Second Three Month Check Up

 Haven't written much lately.  It has been a busy, happy, and tough three months.  However, my three month check up went well.  Only issue is I need a scan and it isn't scheduled until Dec. 30.  So three more weeks of worry!

However, during the last three months I have had gallbladder surgery.  I didn't know I had a problem until it showed up on scans.  It could have been more serious if I hadn't taken care of it. I did very well after the first few days.

I am back to almost 100% and doing a lot of board related activities, plus events with friends, going to sports events with Dave, and things around the house and back to cooking.

My hair has come back black and grey.  I always had brown hair.  I am wearing it short because that is all that it has grown,  I have it in a pixie cut.  Dave likes it and I get a lot of compliments (not sure if people are just being nice).  It is certainly easy!  I think I look a lot like my mom!

I am blessed and hope to continue to be cancer free and active as before.  It has been a journey but I think I have done pretty good with this one I didn't want to be on!

Three Month Oncologist Appointment

 Three month appointment--NED (No Evidence of Disease)!  Big relief after a few very difficult days worrying!

Daniel P. Uggetti 1956-2022

Dave's brother, Dan, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2022.  I got the news when I landed in Salt Lake City on my way to Butte.   Dave and Patrick had driven up earlier with the pugs.

Dave was Dan's legal guardian as Dan had some special needs.   He could live on his own, had held a job for many years and could function well, but there were a few things that he wasn't able to do on his own that required a guardian.  

When Dave's parents died, Dave and his sister, Donna, put their part of the inheritance into a Trust to make sure that Dan had what was needed.   I so admire that they both did this for their brother.   This kind of devotion to a sibling isn't seen that often.   

Dave handled issues with Dan and his usual calm and kind way.   Dan was living in a low income senior apartment that met his needs.  He had to pay for his rent, food, etc., but the trust took care of a cleaning lady, cable television and any other emergency needs that came up.

The Saturday before he died, Dave and Patrick took him out to dinner.   Dave was very worried about him as he was not doing well and had a hard time walking,   Dave tried to talk him into going to the doctor, but Dan refused.  Five days later he died.  Although it was sudden, it wasn't totally unexpected.   The cause of death was ruled a heart attack. 

 Their cousin, John, is a deacon at St Ann's Church  did the ceremony and he did a wonderful job.  Their cousin, Peggy, delivered the beautiful eulogy.

After the services, a reception was held at the McQueen Club.  Dave's dad (Pete) and uncle (Chuck) spent many nights at the McQueen Club.  It had been located in their neighborhood (McQueen) until about 1978 when the Anaconda Company needed the land for mining,  That is when the house we live in was moved from McQueen to where we are now.   The reception was attended by the large extended family and many friends of Dan's and the Uggettis.  It was very nice meal and get together.   I always meet so many people that have known Dave since he was a little kid.

Here is the obituary that was in the Montana Standard as well as a copy of the funeral card:

 

DANIEL PETE "PUMP' UGGETTI

May 20, 1956--June 10, 2022

Daniel Pete "Dan" Uggetti, known as Pumo or Pumi to many of his friends, passed away at home of natural causes on Thursday, June 10, 2022.  The son of Pete And Dorothy Uggetti, he was prematurely born in Butte on May 20, 1956.  The whole extended family was thrilled when he was able to come home about three months later.  Dan grew up in McQueen with his brother, David, and his sister, Donna.  With thier cousins in an adjoining duplex, the Uggettis were part of a tight knit community surrounded by their parents and grandparents.  Many relatives gathered at the Uggetti house for the annual July 4th picnic and no one left hungry.  The friends and neighbors of McQueen knew everyone so it was difficult to get away with many shenanigans.  Attending mass every Sunday was a big part of Dan's upbringing.  He attended St. Helena's in Meaderville then Holy Savior in McQueen.

When Dan was young, most weekends were spent helping his father, uncle, brother, and cousins work on whatever project the two Uggetti fathers decided was important.  He also spent many summer at the Patacini ranch helping work  never-ending chores with occasional trips to swim at Barkell Hot Springs after long days putting up hay.

Dan attended Butte Public Schools.   He was employed by the Anaconda Company, other construction companies and was a member of the Laborers Union.  He worked for Butte-Silver Bow County for many years, mostly at the Civic Center.

In 1978, as McQueen was slated to be mined by the ADM, the two Uggetti families had the duplex, built by Pete and Chuck, moved to the original Perelli homestead on Western Blvd.  Dan continued to live the next 40 years in the same house where he grew up.   Continental Gardens in Butte was his home for the last three years.

Dan was the proud owner of a ski boat.  He loved taking friends and family to Lakeside or Canyon Ferry on a hot summer day to ride in his boat or ski.  After selling his boat, he still went to Canyon Ferry with his best friend, Randy Rodoni, whom Dan called "The Barber".  When he was younger, he had a great time camping riding his ATV, and motorcycle.  Over the years, Dan attended many rock concerts with his cousin, Jim Patacini.  The Doobie Brothers were among his favorite bands to follow.  Dan also enjoyed the swimming pools at the YMCA.  After retirement he enjoyed socializing at the casinos in Butte and occasionally won.  Dan rarely missed going to lunch at the Belmont Senior Center.  He always said how much he appreciated the services and great food that the staff of the Belmont provided and that you couldn't beat the price.

Dan loved almost all of his cars and trucks.  By far his favorites were his 55 Chevy truck that he bought from his father and his 79 Mercury Cougar that was brand new.  Most of his vehicles were always spotless.

Christmas was one of his favorite holidays.  He loved making povitica with his sister or Randy, which he enjoyed giving as gifts.  He also enjoyed making pasties with his mother many times throughout the year. Dan learned how to make Italian sausage with the "secret recipe" from his father and was delighted to show his brother-in-law how to do it.  Dan loved the NY Yankees and was delighted one year with a birthday present to watch the Yankees play the Mariners in Seattle.  Another favorite trip of his was to the Rose Bowl and Parade with his mom and brother.

