ONE MORE DAY

Today's picture is from a high school friend that I probably haven't seen since about..... oh, high school.  :)  She sent a care package with silverware for the family condo and all of the things that helped with Valerie's nausea - peppermint, croutons, and pasta.  Thanks Anissa!!!

Yesterday, Valerie slept a lot.  She remembered that the day before, she did not use her walker at all that day.  She has been routinely using her walker for stability when walking around the house, and anywhere for that matter.  On Tuesday, she walked around a lot and didn't use it at all.  Since she's lost so much weight, it takes a lot of energy for her just to carry her own weight around without the support.  She still ate and took her supplements, she just needed the rest.

One of Valerie's nieces, Melissa, arrived yesterday.  She has already been finishing the paint job in the main bathroom.  And she's spent some time just talking to her Aunt Val and letting her know how much she loves her.  Tonight, at about 8:30pm, Valerie really wanted some melon.  Melissa jumped on a bike and found her way to our grocery and got some melon!

Valerie's brother, Jon, continues to finish up on some of our remodeling that has been left by the wayside.  He has now put on a new screen door, installed the toilet in the front bathroom, put in the vanity and hooked up the faucet for the vanity, repaired some defective drawers, installed new door knobs, door stops, and MANY other things that slip my mind at 11:30pm.  :)

Valerie's mom has been making sure Valerie has all of her medication throughout the day and has something to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  It helps knowing that everyone is pitching in and trying to make things smoother and easier.

Valerie started taking hormone blockers yesterday.  The doctor in Mexico said that it could make her feel and act like menopause on steroids.  oh fun.  :)  We've all been waiting for the side effects - we'll keep you posted.

We've also scheduled an MRI of her brain for next Tuesday.  The oncologist wants to cover all of the bases re: the nausea.  Apparently the only thing left (besides psychology) is something in her brain.  So, when that is ruled out, we'll know for sure that it's the stress of everything going on that's causing the nausea.

Continued thank yous to everyone for their support and love.  And special thank yous to Aunt Vicki (for always having an encouraging word), Uncle Dwight (for daily positive messages), Alexi (for just being there), and Keyvan (for organizing and just being you).  Thanks to all of you, I hope and plan to have more and more good news to report as the days go on.

MOVIN' ON UP - THE SOUNDTRACK

Okay, so when I told Valerie what I titled the post last night, she said, "Well, then we have to sing it too."  I thought she was delirious and half asleep... but here it is.

It's filmed as a video, but it was dark, so it's just the audio.

My apologies ahead of time.  :)

COME ON WEEZY... WE'RE STILL MOVIN' ON UP!

Jon, Mom P, Valerie & Tracie

Ok, if you're too young to get the title, Google it..... or not.  :)

Valerie continues to make strides towards recovery and improvement.  Yesterday (Sunday) we went out to eat at our corner pizza place.  Spaghetti has been sounding good to Valerie.  One of the lectures we attended at the Oasis of Hope said that spaghetti is a good thing to eat for it's low glycemic index, carbohydrates, etc.  There was biology involved, graphs, and lots of acronyms... I can't explain the particulars, but the doctor said spaghetti is good!  That part I remember.  So Valerie had spaghetti at the pizza place --- and she had her leftovers later that night.  2 good things in one... she is eating well, and we went OUT to eat.

Valerie's mom has been taking over making sure that Valerie has the right supplements, that she eats, and that she is cared for during the day.  I went back to work today.  It feels weird leaving Valerie but I know she is in good hands.

Valerie's brother, Jon, has been tearing up a to do list that we made (in a good way) - changing door knobs, making our threshold 1" high instead of 3" high (I've been complaining about that since we bought the place!), putting in a secure screen door, etc.  This picture does some justice to his work.... there's a saying about "sweat equity"... well, just look at the back of his shirt!

I also wanted to add a note about Michelle's time here.  Before she left, she gave us a copy of the flyer from the benefit concert... signed by all of the performers.  It's beautiful!  AND she gave us a check from their efforts of putting on the concert.  We are very lucky to have friends and family that came together to do such a nice, generous, wonderful thing.  That check will help us pay for the treatment that she had in Mexico and in doing so, will lighten a heavy load of financial stress.

I also received another batch of checks from my friends and coworkers at the Public Defender's Office.  A kitchen table and chairs (with other kitchen odds and ends) was delivered to us today to help furnish the family condo.  Thank you Karen!!

We will never be able to adequately thank all of you for your generosity, kindness, compassion, and love during this time.  Please know that we love you and appreciate all of you VERY MUCH!!!

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

STRONGER

Michelle and Valerie

The title today is straight from Valerie.  I asked her for input on the title and that's what she said - Stronger.   WOO HOO!!! :)

Yesterday was rough, but only because Valerie accomplished SO much.  She was able to go to work (in North Hollywood - an hour away and 103 degrees!!) and spend about 2 hours getting things done there.  She managed it all SPLENDIDLY.  She was exhausted when we got home and she slept/rested - and it was well deserved!

