Saturday, May 28, 2011

My Iron Man

Things are moving slowly along with David's preparations for radiation and drug treatments.  Tuesday we hit the Saint John Regional Hospital at 10:30 and left at 4:45.  We were exhausted, starved and completely overwhelmed by everything.  We thought we were only going to certain things but when we got there, they all had different plans for us.  Our day included another PET scan, hearing tests(because treatment can cause hearing loss), bloodwork, paperwork, having his radiation mask made, weigh-in (they want me to fatten him up and I've tried but he only gained 3 lbs in two weeks! sickening, eh, those people with the thin genes!) lol, blood pressure, IV line for PET, much running from one end of the hospital to the other!  Hopefully, no more running down until he goes for his first drug injection.

I was very curious about this whole mask thing and asked the nurses if it would be okay to go in and take photos.  They graciously agreed although it was the first time someone had requested to do so...wierd, huh?  It's very unnerving to see your husband all laid out on this equipment having strange procedures done to him.  (I think he was secretly enjoying all the female attention LOL!)  Truly, the nurses were just the best!!!!

It wasn't what I pictured it would be.  It's this huge plastic like mesh that they heat up, then place over his chest and head and all the nurses press and form it to his face.  Then they have to apply cold wet towels to get it to cool down and form a permanent shape.  He will have this on everytime they do radiation to hold his head still.  Looked like a scene out of Iron Man or some movie where they are creating the character's costume, etc. Just glad it's over and done with.  Just wish the waiting would stop and we could get on with the treatments...it all seems to take too long.

I stopped at my first yard sale of the year this morning! I stopped because I spied an old sewing machine but it turned out to be a bust...but look what I did find!!! This really cool old electric clock...I just love it...the black is all metal and it runs!!  Not sure where I'll hang it up yet but for .50, I couldn't pass it up lol!

The BOM I am working on is going well.  I have block two done and love it so much :) It's been so very hard to concentrate on sewing or blogging with all the cancer stuff going on but it feels so good when I do get to do it.
Just loving the red.  The pattern calls for these blocks to be set square in rows but I really like how it looks on point!  I may have to Thelma-ize this quilt!  Thelma and I share a love affair with RED!! LOL!

Remember THESE THINGS!!!  Well, after several more months of them sitting around in a bag, I finally decided they needed to go and live with someone else because they weren't welcome at my house anymore!  One of my best friends took possession of them and in trade I got this sweet little quilt in just my colors!  When we were on a retreat together a couple of years ago, she was making this and I kept telling her that this quilt just wouldn't work in her house...it's not HER colors but mine lol!  See, it pays to be patient!  And, it looks perfect on my sofa chair :)  Thanks Janet and have fun with those flower blocks!
It was so sad this week to have our blogging friend Mary Lou lose her precious son. It's a reminder to all of us that life, no matter how difficult, is so precious.  Her faith is amazing!  My prayers today go out especially for you Mary Lou. Lots of hugs and prayers.....Quiltingly,

12 comments:

Cathi said...

I can just imagine how utterly exhausted you were that day. Thank heaven for great nurses -- they make the process seem so much better.
The BOM block is pretty -- and I can definitely see why you prefer it on point!

Andrea R said...

Way cool picture of your iron man though.

Jackie's Stitches said...

It sounds like an exhausting day. A good nurse is a wonderful thing - they really can be a huge resource and comfort.

Your BOM is really pretty. Love the red.

Anonymous said...

A shame that you are going through all this!! Interesting about the mask....almost looks like it would suffocate being plastic wrap stuff and all. Hang tough...and as I told you earlier..prayers being sent your way as well.

Linda H said...

Shelley,
I am keeping you and your hubby in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully knowing many are thinking of you both and praying for you, will help strengthen you for the road ahead. Love BOM block 2 and I prefer it on point too! I laughed when I saw the clock- my parents had one just like it...

Barb said...

Much prayers for you.....it was interesting to see them do the mask.

Love your Yard sale find and your projects....

Betsy said...

So glad for an update....I have been praying daily for you and your husband. Keep the faith. Love the red also...glad you can sew and find an outlet for your stress.

Betty Lou said...

My payers are with you both. Take care.

Anonymous said...

You and hubby are in my thoughts and prayers Shelley.
Lucy

QuiltSue said...

Just wanted to say I'm thinking of you both. Remember to find some time for yourself too in all this horribleness, then you're better able to support your husband.

Sandra said...

Glad to hear that there is some progress in his treatment plan. I have been wondering how things were progressing. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
((hugs))

Sinta Renee said...

You guys are troopers! It is all very amazing and scary and about 100 other things too!
Great find at the yeard sale!!! Shouldn't it be painted red???