Over and Out ...

It seems to me that no news is good news - and that's about where I am. I am back at work, feeling fine and more appreciative than ever for all my great friends. Thanks to everyone who has been so attentive during my "brain issues." The calls, cards, well wishes and, yes, the food was wonderful. I loved the anticipation of waiting for the dinner delivery each night. 

However, at this point, I think that the time has come for me to stop the updates - there's just not that much to say. I do hope that you all will continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers - this isn't over yet, of course - it's just that I'm so much better!

If you're interested, send me an e-mail - I promise that I will answer. We have some exciting times coming up - two weddings and more. During all of this, I'll continue with the oral chemo and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all continues to go well.

Thanks one more time to all of my wonderful friends and family - I've loved having your support!

Think Happy Thoughts -

xxx from the Brainiac

THE SHOWER!!!

This weekend we celebrated Tiffany - it was her wedding shower and my mother, sisters and daughter arrived in town on Friday evening just in time for a nice dinner out and then back for bedtime. We were up early for a visit and bagels and then we all had to rush around - sharing the bathrooms, etc. to get ready for the party.

We had a car full of people and presents, too. The shower was so nice - I enjoyed watching Tiffany and her mom and sister as they greeted friends and then opened the presents. Tiffany got lots of things that she asked for - those wedding registries are the best! One of the nice things about them is that they stay up for a while after the wedding so you can go back and order gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and the holidays. Right now, it's just hard to believe how close the big day is!

All my guests left shortly after the party, leaving the rest of the weekend for me to rest up again for the week. And, the week has started - there's lots to do and we're always busy. I am feeling better all the time - still working on my energy, but basically doing very well. Today, I entered the next round of my doctor appointments into the calendar - those seem to never end. 

Clif is off to Chicago for a meeting with a group he belongs to - he leaves very early on Wednesday and returns on Sunday. Brian is in charge of taking me to and fro - I know he's excited about that! Just think - I'm down to less than two months until I can drive again - but who's counting!

No more news from me - all's well on the Brainiac front and I hope that you and yours are doing well, too. Have a great week -

xxxgbg

Good News This Week!

I've been kinda dreading this week - it was one with numerous doctor appointments plus an MRI and cognitive testing. But, at the end, there was great news for me - Dr. Conrad said that things are looking good. He says that he doesn't usually see much progress this soon, but that the MRI shows good results. Things are shrinking up there and I'm certainly glad to hear it. I'm still on the oral chemo, thank goodness - it's so much easier than being hooked up to a pole to get it!

We made a quick trip to Dallas this weekend - all my MOG clothes were ready and I had to go try them on for alterations. I had my favorite Goff's burger, saw my parents and sister and brother-in-law and stayed with my daughter - all in all, a nice trip. 

Tonight we had dinner out with Brian and Tiffany and Braden, too - he was in town for Brian's bachelor party, but heads back to Seattle early in the morning. We were adding up all the times we have and will see him this year - pretty impressive!

Now I have to turn over my computer to let him check his e-mail, etc. - and, besides that, it's time for me to say night night.

Hope everyone had a great weekend - 

Love from the improving Brainiac!!!

It Was My Birthday ...

and we really had a good time. My nearest and dearest celebrated with me at the Hyatt's Lost Pines Resort for a long weekend - we sang "Happy Birthday" more times than I can remember. There was lots of good food, some spirited happy hours for those who could imbibe and even lots of presents for the birthday girl. I truly can't remember when I've had a celebration like this one - made hitting my 6th decade a little easier to handle.

This year I had more to celebrate than usual. I must say that I was happy to be here for this. It is a milestone year - and I imagine that my little incident may have prompted this great party. However, we have set the standards high so now I am looking forward to having both of my sisters reach this special age. I can't wait to see what kind of fun we'll have then!

The birthday continued back at the office today with petit fours and more with my team. We tried to watch this incredible slide show that my sister Shannon created, but it wouldn't run - however, the photos were all there so I provided the narration. We missed the music from "Patton," but the "Little General" managed to get the theme across!

All in all, this was the best birthday I can remember and I know that I have my whole family to thank for that! The lesson in this is to be sure to celebrate with those you love while you have them with you - you'll never regret it!

So, just one last time ... 

Happy Birthday to me,

Happy Birthday to me.

Happy Birthday dear Gaillllllllllllllllll,

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday, Mom B!

This is the month of the birthdays - it starts on July 5 with my mother's big day, then July 7 belongs to my son's fiance and July 9 is my mother-in-law's. We celebrated this last one BIG - it was her 90th - a very important day. We had most of the family in for dinner at Vargo's, a longtime favorite of hers. They sat us downstairs in a semi-private area and there was a piano player there, too. He came around and visited the table and took requests - ours was, of course, "Happy Birthday" plus a lot of the tunes from the 40s. The dinner was great - just what we were hoping for - and then we went back to the "Media Room" at the Terrace where Mom B lives. Once there, we showed tons of pictures from the past thanks to the scanning abilities of my husband, enjoyed a delicious birthday cake and champagne toast and then passed out photo memory books created from Kodak Gallery. It was a very late night and the birthday girl was definitely fading by the time it was over, but I know she had a great time. 

Now we need to rest up for my own celebration next weekend. It's the big 6-0 for me and Clif is taking me for a weekend of rest and relaxation with our whole family at the new Hyatt Lost Pines Resort near Austin. I won't be participating in any champagne toasts, but I'm really at the point where I think cold water and an occasional Diet Coke taste pretty good. Our Seattle son and his fiance will be celebrating with us - and then Braden will come back to Texas the next weekend for Brian's bachelor party. It's a very busy month!

August doesn't slow down much - the festivities for Brian's and Tiffany's wedding gear up - there's a shower and the bridesmaids' luncheon - and then Brian and Braden celebrate their 30th! My friend Maggi is in New Hampshire where there are so many birthdays that they are having a "Decades of Decadence" party. Maybe we should have done that for all of our parties - one huge celebration might have done the trick. Then again, it's kinda fun having all these parties.

The good news is that I am feeling significantly better. While I'm not totally back to "normal," I really think I can see a lot of improvement. My energy is still a challenge, but I find myself doing things that I know I wouldn't have been able to manage a few weeks ago. I have some testing and doctor appointments lined up this week and next - that keeps me busy, too. I think that I'm going to be in good shape by the fall. All of this is still hard to believe - I can't answer the questions about why this happened to me, but I continue to feel grateful that I work at the #1 cancer center in the world and and feel so lucky to be on the receiving end of the very special care offered to me here. 

Now, as we go into the middle of July, please just try to stay cool - it's hot out there!

I'm still celebrating! - xxxgbg

SUCCESS!!!

It was a very successful weekend in Big D! First of all, I got to chow down on my very favorite hamburger - a #10 Goff burger. We went straight to Goff's from the airport and then hit the trail in search of my MOG outfit. 

My sisters had discovered what they thought was the perfect store: totally my style, gorgeous fabrics and relatively reasonable prices. They were on the mark and I left with a rehearsal dinner outfit and an outfit for Brian's wedding and also one for Braden's. There was a lot of trying on, which was an exhausting exercise, but very worth it because I accomplished what I went for. Everything should be ready in about three weeks and then we go for alterations. It will all be complete just in time for the big occasion in September - and, of course, for Braden's wedding in April (or maybe May - date is still being worked on).

We had a wonderful southern-style dinner with my parents and sister Kim and her husband on Friday night. I can't remember when I have had so many of my favorite foods in one day - the burger, cornbread and even pie for dessert. After a good night's rest, Mother, Daddy and I got up bright and early on July 4th and went to the local neighborhood parade - from fancy cars to politicians to candy, families and fun, it was a great occasion. We went back to rest up and Clif finally arrived about 1 p.m. Then we had barbeque from Daddy's newly found joint, Off the Bone. The day was topped off by watching the local fireworks from my parent's balcony in conjunction with the Boston Pops on TV - plenty of stars and stripes!

Today, July 5, was my mother's birthday and Kim cooked a fabulous cold lunch - only topped by her table setting. We had a great celebration before we had to leave to come home to Houston. Tomorrow, it's back to work - but we have lots more celebrating to do this month: Clif's mother's birthday next weekend and then mine the week after that. There are a few others in the next few weeks, too.

So, light the candles and say hooray! I'm feeling like a party!!!

xxx from the recovering Brainiac

Week 3 Begins Tomorrow ...

It's hard to believe that I will start my third week back at work tomorrow. For the most part, everything has gone just fine - I've answered all the e-mails, returned lots of phone calls and hugged many, many friends as I've passed them in the halls. My amazing colleague made a list of all the projects still in play and we divided them up. Basically, if it has to do with social media or Web sites or medical news in the Children's Cancer Hospital, it belongs to Sara. I've got a couple of newsletters, multiple events and the Children's Art Project back on my plate. The good news is that there are no looming deadlines, which gives the ol' Brainiac an opportunity to get back in the groove.

