Hi all,
On Monday it will be 2 months since Arnie's internal re-arrangement (surgery). Where has the time and summer gone?
This past Tuesdayy Arnie started back at chemo. 1 round down and 7 more to go. While Arnie wasn't sure how his redesigned insides would react to the chemo, so far so good. He has been eating well but is tired. He has had enough of room temperature drinks so he has been trying out the hot, sugar free offerings from Starbucks. I am getting an education at the same time trying to figure out the difference between tall and grande etc. Can you tell Starbucks is not in my daily repertoire? This too shall pass and soon enough the cold factor will be gone and he will be able to eat and drink anything he wants (at least until the next chemo). Ice cream sandwiches, here he comes!
The weather has been wonderful this past week and Arnie has been trying to get out and enjoy the sunshine. If you happen to drive down our street, you might just spot Arnie sitting on out front porch taking in the fresh air and keeping the neighbourhood safe.
Hope everyone has a good week,
Liz
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
September 23 -- A New Man
Hi all,
It has been a while since the last update and we have heard from a few of you on this subject. In general, no news is good news but here goes nothing anyway! Arnie is doing well. He has taken to heart his Dr.'s orders and is eating everything in sight. He has also figured out that even though the insulin will take care of things, there really are some things he doesn't need to eat in excess (Starburst come to mind). He has managed to gain just under 10 lbs so we say "A job well done!"
We had a nice little outing this week to buy Arnie some clothes. We spent 2 hours choosing a new wardrobe so he can get out of his sweatpants if he so desires. Arnie is very much enjoying his svelte new shape and is planning on keeping it and showing it off! Coming soon to an event near you!
On Tuesday we begin the next phase of treatment, chemo again, to insure a positive long term outcome. We are looking at 8 rounds which will take us to the end of Dec. So,we begin our bi-weekly trips to Montreal. I am sure everyone will hear about my driving etc but for now he is restraining himself. Well, he did "help" me with my decision on where to park on our shopping trip so I guess he was getting warmed up.
Keep smiling,
Liz
It has been a while since the last update and we have heard from a few of you on this subject. In general, no news is good news but here goes nothing anyway! Arnie is doing well. He has taken to heart his Dr.'s orders and is eating everything in sight. He has also figured out that even though the insulin will take care of things, there really are some things he doesn't need to eat in excess (Starburst come to mind). He has managed to gain just under 10 lbs so we say "A job well done!"
We had a nice little outing this week to buy Arnie some clothes. We spent 2 hours choosing a new wardrobe so he can get out of his sweatpants if he so desires. Arnie is very much enjoying his svelte new shape and is planning on keeping it and showing it off! Coming soon to an event near you!
On Tuesday we begin the next phase of treatment, chemo again, to insure a positive long term outcome. We are looking at 8 rounds which will take us to the end of Dec. So,we begin our bi-weekly trips to Montreal. I am sure everyone will hear about my driving etc but for now he is restraining himself. Well, he did "help" me with my decision on where to park on our shopping trip so I guess he was getting warmed up.
Keep smiling,
Liz
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
September 3 -- Arnie's Excellent Adventure
Hi All,
Hopefully everyone had a great long weekend. The Raiders won 2 of 3 games this weekend so not too bad a start to the season. Arnie was literally an arm chair coach (as jordi reported ) yelling at the computer as he watched the boys play.
Arnie's eating adventures continue as he adds new foods to his repertoire. He began by eating certain foods that he knew would agree with him. Unfortunately, he had a tendency to eat the particular food in question until he just couldn't look at it anymore and so he would move on to find a new favourite food. It has been interesting trying to keep up and guess when he would get sick of eating a certain food. Anyhow, he has added yogurt and cereals and other wonderful choices to his list. Last night he even tried a beer.
Today, we met with the oncologist to discuss resuming chemo. All in all they are happy with Arnie's progress but would still like him to put on some weight. He will start chemo in 3 weeks and do 8 cycles. We will get to see the seasons change as we travel down the road to Montreal and visit the Royal Vic.
Keep up the good fight and we wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.
