are busy. What happened to taking it easy?
We will be celebrating our wedding anniversary this year in California. We will be there for about a week. Frankie won't be able to go with us this time. He will have to be boarded at the Vet. He never has had to do this as he was boarded at someone's home. We are concerned how he will take this change. He will be put into a small cage and will not have the freedom he usually has while at home. We both wish we could take him but the California plans will not allow it.
My craft table has been started. It has been so warm to hot, the last few days (take goodness for A/C), that it makes working in the garage almost impossible. At least a little bit has been done so I can wait a little while longer.
Our neighborhood is changing again. The lot next to us had been sold and the house is now going up. It will be the last house in our section. We are missing the openness that was provided to us when the house wasn't there. Of course we have said to ourselves, we should have purchased that lot. If we had, we would have had to pay HOA fees in addition to our present house. We pay two separate fees now.
I am pretty sure we have all of our doctors set up now. I have another new appointment to go too but the rest are complete. We saw our new dentist on Thursday and it was a fantastic experience. They used different tools. To take pictures of your mouth, the hygienist used a hand held camera that was the size of a wand. The pictures taken went straight to their computer. They now had a pictures of your teeth and then could add any further detail. The office also had something that looked like a black light that she used to look into your mouth. This device could tell whether you had cavities or problems with your mouth for the dentist to take a look further. I go back in two weeks to have a spot on the inside of my left cheek rechecked to see if it is still there or has gone away. Of course, my mind is going crazy but I was also told not to worry about it. If it was still there, then the next step will be to an oral surgeon. So, I wait.
This office, though, has been the best we have ever gone too. They all are so pleasant, the cleaning was easy and not rough as the last one was in California. They have TV's in each exam room. One of the rooms is for kids only and they show cartoons or shows that would interest the age of the child. Where was this when the kids were growing up?!
We had a problem with the Duffy boat the other day. We took it out and before we went too far, we lost power or just about. We called the gate house to try and find someone to help. We were had to go backwards in order to go forwards. The boat corrected this situation so the boat could go forward as it should have been doing, but it did it on its own. We made it back to the house but just barely. A repair service was contacted and we learned that the Duffy boat needs to be on a charge all the time. We were told the batteries just ran out of juice. We would charge the boat for most of a day or after taking it our and then take it off the charge at night fall. The boat has now been on a charge for the last couple of days but one particular person is anxious to get back out on the lake. Sunday will be the day.
We had Karen and Eddie spend the Memorial Day weekend with us. Karen had a conference in Washington DC and was able to stop for a visit on her return home. They did have to cut it short when Beryl decided to pay South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida a little visit. Karen and Eddie were able to make it back home before the heavy rain started. Florida did lose some power but we didn't have any problem. Beryl started as a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and almost to hurricane force, Category 1, status. It stayed a storm when it reached land fall and slowly left the area after drenching the states with much needed water. Everyone has been dealing with drought conditions, that this soaking was a welcomed relief.
June is now starting to look full already. Between appointments, social events at the clubhouse, and trying to complete projects, we are busy. What happened to taking it easy?
Monday, April 30, 2012
New Medication
I will be starting a new oral MS drug called Gilenya on Monday, May 7. I will be arriving at 9:00 am and then spend the next 6 hours in the doctors office. This drug can cause heart problems and this is why they want you to start it first with them. I don't anticipate any problems. I have to make sure I bring things to do, things I might want to snack on, reading material, etc. Oh yeah, and wear comfortable clothing.
I am going to be getting the new Nicholas Spark's book by the end of this week, so I am sure I will read the whole book while there.
I attended a support group last Friday but I wasn't able to stay very long as I had to go to a doctor's appointment on Hilton Head. It can take about 30 minutes to get over there depending on traffic. It was just a check up from my surgery on that Monday. I am doing fine by the way and the Botox in the bladder has helped. It is so strange not to have those urges to rush to the bathroom but I can go when I want or need too. I know...too much information or TMI.
We still haven't pin down a general doctor yet but we are closer. It is down to two. We can go with a service of several doctors or a single doctor. We like the service of several doctors because this facility has everything you would need. If you need an x-ray, or a blood test, you won't have to anywhere as it will all be right there. The single doctor has just moved from New York but he has a number of years experience. He is just starting to get his patiences for his practice so that might be a good one.
I am going to start with a personal trainer in a couple of days. Hampton Lake has a fitness center and you have a chance to either work with a trainer or not. I just elected to work with one. The fitness center is aware of my MS so I will see how everything plays out.
I am going to be getting the new Nicholas Spark's book by the end of this week, so I am sure I will read the whole book while there.
I attended a support group last Friday but I wasn't able to stay very long as I had to go to a doctor's appointment on Hilton Head. It can take about 30 minutes to get over there depending on traffic. It was just a check up from my surgery on that Monday. I am doing fine by the way and the Botox in the bladder has helped. It is so strange not to have those urges to rush to the bathroom but I can go when I want or need too. I know...too much information or TMI.
