Characters - Meghan, the quirky, mooching granddaughter; & Nana, the loving grandmother
Scene - After dinner, Meghan has just brought the dishes into the kitchen
Nana: Oh Meghan, I told you you didn't have to do the dishes. I'll do them later.
Meghan: I know but I kept hearing my mom and Tanya in my head yelling at me if I let you do the dishes.
Nana: Oh don't listen to them.
Meghan: Did you just tell me to stop listening to the voices in my head?
Scene.
I know you all miss my pointless stories, so here's my latest. ^_^ It was funny the way she said it. I guess you had to be there.
Update: Pop's going to the chemo doctor tomorrow, let's pray for the best. Also, Uncle Paul got out of surgery today and is reported to be doing well. Let's all send a prayer out for him too.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Quick Update
Not too much to report today. Yesterday morning Pop was complaining of a stomach ache (he claims it was the hot dog at the party on Sunday that did it) but after he and Nana got home from his CT scan he ate a whole sandwich. Apparently the stomach ache wasn't THAT bad. Right now Pop is still sleeping and will probably keep that up for the rest of the day. He lost weight again and it has Nana worried.
To top that off the fridge broke, again. Nana called the appliance place and found out that the repairman that came on Saturday still hadn't put in an order for the parts to fix it. I'm not sure how much longer we can hold out for with just a mini-fridge.
However, Sunday was a blast. We had all the family over for a joint graduation party for me, Mike, Laura, and Peter. Amidst sock ball and pool spoons (patented Politi games) I kept watch over Nana to make sure she wasn't doing any work. She was forbidden from doing anything for the party besides providing the place. The little sneak made some Scottish meat pies before I could stop her, but other than that she didn't have to clean up, set up, or make a thing. At one point she even complained to me that she "was bored because there was nothing for her to do!"
...why I oughta...
To top that off the fridge broke, again. Nana called the appliance place and found out that the repairman that came on Saturday still hadn't put in an order for the parts to fix it. I'm not sure how much longer we can hold out for with just a mini-fridge.
However, Sunday was a blast. We had all the family over for a joint graduation party for me, Mike, Laura, and Peter. Amidst sock ball and pool spoons (patented Politi games) I kept watch over Nana to make sure she wasn't doing any work. She was forbidden from doing anything for the party besides providing the place. The little sneak made some Scottish meat pies before I could stop her, but other than that she didn't have to clean up, set up, or make a thing. At one point she even complained to me that she "was bored because there was nothing for her to do!"
...why I oughta...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Nana asked me not to blog ^_^
...because this morning both her and Pop managed to spill Pop's coffee, not once, but twice. The first time it happened, Nana brought the cup over to the table fresh out of the pot and placed it in front of Pop. Little did she know, Pop's thermometer was underneath the placemat and this caused the full cup to topple over. I haven't seen Pop move that fast in about 5 years. But at least Nana had an excuse. After Pop ate his yellow egg and buttered toast, he managed to spill his coffee yet again! He just knocked it over with his hand. When we were cleaning it up, again, he said something to Nana about spilling coffee everywhere, to which he responded, "Me?! I didn't spill any coffee! I wasn't even here!"
And who says living with two 80 year olds can't be hilarious?
In general health news, Pop did go to the hospital after he fell in the doctor's office. They gave him a unit of blood (or a gallon if you ask him) and sent him home that night. He actually didn't get any chemo because his blood turned bad again and he had low blood pressure. The bump on his head is doing quite nicely, you can't see much of it anymore its just a little bruise now.
The doctor at the hospital did suggest that Nana get Pop one of those motorized wheel chairs so falls like this wouldn't happen in the future. Nana wasn't too keen on this idea, and neither am I. If he gets into something like that he'll probably never walk again, and right now he's not doing bad overall, he uses his cane on some days. His first fall happened because he tripped over the rug, and if he has trouble in the doctor's office, they have wheel chairs he can use while he's there. As of right now I don't think he needs a hover round, or whatever they're called, but we'll see.
And who says living with two 80 year olds can't be hilarious?
In general health news, Pop did go to the hospital after he fell in the doctor's office. They gave him a unit of blood (or a gallon if you ask him) and sent him home that night. He actually didn't get any chemo because his blood turned bad again and he had low blood pressure. The bump on his head is doing quite nicely, you can't see much of it anymore its just a little bruise now.
