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Golf today! It was an alternate shot contest with 2 people competing against all the others, so you only hit every other shot. We did not win (big surprise there!). A nice day. I got home to find not one, but TWO packages in the mail! Thank you to both Marcia and Eric. I probably won't be able to shoot golf like Tiger Woods (Marcia's gift), but I can console myself with my new Tigger toys (Eric's gift). Tomorrow morning is my next oncology appointment. Love, P.
I took Barb's advice and had my eyes checked today for (sigh) bifocals. Wah! I won't get them for 5-7 days and he warned me that it would take a week to get used to them. I'm pretty sure he wanted me to get them 2 years ago, but I told him I was too young. Now that I'm over 40, I guess it was time. My neighbors are away this week. I'm lonely just knowing they aren't over there. At least I am doing my laundry today and I've watched less TV. Love, P.
Church was good this morning. I hung out afterwards sipping on coffee and chatting away before I told my driver to take me home. After I got home, I remembered that a friend of mine from below Richmond was going to arrive at noon. My house had that "mine field" appearance to it. Thank goodness Catherine was a little bit late. I ran around like a nut-case and did the dishes, straightened up the dining room and living room, and took a huge stack of paperwork upstairs. It looked fairly clean by the time she got here. We went into town and had a Chinese buffet then came back and looked at photos from my trip, etc. She headed off for home around 5PM, and I got to see the last hour of the PGA and saw the last 40 laps of the NASCAR race. A wonderful day! Love, P.
I went to see Rebecca and Rachel Gardella play soccer today. They are on different teams (by age-group), but each had a game, only 1 hour apart. Rachel is the younger sister and LOVES soccer. Rebecca is the older sister and doesn't care much for the game, but still plays. I think they both played very well, and Rachel scored a goal. Both of their teams won. I was a very proud "Auntie Pam". So, who will win the PGA golf competition? With Rocco hold his lead? Will Tiger ever play in a tournament that ISN'T a Major? Will I ever break 100? Such pressing questions. I had a delicious supper with the Ryans tonight (steak) but it is getting closer to bed-time. Love, P.
Today was my big Social Security day. Yuck! It took me nearly all day to fill out the application form, and my "agent" just briefly flipped through it and told me that he has nothing to do with the process other than sending the forms to the right people. The form had this letter with it about how if you didn't know how to fill something out, "just leave it blank for your agent". Lots of good that would have done me! Oh well, what is done is done. It took him about 30 minutes to photocopy some stuff and ask me some questions. Before I left he handed me the brochure dealing with rejection. The whole process was short, but quite painfull. I guess in 30 days (that's how long it takes), I'll be appealing for being rejected (of course, those with back pain or diabetes get accepted right away). I did have a nice supper later with my friend Kathy and we caught up over some wine. Bath and bed now. Love, P.
I spent time today gathering up more info for the SS people. I looked through more folders and copied more data. I'm sure that there is one picky thing that I am forgetting so I'll get rejected! This whole process is wearing me out. Tomorrow is the big day. I'll go bare-headed so they'll have to stare at my 1/4" hair stubble and my ugly surgery scar. Thank you Tony & Molly for the Guest Book note from Australia. Sorry my E-mail won't let me write personally to you. Even my "computer whiz" sister is unable to figure out what the problem is. Love, P.
It ended up being warmer today than it was expected to be. Kathy took me into town to buy stamps and to do some of her errands with her. It was quite nice. I spent all morning and half the afternoon working on my 10 page SS Disability application. Groan! Good thing I have my Journal so I could look up dates, etc. Page 1 was not too bad - "Can you speak English?", "Do you read English?", and "Can you read English other than your name?". I'm pretty sure I got those questions right! They wanted average income yearly for the past 15 years, all of my doctors, all of the doctors' appointments I have been to, treatment, all hospitals I have gone to, all dates for everything, and on and on. It was a load of fun! Can't wait till Friday! Love, P.
I keep getting worse and worse on the golf course, but it's just a game. My attitude and mood were much more pleasant today, and I didn't throw any golf clubs. I had a nice talk with cousin Tom last night. Now I see that he is pretending to be trying to bust me for SS fraud - argh!!! Friday at the SS office is going to be an interesting day. Love, P.
Amazing that my brain surgery to suck out all the blood was 7 weeks ago tomorrow! It seems like it was only a couple of weeks ago, not almost 2 months! I'm discovering that my recovery has been a lot slower than I had been thinking. I don't think my brain was working very well those first few weeks post-op. I am still forgetting stuff that I really should remember. I guess being a forgetful ditz is better than being a dead one! Love, P.
Church today, then rain on & off all day. A perfect day for curling up on the sofa to watch NASCAR and the golf tournament. Quite a wreck on the track towards the end of the race! I'm surprised that no one was killed. Golf was a bit more boring because Tiger was not playing. I like having a previous channel jump-button on my remote! I am still needing to go to bed early, but haven't had a nap in a week. Love, P.
