Kaity's day in Indianapolis

Today we took Kaity to the long and awaiting appointment with a specialist at Riley's. They did a series of arm and leg stretches with her. Did a thorough looking over. Their conclusion was that she is my daughter and will have to live with that. Actually, they believe her not to have anything serious, except that her joints are loose and her hamstrings are to tight. The doctor said 15% of kids have this problem. They will have to live with it but, will have to do certain stretching and strengthen exercises to help make easier to manage( some do grow out of it). It was also recommended we get her into swimming, buy shoes with high arches, and have her take a warm bath before she goes to bed. They believe her previous labs was a false positive so labs were done again and hopefully this time the lupus results will be negative. We will get those results by a week from this Friday. She will have a follow up appoint in September.

The day as a whole was very enjoyable otherwise. The trip up was quick with no traffic(eat your heart out Chicago). Sally and I chose Riley's because, we knew the traffic would be a lot better. Riley's has more doctors offered to help with treatment plus there is always one on call. It has better accessibility to the facilities and the surrounding area has a lot you can do with the kids in a closer proximity to the hospital. Last but not least, when it comes to the best treatment, I want my kids to have the best and I and Sally thought Riley's to be the best after our thorough investigating of both Chicago and Indianapolis hospitals. I am only saying this because some people thought we made a mistake taking her to Indianapolis. Sally doesn't allow me to make mistakes. So I(we) know we made the right decision.

I was a nice experience for Kaity, because after every check-up and test she took there, she got a toy. I thought what the heck, after all the test, surgeries and check-ups I had, I received nothing (but the best medical care). If I was Kaity I would have my own toy store by now. I didn't say anything to her, because I didn't want to hurt her feelings.

A few weeks ago we all were going to Albanese candy store. I was driving along with family in tow. When I started to smell a very stinky smell. I casually looked to me right and there it was, A cattle hauler that hasn't been cleaned in weeks or months. I started to gag and swerve all over the road. There was a car in front of us, not allowing me to go past this diesel fart. I could just see the guy in the car ahead of us saying ,"look honey at that guy, what do you think is wrong with that drunk." He did finally move over and I flew by him as he and wifey were staring at me. We did have the air off and thought it safe to turn it on after being a mile down the road now,wrong. The smell finally went away just before we got to the candy store. I tell this story because it happened again, today. On the way to Indianapolis another cattle truck was pestering me. This time he got the best of me with the help of my loving? wife. Driving behind one you can't tell if its a cattle hauler or a garbage hauler. I started to smell this smell ooohh that smell. I looked at Sally and said not again. I went through the process of some more hacking and coughing. There wasn't anything to do because we were in a gaper and couldn't get around the stinky and smelly truck. I looked at Sally and said how am I going to get around this thing. A light bulb went off in her head and she preceded to turn on the AIR CONDITIONER.

I looked at her and said no way you didn't just do that, do what, try to kill me. My face had to of been beet red. This can't be happening to me, were is the damn camera. Finally some movement and we started to go a little faster. I felt like I wanted to go out and push some cars out of the way. I knew this would be stupid not because I knew I wouldn't be able to push any of the cars but, because I would be out with the enemy with no protection. I did finally get past the truck and maneuvered with the grace of a seasoned race car driver to save myself. I told Sally not to touch the air conditioner(ever) until we were totally out of harms way.

I will try and post a little more frequently. I have been very busy, sick and had computer issues. I have been doing very well otherwise except always feeling tired. Thank you all for all the prayers and kind words that I have been receiving. God Bless you all!!!

Jumping for Joy?

Surprise!

I am still alive and well. Our family computer is being repaired. I do not like to use the net book because my eyes are going bad (side effect from chemo) plus my stubby chubby fingers have a difficult typing on a small compact key board. I will go back to writing my famous blogs and posting pictures of my crazy family soon. I have been keeping notes. I have enough material to write for awhile

I have been busy with work. Working extra hours to stay on top of the bills. I am still tired all the time from chemo but I do not have the leg cramping, tingling, and nausea any longer. Sally still has a four page "to do list" posted on the fridge for me not to forget. I try covering it up with lovely art work from Zach and Kaity but it still manages to get uncovered. I had the past weekend off. I didn't do anything on the to do list but I did do a lot with the kids. Doing things with the family is the only way I can avoid the list without getting deadly glares from the wife.

Today has been a very good day for me. That is the main reason for me to write the blog today. I huge cloud has been lifted but it put my life back in perspective again. Sometimes we need a kick to remember what is important in life. At the end of April I wasn't feeling so well. I had some issues with my stomach. One night I was up the entire night with stomach pains. It was so bad I had to call off from work which is something I don't do. I was feeling better but the wife doesn't let anything go. At the chemo session she had to tell the nurse. Who in returned told the doctor who in turned ordered a CT scan. I had to wait for almost another 2 weeks to find out there is a spot on my liver. To be honest, that was very frightening to hear. A lot of things flashed through my mind and I had a long talking with God. The following Monday I had a MRI done. During it I felt at peace and the worrying went away. I realized a lot of things that I wanted to learn from getting cancer I had forgotten. It was a reminder again to me to re-evaluate my life and remember what is important.