Yesterday, we also met up with a friend, Kathy, who made us raw lasagna!!  Valerie has truly been craving raw food and it was DELICIOUS!!  It is almost gone a day later.  THANK you Kathy!

Today has also been a good day.  She has been up and interacting with family most of the day.  And I know what some of you are thinking......'oh, that must be a drag.' :)  It's actually been invigorating, inspiring and all around a very good thing.

Michelle had to leave today but we are SO thankful that she came to "fill the gap" between Tuesday and today.  It's been so nice having her here to help out and to spend some time with Valerie.  It seems that every family member has something new, different, and uplifting to offer.

Valerie's brother, Jon, and their mother, Colette, arrived late last night.  Jon spent the day running around in this heat gathering up furniture and things for the condo they are renting for the next 3 months.  He will only be here for a week, but wanted it to be comfortable for their mom and others that will be staying there.  (I'll post a pic of him next time.)

Colette spent the day with Valerie, playing cards, watching a movie, and just hanging out.  It was a very relaxed day, with some emotional greetings and goodbyes.

I have to start work Monday full steam ahead, so it will be comforting to know that people are here to help, to offer support, and to just be here.

Valerie continues to get stronger, to feel better emotionally, and to improve.  When we got back from Mexico, she mentioned that having a hospital bed made her feel sick.... Michelle made arrangements for the company to come pick it up on Monday.  We are going to turn that room into a fitness room.  We've ordered a bike trainer (a gadget that you hook to the back tire of your bike to make it into a stationary bike) so Valerie can sit safely and get her blood flowing.  We also got an elliptical machine today amongst the free furniture that Jon found.  So, no more sickness.... onward with strength and recovery!!

And a continued thank you to those that comment, send messages, posts, etc.  Please know that even when we don't respond, we read them with a smile and thoroughly enjoy them!!

High stakes card game with Mom P.

ASSISTED LIVING DANCE MOVES

I am thrilled to report that things only keep getting better or at least maintaining a nice positive upswing.

Valerie received these GORGEOUS flowers yesterday from our dear friend, Amy.  thank you.  :)  The picture doesn't even do them justice.  Every time I look at them I do a double take - they are so vibrant and beautiful.

Ola and Valerie

Valerie met with her physical therapist, Ola, today.  He is full of positive energy and encouragement.  He always leaves her with homework.... today, it's squats.  Even if it's 3.  It's working those muscles and making her stronger.  She is always a bit motivated and uplifted after he leaves.

Today she got so motivated that she busted out with some dance moves - inspired by Joss Stone's "Put Your Hands On Me."  Any video and sound imperfections are my fault.  This makes me smile even thinking about it.... here she is ladies and gentlemen...for your viewing pleasure.  Valerie Paget and her "Assisted Living Dance Moves!!!!!"

HELP NEEDED - UPDATE

After the first help needed post, I immediately got offers for many of the things on the list.  So, here is an updated list of things that would help us set up the condo for Valerie's family:

 - pots and pans
 - silverware
 - comfy chairs:  even camp chairs
 - TV
 - microwave
 - coffee pot
 - lamp(s)
 - pillows
 - blankets
 - tv trays

OR anything that you think might help... just message me.  I'm having a hard time thinking this through.  :)

I (and our family) will be coordinating the pick-up of things that have already been offered.

THANK YOU ALL!!

VALERIE IS GREAT - TRACIE IS A SLACKER :)

Vanessa, Hannah and Valerie

Hi everyone... sorry for the delay in posting.  I received several "prompts" in the last 2 days to update the blog, so here I am.    I'm glad people are worried/interested and I'm glad the only thing I have to report is that I've been a slacker... no reports that there have been problems and that's what's kept me from posting.

Valerie is still doing well.... or is it good? (Uncle Dwight, help?) :)
She is eating regularly, taking supplements, walking around as much as she can, and encouraging me to "delegate" and let other people help.

Monday night, Valerie's sister Michelle arrived.  And the following morning, Vanessa and Hannah flew home.  Michelle has been finalizing the arrangements for the extra condo in our building.  We will officially have access to that condo on Friday.  After posting the "Help Needed" post, I immediately started getting offers of household items.  (You people are awesome!!)  I will post an update later today so people know what we have and what we still need.  I will also coordinate soon with those of you who have already contacted me about meeting up to get those items.

Thankfully, there have not been any more "Wasabi Nut Crunch" days!  We have had MANY more good experiences than bad lately.

Michelle and Hannah

While in Mexico, we learned that their standard treatment regimen is 12 days there - 4 weeks home - 5 days there - 4 weeks home - then 5 more days there.  We have paid (read "maxed out credit cards") for the first 12 days, but will have to still pay for the next 2 trips.  SO, that is why we are even MORE grateful for the EXTREME generosity of so many people.  Namely, my coworkers and friends at the Public Defender's Office (I haven't met a more generous bunch of people) and everyone that participated in the benefit concert in Colorado (we now get to hear first hand stories from Michelle about the concert).

