June 2009

Just when I thought that things were starting to look up, I start to get sick again! The past couple of days I have felt pretty good. I have been quite mobile, moving around like normal without a huge amount of pain. The pain in my hip and back hasn’t been to bothersome except if I am walkng for a long period of time or accidently bend in an awkward position. The only thing that has .. Read More

Today is Thursday. I have spent the past 3 days at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Monday-Wednesday I had appointments meeting with everyone from the nutritionist to the mind body & spirit guy to the Oncologist. I had expected the appointments to last all day every day; however the appointments really only lasted through the mornings except for Monday when I had a few in the afternoon. I didn’t have any expectations for the visit and .. Read More

Thank you to everyone that came to Oscar Taylor’s last night to show their support and those that donated items for the silent auction. It was so nice to see old and new friends…I haven’t had a chance to see many of you for so long. I feel bad that I did’t get a chance to talk to everyone. I have to admit I was a little overwhelmed as this is the first time that I have .. Read More

Today was a crazy busy day. We started first thing this morning with an appointment up at SHC with Lisa Stearn’s group, a pain management clinic. I kind of had a feeling that the appointment was going to be a waste and I was pretty much right. After a $40 copay, I answered some questions, had my vitals checked and then reiterated that I did not want a pain pump at this time. Then I .. Read More

Each day that I wake up before I make my first move, I wonder “will this hurt today? Will my back and hips feel better?” The answer has been consistantely, NO. I was trying to remember the last time I felt completely (or almost completely good). I think it was the week before I did the chemo, radiology, vertebrowplasty, and blood transfusion all in one week. It seems that after that week I have gone .. Read More

Megan and I had originally planned to do some sort of roadtrip during her stay here in AZ. We had decided on Dana Point, CA. There was a beautiful Marriott right on the ocean and the photos looked so beautiful I could just taste the sand and the sticky beach wind blowing through my hair. I figured even if I wasn’t feeling all that well then I could just hang in the room and look out at .. Read More

I was finally released from St. Josephs hospital yesterday. I left with apprehension because right up until the last minute I was having issues still. My stomach started hurting when I had to get xrays taken on the last day. After the xrays were done, the radiologists take you to a waiting room until the transporters can take you back to your room. As I was waiting, I had the most horrific stomach cramps. I .. Read More

I received a last minute call from an old friend Deborah or as I call her, Debbie saying she was going to drive down last minute to stay with her friend in Phoenix and wanted to see me. Debbie was like a second mother to me. I spent a great deal of time over the years with her taking dance classes and eventually becoming friends with her sons. Megan is still really good friends with her son .. Read More

Following are notes from Steve Burton’s stay as a caregiver. Unfortunately, once again he spent the entire time in the hospital with me again. Hopefully next time, we will get to actually spend some time together at home.

Wednesday, June 3rd

Finally, back in Phoenix with sis Melissa. My plane was late leaving Salt Lake so I arrived a little late. Mel had a room full of folk so Wes and I decided to head to the ranch. .. Read More

Today is Tuesday, June 8 and I am still here at St. Joes. I originally checked in May 26! I don’t think I would have made it this long again if it weren’t for all the drugs that I’m on. I have been bedridden this entire time and for the most part completely dependent on others for everything from getting me coffee in the am to walking me to the bathroom. It is frustrating sometimes .. Read More