I made another trip across the street on Friday - had to attend the CCH Beach Bash. Though I was hoping to get a tan, it just didn't happen. However, I felt lucky to make it back to the office - WOW, it is hot out there. I'm trying to work out some transportation that will get me to meetings and events over in the main bldg. - at least for a while - but so far I've had no luck. The shuttle service is not optimal from my bldg. - thought I might twist their arms to beef it up or at least allow me to use the "Special Request" shuttle, but that doesn't seem to comply with the rules. I'm going to push a little harder next week and try to make that happen.

I have a trip to Dallas on the calendar for next weekend.  My sisters and mother have found "the perfect place" for me to get a mother-of-the-groom dress so I'm going to go shop and see if this is indeed a fact. I'm hoping so because I've not seen much here in Houston (not that I've done all that much shopping, but ...). It would be super to cross this off of my to-do list. I also need to start thinking about the other little details for the rehearsal dinner - like the invitations. I do have a little time on this, but not much. I was so on schedule until I got sidetracked on April 1. At least I can be thankful that we had the location and the menu lined up before I had so many other things to think about.

This week should be better than the last two - I am very slowly regaining my energy and getting up and about helps this. Oh, I just finished round 2 of the oral chemo - so far, so good so keep your fingers crossed!

Stay cool and don't fry your brain - xxxgbg

Full Time - What Was I Thinking?

You know that it's just too much when you start counting down the minutes! I've had three full days back at work this week and all three afternoons I've been guilty of watching the clock. But, it's getting better - I know it is.

Today, I had a meeting across the street. I had the luxury of being driven over, but I had to walk back. That was actually a good thing because I got some exercise, but boy oh boy, it was an exhausting trip back to the office. It was long and it was hot. However, I was with my colleague who was smart enough to bring along her purse so we (really she because I sat on a bench on the skywalk while she went down to get it) picked up lunch on the way back. That was a nice treat!

There's lots to catch up on at the office - e-mails and projects and just things in general that have happened while I was out. It's good to be back with people again - and good to be feeling good, too. Now if it would just get a little cooler outside, I think I'd be pretty happy.

Happy Summer - gbg

Happy Anniversary!

Today's the day - 39 years of wedded bliss. We're celebrating with a dinner out and I've been resting up so I can make it through the night.

The day has been busy - we (me and my trusty driver Clif) started by picking up a lamp that I had taken in for repair and then went on to purchase part 2 of my sister's birthday gift. Then we went to 4 different places to check out possibilities for a mother-of-the-groom outfit. In between, we stopped at Kenny & Ziggy's to split a pastrami sandwich - I even turned down a piece of pie in hopes that I will still be hungry for dinner tonight.

As for the outfit, this was just the initial exploration. I still have a few other places to visit and I also need to wait for the bride's mother to make her choice before I decide. Of course my husband thinks I should wear my mother-of-the-bride outfit - can't seem to make him understand that this just won't work. He also doesn't understand my reluctance to wear it to other occasions - as if there is another occasion worthy of this fine outfit. Instead, I just spend a lot of time looking at it :)

I have my feet up, am feeling fine and am looking ahead to next week when I start round 2 of the oral chemo and also plan to be on a full time work schedule. Wish me luck.

Happy Fathers' Day to all -

Your Friend, the Brainiac

TGIF !!!

Yes, Thank God It's Friday. It's been a very long week, but thanks to my colleague Sara, you saw that I did make it back to the office.

On Monday, I was greeted with a wonderful welcome - my office door was fitted with new "saloon doors" that supposedly opened to the Miller Lite Saloon. Inside, it was Party Barn Central with glitter everywhere, shiny stars hanging from the ceiling, a neon pink feather boa, blow-up microphones, a beach pail full of candy - it goes on and on. My door was covered with a photo essay of me wearing a variety of hats all photoshopped on - everything from Aretha's inaugural chapeau to the most bizarre headgear you've ever seen. The theme was the top seven things I would rather do than have brain surgery (I could actually take it a little further than seven, but this will do). After lots of hugs and good wishes from all my friends, we went around the corner for a delicious breakfast - all kinds of fruit, sweetrolls, muffins, an egg casserole, juice and more. I spent the majority of the day hugging old friends and answering e-mails - somewhat of a sensory overload, but so heartwarming. I was glad to be back!

For the most part, I worked half days this week with the goal of full time next week. The exception to this was on Tuesday when I had some patient-related appointments across the street so I stayed for the afternoon. Clif was to pick me up at 5 p.m., but unfortunately he had a glitch with his day so it was 5:55 p.m. before he got there. I was pretty much a puddle and asleep by 7:30 that night. Speaking of Clif, he's been such a super sport about "driving Miss Crazy" this week. I know that I interrupt his work, but I sure appreciate him fetching me to and from. When he has conflicts, I have many offers from friends to help out.

Still, what they say is right - and it's kind of backwards. The more I am up and about, the better I do. I have still been taking a nap every afternoon - deep, deep sleep for a couple of hours. I still have to make myself get up in the morning. And, an hour is still pretty much my max for continuous concentration. BUT, I can walk further and feel more upwardly mobile. That's a good thing!

This week I had an appointment with Integrative Medicine to discuss my extreme fatigue and what I can do with diet and exercise to get my pep back. The diet recommended is mostly plant based - there was no mention of fried shrimp or chicken fried steak on this menu. Mostly, I'm to spend my shopping time wandering the aisles of Whole Foods in search of organic fruits and veggies. And, Whole Foods also has the supplements I'm supposed to be adding to my diet like B12 and flax seeds. In fact, it seems that almost everything I need is available there - and I can get some walking in, too.

Next week I begin my second round of oral chemo. Keep your fingers crossed that it goes well. I'll also see my doctor again so maybe I'll have more news. In the meantime, I'll just keep on keepin' on. Thanks for being patient and checking in.

xxx from your old friend, the Brainiac!

Gail's Return

Hi everyone,

I haven't needed to post in a while since Gail has been doing such a great job of keeping up with her blogging. However, Monday was a big day for us at M. D. Anderson with Gail's return to work. I thought I would post some photos from that day. We're so happy to have her back! Thanks to all who helped decorate (you're so creative!), brought food and stopped by to welcome back Gail. Eli did a great job capturing the moment...these are just a few of the photos from the morning.

Sara

(Gail demonstrating all of the lectures she has received about eating healthier and exercising)

(Note: She skipped the donuts and opted for fruit...doctors orders!)

Just Saying Hi

It's a lazy weekend - I'm working on a suitable mindset to go back to the office on Monday. Seems pretty weird since it's been almost two months. You can get into a lot of bad habits in two months!

Brian came over today to work on clearing out his bedroom and there's a considerable amount of work to do. To be fair, most of it is not his fault - you can't imagine the things he found in there. Apparently, his father found a place to stash his stuff - interesting assortment of tools, camping gear, scouting items, holiday decor, etc. I'm left with a somewhat cleaner room (you can walk in it) and various piles around the house. Wonder where I'm going to put all of this now?

Tomorrow I am going to decide what I'm wearing on Monday and contemplate getting up lots earlier than I have been. I feel just fine - but occasionally I get this weird "fragile" feeling - this, too, will pass, I'm sure.

I'll let you know how it goes at the office - one thing's for sure: there will be a lot more people than I'm used to.

Best - gbg

Out On the Town ...

Two special friends thought this would be the right day to nudge me towards civilization - and I think they made a good call.

We had lunch at Nordstrom's bistro - yummy, yummy! It was fun to catch up with them and we discovered that between us we have two babies and three weddings coming up soon. I think we left feeling kinda old - or maybe responsible is a better word?

On the way out, we stopped and all bought some cheap knockoff sunglasses. Now we are movie stars!

I'm going to be resting up this weekend for my return to the office on Monday - this morning I had to stop to really think about what my office phone # is. Good news is that I remembered it without having to look at my business card - bodes well for the work I will be doing next week!

Hope that everyone has a great weekend - stay cool - xxxgbg

Celebration Time!

I have great news to share - and it's not about me. The last of the unattached Goodwins has taken the plunge:

Braden Goodwin is engaged to Maren Van Sickel!!!

We are so pleased to know that very soon we will move from six to seven (Brian and Tiffany - big day is 9/19/2009) and finally to eight (date TBD). We met Maren when Braden brought her to our nephew's wedding two years ago. She made an immediate positive impression - I knew she was "the one" right away - glad that Braden finally realized it, too.

This is a great start to the weekend - just what I need to boost me towards a positive return to the office on Monday. Hard to believe that it's that time already.

By the way, I am walking every night and working to get my energy back - hard to do when it's so hot out there!

Best to all - gbg

Countdown Week!