Dan is survived by his immediate family David (Sheila), Donna (Bill Jackson), and Donna's children, Steven Jackson and Janine Jackson (John Ryan).  Dan enjoyed watching his niece and nephew grow as they spent many summers in Butte.  Also surviving are Aunts Darlene Patacini Hepola and Retha Sigman, numerous cousins, and many close friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Dorothy, grandparents, Minnie and Dominic Uggetti and Emsley, Jesse and Elsie Sigman, many aunts and uncles, Claude and Mildred Sigman, Loren Sigman, Pete Patacini, Margaret and Len Dobbins and Gene Beindreiff, Albina and Carmen Campanella, Lawrencina and Willi Barker, Chuck and Betty Uggetti, and Vicky and Don Renz.  He was also preceded in death by several cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Belmont Senior Center at 615 E. Mercury, Butte, MT, or a charity of your choice.

Friends may call on Friday, June 17, 2022, after 10:00 am in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel.  Funeral Services will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  A further celebration of Dan's life will be take place immediately following services at the Mortuary.  His ashes will be privately placed with his parents at Mountain View Cemetery.  Rest in peace, Dan.  You were a very special person and one of a kind.  Many thanks to Peggy Patacini Eggen and Steven Jackson for help with this obituary.

Dan's ashes were placed with his parents in the same vault.   They were able to fit them in and there will be a plaque put up next to the one for his parents.   We did this privately.

As I said, I have so much respect for Dave and Donna and what they did to ensure that Dan had a comfortable life!  They were both devoted to him and made sure that he was well taken care of!!

Good News and Sad News

Wednesday I had my scheduled PET Scan  to see how I am doing now that I have finished the last chemo treatment.  I think I have had every scan possible over the last nine months.  The PET Scan is very thorough and was done from the top of  my head to below my  knees.  I had one done in January and at that time I was completely clear. 

Needless to say, I was very nervous about the results.  Waiting for the results is extremely difficult.  

I was scheduled to fly to Butte on Thursday and I was very anxious to get up here.  Dave had driven earlier with the pugs and his golf clubs.   I think it was the longest we have been apart.  However, I had one more chemo. Judy stayed with  me and I made it through the rough days fairly well.

When I got to Salt Lake and turned on my phone, I had a bunch of messages.  Dave's brother, Dan, had passed away.   Although his health wasn't great, this was not expected. His sister found him and called Dave immediately.  Dave was Dan's guardian because he had some special needs.  However, he was able to live on his own.

Friday Dave and his sister had to make all of the funeral arrangements which took them all day. 

Late morning I received a phone call from Dr. Bhoola. He wanted me to know that my scan had come back and I am completely cancer free.  They are able to look at everything from the brain to the lower leg--every organ in between.  There is absolutely no cancer anywhere and everything looked really good.  Dr. Bhoola was very pleased and feels that I have responded extremely well to chemo.  He feels that I am going to be fine.  We didn't talk for long, he just wanted me to know the results and I am so grateful to him for that.  I have my regular appointment next Weds. where we will go over everything.

I was so excited but it was so hard because of what Dave was dealing with.  But we made it through it and today was a very good day!

June 5--National Cancer Survivor Day

Today is National Cancer Survivor Day.   I think I can count myself in this group at this point.  I finished my last chemo two weeks ago tomorrow--May 23.   That concludes all of the treatment that has been recommended for me.   I started the treatment journey with the hysterectomy and then had three chemo treatments three weeks apart.  I then made the decision to try radiation even though Dr. Bhoola felt I didn't need to do it.  That decision on my part contributed to the sickest I have ever been in my life.   Radiation was certainly not for me as it caused a lot of inflammation in my intestines that became life threatening.  I did make it through 14 radiation treatments and three brachytherapy treatments.  Had to take a bit of a rest before finishing the final three chemo treatments.

BUT I MADE IT!!!  The last three chemos I finally figured out how to stay in front of the bad days so they weren't awful.  I am actua  lly feeling quite good two weeks out and hoping that my strength will start to come back sooner rather than later.

This week will bring the PET Scan on Wednesday that will determine if there is any cancer anywhere.  The last one that I got in December, I was completely cancer free.  That was only after three chemos.   Am I worried?  I have to say "yes" but I am also positive and hopeful that the results will be the same.   

I have a ticket to fly to Butte on Thursday and will do my appointment with Dr. Bhoola over the phone.   

If everything is clear, I will be checked every three months to make sure that it hasn't returned somewhere else.  I have thought a lot about this and have decided the only thing I have any control over is taking care of myself and living each day to the fullest and I will be doing that for sure!!!

Of course, my sense of humor has gotten me through a lot of this even on the bad days.   When I went in for bloodwork prior to my last chemo, I was very worried about having to postpone the chemo because that had happened the treatment before because of low platelets.  I waited for my results and all was good.   I sent a text to the family to let them know the news.   My text read, "I passed!"   After I sent it, I realized that I did pass the blood test but that was probably not the best choice of words!!!

TO BE CONTINUED!........................................

Energy

 

Every time I write about having the energy to do something and then I do it, it seems that I then have a few days where my energy is "GONE!"  To say it has been frustrating is an understatement.  I hate being dependent on anyone and I want to be able to do just menial things around the house.  Someone posted this in a group that I belong to and it says it all!  It came at exactly the time I needed it and truly put the lack of energy into perspective for me.  

Yesterday and today were two of those days.  I could hardly do anything and was zapped.  My one goal was to make the Governing Board meeting tonight, which I did.  It took everything I had to get dressed up, put on make up and wear my wig--but I made it.

