Pre Halloween

It's seems we are usually as busy during the Halloween season as we are during Christmas, Except, Christmas is way more expensive and family is always involved. I believe you have to make special memories with your kids,no matter what. I want them to have wonderful memories of there childhood.  Today marks my 5 day streak of feeling good. It seems the more active I am, the better I feel.  I am exhausted by all the things I have been doing but it's a good exhaustion,


Yesterday night I thought Halloween may have been ruined for the Ceiga family.  Michael took the little ones to Cabala's.  I went with them last year and it was  nice.  I didn't feel like standing in long lines and Michael offered. So I jumped at the chance of staying out of long lines and no crowds. I got the kids all dressed in there costumes , put there coats on , gave them there candy bags for collecting there candy, kisses and tried to send them on there way. I say tried because it was about 4 hours to early to take them. When Michael was able to take them,  the kids came home happy and were talking about the party.  Sally took one look at Kaity and went berserk.  Kaity's dress was covered in paint.   Non washable paint.  Kaity didn't seem to mind(she was eating candy) but my wife was almost in tears.  Sally yanked the dress off of Kaity and started spraying the stain remover and started scrubbing. She looked like a crazy woman. No, I mean crazier then normal.  I stayed back but I was fearful for the dress,  I didn't think the dress is machine washable and I was afraid with all the scrubbing Sally was going to put a hole in it.  I was more fearful of Sally so I decided to not say a word and hope for the best.  The dress came out OK and Halloween was saved.  


This morning, Zachary had a birthday party to attend.  It was at the  Challenger Learning Center. Neither one of us have been there before.  I walked him in and I was planning on leaving.  Zachary didn't want me to leave him and there were a lot of parents that stayed so I stayed too. I would love to go back some other time and see everything they have to offer. http://www.clcnwi.com/ 

Being the party animal Zach is, he had another party this afternoon.  After we dropped him off and we took Kaity to the Tri-Town Safety Village http://www.safetyvillage.us/index.html  for a Halloween Party.  I have been intrigued with this place since it was built 4-5 years ago.  I never knew what it was exactly until recently.  It's a child size village that teaches children about safety.  Kaity had a lot of fun going from building to building collecting goodies.  There was a lady singing and Kaity enjoyed dancing and spinning around.  During her trick or treating a lady went up to Kaity and said "Let me guess.  You must be Aurora".  My wife said "No, she is Sleeping Beauty."   The lady then replied  "Aurora is Sleeping Beauty and her name means dawn." I laughed at Sally. She was going back and forth for about 10mins saying"No, Sleeping Beauty", you know nothing about Disney movie's fool.  It's nice when someone proves her wrong and puts her back in her place since she is always doing that to me.  I didn't know Sleeping Beauty and Aurora was the same but I am a guy and I did have my suspicions though. I definitely wouldn't argue about it if I wasn't sure either.  Guys don't know that stuff.  But my wife should have known this.  After that I told everyone what happened to rub it in Sally's face even more.  

After we picked Zach up from his party, we took the kids to Trick or Trunk.  There is a small church that does this every year.  The kids look forward to it and to be honest so do I.  There are 20 cars that are decorated. The kids go from car to car trick or treating.  Some of the cars are really decorated. In side the building they had hot dogs, games, crafts and a guy who makes balloon animals.  OK balloon creations since my wife just corrected me and said he created a flower for Kaity and that isn't an animal. So excuse me of my inaccuracy.  The kids also went on a hayride. 

                                                    Deb, does the coat look familiar to you?

                                               That's my boy.  Checking out his loot.

After we left Trick or Trunk, we went to see carved pumpkins at a house in Griffith.  Every year a family has a display of pumpkins and every year it's a different theme.  This year the theme is Monopoly.  Parked cars line the streets and there were many people there taking pictures and admiring the pumpkins. I heard the heaviest pumpkin was a little over 1300 pounds   It's amazing how creative some people are.  The gentlemen that does all this creativity competes at 3 or 4 different venues with them and I know he has the record for the heaviest pumpkin. 

