@sheba2011

I am with hubby. All is quiet. It takes a while before I get rattled. But when I do, watch out. Sometimes it is better to let the person vent. This was the case until last week. There has been no
Peep from the peanut gallery since.

I pureed some food for hubs. I found homemade sausage from the farmer’s market. I cut it into small pieces. Added a tomato, dragon fruit, baked potato and papaya. Blended everything together. Took a smidgen to taste. Absolutely delicious. Next time I will make it into soup. I will be leaving here shortly. I was up until the wee hours this morning working on taxes. I spent most of the time looking for one missing piece. Found it this morning. It was an addendum to something else.

Have a great evening. It’s in the 70s as I type. No rain this week. Everything is bone dry.

@sheba2011

Thanks for trying to stick up for me. But, I told him where to go and what to do. He calls for the aides all day and night. My hubby just let things ride. But, he has been there over a month and has spurts of kindness. Hubby was so surprised when I spoke up. I can tolerate a lot of things, but Friday was different. I was really under the weather and could not get up from the chair. One of the aides offered to drive me home and I said it wouldn’t be necessary. It took a couple of hours for the thing to pass and listening to the roommate’s gibberish and needing sleep set me off. I can stand up for myself, but, I must admit I have patience. However, Friday night just made it happen. He has not spoken to me since and that is refreshing. He has had no visitors. Maybe that explains his outbursts. Oh well.

@sheba2011

I try not to shop on the weekends. Long lines, no parking, etc. etc.. However, I may visit Sam’s Club tomorrow to look at planters and soil. I will be redoing the front of the house during the week. Most of our plants need watering. However, I am thinking about using container plants and some for the soil. Time to make a few changes.

I am finally able to use the dishwasher. Such a nice feeling. However, I, again, will be redoing all the cabinets since the dishwasher has a sanitize button. Oh, what fun 🙄🙄🙄. Clean Boss will again come to the rescue.

Hubby was asleep when I arrived late yesterday afternoon. However, I did make a little bit of noise and he opened his eyes and was all smiles. I made a baked potato for him and brought a
fish filet along with ice cream. He mentioned that “I was spoiling him.” But the amount of food he receives is not enough to feed my hubby. He ate the ice cream, tried the fish, and forgot I also brought a baked potato. Our favorite aide is working elsewhere in the Rehab. There are very few male aides, LPNs and RNs..I surmise this is one of the reasons why he is being moved to different areas.

Friday night I had some health issues while at the rehab. Hubby’s roommate was giving us a hard time saying for me to go home. I finally had enough and in a nice way , told him off. Hubby was amazed. I left after 11pm. To my amazement I saw a helicopter high in the sky as I walked to my car. It followed me home and didn’t leave until I started walking to my front door. I do not know if one of the nurse’s contacted the sheriff’s office or if my neighbor who works part time with them was concerned when I hadn’t arrived home before 10pm. . Whoever did so, it actually made me feel safer. The rehab is in a bad area and you can hear gun shots on the weekend.

It is a sunny day with temps in the low 70s as I type. Tomorrow we will be in the 80s. Just hope the humidity will remain low. Pollen count is very high.

Prayers for your SIL. May she start feeling a bit better as each day passes.

@sheba2011

Good night. May you have a better day tomorrow. Enjoy your bath. I would play around with some bubbles.

@sheba2011

I see you are keeping busy. Me, I goofed off today. Now getting ready to see hubby. I will be bringing him some fish with mashed potatoes. At this point I’m not sure if I will puree them. Fish is soft and easy to chew without teeth. While at Aldi’s yesterday, I picked up some ice cream treats and other things. I had a freezer bag and freezer paks with me. Everything was still frozen when I arrived at the rehab about a half hour later. Hubby chose the ice cream on a stick and it was so good, he had another. When I returned home, everything was still frozen. That was 7 or 8 hours later. I purchased these bags at Sam’s Club and Costco. Best part is using these bags with the “trolley.” Only heavy lifting is either from a passenger seat or the trunk to the trolley. That trolley sure comes in handy.

Before I forget. Joy will be on with Clean Boss as a TS for Sunday. The price they are showing is $8 more. I have a feeling that the mop will be the special. I still have a few bottles left at the lower price so may skip over them this time around.

Looks like your SIL is starting to turn the corner. However, just like Covid she will have good and bad days. Normal for this type of surgery. As I said previously, there are a couple of new meds out that are promising for pancreatic cancer. I just do not know if they have been approved by the FDA. These meds were tried in England and they seem to be doing the job. That’s all I can say at the moment.

If it’s any consolation, I had a cousin who past in his 40s. It was very unexpected. He was getting out of his car in the parking lot for work and collapsed. He was gone before his body hit the pavement. He passed from an embolism that no one knew he had. No black and blue marks. Nothing. This happened many years ago. Both his parents and our grandparents were alive then. Our entire family was devastated. I hope your mom is OK. That’s my concern now.