The doctor at the hospital did suggest that Nana get Pop one of those motorized wheel chairs so falls like this wouldn't happen in the future. Nana wasn't too keen on this idea, and neither am I. If he gets into something like that he'll probably never walk again, and right now he's not doing bad overall, he uses his cane on some days. His first fall happened because he tripped over the rug, and if he has trouble in the doctor's office, they have wheel chairs he can use while he's there. As of right now I don't think he needs a hover round, or whatever they're called, but we'll see.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Damnit
Pop went in for chemo today and when they were coming out of the doctors office around 3, he fell and "bumped his head" (he didn't trip, he fainted). Nana called me at about 3:15 to report that they were in the hospital and didn't know how long they would be there. Nana said he would probably get hooked up to an IV and get some fluids.
As of right now, I don't know much else. Nana said Pop hit his head, but didn't say if he was hurt or how bad the bump was. I will keep everyone posted as I hear anything.
As of right now, I don't know much else. Nana said Pop hit his head, but didn't say if he was hurt or how bad the bump was. I will keep everyone posted as I hear anything.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Rain, rain go away
Hey y'all out there, nothing new to report in here. Pop is doing pretty well and the general consensus is that he looks better but that's probably because he hasn't had a full dose of chemo in about 5 weeks. He should be getting his newly adjusted (via the MUGA scan results) dose tomorrow. I guess there will be something worth reading then.
Other than the Great White Father, Nana is doing okay. She claims to be a 10 on the happiness scale of 1 to 10, but I know that's probably not completely honest. She can't do pretty much anything she wants to, even little things like going outside and puttering around in the yard/garden. She, probably like Pop, is going stir crazy from the combination of the bad weather and lack things to do.
She also says she wants to go to Rhode Island, but doesn't see much chance of it happening. I asked her about a day nurse or something, but she says he really doesn't need any help except for taking insulin. He can do most other things on his own (he even started using the cane again today yippee!). I also don't think she could allow herself to be away for that long, she'd worry too much. So in summation we're doing okay, not stellar, but at least not miserable.
Ahh well, like Nana says though, this too shall pass.
Other than the Great White Father, Nana is doing okay. She claims to be a 10 on the happiness scale of 1 to 10, but I know that's probably not completely honest. She can't do pretty much anything she wants to, even little things like going outside and puttering around in the yard/garden. She, probably like Pop, is going stir crazy from the combination of the bad weather and lack things to do.
She also says she wants to go to Rhode Island, but doesn't see much chance of it happening. I asked her about a day nurse or something, but she says he really doesn't need any help except for taking insulin. He can do most other things on his own (he even started using the cane again today yippee!). I also don't think she could allow herself to be away for that long, she'd worry too much. So in summation we're doing okay, not stellar, but at least not miserable.
Ahh well, like Nana says though, this too shall pass.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Spot of good news
Yesterday, Nana says, was the first time she has ever seen Dr. Malefatto smile in relation to Pop's test results. His blood apparently looks fine and the doctor was pleased with his condition - woot! He looked so good in fact, he doesn't have to go again until next Monday (which is quite a while around here). On Monday he is going to get a MUGA scan...
The MUGA scan (MUltiple Gated Acquisition scan) is a noninvasive test that produces a moving image of the heart. From this image, the health of the heart’s major pumping chamber (the left ventricle) can be assessed. This is important to do because Adriamycin (generic name – doxorubicin) - the chemotherapeutic drug he's on - can be toxic to the heart muscle, and can lead to heart failure. (More info about MUGA scan and Adriamycin can be found here http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/otherriskfactors/l/blmuga.htm)
So after we get this scan the doctor will be able adjust Pop's dosage and hopefully give Pop the full dosage come Wednesday. Two weeks ago he was in such bad shape he only got 1/2 a dose. Let's cross our fingers this goes well.
Oh yeah, and another thing, on Wednesday Dr. Malefatto told Nana that hearing loss is in fact NOT a side effect of chemo (Pop has been using this as an excuse lately). When Nana was explaining the MUGA test, Pop thought she was talking about an Indian guy... because apparently Muga sounds like an Indian last name to Pop.
