November 3, 2008, 4:00pm- Long day. Well, we were up at 5:30am getting ready (it takes us a while) and on the road before 7am. We got to the hospital at 8:05- a new record! However, because Dr. P was concerned about Bobbi's white cell count we had to wait for lab work, so they drew blood at 9am. We got the results back a couple of hours later and she was having her LP and ITM by 11:30am. The bad thing is it meant she was on her butt for five hours straight. Still, she toughed it out like she always does. We had a new interventional radiologist today and he was great! No post proceedure pain like yesterdays, and no rolling around to distribute the chemo. We spent a while in recovery and I had her home in bed by 2:30pm. Long day. Bobbi is kind of confused now. We're not sure if it's a symptom or a side effect, and the same with her difficulty swallowing. We'll have the reults of todays LP by Thursday....probably a couple of hours after the next proceedure is already done. Because of the effect of the chemo drug on white cell production Bobbi will get a treatment tomorrow called RESCUE. I forget the medical chemical drug name- sorry. She also starts physical therapy tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
About five minutes after we got home Dennis "Rosy" Rose came over with a nail gun and four dozen ballisters for the ramp. He also let me use a jig he built to space the pickets and even gave us nails and screws. Jill helped me nail them up. The railing is 19 feet long (too long for factory lumber. Yesterday I made the cap rail from two 10' 2x4s, but it looked bad, so today I used a 16' 2x4 and a short peice. It looks perfect! Jill was a big help! Thanks you Dennis.

November 2, 2008, 4:00pm- Well, what in the world..... I just got done talking to Dr. P, Bobbi's medical oncologist. She just got the results of the lumbar puncture (henceforth referred to as the LP). The Cytology is negative for cancer cells in the fluid- according to the LP she doesn't have cancer on her spine.... except her last blood test showed her "total protein" 192, but it should be 45 or so, so there's something going on. Because of this Dr. P hesitated to continue the intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy (I'm gonna call that "ICM" from now on). However, you (we/they) really need three clean lumbar punctures free of cancer cells to rule out cancer in the spine, but the MRI showed something. The proceedure is not without risks, and now Dr. P doubts whether it's helpful or called for. We talked about it and decided to do it anyway as long as Bobbi's white blood cell count is high enough....except we'll be there at 8am anyway, so we're going to need the hospital to do a blood test "stat" before the proceedure. Bobbi knows all this stuff now- any wonder why she's upset? Me too, for that matter.
I did finish installing the lower horizontal 2x4s on the ramp railing, so we can install the ballisters now.
November 2, 2008, 11:00am- Okay, the girls are on the road. They're going shopping for a new comfy robe, and I'l going to LOWES to get some stuff to finish the railing. Bobbi seems a little confused today, but she is well medicated, so there you go. The new long-lasting Insulin seems to help too.
November 2, 2008, 6:00am- Dang, I have to make a November page, don't I? Shhhh....., she's asleep....

November 1, 2008, 8:00pm- Well, I got a good start on the railing. Bobbi, her mom and sister got some house keeping chores done, but I think Bobbi's more agitated today. I'll go back now and try to keep her comfortable. She's kind of fragile today.
November 1, 2008, 11:00am- OMG, it's November already. Can you believe it? We had a pretty good night. I was pretty sore, and Bobbi was tired. Her mom and sister kept her doing projects all day till 7pm or so. One cool thing they did was make her the word DREAM out of birch twigs, sinew and feathers. It's pretty cool.
Today I'll finish up the wheelchair ramp. I have named it the "Bobbi Walk". I have already patch the asphalt to connect the landing to the driveway, and I'll then build some railings. I already put down a roll of roofing to make a non-skid surface. It's pretty awesome, and it will be even more so when we're done.

October 31, 2008, 5:00pm - Holy Smokes, look what my friends did! Dennis, Bob, Kenny, Julie and Terry came over and built us a wheelchair ramp! It's beautiful! I have to program a special slide show just to show what a great job they did. Bobbi, her mom and sister (and me also) were blown away by their kindness, and all the others who made it possible including my boss Cherie and our friend Lloyd. Even Fran and the vice-chief and no doubt countless others helped out. We're more grateful than we have words to say, but I don't guess we should be surprised.
October 31, 2008, 6:00am - Good morning! It's a pretty good morning here. Bobbi was able to sleep all night mostly. She was in a little pain when she woke up at 6am, but a pill helped that. I'm a little worried that she continues to have trouble swallowing, but hopefully, as we get into the chemo treatments, that will subside. David and Donna have been busy feeding us supper this week, and it was all delicious- especially the meatloaf Donna was not happy with. We were happy. Last night Dave's friend Rick brought over ribs and fixins- yum yum!
We are aware of all of our loved ones, especially those also under the weather, and we want everyone to know you are in our hearts. Aunt Lib recovering from a heart attack, Aunt Betty back in the hospital with here breast cancer and brother Lloyd who hurt his back starting a lawn mower. The "Lambert Back" is a malady we know all too well, I just need it to behave a while longer....
Today is the day my friends at work come and built us a wheelchair ramp. Isn't that a loving thing to do? I tell ya, everybody loves Bobbi. We had some good news. The costume I made Lloyd won BST COSTUME at the community halloween event. I don't know how many other adults were in costume, many dozens I expect. Pretty cool. Also brother Darin sent pictures of my nephew Liam (they're all the way in Oregon). He's a fireman for Halloween- what a good lookin kid. The northwest coast is the first destination on our travel itinerary.

October 30, 2008, 6:00pm - It's turned out to be a good day. The day was absolutely beautiful- clear almost dark blue mountain sky, mild temperatures. Bobbi's mother and sister Jill made a plant corner for Bobbi while I went to work. While at work I helped Lloyd turn a green sweatshirt and brown sweat pants into a pretty good Scarecrow costume. Now were sitting in the living room while Bobbi lies on the couch. She isn't supposed to get up (except to the bathroom) for 24 hours after her lumbar puncture. The girls are really good company for Bobbi. When we're alone we tend to just start each other crying (I'm so weak). This is better.
October 30, 2008, 2:00pm - Well, we're home. We got up at 6am and made it to the hospital on time, in spite of parking snafus. Bobbi had her lumber puncture- it went fine. She was in a lot of discomfort afterwards, but that's from the chemo drug. She has to roll over a few times to spread it out, then the pain subsided. They took several samples from the lumbar puncture. We should know the results be Monday afternoon.
Bobbi will be on this round of chemo for at least three weeks, Mondays and Thursdays. The good news is once we're in a rhythm we should be home by noon...but she still has to lay flat for 24 hours. This is serious- the tumors are not only paralyzing her left lower leg but may be causing difficulty swallowing. We'll just have to hope the chemo helps. I'll keep you posted.
October 30, 2008, 7:00am - Okay, we're off to the hospital for the lumbar puncture. We don't think Bobbi will be admitted, but we don't know if we'll start the chemo this time. They don't like to give it close to radiation, and Bobbi had radiation on Tuesday.... but if Dr. P and Dr. Q decide to we may. I'll keep you posted.
Remember, we love you all.