Last night was a restless night for me. I was in bed before 9:30 PM but I had trouble relaxing enough to sleep well. I kept thinking one of the girls would call me and I wouldn't hear. After a poor night's sleep, we were up just before 7 AM to watch cartoons. Bob came over at 8:30 with breakfast stuff and cooked and cleaned up - the nice part of the whole thing. I should have napped as soon as they left! I went to a show by the local acting group that my friend is in this afternoon. On my way home, I spotted a familiar vehicle at Missy's house, and remembered that I had been told to stop by for supper if I had the time. I had my driver drop me off there. I had a great meal with Missy and another former co-worker, Chris. Each has 2 kids - Janice & Jackie, Julianna & Dominic, whom I said I would mention. Now I MUST go to bed. Love, P.
Help! I overdid it today! Today started with 18 holes of golf (don't ask!) - then going to the bank, the grocery store, and bringing Rebecca & Rachel to my house for "fun time", supper, and on and on! I am dead tired. I just put the girls to bed (9PM on Friday nights) and will go to bed myself in a few minutes. Wow! What a day! If the old Social Security people catch wind of all I've been up to, they will reject me for sure. Kat says to "look sick" when I meet with them. (Seems like a good plan to me). Love, P.
I found the 1994 tax form! Now I'm ready for the Social Security office. I've been told by many people that you nearly always get rejected at least one or two times. No one was able to tell me how long it takes before you get rejected - same day? multiple weeks? a year? We shall see. . . I was invited to Lynn's for supper tonight. Her girls convinced me that I owe them an over-night at my house, so I told them we would do it tomorrow. Yikes! Two girls under age 8 with me for play, supper, and a sleep-over. They have a soccer game at 10AM Saturday, so I do have a time limit. Whew! Golf tomorrow morning. Love, P.
Another 90 degree day down here in Virginia. As long as there are air conditioners (that work), I'll take heat over cold anytime. I took a walk today which is to build up my stamina for golf. I'll be playing again on Friday (can't play everyday, or I run out of money). As the current 'Master of Daytime TV', I can report that today's Oprah was an interesting and scary show. It involved kids using chat rooms and getting trapped by sex porn guys. I am once again thankful that I don't have kids! The Social Security people told me that for some unknown reason, no SS payments were made in 1994. I had called the Main Office (Baltimore) for information on SS Disability. She did give me an appointment for next Friday at the local office, but said that with me lacking 1994 payments, there was no chance. I have been digging through boxes and cannot find my Federal 1994 return, but DID find my 1994 copy of my W-2 which shows NORMAL PAYMENT of the SS part. It should be enough (I hope), but I'll keep looking for the return. Argh! The Federal Government is trying to make me crazy! Love, P.
I played GOLF today! I played ALL 18 holes with my Ladies' 18-holer group. I was totally exhausted, but I did it. They did let me have a cart with a handicap flag on it, which did help a lot. It was a team tournament type of event. My team won, though I did not help much at all. What a great group of ladies I played with today! Hooray, Team! I'm going out to eat tonight with Joan & Kathy, then bed early. Long day. . . Love, P.
Every single day that I have is a gift from God. It was so pretty out today - sunny and warm. Mom left after we did a crossword puzzle together this morning. My next-door neighbor ("Ma") and I went for a walk and then shopped for groceries. I am so happy to be alive and feeling well! I'll live each day that I have and will totally enjoy myself. The 'gamma knife' that I had in Pittsburgh could have even cured me - I might live another 40 years! I guess you guys will all stop reading these entries after awhile if they get TOO boring! Love, P.
I'm HOME!!!! Mom & I drove down today and then watched golf. Yeah, Tiger! I also watched some of NASCAR on the other channel and saw Bobby Labonte win. It was 80 degrees here today. I'm liking the Spring! I'm feeling great - no more headaches and a bit more energy. Mom & I walked around the block after supper, which I believe was the first exercise I've done in a month. Love, P.
My last day in PA. It sprinkled most of the day. A friend of mine whom I haven't seen in 8 years came by with her husband and kids for a visit. Last time I saw her was in Arizona when I was at "golf school". I had a rental car and drove down to visit her in Tucson when she was living there. She and her husband and 2 kids (she was pregnant with the nearly 8 year old when I was there) have moved to Northern PA. Barb also stopped by for a visit and brought her friend Marcia for me to finally meet. Despite the rain, it was a great day for me. In the morning, Mom & I will head back to my place in VA. I hope my house is okay! Love, P.
The hospital was very kind. They gave me a private room and only came in every 3-4 hours to make sure I didn't need anything. (I usually did ask for pain medicines). I was able to get a fair amount of sleep last night between visits, though I was only able to sleep on one side (because of my head wounds). My headache is practically gone now, and plain Tylenol seems to be working - Thanks, Connie! Love, P.