It seems impossible that this is my last week at home in recuperation mode.  I am gearing myself up for the big return - getting ready and making myself presentable, what to do for lunch, how to launch back into the projects I left behind and - biggest question - how long can I sit in that desk chair? Next Monday will be a really big day for me!

In the meantime, I'm going to do my best to get ready. I have been walking - and I have to say that I don't really like it. I know that I need to get some exercise, but I still don't like it. However, I've made it around the block the last three nights - cheers, please!!! I will admit that it's gotten a tiny bit easier, but not easy enough. I know, I know - that's going to come. Those of you who are always bugging me about this can relax - I know what I have to do.

Clif and I are also practicing getting our own meals - kinda hard to do when you're used to delicious dinners being brought to the front door, but necessary nonetheless. Part of the problem is that healthy eating is especially important for me right now and healthy eating is not my habit. I having to forget my favorite pepperoni pizza and chicken fried steak and think more about fresh fruits and vegetables. Wonder what we'll have tonight - I just finished off the pineapple.

I am turning the TV up loud - the next door neighbors are getting a new roof and it's noisy out there. This could be a good thing - might interfere with my afternoon nap :)

Good day to all - gbg

Heading to the Normal

Good day yesterday with Mother and Kim - we picked up cute Sara Farris for lunch and enjoyed our Village visit. They returned me home for my afternoon nap and then hit the grocery store to pick up the dinner fixings. Cook Kim and Chef Sara (my mother) put dinner together and worked on cleaning out the frig (huge job!!!). 

Kim also tackled the parlor, hauling out things I haven't seen in forever - they're gone now :) This was a trip back to the past - Sara Kate's Beanie Babies, little, tiny purses and even a dress I bought for her to wear to the senior prom that went through many alterations, but never made the cut. We also found enormous numbers of Children's Art Project t-shirts and Children's Cancer Hospital polos - not sure yet what to do with these. There were also plenty of Boy Scout shirts, ski gear and weird odds and ends - debate still going on about the fate of these things, too.

Brian and Tiffany came over for a delicious dinner - it was a Braden favorite: flank steak with zucchini casserole and some special rice. Dessert was some chocolate treats, which arrived just in time yesterday afternoon (thanks Katrina!). Haven't had this meal in forever - we all enjoyed it! 

I have to add this part - we finished the night with a brief walk - and only because I promised. I imagine that I'll be hitting the pavement pretty often now - gotta get that energy back.

The Dallasites depart today - it will get quiet around here quickly. Next week is the last one before I return to the office - time has passed so fast - hard to believe that I'll be back in the old routine so soon. Next week, I'll be dedicated to getting into semi-shape before I'm back to work.

Have a great weekend - and stay cool - xxxgbg

ANOTHER Long Day at MDA

Oh, yesterday - good grief - who knew that they actually do MRIs at 6:30 a.m. at MDA? It was a very early morning, but I managed to sort of doze through all of that bamming and banging. Then my sister Kim and I enjoyed a smoothie before making the scene at the Place ... of wellness to collect an enormous number of brochures. Then we waited in the Clark Clinic lobby for my mother and other sister Shannon to arrive from Dallas before going upstairs for my 11:15 doctor's appointment.

It was a long morning, but the wait was worth it to get the good report from the MRI - doc says that things are lookin' good up there - always nice to hear. However, he did give me my fourth or fifth lecture of the day about exercise and, of course, my need to do it. Now, I've never been one to move much - I do enjoy my chair - but I've promised to try. He assures me that if I don't, I'll regret it - use it or lose it as they say. Ugh ...... that means a walk around the block today - and forever more.

Today, we're going out for lunch and then we'll get things for dinner together. Brian and Tiffany are coming over to eat with us - I think we're having flank steak and zucchini casserole - yum!

Mother and Kim leave Saturday a.m. and then it's time for me to go about getting ready to go back to work in another week - hard to believe!

Right now, it's shower time for me and then we're off on the day's errands - sounds like a busy day for all of us. 

Happy weekend - gbg

Sister Act

My sister Kim, the one who was voted off the island for going to Mexico, is coming for a visit this evening. She'll be joined by sister Shannon and my mother tomorrow because everyone wants to go to my doctor's appt. with me on Thursday a.m. :)

The bad news is that I have to be at MDA at 6:30 a.m. on Thurs. for an MRI. I actually thought I would be back at work when this appt. was scheduled so I decided not to change it. That didn't happen, but I still didn't change it. After that is over, I will have three plus hours to kill before the next appt. at 11:15 a.m. I think that I will visit the Place ... of Wellness for some of that time to see if they have any suggestions to help me conquer this stupid fatigue. I'm pretty sure that they will tell me to walk - I'm going to give them Sara Kate's phone # so they can discuss this together.

Speaking of SK, I got a book from her yesterday called "Cancer Fitness" - she ordered it for me from Amazon and I must say that it made a lot of sense. I spent the afternoon reading it and have concluded that she's probably right - I need to get the move on. I always hate to admit that I'm wrong - but, in this case, I believe I am. No idle promise here, I am starting an exercise program - the book says you can begin with 10 minutes and work your way up. Sounds like my idea of moving about.

I'll spend today tidying up before the big visit - housekeeper will be here tomorrow to do the big stuff. Have a great day and stay cool - xxxgbg

Still Feeling Kinda Rocky

It must be that chemo pill that's taken me down - I really haven't felt the same since Friday. I have an upset stomach, I don't want to eat much of anything and I am so, so tired. The best thing that has happened is that a friend called to tell me that sleeping is just what I'm supposed to be doing - good news to me! Now I just need to convince my daughter about this - that's sure to happen!

So, I'm trying to perk up. I have plans to talk to the Wellness Center at MDA this week - it's not possible that I am the only person who is this tired after surgery. I'm hoping that they will have a miraculous cure for me that doesn't involve having to get off another pill. Abandoning the steroids was not fun - but it's done (good for me)! Now, there has to be something that gives energy besides walking around the block - I just can't do it.

I am exposing my less than positive upbeat attitude - sorry about that. I try to be happy-faced - doesn't always work. By the end of the week, I'm certain to be back to my sunny self - doncha think?

xxxgbg

Taking My Time

It's countdown time - I am set to go back to work in two weeks. Actually, I was originally supposed to return today,but saner minds prevailed and I have added a few more weeks to see if I can't regain some of the energy I have lost.

The good news is that I have made it through the first round of oral chemo with no real issues. Now I have 23 days before the next five days of pills. It's nice to cross some of that off my list of challenges.

It was a long slow weekend - I did a lot of vegging and hope that I have caught up on my sleep. Somehow, I just couldn't get moving, but maybe today will be a new day. I have lunch plans out of the house with a friend - good to get out in the world!

My mother and two sisters are coming on Thursday to go with me to my next doctor's appt. - it's great to have an extra set of ears (or three) and I'll enjoy a visit with them, too.

Best to all - Gail

I MADE IT!!!!

Don't be looking for me on the curb somewhere - I made it all the way around the block (even though it was a bit further than I remembered). I waited for Clif to come home so that I would have an escort - glad I did because it was nice to have someone to lean on! It was pretty warm out there, but I did it.

I also took my third dose of the first round of the chemo pill with no incident. Two more to go and then I'm off for 23 days. 

Today the goal is to get the return date on my FMLA changed. Originally, it was set for 6/1, but I've decided to add two more weeks on so that I will be really ready to go back. Guess I'd better get on that - but I'll be back soon.

xxxgbg

Thought You'd Want To Know ...

... I had night two of the chemo pill and all is well. I must be tolerating them just fine and that's good news. In fact, it's all pretty much good news these days.

My goal today (I've already had my morning pep talk from "Dallas") is a walk around the block. I promise to let you know how it goes - otherwise, you might think that I'm out there sitting on a curb somewhere. So, look to hear from me later today when I'm back in from the heat.

Best to all - xxxgbg

A Spoonful of Sugar

Seems that this is all it takes - a spoonful of sugar will help the medicine go down!

Last night I had my first dose of the chemo, which was preceded by a pill that had to be dissolved in my mouth. Other than a kind of nasty fake grape flavor, it was not so bad. Thirty minutes after that one, I took the chemo pill (actually, there were three of them) and then went to bed.

I woke up feeling just fine so I am 1 night down with 4 to go in this round. Keep your fingers crossed that it continues to be this easy. Personally, I'm counting on it!

That's it for now - xxx The Brainiac

P.S. I regret ever mentioning healthy eating and walking in my last post - who am I kidding!!!

Start Spreadin' the News!

I finally heard the news today - and the news is GOOD!

It took my pathology report forever to come back, but we were pleased with what we heard today. First of all, as I told you earlier, the surgeon was able to get about 85% of the tumor. He stopped when he got to a point where he felt that if he went further, he might hit up on something that might change my personality - and we certainly don't want that!

The tumor has been identified as a grade 3 anaplastic oligodendroglima - something that is about in the middle of good and bad. In addition, the reports show that I have something else that I can't remember - I only remember the letters "p" and "q" - and this is a good thing because past studies have shown that those with these indicators respond better to treatment.

