| Bev update |
[May. 21st, 2009|10:56 pm] |
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Wanted to bring everyone up to date on my surgery. haven't felt like typing anything for a couple of weeks. warning. some medical terminology, female stuff. most people ask so i am just giving it here. if you'd rather not have all the info send me an email.
First surgery was Jan.8. we did not know at the time it was cancerous. did not find that out till the pathology report came back. it was a removal of lesions on the vulva. went well, back to work after about 3 days.
then more testing to see if it had mestasized anywhere else. It hadn't. but in the meantime developed a tumor on the left labia. grew quickly. more surgery (partial vulvectomy) on May 5. longer in surgery, deeper cutting, etc. after 2 weeks still sore and not sitting or standing for any length of time. taking 4 sitz baths a day with aquarium sea salt. went to dr again today. a stitch appears to have gone through one area and left an open type sore it hurts there. no concern of infection yet though. a lot of swelling yet. talked to the doctor for more information. they removed almost the entire left labia, although they were able to leave the clitoris. the incision went from just beneath the clitoris to the entire length of the labia. plus they had to go deep to get the entire tumor out. this tumor was not even there until 3 weeks after my first surgery, but grew quickly.
doctor said the pathology report said the cancer went deep. i go back in 2 weeks for a checkup and then he is sending me to someone about radiation. that's all I know at this point.
Thanks again for everyone's prayers. Bev. |
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| More Stuff |
[Mar. 22nd, 2009|09:43 pm] |
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Haven't heard anything yet about the ultrasound or the path report. Last time he called on a Sunday night so I thought I'd wait and call him tomorrow if I don't hear from him tonight. So far my job has just cost me time and money. :) time to study for, take and PASS the license exam. Time to memorize about 8 pages of script that you have to go through, at least fairly closely. and money for the online studying program, license, and license application fee. Now, finally, hopefully, I can begin to make some money! Tomorrow morning I have to report to the office in Hurricane (across from the CIty Park). Once they know I've got the script down I will start classes on Mon and Wed, make phone calls and appts. and deal with paperwork on Tues. and Thurs. and then go out with my trainer on Tues.,Wed., Fri. and Saturday nights for field experience. I really like the product that they have and believe it will sell itself. It is supplemental insurance for union members. They send a PR rep to talk to the biggies in the unions. those biggies then send a letter to their members stating that they are going to be receiving $2f them. so we are calling people who ask for us and who know we are going to be trying to sell them something. No cold calling. I hate that. I've always done well in sales just hated the cold calling so hopefully, I will do well in this also. Its a lot of evenings but I'm an evening person. I will not be able to continue school this semester but I"ve already talked to my instructors and they are allowing me to do the work on my own. I just have to make some kind of arrangements for test taking, maybe I can do that on Friday mornings.
Jeremy just bought a 1993 Subaru Impreza that is stick shift. He really likes it. He was also very good to his brother and loaned Matt money to buy a 1998 Hyunadai Sonata for $400. He got a heck of a deal! Nice cars, both of them. So I finally have my car to myself again except when I let Mark drive it. Or, at least until Kelli decides to get her license. I need it, of course, for this job.
Jeremy is going to be the only senior graduating this semester so he will be the only one doing the senior expo. He is taking this week, spring break, off of work to try to do some catching up on his artwork to put in the show. He is real far behind. He has had his "small stones" sculpture accepted into a juried exhibition at school, but they don't want just a picture , they want him to bring the stones (heavY) into the school and rebuild it. More work.
Matt is working at Lowe's 40 hours a week. He is doing deliveries and when not deliverying he is working the lawn and garden area. He likes that.
Jenni has given her resignation at the Post Office. They would not reduce her hours and she just couldn't do it anymore with school and with doing an internship for school in addition to working with CHris and school. Chris has told her he can give her more hours if she wants them. That will help. She is searching school loans for the money she needs for the trip in June. I just hope she hasn't waited too long. She has to take the trip to graduate.