We still haven't pin down a general doctor yet but we are closer. It is down to two. We can go with a service of several doctors or a single doctor. We like the service of several doctors because this facility has everything you would need. If you need an x-ray, or a blood test, you won't have to anywhere as it will all be right there. The single doctor has just moved from New York but he has a number of years experience. He is just starting to get his patiences for his practice so that might be a good one.
I am going to start with a personal trainer in a couple of days. Hampton Lake has a fitness center and you have a chance to either work with a trainer or not. I just elected to work with one. The fitness center is aware of my MS so I will see how everything plays out.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Changes
It has been a busy couple of weeks around here. Sam had been flying back and forth to Canada for about a month, in hopes of landing a large project for Clark Construction. Alas, it wasn't meant to be as they lost to a Canadian company. They gave it their best effort though but everyone seemed a little defeated.
I have finally connected with 3 new doctors. The first being my neurologist. He is a good looking doc if I say so myself. He is changing the medication that I have taken since 1997, Avonex. He is changing it to Gilenya. It is a new oral drug and it is stronger than the Avonex. Dr. Bettle said because I had been having flare-ups, the Avonex was not doing its job.
Gilenya has been talked about a lot in the news because of a serious side effect. It can affect your heart. Some people have died but those looking out for things like this, are not sure if it was the new drug or something else they were taking. A report on their findings should be out tomorrow. I have NOT started it as they will have the drug made, mail it to me, and then I will call Dr. Bettle to set up an appointment with him at his office. The first dose is done in the office so they can keep an eye on you for any complications. They have many of their patients on this drug without any problem. I have to stay for 6 hours during this monitoring and I will be checked every hour. Your heart could slow down and this is why you take the first dose with them. It does recover but it doesn't happen real fast.
Based on this, you may be saying to yourself - why am I doing this? I trust what my doctor has told me, I have checked online for information, and I won't have to give me a shot every week into my thigh. I have an opthamologist, taking care of my eyes, to make sure there is no problem with them on this drug.
I have a new psychiatrist for my depression. He also changed my medication by increasing one of the drugs. He seems OK but I will wait and see how it goes. He is different. His office is on the second floor and I have to go up stairs to get to it. I don't have a problem doing this feat right now but I am not sure what would happen if I am not able. I am not sure if he has another office. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
I also have a new urologist because of an over active bladder. I have dealt with this problem for many years. What my doctor is going to do is use Botox to calm it down. I will have this procedure on Monday, April 23. I am not going into details on what will be done unless someone wants that information. Just let me know an I will send the information by separate email.
We still need to find a general doctor and my female doctor. When you can't get a referral from someone, you just have to close your eyes and pick one. We also look for someone close to us if we can, though we have had to drive into Savannah for doctors. Savannah is about a half hour from us so it doesn't take much time to get there.
We still haven't straighten out the 2nd bedroom. It doesn't have as many boxes as before but the room needs a makeover. This was my room to do my scrap booking and other crafts in and so far it is a catch all for everything we don't know where else to put it. We do have nothing but time so it isn't a big priority except maybe to me. he he. We did get new pillows for the chairs and couch in the family room. They look pretty good. I went and used a brighter color to give it a little pop! Sounds like one of those home shows.
We are planning a cruise to Western Europe September 1. We will fly into Barcelona, Spain, and depart from there. We will then go to Naples/Pompeii, Italy, Livorno (Florence/Pisa) Italy, Cannes, France, Marseille, France, and then back to Barcelona. It will be a 7 day trip. We will probably stay a day in Barcelona before flying back home. This will be our first trip to Europe. It will take us about 17 hours to fly there between the layovers and time changes. On the way over, we will stop twice but on the way back, it will only be once. Why they don't have a flight like that going, is any bodies guess.
The MS Walk happens next month but we will be missing it this year. In June will be the golf tournament for Betty's Builders, so we decided to fly then rather than for both. We haven't missed that walk in over 10 years, so it is a little strange not participating.
We are meeting the neighbors on our street and everyone has been wonderful. The last house will be built on the lot right next to us and this will be the last one. Our street will be finished. We wished we had purchased this lot but we were too late. We will just have close neighbors. It will be good ...
I have finally connected with 3 new doctors. The first being my neurologist. He is a good looking doc if I say so myself. He is changing the medication that I have taken since 1997, Avonex. He is changing it to Gilenya. It is a new oral drug and it is stronger than the Avonex. Dr. Bettle said because I had been having flare-ups, the Avonex was not doing its job.
Gilenya has been talked about a lot in the news because of a serious side effect. It can affect your heart. Some people have died but those looking out for things like this, are not sure if it was the new drug or something else they were taking. A report on their findings should be out tomorrow. I have NOT started it as they will have the drug made, mail it to me, and then I will call Dr. Bettle to set up an appointment with him at his office. The first dose is done in the office so they can keep an eye on you for any complications. They have many of their patients on this drug without any problem. I have to stay for 6 hours during this monitoring and I will be checked every hour. Your heart could slow down and this is why you take the first dose with them. It does recover but it doesn't happen real fast.
