Category Archives: family matters

Daily Prompt: Ghostwriter

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If you could have any author –living or dead – write your biography, who would you choose?

Jeff Foxworthy

As a fellow Georgian and comedian, if anyone could write my autobiography, it would be him. He would see and instantly connect with my inner redneck and the words would flow onto his computer screen.

Disability aside, I was born in Winder, Georgia and I love everything redneck. The sad thing is, I know how or have done most of those redneck things I am referring too.

I will say, I have NEVER, nor do I ever plan to try chewing tobacco. I’ll admit I have a few cousins that chew daily!

I even participated in the redneck games in Middle Georgia. So, Jeff Foxworthy would be my choice. He could also make the not so funny parts humorous.

Daily Prompt: VIP

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Who’s the most important person in your life — and how would your day-to-day existence be different without them?

Barry, my husband, is the most important person in my life. Unfortunately, at age 47, I have found myself in need of a caregiver.

Barry, not only has the role of the love of my life, but he is legally considered my caregiver. It kills me that my body has done this so early in our marriage, but you deal with what life hands you and take things one day at a time.

The good Lord has his plan for each of us, it is not our place to argue the plan. As a previous teacher I had would say; “you know a plan exists, whether you know the content or not, you work, girl, work it!”

Barry is my helping hand in many daily activities and my own personal engineer. I hold Barry to get out of the tub, but I can get in. He has made sure I have all the proper rails and no-slip gadgets I need around the house.

He treats me like a normal human being. He doesn’t treat me like a baby. I love my mother, but she thinks I’m 10 years old when she helps with anything. I’m glad she is here, because I don’t like being home alone.

I fell once in the garage, while home alone, I just happened to be on the phone when it happened. Help was as phone call away. Thank the Good Lord above. I fell into a box of framed pictures, shattered glass and broken frames all around. Terrified, I froze until help arrived.

To be honest with you, I cannot imagine life without Barry. You know, I can’t even get a bra on straight without him. Trust me, I’ve tried, you can find yourself in some serious pickles, trying that alone with one hand. Wheewww…..I could tell you some stories. I refuse to start wearing those pull-on things. They are too hot.

Without Barry, I would need someone to do any driving further than 20 miles away. Yes, mom lives with me, but I refuse to get in a car with her driving. My heart can’t take it.

I’d need someone to manage the yard work, pay the bills, go to the grocery store and make sure I take my medication correctly. There are days, that my brain tumor rules, and it is close to impossible to even get out of bed. On those days, I’d need someone to cook, make sure I eat and clean up.

I cannot do laundry any longer, so that is another thing I’d need help with. Someone would have to walk and feed the dog as well. I can’t leave the fish out, but I believe I could manage the fish food and watering the plants.

In December of 2011, Barry had a massive stroke and I almost lost him. The doctors actually tried to prepare me for the fact he would not make it through the night. Losing him, I think would have killed me. I hate to sound selfish, but God wasn’t finished with him yet. He knew we needed each other.

To date, other than a few deficits, Barry whipped that stroke in the butt and is back to helping me whip this brain tumors butt. We work together, to make sure everything gets done; with mom quietly tagging along. We all take care of each other and it works.

To answer this prompt, I know everything Barry does for me daily and I do not want to even think about my day-to-day existence without him.

Life would be hard and I’d have to let too many strangers into very personal parts of my life.

Yes, mom could help more, but she isn’t as strong as she used to be and I do not want to be the cause of her getting hurt.

Bear bear says, Yeah!

Bear bear says, Yeah!

Knee Business! Happy Dance!!!!! woooohooo……

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I love seeing a doctor and leaving with a smile on my face. With my fall, I  did not cause any permanent damage, because there isn’t any cartilage there to tear.

She has an idea to try before talking about major surgery, so we’ll give that a shot and talk new knee when we have to. I’m game. I’ll rather get an injection under the patella, than go under the knife.