@sheba2011

Blood transfusions are a normal process in most cases. You have to remember that the surgeons removed part of the pancreas, lower intestine and a few other things. This means that the body needs to make some necessary changes. It’s also a period when the patient looses a lot of weight. However, the best part is as they heal and learn what foods they can tolerate, the energy level does come back. The immune system will actually start healing the wounds and will help with the adjustment period. The first one to five days are the hardest. After that the family will notice some changes. More smiles, less frowns. I feel she is in good hands. It just takes time for everything to come together. Her body has been through a lot. Chemo, tests, more tests, etc. etc.. The body has been pushed and shoved and then some all prior to the surgery. Take care of yourself and best to your brother and the kids.

@sheba2011

I did read that many who have this type of surgery do go through a process with high temps. The main concern is sepsis which can be controlled with meds. Most of this also is the immune system trying to do it’s job.. This is a difficult process, and she will remain in ICU until she is strong enough to go to a regular room. The normal stay is 8-12 days from the day of surgery.

So sorry to hear about your cousin. Never easy to lose someone so young and so close,
especially when it’s not expected. It is extremely hard to take and often we ask WHY?? I wish I could get to your home in person to be at your side. Suffice to say that this thread, in some ways, can answer that call.

I did see hubby yesterday. He was all smiles. He is having problems with short term memory. The aides along with occupational therapy are helping him. Will see how the next few weeks go.

I sincerely hope that by your SIL comes through this difficult period with flying colors. I am sure they are using antibiotics to combat the infection. I will continue with the prayers. Take care of yourself. Congratulations on so many years doing this thread.. A job well done.

@shoelady60

A great idea and a wonderful thought..

@sheba2011

Today was garbage and recycle. This kept me busy most of the am.. The temp. right now is 73 degrees and it will probably just go up a notch or two. Tonight will be in the low 6 0s, Tomorrow a different story. Temps will have a hard time getting out of the 60s. That’s OK with me being a New England person. By the way, I think I told you of a blizzard many years ago on Mother’s Day. I called mom to say we wouldn’t be able to see her and why. She didn’t believe me until she saw the news on TV.. And, as you know, one never knows what is in store for us in the spring months.

Your SIL will probably remain in ICU for the next few days. She will be monitored very closely. However, visitors, including immediate, family will be limited.. I usually bring a book or something to do in the waiting room until permitted to visit once again. I know you are concerned and worried. Try to get some rest and enjoy the sunshine. This, too, shall pass.

@sheba2011

The long surgery may be a good thing. At least you know what the surgeons did. It will probably take a few days before you and the family know the results of the surgery. Those days will be just as difficult as waiting for the surgery. My prayers for a good outcome are being sent as I type. I surmise that the other organs were also checked as they went along. I surmise your daughters are with your brother. Your SIL is in good hands and will probably be in ICU for a few days.

I did not visit hubby yesterday. I breathed a sigh of relief when I made it home. The night prior I had just a few hours of sleep. I thought I would take a short nap. Well, that short nap went until 9pm last night.

I have the name of the new administrator and in a nice way I will inform her of hubby’s lost of glassses and other things as well. I do not like the idea that he cannot have solid foods or almost solid foods. He has lost some bottom teeth due to not brushing. I wish the aides< LPNa and RNs would notice these things. I will be contacting the dentist here for an appointment. I do not trust the doctors at the Rehab.

I am going to Costco. Need quite a few things and then some. Picking up something for hubby and the staff as well. I have a salad in the frig all set to go. Get some rest, if you can. I hope and pray that everything will be OK.. Remember that there is new medication for pancreatic cancer.. Fingers crossed and prayers still being sent.

@sheba2011

Just returned from the doctor’s appointment. The labs were through the roof. He was absolutely speechless. The last appointment was really good, but this one went above and beyond. Andrew’s vitamins may be the reason.

We have had two days with heavy wind. I think I read where a tornado touched down in Florida, just not sure where. We also have an alert for rip current and to swim where there is a life guard present. Since my buddy is in rehab, I guess I will skip the beach (LOL).

Yesterday, I was able to leave the house early. Aldi’s was at the top to do list, but I ended up at the Farmer’s Market. I picked up a couple of heads of cabbage for $.25/lb ea.. As I went down the water and soda aisle, a person was giving samples of corned beef and cabbage. Wow !!! They had a complete dinner at their take out section. I could not turn it down. The one thing I actually wanted were the pistachio muffins. None in sight. So disappointed. Their take out area and their bakery area is nothing to sneeze at. Not having to read the ingredient labels is something I can forget to do. Cannot wait to take hubby to this store.

I made hubby a mashed Yukon Gold Potato with some of the greens from a scallion and cut up parsley. He loved it. But I got chewed down by the LPN on duty who said it was a no no. Gee whiz, a mashed potato with sour cream and the added scallion grees and parsley??? This is going too far overboard. Oh well, once the ramp is in place and the bathroom is handicapped accessible, I won’t have to worry any longer. Yes, I will puree foods if need be. Yes, I will make smoothies, etc. etc..