I would also like to thank Tracy and Jen for my fantastic welcome back to work.  :)  You guys are awesome!

Now that we are home, I will pledge to post every other day.  That way, you don't have to worry until after day 2.  :)  But after day 2, feel free to remind me.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. 

The other is as though everything is a miracle." --A. Einstein

ANOTHER GOOD DAY

Hi all.  Just another quick note to say that today has been another good day.

Valerie has eaten consistently - gone for a walk/ride in the wheelchair with our fabulous neighbors - played with Hannah - taken more supplements today than yesterday - and had a wonderful evening with Joaquin, who does Pranic Healing and has come to visit twice now.

I don't know what the internets say about Pranic Healing, so I'm just going to clarify before people start the exorcisms.... he presents as very interfaith, it's applicable whether you believe in God, Buddha, or the power or love.  It's simply about energy, being positive, loving yourself and others, and putting more good out into the world than bad.  (Sorry Joaquin and Maricela if I've just butchered this - I'm new at it remember?) :)

All I know is that when Joaquin leaves, Valerie is smiling, content and full of love.  That's worth a stadium of gold in my book.

Another major plus in today's events.... the Jungbauer pulled off what looks to be a FANTASTIC benefit concert.  You can see pictures and video on the Friends of Val facebook page.  THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!

We are turning in after another tiring but productive and healing day.  Looking forward to Valerie's sister, Michelle, arriving tomorrow night.

Love you all!

**Hannah loved giving the doggie kisses.... or trying to chew it's nose off.  We're not really sure, but we're not judging.  The girl has some serious teeth coming in!

1ST FULL DAY HOME

 Today was a pretty good day.  Valerie is learning how to be this person that she is now... how to be a person who can't just get up and putz around the house because her body does not cooperate... a person who can't just pick up her great niece and walk her around the house... a person who can't plan her next meal because her body may reject it.  These are all great changes and adjustments that will take time to accept and abilities that will take even more time to regain.

In her quest to regain some strength, she took off out the front door this afternoon, saying "I just need to get out."  I quickly grabbed keys and sunglasses and followed her.  I thought we were probably just walking outside and back in ..... but you never know.  She walked outside - down the stairs - through the courtyard - out the gate - and down the block.  We rounded the block and she said, "um, maybe I'm over doing it - let's head back."

She made it back - a little winded - a touch dizzy - and feeling like she might faint.  But she made it - out and back.  The picture above is after she made it back in and collapsed in the lazy boy.  :)

She also has kept all of her food down for the past 3 days.  This morning, I made her a smoothie with spinach, protein powder, mango, blueberries and banana.  She ate 2 big cups of that poured over chunks of mango, blueberries and banana.  Later she ate a sandwich of hummus, sprouts, avocado, and tomato.  She still has moments of uncertainty about her digestive system, but she forages on and so far, it's holding up.

We had some nice moments today with Valerie's GREAT niece, Hannah.  And by GREAT, I do mean wonderful, but I also mean that she's her niece, Vanessa's, daughter.  There's definitely nothing like baby love for healing and warming the heart.

Tomorrow, our family in Denver - Valerie's sister, Michelle, and her family - are putting on a FANTASTIC benefit concert in Denver (Arvada really).  So, for any of you out that way - please make it over to the D-Note in Arvada between 11 and 3.  It's a VERY cool place - bar/coffee shop/live music.  We want to thank them ALL from the bottoms of our hearts for all of their hard work and dedication.  It means SO much.  We look forward to the pics and videos. :)

Love you all.  We are turning in for the night.

HOME AT LAST

Hi all.  We arrived home at about 4pm today.  We are both very happy to be back and to see friends and loved ones.  At Valerie's request, we made a quick stop at the beach so she could put her feet in the sand. (the pic)

We are getting settled into a more finished, put together and cleaner house than the one we left.  It's so much more conducive for health and healing... thank you Vanessa, more than words can say.  What a beautiful gift you've given your Aunt Val.

After a rough few days, Valerie ate about 3 pieces of pizza last night at the hotel (BAD pizza at that) and she ate 3 pancakes from Denny's this morning.  She is now eating a little plate of spaghetti and so far everything has stayed down.  WOO HOO!!

She's taking pain and nausea medicine that we got in Mexico - from a prescription the doctor wrote for us.  Her pain has been MUCH better managed with what they are giving her than the morphine prescribed by the docs here.  The nausea is still an off and on battle but it seems MUCH better.

Now she will begin the road to strength and health.  She is frail and weak but will become healthy and strong.  She is afraid and anxious but will become determined and certain.  She already looks and sounds better.

It was helpful to have a more objective pair of eyes in Vanessa when we got home.  She immediately commented on how much better Valerie looked - more color in her face; more vibrant looking; she walked up the stairs MUCH better than when she returned from the US hospital; she was able to twist and turn in getting around - which she couldn't do before we left; and she can reposition herself on the bed with MUCH less pain and effort than before.  With the struggles from day to day, it's been hard for us to see the steps of progress.  But there has absolutely been progress and there will be a LOT more!!

