Should I Stay or Should I Go Now....to the ER?

Graham's been having a rough few days. Lots of belly pain, lots of bloating. Not sure if it's related to the bladder, intestines, spleen, kidneys, or a build up of fluid in the tissues just because of the spread of the cancer. Every day for the past 3 days, there's been an attempt to get some tests done to figure it out, but due to errors by the doctor and the technician, the tests either didn't get done, or were done incorrectly. Arrrghhh. The doctor and technician both seem very caring and nice, but, what are ya gonna do, people make mistakes. ( I could write a very long HORRIFYING book on this topic, particularly about nurses and catheters.)

After telling the Manor Care doctor we were ready to go to the ER to finally get some answers, she decided to get the tests done STAT (the squeaky wheel does indeed get the oil). Hopefully we'll have some answers in a few hours. If not, particularly since Graham now has a fever of 101.2, we'll scedaddle to the ER.

In the meantime, Graham has been on dilaudid (not sure if that's spelled right), a really good pain drug that works quickly, just about around the clock. It relieves the pain, but it basically means he sleeps most of the day.

BIRDS!!

Something that Graham has really been enjoying is bird watching. I got some bird feeders especially designed to attract finches, and yeah baby, they really work. They're sort of like netted socks filled with I don't know what, but 10 minutes after I hung them on the tree by our window, dozens of finches were swarming around them. For hours every day, we have constant activity, usually about 16 birds at a time.

It's interesting watching their behavior. Most of the birds will patiently wait their turn, giving the birds who are currently feeding some space, But then, inevitably, a couple of snotty birds will break in line, and this starts a whole chain reaction of rudeness among the birds. It's sad that the "good" birds don't chastise the rude birds, but instead just become more rude themselves.

THANKS: Thank you Ellen H for always being there for us. I really appreciate you hanging out with Graham yesterday and today so I could go visit Micki and get some errands done. Graham enjoys your company. And thanks for lending us the nice lamp for our room. You truly did brighten our day in more ways than one!

Gary, you're such a wonderful brother and brother-in-law. Whether it's spending evenings with us, bringing a smile to Graham's face with silly jokes or PEZ dispensers, or bringing a great mattress for me to sleep on, you always think of ways to help us out.

Alice S, thanks for continuing to take care of Micki! It's such a relief knowing Micki is happy and loved.

Joan T, you are some kind of mind-reader. A couple of days ago, I was taking Graham out for a "stroll" in his wheelchair, and the poor guy was freezing even though he had two blankets around him. I made a note to myself to go buy two warmer and snugglier blankets. And then I went to the house today to water plants and check the mail, and what awaited me, but a wonderful gift box from Genentech, with two gorgeous soft warm throw blankets from Joan (and some other lovely and fun gifts, such as a squeaky toy for Micki). How perfect!! And thanks for sending the hilarious You Tube: Beware of the Doghouse. It reminded Graham and me of our first Hanukkah gift exchange with each other. (To watch the short video, go to the "Interesting Stuff" section to the right. Enjoy!)

Ruska, you know me so well. There are fewer things I enjoy more than unusual teapots and exotic teas. How fun to get a whole collection of flowering teas to experience with a pretty new teapot. Graham loved the message in your card.

Thanks River Bend (Missouri) neighbors Lynn, Jaye, Don, Marilyn and Ron for your lovely cards this week. And thanks Diane, Steve and Carol for staying in touch. We miss y'all!