Got a phone call last night that my mother fell asleep in her wheel chair and fell out of it. Hit her head. They are watching her for 24 hours. They changed her meds again for the UTI that it seems she cannot get rid of. This is obviously going to put a halt to her back surgery that was scheduled for Monday, and I'm sure that's disappointing to her. But we want her healthy enough to survive the surgery. Due to the new job I don't know when I'll be able to get up to visit her. I hope fairly soon. I'd really like to be able to visit her more often.
Guess that's all for now. Love to all. |
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| Update RE: Matt |
[Mar. 3rd, 2009|03:43 pm] |
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Matt got the job at Lowe's. He took a drug test today. They have to wait about 2 weeks for the results and a background check and then he will be working full time. If anybody would like to donate a car, I'm sure Matt would appreciate it. Happily, Lowe's is on the bus line and when the buses don't run, hopefully we will be able to run up and get him.
Jeremy is looking for a good car for around $1500. If you know of one or someone who has one, please let him know. Still looking for large pieces of cardboard. Thanks.
Bev |
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| Whew! |
[Mar. 2nd, 2009|09:01 pm] |
There has been so much going on here and I am exhausted!
To begin with, Mom turned her apartment back over to Rockynol. When she is able to care for herself again she can get another apartment. She is scheduled to have back surgery March 23 which will, we hope, enable her to get back on her feet and walking!
Jeremy just found out that his part time job that he has been working for about 21/2 years (summers fulltime) will be ending no later than June 30. Chesapeake Gas is pulling out of WV. He is looking for lots of cardboard for his artwork. He will be the only Senior graduating this semester so the senior expo will be all his work. I will try to keep everyone updated as to when the exhibit opens and closes. He is looking for a car too so if anyone knows a car for sale (good condition)for about $1500 please let him know.
Jenni should be getting her passport back soon and is planning her trip to Shanghai in June and July. She is starting to get excited about it.
I have not been working for Nathan for about 3-4 months. I was going in occasionally just to check phones and messages but he said he didn't want me to (I wasn't even charging him). He is trying to go back to work for a couple hours every week but don't know when, or if, he will return full time, so I have had to find new work. This past 2-3 weeks especially has been very busy with interviews, etc.
I had three interviews this week alone with AIL (American Income Life) where I finally got a job as an insurance agent. It was not what I thought I wanted, but after reviewing the product and how they go about it I think I'll like it. And right now, anything to pay bills. Got money out of retirement again but refuse to do it again. Still attending school,also. I have to do an online study course to get my license. It is 5-7 hours every day studying in addition to my school work and whatever else. I am scheduled to take the test for my license on 3/14.After I pass that there will 45 days of extensive 40 hour week training and field exercise in the evenings. There goes my life for 45 days! But at least during that 45 days I can make some money. Not qualifying for unemployment hasn't helped things. Of course, I will need my car for this which is why Jeremy is looking more actively for a car right now.
Had a four chapter exam today in my hardest class but think I did alright. Studied for 2 days. Unfortunately, I may not be able to get an A from this class. That hurts, but I'll get used to it.
Finally heard back from the oncologist Sunday night. The CT scan did not show the pelvic, etc. area clearly so we have scheduled an ultrasound for this Friday afternoon. He did receive back the pathology report from the consultant but it just raised another question which has not yet been answered. So we are still waiting. Please continue to keep me in your prayers just a little while longer. Thanks.
Matt has an interview at Lowe's tomorrow. wish him luck.
Guess
In addition, I have been busy with taxes and fafsas. busy little beaver.
I'm going to go eat a late dinner. Love to all.
Bev |
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| Hi All! |
[Feb. 3rd, 2009|09:47 am] |
Thought I'd do a little updating here. Finding time to do it can be difficult.
Jenni and I went to Sandusky yesterday to help Matt move to Cincinnati. That morning, however, he got a phone call from the person he was supposed to be moving in with who said that they were going to be moving out in a week. That left Matt with no place to live and no money. He called and canceled the job he had scheduled in Cinci as lifeguard at a water park and came home with us. So now he is trying to change my study back to a bedroom. He needs a single bed with mattress if anyone has one. At least here he'll have a roof over his head and food till he finds something.