I had to wait almost another 2 weeks for the MRI results. Oddly, it was easier waiting for the MRI results then the CT results. This afternoon I had the appointment with the doctor during the infusion. The nurse put us in a room and told us there was one patient before me. Sitting in the 12x12 room waiting for the results is awful. Especially when I am kept waiting, waiting,and waiting some more. The longer I wait the more nervous I become. The longer I am sitting there, the more my mind wonders how awful the news is. This time was different. I think the culprit was that I was watching "People's Court". It was a very good case. Right before the ruling and I was dragged to the doctor's office. Leaving my mind wondering what happened with the case. Instead of worrying about the results I was more perturbed about not knowing what happened. I told Sally to go ahead, that I will be in when this case is over. She than gave me the look,(married men you know what I mean)coming dear As I was sitting in the chair I noticed a window. I have been in the room several times but today I noticed this full body length window with no bar. I thought it is a little peculiar to have such a large window in an oncologist office. Which made me wonder if anyone ever contemplated jumping out the window when they heard bad news. While I was staring at the window I noticed an oxygen tank on the floor next to the window. Which made me wonder if that is there to help the person break the window if they want to jump. Then I looked at the examination bed which is in front of the window. It is slanted which looks to me like a diving board. I thought "Wow!" the perfect plan. A person gets the bad dreaded news and all they have to do is grab the oxygen tank, jump on the table and dive out the window. Hopefully they won't blow up before they fall 3 stories. It kept me entertained for awhile. Then the room got silent again and the nervous waiting began. Finally (not soon enough) the doctor came into the room. He said that he looked over the films himself and talked with the radiologist. He is 99% sure the spot in the liver is scar tissue. What a big relief. While Sally and I were walking to the car a board up service truck pulled up to the clinic( honestly one did show, I did feel this a little ironic). I felt that maybe I should show them where the room is. We couldn't help but laugh. I told the doctor my thoughts about the window but I never thought he would respond that fast and have the window boarded up. I am sure the trucks wasn't there for that window but it was funny to see the truck there.

I go back to work tomorrow, working the midnight shift. I work through the weekend. The wife threatened so hire a service to mow the lawn. I do not like how Michael cuts it and Sally has asthma really bad. They are forbidden to cut the grass. So I need to get to bed so I can wake up bright eyed and bushy tale to mow the yard. Last week the front yard was so long my neighbor got tired of looking at it and mowed it.

Wanted to share my good news with you.
God Bless,
Bill

My morning with Sally

I am not planning for this to be very long. I want to type this while I have both limbs and all digits in tact. After tonight, it might be a different story. I will explain in a bit. I had chemo this past Thursday. I did well with it except for being tired. Friday, Sally dragged me along to pay for the washer and dryer. By the way I got the dryer I wanted. Not that I will use it but it's cool. The inside is shinny and it opens up from the top instead of the front. Sally didn't mention she had other places on her agenda. Since we were "near" the mall we ended there. The kids outgrew their summer clothes from last year. Kaity might be able to wear her's for a little bit longer but as for Zachary we would have to grease him down and try to slide the clothes on or possibly use a full body shoe horn. Then we would have to hope and pray his clothes wouldn't split when he moved. hmmm I don't think this is going to be as short as I planned. I never realized I have so much to say. Maybe it's because I know someone will actually read this and listen. As most of the time I would be better off talking to the wall. Actually I have had many meaningful conversations with the wall if you know what I mean( no I don't answer myself) As soon as I pulled into the parking spot at the mall Sally and Kaity darted off to the mall. I knew they were goners. The thing about Sally she doesn't really shop much for herself but it's important to her for the kids to look nice. In the summer she is always having the kids change their clothes and wash their faces when they get dirty. Kaity is the one who I am worried about the most when it comes to shopping. She is very opinionated when it comes to picking out her clothes. Basically she picked out her clothes and every once in a while Sally would sneak something else in. Everything she likes is hot pink. Pink, pink, pink. I am a guy so pink isn't my favorite color to begin with but I think she is on pink over load. Kaity did pick out a brown shirt. It was a star war's shirt for Zachary. At least he will have that to wear since Sally neglected to look for him.

Friday night I was awake the entire night. I had severe gas pains. So bad that I called off work. It almost killed me to call off work. That is something that isn't in my vocabulary.

Tomorrow we are getting the washer and dryer. Plus, I am planning on cutting down the two front trees with the help of my neighbor Ryan. Hence, for the earlier statement about my arms and fingers. Sally usually takes me to work when I work days since we only have the one car. Actually I take her then she runs out of the car and switches seats to drive home. I love my wife and usually I am not embarrassed of her but when she takes me to work that is another story. I am tempted to take a picture of her one day. I would except for I don't not know how to use the camera and I am not sure what she would do to me. She can get vicious. I know it's shocking but true. In the morning when I drive to work with my wife accompany me. I am presentable with my work uniform on, teeth brushed, and hair combed. Sally rolls out the bed and leaves. The people at work have often seen her running around the car with cow pajamas on, an unmatching t- shirt (usually mine) hair uncombed, sock less and her dresser shoes that slip on. The cow pajamas are really not so bad. She has stripped bottoms that look like clown pants. Shirt tucked in the front and hanging out in the back. The topper is when she where's her shorter PJ bottoms. The ones that go up to her calf with her black dress shoes. OOOOO LA LA !