UPDATE FROM YESTERDAY

**this picture will make more sense at the end....

I'm not going to dwell or go into terrible detail, but for the sake of telling the WHOLE story, I must include the events of yesterday..... and okay, maybe I'll end up going into detail.  Forgive me. :)

Valerie woke me up at 6am, having not slept since midnight, when her IV ended.  She slept for 2 hours, then was awake and "on her own" from then on.  She has only been taking pill for medication since 6am yesterday for things that they had been giving her an IV for... for 2 weeks - pain meds, anxiety meds, and nausea meds.  So, it has been a big adjustment.  And she has done MARVELOUSLY.

So, we left off on the last post with me loading the car - the car wouldn't start - and a guy across the street was charging the battery.

We went back in an hour and it wasn't charged enough - come back in another hour.  During that hour, Valerie vomited up all of the food she had eaten the hour before.  This day is not going so well so far.

After another hour, ---- and let me clarify, when I say hour, I mean an hour or TWO, no one is very prompt around there ---- after that hour, it wasn't holding the charge and he said he could have a battery brought to the shop in 30 minutes.

An hour and a half later, we went back over (Dorian was very busy and we were waiting on him).  After looking at 2 plain black - no labels or markings - batteries IN THE BACK OF SOMEONE'S TRUNK, Dorian picked one and the guy asked for $53.  Thanks to Tracy K., I had a $50 bill in my back pocket.  I offered him that, thinking.... it just came out of the back of some guys trunk!!  He wanted $53!!  Dorian, being the guy he is, pulled out the rest in pesos and paid him.

THEN Dorian actually put the battery in the car..... and no, it didn't start.  The lights, locks, etc. worked - but it wouldn't turn over.  Dorian got down and fiddled with something by the fuses and BAM - it started!!  He either lied or really doesn't know - but he says he has no idea what he did to make is start.

I asked him if I could turn it off and back on.  He says "sure."  And low and behold, it started again!  Okay, so things are FINALLY working.   So, at about 5:30pm --- 6 hours after our first attempt -- we loaded up and left the Oasis.

The next obstacle came with trying to find the right ramp to get on that lead to the border.... that took about an hour.  Mind you, Google Maps said that from the hospital to the border was about 10 minutes.  Well, call it HORRIBLE signs in TJ (Tijuana), call it traffic coming from 6 different directions and you have to pick a lane NOW.... whatever, we kept SEEING the right lane, but we just couldn't figure out how to get IN it.

So, we finally got in the line to get to the border and it took another hour - of just sitting in line - to get across the border.  And these are some fun pictures of what you see when you're driving across from TJ to San Ysidro.  There are a line of shops on the right (no sidewalks) - they just sell to cars.  And down the middle of 2 of the 4 lanes of traffic, there's this tiny lane occupied by vendors.  You can buy anything from a poncho, to a jesus on a cross, to ice cream.  Next time, I'm going with a list.  :)

Once we FINALLY made it across the border, it only took us a couple of minutes to get to the cozy Motel 6.  It was about 8pm when we got holed up for the night.

We were both a little hungry, so I order pizza and spaghetti.  In no time, Valerie had eaten 3 pieces of the pizza.  More food than she's eaten in any one sitting in awhile.

At 9pm, Valerie wanted peanuts or something, so I got out of my PJs and back into my clothes, then made a trip up to the vending machine.  That picture at the top.... it LOOKS like the Wasabi Nut Crunch is falling doesn't it?  NOOOOO, it's not falling, it's just hanging there taunting me!!!!  I'm serious.... after the day we just had, that almost put me over the edge.  I had thoughts of going all primitive cave woman on the machine until I got my Wasabi Nut Crunch to fall.  But the machine was right outside the office.... that's the only thing that kept my sanity.

Then, as I'm walking back to the room with 2 bags of Wasabi Nut Crunch - because I had to put more money in to make the 1st one fall, I open an email from a coworker that says, "Up and down, up and down, ...it's almost obscene.  You're almost there, keep the hope where it can be seen."  I laughed out loud!!!  :)  Thank you CM - I didn't ask to reprint your material, so I won't name you. :)  It was a perfect ending to a not so perfect day!

DAY 15 - IN THE US

Today was one HELL of a day. I will post details tomorrow.

We didn't make it across until 7:30pm. We are now tucked in at a Motel 6 for the night. Driving home in the morning.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Love you all.

DAY 15 - HEADING HOME UPDATE

Weeeeelllllll, we THOUGHT we were headed home.

I got the car all packed up only to learn that the car will NOT start.  So after 3 guys worked on it for awhile - wouldn't charge all the way up.  We took the battery out and to the guy across the street who is charging it.  It has been charging for a little over an hour and the reader shows that the charge it's holding has doubled in that time, so just a little longer. (fingers and toes and eyes crossed!)