The night wouldn't be complete without our Saturday junk food and movie night ritual.  Tonight's feature was "Winnie the Pooh".  I was glad it was only 63 minutes long.  The kids liked it though.  Tomorrow, I am planning on taking the kids to some more Halloween fun.  Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.  Good night and God Bless.   Bill

Our intimacy-take note

Knock on wood, this is the second day in a row I have felt good.  Not a 100% but well enough to be functional. I am grateful for the two days but hoping there will be a few more days left in this streak. Especially, for the weekend since there are a bunch of Halloween things to do with the kids.


This morning, my mom watched Kaity. Thanks Mom!  Sally and I were able to go to the social security office. I wasn't sure what to expect and didn't know what to bring.  We figured we would just talk with someone and come back at a later time with the documents that were needed and come back again after that. Earlier this month, Sally started to fill out the application on line.  She was told to wait until I received my final pay from Avery. In the mean time she talked to a social worker who told her to have me go in person to apply instead of on line.  


We get there and the wait was nothing what I expected. We didn't have to wait that long at all.  Everyone before us was called up to a window but fortunately for me, we were called to talk to a person at a desk. We told him that I wanted to apply for disability, he asked if I had an appointment and I told him whatya mean.  He then went ahead and filled out the forms for me.  It took over 2 hours.  He was surprised I have been working for almost 3 years after my diagnoses.He told me that I should have filled out the info when I was first diagnosed in Jan of "09"  I know I worked longer then most people would have.  However, not working is still a hard concept for me to accept. I still feel I can come back,but I do realize that is a fairy tale.


Good news is, the application was red flagged and submitted today. Which means there is a rush on my application and I should get an answer in a month.My sad story must have done the trick.  Bad news it will take 5 months to start collecting.  Good news, after I receive an approval letter I can collect my 401K which is great knowing it will take just a month or two. Bad news is.........sorry following a sequence.


I am hoping tomorrow, I will feel like I did today.  If the weather cooperates, I am planning on putting out the Halloween decorations after planning to do so since September.  Not sure if I will put out everything, but I would at least like to do some decorations. My kids really look forward to a decorated yard, although Zach isn't keen on Halloween decorations since they scare him. I told him that I would only put out a few of the scarier ones. I just didn't tell him they will be put right outside his bedroom window. Since Halloween is my favorite season, I enjoy decorating and take much pride in my handy work no matter at who's expense.


Sorry about the title of the blog,but thought it would help give me more hits or maybe not. 


That is it for now.  God Bless,   Bill

A Day in Chicago Without Bill :(

Sally again.  Bill has been under the weather. He had chemo last Monday and has been feeling bad ever since.  Even with all the medication he is on, he has been battling with stomach pains and nausea.  


Yesterday, we went to my nephew's birthday celebration. We walked around outside for a little bit and Bill got tired.  It's frustrating for him to be feeling like this. This morning he was feeling nauseated but thought he felt OK enough to go to church.  Near the end of mass Bill became dizzy and we had to leave . He laid down afterwards and ate Spaghetti O's and Franks. He felt better and decided to work in the garage.  He is trying to get the garage cleaned up and get rid of the things I will not need. It makes me sad seeing him preparing for the day when he will not be here. He didn't get much done though.  He became dizzy again and Michael and I helped him put everything back in the garage.  Hopefully soon, he will feel good enough to accomplish the things he wants to do.


Last week Zach and Kaity were both home from school for fall break.  With all the rain we had and Bill not feeling well the kids were bored staying at home. Friday, Zach convinced me to take them to Chicago to walk around.  Zach and Kaity both promised me it wouldn't cost me more then the train tickets. They both packed their lunches.  Kaity gave me a marker so I could write my cell phone number on her arm in case she got lost.   Their mission in Chicago was to go to the Lego store, American Girl store, and Millennium Park.  


On the train ride there, Kaity became hungry and ate her lunch and Zachary decided to eat his lunch too.  It was a long walk to the Water Tower Place but the kids didn't seem to mind. Kaity had never been to Chicago so she was in awe with her surroundings. The kids had a good time looking in their stores. They both kept their promise and didn't ask for a thing. Both showed me a couple of things they wanted and asked if they could go back and shop for their birthdays. 