Based on this, you may be saying to yourself - why am I doing this? I trust what my doctor has told me, I have checked online for information, and I won't have to give me a shot every week into my thigh. I have an opthamologist, taking care of my eyes, to make sure there is no problem with them on this drug.
I have a new psychiatrist for my depression. He also changed my medication by increasing one of the drugs. He seems OK but I will wait and see how it goes. He is different. His office is on the second floor and I have to go up stairs to get to it. I don't have a problem doing this feat right now but I am not sure what would happen if I am not able. I am not sure if he has another office. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
I also have a new urologist because of an over active bladder. I have dealt with this problem for many years. What my doctor is going to do is use Botox to calm it down. I will have this procedure on Monday, April 23. I am not going into details on what will be done unless someone wants that information. Just let me know an I will send the information by separate email.
We still need to find a general doctor and my female doctor. When you can't get a referral from someone, you just have to close your eyes and pick one. We also look for someone close to us if we can, though we have had to drive into Savannah for doctors. Savannah is about a half hour from us so it doesn't take much time to get there.
We still haven't straighten out the 2nd bedroom. It doesn't have as many boxes as before but the room needs a makeover. This was my room to do my scrap booking and other crafts in and so far it is a catch all for everything we don't know where else to put it. We do have nothing but time so it isn't a big priority except maybe to me. he he. We did get new pillows for the chairs and couch in the family room. They look pretty good. I went and used a brighter color to give it a little pop! Sounds like one of those home shows.
We are planning a cruise to Western Europe September 1. We will fly into Barcelona, Spain, and depart from there. We will then go to Naples/Pompeii, Italy, Livorno (Florence/Pisa) Italy, Cannes, France, Marseille, France, and then back to Barcelona. It will be a 7 day trip. We will probably stay a day in Barcelona before flying back home. This will be our first trip to Europe. It will take us about 17 hours to fly there between the layovers and time changes. On the way over, we will stop twice but on the way back, it will only be once. Why they don't have a flight like that going, is any bodies guess.
The MS Walk happens next month but we will be missing it this year. In June will be the golf tournament for Betty's Builders, so we decided to fly then rather than for both. We haven't missed that walk in over 10 years, so it is a little strange not participating.
We are meeting the neighbors on our street and everyone has been wonderful. The last house will be built on the lot right next to us and this will be the last one. Our street will be finished. We wished we had purchased this lot but we were too late. We will just have close neighbors. It will be good ...
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The Waiting Game
We have two waiting games going on for us right now. I am waiting to hear from my neurologist to tell me if I am a candidate to start on Gilenya. I had the blood test and the eye exam. I think because of the holiday, it may be later next week before I find out anything. The reading material I received has been read several times. I did check online for any further information but it all basically said what the reading material said. My neurologist felt that the Avonex was a weaker drug and Gilenya is better. I have been on Avonex since 1997. I would imagine that the other drugs would have a different affect on me and still reach the same conclusion, to cut down the flare-ups that I have been having and slow things down.
There will be two other drugs coming out later this year. One of the new ones, did read very hopeful. It is now being reviewed by the FDA. Right now it is called BG-12. I could wait for that one too if I am not able to take the Gilenya.
The other waiting game has to do with my better half. All the work has been done, the presentation to the owners was a success, and now everyone waits to hear about the decision as to whom will be building the Edmonton Oilers Arena. Clark Construction is hoping they will be awarded this project. It will be the first job outside the US. I have met the Canadian folks that are joint venturing with Clark on this job, and they are very nice. I have already been asked to visit if Sam needs to go there. I wish I could share the renderings of the arena, but they are confidential right now. It is neat though!
I also just found out that if Clark Construction has been chosen, and I think they will, it will mean that we will either go back to California (San Diego area) or to Edmonton, Canada, for a year. What I think will happen is this: We will go back to the San Diego area and Sam will fly back and forth to Canada from there. We should know what the decision will be by the middle of next week, April 9-13.
We ordered patio furniture finally. We are getting another chair, that rocks and swivels, a love seat, a side table, and a coffee table. We still don't have a dining table for the chairs to go around but at least we have a little more seating. That table will be next on the list, so we can have meals outside.
We are slowly moving out of boxes. The book case from IKEA is already full. We will need to get another piece of furniture to hold the other things we have that hasn't found a home yet. I am hoping very soon that I will have my space to do my crafts and scrap booking. It will be so nice when I don't have to put everything away because someone wanted to see the house.
Speaking of the house, the California house should have a closing date sometime next week. It will depend on how fast all the papers are put together for escrow. All the documents are there, but someone has to put it all together and they aren't in a rush like the rest of us. It is still a go for the sale and it will such a relief to have that portion behind us.
There will be two other drugs coming out later this year. One of the new ones, did read very hopeful. It is now being reviewed by the FDA. Right now it is called BG-12. I could wait for that one too if I am not able to take the Gilenya.