So this saying really meant a lot to me for what it says and that is all I am going to say about it!!!!!!!

TO BE CONTINUED...................................!

Countdown!

The past few days I have been feeling good and have regained a bit of  strength.  I have been able to do a few things without being totally wiped out.  

Monday I got my nails and toes done and then we went out to dinner with some friends that Dave has made golfing.  It never ceases to amaze me how easily he makes friends.  We had a nice dinner and I enjoyed his friends.  They live here in the winter and Bozeman in the summer.

Tuesday I went to our board policy meeting which is held during the day.  It was good to be able  to think about something other than this journey.  I never thought many years ago that I would ever enjoy policy, but I do!

Later that afternoon, I went to a birthday HH for one of my dear friends, Kathy.  She turned 60 and it was so nice for me to get out with some of the wonderful teachers I worked with at Gilbert El.  I haven't been able to attend anything for such a long time.   It was refreshing.

Last night I made chicken enchiladas ALL BY MYSELF and cleaned up the kitchen.   That is also something that has happened very often the past several months.  For some reason, I was really hungry last night which is another thing that hasn't happened much.  I definitely over did it!!  But one day is okay.

After dinner, I had a bit of a meltdown but tried to get myself together quickly.  I was reflecting as to why this happened and I think it is because I am down to a little over a week for my last treatment.  Don't get me wrong, I am very much  looking forward to getting the last chemo done.   I then have to wait about three weeks and get the PET Scan which will tell whether or not all of the cancer is gone.  The one I had in December showed absolutely know cancer and at that time, I had only three chemo treatments.   Since then, I have had two more chemo treatments, 14 radiation treatments and then three brachytherapy treatments.

My last chemo is scheduled for Monday, May 23.  I get bloodwork done next Friday to determine if I can have the chemo as scheduled.   I am hoping that everything will be okay.

While reflecting, I think it hit me that I am down to the wire and then find out if all of the treatment has worked.   I feel positive that it has.  However with cancer, one always has to understand that it  can return somewhere else.    That is why it is so important to "live one day  at a time."  That is easier said than done.

As with every "pity party" that I have had, I tend to get over them fairly quickly.  I can't say that I am not nervous about the next several weeks.   I also know that my body is going to take some time to recover from the ordeal that I have been through.   I just have to make sure that when I am feeling good that I don't overdo it.   That will be hard for me!!

So the countdown begins..........

TO BE CONTINUED.....................!

CHEMO #5

Had a little setback for my fifth chemo treatment.  When I went to get bloodwork done, my platelets were too low.  They were at 82,000 and needed to be 130,000.   There was nothing I could do about it because it is one of the side effects of chemo.  However for two days I tried to eat as good as I could, and that in itself was a real treat!  I went back two days later and still couldn't pass the muster as they only went up to 85,000.  I was originally scheduled for April 27 but it didn't happen.   

Thursday night before I had to go in for bloodwork again,  I decided to try my old standby--Mary's beans--tostados to see if that would do any good (even though I was told it didn't matter).  So Friday morning I went in and GUESS WHAT??  The platelets had gone up to 135,000 in just two days.  So I was scheduled for last Monday, May 2nd.

Previously, all of the treatments had been on a Wednesday and my "tough" days were Saturday and Sunday.   So having it on Monday would probably mean that Thursday and Friday would be the tough days.   And they were but they have been the easiest ones so far.  After five times, I finally figured out how to stay ahead of the discomfort I had previously.  I took my pain meds every six hours and drank prune juice every day!  So I didn't have any of the pain and other problems as in the past.  For the first time I truly experienced "chemo fog."  I don't even know how to explain it, but for two days I was totally out of it.  I could hardly type, couldn't make a decision, tried to order food for Mother's Day and put in the wrong date--all of the things I normally have no issues with became a huge deal!  Needless to say, I would rather be in a fog than in pain!!  The fog lasted a little over two days!!

Today is Mother's Day.   I finally got the food order straight from Buca and we will be eating around 5:00.  I feel very good other than the lack of energy that has been consistent throughout this whole journey!  

When I hear others stories, I consider myself fortunate that I haven't had to deal with what others  go through!   

The problem with this setback is that it probably means I won't be able to participate in any graduations this year, which makes me sad.  It is because if my next chemo is on schedule, my "fog" days are on graduation night.   I am scheduled for Mesquite High and the current class graduating were in kindergarten my last year as principal at Gilbert El.   I have loved being able to say  when I am presenting the graduates that I gave a number of the students their kindergarten diplomas!  But there is nothing I can do about it.

I am trying to eat well, drink plenty of water and do everything so that I don't get pushed back again.  I am scheduled for the sixth and last chemo on Monday, May 23 if my bloodwork is okay.  I have a PET Scan scheduled for June 8th to determine how successful the treatment has been.  So far, all of my scans have been clear and I continue to be positive that this will be the outcome.   I didn't have to reschedule the scan, which is good news as I have an airplane ticket to go to Butte on June 9th.   Dave is planning on driving up before with our pugs and then I will fly.  My appointment with Dr. Bhoola will be done over the phone or on zoom. 

I am thankful for all of the help I have received--it has been hard for me to rely on others for basic needs! As I have said before, I am not a very "patient" patient!  I am looking forward to the final treatment and regaining my strength and getting back to "normal!"

TO BE CONTINUED.................!!

Hair AGAIN!

Since the last chemo in December and during the radiation fiasco, my hair had started to grow back.  It came in mostly grey but it was even and it looked kind of like a typical man's haircut.  What I didn't realize or even think about was losing it again after I resumed chemo a little over three weeks ago.

Earlier this week, I noticed hair on the bar of soap that I use to wash my head.  Then I looked at my pillow and it was covered with hair.

Yesterday, everything kind of came to a "head" so to speak.  After I got back from the bloodwork appointment, I laid down for a little bit and took off my cap.  When I got up and looked in the mirror, it was scary!!!