On the way back the walk seemed like forever. I was worried about Kaity's legs. I thought about getting a cab but whenever I saw one that was available we were not able to get to it.  Kaity was starving. I felt so bad for her.  She was walking really slow and when we finally found a Subway we were only a block away from the park.  After the kids ate, Kaity perked up.  We walked around  Millennium Park for a bit before caught the train.  On the way home, Zach sat by himself. He was hoping no on would sit by him but the train was crowded and a mail man sat next to him.  I could tell Zachary felt really uncomfortable. The gentleman must have gotten the same vibe. He told Zachary he won't bite.  Kaity spent the next 10 minutes laughing hard at Zach.  Zach didn't enjoy Kaity's laughter.  They both had a good time though and Bill was able to relax in an empty quiet house.  


Here are some pictures of Chicago.  Hope you enjoy them.

 In case you are wondering, Zachary is trying to take a picture of Marilyn Manroe's panties.

                                                              A lego created Cowboy

                                                            Woody made out of Lego's.

                                                  The Cloud Gate or as Zach calls it "the bean".

No place like home.

Today, I spent the day cleaning out the refrigerator and the cabinets.  Why may you ask? Because I can.   I am a man of leisure now. Besides whats Sally going to say,"Oh Honey please don't do that,it will still be there next week and the week after that.........After much debating with myself and my wife, I decided a couple of weeks ago to go on medical leave. It was a really hard decision for me to make.  Working has always been important to me.  It always gave me great satisfaction and pride to do a good job and provide for my family.  Getting paid while I am not working feels like I am stealing.  

I am at the point I have been experiencing more bad days then good. I am always tired. I am on pain medication as well and I do not feel like it is safe to run machinery while under the influence.  I wanted to leave work on good terms, on my terms without being forced. Short term disability is for 6 months.  My wife promised that she would not give me any grief  if I decided to go back to work before the 6 months are up(she says this now).  I am hoping I will feel well enough to go back.  In the mean time, there are a lot of things I need to get done. I am also going to apply for social security benefits just in case I am not able to go  back. I do have the intention of being back but, if I don't pass my "going back to work test" it would be selfish to do so.


Since there was no urgency on taking my leave, I was able to give work a weeks notice.   I wanted to be able to say all my good byes and to let everyone know my reasons.  I wanted to try to avoid rumors but I am sure there where rumors going on about me.  Which isn't something new.  On my last day of work, I was called into the break room. To my surprise, it was filled with people I work with and most I remembered who they where. There were two cakes sitting on the table. One for me and the other one for everybody else to share.  I was touched and honored by this grand gesture. A couple people from management  had a few kinds words to say about me. I bet that was hard for them to do......find kind words to say about me that is. Many people came up to me with heartfelt warm wishes. They probably wanted first dibs on whats in my locker.Then there were a couple of people who walked in the room and walked right out to avoid me. They probably knew they weren't going to get anything out of my locker, besides I still own it. Its a nice one too. Not sure what I did to them.  Never the less, it made me realize once again how lucky I have been to work for a great company that is filled with even greater employees.  


With that said I am planning on writing frequently.  Not sure about daily but hopefully a lot more then I have been.  Being at home and with the family, I am sure I am going to be having lots of blog material. I have things now that haven't made it into a blog yet.  

I'M Back

I came home from the hospital yesterday.It was nice to be able to sleep in my bed without being interrupted a bunch of times through out the night.  I am doing much better. I feel better then I have in a long time. The stomach pains I was experiencing are better( not quite there yet).  I do get some stomach aches but I realized it's caused from not eating (need to eat more meat). I am tired and trying to catch up on my sleep if that is possible.


Next Monday, I get to resume chemo treatments.  Being off of it for such a long time worries me.  So, I am relieved that I get to begin in a few more days.  


I want to thank everyone who prayed for me, called me, and visited me and brought be goodies while I was in the hospital. Sunday, I was gifted with visitors.  My two younger sisters, Carolyn and Lisa, my mom and step dad, a friend from church, Deb, and my brother Mike with his wife and son  all took the time to visit me. It actually made my day to know everyone cares enough to see me. 