Liz
Hopefully everyone had a great long weekend. The Raiders won 2 of 3 games this weekend so not too bad a start to the season. Arnie was literally an arm chair coach (as jordi reported ) yelling at the computer as he watched the boys play.
Arnie's eating adventures continue as he adds new foods to his repertoire. He began by eating certain foods that he knew would agree with him. Unfortunately, he had a tendency to eat the particular food in question until he just couldn't look at it anymore and so he would move on to find a new favourite food. It has been interesting trying to keep up and guess when he would get sick of eating a certain food. Anyhow, he has added yogurt and cereals and other wonderful choices to his list. Last night he even tried a beer.
Today, we met with the oncologist to discuss resuming chemo. All in all they are happy with Arnie's progress but would still like him to put on some weight. He will start chemo in 3 weeks and do 8 cycles. We will get to see the seasons change as we travel down the road to Montreal and visit the Royal Vic.
Keep up the good fight and we wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.
Liz
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
August 28 -- The 4-Week Mark
Hi all,
We have now passed the 4 week mark in recovery mode. Arnie has made great strides in the last little while. He is eating well and he has even been spotted making himself his own lunch and getting his own snacks! Rumour has it he has gained some weight although he has yet to confirm exactly how much. I am told it is impolite to ask someone how much they weigh.
Arnie is doing a great job following Dr.'s orders and moving around the house well and supplementing with walks outside. He has made it to the top of the street and back.
He is trying to spend more time out of our room but it seems we are a little too noisy at times. When that happens he goes back upstairs to the quiet of our bedroom to contemplate the silence. He should congratulate himself with the design and build of our house because with the bedroom door closed, silence reigns while outside, the chaos continues.
This weekend the Raiders hockey season begins so the goal will be to make it to a game. Until that time, we will be updating Arnie by phone or he will be watching on line. They won their 1 st exhibition game last night. Go Raiders!
Have a wonderful long weekend
Liz
We have now passed the 4 week mark in recovery mode. Arnie has made great strides in the last little while. He is eating well and he has even been spotted making himself his own lunch and getting his own snacks! Rumour has it he has gained some weight although he has yet to confirm exactly how much. I am told it is impolite to ask someone how much they weigh.
Arnie is doing a great job following Dr.'s orders and moving around the house well and supplementing with walks outside. He has made it to the top of the street and back.
He is trying to spend more time out of our room but it seems we are a little too noisy at times. When that happens he goes back upstairs to the quiet of our bedroom to contemplate the silence. He should congratulate himself with the design and build of our house because with the bedroom door closed, silence reigns while outside, the chaos continues.
This weekend the Raiders hockey season begins so the goal will be to make it to a game. Until that time, we will be updating Arnie by phone or he will be watching on line. They won their 1 st exhibition game last night. Go Raiders!
Have a wonderful long weekend
Liz
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
August 20
Hi All,
We are now 3 weeks post surgery and still working on getting stronger and having more energy. Like any challenge, there are good days and better days. We have just returned from Montreal where the final piece of the surgery puzzle (THE DRAIN) was removed yesterday. A colleague of Dr. Metrakos was kind enough (hahaha, insert evil laugh track) to remove Arnie's drain and it really was a good thing. It seems that the drain was starting to become attached to being in Arnie's body so you can imagine that when the Dr. pulled (and pulled and pulled) the drain finally came out with some newly formed tissue that was starting to grow around the drain. Suffice it to say that Arnie was not pleased with the procedure. In fact, his exact words were it f***ing hurt. After we left, we headed back to our usual hotel where the staff were really happy to see Arnie back on his feet.
Today, we had our appointment with the Oncologist. In a nutshell, he looked at Arnie and said "I want to see you in 2 weeks and you are to make it your mission to snack all day long." The good news is nothing is off limits including beer. Of course, we will be aiming for high quality nutrition but if he really feels like a beer, he will be allowed to have it. (that is not an invitation to drop beer or junk off at our house, thank you!)
All in all, both were productive visits to the Dr.'s and we appreciate the time they take to make sure we understand the bigger picture. So here's to lots of good eating in the next 2 weeks!