October 29, 2008, 3:30pm - Okay, I just talked to the doctor's office. Bobbi's procedure is at St. Joseph's tomorrow morning at 9am, then every Monday and Thursday for a while. We're also going to have Cherokee Home Health come give our girls physical therapy. I'll keep you posted.
October 29, 2008, 3:00pm - Okay, we are home for the day I think. Here's the deal. The radiation can not hit all of Bobbi's spinal tumors. We think there is at least one in the lumbar area which accounts for her left foot paralysis. We think that there is a cervical tumor contributing to Bobbi's facial paralysis. I don't know why "we" can't go lower on the spine with radiation, but the upper region is too close to where she had whole brain radiation. So our plan is to start the intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy. Now, the thing is, what Bobbi has is breast cancer on her spine (huh). This kind of chemotherapy is not meant for that and is not as effective as if she had something like leukemia, but we're short on options. To do this procedure we need a interventional radiologist to do the lumbar puncture, and that means a trip to the hospital (probably Memorial Mission in Asheville). We'll do a couple of rounds of that chemo and see where we are. As for now, Dr. P upped her pain management medicine and gave her something for acid reflux. Bobbi's sister Jill has arrived and I am grateful for everyone's help. We all love Bobbi, don't we?
October 29, 2008, 7:00am - Long night. Bobbi's discomfort is increasing, and it's hard to keep her comfortable. I'll keep you posted.

October 28, 2008, 8:00pm - We are up now. We went to bed to sleep for a while. We talked to Dr. P around 6:30- she'd just heard from Dr. Q about Bobbi's worsening condition. We're going to try to see her tomorrow while waiting to hear from Dr. Q. Dr. P wants Bobbi to start "Intrathecal" chemotherapy. We were going to start that after radiation, but now it looks like we wont wait. We'll need a neurosurgeon to perform the procedure and Bobbi may have to stay in the hospital for the duration. The good thing about that is she can easily get physical therapy there. I guess I'm out of work, at least for a few days. This is all happening very rapidly. I'll keep you posted.
October 28, 2008, 6:00pm - This is very difficult to write. Well, my loves, it's not good. Dr. Q thinks Bobbi's foot problem may mean the tumors are still growing. It seems the radiation can't cover the whole spine, especially where we think there might be more tumors. He's talking to Dr. P about starting a special chemotherapy that irrigates the spinal canal with chemo drugs. This is likely an in-hospital treatment. I guess we're up against it. If the chemo and the radiation don't arrest the tumor growth there's not a lot of hope. My friends are coming Friday to build us a wheelchair ramp. I was hoping we were not going to need one. Oh my God, my God.
October 28, 2008, 7:00am - Up again, but this time for good. This has been a pretty rough night. Bobbi is just very uncomfortable. Between the acid reflux and the leg pains she's not getting much rest, but she is getting breakfast! Soft boiled eggs, bagels with creamed cheese and tomato and even a little bacon. Yum yum. There's an inch of snow outside, but we're toasty and warm inside.
October 28, 2008, 2:00am - We've been up a couple of times now...but the good news is the Lidocaine patches really work! We found because we thought "we" were pain-free on the legs. We weren't. As soon as I put some patches on she felt better, and hungry! She's eating better these last few days, but getting more acid reflux. As I was making her some soup I happened to look outside- snow!!!

October 27, 2008, 10:00pm - A late posting- sorry. These are very long days (and nights). We're up at 6am and asleep (if we're lucky) by 12am and, if we're very lucky, only up two or three times a night. Tomorrow Dr. Q will check Bobbi's foot (I think a mild sprain from her third fall) and progress. Greg and Donna have been taking Bobbi to radiation and sitting with her till I come home. Tomorrow Donna Lambert will sit with Bobbi while I stay and work late.
We're muddling through. It's very hard on Bobbi, and I think she hopes people will understand if she waits a while before inviting visits. Between nerve damage, tumors and bruises from falling she doesn't have a "position of comfort" except for when she's asleep.Jill will be here soon and Bobbi is very comfortable around her, even in her current state. She's very self conscious after all, and her disability embarrasses her. To me, her mind seems to be improving (less confusion), she's just very weak. We want to thank everyone once again for the outpouring of affection and concern. I'll keep you posted.

October 26, 2008, 9:00pm - Well, Casey and Jill Cooper and the Cooper kids were coming over to visit yesterday. We cooked a bunch of delicious pot stickers Mei Ling made us!! They were wonderful, and we though some sweet and sour sauce would go well with them. Casey was home with the little kids and Jill and Kate went shopping. They were sitting in Waynesville in a turn lane to a grocery store when a drunk driver in a truck doing 80mph crossed the centerline and hit them head-on. Both vehicles were demolished, and the drunken driver and the little boy in the truck were injured, but Casey's 2001 Dodge Intrepid absorbed the impact, the airbags deployed and Jill and Kate walked away without a stack. If I ever meet Lee Iacocca I'm going to kiss him right on the buttocks (I wrote a different word originally, but I changed it. We're a family web page, right???)!!! There are miracles after all. I offer up one thousand songs of praise for the safety of all our loved ones.