The other waiting game has to do with my better half. All the work has been done, the presentation to the owners was a success, and now everyone waits to hear about the decision as to whom will be building the Edmonton Oilers Arena. Clark Construction is hoping they will be awarded this project. It will be the first job outside the US. I have met the Canadian folks that are joint venturing with Clark on this job, and they are very nice. I have already been asked to visit if Sam needs to go there. I wish I could share the renderings of the arena, but they are confidential right now. It is neat though!
I also just found out that if Clark Construction has been chosen, and I think they will, it will mean that we will either go back to California (San Diego area) or to Edmonton, Canada, for a year. What I think will happen is this: We will go back to the San Diego area and Sam will fly back and forth to Canada from there. We should know what the decision will be by the middle of next week, April 9-13.
We ordered patio furniture finally. We are getting another chair, that rocks and swivels, a love seat, a side table, and a coffee table. We still don't have a dining table for the chairs to go around but at least we have a little more seating. That table will be next on the list, so we can have meals outside.
We are slowly moving out of boxes. The book case from IKEA is already full. We will need to get another piece of furniture to hold the other things we have that hasn't found a home yet. I am hoping very soon that I will have my space to do my crafts and scrap booking. It will be so nice when I don't have to put everything away because someone wanted to see the house.
Speaking of the house, the California house should have a closing date sometime next week. It will depend on how fast all the papers are put together for escrow. All the documents are there, but someone has to put it all together and they aren't in a rush like the rest of us. It is still a go for the sale and it will such a relief to have that portion behind us.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
New Doctor is Wonderful
I had a long appointment today but that was to be expected as a new patient. Dr. Bettler, who is German and has a great accent and is good looking (just sayin'), went over my records but did not want the paper version as he puts all his notes on his computer. This way he can pull up any of my information whenever or where ever he needs it.
He suggested for me to go on Gilenya, which is the first oral drug for MS. I did talk to him about people dying after taking this drug but he said it was only 5 people in Europe and they really aren't sure if it was the drug or something else. He also said the first dose is given in the doctor's office and you have to wait there for 6 hours to make sure you are not having any problems.
So I have reading material and other exams to go through before I start. This process will not be a quick one. Dr. Bettler said that the Avonex I am on now is not a strong medication anymore. Because I have had several flare ups recently, he said the Avonex is not working for me. He even said if he had a new patient, that person would be started on Gilenya. This drug it is to help stop the flare-ups and then I don't have to have steroids. That would be a very positive thing as I have had a lot of strong steroids by IV.
With one doctor down, I now have 5 more doctors to find and make appointments. Several of them are not close by but will require a little bit of travel. Savannah or Hilton Head are two of the locations which are both about a half hour or so away. Not too bad!
He suggested for me to go on Gilenya, which is the first oral drug for MS. I did talk to him about people dying after taking this drug but he said it was only 5 people in Europe and they really aren't sure if it was the drug or something else. He also said the first dose is given in the doctor's office and you have to wait there for 6 hours to make sure you are not having any problems.
So I have reading material and other exams to go through before I start. This process will not be a quick one. Dr. Bettler said that the Avonex I am on now is not a strong medication anymore. Because I have had several flare ups recently, he said the Avonex is not working for me. He even said if he had a new patient, that person would be started on Gilenya. This drug it is to help stop the flare-ups and then I don't have to have steroids. That would be a very positive thing as I have had a lot of strong steroids by IV.
With one doctor down, I now have 5 more doctors to find and make appointments. Several of them are not close by but will require a little bit of travel. Savannah or Hilton Head are two of the locations which are both about a half hour or so away. Not too bad!
House sold and a closing date
The CA house sold after we left and it should be closing next week. What a big relief! This has been a long process but one we are hoping to have finished soon. The buyers are very excited to get in and I really hope things will go smoothly on closing day. We haven't had to pay too much for any repairs - just some termite damage. Termites is an ongoing problem there and one we will not have to worry about anymore. YEA!
We are almost out of boxes. We just have one more bedroom to set up and it will actually be my craft room. Right now, we have to figure out how to get storage for all the scrap books I have that I haven't been able to do because of having to keep the CA house all clean and neat with the house on the market. Every time I would pull everything out then I would have to put every thing back because someone wanted to see the house. What a pain that was so I just gave up trying.
I have my first neurologist appointment today with a new doctor here in SC. I have a stack of medical records, starting from 2002, and a couple of CD's showing a couple of my MRI's to give him. It may be too much but at least I have something and the office will not have to wait for my records. I am a little nervous about him as I never received a recommendation for him except by the National MS Society. You would think that should be a good recommendation I could go by, but you never know. How is he around patients, what is his background with MS, etc. Questions I hope to have answered today. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor and have confidence in him or her, then it makes one question whether you will be able to call with a question or concern and he or she will respond.