It’s been a wonderful day thus far. The sun is out. No clouds. Temp is 73 as I type but will be in the high 40s to low 50s tonight. I will be stopping at Costco and then Culver’s for their vanilla custard for hubby. To celebrate my doctor’s visit will have them include hot fudge. None for me. I have something else for dessert. Plums and a cut up watermelon.

I will be praying for your SIL tomorrow. Long process. I am sure the surgeons will be looking at every organ, nook and cranny. Hopefully, there will be good vibes and good news when all is said and done. I know you will be worried and can see you pacing the floor waiting for the answers. I will be there with you in spirt. Take care. As the saying goes, “this, too, shall pass. “

@sheba2011

Good morning. Yes, it’s still am here. I just had breakfast and now ready to tackle a shower floor that desperately needs a good cleaning. No bending. Have the sponges and everything I need on long handles.

I did not go out yesterday nor did I visit hubby. I did make some progress and will do more today. I am hoping to make it to Aldi’s to pick up water. During the week I hope to be at Costco and do the same with help. I also will contact the dentist for hubby. He needs to have his implants repaired so they fit. I do not know if this is possible, but will contact my dentist tomorrow to ask that question. He also needs to have some teeth taken out and for something he can do to chew better. I now have a name for the Administrator. He/she needs to know what is going on. Our aide is on duty tomorrow and Tuesday. Not sure if he is on our end. He does stop by to say hello several times to get his laughs and then goes on.

Hoping the renovations will start in a week or two. I just paid the first installment. The shower itself will be hand held. I just notified the team that hubby sometimes has not been able to use his fingers. They hurt and so does the arm itself. I let it be known that it may not be arthritis, but a cold from the A/C vent above his head. I am also thinking that my back pain is coming from this as well. No back pain at the moment. I see the physician in a few days. He will get an ear full. Seems the doctor that visits the Rehab is part of this group. This physician does a great job at getting things done. Just does not like to write notes. And speaking of notes, I will take a look at Florida laws on pets. I definitely will need one to tell me when hubby isn’t well. He likes to say he is OK when he isn’t. I can tell from facial expressions and a touch of hands. But the homes in New England have basements. And if I’m downstairs, well you get the idea.

Sounds like your weather is typical for New England. I’m used to the ups and downs, Or at least used to be. My grandfather (RIP) used to say, “Just wait.” One day warm, the next day freezing. Never a dull moment in New England.

Enjoy your day. Hope Poppy gets to run around with his friends. Good day for hot chocolate or hot soup. Just be careful when you are out and about. There still could be some ice on the grass and walks from melting snow.

@taci

I read your note and sorry to say we still need a doctor’s note for a service animal. This is because people say their pig, their horse, their cow are service animals. But in reality, not where your house is. Florida does require a certificate of sorts that shows your animal friend has gone through training. This is because too many took advantage of this program when it was first brought on board. We do have a dog area where a dog or cat can live on the premises. However, there are only two streets where they can be walked. Part of this reasoning is that a few didn’t pick up after their pet. Consequently another reason to keep some semblance of order. It took many years for Florida to accept service dogs or cats. Right now, I think Sheba’s idea of a doorbell where you can cee who is at the door may work. I do have a door leading to the lanai from our den and that would work for me. I’m usually at the back of the house where I can watch the birds fly over our lake and beg for food when we are sitting outside. The loons love hotdogs. I have to smile at this one. They do not like the dogs from Aldi’s. They like an all beef one. G uess Sam’s, BJ’s and Costco’s franks are the ones that are tastier. These birds have champagne taste.

Once our home here is in order, I will be going to the ASPCA in our area to see if I can find a pooch that is under 20 lbs.. Cannot wait to start the renovations.

@sheba2011

I was really concerned when you hadn’t posted at an earlier time. Reading the news, I hoped you were all right. People last night and early this morning dodged tornadoes when possible. Knowing you are in tornado alley, I hoped and prayed that you and your family as well as neighbors were OK.. Thankfully my prayers were answered.

I am in the process of making something to carry with me for hubby and myself. I started really deep down cleaning in the master bathroom. I have let this go for a long time while redoing the kitchen. I just ordered some things for getting rid of a huge mess by the plumbers. I will be working on that early AM tomorrow. Meanwhile, hubby has asked for a baked potato and I think I will add a few things to it. I will also make one for myself. Actually, I will use sausage and hamburger which I will puree after cooking. I will include it with the potatoes. this later.

Your SIL is probably very nervous for Wednesday. The doctors know from the tests what to expect and I’m sure she knows as well. Hopefully, they will be able to get the Cancer out so she can rest a bit easier. There is always a chance that some will remain behind, but will be removed by meds and other things. So many changes in the treatments in the last 4 or 5 years. You know I will be praying for her on Wednesday and for a fast recovery following. You and your family have been through so much with “C” so you know what to expect and what is next down the line. I don’t have to ask you to keep us posted. I know you will.