Which leads into about the drive to work this morning. I was extremely craggy this morning. Chemo and not sleeping the other night really did me in. I am driving to work and all I wanted to do was listen to the songs playing on the radio. Sally informs me she didn't go to bed until after 4 because her mind was racing. Oh no, I knew it was going to be a long drive to work. She wasn't kidding. She kept rambling all the way there about everything she was thinking about and planning. Of course I am involved with all of it or should I say doing it all. She mentioned (but left it up to me so she says) about putting down tile in the laundry room tonight after I get done cleaning it out and taking out the washer and dryer. She also mentioned about tearing down a wall in the kitchen and since we are having the kitchen ceiling repaired and painted it would be a good time to change the fan/lighting. She mention something about planting stuff and something about youtube and learning how to do something. The list went on and on. I thought it would be easier to just tear the house down and start over. I am not even sure if she took a breath during the drive. All I kept thinking was is this going to end, would it be rude if I turn up the radio because the song I like is playing, I am tired now and her planning all this stuff is making me more tired, she said it's all just ideas but are they just ideas?, am I there yet, hope I get all the green lights, why can't she think of things she can do, maybe I should have a brainstorm for "ideas" for her, I hope she doesn't expect me to remember all of this, I hope she doesn't remember all of her "ideals" either, finally I am at work, hope the machine is up and running and the bolts do not need to be changed, I hope Sally is here at 7 sharp, I hope she gets to the other side of the car without anyone seeing her and after giving her a kiss good bye I hope she realizes how much I really love her.

Please remember me and Ryan in your prayers. Cutting down the trees will be very interesting to say the least since I have never done it before and I don't think Ryan has either. (By the way another one of Sally's great ideas). While praying, pray that Sally isn't so ticked off at me where she won't keep the cold beer coming (for Ryan) and cold Dr. Pepper for me and some lunch to keep us going. The thing is at least I post my feeling and thoughts publicly for Sally and all to see. Where as for her I don't know what she is thinking most of the time and I can only imagine what she says about me when I am not around.

I am going to end this because my brain hurts now, at least what didn't get fried. Thanks for visiting and God Bless!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Bickerson

This past week I felt good. Still tired all the time but feeling much better then the last few weeks. I put in over 60 hours last week. This week I will most likely put in 60 hours. I have a couple of projects at work I need to work on plus I volunteered to work Thursday morning for Earth Day before I go to chemo. Friday was a going away party for James,my former boss. He took a job out of state and I wish him the best of luck. The reason why I mentioned this is because James was the one who believed in me at work. He took a risk when he hired me for a lead operator job. I believe if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be where I am at now. Most likely, I would have been of the many that were let go at work when they down sized. Thank you James.

Enough of the sappy stuff. Friday night the dryer died. Bad that we have to get a new one but good it happened right before we got our tax refund check. There goes my dreams of having the concrete porch tore up (which needs to be) and replacing it with a wooden deck. The washing machine is on it's way out to so we felt it is best to purchase both at once and while we have the cash. God does watch out for us. Yesterday, Sally informed me we are shopping for washers and dryers when I woke up. Much transpired during our little outing. So I felt it was only right to have both point of views posted. Of course my view is more accurate and I am going first because it's my blog and I am always waiting on Sally so this time she can wait for me.

Bill's point of view

The washer and dryer is Sally's thing. She is the one who uses them. I am not allowed to wash clothes. The only thing she lets me to do is get the clothes out of the dryer to fold. Maybe it's because she saw a couple not suppose to be pink shirts in my bachelor days. I would have been happier staying home clipping my toes nails then being dragged around looking at washing machines and dryers. I did get a little happier when I found out my mother in law was going to watch the kids. Not the date night I have hoped for but never the less I was able to spend some alone time with my wife. As we were walking in the first store Sally said "I don't know what we are here for". I couldn't help but laugh, washers and dryers you !#@!@#$% . I tried to be a good husband and seemed interested but as long as a washer cleans clothes and a dryer dries them that's all that matters to me. What was really on my mind was food. I just got off working midnights and I had not eaten in several hours. I was hoping Sally would suggest we go out to eat. Not to often we go with out kids. It would be nice to go some where without having a beverage being knocked over. In my opinion we were done after the salesman showed us a washer and dryer. It looked fine to me. I knew Sally will have to look at every store and then knowing her she will go back to the first place and buy the first one we looked at. She does this all the time. I was just thinking of her when I suggested lets order it and be done. Her time is precious and the money we save on gas she can go and have her toes painted.