October 26, 2008, 7:00pm - Sam and Lloyd have just left, and Sarah and Donna left earlier. Even uncle Roy, brother Steve, young Sam and Ian came to visit us. What a wonderful weekend filled with loved ones. Bobbi was able to get up once or twice. Now it's just Petunia and I. I finally fixed the wonky furnace ducts and I'm confident this is a good fix. I even started grading the walkway to make it a wheelchair ramp, but I came in to fix supper. Bobbi and I had a nice quiet supper in bed. She's about medium- it's just now all her pain seems to be from her falls. Now she's complaining about ankle pain. Maybe we'll get x-rays tomorrow. I'll keep you posted. It was sure great having help with Bobbi- thank you again Sarah. Bobbi's sister Jill is flying in Wednesday to help out. We got to watch her like hawks! Say it with me- we got to...... well, you know the rest. By the way- thank you Paul for watching the kids so Sarah could come.
I'll have to stay home from work tomorrow morning so I can get Bobbi into Donna's car (and come home to get her into the house). I'm glad to do it, and especially lucky to work with the folks I do- they take up my slack. When I asked the contractor for an estimate on the wheelchair ramp he said that my co-workers were going to take care of it. Want to see a grown man cry? Just look at my face (oh- the web cam is off).
I got sick of sending to the Southland Homes log cabin web site. They are just pernicious about getting your personal info to view their web page. So I hit on an idea (may I say "duh"?)- post a picture of the cabin I want to build Bobbi here (so I did). It's not that much bigger than our house now, but would be on a full basement.....
October 26, 2008, 10:30am - She did it again. This time I was awake. I just got her to the bathroom, and after she assured me she would call me when she was ready I went to the kitchen to warm up her heat pads. THUMP. Naw, it couldn't be- she promised.... so I went back in and there she was on the floor, crying. I told you- I got to watch her like a hawk. Well darn, nothing I say seems to register, so I told her mother! She'll make her straighten out! Actually, I threatened to tell all of you to phone her day and night and make sure she wasn't getting out of bed by herself (then I tattled on her to her mommy).
Anyway, Sherry (Sherri?) and Tommy- thanks so much for the wheelchair! You have no idea how much easier it is (and safer) getting Bobbi around the house. That was awfully nice of you all.

October 25, 2008, 2:30pm - Well, it's a slow Saturday. Bobbi is resting and we're piddlin around. Sam and Lloyd came over for breakfast, and then Uncle Roy and Bobbi's mom came over this afternoon. We dug a few sweet potatoes from the garden and planted some chestnuts. Now we're all relaxing.
October 25, 2008, 7:30am - We had a good night, but around 3:30am I woke up and found Bobbi trying to get to the bathroom using a step-stool. I gotta watch her like a hawk! Anyway, we all got up and had some pancakes. After a bit our friend Dennis came over to look at building a wheelchair ramp. Later on brothers Sam and Lloyd should come up for breakfast.

October 24, 2008, 9:30pm - Wow, what a day. Actually, it's been pretty good. After talking to Dr. Q about the wheelchair he suggested Dr. Manthorne, Bobbi's local GP, would know who could get us a wheel chair in this area. The funny thing is cousin Tommy's wife saw the last post and called Tommy and had him bring us a wheel chair from the Haywood Area Repertory Theater props department! When Dr. Manthorne called Tommy was already on the way! This web stuff is amazing! LOL. Anyway, Bobbi has a cool red wheelchair. It works pretty well for getting around the house. Tonight Tommy, Sarah, Sam and Lloyd joined us for supper, and Bobbi ate at the table with us. It was wonderful. Later, Casey and Jill Cooper and kids came by and we had a grand old time till Bobbi got too tired. I rolled her in and put her to bed. Thank you all.
October 24, 2008, 3:00pm - I gotta tell you, my stomach has been tied up in knots since Dr. Q. called- in my experience, when a doctor calls you in person it's really bad news. Well, it's not really bad news, it's just Dr. Q. being thorough. He was very sympathetic about Bobbi's tenancy to fall down while walking. Kim asked to talk to him about Bobbi falling a lot, but he was in a procedure, so he called the house when he was done. He just called me on my cell phone..... my heart was in my throat. Anyway, he agreed that Bobbi should be in a wheelchair and agreed to write a prescription for one, but he had no idea who could fill it before the weekend. At his suggestion, I've called Dr. Manthorne, Bobbi's GP, and asked for a callback about a chair source in our area. I'm waiting to hear from her office. I saw a great wheelchair at GOODWILL last week.... if I'd only listened to my little voice then. I'll keep you posted.
October 24, 2008, 2:00pm - This has been a good day! Bobbi is just as weak and just as unsteady, but she hasn't fallen any more... mostly because I have a lot of people helping me with her. I've been careful not to let her get out of bed unattended, and I lift her physically back into bed. Bobbi's sister Sarah came to stay with us for the weekend, and sister Jill is coming next week. Sarah and Kim have Bobbi together today, and they are on their way home from chemo. Dr. Q called and left a message at home (I happened to be there waiting for a contractor for a quote on wheelchair ramps). I called back, but I haven't caught him yet.
This morning we got up together at 6am (well, she woke up and I got up) and I made a big breakfast- eggs, bacon and hash browns. Bobbi ate almost all her food. She was in pain, but it went away right after I gave her the meds she was scheduled to take. Sarah got up and ate with us also! Bobbi even had coffee! That's a big deal- she couldn't stand coffee after chemo. My good friend John Martin's wife made us a ton of Pot Stickers and John drove them over to us. Yummy, those are Bobbi's favorite thing!

October 23, 2008, 5:00pm - This can't be good. Around 4am Bobbi fell. She was trying to got to the bathroom and her legs gave out. I woke up when I heard her fall. It wasn't bad, but it was scary. While I was at work I called home, and Bobbi was crying. She'd just fallen again. It seems the radiation machine at Dr. Q's was broken, so they called Bobbi and said "don't come." Bobbi called her mom and said don't come. Dang-it, I didn't want her to be alone, so I rushed home. She was still on the floor, crying. She had a bruise on her left leg, but nothing bad. Kim came over to watch her while I went back to work. Then, when I checked in Bobbi had just fallen again. I rushed home again. She said she was using the walker, but her bruised leg hurt when she was trying to sit down and she sort of collapsed. Now she has a little bump on her head. I guess I need to get her some air bags for her butt. I guess I better call and see if the radiation machine is fixed. Bobbi's sister Sarah called, and then decided to spend the weekend with us instead of doing the 3Day Walk. Whew, we can tag-team Bobbi!