I wanted to let everyone know I am home and OK. I did my job.  I am tired but I will write soon.  I have a lot to say. Just haven't had the time and the energy to do so.  Hopefully, that will all soon change.  
Blessings to All,
Bill

Day 5

Checking in on day 5.  Bill is doing about the same.  The antibiotics seem to be working according to the blood test. However, they are still upsetting his stomach. Mornings is when he usually feels the worse.  He is still running a low grade fever,which is the concern now. None of the 4 doctors who are treating him at the hospital know why.  

Last night his sister Dawn called him and his brother Mike came up to visit with him. It cheered Bill up. The longer he is there the more depress he becomes.  I know he gets lonely and the days are long for him.  Today, I was grateful for our friends Ron and Lynn. They took Zachary and Kaity to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm.

http://www.pumpkinfarm.com/  The kids had a blast.   I was able to spend a few hours with Bill. Usually I can't stay for hours at a time because the kids get bored and/or I have to run someone somewhere. 

Since there are no restrictions for visiting hours, Michael is going to spend some time with Bill tonight after he gets off at work. I think Michael likes to go up there to check out the nurses. :)  


I will report back tomorrow.  Good Night. 

Day 4

Bill seems to be feeling better today. He looks a lot better and is acting like himself.  Looks like he will be having to stay in the hospital through the weekend.  The bacteria levels are not going down as quickly as the should be.  The infectious disease doctor was there this morning.  He switched the antibiotics and told Bill that he is going to have to stay a little bit longer.


The kids are missing him and want him to come home.  I am juggling back and forth between the kids activities and being with Bill.  My mom is out town so I am on my own.  I feel bad not being able to be with Bill more.  Besides one of my friends visiting Bill and the kids and myself, Bill hasn't had any visitors.  So I am trying to be there as much as I can so he won't be lonely and depressed.  

Day 2

Bill is doing much better then yesterday. He will be there  for a couple more days.  He has two bacterial infections that was caused from the ERCP.  It isn't uncommon for it to happen.  He is still running a low grade fever and is being treated by antibiotics administered through an IV.


The bowel obstruction is no longer a concern.  He finally was able to eat and drink this evening.  Right now his major problem is the sleeping arrangements.  He is sharing a room with an 82 year old man.  If the man isn't coughing then he is pushing the call button.  Last night Bill couldn't sleep because of him. His wife was there today.  She kept talking and talking.  Every 5 minutes she would let out a "Ohhhhhhhhhhh My Back".  Then there is a guy across the hall.  He keeps hacking away.  When he isn't coughing he is yelling and screaming. 


This evening the oncologist came up to check on Bill. He said he is going to have Bill moved to the oncology unit. He will be in a private room.  The kids were there tonight to visit him.  They were happy to see their dad.  Made them feel better to because when Bill left yesterday he didn't look good.  Today, he looked a lot better which put them at ease.  Kaity said on the way home she wants her dad to stay in the hospital.  She likes to go their and visit him and loves to eat the cafeteria.  


Thank you for all the prayers.  

Bill Is In The Hospital

Yesterday (Monday 10/3), Bill underwent another E.R.C.P.  This time it was done to replace the plastic shunt with a metal one.  Everything went well and Bill was able to go home afterwards.  He was in a lot of pain last night which has been common lately.

Today, Bill spent the entire morning and much of the afternoon in bed.  Around 3 this afternoon I went to check on him again and he was in a lot of pain.  I took his temperature and he was running a fever.  His breathing was heavy, he began to vomit, and he had difficulty walking. I made him go to the ER.  Of course he didn't want to go.  I told him if he didn't want to get into the car I would call an ambulance.  So with help from Michael, he got into the car.  We waited in the waiting room for 3 hours. I felt so bad for him.  He was in so much pain and didn't eat or drink anything since yesterday.  When asked to rate the pain from 0 to 10 he said his pain was 9.

Once he was called in the back, things went much quicker.  Pain medication was given to him and he is feeling better.  A CTscan was done.  It showed there could be a small blockage in the bowel.  He is being kept for observation.  Tomorrow morning the gastric doctor and oncologist will be there and I will know more information then.