The next good thing is that the best way - at least initially - is to treat this with an oral chemo pill (Temodar) They say that there are few side effects and that this should be pretty easy for me to handle. I will take a pill five days in a row and then be off for 23 days, then five more pills, off again, etc. for a year - or maybe two. Every three or six months or so, in between the chemo doses, they will do an MRI to check things out. Hope is that we will begin to see some shrinkage of the remaining 15% of the tumor within about six months. Since this is a very slow grower, that seems to be the standard.

I have been "ordered" to begin exercising - use it or lose it, they say - and walking is the way to start. The doctor says that 45 minutes of real walking is the way to go - a little sweat never hurt anyone. 

In addition, I am supposed to begin to watch what I eat - plainer, fresher food is on the menu. Of course, this doctor has never experienced all the great food that I've been enjoying from all of you great cooks or he might reconsider! Anyway, I'm going to work on it. 

The chemo starts on Tuesday - seems weird to finally be moving on with things. After talking to the doctor, I've also decided to extend my leave for two weeks to give me some time to build my energy up. All of this sounds like positive moves forward and forward is where I want to go. 

When I've absorbed more of what I heard today, I'll let you know. In the meantime, we can all be happy - today was full of good news!!!

Happy Memorial Day - xxx - the Brainiac

Second Time's a Charm!

Two outings in a row - I'm working on stamina and enjoying a few taste treats, too.

It's time, I believe, to see how I do in the outside world. Yesterday I ventured out to Tiny Boxwoods (yum) and then wandered through the attached nursery for a few moments. It was a gorgeous day and a fun one to be out and about on with my good friend Sunny. Today, I was off to Lupe's for my favorite enchiladas (yum again!) with Laura who is out on vacation. We had a great time and I'm still full.

Now, I'm waiting for a special dinner delivery from Robin (oh, boy - just arrived: shrimp, feta, kalamata olives and who knows what else - plus cherry crisp with vanilla ice cream) and then empanadas from Wendy a little later this evening. We are well taken care of in the food department!

Clif has two jobs - he keeps the medicine organized and also the food - I know exactly what is on what shelf in the frig. Nice to have someone responsible for those things.

Tomorrow is another big day. Sara Kate is coming in and going with us to a doctor's appointment. She has a two page list of questions to ask the doctor - should be an interesting afternoon. There's another appointment on 6/4 and Brian will be with us for that one. I'll let you know what we find out - at least it will be a different subject from food.

Hope you're all well and happy - I send you my best - xxxgbg

Walk On the Wild Side!

Well, not today, but tomorrow! With the help  of my friend Sunny, I have an adventure planned. We're going to Tiny Boxwoods for lunch and then to the Menil Museum for a quick visit. The theory is that I'd best start moving if I really expect to be able to go back to work on 6/1.

Thinking about it, I would agree - so, with about 10 days left to me, I'm heading out to see what I can do on my own two feet. ALERT ALERT ALERT to those of you who have been applying the pressure - I am getting out of the house. I must say, I'm somewhat dubious about it, but I am on the move. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today, I am enjoying a last bit of vegetation - and, let me tell you, it is wonderful! I woke up feeling well - always a good sign - and found an offer for a spaghetti dinner in my e-mails. Yum - thanks, DeDe! Then I found Sunny's adventure plan and it sounds like I'm going to be moving about whether I like it or not. I've decided that I like it :)

I'll send a full report tomorrow - should be a great day!

Hugs to all - the Brainiac

I Feel Good!!!

Maybe today's the day? 

I really am feeling good so I'm looking forward to a great day. My friend Sunny is coming for lunch and I know that will be fun - something new to talk about! I was really tired yesterday - so I followed the advice of many and just rested most of the day. Maybe that's why I feel so much better? Anyway, I do - and I'm going back to wash my hair (weird to be able to do that) and put on a clean outfit. I'm even going to wear my contacts and I have only done that two other times since the surgery. A little makeup sounds nice - I'll just be all spiffed up (Sara Kate - are you reading this? I told you I was going to feel better!).

I am very jealous of Sara Kate and Ryan who are visiting Braden and Maren in Seattle - SK reported that their day went from rainy to gorgeous in Friday Harbor. It sounded like they were having a wonderful time. On Saturday, they're all going to the Red Sox/Mariners game - wish I could be there!

Report is that the pathology is finally back. We have postponed the doctor's appt. until next Friday so that Sara Kate can be there - she and her brothers have compiled a long list of questions and she is first up to try to get answers. Brian and Tiffany will be in Iowa for a visit with her grandmother so they will miss this appt., but I'll be sure to confirm them for the next. Once I hear what the news is on all of this, I'll let you guys know, too.

It's almost 9:30 a.m. - time for me to get busy before Sunny comes. Hope you all have a great day - and a great weekend, too -

xxx - the Brainiac!

Company's Comin'

The outside is coming in today - my friend Gene is on the schedule for a visit - WITH PEACHES!

Yum - sounds good to me. The original plan was that I would go along to buy the peaches, but my monster headache set me back so we agreed that Gene would just come to me with this delicious treat. I even have Blue Bell (hmmmmm - at least I think I do - better check).

I've also realized that time is finite - my leave ends when the month does. For a while, it seemed that it would last forever. Well, it won't. I have to go back to work - and I'm actually looking forward to that. Work is something positive to focus on and I know that my colleagues will be delighted to return some of the responsibilities they  have assumed in my absence. There's plenty to do out there!

Sara Kate and Ryan leave for a Seattle visit today - I'm kinda jealous, but I'm sure we'll schedule our own soon. Only fair - right? Winnie gets to stay with Jimmie while they're away and SK says that she will have a major great time there. I don't know - all those dogs give me the hibbee jibbeeies, but I guess that Winnie likes her pals around. 

Some of the Jancaiti inlaws are coming to Dallas for a visit at the end of May - Betsy is working a golf tournament so I know that Ryan will enjoy that. 

Right now, I'm looking forward to a big birthday celebration in July - I think that the family is gathering in Austin and I know that we'll have a great time. Braden (Maren, too?) are coming from Seattle - lots of others, too, I think - got to get Clif to share  those plans!

Enough for now - I'll let you know how the peaches are :)

xxxtheBrainiac!

Time to Talk!

I know - looks like I just vanished doesn't it. The good news is that I haven't - I am back to write a bit and let you all know that things are going just fine.

I did have the monster of all headaches starting Sunday afternoon and continuing through Monday afternoon. Clif called the PA on MOnday a.m. - seems that it was something about taking me off one of the meds too quickly. They have fixed that and now I can lift my head off the pillow - a very welcome relief!

So, yesterday was a setback, but I'm moving forward again today. I guess you could compare this to an ice cream headache - such a relief when it's over. Also, a relief to know what caused it. My legal eagle is on the case!

As you know, I had numerous family in for the weekend. My daughter and mother cleaned and cleaned - and tossed lots of "stuff." There are rainbows to be found in these clouds - if  this hadn't happened to me, I would probably still have more plastic containers than any single family could possibly use, way too much holiday decor from the 80s and so many paper napkins. In addition, my daughter, who is a lawyer by profession, may have never discovered her hidden talent as a florist - goodness gracious, what that girl can do with an almost dead bouquet :)

Thanks to all, three closets are cleaned out, all the island drawers have been purged and the frig is amazing. I can't wait until they come again! In the meantime, if any of you are talented cleaners or organizers, by all means, come on over!

Hope this finds everyone hale and hearty - xxxgbg

Short and Sweet

Hi, all - just a quick check-in to let you know that I'm doing fine. Right now, I'm waiting on visitors so this will be very short .....................

Visitors arrived - four in all - and then I had a nice little nap. Thanks, as usual, for the food, cards and flowers. I think that tonight will be a snacky night - we'll save that yummy casserole for later this weekend.

Hugs to all - gbg

Write Me a Letter!

Gosh - I just had to ask - and what great ideas you all have. I can't decide which one to pick. I think I may begin with the three gringas who are going out to celebrate their 60th b-days. Sounds like fun to me and it is an actual plan - just waiting to see where it is that we will be having the celebration. I have defaulted in the planning process and another great friend has as well.

So, it is totally up to the friend who works with brains (isn't that funny - I have a friend who works with brains) to plan this party. We'll see where that goes - but personally, I'm thinking Santa Fe - of course, only if beer has been returned to my diet!

Impressed with this writing, I suppose? I'm not, but at least you know I'm still here - headache for whatever reason this a.m. - I think it's because I ate so many of the cookies I found left at my front door - SUGAR HIGH!

Love to all - more later - xxxgbg

Creativity is Deserting Me!

