May 20, 2013 - Congress, AZ - Updates

(Ron Writing) I see we are way overdue for an entry. Actually there hasn’t been a lot to write about and in this case no news is good news. My treatment regime continues and my progress is about what the doctors expect. Tomorrow I’m scheduled for treatment #10 of 16 in preparation for the stem cell transplant. My energy level and overall feeling of well-being continue to slowly improve. My appetite is good and I’ve gained a little weight back. A couple weeks ago we enjoyed another breakfast at Nichols West with friends Jim and Kay. Our...

May 5, 2013 - Getting ready for our trip

Our last week at home before our flying (literally) trip to Illinois. Monday – it was an exciting day – Ron got the oil changed in the pickup!! He also picked up some scripts from CVS and some other things (including a roasted chicken) from Safeway. I stayed home and washed clothes and started a list for packing. Trying to decided weather to take my computer or just the Kindle for our trip. It would eliminate the briefcase/computer case I would have to shlep around. But then, too, the many pockets in the briefcase are handy places to carry...

May 3, 2013 - Congress, AZ - We have a Date!

(Ron Writing) It’s been such a busy week we haven’t had time to update the blog but I’ll try to fill you in on what’s been happening. On Monday, April 29, we had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Mikhael at Mayo Clinic. He reviewed my latest test results and spent quite a bit of time with us discussing my case and how we might expect things to evolve as the treatment continues. I’m currently about half-way through a 16-week treatment regimen using three drugs administered weekly. Dr. Mikhael seemed pleased with my progress but needed to...

Apr 28, 2013 - Another week

Here it is Sunday night and I haven't put up my blog. Honestly, our life is so boring that I can't figure out anything to write. Monday, I went to the Dr. as a follow up after my tests. I had been keeping a log of my blood pressure since she put me on a new script. One afternoon, a couple of weeks ago, I had like a pressure on my chest and my pulse went up a bit. Since I was sitting at the computer and the BP cuff was there I took my pressure and logged it. It was high – but not as high as it had been. Long story short (too late already,...

Apr 25, 2013 - Congress, AZ - Lunch with New Friends

(Elena Writing) We enjoyed having lunch with Kay and Jim here in Congress at……Nichols West (how did you guess??). It’s their favorite restaurant, too. I met them at a Caregivers Seminar back in March held at the Virginia Piper Cancer Center. Jim had MM and, subsequently, a stem cell transplant last September at Mayo Clinic. He has recovered well and is on a maintenance program. They shared the history of Jim’s disease and their experience during this period. Our lunch in the restaurant lasted about 3-1/2 hours, then went outside and...

Apr 22, 2013 - Congress, AZ - Successful Surgery

(Elena Writing) It was bright and sunny all day. I did couple loads of wash and I hung the bed sheets on the line. They dried in 15 minutes due to the dry air and gentle breeze. What a nice “nature’s dryer.” I am glad to report that my brother Al’s surgery went well. He will be in ICU for 2-3 days then will move to progressive care. Now for a successful road to recovery. Thanks for your prayers.

Apr 21, 2013 - Congress, AZ - A Pleasant Surprise

(Elena Writing) Mark and Judy left on Friday. Their 2-night stay stretched out to a week. We were so glad they made this side trip to visit us on their way north. Later that day one of my close girlfriends, Evelyn, and her husband decided to make a side trip to Congress so they stayed two nights at the campground. They were on their way to Oklahoma to visit their daughter and family. On Saturday we went to Nichols West again and enjoyed different breakfast dishes. Later we drove to Wickenburg and around North Ranch and walked through the...

Apr 21, 2013 - Where did Spring go??

For the most part this week was chilly and windy altho it did warm up near the weekend. The wind continues to blow so Ron cannot get the weeds sprayed. However, he did get a lot of little things done this week in spite of coming down with a cold. We finally got the cactus to the dump. This time I stood back and didn't get all cactus dust. I still washed all our clothes as soon as we got home. He also got the trim painted around the new kitchen window and the latch fixed on the Ranger pick-up. The plastic latch had sat in the sun for too...

Apr 18, 2013 - Congress, AZ - Gourmet Breakfast with Friends

(Ron Writing) Today was a very enjoyable day. This morning we went out for a long leisurely breakfast at Nichols West Restaurant in this quaint town of Congress. We’ve written about this restaurant before but we’ve never had breakfast there. We read several restaurant reviews on-line where people gave very high ratings to their breakfasts. Friends Mark and Judie joined us and between the long breakfast and visiting back at the campground, we spent the entire morning together. It’s great fun getting together with them. Nichols West doesn’t...

Apr 17, 2013 - Congress, AZ - A "Yay" Report

(Elena Writing) Yesterday was a busy day. We left for Surprise at 9AM to take care of business and Ron had his weekly treatment early afternoon. His blood work revealed that the hemoglobin is now at 9.7 (yay)!!! Ron’s been feeling a lot better and doesn’t require a daily nap but once in 2-3 days. That’s a great improvement in his stamina. We’ve been enjoying Mark and Judy’s company. Mark loves to cook. He has made and brought over dinner the past couple nights. One night it was chicken with a sherry sauce and tonight a meatloaf. When I say...

Apr 14, 2013 - Congress, AZ - Girlfriend Lunch

(Elena Writing) We woke up to a bright and sunny day. However, Ron’s shingles worsened overnight with swelling of his lower lip and tongue and rash appeared more red than yesterday. So he nursed it while I went to church. Our friends, Mark and Judy, took a side trip to North Ranch couple days ago to visit us. We stopped by their place late yesterday for a visit. We had planned to get together for lunch today so I made plans to meet them at Anita’s (Mexican restaurant) in Wickenburg after church. To my surprise, only Judy showed up but that...

Apr 14, 2013 - Where did the week go?

Where did this week go? Dr. visits, cleaning, naps, books, etc. etc. Sunday started off well with the Fire Dept. setting up the tables after they brought them back. I was able to get the Communion set up and ready to go before most people got there. While I was doing that, one of the other Deacon's hubby was making the coffee. It was late by the time everything was cleaned up – but we left the kitchen sparkling . The rest of the afternoon was spent checking the inside of my eyelids for leaks. Monday found us on the road to another Dr....