On Monday, April 2, will be a VERY important day for Clark Construction. They will be presenting their proposal for the construction of the Edmonton Oilers Arena in Edmonton, Canada. I have seen the concept photos of what the owners want and it is a very futuristic building. I will make sure it will be OK to share photos and when I get the OK I will do just that.
Another flight to Canada will be occurring this Saturday with the presentation on Monday. It will be a large group, each giving their own piece of the the bid. A lot of stress is taking place right now and I need to be very careful of what I say, or do, or even ask for, as I never know what kind of reaction I will get. I know his mind right now is on that presentation. The pressure is tremendous. The company wants this job! I know it doesn't take one person but a team to accomplish this but it doesn't mean any less pressure.
It is starting to get warmer as the days are going by. Our house seems to stay pretty cool which is a good thing right now but I do know it will just get hotter. How will I do? Well, I have a couple of cooling vests to use and AC. I could also go to the clubhouse and read to use their AC. I will make it work or just deal with it the best I can.
A house will be started right next to us shortly. I am not ready for this to happen. We have had problems with the dust and noise from the completion of another house just a couple of lots over. Can you just imagine what the noise and dust and mess we will have and right next door? I can't even keep my house clean and dusted NOW! Maybe this would be a good time to go back to California for three months.
Our house is looking a little crowded with all our stuff now. I am sure it will be fine once we have things in place, pictures on the walls, and everything stored or put away. Right now ... the house could use some help. I try to work as long as I can but my legs won't let me go as long as I want. This may be a good thing as it causes me to take a break but I just sit and look at what needs to be done. We have all the time in the world to get it finished and I am sure it will be an ever changing project.
We are almost out of boxes. We just have one more bedroom to set up and it will actually be my craft room. Right now, we have to figure out how to get storage for all the scrap books I have that I haven't been able to do because of having to keep the CA house all clean and neat with the house on the market. Every time I would pull everything out then I would have to put every thing back because someone wanted to see the house. What a pain that was so I just gave up trying.
I have my first neurologist appointment today with a new doctor here in SC. I have a stack of medical records, starting from 2002, and a couple of CD's showing a couple of my MRI's to give him. It may be too much but at least I have something and the office will not have to wait for my records. I am a little nervous about him as I never received a recommendation for him except by the National MS Society. You would think that should be a good recommendation I could go by, but you never know. How is he around patients, what is his background with MS, etc. Questions I hope to have answered today. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor and have confidence in him or her, then it makes one question whether you will be able to call with a question or concern and he or she will respond.
On Monday, April 2, will be a VERY important day for Clark Construction. They will be presenting their proposal for the construction of the Edmonton Oilers Arena in Edmonton, Canada. I have seen the concept photos of what the owners want and it is a very futuristic building. I will make sure it will be OK to share photos and when I get the OK I will do just that.
Another flight to Canada will be occurring this Saturday with the presentation on Monday. It will be a large group, each giving their own piece of the the bid. A lot of stress is taking place right now and I need to be very careful of what I say, or do, or even ask for, as I never know what kind of reaction I will get. I know his mind right now is on that presentation. The pressure is tremendous. The company wants this job! I know it doesn't take one person but a team to accomplish this but it doesn't mean any less pressure.
It is starting to get warmer as the days are going by. Our house seems to stay pretty cool which is a good thing right now but I do know it will just get hotter. How will I do? Well, I have a couple of cooling vests to use and AC. I could also go to the clubhouse and read to use their AC. I will make it work or just deal with it the best I can.
A house will be started right next to us shortly. I am not ready for this to happen. We have had problems with the dust and noise from the completion of another house just a couple of lots over. Can you just imagine what the noise and dust and mess we will have and right next door? I can't even keep my house clean and dusted NOW! Maybe this would be a good time to go back to California for three months.
Our house is looking a little crowded with all our stuff now. I am sure it will be fine once we have things in place, pictures on the walls, and everything stored or put away. Right now ... the house could use some help. I try to work as long as I can but my legs won't let me go as long as I want. This may be a good thing as it causes me to take a break but I just sit and look at what needs to be done. We have all the time in the world to get it finished and I am sure it will be an ever changing project.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
New Blog Name
New blog name! Now that we have moved from California to South Carolina I needed to update. South Carolina Doings!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Here We Go Again!
Tomorrow will be packing day. It is so serial to know we will be flying by this weekend going to our home in Bluffton, South Carolina. We have been in California since the year 2000. We have felt small earthquakes but not the BIG ONE! We have enjoyed great weather and beautiful scenery. Where else can you go to the mountains and ski, come back home and go to the beach. Not having snow to shovel or to deal with drivers who do not know how to drive in snow, has been a plus.
We are leaving the traffic congestion, speeding everywhere, and all the celebrities. We are also leaving the high taxes, high prices for everything, and the lack of courtesy.
One thing that California did have, which was neat, is that drivers stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks! You never had to wait for a long time to cross the street. They would stop even if there wasn't technically a crosswalk but a place to cross. Amazing, considering it isn't this way in other parts of the country.