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm ...................

a little pressure here to let everyone know that all is well, food is delish and I am doing just fine. I think I have explained that food is the main focus - sorry. An old friend from high school is suggesting Spanyx (I could check that spelling, but I won't) since all I talk about is what I'm eating, but I feel no need to go there. I'll just tell you that my sweet neighbor across the street brought us a really fine barbeque dinner last night and we are still trying to figure out where it came from. I love things that I can taste!

Another dear friend is bringing dinner tonight and then we have Dallas relatives coming in for the weekend to look forward to. I imagine that there are other dinners in between, too. Seems terrible to like food this much - when there is nothing else to do, I guess that what one does.

I know that I can be creative so if any of you have any suggestions on topics to write about, please let me know - I am certain that I can write a doozy of a fantasy that will entertain us all. In the meantime, we'll just be bored together!

Miss you all - xxxgbg

I Can See Clearly Now ...........

Actually (nice word, huh!), I always could see clearly. Seems that I have no real problems, symptoms, or residual issues from my "minor" health adventure. Perhaps the biggest thing about this is that it happened at all (caution: still waiting on final reports!).

Because I am pretty much stuck a home for a few weeks, about all I have to write about is how grateful I feel to have such wonderful friends. We are so enjoying all of these culinary treats - much more food at our house than we are used to. I feel stuffed all the time, but to date, the scale shows that I am losing weight so that's good news. I hope it continues this way - however, pie a la mode is not normally on my diet (but, YUM! - and there is even a choice of kinds of pie - peach, apple, pecan - does it get any better than this?). Someone told us that it looked like a cookie bouquet exploded in our kitchen - maybe so - tastes good in there anyway! I've heard it said that I write a lot about food - sorry - only thing to focus on here at the moment :)

Well, I've told you all my news except that I believe that I will have Dallas visitors this weekend for a nice Mother's Day celebration. There are quite a few up there who are very eager to come see me. Unfortunately, sweet sister Kim was voted off the island due to her Mexico vacation, but I have assured her that we will receive her very soon. In the meantime, I must follow the flu guidelines - don't need that complication! 

Hope you are all doing well - and please feel free to call or whatever - I miss you all - xxxgbg

Take a Deep Breath - RELAX!!!!!!

Have you noticed? I like exclamation points and ALL CAPS and dashes and lots of ............. - puts emphasis in all I have to say, which at this point, is not too much. There is no real news - we are still waiting for all of the pathology reports and the doc is unwilling to commit to any real course of therapy until he knows it all. Probably a good idea - but I am getting eager to know what is in front of me. The soon-to-be-married won't admit it, but they would like some hair on my head in September - and, come to think of it, so would I. We'll wait for the verdict.

Right now, Friday a.m., there's nothing to report. Perhaps boring is a good thing? I think I told you all that the staples came out yesterday - good feeling and it didn't hurt. They say that I can even wash my hair so that's a good thing. However, I have to have baby shampoo so I am dependent on Clif to get that - cross your fingers. I am also supposed to take one baby aspirin per day and Clif is adamant about calling my personal internist before we start this - twiddling my thumbs here - sigh!

Had a great breakfast - more of those delish cinnamon rolls from New Braunfels - thanks, NB!

Also a small bowl of Raisin Bran - with just a very little milk, they stay crispy and I like that. Now, thinking on to lunch - there is food here - lots of food. So nice that all you good friends are watching over me!

Guess I have nothing more to say - perhaps I will start writing (making up) stories - that will be good for my creative juices! Right now, I just know that you are all interested in hearing from me so I'm going to try to keep pace and be reassuring :)

Brain surgery - well, what in the world is that? - xxxgbg

Okay - Today REALLY Was the Longest Day - at least for me!

EXHAUSTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were at MDA for more than five hours today and for someone who has just had a really long neurosurgery, that's just too long. But, what we discovered while we were there is that they've been totally overmedicating me. Kinda funny because it has been my very precise legal eagle husband who has had control over the situation - honestly, I've heard the explanation several times and I still don't really get it, but the important thing is that he figured it out and I will be feeling much better very soon (so they say!). I am just absolutely pooped and that's not my usual mode. Look for more pep soon!

We came home to some great leftovers and now I am waiting for the dinner delivery - yummmmmm - special service - LOVE it! Then, I am going to force myself to nap for a few hours so that I can make it through dinner and then sleep again - sounds delicious! There will be four of us for dinner - should be very nice.

Family status: Braden and Maren have returned to Seattle and keep in touch. SK is in Denver until late Friday night - she returns to Houston on Sat. - not sure if she is coming alone or bringing Ryan and Winnie with her - and not sure how long she will stay - just glad that she will be here to take over her Asst. Little General position. Brian and Tiffany are here and come over every night to sample the latest culinary cuisine - so good to have them "in residence!" Clif, of course, is a constant - I am so grateful for him. Next week, I suppose that Mother and Shannon will rotate in and out - maybe even Daddy, too. It will be great to have them here. I have personally enjoyed a little alone time this week - it's hard for people to understand why I would want this, but I do - I just have to look in the mirror to know that it's probably for the best :)

Now, I'm going to hang this one up and wait for the doorbell to ring - shouldn't be long>

Love to you all - good grief, cards, flowers, food, and all that xxxoooxxx - just way too much! Thank you - you know I thank you!!!!

xxxgbg - the Brainiac!

You Really Must Be Bored With Me By Now!

Quick post before those mean guys get home and shut me down! I am FINE - really, really FINE. Today, I did a lot of catching up on e-mail, FB, etc. You may have noticed that I didn't answer the phone - sorry about that - just not ready for that part yet, but I will be soon.

I guess that I am singing - you know me - I'm always singing :) even if it's just in my head. But dancing - no, not much of that for me. I do really want to - I just have no natural groove jive in spite of the fact that I was on a high school drill team. I just knew how to memorize and fooled you all - even Oma :)

I am bored after a day that I figured would be so restful - and it would have been if I would have just let myself do that. Instead, I spent way too much time on the Internet and FB and this blog, etc. Bedtime will definitely be earlier tonight - two a.m. appts. tomorrow and I am somewhat apprehensive about both. First is cognitive testing, which I believe will be very tiring. The next is with the surgeon and rumor has it that the staples are coming out - hmmmmmmmm - she's all undone!

Tomorrow, I'll let you know what really happened. In the meantime, help me remember butterfly, diamond and tree - the magic words :)

xxxtoall - the Brainiac!

She's BAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKKK - sort of :)

Okay - quick post before this loses power. I am a-okay, I can still sing and I do remember all the words, I still can't dance - I've always wanted true, fluid movement - maybe some day - huh, maybe even tomorrow :)

Thanks for the love, concern, food, messages, cards, gifts - all of it. You guys are the BEST!!!!!!!!!

More soon - xxxxxxxxxxtheBrainiac

Status

It occurred to me that the absence of a post yesterday might have some of you very concerned. Not to worry, Mom is still home and recovering. She is still not feeling 100% herself, which the doctors assured us is to be expected--she did have brain surgery after all!

Yesterday, we went back to MD Anderson to visit the beauty/barber shop because it had been closed over the weekend. She got a shampoo, which made her feel a lot better.

Assuming the roads in Houston are not too flooded to drive, Mom is scheduled to go back to MD Anderson again this week for appointments with her doctors. We will know more about the pathology then, and Mom will hopefully share that news herself when she is ready.

Thank you all for your continued support of all of us. Do not be afraid to write or call--we love hearing from you, and I'm hoping the Brainiac will feel up to chatting soon.

Sara Kate

The Brainiac is HOME!

Mom got her discharge order around noon today and she is very happily resting at home! She had a delicious lunch of yummy leftovers and a dessert sampler--thanks to the contributions of so many of you. She is currently enjoying a nap in her own bed.

Braden and Maren are on a plane returning to Seattle right now. Shannon will be arriving tomorrow. Brian, Tiffany, Ryan, and I are just hanging out taking orders from the Brainiac--as she herself admitted earlier, she's good at that. My dad is hanging in there too.

Thanks for checking in on our patient. We'll let you know if there is any more news, and hopefully the Brainiac herself will start posting again soon.

Sara Kate

Belated update--and photos

A quick update: Mom is out of ICU--she got a room late yesterday afternoon. She is sleeping a lot and resting up so that she can go home as soon as possible. She's had a bit of a headache--go figure--but is healing well. The doctor thinks she could go home as early as tomorrow, but it may not be until Monday.


This afternoon we watched the NFL draft and saw Ziggy Hood--the cousin of Mom's nurse Stacy--get drafted by the Steelers--kinda cool.


We appreciate all of your continued thoughts, prayers, and support. And thank you Stephanie and Laura S. for the delicious dinners the past couple of nights.


Here are some of the photos that were taken on Wednesday and earlier this week. Unfortunately (or maybe it's a good thing), many of the pictures came out very blurry, so these are the best of the bunch.






Dr. Weinberg and his team after the surgery.