In the meantime, we at a little lunch.  Valerie had a couple of red potatoes and some fruit.  I'll take it. :)  She's been doing pretty good.  A  little anxious, but given that she hasn't had an IV since about midnight, I'd say she's doing splendidly.

Dr. Contreras came in and held her hand while answering all of her questions and giving her a lot of hope and encouragement.  I only wish I'd recorded it so I could play it for her daily.

Thought you would enjoy these pictures of the two of them.

DAY 15 - HEADING HOME

We are packing up and getting ready to leave in the next hour or so.  According to Google Maps, it's a 2 hour 20 minute drive.  In all actuality, it'll take 3-4 hours. Crossing the border can take awhile and I'm sure between San Diego and Orange County we'll run into some traffic.

BUT we ARE headed home!

It turns out it was a rough night last night.  I was sound asleep until about 6am when Valerie woke me and said her IV stopped at about midnight and they hadn't started a new one and she was feeling really anxious.  She had been laying awake the entire time.  I got the doctor and they gave her a shot that helped her sleep for 2 hours.  Now, she's resting while I pack and she seems much better.

 Here's hoping!!

DAY 14 - EVENING

Last day here.  This picture is the treatment chart they gave us.  It's supposed to "explain" the treatment for each day.  It took us a few days to figure out exactly what all the colors meant.  Thought it was a good visual for you all - each one either stands for an IV or supplements or blood treatment.

I am anxious to get home - to our surroundings, our friends and family, our "stuff."  Valerie is a little anxious about going home.  Worried that people will have unrealistic ideas about her functioning; worried that she will have to endure pitying looks and questions; and worried that she won't improve.

I think that many of us fully expect her to recover... her strength, her health, her mobility, and her sense of a "normal" life.  Of course, it'll take work and time, but she has the ability to heal and be healthy.

So I ask of all of you:  patience, compassion, cheer without insincerity, and time.

And thank you for the responses that we have already gotten for items to furnish the other condo.  I think we have enough beds; table and chairs; and dishes.  Just needing a few other things on the Help Needed Post.

More tomorrow - maybe from here... but FOR SURE FROM HOME!!! :)

** One last picture of Dorian, our Patient Representative.  I'm sitting in his office on our last full day getting some help with Valerie's medication.  He's also going to call the border tomorrow and tell us the best time to cross when it's not too crowded.










**This little girl was in line in front of me at the grocery.  No amount of smiles could sway her.  Every time she looked at me, it was just like this. :)

DAY 14 - MORNING

The last day of treatment has begun.  Valerie is doing her first IV of 6 for the day.  She will probably finish around 7pm or so.  

The financial woman just came in to give me the final bill and told me that Dorian (our patient rep) said that we are leaving today when the treatments are done.  SOOOOOOOO, once again, I will go crack heads to explain that we aren't leaving until the morning.  Valerie is so wiped out when her treatments are all done, she just needs a good nights rest to make the drive.  It's quite frustrating.  Even on their 12 day calendar showing her treatment schedule, it shows NO treatments on the day you leave.  So, this has obviously occurred to them before... besides the fact that I already worked this out with Dorian once.

Valerie did eat some papaya, breakfast potatoes, and beans for breakfast this morning.  She's battling with nausea and fatigue, but so far so good.

**This picture is on the Oasis facebook page as an example of one of their rooms.  I'm going to request that one for the next time we are here. :)

DAY 13 - EVENING

**I walked over to the Pacific Ocean today.  I went to find Valerie some spaghetti, but the place I knew about was closed, so I walked a little farther, and this is what I saw.





Today was another roller coaster.
Once we figured out that we are leaving Thursday morning and doing our last full day of treatment tomorrow, I thought things might settle down a bit.... but I was wrong.

Valerie had been saying she was queasy off and on yesterday and today and she's been very tired both days.  We mentioned that we thought it might even out with the meds, but today was pretty touch and go.

She only ate the one meal - breakfast for lunch - and about 7 hours later she vomited it up.  It seems odd that it would still even be in her stomach, but I can attest to seeing versions of what she ate at 12:30pm showing up again at 7:30pm.  She felt better afterward and ate a little fruit, but we are going to have to figure out how to keep food in her.  She's got to start getting some nourishment.

Tomorrow the plan is just to get her to eat - no supplements.  Because frankly, that implies we are supplementing something, which we aren't at this point.  I will say that besides Pringles, the other things that have seemed to help some are ... flavored croutons, aka Twistos (thanks Anissa!) and tic tacs (thanks Michelle! - it's the closest I could find to peppermints) and spaghetti. I envision our kitchen at home having whole cabinets full of Twistos, tic tacs, and bags of pasta.  Hey!  Whatever works!!