On the way to Matt's and back home from Matt's we stopped and spent some time with Mom. She is doing better, although she still has an UTI. They will be putting her on new medication for that. Her legs are very sore all the time. She is to talk with her doctor today regarding back surgery which should, hopefully, take care of her legs. Maybe if they are not so painful she will be able to walk, which at present she is unable to do. She said she is eating better. I hope so because she got down to 101 pounds, when she should be at about 125. Says she eats till her stomach hurts. Unfortunately, that's way too early. She continually leans to her right and is unable to straighten herself up. Her speech has been much better, however. Her right arm is very sore. She thinks she may have a small fracture from when she fell. Someone is supposed to look at it on Monday.
We have had to move mom out of her apartment at Rockynol and into the Ledges permanently as she is unable to do for herself. She is at Ledges, 1148 W. Market St., #214, Akron, Ohio 44313. Her cell phone is: (330) 801-1036. It just happened that as Jenni and I were going to her room to see her we were told that she was in her apartment. We went there and Betsy (bless her heart) was already there cleaning everything out. So we helped and then visited with mom for a while and then visited a while longer on the return trip.
I am still looking for work. Will be contacting the temp agencies probably this week. Wanted to get my doctor's appts. out of the way first. I have my CT scans for the cancer Thursday. Don't know how long it will take for results. Haven't yet heard back from the pathological consultation. Thank you to those of you who have sent cards, thoughts, or prayers. They are all much appreciated.
Love to all. Bev |
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| Somethings new |
[Jan. 17th, 2009|07:14 pm] |
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Hi all! Goings on with family that I thought I'd let you all know about.
First, my mom has been ill again with Urinary Tract Infection and Pneumonia but is now doing much better. I have tried to send out regular emails with updates. Due to these emails she has heard recently from some people she has not heard from in 15 years or more! Isn't the Internet great??
On January 30, Mark, Jenni, and I are going to Sandusky to help move Matt to Cincinnati. He was there for an interview just after New Year's. While that particular job was not what it said it was, while he was walking to the bus stop he saw an indoor water park. Stopped in and was hired on the spot. And they have an A&W root beer inside! His favorite! He will be making more money than in Sandusky and with the overall more metropolitan and busy area there will be buses and other jobs much more prevalent. He already has a roommate who is letting him stay there rent free until he can start getting paid. He is looking forward to it.
Jenni will be going to Shanghai, China in June and July of this year. It is part of her MBAL degree. She will be staying on campus of one of the universities and have her own room with air conditioning (it's hot there then) and tv, etc. They will be taking field trips to other areas. Her class of about 8 are going to the same place. For the first four weeks they will be learning basic Mandarin Chinese and about business in China. For the second four weeks they will be working as interns with Chinese companies. Should be an interesting trip. Her trip, airfare, and lodging is paid for with her school money but she will still need spending money. If anyone would like to contribute I'm sure she'd appreciate it. Her class is working to do some fundraising for spending money. She will be meeting with the person here in Charleston who she will be interning with next week. She is having lunch with her and her teacher. All she knows at this point is that she will be interning with a non-profit agency. She has had some real success and good luck with her mentor, Judy Wellington, who is CEO of Clay Center. They've had several lunches together and Jenni was able to shadow her once.
Jeremy is hoping that this will be his last semester at WVSU (Bachelor of Art). He will need to put on a Senior Exhibit at the end of the year. We will let everyone know when and where it is. He is then considering Shepherd for his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree (like a masters).
Kelli is just Kelli. Content with her books, games, computer, and writing.