The finished puzzle! (Hopefully someone else got a shot that is less blurry.)

Completing the puzzle was a team effort.

Braden waiting...

SK with the Robins.

Honey, Sheila, and Linda.

Scott, SK, and Jane.

Brian and Connie.

Kim, Megan, and Shannon trying to work.

Early stages of the puzzle.

Carol and Brenda.

The Lauras!

Clif, Maggi, and Linda. And some very cute napkins!

Mom and Nancy Beck in the lobby at MD Anderson on Tuesday after Mom's appointment with Dr. Weinberg.

All the girls.

Here we all are at dinner on Monday night after Honey, Kim, and Shannon arrived in Houston.

Friday afternoon update

A quick update on the Brainiac... She has a room assignment and will be leaving the ICU in a couple of hours. We are all looking forward to a change of scenery!

Mom is doing well today. She got a glimpse of her new hairdo this morning when the doctors came and removed her bandage/turban. She is hoping for a visit to the beauty/barber shop this weekend (run by Volunteer Services) to "cute" her up. The songs keep coming too!

My aunts and grandmother left this morning, but they will be back--probably with a tan (Kim is off to Mexico and Shannon to Galveston). Braden's girlfriend Maren arrived from Seattle last night. It has been nice to have her join us and support Braden. And she is a jogger, so Winnie is looking forward to a run!

We'd like to thank Ana for the delicious enchilada casserole, rice, and awesome bean dip last night. It was so nice to have a home-cooked meal. There were a few recipe requests, Ana, so let us know if you can share.

We'll give more of an update later when we are settled in the new room. In the meantime, I am going to attempt to load some of the photos that my dad took on Wednesday, including the finished puzzle.

Sara Kate

Belated update

Sorry I haven't updated more frequently. The internet and cell phone service up here in the ICU has been spotty at best. Mom is still in ICU and will stay here again tonight--not because she needs to be here, but because there were no available "regular" rooms. Apparently, Friday is a big day for discharges, so they expect she will get a room tomorrow for sure. I am going to stay here tonight in this nifty chair that folds into a "bed" to keep Mom company and make sure the nurses take good care of her. Since Mom is out of commission, I am taking over her "Little General" duties and have no qualms about bossing anybody that needs to be bossed :) ...But that's not to say that she isn't in charge!

Mom is certainly not lacking in personality--she's acting very much herself. I just asked her if she'd like to say anything to the blog followers, and she responded in song, "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony...!" So not to worry, the song-bank was left intact.

She is a little concerned about her headgear--it's apparently not up to her "cute" standard. But thanks to all of her wonderful friends at work, she will soon be replacing it with a GORGEOUS Hermes scarf. Thank you all so much.

We will keep you posted on tomorrow's progress, which I'm confident will be significant. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and concern. You have no idea how much it means to all of us.

Sara Kate

The morning after

The Brainiac is awake and alert! She is still in ICU, but probably moving into a regular room later this afternoon. We have been telling her stories about all of her fans and your kind calls and notes. She's sorry she missed the party yesterday, but she had more important things to do. We'll have another party--at a better locale--soon.

We'll keep the updates coming.

Sara Kate

Gail is out of surgery

I just got back from the hospital, where Gail is resting peacefully in ICU. We got to speak with Dr. Weinberg around 8 p.m. He was able to resect about 85% of the tumor, which he felt was a success. He said they would address the remaining tumor areas with other therapies. Other than speculating, we won't know for certain the exact tumor type and grade until the pathology comes back on Friday or Monday.

Ok, so for the part you really want to know. Yes, Gail was able to see her family after surgery. She was in and out of consciousness due to the medication, but she was able to talk and move. She said her name, she knows her family, and she gave her love to everyone. They asked her what floor she was on and she said the 9th floor (which is where we work in Pediatrics a lot). They said, "No, you're on the 7th floor," which Gail answered, "close enough." Good to know she hasn't lost her sense of humor!

She will spend the night in ICU and hopefully move to a regular inpatient room tomorrow. Sarah Kate will be updating the blog for the rest of the weekend, so she'll be able to let you know how Gail progresses as the medications begin to wear off. For now, Gail seems to be comfortable and getting some rest.

Thanks for all of the thoughts, prayers, notes, visits, goodies to eat, etc. Time to call it a day!

Sara F.

P.S. The Goodwin bunch finished the puzzle today, exactly one minute before Dr. Weinberg came. They put it back in the box for Gail to work on later...no time like the present to get her brain back in shape! We'll post a photo soon.

More news

We just heard from the nurse again. Mom is still in surgery, but they are winding down and after a post-op MRI, she will be on her way to the ICU where she will stay the night. They think she should be out in a couple of hours--we hope they are right--it's been a long day.

As for us, we're making some progress on the puzzle, and with the deadline on our time here looming, we'll do our best to finish it up. Thank you again to everyone for your continued thoughts, prayers, and support.

SK

Latest post

Here's a report from the doctor who spoke to the nurse. They have taken more of the tumor out and are doing a second MRI in the BrainSUITE to see if there is anything remaining. So far, so good.

Next update will be around 6 p.m.

--Sara F.

Update

Hello concerned followers of the Brainiac... it's Sara Kate on the only computer we can get to work here in the waiting room.  We just met with the nurse for our Noon update, and the surgery is under way.  The doctors are busy working their magic.  Everything is going fine so far as we know.  

We are keeping busy with books, computers, and a jigsaw puzzle (we'll take a picture if we're able to finish it without Mom's skill).  We have lots of snacks thanks to Linda, Maggie, Nancy Beck, and Mom's crew of "nurses" (Kelley, Eli, Jen, Maria, and Erin).  We just met James, who claims to be Mom's favorite security guard, so now he is wearing a "brainiac" bracelet too!  

Thank you to everyone for all of your thoughts, prayers, support, and friendship.  We are so thankful for all of you.  We'll keep you posted.

Just a short update

Gail and Clif checked in at 6 a.m. this morning. They wheeled her back around 8:00 to prep her for surgery. This should be an all-day surgery, so I'll give little updates as I have them. Keep the prayers coming!

Sara

I'm DONE ... but just for today!

It's 10 p.m. - night before "BS" Day - and I have hit my self-imposed bedtime. Today is not a blog entry - it is a book! - and I have decided to wait to bore you with all the many details in some of the days to come when I am home alone and bored. Fact is that I am surrounded by all things good right now, I am pretty exhausted and I have to get up really early tomorrow for one of the biggest days of my life.

I am handing over these musings to others - they will keep you informed (I hope). I plan to be giving news myself very soon.

Your concern, love and prayers that have been sent to me are overwhelming and appreciated more than you can ever know. I feel supported and confident. I have put luck in perspective - and I am so very lucky. It's going to be just fine.

I will see you all very SOON:

Day is done, gone the sun,

From the hills, from the lake, from the skies.

All is well, safely rest,

God is nigh.

Much love from Gail

I Forgot ....

Want to post a public thank you to my amazing son-in-law Ryan for all the yard work he did today. Now I won't be quite so embarrassed if anyone comes by. Braden helped out some, too, and Sara Kate continued her floral ambitions by planting two huge pots of begonias for the front porch. Thanks all - this was a nice surprise and I will enjoy it in the days to come!

xoxogbg

The Longest Day - but a pretty dang good one!

Woke up this a.m. early as usual, but feeling so good because I got a great night's sleep - which means that I need to shut down soon to even make an attempt to match.

Anyway, dealt with the first insurance issue/denial - understand, but not so great - we will attempt to push them on it. I told Clif that a new car and roof would have been cheaper than this all the way around. Oh, well, too late for that.

My third day through the doors of the M. D. Anderson Clark Clinic in my new identity as a patient - and was greeted with a huge hug by a most special volunteer - great way to start the days events. Got my insurance waiver signed and took advantage of the patient status to take the golf cart across the sky bridge to Mays Clinic clinic for the MRIs - I didn't feel guilty at all.

MRIs - yes plural there - and in the tube for about 3 hours - this was a working kind of thing - had to do stuff mentally while I was in there. They say that whatever they asked me to do would light of different areas of the brain while doing it. They mapped all this - I'm like MapQuest - and it will be like I am virtually on that MRI table from Mays when I start out over there in the BrainSUITE. The surgeon will also use all of this to plan the surgery. Funny, I never thought about actually planning this, but suddenly I'm really happy he does! They told me that I made an A+ on my MRIs - I am proud!

Braden picked me up and we went for lunch (well, I had lunch) and then to Clif's office where I signed my name more than I have, well, ever. We are no longer the shoemaker's children. We are so official - been needing to do this for so long - obviously no time like the present! I also signed about a billion HIPAA forms for, perhaps, everyone I know. Not really, but at least those who might need to to get the info. If you know me, you know that I deal with HIPAA for my work all the time - funny to be the one signing this on the other side.