My day, today, will be very busy. I need to go through everything once more to make sure that things that need to stay, will, and things that need to go, will do just that. We also have to pack suitcases so we will have clothes for the rest of the week and next until our house things get to us.
I don't have help during the day but will have Sam (Dad) in the evening. I will then be in charge, on Tuesday, to assist the packers to know what is taken and what needs to be left behind. On Wednesday, I get a break as I will be attending a luncheon for me from my support group. Sam (Dad) will have the duty of getting my car picked up to ship and the moving company loading their van.
We are really hoping this will be our last move. It will depend on how I handle the heat and whether it is causing me problems. If my health is affected, we will move to some place cooler, if there is such a place.
We haven't had any offers to buy our house. We have had many lookers but no one wants to take that next step. The buyers are really searching for the best and lowest deal they can make. I really can't fault them, as we would be doing the same thing. We just wouldn't get a seller's hope up that an offer will be made and then nothing progresses. This is so hard on the emotions by having high hopes and then having it snatched away. On top of this stress then we have a move across country. It is hard at times, to keep everything together - emotions and organization. Questions fly and decisions have to be made.
Boy, I will be glad when this is over!!
We are leaving the traffic congestion, speeding everywhere, and all the celebrities. We are also leaving the high taxes, high prices for everything, and the lack of courtesy.
One thing that California did have, which was neat, is that drivers stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks! You never had to wait for a long time to cross the street. They would stop even if there wasn't technically a crosswalk but a place to cross. Amazing, considering it isn't this way in other parts of the country.
My day, today, will be very busy. I need to go through everything once more to make sure that things that need to stay, will, and things that need to go, will do just that. We also have to pack suitcases so we will have clothes for the rest of the week and next until our house things get to us.
I don't have help during the day but will have Sam (Dad) in the evening. I will then be in charge, on Tuesday, to assist the packers to know what is taken and what needs to be left behind. On Wednesday, I get a break as I will be attending a luncheon for me from my support group. Sam (Dad) will have the duty of getting my car picked up to ship and the moving company loading their van.
We are really hoping this will be our last move. It will depend on how I handle the heat and whether it is causing me problems. If my health is affected, we will move to some place cooler, if there is such a place.
We haven't had any offers to buy our house. We have had many lookers but no one wants to take that next step. The buyers are really searching for the best and lowest deal they can make. I really can't fault them, as we would be doing the same thing. We just wouldn't get a seller's hope up that an offer will be made and then nothing progresses. This is so hard on the emotions by having high hopes and then having it snatched away. On top of this stress then we have a move across country. It is hard at times, to keep everything together - emotions and organization. Questions fly and decisions have to be made.
Boy, I will be glad when this is over!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
THE TIME IS GETTING CLOSE TO MAKE THAT MOVE!
I can't believe how close the time is to make that move to South Carolina. I am in the process of making the last minute doctor's and dentist appointments and arranging to get copies of records.
The doctor's and dentist said they would forward the records once a new doctor has been chosen but I rather have my information on the off chance that the records do not arrive in a timely fashion. They might even be lost in the mail and I would have to do the asking all over again.
Sam/Dad is actually having to work all week this week. He has two projects that will be taking up his time. One is in Edmonton, Canada and the other is here in California, updating the Rose Bowl. The Canada job has not been awarded yet but the company has been working with their Canadian counterpart to get their proposal together. Sam will have times he will need to fly to Canada but he is prepared with his wardrobe as he had to get clothing when he flew to Fairbanks Alaska a few years back. The last time he talked to someone in Edmonton, it was -20 degrees. C...O...L...D!!!!!!
It is bittersweet when we leave permanently. We have made some good friends and established ourselves in the community. The MS Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter, know us as well as other MS Society's across the country. That is because I am a MS Ambassador for the Society. Sam and I will continue to fundraise and continue to have the golf tournament.
I did find out that there is not a MS Community yet in the Bluffton area. There are no support groups! I guess I know what I will be doing once I get settled. I need the support and I am sure others will too. I have already been in contact with the local society and once I am in Bluffton, South Carolina permanently, I will help get things moving.
The house still has not had any offers. This has been the most frustrating part of having the house up for sale. We lowered the price, the realtors who have looked at the house have said the house is well priced and should sell, we have had many open houses and continue to have, potential buyers have liked the upgrades and the view and yet we do not receive any contracts. One would be so nice!
Our realtor feels the market is getting a little better and sees people out at Open Houses. Anyone can go to an Open House. I just hope they are the people that want to buy.
Does it sound like I am being a little cynical right now? I am trying not to be but I am very anxious to sell because we will still be paying for two mortgages on a reduced salary. We will make it but it sure would be better if we were without that debt.
I am trying very hard to keep the faith that everything will work out. I pray everyday, several times a day, for that illusive contract. I know that things will happen in their own time but I sure wish it would happen sooner then later.
The doctor's and dentist said they would forward the records once a new doctor has been chosen but I rather have my information on the off chance that the records do not arrive in a timely fashion. They might even be lost in the mail and I would have to do the asking all over again.