When we walked out she asked if I was hungry. I tried playing it cool and mentioned about going to other stores. She said we could eat first (which is what I was hoping for). We went to IHOP. I can never go wrong with IHOP. My mature wife blew the paper off the straw and it hit me. So being the mature person I was, I went to return the favor but my wife who usually isn't a quick thinker like myself, ducked and the straw paper hit the lady behind her, right in the ear. So being the quick thinker I was, I Said honey why did you do that. Not realizing that Sally's back was to the lady and I still had the straw in my mouth.(I had the Deer in the headlights type moment). Sally kicked me in the shin. I am waiting for the bruise to surface. I know there is going to be a big bruise. It took awhile for dinner. I decided I would make this a nice evening for Sally. Sally wasn't doing much talking (I know that is a surprise) so I decided to be my charming self and carry on the conversation. She often just gave me glares. Everyone else enjoys my conversations and thinks I am a funny guy. Everyone except for my wife. I just don't understand why. No beverages were knocked over but Sally did manage to get food on her shirt(I think that was going to be the take home for the kids). After dinner or breakfast because we ate breakfast but it was at dinner time. So do I call it breakfast or dinner? We went to 3 more stores. I was supportive of Sally as we continued our quest to look at washers and dryers. I often gave her my input. I held her hand, opened the door and even tried to give her a kiss every now and then. Every store we went to we walked out of the "entrance" only section. I was waiting for us to be arrested for breaking the store "law". After all that had transpired yesterday we are no closer to picking out a washer and dryer. She did say if she finds a pink washer and dryer she is buying that one no matter what. The plan is to go looking again tomorrow. I am looking forward to spending time with my lovely wife and daughter. Hopefully, I will get lunch out of it. By the way my wife who is supposed to love me always has been telling me all weekend she hates me.

Sally's version

Yes I am the one who washes clothes. But it's a major purchase and I think the decision should be a joint one. If not down the road if something happens I will hear "Honey you picked it out". Plus, I am more price conscious then Bill is. I picked out the oven/stove based on price. I regret it now. I don't want to pick something out hasty and regret it. If we are lucky we will be stuck with it for many years. As we were walking in the first store I started to say "I am not sure what I am looking for" before I was able to finish saying "in a washer and dryer". Bill cut me off by laughing at me and calling me a dumb ass. By the way dumb ass is his pet name for me lately. Can you believe that? I never bought a washer and dryer before so I am clueless what to look for. Unlike Bill, I try to make an informed choice so I takes me awhile to purchase an item of importance. I am sure when he bought the washer and dryer he went to one store and walked out in matter of minutes with a sale receipt. OK the washer and dryer did last for over 15 years but he got lucky. This is the guy who bought a brand new car without test driving it. It's the same guy who would order things off the TV because they looked "neat". After the first store I knew he was hungry so we went out to dinner. By the way I didn't kick him hard in the shin. It was more like a tap. He liked to over exaggerate if you haven't noticed by now. The entire time we were there he was laughing at himself. I never knew someone who could entertain themselves as easily as Bill can. It continued in the car he would say something and then laugh at what he had said. Often he would make hand jesters which would make himself laugh even more. At one store while I was reading the info on a machine he kept talking about how shiny the chrome was on a different machine. It seemed the only thing that matter to him was the color, if it was cool, and how much it shined when he opened it up. Needless to say he wasn't very much help.

Zachary and Kaity were waiting for us. They both received a Target gift card for their birthdays and wanted to spend it. We finally got to my mom's a little after 8. Zachary asked if we were going to Target, I joked around and said they were closed. When I got into the car, Zachary was sobbing and Bill was laughing. I asked what was going on. I found out Zachary believed me and thought Target was closed. Bill knowing this decided not tell Zachary other wise and it was more entertaining to let Zachary be upset.

We are going back tomorrow but since Bill isn't much help I am going to rely on consumer reports to help me make a decision. Oh my gosh I need to finish. My "adult" husband just walked in the kitchen to get the scissors to cut open Kaity's princess birthday balloon. He claimed Kaity told him to. The real reason is because he wanted to use the helium to talk funny. Yet, his story is more accurate.

Bill gets the last word.

It's my blog so I get the last word. There are a few things I need to correct my dear wife. You are wrong and I am right . You really need to quit telling stories. As far I my washer and dryer goes, I wasn't the only one who picked it out, but yes it was at the only place we went to. The color wasn't the only thing I was looking at. It had to look cool too and have a lot of controls that made look even cooler.
I told Zach that when we picked him and Kaity up , that if his mother doesn't hurry the Target will be closed. She was talking to her mom while we were waiting in the car. I just exagerated the time target closed slightly. I told Zach that Target was closing at 8:30 and it was 8:20 at the time. When in reality they were closing at 10.
Yes, I did test my Grand Am when I bought it. It was the coolest looking black Grand Am with the coolest looking controls. As far as her little tap. Yeah with steel toes.
Me laughing at myself, everyone in the stores thought I was funny. I know this cause they were laughing at me too. No I mean laughing with me. Oh boy, maybe they were laughing at me. Well I'll never see them again.

This is my story and I am sticking to it unless I change my mind. Thanks for visiting and God Bless you all.

It sounded like a freight train!

