What a month!
We found Ruby Rose is super allergic to dogs and cats. Their yellow lab, Molly will have to be adopted out, and they are all very sad, Eric raised her from a puppy and loves her very much. News yesterday is that Molly has found a new home in Quakertown, PA with a couple that helps to train service dogs. They have been looking for a yellow lab, a few years old, for their household to love. Sounds like a perfect match for Molly, and Julie, Eric and Ruby will be taking Molly 1/2 way to PA and meeting this couple along the route.
Of course, most of you also know Ruby's problems started with her trip to the hospital in early July, while Adele & I were there. Severe Asthma attack and she was turning blue when we got her to the emergency room. Immediately the ER staff got working on her, up to 6 people at one time, and got her admitted and treated quickly. Three days later she got home and we had a great visit. Her allergy tests on Aug 2nd showed a sever allergy to dogs & cats. We will need to send Bathory to 'Bobbie Camp' whenever they come and visit from now on.
Eric's mom, Cathy has been taking chemo, and will for the foreseeable future, but now they found nodules in her spine and brain. They started radiation the next day on both areas, and hope to see some shrinkage. The finding of the nodules cancelled Cathy & Pete's trip to see their grand daughter Ruby Rose in August, and now they hope to be able to travel in Sept some time.
Of course, when it rains, it pours.
In June, my father fell while rushing to get altar flowers on June 12 or 19th, and he skinned off a patch of skin so large that we needed to get to the emergency room and get it fixed. Ephrata Community Hospital did that, with derma bond glue. He had gashed his arm and nose, with the arm being the worst looking. Then a few days after that, while enjoying a weekend lunch at a friend's house in Mt Gretna, he was so dizzy and weak he could not walk without support. Mom took him to the Doctor's office and they told her to go to the emergency room with him. She called me (very upset) and asked if I could help get him there, thankfully I heard the phone (the Vette is loud) and was able to help her. That trip culminated with him getting a pace maker, his heartbeat was around 44 when we got him to LGH. After three days or so, he went back to Luther Acres and their apartment.
Soon after that we traveled to GA and fun with Ruby, in the hospital and at her home. Ruby started coughing and having problems breathing Thursday night July 7th, and Adele & Julie took her to the emergency room at 5AM. See above for rest of story.
On arrival back home, Dad again needed to get to the hospital, this time via ambulance. I picked up Mom and found Dad at the emergency room with her. Lower GI bleeding, which he has suffered every 4-5 years over the past 20 years or so, got him so weak, he need a transfusion. His hemoglobin levels were low and kept bouncing around. Again (like so many other lower GI trips to hospitals) they found nothing, and sent him home once everything stabilized. This time they also sent a mini walker / seat on wheels, that he can use to steady himself and rest if he needs to. He is doing great and about ready to ditch the mini walker any day now.
Of course all the while Cathy's problems are on our minds, and Adele's 6 month checkup is on her mind. Adele will get a CAT scan next week, and see the doctor around the 6th of Sept. for the results, which I know will be good. The thought of getting the CAT scan, a week before she thought she needed it, threw her off so much yesterday, I thought we were back and in the "The Cancer is back again" stage from 2 years ago. She loves that the doctor's visits are 6 month apart, but she then starts worrying about the results as soon as she know the testing will start again.
Prayers for Ruby Rose, Julie and Eric Barna - Asthma and loss of a great friend Molly.
Prayers for Dick & Elly Stauffer - Strength and Understanding
Prayers for Cathy & Pete Barna - Strength, Healing and Understanding
Prayers for Adele - Strength to keep positive through this next 2 weeks.
And of course - Prayers that Congress will see fit to Do Something - Anthing - other than stonewall each other.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
GA trip 3 this year for Adele
OK - time to blog again. This is the third time Adele is in GA with the Barna family, our daughter Julie, son-in-law Eric and little princess Ruby Rose. We got here last week on Wednesday evening, the 6th. By Friday morning around 1 AM, Ruby was already in distress with asthma problems. At 5 AM, Adele and Julie took her to the emergency room at MCG.
