The Little F&@ker is Shrinking!

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It’s Shrinking!!

Guess where I am right now? I am in the hospital!! Woot! Woot! I went in this morning to have my CT scan done. Afterwards we headed up to see the doctor. First, I had to get my lab work done, which is having blood drawn and peeing in a cup. Karen, the RN, stated she would access my port to draw the blood. I asked her if it was going to hurt. “Won’t hurt me”, she replied. That had me laughing. She said some people said it hurts a little and some say don’t feel a thing. Well, let me tell you, those people who say they don’t feel anything are liars. I felt something alright. It felt like someone pushed a push-pin into my chest, twice. However, it was nice knowing I won’t be poked for a while.

Dr. Read was very happy with my scans. He said he would have been happy if the tumor had just stopped growing but for it so have shrunk a little, he was very excited. Made me and the family very happy to hear him say that. He also said that I would have four total treatments. After that we will look at the tumor and see if it can be surgically removed or if they can zap it with radiation. We are crossing our fingers for the surgery.

I am all checked in and am waiting for my RN, Theo (got a big hug from him), to start my chemo. As with last time, I won’t be able to post any pictures but I am taking them for a “hospital photo” post when I get back. Thanks again for all your prayers and positive vibes.

Talented Family…

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My Talented Family

My Dad!

My Dad!

I have some really talented people in my family. I am going to tell you about two of them today. First is my Dad, Kerry J.Grinkmeyer. He has written a children’s book called The Christmas Web. The following is an explanation on how the tradition came about.

The day after Thanksgiving, 1992, we introduced the Christmas Web in our home with the placement of Magic Wands into their socks that had for years been hung at the fireplace mantel. Attached to each Magic Wand was a piece of yarn (a 70 yard piece of yarn). When our two teen-aged children came down Christmas morning, they found that the yarn was wound through the house – around window latches, door knobs, chairs and doors. It ended in a closet or cabinet which held their special Christmas gift from one of Santa’s elves, an elf who had been looking out for them for the past year and knew of their desire for this special Christmas gift.– From The Christmas Web website.

The Christmas Web

The Christmas Web

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He has been chosen by Wal-Mart for their Get On the Shelf contest and he needs your help! Please go to the website daily and vote! If he gets enough votes, he will move on to the next level of the competition. The link will take you to the page where you can vote daily.

My SIL, Ginger!

My SIL, Ginger!

Next is my sister-in-law Ginger Grinkmeyer. I have known Ginger since we were both 17, so really she is my sister. Anyway, she has always been very talented. Getting a gift from her, is an event. You feel bad opening them since the wrapping it’s a piece of art on its own. She has a thriving business down in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, called The Workshop. Her website, Spools of Twine, also sells some of her art.

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She was recently featured on the SolWal website. It is a wonderful article about her and the workshop. There is also a great video at the end of article. Please go look at it. If you are down in Santa Rosa Beach (50 Uptown Grayton Circle, #3, Grayton Beach, Florida 32459) or near the area go check out her store. You will be happy that you did!

I love my family and you should too! :)

Timber’s First Vet Visit

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I took Timber to his first Vet fist at Powers Ferry Animal Hospital. The hospital is very close to our home so we have driven by it a lot, so I thought we should give it a try.

Car ride to the vet

Car ride to the vet

As always, Timber was super excited about the car ride.

Powers Ferry Animal Hospital

Powers Ferry Animal Hospital

As usual, we got to the vet early, so I took Timber for a walk around the parking lot and dog run area. Timber was excited about all the new smells and did his part in letting everyone he had been there.

Front desk

Front desk

The hospital is about a year or two old. It use to be located in strip mall close by until the built a brand new hospital. I was shocked the see the place was carpeted! Luckily, Timber was on his behaver and did not have an accident. The women at the front desk were all very nice and commented on how handsome and well-behaved Timber was. I said Thank You (like I had anything to do with it). We only had to wait for about a minute after we checked in before we were led to the examination room.

Waiting for our turn

Waiting for our turn

Once again, the room was carpeted and everything was fresh and new. It didn’t smell like dog or cats to me but once we entered the room, Timber’s nose went crazy. He was smelling every nook and cranny. I wish he could tell me who all had been there!