Sam/Dad is actually having to work all week this week. He has two projects that will be taking up his time. One is in Edmonton, Canada and the other is here in California, updating the Rose Bowl. The Canada job has not been awarded yet but the company has been working with their Canadian counterpart to get their proposal together. Sam will have times he will need to fly to Canada but he is prepared with his wardrobe as he had to get clothing when he flew to Fairbanks Alaska a few years back. The last time he talked to someone in Edmonton, it was -20 degrees. C...O...L...D!!!!!!
It is bittersweet when we leave permanently. We have made some good friends and established ourselves in the community. The MS Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter, know us as well as other MS Society's across the country. That is because I am a MS Ambassador for the Society. Sam and I will continue to fundraise and continue to have the golf tournament.
I did find out that there is not a MS Community yet in the Bluffton area. There are no support groups! I guess I know what I will be doing once I get settled. I need the support and I am sure others will too. I have already been in contact with the local society and once I am in Bluffton, South Carolina permanently, I will help get things moving.
The house still has not had any offers. This has been the most frustrating part of having the house up for sale. We lowered the price, the realtors who have looked at the house have said the house is well priced and should sell, we have had many open houses and continue to have, potential buyers have liked the upgrades and the view and yet we do not receive any contracts. One would be so nice!
Our realtor feels the market is getting a little better and sees people out at Open Houses. Anyone can go to an Open House. I just hope they are the people that want to buy.
Does it sound like I am being a little cynical right now? I am trying not to be but I am very anxious to sell because we will still be paying for two mortgages on a reduced salary. We will make it but it sure would be better if we were without that debt.
I am trying very hard to keep the faith that everything will work out. I pray everyday, several times a day, for that illusive contract. I know that things will happen in their own time but I sure wish it would happen sooner then later.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Move is Happening
We now have a moving date (maybe). The date seems to be set and we have arranged everything with United Van Lines to pack us on one day and pick up the next. My car will be picked up the beginning of February to be transported to South Carolina. We will have to share the Explorer, that is the company truck, between us for a couple of weeks.
We have the house back on the market and we have had many views once again but no offers. Frustrating! We did have one couple back a second time which was unexpected as we did not know they were coming, the house was not straightened up, and the realtor thought we were not home so entered by the lock box. SURPRISE! There was even a couple that was tagging along with the realtor to see the property in addition to the couple seeing the second time.
We really didn't know what to do but we stayed out of the way the best everyone could. Tony, Abby, Gabe, Sophia, and us, just looked at one another. We did ask if they could come back in a half hour so we could present the house in a better condition but they didn't seem to mind.
I don't know where the break down in communication happened. The realtor that was showing the house said she made the appointment with our realtor. Our realtor did not say anything to us about anyone showing up. Was this a bad thing for us to have happen? Who knows, as it is what it is. If they were looking for that clean look then they should have given us the time to clean up.
We have gone through everything one more time to make sure we won't be taking anything we don't really need. We will be leaving a lot of furniture behind because, one, we won't need it for the South Carolina house, and two, so the house looks furnished. Once the house is sold, the furniture we have in the house will be donated to the Marines for the families that need help.
The move has been happening very quickly. I am on board with everything but I am still trying to get all the records and appointments needed done before the move. Always something happening with never a dull, boring moment.
Will this be our last move? I really hope so but I will not say never will we move again. I just wish we were closer to family but at least we will have the freedom to travel at our own time when we want and as long as we want.
We have the house back on the market and we have had many views once again but no offers. Frustrating! We did have one couple back a second time which was unexpected as we did not know they were coming, the house was not straightened up, and the realtor thought we were not home so entered by the lock box. SURPRISE! There was even a couple that was tagging along with the realtor to see the property in addition to the couple seeing the second time.
We really didn't know what to do but we stayed out of the way the best everyone could. Tony, Abby, Gabe, Sophia, and us, just looked at one another. We did ask if they could come back in a half hour so we could present the house in a better condition but they didn't seem to mind.
I don't know where the break down in communication happened. The realtor that was showing the house said she made the appointment with our realtor. Our realtor did not say anything to us about anyone showing up. Was this a bad thing for us to have happen? Who knows, as it is what it is. If they were looking for that clean look then they should have given us the time to clean up.
We have gone through everything one more time to make sure we won't be taking anything we don't really need. We will be leaving a lot of furniture behind because, one, we won't need it for the South Carolina house, and two, so the house looks furnished. Once the house is sold, the furniture we have in the house will be donated to the Marines for the families that need help.
The move has been happening very quickly. I am on board with everything but I am still trying to get all the records and appointments needed done before the move. Always something happening with never a dull, boring moment.
Will this be our last move? I really hope so but I will not say never will we move again. I just wish we were closer to family but at least we will have the freedom to travel at our own time when we want and as long as we want.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The foot is healing well
I just had a doctor's follow up yesterday and the foot is progressing very well. So well that he said I could go into a running shoe. Yea!