October 22, 2008, 7:00pm - The girls got home around 6pm and now Bobbi and I are napping (or trying to). I gave her all her meds, put Lidocaine patches on her keester and rubbed her spine with special ointment. I even rubbed her feet just 'cause I wanted to. Sister Sarah is on her way to Atlanta for the 3 Day Walk! Go Sarah <cheers loudly>. Tomorrow Brothers Sam and Lloyd come visiting and my friend Bart also. I gotta clean this house!
October 22, 2008, 2:00pm - Well, I just got back from the doctor's office and I'm doing pretty well. I even had an echocardiogram and it was fine. I'll got back next week and get a pneumonia vaccination. I have to stay healthy to take care of our girl. It turns out our group plan is changing providers and I'll soon be under Blue Cross. We shall see how they are. No word how today's radiation went yet. I'll keep you posted.
October 22, 2008, 7:30am - Long night. I guess neither of us got to sleep till after 4am. One good thing- the Lidocaine patches worked great. Bobbi said as soon as I put them on her the pain melted away. We'll see what today brings.

October 21, 2008, 7:30pm - Ouch!!! I've been a little slow to post updates and I'm getting spanked for it! Sorry y'all. Bobbi has been going to radiation daily. Dr. Q, the radiation doctor, said he wasn't sure why a lumbar puncture was called for at this time. We already know about the spinal cancer and we know she had an infection. Meningitis doesn't affect the facial muscles usually. The doctor did say he agreed with doctor P, and when this round of radiation was over they would probably do chemo on the spinal cavity.
Bobbi has felt a little better. Today she got Lidocaine patches for her legs and backside pain (from the tumors on her spine), and I've been rubbing her back with aloe to treat the radiation burns. Dr. Q increased her steroid dosage, so I'm checking her blood sugar more and it is getting higher (it was 396 at 8pm). Controlling her glucose will go along way to helping her feel better. We have high hopes for the patches, and this evening she said this was as close to pain free as she has been in weeks. Then Bobbi confided in me that Dr. Q didn't seem as positive today. She took it as a bad sign. She's getting on the other side of the latest emotional blow and maybe her spirits seem a little better than they have been.
Yesterday Kim and the grand kids were here when Bobbi got home! What a treat! Ethan was his constantly chipper self, and that little girl is growing so fast. Kim brought over some delicious soup, and she even tidied up the place. She's a good kid. I've got pictures here somewhere.
She is very weak. Donna took her shopping and Bobbi likes to push the cart through a store, but when she gets tired I worry she might have a fall when I'm not looking. I'm very worried when she's out of my sight. She has trouble navigating small steps (stair steps, not foot steps). Of course or bed is a raised platform bed, and that's pretty hard for lil'ole Bobbi. Man, deciding not to go on the walk was the right call. I still haven't found a way to release this stress. I'm ashamed to even mention it. I also forgot to mention that Lloyd and Lloyd (Arneach , Jr. and Sr.) took me golfing Saturday. They were laughing about it later, and I was surprised to learn that golf is supposed to be a form of relaxation. It doesn't work that way for me, but then I stink at golf. Maybe I need lessons......
Okay, how's this for an update???

October 19, 2008, 11:30pm - Well, it was not a bad day for us here when compared to most days lately. It's still staggeringly tragic, but at least Bobbi had a good appetite. We took it easy. I made a big breakfast (steak and eggs with home-fries), a nice lunch (home made chicken soup and a sensible dinner (Pasta Florentine with a small salad. Bobbi actually ate all of her supper. That doesn't happen often. She's in a lot of discomfort (from the waist down) intermittently, but it eases up from time to time. I seem to be in the manic phase of my cycle (a lot less crying), but it's still tough for Bobbi. She doesn't have a manic phase.
Tomorrow- more radiation, and hopefully some news about the lumbar puncture. I wish I'd gone to Duke... Bobbi is not exactly clear on why she needs one, and my limited research shows a number of reasons why it is a useful diagnostic tool..... but we already know she has cancer and we know it's in the spine. Why would this be effecting her facial muscles? I'll keep you posted.

October 18, 2008, 1:30pm - I just talked to Greg, and they are on their way home. I'll go meet them in Waynesville when they get there and pick Bobbi up. They left that doggie with Sarah for training. Poor Rikki is going to be kind of confused I'm afraid.
October 18, 2008, 6:30am - Bobbi called me later last night. She's pretty upset. On top of everything else now she needs a spinal tap because someone thinks we're going to find something significant there. I'm sorry I'm not there with here. At least she has her little doggie with her.

October 17, 2008, 7:30pm - Bobbi went to Duke today. It was very interesting. Dr Tucci was concerned that there had been no improvement (and it has in fact gotten worse), and she said she wanted Bobbi to have a lumbar puncture to look for more cancer. I'm confused by this, since she is already being treated of spinal tumors. I'm sure Bobbi told Dr. Tucci that. Anyway, Dr. Tucci is not prepared to order one herself, so now we need to get one of the doctors here to do it (this saves a trip back to Duke). Dr. Tucci did take the surgical packing out, but there isn't much improvement to the inside of the ear. Bobbi's pretty upset.
They are now at Sarah's house (little dog too). I talked Sarah through doing an Acucheck and then giving Bobbi some insulin. Now they're going to eat.

October 16, 2008, 7:30pm - Hey, I finished repairing her horse! It turns out I didn't break the thing, her ex did back in the 70s! Kinda makes me proud. Anyway, I let her take a longer nap so I could surprise her.... I'll keep ya posted.
October 16, 2008, 5:00pm - Hi folks! Well, Bobbi is having a not too bad day.She is less confused, a little stronger and in better spirits. They had an excellent visit with Dr. Quaranta after radiation. He agrees with me- Bobbi looks better and feels better. This after three doses of radiation. Donna and Bobbi were again impressed by the quality of care Dr. Quaranta is giving "our gal". As a bonus, I talked Bobbi and Donna to sit for a picture. Bobbi's pretty shy and very self-conscious, so this was a big thing for her to show you what she looks like right now. This is what she looks like when she's trying very hard to smile. Tomorrow she goes to Duke for a follow-up visit. They did tell us it would take months for any signs of improvement, but I don't think it's too hard for those of us who love her to see through the surface to the "real Bobbi".
I had written a sort of open letter for Bobbi to take to some of her other doctors regarding Bobbi's medications. Bobbi has a primary care doc, the ENT doc at Duke (and the local one), a medical oncologist here and one at Duke, and all the radiation oncologists from Duke (including Dr. Quaranta, Dr. Prosnitz and the celebrated Dr. Ellen Jones). Along the way we've gotten dozens of prescriptions. Most "we" no longer need, but some we do, but all had run out (and were mark "no refill) except for the new uber-nasty steroid. We think of Dr. Pekal, her medical oncologist, as sort of her lead doctor (the involvement of Duke makes it muddled), but when the staff at Dr. Quaranta's saw the letter they immediately took Bobbi (and the letter) to see him. Problem solved. We're crazy about all of our doctors, especially the ones who seem to really care about Bobbi.
I want to thank everyone who helped me through the last few days. My mood has been pretty dark. I didn't fall into the abyss, but I walked along the edge for a few days. It's understandable, I think, but not the place I needed to be to give our little gal the best care. I was loosing and faith, but faith has returned. Hi Faith! I believe that the evidence of the love of The Creator (or God if you prefer) is manifest in the love we show each other, and I know Bobbi and I are loved. Bless you all, and thank you.
I'm sorry about the 3DAY walk, but I think the main thing is that we all work to alieve the suffering of all people and we're starting with this $#@!%$! conniving sneaky disease. As a walker, I committed to raising a bunch of money (over two grand) for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. This organization has the lowest administrative overhead and one of the best records for funding research. I will probably, in the next few days, establish a Shameless Commerce Division to help raise this moola. I will even be offering Knocka-Walka T-shirts with clever art work that say "Save The Knockers!" (all tastefully done, I assure you). If you're not to offended by my word play (and maybe even if you are) I hope you'll help.