Today I had chemo and for the most part it went very well and a lot better than last time. I just feel a little tired and that is mostly because I was up longer than I should have been. So I am really relieved that it should be less harsher than last time.I need to work on my sleeping habits to get the full rest that I need. I feel that I need to do stuff with the family. Sally and I like to watch movies when the kids go to sleep and sometimes it's not as early as we would like it to be. Kaity will be in her feisty mood and jump on me and have me throw her around the house for awhile, or spin her in circles. After doing that I really need to sit for awhile. I sometimes have a real hard time dealing with that fatigue that I feel. Just over a year ago I was able to run around and have fun with the kids without all of the tiredness. Sometimes I really feel useless and alone. It's not that I am and Sally is a really good wife who makes me feel wanted. It's just that I can't get use to the way I was to how I am now. I know I shouldn't feel this way but, this is what this blog is all about, my feelings and thoughts. I really can't help the way I feel. This is the reason I don't like to be alone. I start to think to much about things and the what ifs. I will never ever really be out of the woods completely. And I know this and that is why I think a lot about my family and especially my kids and what my kids will be when they grow up. I know this sounds depressing and I am sorry for that but like I have said don't let me be alone to think about things. That is why I am glad that I have some of the craziest and goofiest kids in the world. They really help me keep my mind off of things that I shouldn't be thinking about. So I am not really taking this as good as people think. When you have great kids and a wonderful wife it puts things in a different perspective. Sorry didn't mean whine and go off in a tangent. Now for the stars of this blog, Sally and the Zach .

Yesterday I was hearing some strange noises coming from our hallway. I really wasn't sure what it was. It sounded like a train going though the house. I decided to get up and investigate the noise. It took me about a second to get to the end of the hallway. We have a small house that is as big as a small cardboard box to a medium size cardboard box give or take a cardboard box , but hey it's my cardboard box. Anyway I looked in Zach's room and noticed that his covers were moving up and down over his body and every once in awhile they would flutter at his head. I looked closer and noticed that he was the noise maker. The walls started to crack because of the vibration. I knew he must have been really exhausted to be so loud. So I left him alone but not before I pinched his cheeks,DAAAAAAAd Sorry, go back to bed.

About a week ago Sally and I were sleeping soundly. Again I hear this babble like a cross between a mouse and two quirrels fighting over a nut. I got up to hear what it was. It calmed down to a softer tone and now sounded like a Zhu Zhu pet. I looked over at Sally and it was her, having this conversation with herself in Zhu Zhu language. I didn't know what exactly to do to get her back to her native language. I knew I needed to act fast or she may start to scurry all over the bed and possible fall off and hurt herself or worse yet mistaken me for a nut,ummm never mind. So I just put my hand on her cheek softly. She wakes up and says what the ***&$$#*%% are you doing ,oh nothing.
Another time we were sleeping( a common trend here). Again a sound sleep and believe me I don't get to many nights like that, so I really value them. Sally all of a sudden bolts up and said MOTHER! I get up and stare at her wondering if there will be a encore. She turns and looks at me and says WHAT! "Nothing, Nothing at all". I asked her the next day what that was all about and she said it was a dream she had about her and her sisters. If you want to know the dream content I am sure Sally will post a comment about it if you want the details.
Yet again , I was sleeping soundly and the next thing I heard, I thought I was sleeping with one of the three stooges. Whooo whoooo whoooo wheee wheee whhhezzz. I looked over at my angelic wife and said nooooo. A man snores like that(but not me)not my very angelic wife of almost 12 years. "Sweetie Sweetie do you need something". "Sweetie Sweetie want me to get you something". "What the **%^&% do you want" she says, "oh nothing just go to bed".
I don't want anyone to think that I am making fun of Sally. It's just that I am. It's my blog and I can do what I want, besides she is a really good sport about it. I know if she really didn't want me to do it I wouldn't(maybe).
Thank you and God Bless you all.

Noooooooo, not yet!!!

I have been doing very well except, I just feel like I am not getting enough sleep. I try to keep busy doing things so that I don't fall asleep but, that kinda defeats the purpose of needed rest. At least most of the other effects are at a minimal, so that I can deal with.


