Some time in the past, Sandy go started on a craft project that was long neglected. When a sister at church asked what she could do to help her, Sandy remembered this project and since the friend does arts and crafts, she was excited to complete what Sandy had started. Actually, she started over again and made this really nice calendar reminder of family birthdays and anniversaries:
Wednesday afternoon she had an appointment with the wound healing center. I like this place! Once the nurse got Sandy in the room she removed the old ostomy bag with all its tape and adhesive, then she measured the wound dimensions and called the doctor. She came in with two other nurses and said it was time to think outside the box since Sandy hasn't gone 48 hours without her bag leaking. Their goal was to figure out a way to attached the bag so it doesn't leak onto her skin. Evidently having bodily fluids leaking, especially ones that may contain fecal matter, can cause skin infection. Once that happens, it is difficult to attach the bag to her. They tried cutting the drain opening differently and stretching the skin. She was up to trying out a new to us restaurant on the way home.
Unfortunately, the bag started to leak by Thursday morning. So she called home health and they responded quickly. This nurse cut the bag differently and did something else different, because it has not leaked since then! We have a church friend who has had a bag for many years; he indicates he can only go about three days before needing to replace his.
Friday we had planned to head to Russellville to visit Andy's family for the weekend. We almost left on time, except... I have been looking for a Toyota van recently and found that USAA has a used car buying guide on their website. I found a very promising one in Dallas, which is about 9 hours driving time away. But, wait. Miranda and Dan were at the temple there. So I called them and they were gracious enough to go check it out and test drive it. Unfortunately, the paperwork drill was too cumberson to do in absentia despite our best efforts. We have been working with them over the phone, but I am not overly pleased with the care we have received. But the price is right...
We had a wonderful time with Andy and Kera's family. They had invited their 6 missionaries for dinner of taco salad and we arrived in time to join them. On Saturday, like any typical all American family, individual members had different directions to go. Katie left before breakfast for the pool for a swim competition. I took Aaron to church for an organ lesson and then to the pool. Andy runs the computerized scoring system for these swim meets, so he was there as well. And Kera took the other three to the local Boys and Girls Club for their annual obstacle course race. It is only about .6 of a mile, but has a lot of obstacles, to include some mud and water. It is for ages 6-14. The kids seemed to have a good time. Matthew ran the course 10 times last year; he only did 13 because the time for the event ended before he got to his goal of 15. Both girls ran 5 laps. And a good time was had by all!
And Sandy also got outside for a short time.
Kera had rented 'Infinity Wars' which we viewed that afternoon. Sorry I did not wait for the sequel to come out to watch them back to back; now I have to wait to see how it will end. And keeping to tradition, Katie and I made fudge and then we played a round of 5 Crowns before going to bed. Kera was considerate and let us use their bedroom (it is purple bed) which has the bathroom right there. Convenient for Mom.
Sunday was the Primary Program, so Kera did the girl's hair:
The Primary program was wonderful. They have a large primary and their enthusiasm for singing was sometimes over powering! And I learned a new verse to the song: "Follow the Prophet"; when they sing about Jonah, the chorus goes: 'Swallow the Prophet...He ran away'.
The main purpose of going to Russellville was because Matthew turned 12 and was to receive the Aaronic Priesthood, which he did on Sunday. We came home from church, had a yummy dinner and headed home. We arrived to find everything in order.
This morning, as I was feeding the cats, I heard for the first time the attempts of a rooster crowing; so it is official now, we have at least one 3 month old rooster. Sandy also had an appointment with the oncologist to see about starting immunotherapy. He asked if she was ready to start today. While she did not come prepared to do so, I returned home to get the computer, a book and a much needed blanket. I wasn't home long before they called to say she was finished. Turns out she had a reaction (hives) to the Erbitux so they stopped the infusion and will try another drug next week.
Tonight was empty nesters at a local park. We had hamburgs and Sandy actually ate one. We had a good time visiting and enjoying the friendships of great friends.
We wish Alex a happy 5th Birthday tomorrow. We are looking forward to General Conference weekend - Miranda's family will be here to share it with us.
love,
Sandy and Tom
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