At dinner Nana told Pop about the hearing thing and asked him if he wanted to consider a hearing aid. His first response was, "WHAT?!?!" and after that a vehement "No" with a string of angry utterings attached. In the end Nana and I decided it probably would be best if Pop couldn't hear everything we said. ^_^
But next time any of you talk to Pop and he blames his hearing on the fact that he's sick tell him he's full of beans - to which he'll probably respond, "Beans? yyyuck!"
The MUGA scan (MUltiple Gated Acquisition scan) is a noninvasive test that produces a moving image of the heart. From this image, the health of the heart’s major pumping chamber (the left ventricle) can be assessed. This is important to do because Adriamycin (generic name – doxorubicin) - the chemotherapeutic drug he's on - can be toxic to the heart muscle, and can lead to heart failure. (More info about MUGA scan and Adriamycin can be found here http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/otherriskfactors/l/blmuga.htm)
So after we get this scan the doctor will be able adjust Pop's dosage and hopefully give Pop the full dosage come Wednesday. Two weeks ago he was in such bad shape he only got 1/2 a dose. Let's cross our fingers this goes well.
Oh yeah, and another thing, on Wednesday Dr. Malefatto told Nana that hearing loss is in fact NOT a side effect of chemo (Pop has been using this as an excuse lately). When Nana was explaining the MUGA test, Pop thought she was talking about an Indian guy... because apparently Muga sounds like an Indian last name to Pop.
At dinner Nana told Pop about the hearing thing and asked him if he wanted to consider a hearing aid. His first response was, "WHAT?!?!" and after that a vehement "No" with a string of angry utterings attached. In the end Nana and I decided it probably would be best if Pop couldn't hear everything we said. ^_^
But next time any of you talk to Pop and he blames his hearing on the fact that he's sick tell him he's full of beans - to which he'll probably respond, "Beans? yyyuck!"
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I'm not a total waste of space,
because I finally got a job. Yeah, its just a job at the local Spic n Span food market over in Southport, but its something for now. I can start paying off Nana for the food and shelter she's been giving me these past few weeks. So that's good news.
Nana and Pop went to Malefatto's again yesterday (the chemo doctor) and will be going there AGAIN tomorrow. I'm going to assume here that no news is good news, everything is stable. Pop still can't be exposed to any infections and he has to be extra careful not to bleed (even when brushing his teeth!). Otherwise, we're all plodding along here, the rain is still bringing us down. Some sun is trying to break through today, but its not having too much luck.
I would like to thank all of our visitors that came over this past Sunday: Maureen, Doug, Caroline, Peter, Amy, Meta, Peggy, Paul, and yes, even my deliquent friends that drank all of Pop's apple juice ^_^
Right now Pop is doing his crossword puzzle and just read through all your comments that I printed out for him....
Oh snap, Pop JUST got a package... its... wait for it.... flowers! .... from.... Joann! "Oh for cripes sake, that's nice." Good thing Tanya's here so she can arrange the flowers in the vase - Nana's thought not mine. It looks like two dozen or so miniature roses for Father's Day - how adorable. Thanks Joann!
In any case, Pop read through all your comments and thanks everyone for their thoughts and well wishes. He keeps saying how he should get on the computer, but hasn't made a motion for it yet. We'll get him there, eventually.
Nana and Pop went to Malefatto's again yesterday (the chemo doctor) and will be going there AGAIN tomorrow. I'm going to assume here that no news is good news, everything is stable. Pop still can't be exposed to any infections and he has to be extra careful not to bleed (even when brushing his teeth!). Otherwise, we're all plodding along here, the rain is still bringing us down. Some sun is trying to break through today, but its not having too much luck.
I would like to thank all of our visitors that came over this past Sunday: Maureen, Doug, Caroline, Peter, Amy, Meta, Peggy, Paul, and yes, even my deliquent friends that drank all of Pop's apple juice ^_^
Right now Pop is doing his crossword puzzle and just read through all your comments that I printed out for him....
Oh snap, Pop JUST got a package... its... wait for it.... flowers! .... from.... Joann! "Oh for cripes sake, that's nice." Good thing Tanya's here so she can arrange the flowers in the vase - Nana's thought not mine. It looks like two dozen or so miniature roses for Father's Day - how adorable. Thanks Joann!