October 15, 2008, 9:00pm - Once again we're in bed by 8pm. There have been slightly less tears today. Bobbi and her mom went shopping after radiation, and they got me a new coffee maker. It's excellent (a Delongi from Sam's Club). Then they went over to see the grand kids. Bobbi hasn't seen Kira in some time. They had a nice visit, and then went home where I arrived at the same time (5pm). Bobbi took a nap and I worked on her wooden horse. Then we had soup for supper, watched a little TV, took all her meds, gave her 8 units of insulin (her glucose was 345) and then went to bed.
She tolerated the radiation well, but it is only the second treatment. She has a little trouble sleeping, but I keep "heat socks" handy (socks filled with white rice heated in a microwave) and that gives her great relief from the leg pains. I rubbed her spine with aloe, but the gel was cold and she nearly slapped me! LOL. Note to self- warm aloe before applying.
October 15, 2008, 12pm - Bobbi and her mom are at the radiation center. Last night was pretty tough on her, and this morning wasn't much better. At least the radiation didn't cause a lot of discomfort (yet). Bobbi, her mother and brother will drive down to Duke on Friday, then spend the night at her sister Sarah's house in Charlotte Friday night. They might even take the little dog down for obedience training. Anyway, I called her around 10am and she was very sad, so I went home and made her a bagel with cream cheese and tomato slices (fresh tomatoes from our garden) and she cheered up a little. I gave the girls a mission- go shopping, buy a new coffee maker. That ought to cheer them up a little more.... but "shop till you drop" is not just an expression with Bobbi right now. I have to watch her like a hawk or she gets up and tries to do things by herself.

October 14, 2008, 10pm - What a day, eh? We went to bed pretty early, around 8pm. Thank you all... it's like I can feel dozens of our loved ones reaching out to us.... I really have no idea what will happen. I know I shouldn't abandon hope, I just haven't felt it hanging around for some time. The universe unfolds as it should and I seek the meaning in all things, but this........ Bobbi is a tough cookie, a real fighter, but how much can one person take? Rejoice, rejoice, we have no choice but to carry on. Steven Stills said that, I'll try that for a while.
Donna tells me I must have hope and I know she's right. Cherokee's are comfortable with strong women, so I'll do what she says. "Act as if you have faith and faith shall be given." Okay, I guess I'll fake it till I make it. We love you all- that part I'm not faking.
October 14, 2008, 3:45Pm - Okay, Bobbi is asleep. She took all her meds and even ate a little ice cream (keeps the steroids from upsetting her stomach. So would liver, but would you want to make anyone eat liver???). Here's what's what.
Bobbi has at least four tumorous nodes on her spine from the top to the bottom of the Thoracic region. The tumors are actually between the vertebra and the meninges (the membrane covering the cord). This is a little better I think than a bunch of lesions actually on the spinal cord. After consulting with Dr. Jones at Duke directly, Dr. Quaranta immediately began a three week course of radiation treatments (the first was this morning). Usually it take weeks to plan a course of radiation- Bobbi was taking her's two hours after we got there. She will have radiation mornings. Dr. Quaranta consulted with Bobbi's medical oncologist first. She suggested Bobbi have a course of chemotherapy where the drugs are administered directly through the spinal fluid, but Dr. Quaranta and D. Jones from Duke decided to save that till after the first course of radiation. Because of this new development we will further delay radiation to the breast. This is a rare cancer in a very hard to diagnose place, and it's as serious as the brain tumor.
That's what's happening. What will happen? Well, this messes up other Duke visits. We had and appointment tomorrow with Dr. Markum (the medical oncologist) and Thursday morning with Dr. Tucci for a follow up exam to her ear surgery. Luckily, I was able to reschedule the Friday morning visit to late Friday afternoon, and push the morning radiation to early morning. Bobbi's mother and brother Greg will rush her to Duke after radiation in Asheville. This is a critical appointment and I'm so grateful to our family and friends for all the help, especially for taking Bobbi for me.
What does this news feel like? Imagine the biggest, meanest guy you ever knew in high school. Now imagine yourself in third grade (old enough to know to fear what's coming). Now imagine he comes up and kicks you in the stomach and you're powerless to do anything about it, and he's still hanging around to maybe do it again. Now imagine he's going to do it to your little sister while you watch. That's what it feels like.
What does this all mean? Well, it's potentially pretty serious. The thoracic spine is where the nerves that control breathing, swallowing and a lot of other important functions are. We hope this treatment will arrest and maybe reverse the nerve damage she has already suffered. Like the brain, the spinal cord is a showstopper and we must treat it aggressively (and we are). We are delighted with how Dr. Jones is coordinating all of this with Dr. Quaranta and Dr. Pekal. We (including Bobbi and her mom) feel that Bobbi is where she should be to get the care she needs.
October 14, 2008, 2:45Pm - Okay, we just got home. Let me get Bobbi to bed, then I'll post an update.