Once in the emergency room, Adele said they immediately started working on Ruby - no waiting - and at one time there were 6 nurses and doctors working on her at the same time. Her lips were blue by the time she got there. They started her on steroids and other meds and kept her on those for the next two days. By Saturday afternoon, she was just on a treatment every 4 hours and moist oxygen through a nose tube, like an adult gets. She is so good when the doctor explains something, she is listening to every word and understands it. Once she wanted apple juice, on Saturday morning, and drank some, but the nurse said no, that she had to get off the ventilator first. Then the doctor came in to explain why, and Ruby never again asked for apple juice, until they said she could have it. Then and only then did she react wildly to that news and loved the drink as much as anyone could. Same reaction later that evening when they gave her the first food in two days.
Home on Sunday afternoon, and treatments continue, with Ruby getting more happy all the time. You would think she had never been to the hospital, she is a handful to keep quiet and relaxed.
Yesterday, on Tuesday, she visited the doctor and for the first time in the doctor's office, she talked with the doctor, without being afraid of him. She answered his questions, and he was amazed at how she did with him. Later in August she has an appointment with the allergist to see what are her triggers.
Adele and I will leave this weekend, but I think we both could stay longer. I need to work, and Adele is ? ready ? to come home then.
Once in the emergency room, Adele said they immediately started working on Ruby - no waiting - and at one time there were 6 nurses and doctors working on her at the same time. Her lips were blue by the time she got there. They started her on steroids and other meds and kept her on those for the next two days. By Saturday afternoon, she was just on a treatment every 4 hours and moist oxygen through a nose tube, like an adult gets. She is so good when the doctor explains something, she is listening to every word and understands it. Once she wanted apple juice, on Saturday morning, and drank some, but the nurse said no, that she had to get off the ventilator first. Then the doctor came in to explain why, and Ruby never again asked for apple juice, until they said she could have it. Then and only then did she react wildly to that news and loved the drink as much as anyone could. Same reaction later that evening when they gave her the first food in two days.
Home on Sunday afternoon, and treatments continue, with Ruby getting more happy all the time. You would think she had never been to the hospital, she is a handful to keep quiet and relaxed.
Yesterday, on Tuesday, she visited the doctor and for the first time in the doctor's office, she talked with the doctor, without being afraid of him. She answered his questions, and he was amazed at how she did with him. Later in August she has an appointment with the allergist to see what are her triggers.
Adele and I will leave this weekend, but I think we both could stay longer. I need to work, and Adele is ? ready ? to come home then.
Monday, May 23, 2011
May 23rd - and all is well
OK, I know I should be getting ready for work, but I am still waking up. Hard night last night, warm and saving money on air conditioning, keeping us both from having a good night's sleep.
Adele is doing well and learning what she can and cannot do since all her treatments. The doctor visit last week was good, nothing to be worried about, and most of the blood tests were fine. She still has a low platelete count, when has she not had that, and might be convinced to wear her 'Low Plateletes' bracelet I bought for her. Tiredness on a daily basis, and the Oncologist said "Let's check your thyroid numbers". So one more blood test in the near future.
Other than that, we are both doing well and are healthy.
I finished the One Lap of America race at the beginning of May, raising $2,00 for PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Adele went to Georgia and spent the week with Ruby, Julie and Eric having a great time. Of course, her airplane schedule was changed many times on her way down to GA, but a good beek kept her entertained for the long day of travel.
Other things happening must include all the rain we have been getting this year. The yard is growing so fast, and rain does not let us now, so I need 2 mowings to do the lawn usually. This last week was Saturday and Sunday mowing - with Saturday thankfully before the rain fell again.
More later - but we will not be having much done until July or August, since Adele's fight with cancer seems to be going so well. Still clear, for over 2 years and 4 months now as of last Saturday. Jan 21, 2009 was her "New Birth Day" or stem cell transplant day, when she received her own stem cells back, to restart her immune system.
Thanks to all that read this - we are loving life day by day.
Adele is doing well and learning what she can and cannot do since all her treatments. The doctor visit last week was good, nothing to be worried about, and most of the blood tests were fine. She still has a low platelete count, when has she not had that, and might be convinced to wear her 'Low Plateletes' bracelet I bought for her. Tiredness on a daily basis, and the Oncologist said "Let's check your thyroid numbers". So one more blood test in the near future.