Our room

Our room

The Tech came in and asked a few questions about Timber. She also asked if he had been microchipped. I said no, cause that would be something I knew right? She then took him back to weight him and take his temperature. He came back and guess what! He is microchipped! What? She showed me the wand thing they use and sure enough a code popped up when she waved it over his back. She gave me information so I could register him with Petlink.net. Super cool! Timber weights 84 pounds. Oh pickles!

Being a good dog.

Being a good dog.

Next the Vet came in. His name is Dr. Miller and the first thing did after shaking my hand, was get down on the floor to meet and pet Timber. Timber was like, hi, and stayed by me. I told him it was ok and he went over to him. Dr. Miller was very nice. He looked at his teeth and felt all over him. When it came to checking Timber’s hips, Timber thought it would be best to climb onto my lap. Hold On! He basically was half on me while the hip examination went on. His hips are in good shape, which is great because that is an area of concern for German Shepard’s. Dr. Miller said he didn’t think Timber looked over weight, but would rather see German Shepard’s a little skinny due to the potential hip issues. He then told me he had two dogs who were overweight! The shoemaker always has the worst looking shoes deal.

Timber and Dr. Miller

Timber and Dr. Miller

Overall our experience at Powers Ferry Animal Hospital was wonderful. We will continue to take Timber there. My goal for Timber is to lose a little weight, he and My Man need to get out there and run more. Maybe when the heat index isn’t over 100 they can start! If you live in the area and need a Vet for your dog, check them out. If you need a Vet for your cats check out Paws, Whiskers and Claws. They work with just cats and are wonderful!

 

Random Acts…

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The rest of my Monday went well. I enjoyed speaking with my clients. They were all very sweet and understanding regarding my situation. I have some great clients!

Timber Wolf
Timber’s trip to spa was great. It is insane that the dog has any fur left on him. The amount that came off was incredible. The grommer said we could have outfit a few hairless Chiwawa’s with all the fur that came off him. He is so soft and smells so fresh now! Plus his mani/pedi looks great. The Grommer kept going on and on about how well-behaved he is. He is such a good boy!!

Clean & Fresh!

Clean & Fresh!

His bandana had skulls on it and matches his name tag. This morning he is going to the Vet for the first time. I hope it goes well. I am pretty sure it will, he is very well-behaved. I am hoping that he has lost a few pounds. When we first adopted him, he weighted about 80 pounds. One of the ladies who works with the rescue, said that he needed to lose a little weight. I will make sure to take some pictures of the visit.

Packing
I have packed all my clothes for trip to the hospital. I have started working on packing my “goodie, don’t go insane” bag. Here are a few things I have packed so far.

You can never have enough TP at the hospital!

You can never have enough TP at the hospital!

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I have a few more things to pack and I will try not to freak out like usually do before I go anywhere. I did go to Target and two new pillow cases for our “hospital pillows”.

Radom Act of Kindness

So there I was loading my purchases from Costco in my car, when a lady who was at least 69+ comes over and starts helping me load my car. I was so taken back! I mean she was grabbing some heavy shit. I told her she didn’t need to do that and in a very older southern woman way, she shooshed me and continued to help me load my car. I thanked her when we were done and she took my cart away. I was totally shocked and couldn’t understand why she helped me out. I then saw my reflection in the mirror, I was wearing a baseball hat and totally screamed chemo patient. I decided then and there to be nicer to strangers. I am sure even with being a chemo patient I was stronger than this woman but she helped me out anyway. The least I could do is the same.

Shout Outs:

Nicki W.- You rock girl! I LOVE my necklace and am wearing it right now! And to remember The Girls! How cool is that?!?! Thank you for your kind words and for thinking of me and my family. Miss you.

Phil & Kathy M.- Thank you for my Coke a Cola goodies! The socks look very warm and I am going to have to fight The Boy for the bear!!

Only One Week Left!

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There is only one week left of camp for The Boy before school starts! Where did the summer go?! Other than to hell? Last thing I remember I was in Quebec City with My Man!

On the tour bus!

On the tour bus!

It sucks! Anyway, since I will most likely (fingers crossed) will be in the hospital next Monday, I went to Costco yesterday to do some shopping for The Boys lunches. I loaded up on healthy juice boxes, snack size pretzels and Annie’s crackers and cookies packages. Hopefully this will help my Mom when it comes to packing his lunch and snack. I still have to go to Trader Joe’s to get mac and cheese and bread for sandwiches. Any idea’s on what else to pack for a picky 8-year-old boy?