Again, the good Lord has watched over me and showed me flipping out about this is not always the answer. My Faith gets stronger daily. It is really hard not to stress over your health, when you have so many things to stress over. Barry and I are learning to let God take the lead on health issues. The better we get at it, we are honestly feeling less stress over things.

It has gotten to the point that I actually leave my cane or walker in the car, because I don’t want to feel like a little old woman or have anyone laughing at me. Pure silliness. I’m learning to leave my pride in the car, not my walker.

I just got a new walker. Barry says he’ll pimp it out for me if I want him to. A few things might be cute, but I wouldn’t want him to go overboard. The kids will love it! 

I got permission to get my exercise program going again. I’m hoping to start in the morning. I’ve missed the gym.

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Dealing with the after Effects of Falling

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???????????????????????????????????????To date, I have avoided “major injury” falling. Although, there is an indention of my head in the living room; I have ruined a box of pictures and found myself stuck, without help, in the middle of a box of shattered glass and a broken picture frames; I have gone head over heels when I fell in the recliner; I’ve fallen from the top step in the garage backwards flat on my back; and I only have 2-3 throw rugs left in the house because I trip on them, causing twisted knees, sore elbows and shoulders. We have done our best to fall proof the house, but it still happens. I’ll find out tomorrow. At this point, the injuries have been a mild concussion; torn meniscus in my left knee; stitches in my left elbow; and whatever the doctor says I have done to my left knee this time.  The radiologist the performed the MRI, told me my left knee is bone on bone. It will be interesting to see what the doctor has to say. If a new knee is worth it, should I do it? All these questions, I’ll have to wait for answers.

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Our 200th post, There is a link to the page, but I also put the post below to avoid confusion

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 Click the link for our 200th post:

https://gegebearbear.wordpress.com/200th-post-can-you-believe-it/

The 200th post is below, but I’m gonna leave the page up too. I have removed any mention of a certain person who shall remain nameless. Enough said.

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We thought this post required something special. I find it difficult to believe we’ve been blogging since September 8, 2012! We have been on a journey since that date, but we are holding on strong and closer than ever.

This blog wasn’t our idea, but we have thoroughly enjoyed compiling information for post together. It truly has been therapeutic for both of us. Who would have thought that a counselor, specializing in neurological issues, would know what they were talking about? Maybe that was what we were paying them for? At least our insurance was…..

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We have done so well. Blogging has brought new friends into our lives and seen a few leave. The good seeds continue to take root as the friendships flourish. Others are like annual flowers, they are incredible at first then the heat of the sun fades their colors. Then you pull the annuals and throw them out to put new color in your garden. It is a shame all flowers and friendships cannot be timeless.  Enough said on the matter.

Barry and I continue to enjoy each blogger we have met on WordPress and stay sorrowful over those that did not work out. We have met some incredible people, who have taught us both a lot. Papazilla actually got me to debate a topic in writing, which is something I avoid like. I do not speak well, so there are certain things I do not freely take part in.

I have a rare genetic disorder. I felt so alone dealing with my illness at times, then my friends and family remind me I am not alone. The internet is an amazing tool to use to connect with people you may not meet normally. Barry is wonderful and my best choice to discuss my disease with. Thanks to everyone for being wonderful!

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BrainTumorThursday on Twitter has become a weekly part of my life. When I can take part, I do. When I can’t, I make sure one of my posts, about a brain tumor issue, is on the page. There is such a huge need for funding for research. Brain Tumors kill too many people yearly. I’m including a link to a national foundation for when you would like more information.

Twitter link:

http://paper.li/TumorWarrior/1343039984

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http://www.abta.org/about-us/

http://www.sbtf.org/home.html

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Two groups of hardworking people working to stop the pain of brain tumors. Please check them out. Barry and I take part regularly in the SBTF run/walk to raise money in Atlanta. We enjoy the get together. We also take part in a monthly support group for brain tumor patients. Very helpful group, when figuring life out after a brain tumor.

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http://www.emoryhealthcare.org

I’m including the website for the support group below, check them out. Very enjoyable group.

http://www.neurosurgery.emory.edu/BTSG/index.htm

Tons of extremely hardworking people, check them out!