Other than that, we are both doing well and are healthy.
I finished the One Lap of America race at the beginning of May, raising $2,00 for PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Adele went to Georgia and spent the week with Ruby, Julie and Eric having a great time. Of course, her airplane schedule was changed many times on her way down to GA, but a good beek kept her entertained for the long day of travel.
Other things happening must include all the rain we have been getting this year. The yard is growing so fast, and rain does not let us now, so I need 2 mowings to do the lawn usually. This last week was Saturday and Sunday mowing - with Saturday thankfully before the rain fell again.
More later - but we will not be having much done until July or August, since Adele's fight with cancer seems to be going so well. Still clear, for over 2 years and 4 months now as of last Saturday. Jan 21, 2009 was her "New Birth Day" or stem cell transplant day, when she received her own stem cells back, to restart her immune system.
Thanks to all that read this - we are loving life day by day.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A beautiful March Day
I have not posted anything in a few months - but don't you believe for as second that nothing happened during that time.
So you do not have to read everything - Adele is OK! No active Cancer anywhere for over 2 years, God Bless the Stem cell Transplant.
January was a month of frustration for Adele, while she called JH many times to see when we will get our 2 year appointment. That stretched into February and then Dr Balpur, in Lancaster, had an appt with us. He was slightly put off by the platelet count and a possible lump under Adele's arm, and ordered more blood work and a PET scan. Adele was at a higher level of frustration all month, expecting that, again, something was wrong with her, and JH just never called for her 2 year.
Late in Feb we finally got a call from JH that was more of a panic call from them. Adele's last immunizations were due on Jan 21st, and to be done by JH, but they forgot. So when they finally called, she brushed it off, since she was thinking about the immunizations all along, and had our family doctor give them to her. We still need to protest to SS and her supplement plan about the no coverage for one of the shots.
March came on us fast, the weather is changing, and yet more doctors appts. All of her doctors are giving her a good checkup and pleased with the results. Oh - the PET scan results came back and were negative for ANY ACTIVE CANCER. Then the second blood test showed the platelets jumped back into her 'normal' zone, which is low according to the charts. But I am obese according to the charts, while I am really just lovably round and hugable.
Other items happening, were our trip to Augusta GA, to help our daughter and family with their move into a new house. Their new school district is much better, with an elementary school within 1/2 from their house. Beautiful area, with walking trails to the Savannah River and a small dock on the river.
With Adele agreeing, I will be leaving on April 28th, for this years "One Lap of America" by Brock Yates. We will visit 10 different racetracks east of the Mississippi in 8 days, racing at each of them. There are 18 total races in an 8 day period from Apr 30th - May 7th. It all starts and ends at South Bend, IN. More info at One Laps website I am part of the Jimbob Racing team, with Jim Roberts driving all races, while I will be assisting in any way I can, especially with driving between tracks every afternoon, and night. 8 days of endurance and stress, both for the car and the participants. I have a blog for the race, and we will be raising money for PA Breast Cancer Coalition during this race, and all summer.
Adele is going back to GA for a mini vaca during the time I will be having a great time. Oh, Ruby was just in the hospital for 3 days, she had a severe breathing problem, that appears to be asthma. I hope it goes away as she gets older, I hate to think of a 2 1/2 year old always carrying around an inhaler. Love her so much, it hurt us both to think she had to go to the hospital, but her Mom & Dad took great care of her, with Julie never leaving her side and cuddling with her all the time. Ruby was a model patient, so all the nurses and doctors loved helping her. She went back home Monday and they are getting back into normal life.
So you do not have to read everything - Adele is OK! No active Cancer anywhere for over 2 years, God Bless the Stem cell Transplant.
January was a month of frustration for Adele, while she called JH many times to see when we will get our 2 year appointment. That stretched into February and then Dr Balpur, in Lancaster, had an appt with us. He was slightly put off by the platelet count and a possible lump under Adele's arm, and ordered more blood work and a PET scan. Adele was at a higher level of frustration all month, expecting that, again, something was wrong with her, and JH just never called for her 2 year.