I checked in on Mother and the sisters, who were heading this way. Though I had urged them to get a later start than they were earlier  planning, it seems that they really did. So, they were much later getting here than anticipated and, unfortunately, had a most eventful trip in. Traveling in two vehicles - long story, but basically one was rear-ended and a golf ball landed (and shattered) in the middle of the other's window shield. Although slightly shaken, fortunately everyone is fine - just not the cars.

We ALL (10) went to dinner where we are having the rehearsal dinner for Brian & Tiffany. It was fun for them to see the site - and I think they liked it. We sat outside - beautiful, beautiful evening - food good, company better, lots of fun.

Home to bed - not doing so well here, but I am going to make myself shut it down - need my beauty rest. You will be able to enjoy (?) one more shout-out from the brainiac herself tomorrow and then I'll turn it over to others for a while. Don't worry - I'll be BACK!

xxxgbg

Going Down and Out!

That means that I am going to bed!

Such a nice day - gorgeous weather, lunch with dear friends at a darling new place I've been wanting to go to, wandering through the gorgeous nursery attached to the restaurant and then home to a little bit of quiet time (kids at the Astro's game). Got up to find that Clif had moved most everything back into place after the carpet installation. Braden, Brian and Tiffany helped finish things up with Tiffany doing the big job of washing lots of dusty stuff. Looking better around here! Then, even though two hours prior I was certain I would never eat again, off we went for some Thai. We are making a world tour of menus - see you in Italy tomorrow night!

The Jancaitis clan (SK, et al) are on their way - I'll see them in the morning - and, there's a very big day in store for me tomorrow. Mother plus sisters two arrive, too. What a crazy thing this is. What if I decide I don't want to do it after all? Hmmmmm, not an option, I'm afraid.

Now, I said bed so that's where I'm going. More later - hugs and kisses from the Brainiac

Laying it on the line .....

It is Sunday morning at 9:52 and the carpet installers have been at my house for almost an hour. The project was planned for yesterday, but the monsoons messed up those plans - bless these guys, they understood my situation and agreed to come today - early, even, so that we will be able to make lunch with friends.

Now, this is a project that was actually instigated prior to my "situation," but how nice to be getting it done. If it hadn't happened today, I had vowed to let it go for a while - don't sweat the small stuff - right? Still, it's also nice to have new clean carpet in, which requires moving all the stuff (I love stuff) - at the very least, that will have to be dusted and cleaned off before I put it back. I might even get rid of some of it - and the decorator sister arrives tomorrow - she is certain to have something to say about it.

So, a bit more organized, a bit more together - pantries, thanks to my daughter and mother's guidance, are cleaner than they have been in 30 years. Sara Kate tells me - and I have seen this to be true - that she has no qualms about throwing other people's stuff away. I am fully expecting to come out of this in much better shape - all the way around! SK, Ryan and Winnie, the distraction dog, arrive later tonight - looking forward to it - and they have promised to keep those paws clean on the new carpet.

Braden, as I have posted, has been here since Thursday night. We have been enjoying visits with him - he is usually here for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other assorted family occasions - but those are holidays with lots of folks around. This time, we are having actual conversations - it's been great. He's also been very helpful and kind about carting me around doing errands - I'm getting things crossed off the list.

Brian and Tiffany have been a constant - so good to see them for lunch yesterday and today they are taking Braden to the Astro's game. They were somewhat reluctant, but I think that it's great they have an opportunity to do something fun - we don't have to sit around and talk about this all of the time. Just hope the Astro's can pull something off so that it isn't a downer!

My mother and sister will come in sometime on Monday - and, we hear that niece Megan is making an appearance on Tuesday - she is so kind to think that her cousins need some support, too. You, know, there is really nothing that anyone can or needs to do - but it is so good to have them here.

My pre-surgery appts. begin Monday a.m. and continue through Tuesday - already some insurance issues and I'm sure this won't be the last of them. I am looking forward to meeting with my "golden hands" surgeon and getting some questions answered - poor Jeff - they told me that it was okay for family to come to the appt. - hope he knows what that might mean :)

Clif, my personal legal eagle, and I woke up on Saturday a.m. and realized that we are shoemaker's children and that there are a few things we need to take care of before this all begins on Wednesday. Good thing is that he knows what to do, how to do it and it will get done.

While I have been so anxious to begin this event, all of a sudden I see that there are some things to take care of before it does. So, we're going to make the most of our time the next few days and be able to go in prepared for it all on Wednesday. I have requested an enforced bedtime tonight. I pushed myself too hard and stayed up entirely too late last night. It's not good to start out tired so I will try to get some rest. The medicine, which they told me would make me really hungry and want to eat, didn't for about 10 days, but it has kicked in - gotta watch that. They also said that I would crave sweets, but that hasn't happened yet - except I'm enjoying those sea salt caramels from Seattle :)

Perhaps you will hear more from me today - seems this is a good way to get it all out. I like telling you all about it - never planned to, never wanted to, but now I may as well!

The sun's out already - and that's good news! 

Hugs from Miss B

Password Hell

Three days to go before I am going to need to let it all go and turn things over to those who love me - and then they are going to be telling you what's going on with me. In the meantime, I am in password hell. 

Oh, good grief, there are so many of them and it seems that I keep adding them. I've got to have the access to myMDAnderson and then there is this blogspot - because you want to read all about it - right. Of course, the lotsa caring hands site - I need to know what we're going to be having for dinner :) Then, not to mention my credit cards and bank account that I need to turn over to my husband. I am frantically paying bills so that he won't have that to deal with over the next few week in addition to everything else that's going on around here.

But, okay, I keep forgetting all of these PWs - there are just too many - and then in order to get onto the accounts, I have to change everything so I really am getting mixed up. They say that all accounts should all be different for safety's sake - and that you don't want people to be able to figure out how to get into your information. That makes perfect sense to me except that even I can't remember how to get into my information. So, I'll be stupid and write it all down and not even keep it private - I'm giving it all to Clif (kinda scary thought - he forgets things, too, and has also been known to misplace them - making me feel a little better about this). Only, I had to go to him tonight to get the access name and PW in order to log onto this and post. Am I the only one out there with these issues or maybe do I just have too many credit cards?

Now, one more thing - because this is not going to be as long a post as they have been. How bored are you guys with me? I think I'm getting bored with myself, frankly. What an incredibly self-indulgent process this blogging is. I'm a writer and look what I'm doing - I'm writing all about me - because it IS all about me, isn't it? Maybe you will all be glad to hear about me (see, it's still all about me) in someone else's voice. My sister Shannon might do some writing and she's pretty good at this, too. Sara - hero Sara - she can write - that's her job. Sister Kim, even though she excels at making homes look nice, can also take pen to paper (pinkies to computer) when pressed. Oh, Sara Kate, #1 daughter, has some natural talent, too. I don't think that they've given anyone else access to do this - those who might have been considered are probably glad they won't have to.

Final note for the night - I went to the office this afternoon for several hours. Bliss - no one there and I was able to cross off the three things I've had on my list to complete for the past few weeks. Of course, I then added a couple of other loose ends that I need to take care of before it all goes down - but I think I can do that on Monday. 

I looked at myself in the mirror (usually try not to do that) - I look tired and I need to go to sleep - so, I'm going to. I hope you can, too - and I also hope that the sun's coming out tomorrow!

Sleep tight - the Brainiac

The Long Goodbye!

Gee - kind of a hard day today. In the office for the last day - and I even went to a meeting. It was an easy one, but it was a meeting. I spent the rest of the time on the phone and hugging friends and then showing Braden off and introducing him around to all my PA buddies while I said my goodbyes (goodbyes for a while - just a while). It took almost an hour to make the loop around - and he was pushing me. When I finally did head out the door, my hallmates lined up like a parade to give hugs and best wishes.

Well, you know me - it called for a performance. Never one to be shy (you do know me, right?), I burst into spontaneous song. Of course, it was a rousing rendition of "Turn out the lights, the party's over..." that quickly sounded sort of ominous so I had to make up some new happy words fast to bring smiles back to all the faces. Still, it was a fitting way to exit - and, brought a few tears to my eyes as we sailed down the elevator. Weird, weird, weird - I don't like this AT ALL!!!

Lunch in the Village - sweet Braden's treat! Then he was so kind and toted me around to all kinds of random places to get all kinds of random stuff I "needed" before next week. We ended at Walgreen's where it turned black as night and started poring. Curbservice for me - and we headed home. There, I had to confirm a Monday a.m. MRI appt. and then began to focus on my FMLA situtation. I learned a lot - more than I wanted to know and found a few surprises along the way. Good thing that I haven't been sick much - seems I just might need some of those days in the next few weeks if I want to continue to receive a pay check - REALITY BITES!!!