Not sure what to expect from tomorrow, but hoping the decreased stress of not having to take pills and just eat and get through all 6 IVs will help some.  We will keep the Twistos, Pringles, and tic tacs handy.  :)

At about 9pm Valerie decided it would be good to go down to the beach.  I asked the nurse if it was safe to walk there and she said no - only before 5 or 6 pm.  I'd say more like 7pm ... that's when I went - looking for pasta. :)

** When I walked at 7, I got a better picture of the bull ring right right across the street from us.  You can see the stadium/ring in the back and the banner announcing an actual bull fight later this month.

** I had a hard time choosing between the picture at the top or this one, so I just included both.  Don't worry, I spared you the other 10 that I took.  Good night everyone. 

HELP NEEDED

This particular post is for our LA friends and family.

Once Valerie's family starts to come visit, we would like to have at least minimal furniture in the other condo for their use.

If anyone has spare/not needed items, we would be very appreciative if we could borrow them for the next 3 months.

Items needed are:
 - blow up mattresses
 - queen and twin sheets
 - chair(s)
 - table(s)
 - TV
 - lamp(s)
 - dishes
 - silverware
 - pots/pans

Feel free to message me here or our email (paget.jones@gmail.com) or facebook.

THANK YOU!!

DAY 13 - AFTERNOON UPDATE

Okay, so I had this whole post written out about how they were saying today is the last day of treatment and we are leaving tomorrow - while knowing the whole time that we have another day of treatment that won't have been done.

SOOOOOO, I went and cracked a few heads together - made them pull out her chart and figure it out - and low and behold, we have a whole day of treatment tomorrow!!  So, we'll be headed home Thursday morning.

In the meantime, I rushed around and got one month's worth of supplements to take home.  At least that's done. (see pic below)

One nice thing to return home to is - over the next 3 weeks, no fewer than 5 of Valerie's family will be coming to visit.  They have arranged to rent an available condo in our building for the next few months so family can come and go.  That is going to be a huge help to me and a huge emotional boost for Valerie.

The count of 5 doesn't even include the 6th, who has been at our place since July 28th when we came home from the US hospital.  Vanessa has been there even for the past 13 days that we've been here.  Many of you know that we bought a condo a year ago and proceeded to rip it apart and begin a huge remodel.  Well, when Valerie was diagnosed in early March, we put everything on hold and have not done much of anything since then.  But since we've been in Mexico, Vanessa has worked on painting both of our bathrooms and putting cork shelf liner on all of our kitchen shelves.  WOO HOO!!  We are that much closer to a finished home!!

I will post more tonight.

**here's what one month's worth of supplements looks like (same bag/same pills - just 2 different shots)

 

 

DAY 13 - MORNING/AFTERNOON

We got a late start this morning.  We stayed in bed until about 9:30am.

Then I got up to go get breakfast - special order of pancakes for Valerie.  She likes to eat and take her morning pills with her first IV because they give her a shot of insulin, which makes her blood sugar drop, which makes her hungry.  (Something about making her blood sugar drop, then administering the low-dose chemotherapy, works more effectively.)  Well, there was some concern that the catheter in her arm wasn't working properly, so they didn't start the chemo - we were waiting for the guy to check the catheter and possibly redo it.

By the time that all got worked out, it was 11:10am and there was a class at 11 that we really wanted to go to.  It's every Tuesday morning at 11 and we didn't go last week.  They talked a lot about how and why a good diet works - what the tumor likes and doesn't like and how it operates - studies that show the success of drinking a little baking soda mixed in your water - etc.  (Oh, and by the way, the class was run by the guy in all black in yesterday's pics - he's Dr. Barroso, MD, PhD - Vice President of Medicine and Research)

So, we got back to the room at about 12:30 and the Dr. Carbajal came in and said we are leaving today.  I told him that I'm pretty sure we have 2 more days of treatment to do.  So they are trying to figure that out.  Either way, Valerie won't finish her 6 IVs until probably 8 or so tonight since we got started so late.  So we will ask to leave in the morning, even if today is the last day of treatment.

She's felt kinda puny this morning.  When we finally made it back to the room at 12:30, she ate 1.5 pancakes with strawberries and about a cup of beans and took her morning pills.  They stop serving lunch around 2pm - so I'll try to get her to eat a little something then and take her afternoon pills.

No matter what, looks like we'll be home by tomorrow or Thursday.

DAY 12 - EVENING

Today has been a little tougher than yesterday.

Valerie ate breakfast and dinner and took her breakfast and dinner pills.  She didn't eat lunch or take her lunch pills.  She felt really tired today and queasy for most of the day.  We are hoping that it is related to her ups and downs all day yesterday and that she'll even out now.

After FINALLY meeting with the doctor, we got a prescription for Ativan, so Valerie will now have a more consistent anti-anxiety medicine in her.  They will also continue the drip with the sedative throughout the day as well to bridge the gaps.

One of the frustrations here has been the extreme inattention to time.  The doctor says he'll be right in and 4 hours later (no exaggeration) he comes in.  The nurse says, "tell me when you're ready for the next treatment" - we tell them and 2 hours later, I have to ask again before they finally start it.  It's hard because Valerie's nausea/tiredness/etc. comes and goes, so when we say now, we kinda mean NOW.... or at least within a half an hour seems reasonable.