Now for the more serious stuff. I hesitated to add this yet because I was going to wait till we had more information but it's already out there to some so didn't want anyone getting incorrect information. On January 8 I had surgery to remove a lesion from the vulva. Pathology reports came back stating that it was squamos cell cancer, which is skin cancer, of the vulva. Yes, ouch! We believe we have gotten it all and the one pathologist Dr. spoke to did not think there was anything in the lymph nodes. However, he was just the confirming pathologist and the one who did the report was on vacation this week so Dr. couldn't speak with him yet. I have an appointment January 21 to see Dr. Michael Schiano, the gynecologic oncologist in this area. He will look at the pathology report, the surgical area, and decide if more needs to be done. At this point that's all we know. Do know that this is a rare cancer. Of course, nothing but the rarest for me! Prognosis is good. Hopefully won't need anything more, especially more surgery!?!The thing to watch for is that it doesn't come back. Will fill you all in as soon as we know more. I have a good support group in family and friends and have surrounded myself with people of faith and who are faith speakers. I don't want anyone speaking anything even remotely negative about this. My God is better than this! Thanks for all your prayers.
Love ya all. Bev |
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| Stuff happens |
[Aug. 12th, 2008|10:34 pm] |
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Hi, all. haven't updated this in a while. Have been busy, though. As some of you know, the guy I have been working with, Nathan A. Hicks, underwent cardiac bypass (5) surgery May 23. His recovery has been slowed because he is not able to walk as often as he should due to a bum knee. He is ready now to schedule the 2nd surgery for a non-cancerous tumor, probably within the next week or two. It will require 3 days in the hospital to come off the cuminin and then another 7-10 days in hospital and unknown recovery period. then, hopefully, he will have his knee done. anyway, due to not being in the office much since May, of course, money is not coming in very well. He has asked me to cut my hours back. On Friday he said 3 days a week, but then when I came in on Monday he said 2 days a week. Ouch! I have put in 3 apps with the county school board, summers off! yeah! I have also given my resume to Sharon Mullens, who is going to be a family law judge beginning in January. She is need of a secretary. I will be sending more out and I am looking for part time stuff right now. For the first couple of weeks, since I will have school money, I am going to enjoy the rest.
Friday, Mark, Jeremy, Janna, and I attended a wedding in Ridenour Park in Nitro of a couple we used to go to church with. It was a beautiful day, beautiful wedding, and beautiful bride. We had an enjoyable time. Then, Saturday, Mark and I spent about 3 hours at Kanawha State Forest. We took lunch out there and it was really nice. Today I spent a beautiful lunch hour sitting next to the river at Haddad Park. The breeze felt good.
Matt is starting on Thursday again with Spirit through the end of the Halloween season. I have not heard yet if he is going to be a manager or assistant manager or whatever. Pay is better than Maui. Maui has said they will hold his job for him and he may be able to get some hours in there also.
Jeremy recently went solo hiking in Babcock State Park. Pictures he took, as well as pictures of the wedding on Friday. are on either my facebook.com or myspace.com. Look for bevdrake@aol.com. They turned out well.
School starts Aug. 25 for most of us. Not sure when Jenni's does. She just got registered for classes last week. the first opportunity to do so. the master's program is going into the redesigned Boll Furniture Store downtown. They are still working on it. She just found out Friday that she has to have $1K for a lab fee which is not included in her tuition. It includes a computer and all the software that she needs to finish the degree. After the 2nd year she will be able to purchase the computer for a very good price. Kelli is going to buy Jenni's computer and that will help with the lab fee $. In addition, between the 1st and 2nd year they are required to take a overseas class during the summer, cost $3800.00. They all just found this out too. Again, not covered by tuition. Jenni doesn't know yet if she will need to do that as she is starting out in the 2nd year of a 3 year program. She would like to, tho. Her boss, Chris, said he will help her. He is sooo good to her! He has no kids of his own, and I think he's sorta adopted Jenni! Now, to get her in his will! :) Jenni's classes will be M-W-F 10-12 for 12 credit hours. the other 4 credit hours (total 16) will be done by meeting outside of class with the other members of the program. there are about 12-15 altogether. they will work out the times once they meet. I think this will be good for Jenni. It is a hands on learning experience with companies actually getting work done for them. This is supposed to be much better than the usual MBA program. It is new this year at UC. Unfortunately, this year Jenni's UC Scholarship did not carry over. We are looking into getting her some sort of scholarship now.
I have recently begun preparing a slide presentation using Power Point for our church's announcements before and after service. I had never used Power Point prior to this and am having a lot of fun with it. I am also handling the songs during the service with EasyWorship (video of words with backgrounds, etc.). In addition, I have taken on the task of preparing the bulletins every week. I make them up and someone else prints them out. Well, that's all I've been doing recently. What about you?