October 13, 2008, 11:45Pm - Good news/bad news...... we know what's causing her balance and weakness issues. The MRI revealed cancer on Bobbi's spinal cord. I'm taking her to the new oncologist's first thing in the morning for radiation. On second thought, I guess there's really no good news. No- that's not true.Our friends Michael and Sherrill Hughie came to sit with us as we waited for Bobbi (her MRI wasn't over till nearly 9:30pm) and they were a blessing. Also, the local Boy Scout OA dance team did a blanket dance at a powwow and gifted us the proceeds. That was a blessing. Donna (Bobbi's mom) wept with me as I told her the news over the phone.... There is so much love directed at Bobbi and I.... forgive me for forgetting that.
We'll get up at 6:30am tomorrow (today I guess, it's after midnight) and go to Asheville for radiation. We'll pick up Donna on the way- the Three Amigos ride again. I'll keep you posted.
October 13, 2008, 4:45Pm - I just talked to Donna and they like the new oncologist very much. However, he is concerned about Bobbi's difficulty walking and leg pains. He's ordered another MRI, but this time of her spine. Donna said he just wants to be sure there's nothing there (which sounds to me like he wonders if there is something there). The MRI is at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville at 7pm, and it will take 2 hours. I'll keep you posted.
October 13, 2008, 10:45am - Today is the day Bobbi meets the new radiation oncologist from Duke. Alas, I am at work so her mother will take her. I just have to be miserly with my remaining leave from work. This morning Bobbi's blood glucose was nearly normal! Hooray....unless that's because we missed several steroid doses yesterday while I drug her around the countryside....
I just learned that the children of some coworkers were killed together in a traffic accident late Friday afternoon. Mercifully, both were killed instantly, but no parent should have to bury their child. Our hearts go out to them. They are in our prayers, as are the occupants of the other car who survived.

Lying here in the darkness, I hear the sirens wail.
Somebody going to emergency, somebody's going to jail.
If you find somebody to love in this world you better hand on tooth and nail.
The wolf is always at the door. Don Henly

October 12, 2008, 8:45pm - Wow- have we had a day. Of course, I didn't manage it well, and Bobbi was pretty tired when we got home, but she and I had a great day out. Around 11am we went to Waynesville to get lunch- sliced London Broil, Virginia ham, croissants, Kaiser rolls, baby swiss cheese (yum) and we schlepped it all up to Greg and Susan's house to eat lunch with them and visit our little doggie! Is that a run-on sentence or what? Then after several hours (and a tearful parting with the pup) we went to Lowe's for horsey parts THEN we spent another hour at Big Lots (I love that place). On the way home we went looking for the new movie "W", but it doesn't come out till this coming Friday, so we went to visit my God Mother/Aunt Lib who is 90 and recovering from a heart attack/fall down go boom. We just missed our other God-Children the Coopers! We had a lovely visit and even stayed to supper with Becky and Dick. We saw cousin Steve (who is recovering from spinal surgery) and cousin Johanna. When we finally got home it was after 8pm- that's ten hours on the road including three hours on her feet pushing shopping carts. What a trooper! Here's a photo of Bobbi and Rikki. I have a video you can watch by clicking HERE, but it's in Quicktime format. I'll convert it soon.
A little while ago Bobbi told me that for the last several days her vision is sometimes filled with little blue dots and squares. Now ya tell me. What the heck.
October 12, 2008, 8:45am - Well, we're having a nice morning here. Bobbi feels a little better and is less confused. I think a lot of her confusion is her high blood sugar- I think I'm going to have to check it three times a day. Even though she's decreasing her dosage she's been on the steroids again for three weeks. Her glucose this morning was 400 (after pancakes for breakfast). We had a nice breakfast together and now she's napping.
October 12, 2008, 6:45am - I keep thinking about the therapeutic effect our little dog would have on Bobbi. We sure miss the Fusswagon, but if she jumped on Bobbi when Bobbi was by herself..... anyway, I'm afraid of Bobbi falling. I guess I'm not the only one. Bobbi's sister Sarah called yesterday and volunteered to take Rikki to obedience classes. That's a great idea! Today I think we might go on over and visit the little dog. I've gotta get some wood putty to fix the horse anyway....

October 11, 2008, 9:45pm - Bobbi is having a little trouble with her sense of balance. She's pretty concerned about it. She doesn't see Dr. Tucci at Duke until Friday.
Today I worked on repairing a large carved wooden horse she's had since before we were married. It was damaged then and then our dogs chewed on it. She's only asked me to repair it for fifteen years, but today I did it (well, I started anyway). Bobbi as very pleased. Donna (her mother) came over in spite of Bobbi's protests. I surprised them both by showing them the plans to a log cabin I'm going to see about building here (see it HERE). Bobbi was delighted again. Then Donna, Bobbi and I walked to the front yard to choose the site. She was very pleased. It's about time she had her dream home.
That's it. That's what is going on. I'm afraid to leave her side.

October 10, 2008, 12:45pm - Bobbi is pretty down. I'm really at a loss. What she needs to for something- anything to improve, but that ain't happening. I guess we're both afraid. I reckon I should be detached and at peace with things as they are at trust that the universe will unfold as it should.... but I fail miserably. I'm not calm and accepting- I'm scared and mad as hell. My loved on is in pain and I seem powerless to help. I only hope that we learn encouraging things at the new Radiation Oncologist's office this coming Monday. I'm afraid to leave her side, and I haven't been training for my 60 mile walk... I guess I'd better make time.
October 10, 2008, 6:45am - Well, I feel a little better, but Bobbi is feeling worse. She went to her doctor yesterday (the plain old kind) and was told being immobile so much and lying down all the time has cause some minor nerve damage. That accounts for the leg pains. Bobbi was pretty upset. To her it seems like everything is breaking down. I think if one or two symptoms got better she might cheer up, but she does not improve... except to me she seems less confused that she has been. I think she's getting better mentally, and I wish that made things better. It seemed to not help at all. On Monday she meets her new radiation oncologist- the one Dr. Jones from Duke works with. Maybe that will help.

October 8, 2008, 9:45pm - Well dang, I have a cold. I am just afraid of Bobbi getting it- I wouldn't mind the rest of it. Dang. Talk about timing. Bobbi is not noticeably better. The pain she feels now is mostly from leg cramps, but she's still wobbly on her feet and her face is unchanged. Anyway, we spent yesterday afternoon and all of today in bed. Dang.