My Man and I also discussed what to bring to the hospital this trip. We agreed we needed to bring our own pillows. However, he insisted we buy two new pillows and pillow cases due to the hospital germ icky factor. I was able to get two new pillows at Costco but will have to head to Target for the pillow cases. I also bought 12 boxes of Kleenex. The ones they provide for you suck! I am going to be prepared this time! When I got home from the store, I started back on the laundry. I had started working on it an Saturday and still had a ton to do. Once again, this is all in preparation for me being away from home for a few days. There was also some cleaning involved; My Man cleaned the pool, I made The Boy clean his toilet and sink, sheets were changed and floors were cleaned. I still have more laundry to do (how, I have no idea) and carpets to vacuum but they can wait a day or too.

I have a busy work day today, three conference calls and follow-up letters to write. I am also taking Timber to the Spa for a deep fur anti shedding cleaning. This will be our second time going to Perk-N-Pooch and hopefully it will be as good as the first.

For all of those who wondered how much a five night chemo stay at Emory Hospital costs, well I have can tell you. This is just for the stay. $21,770.99 It does not include my biopsy or CT scan. The CT was around $7,000.00 and the biopsy was about the same. Me expensive!!

Big Shout Out to my Mom!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Have a wonderful day Mom! I love you!

It’s Saturday!

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We are having a great day today. My Boy was asked on a date today by my assistant’s daughter, Stephanie. She picked him at noon and they went to Sky Zone. He had a great time. Like I have said before, being an only child is cool but being with parents all the time can get old. We are lucky to have such good friends who like our son! He is pretty cool.

While he was gone, I did some “work” work, did laundry (we have so much of it) cleaned out the chicken coop, played ball with Timber and then went to Fresh Market with My Man. We bought items for tonight’s and tomorrow’s dinner.

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Last night me and my boys went out to dinner at C&S Seafood. So YUMMY!!! My Man and I    started with a cocktail. We then split the Wedge Salad (I had them give my bacon to My Man) and a Shrimp and Goat Cheese Beignets. The beignets were so soft and lovely. Perfect for me. We then ordered the Plateaux de Fruits De Mer. It included 12 oysters, 4 shrimp and a pound of king carb legs. OMG! It was soooo good. I have always wanted to order the Plateaux de Fruits De Mer and I am so glad we did. It was wonderful night out.

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Tired out a new scarf yesterday. Thanks again Sue!!

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Shout Out to my Mom and Dad. Look what I got in the mail!! The toothpaste is sooo smooth on my gums, it feels like heaven. The gel, spray and liquid all work wonderful too. Thanks Mom and Dad!

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This is my a view of my home office where I have been working on “work” from home and on the blog. On Thursday, I thought I had lost my Mac. We had icky weather and the power flickered and boom! Mac dead! I was horrified! NOT MY MAC! On the laptop I started IM-ing My Man. He was not happy. I tried restarting it over and over again. I unplugged it. I plugged it in a different outlet. Nothing. I had to go to the store and when I got back I thought I would try to start it again. Bingo! It started. I guess it just needed to rest.

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My work companion, he is never far away. Sometimes we are joined by Panny too. When Simon joins me, he usually sits on top of me or one of the key boards.

Whatcha Reading?

At the moment, I am not reading anything. Sometimes, I am just not in the mood read. Not sure why that is.  However, I am listening to a new series via Audible Books.  It is called the White Trash Zombies Series.  Zombies, I know right? Crazy Me.

So far there are three books in the series and I am now listening to the third one. I really like the books. They take place in a small town in Louisiana. The narrator, Allison McLemore, does a great good with the accent. A bad narrator can totally ruin a book. I have returned books just because of the narrator. The main character is named Angle she is a white trash, high school dropout and addicted to drugs and alcohol when she is turned into a zombie. I really like her character. Being turned into a zombie is the best thing that happens to her. There are cringe worthy gross parts and being white trash and all, cursing but it is a fun series! Check it out!

Hope y’all are having as good as day as I am!  Be Good!!

Question: What are you reading/listening too? I need some suggestions!