Check out #BrainTumorThursday on Twitter. Just do a search. Do not forget the hash tag.

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Other health issues in constant need of funding are mini-strokes and strokes. As a nurse, I know what to look for and what they look like when occurring. Many people have health issues happen today and are clueless. They have no idea what is happening or whether to consider it an emergency or not. It is truly sad in my eyes that we are not more educated about our bodies and how we should respond to them when they scream at you,

 ‘HEY, I NEED ATTENTION!’

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I’m so glad I was home with Barry when his stroke occurred. He’s an extremely healthy, highly intelligent man. He did not have a clue or remember anything past us getting out of bed that morning. If he had been home alone, he would not be with us at the moment. God is good and decided he wasn’t finished with Barry. He helped me get the right people on to Barry, then the doctors and hospitals took over. New technology saved Barry’s life. Emory University Hospital had Barry in the procedure room before I made it to the hospital. I thank the Good Lord above for guiding the doctors in the proper care Barry needed. Although, his stroke continued once the clot was out of the picture, Barry is alive and thriving.

teddybearline

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/#mainContent

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

http://www.stroke.org/site/PageNavigator/HOME

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Since starting our blog, our lives are finally calming down. My illness is settling into a routine of check-ups and Barry is getting stronger each day. Mom is even settling into our routine(Surprise, surprise)

Barry and I are about to embark on a new voyage in our lives. When he retires, we will have time to run around and do what we want. Travel; be lazy;  work in the yard; go to church; visit family; who knows, maybe we will see a movie at the theater…..I have a huge list of ideas, I just have to talk Barry into it. Barry will have a tough time adjusting to staying home. He has driven downtown(Atlanta) to work for over 30 years, sleeping past 6am is already a challenge for him on the weekends. After 9 years of marriage, I can say one thing about Barry L. Baynes. The sweet man despises change!

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If you do not know CPR, LEARN IT! You may need it some day!

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Round Four Finale

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MM900295156Biopsy results are NEGATIVE! NO cancer. They still want me to have an MRI, because they do not have a solution for the problem. But no cancer!!!!!!!Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Saw endocrinologist today about thyroid scan. It was clear, but there is a lymph node she wants to follow. Which means she wants to schedule a thyroid scan! I hate the thought of another thyroid scan. You have to put your system into hypothyroidism before the test.

Last time, they were out of the injection to do this for you and I had to quit taking my medication for 3 weeks before my body converted to hypothyroidism. I was so weak, I could not walk. I was having to use my wheelchair to get around everywhere.

But I’ll do what I need to do to make sure I stay cancer-free. I may not be happy, but I’ll do it. I’m hoping Thyrogen is available and taken care of in 2 days.

Get results of the MRI on my left knee, next Tuesday. I have the feeling surgery is around the corner. But again, I’ll do what I have to do to stay healthy.

I can’t wait to get back to my full exercise routine. I miss it! Gonna light a fire under Barry’s fanny to get him moving with me. We may even get Maggie in on it!

Well, I’m putting this tablet down for the time being. We have to run an errand. Round 5 starts next week, with God leading the way. I hate to think where I’d be without the good Lord guiding us through this mess. Still taking things one day at a time. Thanks for your comments and support.

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Round Four: Thyroid Scan Results/ Biopsy results

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At 11:30am, we will be headed to the next appointment for the week. I’ll get my official thyroid scan results today. It’s in God‘s Hands as usual, but I am feeling rather positive today. The Neurosurgeon‘s visit has really lifted my spirits. Hopefully, Dr. M. will deliver similar news. I also received a message from the breast center, telling me she had good news about my biopsy. I left a message for her, so hopefully I will hear from her soon.

Have a good afternoon everyone. It was 60° yesterday and in the 30’s today with possible snow on Saturday. You have got to love the south. Daffodil’s are blooming already. Spring is coming. I can’t wait!

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Daily Prompt: First Light

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Remember when you wrote down the first thought you had this morning? Great. Now write a post about it.