Hooray! I have survived "Gamma Knife II". Same horrible headache. This time, I'm admitted to the hospital over night so I can continue to get good pain medications. The gamma knife nurses tell me that the headache is merely from my skull re-expanding after being crushed by the frame. I suspect there is another cause as well. Regardless of what is causing my headache, I will have to hope that it goes away soon. Love, P.
Mom & I leave for Pittsburgh in a few minutes. We are both packed and ready to hit the road. I figure that I should get my entry in a bit early and read all the last minute "good lucks" in my Guest Book. Tomorrow will be a super long day. I'll be happy to have it done. Fingers crossed - no bleeding! Love, P.
I reserved a hotel room in Pittsburgh for Wednesday and Thursday nights. I must say that having had the "gamma knife" performed once already, I am NOT looking forward to it! I had the worst headache afterwards, which lasted a few days. Arghhhh!! Last time was in June, shortly after my diagnosis, to one tiny little lesion. This time, they will do from 2 to 4 other lesions. Boo hoo! The time flies when dreaded procedures are planned. Love, P.
I finished a book that I had started. My reading and concentration are getting better. I also got to watch the NASCAR race, which had been delayed because of rain in Texas yesterday. Steve Park did complete the race but was way, way in the back. Barb's driver (Mark Martin) ended up in 3rd place. Too bad Jeff Gordon came in second! I can't think of anything else to say right now, so I'll end here. Love, P.
I'm now back in PA. Mom picked me up at the airport, and we got home just in time for steamed shrimp that Bear (Dad) made for us. Yummy! He even has a fire going tonight to warm things. Good Bear! I'm worn out again from my day of travel, and I suspect I'll be in bed early again tonight. Oh well. Love, P.
My movie last night was very good. Too bad I had learned that Jodie Foster is gay before seeing the film. Today was "Jamboree". 300,000 baseball teams (well, maybe not quite THAT many) came to the ball-fields to show us 1 inning each, with teams not trading sides till every player had been up to bat. Our times were back-to-back and it was not too bad. The boys each brought a friend home with them, and rather than play outside on a beautiful day, they are playing on the computer and watching TV. I am so glad that I am not a mom - too hard of a job! All of the great ideas you have when you don't have kids get thrown away when you do have kids. I fly to Mom & Dad's tomorrow. Thanks for the 'good wishes', everyone! I can use them. Love, P.
Incredibly confusing around here! Trent has 3 baseball practices/games a week and Tyler has 2 games a week. Tammy loves it, but I've never been the most fond of baseball. I was able to worm my way out of tonight by getting invited to a movie by some of the other ladies. It's going to be late by the time I get home, but (for me at least) it beats baseball! One of Tammy's friends is going to be picking me up later - Tammy and the boys have already left. Tomorrow, we have 2 Jamborees, which I hear are short baseball expos for each team. I can handle those (key word = short). Love, P.
Hey, hey! We played GOLF today! Only 9 holes (it was COLD down here), but we did it. I got tired, but not a total mess. My game, however, WAS a total mess. At least I played! I'm grinning from ear to ear that I got all 9 done, and no nap today! I finally got a call today from the Neurosurgeon from Pittsburgh. He called while I was getting ready to putt on the second green. They want to see me Thursday the 11th, I'll have to get there Wednesday night and get a 2 night hotel room (one night for Mom & me, the next for just Mom while I'm admitted). I'll be seen, scanned, get zapped, etc. all on the 11th and then will spend the night - good pain drugs are a must this time! Love, P.
We drove down to Tim & Tammy's new beach house this morning to see the place and give Tammy a little time to mow the grass. Even though she was mowing a good bit of our limited time, we both loved it. I enjoyed watching boats, people, etc. What a great place! I said that I would volunteer to stay there and look out for the place, as long as it was for free. Aren't I kind? We have another baseball thingy tonight; I think this one is Tyler's regular practice. Trent's team won their scrimmage yesterday, but it wasn't pretty. I had to nap yesterday, none yet today and it is almost 3PM. No more headaches. Feeling a bit better today. Love, P.
Here I am down in SC, visiting Tammy & her family. I flew in from Harrisburg via Ohio. My plane arrived at 12:05 PM. I waited for Tammy till nearly 1 PM, because I was outside watching traffic and she was inside having me paged. We finally got together when she came out to get her cell-phone. I might still be waiting for her if it wasn't for the phone (which was in her car). I've had a lovely nap and I'm ready for the Baseball scrimmage that will be this evening. Go, Trent! Love, P.
April Fool's Day? I can't believe it! I last worked on June 1st. I was told with my diagnosis that Stage IV melanoma had a median survival of 6-9 months. Here I am in the 11th month, alive and kicking (though my kicks are a bit weaker). I will fly down to Tammy's tomorrow morning and will return to Mom & Dad's on Sunday evening. I don't think I will have enough energy for golf, but maybe I'm wrong. I'll keep writing down there. Love, P.
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