While I am really getting ready to get this show on the road, I suddenly find myself wishing for more days because there are some things - sort of business-kind-of-stuff - that I need to take care of. I have decided to make an office appearance on Sunday (please don't tell - I just need a few hours of quiet concentration and then I'll be done and over and, I promise, out) for a final desk wrap-up. I will finish the three relatively small things that need doing and make a list of things to take care of personally in the next few days. I will ease my mind - and that will be a good thing!

Okay, back to today - or, rather, tonight. After numerous conversations, it was determined that dinner would go on at the same time in the same place with all the same people. I'm so glad it happened. We talked and hugged and we talked and hugged and took a few pictures, too - oh, and we laughed - so good to laugh with friends and family. Plus, in spite of the fact that I must stick with aqua, the dinner was delish (thanks for the treat, Miz Gene and whoever else - loved it so much) - I'm tasting things again and I am hungry. Too bad - I was kinda on a skinny roll for a while there. Maybe Wednesday will nip this in the bud - ya think?

After dinner, my friend Cathy (well, Catherine, but she'll always be Cathy to me) pulled a magic hospital "fun bag" out of her car for me. Take lessons, people - it was amazing! There were gingersnaps (cute little heart-shaped ones - not those big grocery store klunkers) for upset tummies; chocolate for anything; face balm, lip balm, lotions, potions and creams for dry skin; a slick new and fancy notebook and pen for taking notes when you meet with the docs; a supremely soft mudgy set so I don't have to be naked; and - OHMYGOSH - a Kindle fully loaded with 30 (count 'em) books plus a night light, two room chargers and a car charger plus complete written instructions on how to use it. Oh, and the tote bag that all of this came in was wonderful, too, and pulled it altogether. 

I don't know how to accept stuff like this - or how to thank someone for this kind of thoughtfulness. I was forced to swear that I would not write a thank you note. Well, that's okay, because it wouldn't ever be enough anyway. Here's my latest thought for much that has been coming my way lately: pay it forward, Gail - pay it forward. You can thank those helping you by helping those you meet up with later. This is my promise (getting late, getting kinda mushy - but I mean it - really) so help me stick to it - I'm paying it forward.

This was the end of a long, but special day - but I forgot to tell you what I found on my office chair when I arrived this a.m. There was a gift card to Soma to purchase something comfy to live in at home left there for me from my good CAP buddy Angela. That in itself was so wonderful and thoughtful because I LOVE Soma - but it was accompanied by the best idea I have ever seen. There was a fully addressed, stamped envelope (to Angela) with my return address on it. Inside the envelope was a handwritten thank you with all the appropriate sentiments. All that was left for me to do was sign my name and then put it in the mailbox. She had a post-it on the note that told me to do just that and to mark it off my list - must have known how long that list is getting!!! Have you ever heard of such an idea - Angela, how wonderful and cute and funny at the same time. Loved it all - got the message - will do!

Now, that I am calling out people by name, I am feeling some guilt because there are so many I haven't mentioned - my special drivers this week: Diane, Sunny and Jo Ann who added in great lunch stops along the way home - and, yes, you, too, Braden; the gazillions of cards I've gotten at home and work (you know your names); the beautiful flowers from special colleagues, friends and family; the little gifts, the visits, the hugs, the calls, the e-mails, the FB messages - I am uplifted (and I see that I stopped mentioning names - can we say that there are just too many to mention?). 

Thank you all so very much - it gives me a warm feeling inside to have such friends - love you all - and, finally, over and out for me! - xxxgbg

He's No Longer Sleepless in Seattle - He's in HOUSTON!!!

Well, the Seattle Boy has arrived at long last! We were running late, but the connection time was actually just about perfect - big surprise.  We made a quick trip from IAH to Pei Wei, had a good dinner and then came home to some delicious, fabbo Fran's sea salt caramels that Braden brought me - my favs! His GF Maren will come after the surgery - her parents are in Seattle (and we're supposed to be there, too) so she is not able to be here at the beginning - I think it's nice that she's coming at all - not necessary, but so sweet!

Today, I got a tiny bit more info - hospital time will be 4-5 days or possibly even less and then home with Tylenol (amazing!). Then, I'm supposed to be pretty much down and resting for about 7-10 days at home. I thought that I would be coming back to work after that, but apparently not - they tell me that I would be expected to concentrate there (imagine that) and that probably wouldn't be happening for about 6 weeks. Then, I'll be easing back into the office - so, not sure about the schedule, but still kinda sad that it will be longer than I thought. Guess this is something to be expected - after all, we're talking brain surgery here - but I really don't like being not up to par.

Another piece of news - big in my life, you know - is that I can take the 11 p.m. pill at 9 p.m. and therefore go to bed earlier than I have been and get a little more sleep. Of course, it's almost 10 p.m. already, but we have a visitor so I'm visiting - and writing this.

Tomorrow is my last morning in the office - seems so weird to be wrapping things up. At the first of the week, I had three things I needed to accomplish - I am almost finished with one of them, but haven't made any progress on the other two: tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll do it tomorrow - it's only a day away!

Braden will pick me up and get a bonus tour of our new offices and then we have some errands to do. I'm planning on a force-clean of his room, too. Then there's dinner with friends at Yia Yia Mary's. New carpet comes Saturday a.m. and maybe a quiet dinner that night somewhere with just us. We have Sunday lunch with more friends and Sara Kate, Ryan and our grand dog Winnie arrive that night.  I have a functional MRI on Monday a.m. and my mother and sisters will be in that afternoon - maybe a few more family members on Tuesday. We have a Tuesday a.m. appointment with the surgeon - everyone's invited - then with the anesthesiologist after than. Fun days, huh!

I was relieved to learn that the 11p.m. Wednesday time that was the scheduled time shown for my surgery was actually a default for all surgeries just to block the room. I am certain that my surgeon's golden hands are shinier in the morning than at 11 p.m. at night!

So, now you know about me and who's here and who's coming and the schedule of events. Are you bored yet? I think I may have written some of this before - I'm writing so many e-mails that I can't remember what I've told to whom. But, it's going to be a big time, uh huh, uh huh!

Now, I really am going to bed - pretty tired here. Sleep tight, everyone! (and congratulate me tomorrow if I actually manage to post this) - Love from the Brainiac/gbg

HELP - I Need Somebody - Not Just Anybody - SARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Okay - I am so stupid about all of this stuff. Sara says that she fixed it so that I can post on the blogspot, but of course I can't figure out how to do that. I can't IM on Facebook and - this is the worst - I forget my password every time I try to login and then I have to change it. I don't think it's my current issue, I think I'm reasonable smart - it's just that I am old and there are so many more important things running around in my mind these days. Of course, I have always had to write these passwords down in order to remember them - but there are so many more these days. Shoulda just stuck to one!

So, another blog in the wrong spot that Sara (the social media genius only second only next to my friend Jennifer Texada, who is really, really up on all this stuff) will have to transfer to the right place tomorrow. She (Sara) has promised me lessons and maybe if I take notes, I'll be able to do it on my own - only, unfortunately, that time is soon coming to an end. It will be Sara and sisters and daughter and any others who wish who will be doing the updates soon - so bug them if they fall down on the job!Now, having taken that final tiny turquoise pill of the day, it is time to turn in. I have starved myself off of naps the last few days because, after sacking out hard for three-four hours every afternoon (bliss!), I wasn't able to sleep at night. In fact, I think - although I'm pretty positive that I aced those cognitive tests on Tuesday - this lack of sleep might have had an effect on my reasoning in that process.

However, I have been "studying" for these for more than two years now. Clif gave me a very unexpected gift for Christmas in 2007 - a Nintendo DS Lite (never had heard of such a thing!) - and I got very serious about it. Using my additive personality, I began to play with these Brain Age (how appropriate!) games constantly - love it, love it, love it and have almost given up reading for this pursuit. So, this training stood me in good stead on Tuesday - except for the blocks I was supposed to use to match patterns - there's a reason why my dad is an architect and I am not. Hummmm, can't remember (uh oh) if I said this yesterday or not, but anyway, I felt stupidly silly to have been so tired when it was all over, but I do think I did okay! My clinical neurologist told me that I was inspirational and I grabbed onto that!

Brian and Tiffany were here for dinner - easy pasta - tonight. It is so nice to have them staying close. Sara Kate calls - very special, so good to hear from her. And,big excitement, Braden comes tomorrow - can't wait for that very big hug!

Today I got all of my upcoming appointments - I'll be busy for the next few weeks, to say the least. I've got to type it all out for Clif - he forgets all of this all the time (glad it isn't just me!) and these are things I need him to know. I also have a schedule of all the special family folks who are pouring into my house to be there with me next week - lots going on there, too, but I'm really grateful to them all.

I'm also continually grateful to all of you for the help - Clif really appreciates the driving and being able to get a little work done without having to come fetch me every day. I've loved the lunches and especially the visits - and appreciate the rides home.Time to turn this off - hope I can turn my brain off - in a good way - you know what I mean - so that I can sleep. Love to all - the Brainiac