Anyway - it'll be nice to get home.  If it's midnight and Valerie says I want spaghetti... Valerie gets spaghetti.  When we were home before and she was nauseous, I was making her smoothies and putting protein powder in them and she was drinking those.  As delicious as the food is here, everyone knows that when you're nauseous, sometimes only certain things here and there sound good for a moment.

Here's hoping tomorrow is more like yesterday.




**these first two pictures are of El Jefe, Dr. Contreras.  His father is the one that started this hospital and this type of treatment.  In one pic, you can see Dr. Carbajal standing in the background.  No idea who the guy all in black is.

** I know I've already covered the baggers at Calimax.  But tonight, this guy was just too cool for words.  The big shades ... and if you notice the windows behind him... completely dark outside.  :)

DAY 12 - MORNING

Well we are still here and ploughing ahead.  Today was our original departure date.

We both woke up exhausted this morning - still not completely awake.

Valerie has eaten 3 pancakes with strawberries and taken her 7 morning white pills.  Ideally, when we go home, she'll be able to take all 14 morning pills.  But she is doing a hell of a lot right now and 7 is plenty.

The trick today is going to be working with the doctor to get the sedative that she's taking more balanced throughout the day.  Yesterday, every time they gave her one of her treatment IVs, they took out the IV with the sedative.  It's a very fast acting and fast wearing off drug.  So, within minutes, she would be anxious and nauseous again - but she powered through until they could hook the sedative IV back up again.  So yesterday was a roller coaster.  We are going to try and eliminate that today and ask for a longer lasting drug that will keep her calm all day without the ups and downs.

I should clarify - the sedative is helping her A LOT.  She isn't, however, sedated all day. It does enough that she feels calm and able to focus on other things - reading, tv, walking, etc.  Instead of just being constantly stressed out about everything that's going on.

The food here is worth mentioning again... they are happy for you to special order things and they'll make you whatever you ask for as long as they have it.  But don't expect them to walk over and pour something out of a can and microwave it for you. Valerie wanted beans one day for lunch and they promised they'd have them by dinner .... because they had to soak and cook for a looooong time.  The same with the spaghetti.  When I went to pick it up, they gave me a bowl of noodles and no sauce.  They didn't have time to make the sauce and there's no Ragu in the back.  Everything is SO fresh.

** Valerie reading - after eating her pancakes and taking her pills.  The last 2 mornings, she's been getting up and moving over to my bed to camp out in for the day. She said "it gives me a new perspective."










** This is another one of our favorite nurses: Luis.  He's very sweet.  He comes in twice a day to check Valerie's vitals.  It's cute how he always reads the results of the BP, Temp, and Pulse.  When he announces the BP, the stethoscope is still in his ears and he says it just a liiiiitle too loud. :)

DAY 11 - EVENING

What a day.  I think we are both exhausted.

Valerie has made it though 3 meals - 20 white pills - and 5 IVs of treatment.

She was quite emotional most of the afternoon.  She was very tearful and said (more than once), "if I've learned anything, it's how much I need and love my family and friends."  She has been overwhelmed with feeling - love and appreciation for the people in her life.

I would like to give a special shout out to the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office.  To my coworkers and friends - thank you for your compassion and generosity.  We were astounded by your gifts.  There are not words to adequately express our gratitude.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

And to our dear friend, Lisa.  Happiest of happy birthdays and thank you for your tribute to Valerie and for your request for donations.  It means so much to us.

We know there are people working on our behalf - the Jungbauer clan in Denver are putting together an awesome concert to raise money for Valerie's treatment - Vanessa has been working on cleaning our house and painting both bathrooms while we're gone - Sara, Jon, and Mom P. for providing unparalleled support, calls, letters, and advice - and others posting uplifting and encouraging words and pictures... we are lucky indeed.

I knew that there is no way to name everyone and for that I am truly sorry.
But please know that we thank you all and we love you and are full with appreciation for your many kindnesses.

DAY 11 - AFTERNOON

I normally wouldn't post again so soon, but it has been such a difficult few days, so it seems warranted.

Valerie did the chemo drip, ate lunch (bowl of broccoli soup, few bites of banana and bread), took all of the white lunch pills and is now doing the vitamin K drip.

The nausea is still touch and go, but she's getting a MUCH better handle on it - and she's just powering through the rest of the way.

Onward!!!

**This is Gerardo.  He's one of our favorite nurses.  He speaks very little spanish and so I get quite a work out with my spanish.  He's always funny and encouraging... and adorable. :)  The lighting was bad for pictures but the one with him with his hands on his hips is typical.  He's instructing Valerie about something.  He told her today that if she doesn't eat, she won't be able to speak spanish. :)

DAY 11 - MORNING

Well, we are a little behind schedule, and looking a little ragged, but we have now resumed normal programming. :-)

YEA!!!!   CLAP!!!!  CHEER!!!!!