Late in Feb we finally got a call from JH that was more of a panic call from them. Adele's last immunizations were due on Jan 21st, and to be done by JH, but they forgot. So when they finally called, she brushed it off, since she was thinking about the immunizations all along, and had our family doctor give them to her. We still need to protest to SS and her supplement plan about the no coverage for one of the shots.
March came on us fast, the weather is changing, and yet more doctors appts. All of her doctors are giving her a good checkup and pleased with the results. Oh - the PET scan results came back and were negative for ANY ACTIVE CANCER. Then the second blood test showed the platelets jumped back into her 'normal' zone, which is low according to the charts. But I am obese according to the charts, while I am really just lovably round and hugable.
Other items happening, were our trip to Augusta GA, to help our daughter and family with their move into a new house. Their new school district is much better, with an elementary school within 1/2 from their house. Beautiful area, with walking trails to the Savannah River and a small dock on the river.
With Adele agreeing, I will be leaving on April 28th, for this years "One Lap of America" by Brock Yates. We will visit 10 different racetracks east of the Mississippi in 8 days, racing at each of them. There are 18 total races in an 8 day period from Apr 30th - May 7th. It all starts and ends at South Bend, IN. More info at One Laps website I am part of the Jimbob Racing team, with Jim Roberts driving all races, while I will be assisting in any way I can, especially with driving between tracks every afternoon, and night. 8 days of endurance and stress, both for the car and the participants. I have a blog for the race, and we will be raising money for PA Breast Cancer Coalition during this race, and all summer.
Adele is going back to GA for a mini vaca during the time I will be having a great time. Oh, Ruby was just in the hospital for 3 days, she had a severe breathing problem, that appears to be asthma. I hope it goes away as she gets older, I hate to think of a 2 1/2 year old always carrying around an inhaler. Love her so much, it hurt us both to think she had to go to the hospital, but her Mom & Dad took great care of her, with Julie never leaving her side and cuddling with her all the time. Ruby was a model patient, so all the nurses and doctors loved helping her. She went back home Monday and they are getting back into normal life.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
December 23 - Two days to Christ's Birthday!
Wow, so much has happened since the last post.
Pat & George Toshak from Minnesota, visited in November. Old friends, Pat will retire soon, George is retired and they will be moving upstate in the next year or so. George had been a student pastor at our home church, Ephrata First UMC, in the early 70's (1972?). They helped tremendously when my brother passed that year. Great friends and wonderful day together. Mom & Dad got to be here also, and enjoyed a dinner with everyone.
Adele and I have been working on checking into her Medicare plans and researching options for the extended insurance, She starts medicare on Feb 1, 2011, because of the disability SS gave her.
Christmas preparations have been made, the tree is beautiful again - Thanks to Adele and her decorating skills - and the house (interior) is ready for Christmas. Julie, Eric and Ruby are set to fly north tomorrow, with them stopping at his parents house for Christmas. They will get here on the 30th, and although Eric has to be back shortly after, Julie and Ruby are planning to stay through Jan 12th or so. Hallelujah!!!
We got back last Sunday afternoon from our First Ever Cruise. We had 10 days of wonderful relaxation, fun, food and exploring. We left Port Royal in Bayonne, NJ and arrived first in San Juan, PR. The Old City there is beautiful and the shops were fun. Christmas is in full swing there and I have posted a few videos of the lights in a square we were in. Next port was St Thomas for shopping and a cable car ride to a lookout on the mountain. Yes, I bought Adele some jewelry that she has been looking at. Then off to Dominican Republic at Samana. There I stayed in bed with a cold, while Adele had a good time on board, it rained all day (off and on). Next was Labadee, Haiti (a RC owned spit of land) where we disembarked and had time for a barbecue and some sun bathing. The wind and at time drizzle of rain, prevented any length of stay on shore. From there we cruised back to NJ and home.
YouTube.com - search for rstauffer43. Pictures on Picasaweb.google.com search for rstauffer43 again.