I hope everyone had a Happy and Blessed Easter. We started our Easter by going to the Saturday Mass at St. James. We went last year and really enjoyed it. It's about two hours long but a really nice service. I really liked the music that they had. We will try and do this every year I hope. Earlier in the day there was a Easter Egg hunt at Griffith's Central Park. It's nice how it is set up with the ages. There are three groupings with 0-4, 5-7 and 8-12 years olds. I stayed with Zach and the 8-12 year olds and Sally with Kaity and the 0-4 year olds. The count down started at 10 going down to zero or we hoped. It got to 7 and then the 0-4 year olds took off and started to grab all the eggs as a few of the ones who were actually waiting to go stood there in disbelieve at the kaos that has started. So I started back to see what happened and where my daughter was in all of this. These were the youngest kids so I know it was actually the parents that had the kids take off early (come on it isn't like there was money in the eggs, just candy uuummmm maybe I could see that now). I saw That Sally had Kaity by the hood of her jacket as she tried to get away. I was glad that Sally was trying to teach Kaity to be a leader and not a follower. Then I thought let her go let her go, they are getting all the candy that I ,I mean Kaity deserves. That is why I married Sally. She will instill values in our kids while I am a little corrupt. It was like a shark feeding frenzy. You hear the lady in charge over the microphone saying no, get back get back. Than all the other ages took off. Again the lady was saying get back get back. I was thinking good luck. Then there were kids piling on each other. I could just see the riot that was about to happen because of those 0-4 year old trouble makers. Kids were ripping eggs out of other kids hands and taking them out of there baskets. I had to tell Kaity a few times Kaity give them back or the Easter Bunny won't come.. I could just see the police come in with mace and tear gas to calm things down . I haven't seen things this bad since the na na da poo poo days of the past Summer (Read earlier blogs). Only a few kids were lead away in hand cuffs(only kidding). It was pretty crazy and quite entertaining. Can't wait till next year and will bring the mace.


I forgot to mention about the play that Sally and I saw in February called" Noises Off". To be honest there isn't a whole lot I could say. I just got the pump taken out and wasn't feeling that great. I was sitting next to a lady that I think bathed in perfume. I could take the smell of perfume but this nice lady literally had a mist floating around her. Sally told me that the people next to her had it on heavy too. I really wanted to watch the play. The play at first started out a little slow but, started to get interesting and funny. I tried really hard to stay and Sally knew I was miserable. She told me that we could maybe go to Baker's Square and get a piece of pie if I wanted too. I shot out of that chair like a pop tart in a toaster and said let's go. I sure hope that nice ladies toes are ok.

Thank you for visiting and God Bless you all. The next blog will have some tidbits from Zach.

Up Date on Kaity

Today Kaity had an appointment with the family doctor. We were told that she tested negative for lead poisoning (right now lead poisoning doesn't seem as bad) According to the latest blood work there is definitely something going on. He said the hospital messed up and didn't run the blood panel right which would have given a better indication what is going on. He said right he is thinking she either has lupus or the early on set of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. He said he wasn't going to order any more blood work on her because she will get another work up with the next doctor. She needs to see a pediatric rheumatologist. There are none locally so he suggested to take her to Children's Memorial. Next week, that will be our mission to find a doctor and get an appointment set up.

Congratulations are in order

This past weekend we attended my baby sister, Lisa's wedding. A wedding I almost didn't get to go to. Lisa's wedding was the same week as my chemo treatment. I scheduled the treatment a day early so I could have the pump removed before the wedding. During the infusion on Wednesday, I became very itchy. That has happened before in the past but not for a long time. When I went to drink a glass of milk I got that weird sensation I used to get. Thursday morning I was getting ready for work and the tingly sensation in my hands and feet that I use to have was back. I was confused about the side effects. I was doing really well and all of the sudden everything came back. Sally became suspicious as well and called the doctor's office. When I began chemo I was on 3 different kinds of medicine for the infusion. Now that I am in remission I am on what they call a maintenance program which is only 2 of the medications. The medication that causes the worse side effects was not given any longer. Come to find out when I changed back to going every other week instead of every week the office went back to the original treatment and that is why I felt so bad. I felt relieved to know that it wasn't caused by the "mild" treatment and that the order was changed so it shouldn't happen again. But I felt really bad. I think it's probably the worse I have felt from a treatment. Friday I woke up and I could barely walk.It felt like I was walking on dry ice( not that I have walked on dry ice before, That would have really been stupid). Plus I was nauseated and no matter how much I slept it wasn't enough. By Friday night I felt a little better but still was in bad shape. Sally and the kids were gone for the evening. When they walked in the door Kaity was crying. She was crying for 45 minutes in the car before she even walked through the door.She is having the pains more frequently again. About 3 hours later she had calmed down enough to go to bed. She has another appointment this Friday. Hopefully if the doctor can't help her, he can send her to someone that can.

Saturday morning things were much calmer. Well......Kaity and I were better. I still wasn't feeling my best but I didn't feel like death either. I should take the first statement back. The kids and I were calm. Sally was like a crazy woman trying to make sure we all looked our best. This is the reason we don't dress up for church. I think we would end up in a divorce if we did.