Cheers,
Liz
We are now 3 weeks post surgery and still working on getting stronger and having more energy. Like any challenge, there are good days and better days. We have just returned from Montreal where the final piece of the surgery puzzle (THE DRAIN) was removed yesterday. A colleague of Dr. Metrakos was kind enough (hahaha, insert evil laugh track) to remove Arnie's drain and it really was a good thing. It seems that the drain was starting to become attached to being in Arnie's body so you can imagine that when the Dr. pulled (and pulled and pulled) the drain finally came out with some newly formed tissue that was starting to grow around the drain. Suffice it to say that Arnie was not pleased with the procedure. In fact, his exact words were it f***ing hurt. After we left, we headed back to our usual hotel where the staff were really happy to see Arnie back on his feet.
Today, we had our appointment with the Oncologist. In a nutshell, he looked at Arnie and said "I want to see you in 2 weeks and you are to make it your mission to snack all day long." The good news is nothing is off limits including beer. Of course, we will be aiming for high quality nutrition but if he really feels like a beer, he will be allowed to have it. (that is not an invitation to drop beer or junk off at our house, thank you!)
All in all, both were productive visits to the Dr.'s and we appreciate the time they take to make sure we understand the bigger picture. So here's to lots of good eating in the next 2 weeks!
Cheers,
Liz
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
August 7-14 -- "Arnie's Week"
Hi All,
It has been a week since Arnie was released from the hospital (a week since I have updated you all) and what a week it has been.
Wednesday afternoon when we arrived home, Arnie was faced with his biggest challenge, how to get himself upstairs and into bed. It was quite the long walk up to our bedroom but in the end, where there's a will, there was a way. I am sure it made him question why we live in a 2 story house. On the flip side, walking up and down the stairs has provided Arnie with the much needed exercise the Dr.'s recommend. Arnie's very own, built in stair master. Who could imagine that's really what we were building 28 years ago! Of course, he is walking outside as well, marking the distance by passing one more house each way as he goes.
As challenges go, figuring out the whole food angle (what to eat and how often to eat and in between what to drink) has been interesting. It is a process, that is all I can say. A lot of trial and ERROR! Good news though, he seems to have found a combination of foods that has allowed him to maintain his weight! The goal now is to gain weight. A work in progress.
The most exciting news of the last week is that Arnie had his 61 staples removed today. Arnie's concern when he first realized that he had staples closing his incision was how are they going to take them out. He asked a nurse who promptly answered " with a staple remover of course!" Arnie proceeded to tell her that when he removes staples he usually tears the paper. Well, I can tell you no paper or skin was torn in the staple removing process! The nurse from carefor was so calm and so patient. It was a little funny (from my perspective of course) watching the nurse try to follow the rise and fall of his chest and stomach in her quest to grab on to a staple. Compared to the staple removing, the dressing change on his drain was a piece of cake.
Stay tuned for the drain removal. And the fun just keeps on happening.
Liz
It has been a week since Arnie was released from the hospital (a week since I have updated you all) and what a week it has been.
Wednesday afternoon when we arrived home, Arnie was faced with his biggest challenge, how to get himself upstairs and into bed. It was quite the long walk up to our bedroom but in the end, where there's a will, there was a way. I am sure it made him question why we live in a 2 story house. On the flip side, walking up and down the stairs has provided Arnie with the much needed exercise the Dr.'s recommend. Arnie's very own, built in stair master. Who could imagine that's really what we were building 28 years ago! Of course, he is walking outside as well, marking the distance by passing one more house each way as he goes.
As challenges go, figuring out the whole food angle (what to eat and how often to eat and in between what to drink) has been interesting. It is a process, that is all I can say. A lot of trial and ERROR! Good news though, he seems to have found a combination of foods that has allowed him to maintain his weight! The goal now is to gain weight. A work in progress.
The most exciting news of the last week is that Arnie had his 61 staples removed today. Arnie's concern when he first realized that he had staples closing his incision was how are they going to take them out. He asked a nurse who promptly answered " with a staple remover of course!" Arnie proceeded to tell her that when he removes staples he usually tears the paper. Well, I can tell you no paper or skin was torn in the staple removing process! The nurse from carefor was so calm and so patient. It was a little funny (from my perspective of course) watching the nurse try to follow the rise and fall of his chest and stomach in her quest to grab on to a staple. Compared to the staple removing, the dressing change on his drain was a piece of cake.