I had a wonderful dog named Ellie.  She was a chow mix with red hair.  She was a wonderful dog.   The first time I took her to get her chow (lion) haircut, she looked great.   However, as her hair started to grow back, it was in tufts here and there some of which would stand out like they had electricity in them.   She was the sweetest dog ever, but also wasn't the most beautiful chow!  I had to continually get her what body hair she had cut so she looked good.  We had a lot of good laughs about her through the years.   I still miss her.

As I was looking in the mirror, all I could think was "I have become Ellie"!  That is exactly how my hair looked.   I had bald spots all over along with areas with tufts of hair sticking out.   This did not happen the first time.  

Dave was golfing so when I came out of the bedroom, I asked Patrick if I reminded him of anyone.  Of course, his first words were "Ellie."   Although I don't go out without a hat or my wig, I don't always have one on here at home.   And the way my hair looked was bad.  So we did another "shave" of my head! 

Needless to say, I didn't take any pictures of the before or after even though the after is at least even but bald.   It isn't how I want my hair to look, but it is certainly better than it was.  And this will hopefully give it the opportunity to grow back evenly.

All I can say is that the only thing I can do is laugh!  Actually, my hair is the least of my worries.  If that is the price I have to pay to get completely well, that is okay with me.   I am anxious for it to start growing back when I am finished treatment, but more than hair, I want some energy back.  That is what is hardest for me!!

TO BE CONTINUED......................!

PASSED THE PLATELET TEST!!

I went in today at 11:00 for bloodwork to see how my platelets were and if I could have a chemo treatment as soon as possible.   On Monday, they were at 80,000. When I went in Wednesday for chemo and was sent home, they were at 85,000.  Needless to say,  I was very nervous as I truly want to get this behind me.  I had to wait a bit as they were very busy today.   The nurses are wonderful and always have a smile, a kind word and an encouraging word no matter how  busy they are.  I truly appreciate that.  They could tell how worried I was and they were extra kind.

I had to wait about  a half and hour to get the results.  I sat there quietly and observed their interactions with the other people in the room.  They treat everyone with kindness and encouragement.  A couple of times, one or the other came over and said they were trying to get my results as soon as possible but that things were very busy.   

I was so relieved when Lisa came over and told me I HAD PASSED and could come in Monday morning.  The platelets were up from 85,000 to 132,000.  I asked her how that could happen and she said it does often.   Once they start to go back up, it can be quickly.  I was just so relieved that I didn't care.  

It isn't that I look forward to chemo, but I truly want to get this behind me so I can start to get my strength back and to start having some fun again!!

I will know more Monday as to what the schedule will be for the last treatment and  the PET Scan and  getting to Butte.  If it goes according to this schedule, it will mean I will probably miss graduation,  which is very disappointing.   However, it is what it is and I can't do anything about it.  I just need to concentrate on getting completely well.

So I will prepare for Monday and I will be very glad to be down to the last chemo treatment in three weeks!!

TO BE CONTINUED.........................!

SENT HOME AND I DIDN'T EVEN MISBEHAVE!

Yesterday morning I got up early and finished all of my preparations for my chemo treatment.   I knew that there was a possibility that I wouldn't be able to get it because of the issue with my platelet count being low.  I had done everything I thought I should do in the day and a half but it didn't work.  The platelet count went up a bit but not enough.

Needless to say, I was really discouraged--probably more so than anything else that has happened.  I think it is because I had everything figured out that I would be able to finally do some of the fun things being on the Governing Board that I have missed this year.  Depending on what happens and the timeline will depend on whether or not I can participate in graduation activities.  If I had the chemo yesterday, all dates would have worked out.  Plus I am really anxious to get to Montana.  

After my "pity party" and time to think about it, I realized that getting completely well is what is most important.  I will be able to do the "fun" things next year if I do everything Dr. Bhoola says to do now.

I talked to Tara (NP) when I was leaving and she said that this is just what happens with chemo at times.   It is very potent and gets rid of cancer, but it can also do some damage to other parts of your body.   She also said that there is really nothing I did wrong or can do to make  it better.  That was a relief because I was literally forcing myself to eat the two previous days.  When I am not hungry, that is really a chore.  I ate good yesterday and I think it was because the pressure was off and I could just relax and "enjoy" a meal.

So tomorrow I go for bloodwork and then hopefully will have the chemo treatment on Monday. 

Just another glitch in this "c" journey.  And my attitude is back to the positive side today!!  I am just hoping tomorrow the platelet count will be high enough for treatment.

TO BE CONTINUED...................!

One Day at a Time Certainly Applies!

One day at a time has certainly been something that I have had to realize the importance of and try to adhere to it during this journey.

After everything I have dealt with and the setbacks with the radiation, things have been looking so much better.  Although my lack of strength and energy is frustrating, I do know that I can't push myself and have to understand I will get it back even if it takes some time.

This last week I have done more things around the house than I have in quite sometime.  Often times when I do some things, I have to sit down for a bit before I can continue.  And just the little rest helps me to finish or do another chore.

I have been feeling good other than this lack of energy.   It has been a good feeling to be able to do a few things and to be up most of the day without having to lay down or take a nap.

Yesterday I wrote about the light at the end of the tunnel.  Today I went in to get my blood drawn for chemo on Wednesday.  I have never had an issues with my blood levels before chemo.   The only time there was any concern was when I was going through the electrolyte issue and my blood work was not good at all.   Three weeks ago, it was fine and that was after all that had happened to my body. 

I went in today and found out that my platelets are lower than they should be.  I have had such a hard time eating much of anything but it hasn't been any different than any other time.  I have not eaten well but I have done good with drinking a lot of water.  Food just hasn't been  appealing.