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Mom has been having difficulties sleeping and having crazy dreams. She told me about a new one a few days ago, the minute I awoke, I was worried about mom and her crazy dreams. That is what I wrote down yesterday. Check with mom about her dreams and how she slept.

I just went to check on her. She was awake, doing exercises. She said she slept fine, but continues to have the crazy dreams. She swears when she woke up, that the ceiling and her bed was covered with crazy-spider looking creatures. She says she wasn’t scared, she tried touching them to see if they are real and they are not. I requested that she bring the doctors phone number to me to get her scheduled for an evaluation.

This has to be some form of medication reaction. She is healthy as a horse, otherwise. The only changes are medication-related. She claims she has tried to make appointments with the neurologist, but has been unable to get through. I’ll do the calling today, see what happens. It hurts to see mom going through some of these things. I say if it is fixable, let’s be able proactive and fix it! 

Round Three on Appointments

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MP900446597In August of 2012, I fell backwards down the garage steps. I busted my head and elbow. No stitches in the head, but I had a concussion. My left elbow took the brunt of my fall. I got five stitches. My elbow still hurts a good seven months later.

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A couple of months ago, I slipped on the rug in the restroom and twisted my left knee. It took a while for the problem to show up, but I am having an MRI of my left knee-joint in the morning. The doctor is thinking I may have screwed up the cartilage in there and need to have it repaired. Hopefully, they will find the problem tomorrow.

I’ll follow-up with the doctor next week. I truly do not want to hear the s-word, but I do enjoy walking. As usual, it is in God’s hands and I will let him work his plan. While I take it one day at a time.

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Mom is dreaming again….Diggin’ Taters..

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This is a strange one, because mom used to tell us this story when we asked for a good scare. She was a live participant in the story this time. 

Mom grew up on a farm. She, her brothers and sisters, did a lot of the gardening to provide food for the family. To put it in mom’s words, she is not a stranger to ‘diggin taters’. 

Mom is the oldest of eleven children. So when she had the younger children, she was in charge. In her dream, mom and three of the older kids are in the potato patch digging potatoes for dinner.

To set the stage properly, it was a windy day. It felt like a storm was blowing up. The wind was whistling through the trees,  sounding like someone trying to talk to you. The air was thick and heavy, reminding everyone summer storms can be dangerous  and you do not want to get caught out in the field in one. Mom was trying to rush everyone, so they could get back to the house without getting caught in the weather. 

My Aunt Jo said to mom, ‘did you hear that?’ Mom told her she didn’t hear anything and keep working. Then, my other Aunt Bib asked mom the same question. She yelled at the two of them to quit playing games and get back to work.

My Uncle Owen decided to keep what he had heard to himself, because he didn’t want my mother yelling at him. Truth be told, it sounded like the wind was talking to them and he knew mom had heard exactly what the other three had.

There appeared to be a voice in the wind saying;

‘Who has my big toe? I want my big toe!’

The four kids kept working, wanting to make grandma happy with the amount of potatoes they brought back. The wind continued to whistle and all four kids were starting to hear the voice.

Who has my big toe? I want my big toe!’

By this time, they had enough potatoes for a couple of days, so they gathered their tools and tater sack and headed back to the house. No one said a word to anyone about the strange voice.

That night in bed, Aunt Jo and Uncle Owen woke mom up to tell her they were hearing the voice in the house. The difference was, it was followed by footsteps. She quickly told them it was their imagination and to get back to bed.

She tried to get back to sleep, but discovered sleep eluded her.

She heard someone say, ‘Who has my big toe?’

All she could do was think about what she had just heard.  She also heard every noise, bump and bang the house made in the night.  

The next day, mom and the other kids were outside playing when they heard Grandma Frank scream. They went running into the kitchen to see what the problem was.

Grandma Frank had dumped the bag of taters in the sink to clean them up and prepare them for storage. She was standing near the sink shaking from head to toe and pointing at the sink. She was mumbling incoherently. Mom went to the sink and peered inside. Laying there, among the potatoes they had dug up yesterday, was a big toe!