October 6, 2008, 6:45pm - Bobbi and her mom went for an outing today. Bobbi slept till 9:30am, when her mom showed up and whisked her away to the LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD class at CJ Harris Hospital. Then the girls went shopping at the new mega Super Walmart in Waynesville. Bobbi actually walked for several hours by holding on to the shopping cart! She's pretty tired now, but she did great!
October 6, 2008, 6:45am - It's an early morning to get Bobbi's care done before work. She was out of bed quite a bit yesterday and seemed to hold up okay, and she worked on paperwork till after 10pm, so I think she's getting some endurance back. Yesterday I went to the hospital to see my lil'ole aunt, but there was no Mary Lib in the building according to those who should know. We'll go by her house to see her today.
Bobbi is recovering nicely, except not being able to close her left eye is a worry. She has come up with a "device" to help, but the tape still irritates her skin a bit. I couldn't find any the advertised low or no irritation, but there were Bandaids like that.... hmmmmm. Man, do I miss those 6300 folks.

October 5, 2008, 10:45am - Wow- busy day yesterday. Uncle Roy came by and helped me string green beans, then I put up 24 jars of them (and 4 jars of sweet corn). We had a great visit, discussed the ills of the world (he thinks we're becoming a socialist state, I think we're becoming a fascist state), dismissed the political lightweights we have to choose between and pretty much wondered why the rest of the planet doesn't come to us for wisdom. Then we picked chestnuts.
Steve, Susan and Ian came to visit David and I had a nice meal. Bobbi stayed home. She didn't feel well, but is mostly concerned by her appearance I think. She won't admit it it, but I think it's true. It doesn't help that I myself see her like this. In her mind, she is afraid we'll see her like this. Probably, she really looks like this. I hope you all are laughing.
Today her blood sugar was 445- a new record, but we start tapering off the Prednisone, so that should go back down slowly. She's a little less wobbly than yesterday. I have to leave her alone for several hours to go to Asheville for a meeting, but she'll be in bed most of the day. We still don't have our little dog at home. I'm just afraid she can't take care of the beast while I'm at work yet. We shall see.

October 4, 2008, 6:45am - Sorry about no report yesterday. There's a lot to do now that we're home. We always appreciated the good care we got at Duke, but now we're on our own so to speak, Of course, everyone at home is more than helpful when they can be. Still we sure miss Jenny and Ashely, Shelby and Ashley (the other one), Zandra, Robin, Chris, Monica, Kim, Dr. Quin, Dr. Turley- holy cow, I'm not even half way done! Everyone who's names I have left off- you are missed, too!
Thursday I had a wonderful suprise- aunt Sarah and aunt Peggy joined uncle Richard, aunt Gency and uncle Roy for breakfast Thursday morning. I always thought of that branch as the "normal" part of the fam, but in fact we are all "characters"- none of that normal junk for us. Aunt Betty is recovering from her surgery and we send her our love. Sadly, I learned my godmother aunt Lib had a heart attack, and when she fell down she broke her pelvis and an arm. Damg. She's recovering, and Becky says she'll go home early next week. I'd like to ask everyone to stop getting hurt or sick for a while. I'll let you know when it's okay to resume.
That's it- the rest is just normal home stuff and Bobbi care. I made her breakfast, then she'll take a pill or two and zonk out. I'm running to Walmart- I can't fint the tippler to my pressure canner, and I have a few beans and some corn to can. I also want to get a grow light and move the best tomatoe plant into the house for the winter. Wish me luck. Anyway, I think I can sneak over to the store while Bobbi is asleep. When I get back I've got a suprise for ya.

October 2, 2008, 6:45am - We're Home!!! Actually, we got home a little before 8pm last night. I gave Bobbi her Percosets and she went out like a light. I started to clean the kitchen, sat down on the couch and went out like a light. I woke up at 4am, staggered to bed and woke up around 6am. Now I'm taking care of Bobbi (her blood sugar was only 142) and now I'm making breakfast. Remember, when we zoomed to Duke two weeks ago I was in the middle of putting up about 36 jars of green beans. All that was just abandoned mid-process to am-scray. Anyway, I'm trying to clean before my mother-in-law gets here! OMG! There's no way.
Anway, we are home! We're so glad to be here. We miss all the folks in the 6300 unit at Duke who adopted Bobbi- it won't be the same without having them around. They'll never know how much it meant to us to be shown a little kindness (mucho kindness). Bobi is home but not quite comfortable, so we're asking for no social visiting for the time being. She's got droopy face and bandages and she's a little self conscious. Also, her surgical scar bleeds a tad and she's in pain, so I'm just trying to keep her comfortable. We'll keep you posted.

October 1, 2008, 10:45am - Bobbi just got back from her PET Scan (finally!) and she's looking good to us. We are going ahead with plans to discharge sometime today. Right now we're speaking with a counselor (who is great) about all our stress. We got stress <he says with his eye twitching>? Anyway, the idea of going home is pretty good therapy. All the nurses we've fallen in love with (and they with Bobbi) have been checking in on Bobbi. All her docs and nurses have really taken a shine to her (and we all know why). We're even packing a little bit. Donna and Jill and I are just sitting her hugging our little gals. I'll keep you posted.
October 1, 2008, 6:45am - Well, today's is the day we go home! Keep your fingers crossed. Okay, we've had several doctor visits and I'll tell you what's going on. Bobbi had a fair night. She has been in some discomfort from her surgical entry site. They removed the huge dressing from her head a few minutes ago. It looked like a turban and she looked like Gloria Swanson while she had it on (less makeup though ;-). Also, we learned that Bobbi did in fact have a mastoidectomy, and it's not that she has less bone covering. I don't think Dr. Tucci actually said that..maybe she was trying to keep it simple for us. Anyway, I found a video explaining it (mastoidectomy) HERE. Anyway, we go for the PET Scan in an hour, and we'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