The nurse told me that they would test me again on Wednesday and then the doctor would decide what to do if they are still low.    He will either not give me as much chemo or have to postpone this session.  I asked her what I could do and she said to eat a lot and make sure that I ate a lot of protein.  

Needless to say, I was and am discouraged about this.  I came home and looked up what were the best foods for protein.  I ate avocados, scrambled an egg and Dave made me a protein shake.  This was all after 2:00.   I ate all of everything and was completely full.  Patrick fixed chicken and a delicious vegetable mix of spinach, broccoli and zucchini.  I ate more than I usually do and it was hard to force it down.

If it gets postponed, that will mean that everything will get moved back however much time is needed.  I want to be done for many reasons and I want to be able to get to Montana.

I have my "menu" all planned for tomorrow.  It is hard to eat when I am not hungry but I just took my time and made myself eat every bite.  

And on another note, my hair had started to grow back because prior to three weeks ago, I hadn't had chemo since December.  The last three days it has been falling out again--nothing like before as I don't have that much hair.  But it made me realize that it is going to take  some time to grow back.  

I have to be patient and accept that so many of the issues I have had are out of my control.  And I just have to make myself eat regularly.   And remember that this journey is truly one day at a time!

Here's to a lot of protein eaten over the next day and a half and positive results Wednesday morning!!

TO BE  CONTINUED...........................! 

Light at the End of the Tunnel!

Wednesday is my second to last chemo treatment!  The last one is scheduled three weeks later (May 18)!  So finally, there is a "light at the end of the tunnel."   I will be glad to be done with them.   However, even though I have a few rough days on the weekend after and I still can't get any energy back, chemo has been nothing compared to radiation.  

Three weeks later, I have to get a PET Scan done to see if the cancer is gone.  I have it scheduled for June 8.  I know that there will be a few "nervous" days between now and when I get the results.  The good thing for me is that I have been cancer free since my hysterectomy and when I had the PET Scan done in December after the first three chemo treatments, there was absolutely no cancer detected.   I am hoping, praying and staying positive for the same results.

The only issue we have is when to leave for Montana.  Both Dave and I are anxious to get there, but I can't go until after June 8.  Our two options is that we leave right after graduation and then I fly back for the scan or Dave and someone in the family drives up with him (high maintenance pugs) and I stay here and fly to Butte right after the scan.   Dr. Bhoola said we can do the appointment for the results either on zoom or over the phone so that I can get to Montana.

I love Arizona and our home here in Gilbert.  I am very content with all that we have and what I will soon be able to do again.   However, Butte is my "happy place" and I can hardly wait to get up there.   I have had to learn a lot of "patience" over the last nine months so this is just one more lesson for me.

I will say that going through a diagnosis of cancer and then the treatment, did cause me to rethink a lot about priorities in life.  Sometimes we just can't make plans too far in advance because of a variety of reasons.

I am looking forward to getting my strength back and being able to do more tasks around the house and try to get back to a regular walking routine.  I know it is going to take some time which will once again test my "new found patience" gene!!!  But I will get there!

I am thankful that Dave already has patience.  He has been through a lot with me and I can't thank him enough for his support, caring and love.   Did I ever luck out when I met and married this wonderful man.

So soon this part of my journey will be over and hopefully the next will be full recuperation!!!  

TO BE CONTINUED..............!

Swimming--Finally Some Exercise

When this "c" journey began in the early fall, I was able to walk and get some exercise.   Right after the hysterectomy, I was able to walk.  I tried to make it an extra block or two a day.  For several weeks, I was getting fairly good exercise under the circumstances.  

After chemo started and then my bout with all of the side effects of radiation, I absolutely did not have the energy to walk.  There were times when I didn't have the energy to get out of bed, let alone take a walk somewhere.  The other issue along with the lack of energy, was that I have been a bit unsteady on my feet.  I know most of this is due to the weakness from treatment, but some of it still has to do with the issues I have had had with my feet through the years.  So basically, I have done no exercise in several months.  For someone who did a lot of walking prior, this has worried me.

When we got out pool several years ago, I wanted a heater put in.  For all of those years, I swam almost every night between March and October as swimming as always been one of my favorite activities.

I called and talked to the nurse at the doctor's office to find out if it is okay for me to swim.  There was a point (and my chemo brain doesn't remember exactly) when I couldn't swim our take a bath.  I just decided I would make sure if it was okay.  She asked me a few questions and talked to the NP and I was told it would be absolutely fine.

So I went for a swim and was it ever wonderful.  I was able to swim a few laps and actual get a little bit of exercise.   The pool wasn't quite as warm as I would have liked it, but it still felt good and we will get that adjusted!  I felt so good when I got out and I wasn't tired.  Was I ever relaxed!  My goal (as long as I am feeling good) is to try to get a swim in every day.  As Dave reminded me, I tend to overdo things when I start to feel a bit better.  I promised him I would pace myself.

I feel like I accomplished a real feat today and does it feel good!!

To Be Continued.........................!

Scale Up--Scale Down

 

Without going into a lot of detail,  there was a period of about three weeks when I was doing the radiation and before they decided to stop, that I was retaining water like crazy and at the same time losing electrolytes to a dangerous level.   During that period of time, I was getting two hours a day of infusions of electrolytes at Dr. Bhoola's office as my blood count showed that there were some very serious issues.  Each day I was gaining between two and three pounds.  So over a three week period of time in February and March, there were three different times that I gained over 25 pounds and then lost it.  It wasn't fun to go in see that I gained two to three pounds when I was hardly eating.  I did know that it was water weight because of the infusions but it was still demoralizing.  This is a very long story so I am just going to tell the part of the story that was humorous.