Love, Bev
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| My birthday |
[Jul. 28th, 2008|11:51 pm] |
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My birthday was Sunday. I turned 53. It was a good day.
On Saturday the kids paid for me to have a manicure, pedicure (jenni and janna went too), then we met Jeremy and Kelli for lunch at Olive Garden, then they paid for me to have my hair cut and colored. On Sunday Mark took me to dinner at Bob Evans. On Sunday friends from church gave me a Sony Cybershot digital camera. I have been wanting one for a long time.
Saturday and Sunday were special services at church. they were awesome! God is so good!
That's it for now. Goin' to bed.
Oh, this too.
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| Family Stuff |
[May. 23rd, 2008|10:29 am] |
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Hi all! There hasn't been much happening in our family lately to write about . . . or I've been so busy with school I haven't taken the time . . . or both. Anyway, I'm going to do a little updating today. So, get ready!
Grades are in. I got A's in both my classes! Yeah!
Jenni has been accepted into the Masters degree program at UC.
She will be entering the 2nd year of a 3 year program. MBAL.
Masters of Business Administration and Leadership. Her boss, Chris Butch, is selling her his 1997 Blazer. Her car needs too much work to be feasible to fix it.
Jeremy is working 5 days a week for Chesapeake Gas during the summer. Kelli is staying home and cleaning and preparing dinner.
Matt has started a new job with a new waterpark, Maui, in Sandusky. Yesterday they tested the new rides, which he loved!
Mom is doing better. She had another fall recently but it was because she was wore out after having gotten her hair done. She was not hurt. It's still going to take some time for her to be fully recuperated.
I've had several doctors' appointments lately trying to get in better shape. I'm so tired all the time and with school, moving mom, and all, stress caused the OCD to be worse so I've been trying to do something about it. Anyway, went to a psychiatrist for that. She diagnosed the OCD (duh!) and depressive mood. Gave me 200 mg. of Zoloft daily. So far, (about 2 weeks into it), no difference. We'll see. Went to a new foot doctor and finally!!! got my feet feeling better. I can actually walk most times with no pain and even wear shoes other than my tennis shoes or heels. He's keeping me on the anti-swelling medication for a little while just to be sure. After putting up with these feet for almost 2 years, it's about time! I had a sleep test done that we got the results today. Good . . . and bad. Good in that I slept 73% of the time, which is normal for a sleep study, 85% is normal at home. My oxygen level was between 90-100% 99.7% of the time and only dropped once to its lowest, 85%, still good. No apnea, no narcolepsy, no restless leg syndrome. The only problem they found was that I snored a total of 717 times in 5.8 hours, which was an average of about 122 times per hour. Couldn't explain why. No REM also, but said that was probably due to the Zoloft, it ends REM sleep. So, the bad, we don't know why I'm so tired all the time with no energy. He referred me to my ENT to see if there is anyway of opening up the throat so I get more oxygen to stop the snoring, advised losing weight (duh! yuck!) and said if the ENT cannot do anything he will wait till I've lost some weight and do another sleep test. If that finds nothing then there is a diagnosis of _____(some long word) that basically says we don't know why she snores! Medication may help that. And I'm still tired! All the time!
In addition, the guy I work for, Nathan Hicks, has a cancerous tumor. They did a catheterization and found 3 blockages. Open heart surgery is scheduled for noon today. Please keep him in your prayers. There is at least a 6 week recovery period before they can do surgery to remove the tumor, during which time the tumor can continue to grow and bleed. He is severly anemic and had to have 4 pints of blood when he went into the ER. Our bodies only hold 6 pints of blood altogether. Meantime, back at the office, it is booooring! I have books to read, I play on the computer some, dial-up, so it's too slow to play a lot, and I have a couple of movies to watch. I'm not complaining, because at least I am getting paid. But it is boring.
Well, guess that's it for now. Love to all. Bev |
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bevdrake's journal
exhausted