I am not having the problems that I had the last time (knock on wood) and I am very happy about that. I see the doctor again in three weeks but I am hoping that I won't have to see him before then. It did feel a little weird when I put a regular shoe on rather than the boot. I am getting used to the change.
I have now put on my AFO (a brace to keep my right foot up so I don't stumble ((at least that is the goal))). I didn't want to use it when I had the boot on my left foot. It would have been too much.
It will still take time for the foot to feel normal but I am just happy right now that I am not having the problems like last time. I guess the New Year of 2012 is going to be a better one for me.
I am not having the problems that I had the last time (knock on wood) and I am very happy about that. I see the doctor again in three weeks but I am hoping that I won't have to see him before then. It did feel a little weird when I put a regular shoe on rather than the boot. I am getting used to the change.
I have now put on my AFO (a brace to keep my right foot up so I don't stumble ((at least that is the goal))). I didn't want to use it when I had the boot on my left foot. It would have been too much.
It will still take time for the foot to feel normal but I am just happy right now that I am not having the problems like last time. I guess the New Year of 2012 is going to be a better one for me.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Happy New Year 2012
Wow, the holidays are over and we are back to doing our regular stuff. I hope it was fun for everyone. I was busy, which was a good thing but before you knew it, everything was over. You put all the holiday things back away and wait for another year to pass. It is sad in a way to lose all the cheer and happiness that people will have at that time of year. The holiday can be expensive if you let it and not restrain from getting everything someone wants. I know that can be hard to do. You want to make sure that the holiday is special.
I had a great holiday for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. My daughter (with her family) made her first Turkey from start to finish with all the extras. She did a great job. I saw my oldest son and family after they made the long move to Denver from West Virginia. They even had purchased a new home to get everyone settled. It was making things a little easier for them knowing they now had a place to call home once again.
Christmas I spent with my other son and his family in Maryland. It was different for me because we were not splitting time between houses as we once did. We had a great time and it was very relaxed.
Now, I am working on my next project which will be a big change in our lives. Retirement and moving back across the United States, going from California to South Carolina. The process has begun. Movers have been contacted to get their bids, transport companies have been contacted to move my car, sorting through everything to rid us of stuff we really don't need but have been hanging onto.
Disagreements are happening as to what big stuff we should move or not. The house in South Carolina has been set up with pretty much everything you would need to live there. It is those other things that you want that need to be included now.
I am not sure I am ready for all the changes that will be taking place. It is scary and exciting at the same time. We have made many, many moves and it hasn't been because of the military. It was due to going for/to a new job and moving up the corporate ladder. This also caused our kids to have to move away from friends they had made and schools they may have liked. It was a choice we had to make as we had a growing family and needed the security of a future.
I am scared of the new place, not of the house, but learning a new area. Because of my MS, it takes so much longer for me to process things and to feel comfortable. I do have a GPS which will get me around and I do rely on it quite a bit. I won't feel so frighten and be in tears when I am lost and can't find my way home. That feeling I do not want to feel anymore.
I know in my heart that this next chapter in our life will be a wonderful one. We will have the chance to do things when we want to do them. We will not have the restraints of a job and only having a couple of weeks to vacation. We do plan to travel and see the country. We will also take cruises. We have worked hard to this point and we deserve the benefits.
I had a great holiday for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. My daughter (with her family) made her first Turkey from start to finish with all the extras. She did a great job. I saw my oldest son and family after they made the long move to Denver from West Virginia. They even had purchased a new home to get everyone settled. It was making things a little easier for them knowing they now had a place to call home once again.
Christmas I spent with my other son and his family in Maryland. It was different for me because we were not splitting time between houses as we once did. We had a great time and it was very relaxed.
Now, I am working on my next project which will be a big change in our lives. Retirement and moving back across the United States, going from California to South Carolina. The process has begun. Movers have been contacted to get their bids, transport companies have been contacted to move my car, sorting through everything to rid us of stuff we really don't need but have been hanging onto.
Disagreements are happening as to what big stuff we should move or not. The house in South Carolina has been set up with pretty much everything you would need to live there. It is those other things that you want that need to be included now.
I am not sure I am ready for all the changes that will be taking place. It is scary and exciting at the same time. We have made many, many moves and it hasn't been because of the military. It was due to going for/to a new job and moving up the corporate ladder. This also caused our kids to have to move away from friends they had made and schools they may have liked. It was a choice we had to make as we had a growing family and needed the security of a future.
I am scared of the new place, not of the house, but learning a new area. Because of my MS, it takes so much longer for me to process things and to feel comfortable. I do have a GPS which will get me around and I do rely on it quite a bit. I won't feel so frighten and be in tears when I am lost and can't find my way home. That feeling I do not want to feel anymore.
I know in my heart that this next chapter in our life will be a wonderful one. We will have the chance to do things when we want to do them. We will not have the restraints of a job and only having a couple of weeks to vacation. We do plan to travel and see the country. We will also take cruises. We have worked hard to this point and we deserve the benefits.
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