Stay tuned for the drain removal. And the fun just keeps on happening.
Liz
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
August 6 -- "The Return"
Hi All,
At 2 pm today, 8 days after surgery, 9 including the actual surgery, Arnie became a free man. He was released from the Royal Vic with a snip of his hospital band. It was a special moment! For the last 2 days, the nurses had been teasing Arnie with the prospect of going home. His discharge papers were signed and all they were waiting for was for all the post op arrangement to be coordinated with Ottawa. How long could that possibly take? "The doctors are working on your summary they would say.", how long could that possibly take?
Arnie was determined that today would be the day he went home. He would not take no for an answer. In the end, it took as long as it took and then with a smile and a wave, off Arnie went in his wheelchair through the Ross pavilion and on to the main entrance and freedom. Along the way, Arnie was able to say goodbye and thank you to the many people who helped him recover from the surgery and even left one of his hats with a hospital staffer just to say thank you for all his help.
Why did we take that route to leave the hospital and not just out the front of the Ross pavilion? That would be because his trusty sidekick (me) had no idea how to find the little side road that lead there. So out the front we went and on the road back home. It was a quiet ride home with Arnie trying to figure out how to place the seat belt so it didn't rub the incision or pull on the drain. The last piece of surgical equipment that we thought would surely have to come out before he was allowed home, came home with us. And now we are experts in how to empty the drain. It seems the drain will be with us for at least another 1-2 weeks. But that's ok, it will eventually come out.
Surprisingly, the traffic leaving Montreal wasn't too bad. It took a bit longer to get home this trip because I drove slower so as not to jostle the patient. In the end, a little over 3 hours after being told he was free to go, we pulled in at home. Arnie went straight to upstairs and climbed into bed. He now has all the comforts of home but unfortunately, even though we have a new bed, the bed does not move up and down nor are head and feet of the bed adjustable. Life is full of trade-offs.....
All in all it's a good day to come home and we are very happy to have him home.
And so the fight continues .......
Be well,
Liz
At 2 pm today, 8 days after surgery, 9 including the actual surgery, Arnie became a free man. He was released from the Royal Vic with a snip of his hospital band. It was a special moment! For the last 2 days, the nurses had been teasing Arnie with the prospect of going home. His discharge papers were signed and all they were waiting for was for all the post op arrangement to be coordinated with Ottawa. How long could that possibly take? "The doctors are working on your summary they would say.", how long could that possibly take?
Arnie was determined that today would be the day he went home. He would not take no for an answer. In the end, it took as long as it took and then with a smile and a wave, off Arnie went in his wheelchair through the Ross pavilion and on to the main entrance and freedom. Along the way, Arnie was able to say goodbye and thank you to the many people who helped him recover from the surgery and even left one of his hats with a hospital staffer just to say thank you for all his help.
Why did we take that route to leave the hospital and not just out the front of the Ross pavilion? That would be because his trusty sidekick (me) had no idea how to find the little side road that lead there. So out the front we went and on the road back home. It was a quiet ride home with Arnie trying to figure out how to place the seat belt so it didn't rub the incision or pull on the drain. The last piece of surgical equipment that we thought would surely have to come out before he was allowed home, came home with us. And now we are experts in how to empty the drain. It seems the drain will be with us for at least another 1-2 weeks. But that's ok, it will eventually come out.
Surprisingly, the traffic leaving Montreal wasn't too bad. It took a bit longer to get home this trip because I drove slower so as not to jostle the patient. In the end, a little over 3 hours after being told he was free to go, we pulled in at home. Arnie went straight to upstairs and climbed into bed. He now has all the comforts of home but unfortunately, even though we have a new bed, the bed does not move up and down nor are head and feet of the bed adjustable. Life is full of trade-offs.....
All in all it's a good day to come home and we are very happy to have him home.
And so the fight continues .......
Be well,
Liz
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