In late March just before I was scheduled for chemo, I went in for an infusion.  Once again I had gained another three pounds putting me higher than I have been in many years.  The nurse said that we wouldn't do any more infusions until and unless Dr. Bhoola felt it was needed.  That was a Friday.  I went in on Tuesday and was weighed and I literally lost 25 pounds over the weekend.  Although I had fluctuated several times,  I had never lost so much over a three day period.

Now to the funny part of this story--I sent a text to Shane and our Board President,  Lori.  This was in the middle of the gaining and losing.  I let them know that I may NOT be able to go to the Tuesday night meeting because my pants might be too tight (which was very true).   They, of course, had a good laugh and sent me some funny memes.   I think that was probably a new "reason" for not attending a meeting.  Tuesday came along and when I was weighed and lost so much over the weekend, now I was worried that my pants might be too loose (and they were).  But I did promise them that I would wear pants with an elastic waist band so that I wouldn't have my pants fall down in the middle of the meeting!  

What a conundrum!   Can't attend a public meeting one day because pants are too tight and maybe can't attend because pants might be too loose!

Fortunately, I have mostly maintained the lower weight (even lost a few more pounds) over the last few weeks.  I am still not eating  very well but some days are better than others!  I am trying to eat good, healthy food and have protein shakes when I absolutely don't have any appetite.  And of course, I am taking a lot of supplements.   Fortunately, my blood work was back to a normal place before I had my last chemo.

As I have said many times in my life, I have to find the humor in situations.  It helps me cope!!

TO BE CONTINUED..............................! 

Michael Anthony O'Connell--Truly One of the Good Guys!!!

The world lost a good man on Feb. 24--Michael Anthony O'Connell.   Mike was born on June 29, 1944.  He was the loving husband of my cousin, Janine.   I loved that he always called her Jeanie.  He was the proud father of Tracy  and and an absolutely devoted grandfather to Meagan and Sarah. And when I say devoted, I believe that Mike rewrote the definition for what a devoted grandfather means (as did Jean for a devoted grandmother.)

In our family, it is always a joke about who is "our favorite cousin."   I must say that I think I can get away with saying that Mike was one of  my favorite cousins because he was an "out"law cousin--married to my  first cousin.  

Did we ever have good times through the years!   Mike never met a stranger.  I remember when they would come to Douglas when we were down there in the summers.   Mike would go out for coffee or a beer and get to know people.   We would go someplace and hear "Hi, Mike!"  And you have to  know that both my mom and Aunt Teresa were prominent residents!!

I was very sad that I was not able to go to the funeral to support Jean and pay tribute to a wonderful guy.

Ted, Jean's brother did the main eulogy which I will put at the bottom of this.  His two granddaughters also talked about what a great grandpa he was.  I was able to watch the service and I have to say I cried through what the girls said. 

Here are Ted's words spoken so eloquently and so sincerely:

"Michael Anthony O’Connell
1944-2022

There’s a new Saint in heaven and his name is Michael Anthony O’Connell.
I am happy to share his life's story…some of it true, some apocryphal, but all of it legendary as befitting Himself.

Michael was was born in San Francisco on June 29, 1944 to Elizabeth Tracy and Glen Solon. Betty and her sister had moved out to San Francisco during WW2 to work in the shipyards. There she married James O’Connell who adopted Mike. Later, Betty remarried  a widower with a young son around Mike's age. His name was Ned Ongaro and his son was named Ned Jr, or Neddie. Ned was as Italian as Betty was Irish! Mike soon picked up the nickname, O’Connelli. Mike was raised in San Anselmo where he attended St Anselm’s Elementary and Marin Catholic H.S.  

Mike was taught by the Holy Name Sister’s at St Anselm’s. The same sisters that taught the Park kids at St Ignatius in Sacramento. In fact one sister in particular, Sister Leo, taught Mike and later his brothers-in-law, Ted & Ed Park. Mike was on the receiving end of the Sister’s wrath when, in 7th or 8th grade, he ignited a firecracker in the auditorium at St Anselm’s. (Mike always had a fascination with pyrotechnics.  As a kid, I remember him always having firecrackers around the house.) Some 10 years later, while he was dating Janine Park, Mike visited Sister Leo at St Ignatius in Sacramento where Ted and Ed Park were in 6th grade. Mike pulled up to the classroom in a green Pontiac Le Mans. We were all impressed!

Mike was a track star at Marin Catholic, running in the State Championships. He spent his freshman year in college at Oregon State University in Corvallis. He later transferred to San Francisco State College where he met the love of his life, Janine Park.
Janine came from a family of 6…Mike quickly became the 7th sibling and a brother to the rest.

Mike and Janine were married in January 1967 in said St Ignatius Church. Shortly thereafter he was drafted into the United States Army. After basic training in Ft Knox, Ky, and Advanced Infantry School in Anniston, Alabama, Mike was ordered to report to Ft Myer, Washington, D.C.  Ft Myer is the U.S. Army post adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. From Ft Myer, Mike was deployed to Heidelberg, Germany and the United States Seventh Army. Mike served as an Aide de Camp to the Commanding General, United States Army Europe.

But enough about Mike’s military career. The most important thing that happened during Mike and Janine’s tenure in Heidelberg was the birth of their daughter, Tracy Ann O’Connell in 1968. Mike and Janine returned to settle in San Jose, CA. Mike spent his career working as a Plant Manager in The Bay Area Printing Industry.  They were active members of St Victor’s Parish and St Victor’s Elementary School. They served in many ministries at St Victor’s as Eucharistic Minister’s, Minister’s of the Word, and Religious Education. Mike served in both the Knights of Columbus and St Vincent de Paul Society.

Being from the Bay Area, Michael didn’t suffer the Sacramento heat vey well. One of my vivid memories of Mike is him sitting on an inner tube in the middle of Folsom Lake, hat on his head, shirt of his back and a 6-pack of Hamm's in his lap. He was The Floater.