In any case, Pop read through all your comments and thanks everyone for their thoughts and well wishes. He keeps saying how he should get on the computer, but hasn't made a motion for it yet. We'll get him there, eventually.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Oh bother
Things aren't too hot here on Flax Rd, the weather has really been bringing us down. Pop has basically slept all day yesterday and all day today. He eats a little and goes back to bed. The poor guy is so bored off his rocker. He can't do his radio thing, its too cold to go outside for some excercise, and he doesn't even want to sit at the computer and go through his emails. Hopefully the sun will come out soon so we can all go outside and relax.
Nana has been super worried about Pop these past few days but hopefully we'll get some good news tomorrow at the doctors (or even no news, that'd be okay too).
Nana has been super worried about Pop these past few days but hopefully we'll get some good news tomorrow at the doctors (or even no news, that'd be okay too).
Friday, June 12, 2009
Doctors AGAIN
Nan and Pop went to Malafatto again today to check on Pop's blood, and everything is reported as "stable." Pop still can't be exposed to any sort of infection due to his low blood count, but he seems to be doing okay. Tom, Sean, and Peg all stopped by today, which perked up the ole feller, and Pop went for a walk up and down the driveway. And - here's the big news - he complained he was HOT today and he to take off his sweater and roll up his sleeves. Other than that, not much is going on here. Nana is good, Pop is good, I'm good. S'all good.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
To Vic's radio buddies,
Being the one in charge of "this damn contraption," aka the computer, Vic has me read his emails to him because he no longer likes to sit at the computer. The chair hurts his back and he has trouble using the mouse, which is why all his emails have gone unanswered for now. I know you all wonder how he's doing and when you'll hear from him again, but I hope this blog can be somewhat of a help. I check this site everyday now for comments, like that from Paul in Arizona, and I pass them onto Vic (who appreciates them very much). I hope that he will start using the computer again, but we'll see. For now, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Its Wednesday again
...and Wednesday means a trip to the chemo doctor. Pop's blood is all out of whack and he got a new prescription for antibiotics (among others) because his white blood cell count is so low. With his condition right now any little cold would probably send him to the hospital. Nana said he's not in good shape, but he did gain a pound and his blood pressure was good. After Pop gets his new prescriptions, he has to go back to the doctor on Friday so they can check his blood again - let's hope everything evens out.
In non-medical news, the garage got slightly emptier today and the yard a little fuller. We filled the back of Terrific Tommy's truck with the old carpet, broken beach chairs, the old army tent, and old Omaha Steak containers. However, due to Pop's vehemont insistence, a whole mess of old antenna wires were dropped off. Pop insisted he needed them again so he could hook up his radios again. Here's hoping he'll be able to get to it.
I finally found the cord to upload pictures from my camera and I discovered this beauty from May 23rd-ish. Nana was spreading mulch and I was mowing, Pop felt he needed to contribute to the yardwork by adding "constructive criticism." Gotta love that guy.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
It's been a while
I know I should have posted again sooner, but I've been busy around here. Even though it rained on Friday (much like it is today) Terrific Tommy came over and demolished the big red rug in the living room. He must have asked Nana about 100 times if she was SURE if she wanted to get rid of it. She said yes, no doubt about it, and admitted she has always hated that rug. Yep, it only took her like 20 years to admit she never liked the color of the rug. She only kept it because "Pop picked it out, and it never wore out!" Fair enough.
Pop took a nap directly after lunch and didn't here a thing. By the time he woke up Tom was gone, and the living room had been completely scrubbed and put back together. And we scrubbed it down good, no corner went unwashed, no baseboard un-scrubbed. I even vacuumed some of the dolls that had collected a noticeable amount of cobwebs.
When Pop got up from his slumber he seemed to really enjoy the newly discovered hardwood. He was "cruising around really fast" with his contraption and had a much easier time moving from room to room.
The rest of the weekend turned out to be pretty busy for me and Nan. We visited Doug's for Pete's birthday Friday night, Nana had a funeral Saturday and I went canoeing, and Sunday Nana went to Amy's and Meta's dance recital and I did some pool and beach cavorting. Pop seemed really happy that I had friends over to use the pool and told me, "have as many friends over as often as you can!"