September 30, 2008, 8:30pm - Bobbi is in a lot of discomfort, but she's already taken all the pain meds she can for now. What she needs is to sleep. She does sleep, but wakes up from time to time. All the nurses are checking on her, even the one's off duty. Everybody loves Bobbi.
Because she's having a PET Scan in the morning she can't eat or drink anything after midnight. Because of the pain from her surgery (she can't chew) she was given broth for supper- not very filing, so I went down and got a bowl of clam chowder and strained out the solids. She loved it. We're keeping a close eye on her blood sugar. It hit 390 last night (that's high). It's a side-effect of steroids.
September 30, 2008, 6:30pm - Bobbi is awake and talking. She is uncomfortable from the surgery (and a tad cranky, but she's allowed to be!). We're trying to arrange some soft or liquid food for her. At 5pm Dr. Jones came by and spoke with us again. She is setting Bobbi up with an appointment with one of the radiation oncologist (I don't know which one, but we trust her judgment). Tomorrow Bobbi has a PET Scan to check on her ear, and then we'll be leaving sometime later. That's the plan. At 6:30 a couple of EN&T doctors came by and explained that it was actually her facial nerve that had become "dehiscent" and not a Cholesteatoma. Thank you all for calling and texting.
September 30, 2008, 2:30pm - SHE'S BACK!!! Oops, shhhhh. She's pretty groggy. She got back about 2pm and she's sleeping now. We told her about what happened to her, and we told her about Dr. Jones' visit. Then I got her organized- helped her out of the gown and into sweat. I got her to the potty and back and then remade her bed. Now she's sleeping. She's very uncomfortable, and sleep will do her good. I'll keep you posted.

September 30, 2008, 12:30pm - We just met and spoke to Dr. Ellen Jones! She is the famous IBC (inflammatory breast cancer) specialist and radiation oncologist here at the Duke cancer clinic. We had a long consultation- she came right to Bobbi's room to speak to us. Actually, she was under the impression that Bobbi had had her surgery yesterday and would be here today. She said she'd come back later to meet Bobbi.
Dr. Jones has reviewed all the records and the notes from last week's meeting with her associate Dr. Horton. She restated her opinion that because IBC involves the skin and not the breast tissue that surgery is not likely beneficial on the whole. She's recommending a six week course of radiation followed by a break and then reassessment. She said she was sure, having reviewed Bobbi's records, that she must be exhausted by all she (Bobbi) has gone though. She would be delighted to keep Bobbi here at Duke for her treatment and talked about a facility where patient's can stay called Caring House. We'd need a referral from a social worker to get in, and I'd need to see if it is in our HMO network. However, it seems unlikely that Bobbi would want to be away from home for six weeks unless I was with her (and I don't have six weeks leave). Dr. Jones said that she knew two radiation oncologists in Asheville who had been on the faculty here at Duke and were the ones she referred patients to in the western part of our state. Dr. Brian Quaranta also went to school here at Duke, and Dr. Kelly Condra went to U of F (go Gators!), and they coordinate care quite closely with Dr. Jones. Sounds like we found our new radiation oncologist.
Dr. Jones was very kind in answering countless questions. I think I'd rather Bobbi stayed here at Duke for her radiation. I'd feel better, but I guess Bobbi wouldn't (unless I was here too). Donna has volunteered to be Bobbi's shuttle back and forth to Asheville. Now I guess we need to make sure Dr. Pekal is aware of our decision.
September 30, 2008, 11:30am - We are sitting in Bobbi's room waiting. We hope to have her back by noon or a little later. In the meantime Jill (the sister), Donna (the mother) and I are discussing strategy. It's obvious we're going to have to be more militant in pursuing the care we want for Bobbi. Dr. Pekal seems to continue to resist changing radiation oncologists before we start her breast radiation therapy, but we remain determined. I guess there are a lot of dynamics involved, political, financial, prestige wise and otherwise. Maybe Dr. P just doesn't want to hurt Dave's feelings. Dr. Jones, the radiation oncologist her at Duke is world class, but there are a number of radiation oncologists in the area who could be perfect for her care. We both liked Dr. Smathers (we met her at Memorial Mission just before the brain surgery) and only went to "the other guy" to save gas money and because Dr. P. used to work with him. If we've learned anything it is that if you are not on your toes the medical system can be very disappointing and even bad for your health. Anyway, I've let Dr. Jones' office know Bobbi is in recovery and will be back soon.
September 30, 2008, 10:30am - The surgery is over and we just spoke to Dr. Tucci. There was no cholesteatoma. What appeared to be the remnants of the ear drum was in fact a mass of inflamed tissue. There was no pressure of the bone against the nerve because, for whatever reason, Bobbi's nerve was not encased in bone where it would normally be. It was simply a mass of inflamed tissue and a swollen nerve. So... well, there was no suitable skin or other membrane to reconstruct her eardrum because her radiation burns made them unusable. As an alternative, Dr. Tucci used a material called Alloderm to build an artificial eardrum. This is likely a temporary solution because she (the doctor) is not confident the material will "take". In fact, what she actually said was "it would be a miracle." In the meantime it will at least offer a barrier to further infection. Her hearing will not recover until such time as a viable eardrum is constructed. We don't know when that will be. At least that means we can begin radiation therapy on the chest area (stay away from the head, please).
The external pressure to the nerve has been relieved, but the nerve itself remains inflamed. The doctor advised us that recover could take many months, and during that time her facial muscles would remain paralyzed. This is probably the worst news. The good news is that Bobbi should recover from the surgery quickly and be discharged tomorrow. I should be able to see her in a few hours.
In the meantime Jill (the sister), Donna (the mother) and I are discussing strategy. It's obvious we're going to have to be more militant in pursuing the care we want for Bobbi. Dr. Pekal seems to continue to resist changing radiation oncologists before we start her breast radiation therapy, but we remain determined. I guess there are a lot of dynamics involved, political, financial, prestige wise and otherwise. Maybe Dr. P just doesn't want to hurt Dave's feelings. Dr. Jones, the radiation oncologist her at Duke is world class, but there are a number of radiation oncologists in the area who could be perfect for her care. We both liked Dr. Smathers (we met her at Memorial Mission just before the brain surgery) and only went to "the other guy" to save gas money and because Dr. P. used to work with him. If we've learned anything it is that if you are not on your toes the medical system can be very disappointing and even bad for your health.

By the way- Happy Birthday Uncle Dave!
September 30, 2008, 8:30am - They just called and the surgery is beginning.
September 30, 2008, 7:00am - Okay, she's being prepped for surgery....
September 30, 2008, 5:30am - Soon the little guys in scrubs will come whisk Bobbi to the operating room. She's resting but not sleeping. They're drawing blood, hanging bags of saline and fussin' around. They'll take her before 7am, and it's about a four hour surgery (plus prep and recovery). Maybe we'll know something by noon. It seems yesterday there was a lot of trauma surgeries and that's why everyone in the afternoon got bumped from the schedule.At least she's the first surgery of the day today. I'll keep you posted.