There were no strangers in Michael’s life…just friends he hadn’t met yet. An avid golfer, it was easy for Mike to join a foursome for a round of golf. He was able to parlay his love of the game into a post-retirement gig at a local golf course. Free golf in exchange for marshaling services. After fifty years of golfing, he finally got his hole-in-one. Not bad for a septuagenarian duffer. His accomplishment made the newspaper.

Mike’s retirement years were filled with activities…golf, Knights of Columbus, St Vincent de Paul Society, shopping at Safeway, and attending the sporting events of his grandkids, Megan and Sarah. He never missed a Special Olympics competition of Sarah’s. He packed her school lunch everyday.   Oh, and did I mention Scratchers? The California Lottery Commission has built whole schools from the sale of Scratchers to Mike O'Connell. When he was recovering from heart surgery in 2015, he received $50 worth of Scratchers while in the CCU. He went through them like Sherman's March to the sea, creating a pile of rubber filings in front of him. The Nurse came in and asked what the filings were…Mike, deadpanned, told her he thinks they have mice. Mike’s humor was dry and his wit sharp. Akin to his Milwaukee cousins.

Shortly thereafter, Michael was able to connect with family he had never met. He discovered a half brother and sister, Scott and Stephanie Solon, children of Glen Solon. I know that meant a lot to Mike. But Mike was not short on family. After marrying Janine, he was warmly adopted into the Park-Scott Family and never missed a Scott Family Reunion in Arizona. He as so loved by his many nieces and nephews. Nary a Christmas morning passed that Mike wasn’t assembling bikes or toys brought by Santa. He always had the right sized battery required to bring these toys to life.

But the highlight of his retirement would have to be his return to Heidelberg in 2017, nearly 50 years after his tour there. Janine, Tracy, Mike, and his brothers and sisters-in-law, traveled on a river cruise from Austria, through Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. The highlight of that trip was an excursion to Heidelberg  I know it brought back great memories for Mike and Janine and created new ones for Tracy.

There’s a new Saint in Heaven: Michael Anthony O’Connell. A deserving reward for a life well lived and one so loved. Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master's joy.  (Matthew 25:23)" 

Those we love are never really gone, as long as their stories are told and there are MANY wonderful stories through the years!  Mike's stories will live on through Jean, Tracy, Sarah and Meagan and all of his family.

We will miss you, Mike.   Thanks for the memories.....................
 

February and March

For me to try to briefly summarize what has transpired between my last blog post and today would be so much to write and I am sure I would lose my audience.  So I am going to try to make it is a brief as possible but still telling the story.  Please bear with me if I don't have dates and times correctly.

I started off with radiation and made it for about  a week before getting extremely sick.  I have always been healthy with a few things such as asthma, which has been totally under control and orthopedic surgeries.  I have had my share of normal colds, etc. where I didn't feel good.  However, this kind of sick is something I NEVER want to deal with ever again.  I truly have never been this sick.  There were days when I couldn't get out of bed and days where I had to help just walking.

Turns out that radiation and the diverticulitis and my intestines were bitter enemies.  I was referred to a gastrointestinal doctor who told me that the side effects of what I was dealing with could be life threatening.   That was enough for me.  Dr. Bhoola, my gynecologist/oncologist said no more.   I really didn't have to go through radiation, but I was trying to do everything that would help to clear me and have the least chance for it reoccurring.

I ended up one night in the ER with my blood pressure being 70 over 50--not good.   They kept me and gave me fluids with electrolytes.

For three weeks, I went to Dr. Bhoola's office and received a two hour infusion of electrolytes and vitamins because I was so depleted. 

During this four week period, I gained 20 pounds then lost it.  Then during the infusions, I was gaining two to three pounds a day from the water.   We stopped the infusions a week ago Friday and I lost 20 pounds over the weekend.    I was very glad to lose that weight because I certainly don't want to gain weight, but we had a Governing Board meeting that night.  I was afraid that I would have to call in and say I had to miss the meeting because I didn't have pants that weren't too tight!   Dodged that bullet!!!

Between the infusions and getting a lot of rest, I am finally feeling much better.  The infusions restored all of the vitamins and electrolytes that I was missing.

This week I had my appointment with Dr. Bhoola. I asked Judy to go with me because I don't always "hear" everything that is said and she has knowledge that I don't have.

It was a very positive appointment.  I asked him about the percentages that I was given at the beginning by radiologist about how much a difference getting radiation would make. He told me that those are just statistics and every case is different.  My particular kind of cancer reacts very well to the kind of chemo that I am getting and that radiation doesn't make that much of a difference with the type I have.   It was my choice to go through it--not his recommendation.  He said that he is confident that my treatment plan is the best for me.  I trust Dr. Bhoola implicitly and I truly like him and respect him.   During one of the weekends when I was so sick, he had given me his cell number.  I never want to abuse anything, but I had to call him.  I texted him and he called me within an hour.

It has been a much better week.   I still don't have much strength and tend to tire out very quickly, but I have been able to at least get myself some water and do a few things.  Believe me, that is a huge improvement,

Next Wednesday, I start the last of the three chemos which will be three weeks apart.  I should be done by mid May.  They will do a PET Scan and Dr. Bhoola said for us to plan our summer in Montana.

After this experience, I found out that no matter how strong you think you are, you might not be.  I had some pretty down days emotionally as well as physically,  I am not quite back physically, but I am emotionally.

TO BE CONTINUED..............................!

One Third Plus One Day Completed!

 I MADE IT THROUGH THE WHOLE WEEK GETTING THIS "C" RADIATED OUT OF ME!  Each day I was nervous.  A few posts ago, I wrote that I thought I had the preparation all figured out and no more worries!  Was I ever wrong about that!  However, I am doing everything the doctor tells me to do and a few things that Judy is helping me with so all week was fairly good.  