Yesterday, Tanya and Pop's friend Bob Nevans came over to visit and Pop really perked up. On Sunday and Monday he went out in the driveway and did some "laps" up and down the driveway all on his own, without me or Nana asking/telling or helping him. He also told Nan he wanted to go to my Mom's house and get his antenna wires back so he could talk on the radio again. I think when visitors come over he really gets a boost, he talks like he's going to beat this thing and hang around for a lot longer (which is fantastic). I think just sitting in that chair all day tends to get him down, so if you're in the Fairfield area, please have no qualms about stopping by, Pop really loves (and needs) the visits. Even if it's just to pop in and say hello, he really appreciates all your love and support.
Right now the two old birds in the kitchen getting ready for breakfast and arguing over who put a band-aid on Pop. Neither one of them can remember, and the mystery continues. That's all for now, stay tuned for the next exciting installment of Life with the Politi's!
Pop took a nap directly after lunch and didn't here a thing. By the time he woke up Tom was gone, and the living room had been completely scrubbed and put back together. And we scrubbed it down good, no corner went unwashed, no baseboard un-scrubbed. I even vacuumed some of the dolls that had collected a noticeable amount of cobwebs.
When Pop got up from his slumber he seemed to really enjoy the newly discovered hardwood. He was "cruising around really fast" with his contraption and had a much easier time moving from room to room.
The rest of the weekend turned out to be pretty busy for me and Nan. We visited Doug's for Pete's birthday Friday night, Nana had a funeral Saturday and I went canoeing, and Sunday Nana went to Amy's and Meta's dance recital and I did some pool and beach cavorting. Pop seemed really happy that I had friends over to use the pool and told me, "have as many friends over as often as you can!"
Yesterday, Tanya and Pop's friend Bob Nevans came over to visit and Pop really perked up. On Sunday and Monday he went out in the driveway and did some "laps" up and down the driveway all on his own, without me or Nana asking/telling or helping him. He also told Nan he wanted to go to my Mom's house and get his antenna wires back so he could talk on the radio again. I think when visitors come over he really gets a boost, he talks like he's going to beat this thing and hang around for a lot longer (which is fantastic). I think just sitting in that chair all day tends to get him down, so if you're in the Fairfield area, please have no qualms about stopping by, Pop really loves (and needs) the visits. Even if it's just to pop in and say hello, he really appreciates all your love and support.
Right now the two old birds in the kitchen getting ready for breakfast and arguing over who put a band-aid on Pop. Neither one of them can remember, and the mystery continues. That's all for now, stay tuned for the next exciting installment of Life with the Politi's!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Where to begin...
So I got to thinking that a website might be a good idea for anyone who is interested in keeping tabs with Pop. You all can keep track of his progress and what's going on here on Flax Rd.
I have wanted to do this for a little while now and I just rearranged some furniture in the living room so I can actually use the computer without completely blocking Nana's view of her soaps. But I guess we can just get to it then...
Today Vic went to his diabetes doctor, and we got some okay news. His chest is clear, his mouth is healed up, and the edema in his ankles is getting better, but he still hasn't gained weight and his blood pressure was a little low again. Nothing terrible, but the weight thing is a concern for a couple of his doctors. Me and Nana have been trying to give him high fat foods, and he seems to have a good appetite - but still no weight gain.
Yesterday he got a half-dose of chemo, his blood-pressure and weight were too low for the doctor to do a full dose, but they didn't want to wait any longer for another treatment. Before going to the doctor, Vic managed to take a spill in the living room and get a nice gash on his hand. He's tripped over the rug several times with his walker the past few days, so Nana and I are thinking its a good idea to get it out of the living room - easier said than done.
Well, that's all for now. More to come soon.
I have wanted to do this for a little while now and I just rearranged some furniture in the living room so I can actually use the computer without completely blocking Nana's view of her soaps. But I guess we can just get to it then...
Today Vic went to his diabetes doctor, and we got some okay news. His chest is clear, his mouth is healed up, and the edema in his ankles is getting better, but he still hasn't gained weight and his blood pressure was a little low again. Nothing terrible, but the weight thing is a concern for a couple of his doctors. Me and Nana have been trying to give him high fat foods, and he seems to have a good appetite - but still no weight gain.
Yesterday he got a half-dose of chemo, his blood-pressure and weight were too low for the doctor to do a full dose, but they didn't want to wait any longer for another treatment. Before going to the doctor, Vic managed to take a spill in the living room and get a nice gash on his hand. He's tripped over the rug several times with his walker the past few days, so Nana and I are thinking its a good idea to get it out of the living room - easier said than done.
Well, that's all for now. More to come soon.
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