Back home and tons of wash to do, Adele got sick with a cold when we got back, ?change in weather?. She is fine now, and getting ready for the holiday, baking and having fun. Our plans include: Tom & Shannon's for Christmas Eve, with a special children's concert at church. Beth & Steve's for Christmas Day, back in Adele's old home for that day. Pete & Cathy's for the day after Christmas, Cathy can use all your prayers, cancer has reared its ugly head again. Julie, Eric and Ruby will be there until the 30th.
Monday - Wednesday will be baking, cooking and other happy tasks. All in preparation for Ruby Barna getting here on the 30th! Oh right, she will probably drag her parents with her, so yes, they will be here then also.
All of my customers were OK while I was away, which made my cruise without any internet or phone - a pleasure. It was scary at times, but I was able to forget that I still worked and have a great time. We will be going back next year for another cruise.
There is a slight chance of a major snow happening this weekend, so today the snow thrower gets pulled out of storage and started again. If possible, I know Adele also would love some lights outside, so that is on the list again.
Remember Christ in Christmas and have a safe and happy weekend.
Pat & George Toshak from Minnesota, visited in November. Old friends, Pat will retire soon, George is retired and they will be moving upstate in the next year or so. George had been a student pastor at our home church, Ephrata First UMC, in the early 70's (1972?). They helped tremendously when my brother passed that year. Great friends and wonderful day together. Mom & Dad got to be here also, and enjoyed a dinner with everyone.
Adele and I have been working on checking into her Medicare plans and researching options for the extended insurance, She starts medicare on Feb 1, 2011, because of the disability SS gave her.
Christmas preparations have been made, the tree is beautiful again - Thanks to Adele and her decorating skills - and the house (interior) is ready for Christmas. Julie, Eric and Ruby are set to fly north tomorrow, with them stopping at his parents house for Christmas. They will get here on the 30th, and although Eric has to be back shortly after, Julie and Ruby are planning to stay through Jan 12th or so. Hallelujah!!!
We got back last Sunday afternoon from our First Ever Cruise. We had 10 days of wonderful relaxation, fun, food and exploring. We left Port Royal in Bayonne, NJ and arrived first in San Juan, PR. The Old City there is beautiful and the shops were fun. Christmas is in full swing there and I have posted a few videos of the lights in a square we were in. Next port was St Thomas for shopping and a cable car ride to a lookout on the mountain. Yes, I bought Adele some jewelry that she has been looking at. Then off to Dominican Republic at Samana. There I stayed in bed with a cold, while Adele had a good time on board, it rained all day (off and on). Next was Labadee, Haiti (a RC owned spit of land) where we disembarked and had time for a barbecue and some sun bathing. The wind and at time drizzle of rain, prevented any length of stay on shore. From there we cruised back to NJ and home.
YouTube.com - search for rstauffer43. Pictures on Picasaweb.google.com search for rstauffer43 again.
Back home and tons of wash to do, Adele got sick with a cold when we got back, ?change in weather?. She is fine now, and getting ready for the holiday, baking and having fun. Our plans include: Tom & Shannon's for Christmas Eve, with a special children's concert at church. Beth & Steve's for Christmas Day, back in Adele's old home for that day. Pete & Cathy's for the day after Christmas, Cathy can use all your prayers, cancer has reared its ugly head again. Julie, Eric and Ruby will be there until the 30th.
Monday - Wednesday will be baking, cooking and other happy tasks. All in preparation for Ruby Barna getting here on the 30th! Oh right, she will probably drag her parents with her, so yes, they will be here then also.
All of my customers were OK while I was away, which made my cruise without any internet or phone - a pleasure. It was scary at times, but I was able to forget that I still worked and have a great time. We will be going back next year for another cruise.
There is a slight chance of a major snow happening this weekend, so today the snow thrower gets pulled out of storage and started again. If possible, I know Adele also would love some lights outside, so that is on the list again.
Remember Christ in Christmas and have a safe and happy weekend.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Already Nov 1st?
Where are the days flying off to? So much has happened since last post.
The family has added another Mrs Stauffer - welcome to Angela Stauffer, married to Jon, my brother's son, on Oct 16th. They are back from Hawaii and resuming their normal lives.