Lisa's wedding was in Joliet, IL. The reason why she had it there was because my big sister Dawn married the happy couple (for now) in her church. She is a Minister. Sally told me Lisa was getting married in red. I thought she was kidding but she wasn't. My sister looked beautiful even though I am not a fan of red. Especially red cars but don't get me started on that one. My sister Lisa's new sister in-law brought some disposable cameras and put one on the tables to have people take pictures of whatever they wanted too. I quickly picked up the camera and went to take pictures of the most important thing at the wedding. I went straight to the cake and dessert table and started to snap away. At that point I was the best photographer in the world. The cake was made with fresh strawberries. It was very good. The wedding was very nice, a wonderful experience. I hope the best for my little sister and her new husband Dave. I told Dave if he needed any help or questions not to hesitate to ask. Then the happy couple started to laugh at me but what made it worse so did my wife. I just didn't get what was so funny, I was serious. I often wonder if it's just my kids or do all kids act up when they are suppose to be at their best. After the wedding Zachary and my nephew Evan, were at odds. These two little boys dressed in their Sunday best were pushing each other. At one point Zach pushed Evan down and Sally made him sit on the floor. When he was finally able to get up off the dirty floor, he told Evan to push him down so he would feel better about what he did and then Evan would now be the one in trouble. Evan was way to smart for that and told us of Zach's plot. So we made Zach stick his nose against the wall. No , actually we didn't put it sure would have been funny if we did. At the reception Zachary and Kaity were fighting about their plates. The both had the exact same plate but they were fighting over a plate. I have to admit though they were pretty nice plates. Then Kaity managed to knock over a glass of water and then Zachary topped her by spilling his glass of lemonade. Everyone at the table with us I could only imagine what they were thinking.I just ignore the situation while my sister in law Leann cleaned up the mess, thank you Leann. After dinner I was relieved. The kids were able to get up and walk around. Kaity loved being dressed up. You could tell by watching her. All the kids were running around but Kaity found interest in a pole with little mirrors on it instead. She spent almost the rest of the time pole dancing. She was really putting on a show. I am really getting a little nervous about her future career calling. She told Sally that she wants a pole for her birthday. At first she got upset if anyone wanted to use the pole but later on she had a group of kids she was teaching the tricks of the trade. She actually isn't so bad for a little girl who will be three on the 9th of April. When she wasn't pole dancing she was with my niece Rachele staring in a mirror. The food was good but the cake was better. I had to work for my piece of cake. The server came and gave Kaity a piece of cake. Then all the other tables were being served. I was really not happy.Obviously she didn't recognize who I was. Why would they serve one piece of cake to a table and instead of coming right back with the rest. They went to all the other tables instead. It was just very cruel and unusual punishment. Sally didn't help matters by laughing at her sick husband that was all flustered and talking to his self.

I am feeling better now. Tired but that goes without saying. Today I was able to get outside with the kids and enjoy the weather. I have the weekend off. Please pray for my niece Rachele. She is 4 and is having surgery tomorrow morning.

Thanks for visting and hope to post again this Sunday. God Bless you all!

They were huge!!

I usually try to write my blog on the weekends when possible. With the combo family birthday party for Zach and kaity and myself being sick throughout my 3 plus days off. My sinus's were really bothering me. My throat was a little scratchy and slightly sore. I would have to cough only when I needed to clear my throat and that would cause me to get a headache that would get worst each time I coughed. Poor Zachary was off from school last week for spring break. He started the week sick with a fever. When he started to feel better Kaity came down with the same thing. Then I think I must have gotten it and Michael became sick on Saturday. It seems to be that when ever Zachary has a break from school we are sick. hmmm

Saturday we celebrated Zach's 8th birthday and Kaity's 3rd. Zach's real birthday was 2 weeks ago and Kaity's isn't for another 2 weeks. It's easier to combine their birthdays for the families. We had their party at Edwardo's Pizza again. They have one of the better pizzas around in our area. As the kids were eyeing their pile of gifts I was eyeing the pile of frosting on the cupcakes . I know I wasn't feeling well but come on these were not your ordinary cupcakes. The cupcakes were more like miniture cakes. The frosting itself left a delightful experience in my mouth. It was like Christmas all over for the kids but honestly I don't remember what they received. The cupcakes still consume all my thoughts and most of my memories right now.

Today had a couple of interesting happenings(anything that happened before the party I still can't remember). Michael was at Walgreens and he spotted his grandma. He wanted to surprised her so he sneaked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her give her a nice size squeeze.To Michael's surprise she turns around and said "Oh My! Do I know you?" Nice job Michael .He is lucky the elderly nice lady didn't file assault charges against him and/or didn't suffer a coronary.I think all he had to do was to walk her across the parking lot to her car and she was all better. I wouldn't be surprise when the next time I walk into Walgreens and there is a mug shot of Michael posted up.

This evening I went to have blood work done for this Wednesday's chemo session. Zachary wanted to come with because he wanted to go to Target. When they called my name I told Zachary he could stay in the waiting room. He's just like his dad and does not like needles. While I was getting the blood drawn I heard a "WOOOOooo WWWooooooo" The lady drawing my blood and I looked over at the next area and saw my little boy in fear making his I am scared sound effects. We immediately looked at each other and busted out laughing He tried to use his scared pathetic look to manipulate me to buy him something at Target. It almost worked, until we started to laugh again.Then I remember my scare pathetic look never works on Sally and she is one who keeps tight control over the money I work hard for.

Like I mentioned earlier I have chemo this Wednesday. Saturday is my sister Lisa.s wedding day. My oldest sister is performing the wedding. I am sitting here wondering about the wedding cake. I hope it will out perform the cupcakes but I know that is a stretch.No pressure Lisa.

I am still not 100% so there is a possibility that I may not receive Chemo. I hope I will be able to. I want no delays in my treatment.

Hopefully, I will get a chance to write during the week. Have a great week. God Bless you all.