As of yesterday, I fully completed 10 treatments with 17 to go.  When I met with the doctor on Wednesday, he felt things were going really well, but that he wanted to take it week to week because I could need a rest break somewhere during this time.  I told him I wanted to get it done but I will also do whatever he says.

We also had a talk about how difficult social isolation has been for me.  He encouraged me to get out more.  So Thursday Dave and I went to the casino for a bit and then went to dinner (late Valentine's Day) at Longhorn Steakhouse.  Dave had a filet and I got his lobster tail and ordered an extra baked potato.  I like Longhorn as their food is good and all servers wear masks. Plus I have to be careful what I eat right now.  It was just nice to get out for a bit.  I had hoped we could do something this weekend, but weekends really are a time for rest--I guess to prepare for the next week.

However as I said, this is all worth it and although I am tired, I don't feel badly and I am still very positive.  I am anxious to get out and start doing a few more things.

TO BE CONTINUED.............!

The Reason I Continue to Do What I Do!

On this Lincoln's Birthday, I found this article and wanted to share it.  This is the reason I continue to do what I do and serve on the school board during these trying times.  I had the most wonderful role model in my mom, Margaret Shannon.   This article is from the Douglas newspaper.

Sunday, June 23, 1996

By Jame F Crane

A Life of Accomplishment

Margaret Shannon after retirement:

She is so small that is is easy to overlook her in a crowd. But start listing Margaret Shannon's accomplishments and her contributions to her native Douglas, and her stature exceeds that of most citizens.

Among other things, Margaret Shannon

*Was the first female department head at Phelps Dodge, heading up the company's Hardware Jobbing Division prior to her retirement in 1982

*Represented Ward 5 on the City Council for 12 years.

*Chaired the city's Finance Committee for 12 years.

*Spent seven years on the board of St. Vincent de Paul

*Is the president-elect of the Cochise County Fair Association, of which she has been a member for 10 years.

The early years

The fifth of seven children, Margaret Scott Shannon was in the first first-grade class at Loretto Academy in 1924.

"Oh, I enjoyed it." she said. "And I got a good education there."

Her father, a railroad conductor known for his prodigious memory, was ready to take his family to Texas so his children could attend a Catholic School. "But then Loretto opened" she said. "It was a very, very good school. There were music and plays and debates. And students got all of the classroom attention that they needed."

"They were double classes, too." she said, with two grades put together in one classroom. While it sounds odd today, having third and fourth graders in the same room allowed a student to more readily find his or her own level.

And education didn't stop at Loretto's door. Her dad made the children memorize a poem to recite each Friday. "And all of the states and their capitols." Shannon said. "We had to learn those, too. He was a strong believer in memorizing.

After graduating from Loretto, she attended Gregg's Business College. When the young Margaret walked out of that institution, she was able to walk into a job as a clerk at the Arizona Tax Commission.

However, she soon moved on to a better job as a case worker at the Industrial Commission. "It was like the workman's compensation of today," she said. "We had to deal with the claims of injured workers."

The Phelps Dodge Years

In 1950, Shannon returned to Douglas and went to work for Phelps Dodge as an invoice clerk. "Phelps Dodge was a fine employer." she said. "They were very good to me." Apparently she was very good for Phelps Dodge, as well, because from invoice clerk she rose to head the Hardware Jobbing Division at the big warehouse down on 9th Street, the first female head in the Phelps Dodge operations.

In addition to being responsible for keeping on hand everything everything Phelps Dodge needed for its Arizona operations, she also had to keep the hardware goods local contractors needed, because the jobbing division was a wholesale outlet.

"By hardware, I mean ten inch pipes, steel I beams, H beams, roofing paper and things like that," she said.

To give you an idea of the size of the "hardware" she's talking about, that dinky on display in the lot on 11th Street came out of that warehouse. "That railroad engine was used to move the steel beams in the warehouse." she said.

Did her male cohorts give her a hard time? "No." she said. "Never. The men were just wonderful. I had no problems with them at all."

After working for Phelps Dodge for a total of 35 years, Shannon retired in 1982. She had worked in the Phelps Dodge mercantile during high school, time that counted toward her seniority.

"And then I woke up one morning and discovered that the city had moved me into Ward 5 from Ward 6." she said. And that made me mad," she said. I had lived in Ward 6 all of my life." She didn't like being redistricted out of a life-long affiliation.

"So I went down and took out a petition," she said. And she ran for City Council. And she not only won, "But I won big, too," she said.

That spur of the moment decision to get involved led to 12 years on the Douglas City Council.

"On any issue of importance, I always surveyed the ward." she said. Sometimes she would call as many as 200 of her constituents in order to get a sense of how they felt about an issue.

"I always voted what the ward wanted," she said.

"I think that is always fair."

What was her most important important accomplishment while on the council? "We kept the city in the black through the real rough times."

Shannon is quick to praise both former mayor Elizabeth Ames and what she called the "bright people at City Hall."

"We have some excellent department heads," she said.

The former mayor, the city council, and the people of City Hall, working together, helped lay the groundwork for some of the good things that are happening in Douglas today, she said, like the opening of the Unique Molded Products plant.

"The city worked hard to get it," she said. "Industrial development is important. Unemployment is a big problem."

And what of the future? For the city where she was born and raised, where she has spent most of her life, and where she helped guide for 12 years, she is optimistic.

"There's a big market for tourism,' she said. "I'd like to see a one-night-in Mexico-one-night in Douglas kind of package put together. What an experience for tourists that would be!"

And she sees Douglas as being right now "in a position to move. It's a great town, and undiscovered town."

Personally her plans are to continue on the board of St. Vincent de Paul and to continue to support St. Luke's Church. She has just taken over as president of the County Fair Association, and she plays bridge twice a week.

"But I really don't feel all that busy." she said.

 

TO BE CONTINUED....................!