Mom, Dad, Adele and I were at a dinner for the Hornberger / Gerhard family last week. I found some new cousins - Thanks to Marcia McClure Sugumele - and am developing a desire to know more about the family.
Two days later we celebrated Mom's birthday with a dinner at Luther Acres where they live. Then another two days later - or Saturday - we again celebrated at Hershey Hotel's breakfast buffet, again Mom's birthday - her 87th - worth celebrating twice at least!
Many other things happened the last two weeks and we were able to survive them all! Passports are being worked on - Adele received hers already, mine should be here soon. Side trips for the cruise are being checked and looked into so we will be ready for the many options on board the ship.
Plans for old friends visiting in 2 weeks, and how to make sure we get a good visit in with them. They are traveling from Minnesota to Philadelphia on a trip and will be able to drive here for an afternoon. Haven't seen George and Pat since, when I forget. Suffice it to say before cell phones and digital cameras. I remember visiting Minnesota to see them, and being chased back to land by BIG mosquitoes.
We plan on having the grandchildren here this weekend, for a trip to the Science Museum and possibly other side trips. Maybe still OK to have a trip to New Holland and Ice Cream on the farm?
Tons done - tons more before Christmas and the Barna's visit north.
Thanks for listening - Rick
The family has added another Mrs Stauffer - welcome to Angela Stauffer, married to Jon, my brother's son, on Oct 16th. They are back from Hawaii and resuming their normal lives.
Mom, Dad, Adele and I were at a dinner for the Hornberger / Gerhard family last week. I found some new cousins - Thanks to Marcia McClure Sugumele - and am developing a desire to know more about the family.
Two days later we celebrated Mom's birthday with a dinner at Luther Acres where they live. Then another two days later - or Saturday - we again celebrated at Hershey Hotel's breakfast buffet, again Mom's birthday - her 87th - worth celebrating twice at least!
Many other things happened the last two weeks and we were able to survive them all! Passports are being worked on - Adele received hers already, mine should be here soon. Side trips for the cruise are being checked and looked into so we will be ready for the many options on board the ship.
Plans for old friends visiting in 2 weeks, and how to make sure we get a good visit in with them. They are traveling from Minnesota to Philadelphia on a trip and will be able to drive here for an afternoon. Haven't seen George and Pat since, when I forget. Suffice it to say before cell phones and digital cameras. I remember visiting Minnesota to see them, and being chased back to land by BIG mosquitoes.
We plan on having the grandchildren here this weekend, for a trip to the Science Museum and possibly other side trips. Maybe still OK to have a trip to New Holland and Ice Cream on the farm?
Tons done - tons more before Christmas and the Barna's visit north.
Thanks for listening - Rick
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October 13, 2010 ? A Day to Remember?
OK, I finally agreed and we went to MTS and booked a cruise to the Caribbean. Adele thought our 40th anniversary year would be a great time to jump into cruising and see if we like it. Pam at MTS was able to answer all our questions and got us signed in to a RC Cruise - 9 days from NJ, so there is no flying to Fl to start. I will remember this day as one where we both agreed on something I have been saying no to too long, and changed to a yes!
Our grandchildren are growing way too fast and we are so happy to see them all doing so well. Ruby will visit us at Christmas time, sticking around for a good visit. That should provide us with a wonderful holiday season!
Next January is Adele's 2 year checkup, and we both look forward to knowing for sure that the cancer is still in remission. I know that in my heart, but there are times every week, that worry clouds Adele's mind with fear.
I pray that the fear is removed and replaced with an assurance that the cancer is gone.
Thank you Lord for All You have done for us, We do Love You!
Our grandchildren are growing way too fast and we are so happy to see them all doing so well. Ruby will visit us at Christmas time, sticking around for a good visit. That should provide us with a wonderful holiday season!
Next January is Adele's 2 year checkup, and we both look forward to knowing for sure that the cancer is still in remission. I know that in my heart, but there are times every week, that worry clouds Adele's mind with fear.
I pray that the fear is removed and replaced with an assurance that the cancer is gone.
Thank you Lord for All You have done for us, We do Love You!
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