How can you call it a cake walk without cake! Title two: "Bedtime for Salzo "

Today I had Chemo and it didn't go exactly well. I was getting some on and off dizziness, not nausea but, dizziness.That was kinda frustrating for me.My side effects with this new preventative treatment is better for the most part. My tingling in my mouth when I drink something cold isn't nearly as bad. So I think this summer will be better,as long as I could drink the cold liquids. Last summer was bad as far as that went. I always had to wait to drink or eat cold things until about 4 days before my next treatment. My numbness in my hands and feet is a little better. Although I do feel that it easier for me to have minor hand injuries.I will explain later what I mean some other day. This is going to be a long blog. It was a little at chemo too ,because most of the other patients were just getting shots or just went to see the Doctor and left. So I was mainly the only one there for four hours all by myself. I did all that I could not to tear up. Sally was gone to get our plates for our car. When she did return, she did not fail me. I was not bored no more. Sally was at my rescue. She came and we just talk a little and then she fell asleep in one of the Chemo beds. You could imagine what that did to my self esteem.I quickly got over my esteem issues when I started hearing what sounded like farm animals. Mostly sounds of pigs. I looked over at Sally and couldn't believe it was coming from her. Of course I had to share in my joy. I tried to get Angela, Stacey and Goody's attention but, they were to busy in another room to share in my joy of laughing at my near perfect(?) wife? So I was still all alone. Get over it I thought to myself. The only thing missing was the drool.
I wanted to make a quick mention that Kaity isn't having as many issues with the pain in her hands and legs. We still haven't heard anything from the Doctor. Sally and I both think it may be some sort of arthritis. Now that is is getting warm her problems have lessen. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers for my little girl,God Bless you all.
This past weekend was Zach's birthday (Sunday). I wanted to make his Birthday special,so that is why I haven't posted in awhile. On Friday was Zachary's fun fair at his school.There was numerous things for the kids to do, like the cake walk, oh yeah! I coax Zachary to the cake walk. I was walking with Kaity at my side and Zach walking on his own. I didn't want to look at the prize delicacies so I would be pleasantly surprised if we won. I knew that Zach being the special boy that he was plus he was getting his own cake made by his mom, would undoubtedly let me pick out the cake. Kaity and I only went around 5 times and we won. I couldn't control my joy. Basically what I am saying is I was embarrassing myself.You don't see a adult man clicking his heals together like Ron Santo did in 1965 to often if at all and most of us knows what happened after that.. After the applause I worked my way to the cake table like Ralphie did in a Christmas Story after he wrote his essay on the Red Rider BB Gun. I looked at the table and my pleasantly surprise turned to you gotta be kidding me.Who took the cake. All they had was cookies,rice krispie treats ,brownies and Hostess Cakes(?). I grabbed a baggy that had 3 cookies in it. I had to make a important decision on what to do now. So I got back in line so I could be pleasantly you gotta be kidding me again. Zaity and I went around about another 6 times and won again, Zach was still winless.I had Kaity pick something out this time. Guess what she picked, cookies. They were chocolate chocolate chop cookies, good choice Zach finally won after going around for about 50 times. He went and picked out cookies on a stick. After the cake walk Zach wanted to go elsewhere and play some games and do other things.He wanted to make a sand bracelet. He was standing in line when a guy with 4 kids jumped ahead of Zach. So I did the first thing that came to me. A gave the guy a mean look. Good thing he wasn't looking at me. He no doubt would of ran out of there screaming. I saved him some embarrassment because his kids were there so I didn't press the issue. I am normally a nice guy by nature.

Sunday was Zachary's 8th Birthday. He wanted bacon and bagels for breakfast so that is what the master received. He had Faith Formation in the morning and we went to mass afterwards Kaity was crabby so we took a break in Zach's "fun" day so she could have a nap. Zach didn't mind because he was anxious to play with his new Star Wars lego set. We also got him an electric scooter but UPS didn't deliver it until the day after. After Kaity's nap we took the kids to the movies. We saw "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The movie kept Zachary's full attention. Sally and my attentions were mostly focused on Kaity. We enjoyed watching her watching the movie. Seeing her eyes lit up and dancing to the music. After the movie the master chose "Tylers Tenders" for dinner. It's one of those places the food is so-so but the kids really love the atmosphere which makes up for the mediocre food. We sat up at the counter so we could have our food delivered by the train. Afterwards, Kaity and Zachary went on a train ride. They both wanted to ride in front. Zach wanted to play with the bell and Kaity just sat there with a huge smile on her face. On the way home we stopped to pick up the masters ice cream. I was hoping he would choose rocky road or something with chocolate but he picked out "take the cake" ice cream to go with his banana birthday cake. Before he went to bed he kept thanking us and told us he had a great day. It made me a proud dad. I hope he remembers this birthday. I am hoping to get the computer fixed so I can start posting pictures again. My nephew will be home from school for a week so we are hoping he will want to come over to look at it.
I hope the next blog won't take me as long to post. Isn't the waiting worth it though(be nice ).
Thanks for visiting and god bless you all!