Valerie woke up more determined today.  She ate 2 pieces of french toast, took all 7 of the morning white pills (no idea why there were 7 today and 6 yesterday - but she took them all), and is now about to start her daily regimen of 5 IVs.  

We have a game plan all mapped out to keep her distracted and involved in other things:  walk (or ride in a wheelchair) to the beach, draw, play games, watch tv, read (or have me read to her), etc.

As you can see from the pictures, the drawing has begun. :)  It's a good day.

DAY 10 - EVENING

This is a picture of the street just a half a block from us... looks like any other street - Blockbuster, Starbucks and Dominoes.  :)


Aside from an hour here or there, Valerie has slept deeply the rest of the day.  If nothing else, she has had restful sleep today.

She has not been awake to take any medications tonight, so we'll see how that goes if she does wake up.  For now, the restfulness is good enough.

It's a bit of a dilemma - stay here and figure out the nausea (no insurance to pay for the tests) or go home where they may not really care enough about the nausea to get to the bottom of it (they discharged her from the hospital in the US with nausea meds - they only cared that her "numbers" from her blood draw were normal).

So, best case scenario, she wakes up feeling like she can take enough of the supplements and get through the last 4 days of treatment.

She hasn't woken up hungary today like she did last night.  I do have a plate of spaghetti noodles on standby if she wakes up and wants them.  She's never really cared if her food was cold - she'll eat it anyway.  I would be a far pickier patient ... wanting certain things heated up and served a certain way.  :)










** This picture is for my dad - he wanted pics of the grocery store that I visit most days - here is Calimax:

** I started bagging groceries at the age of 16 at our local Kroger.  At the Calimax, most of the baggers seem to be 55 or older. Seriously, it was all older men and women.  They hang out at the front of the store and seem to take turns bagging the groceries.  It also seems to be custom to tip the bagger.  I have no pesos and only a $50 bill, so I only offer a meager "gracias."  











** my mom suggested that I might think about buying treats for the nurses.  I bought some pan dulce (sweet bread) for the nurses station and included a note that said "gracias por toda su ayuda" (thank you for all of your help).   [and thank you Amy for the translation :)]   This pic shows a tray with the sweet bread that I bought on it - in this store, there are open shelves of different sweet breads.  You go up and get a tray and tongs and put whatever breads you want on the tray.  Then someone bags it up and puts a price on it for you.

DAY 10 - AFTERNOON

Valerie has slept most of the morning.  We've just been chatting for the past hour or so.

She took 2 pills from the breakfast bunch (out of 6, not 8) - and she took 4 out of 6 from the lunch ones.
She ate 1/2 a baked potato and a few bites of lentil soup.

She's not feeling 100%, but she's also not having the urge to vomit or the dry heaves.  I'm looking for improvement anywhere!

Everyday Valerie experiences loss - loss of movement, loss of strength, loss of simple abilities that she once took for granted.  This has and is probably the most difficult part of it all for her.  Months of trying to improve and having such small accomplishments.

I'm hopeful for a bigger breakthrough soon - if for no other reason than to booster her spirits and give her some oomph.  And by bigger breakthrough, I mean: the ability to sit at the table and eat a small but full meal; the desire and ability to get out and walk around the block.  Nothing seemingly major, but these are things she hasn't done in months.

love you all.... more tonight

DAY 10 - MORNING PART DEUX

Right now Valerie is sleeping and has been for the past 1.5 hours.  She woke up enough to eat a little granola and almond milk and went back to sleep.

We've decided (me mostly because she's out) that we're going to stay today and see how today goes.  No commitments beyond today. I feel like I'm in AA... but they seem to be on to something... one day at a time.  Frankly, I can't do more than one minute at a time lately.

They want her to continue the IV with glucose, electrolytes, and the sedative all day.  She's not going to do any other IVs - just the supplements.  I asked them to narrow down the most important ones, so she can start small.  Apparently the white ones are the important ones.  I sense some deep, hidden racist intentions behind that.  Okay, maybe not so deep or hidden.  :)  [[For those that don't know me well - and maybe for some who thought they did - I say this jokingly ... and not.  There's a lot of research that shows how we tend to associate "white" with good, wholesome, pretty, etc. and we associate "black" with bad, evil, ugly, etc.  EX:  old westerns - there weren't many/any black cowboys in those old westerns, but the "good guys" always wore white or a white cowboy hat and the "bad guys" wore black.]]  Anyway, that's another blog I suppose.

So, she just has to take the white pills today and see how that - and eating - goes. She hasn't taken any yet, she's pretty knocked out.  But at this point, even peaceful rest seems like a good outcome.

** PICS:  her pill box usually has just 4 of the boxes filled - for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime.  In the first 2 pics, you can see how many pills there are and I've now separated out the white ones.  So, on the far right, see how the first batch (breakfast) went from 14 pills to 8.  When she wakes up, we'll see how that goes.
 - the next 2 pics are of the lovely woman who cleans up after us every day.