First In-Home Nurse Visit

VNACJ Nurses of the 1930s

The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) began with a meeting of volunteers on June 24, 1912 at Brookdale Farm, and has since evolved into one of the premier providers of community health care services.

Madeline, our VNACJ nurse, arrived today around 11:00 am. She was absolutely terrific, and couldn't have been nicer. In addition to redressing the wound, she answered some of our questions:

Q: If my wound was infected, why wasn't I prescribed antibiotics?
A: I did not have a fever which meant that the infection was most likely localized, and therefore the entire body did not need to be treated with antibiotics.

Q: What is the purpose of reopening the wound?
A: Usually wounds heal from the inside out, but in my case the wound healed in reverse: basically the top external portion healed over before I was internally healed - creating a "pocket" where infections can occur. The point of the packing is to keep the wound open so that the inside can heal fully.

Q: How will this wound eventually close - do they just sew it up?
A: It's unlikely that I will need stitches. Most likely, as the wound heals, the doctor will decrease the amount of packing, until eventually all of the packing will be removed. The entire wound will then be covered by a bandage, and the body should naturally heal the wound close.

Since Gary did such a great job redressing the wound, she feels that a nurse is not needed every day (and we agree). I am scheduled to receive two more in-home visits next week: Monday and Friday. She really provided some peace of mind, and Gary and I are much more confident that we can tackle this latest hurdle.

A Moment of Zen

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, nor to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly - Buddha


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Orphaned Manatee Cared for at SeaWorld Orlando

I saw a story on the news the other day about a 3½-foot, 41-pound orphaned manatee who washed up on the shores of Daytona Beach who is now being taken care of by the wonderful people at SeaWorld Orland.  I then found this adorable photograph on Cute Overload that I just had to share with you:


Until next time..... Lorie

Whoa!! I was NOT expecting that!

Cancer has been a land of "firsts" for me: first MRI, first CT, first endoscopy, first bowel prep, first anoscopy, first sigmaoidoscopy, first colonoscopy, first surgery (ever), first foley catheter (you get the picture).

Today was another first - the first time we had to change my wound dressing. We started by reviewing our notes from yesterday's appointment (we have a small red moleskin notebook that we take to every appointment):

Step One: remove the old bandages and packing
- peel away the very outer bandage of sticky gauze
- remove the two squares of dry gauze
- using the tweezers, remove the approx 2 foot strip of "packing" that is stuffed into wound

In the mornings, I am supposed to take a shower between steps one and two; and let the wound get soapy water into it.

Step Two: repack the wound
- cut a 2 foot strip of packing
- soak the packing in saline, and ring out excess water
- using the long cue-tips, pack the wound - leave a little bit sticking out
- place two squares of dry gauze over the packing
- cover with a bandage of sticky gauze

Next, we laid out all of our necessary "equipment" on the bathroom counter: tweezers, scissors, "packing", gloves, extra long q-tips, bandages and saline (mise en place baby).


We decided the process would work best with me lying down, so after I was comfortably resting on a towel in bed, Gary removed all of the dressing perfectly; and when he was done, I looked down and saw the wound, for the first time.

You see, I was so nervous yesterday that I didn't look at what Dr. Nash was doing when he was re-opening my wound (I basically just squeezed the stuffing out of Gary's hand and closed my eyes). In my mind, I guess I pictured a couple stitches being cut away, revealing a dime-sized hole which was then packed with a little gauze.

So when I looked down, I was shocked to find that Dr. Nash had taken ALL of the stitches out, and there was a 1.5" gaping slash in my gut. I have never seen anything like it. Since the wound had been stretched open by the packing, it looked as if I was actually missing a chunk of my body (like a shark bite).

Immediately, I felt this overwhelming sense of panic wash over me, and I began uncontrollably sobbing, only momentarily stopping to choke out the same sentence, over and over again: "I don't think I can do this". It was the first time I was really scared since my diagnosis.

Gary calmed me down and suggested that we just put a very loose bandage over the wound so I wouldn't have to see it as I took my shower. It was a brilliant idea. Although still crying, I was able to take my shower and Gary expertly repacked the wound.

Now that the shock has worn off, I have "regrouped" as my mother would say. I still feel a little self-doubting, but I know in my heart that I CAN do this; I just need to work on some breathing and visualization techniques for the next "first" can catch me unawares.

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle; I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." ~ Mother Teresa

Warning! Not for the Squeamish

Cancer patients and doctors often speak in terms of percentages (survivor percentages, staging percentages, recurrence rates, etc). Even the treatments themselves carry risk factors.

Fact: On average, only about 10% of abdominal surgical wounds become infected (this percentage is lower at Sloan-Kettering).

In my case, we did everything possible to reduce the risk of infection. Firstly, I was instructed to take a shower the night before and morning of my surgery, using nothing but Hibiclens Antimicrobial and Antiseptic Skin Cleaner Liquid to reduce the risk of infection. Secondly, Dr. Nash was able to laparoscopically remove the 20 lymph nodes and foot of colon through one small incision, thereby decreasing the risk of infection. Finally, during surgery, antibiotics were administered.

However, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of infection with this kind of surgery, and despite these efforts, my wound still became infected.

Yesterday morning, I was washing my hands at the bathroom sink when I noticed the front of my shirt, by my incision area, had some light blood stains on it. When I lifted up my shirt for a closer look, clear liquid began trickling through the translucent surgical adhesive and down my abdomen. I called Gary in to look at it, and we were able to stop the drainage by having me lie down and gently blot the area with a tissue.

We called Dr. Nash's office and sent them a picture from Gary's iphone (photo on left). Based on our description and photo, Dr. Nash said I'd better come in.

To be honest - I thought the wound looked pretty good, and I was being over-cautious; however, as soon as Dr. Nash saw it he was able to determine that it was indeed infected, and the wound would have to heal from the inside out.

He explained that the redness around the wound, in addition to the fluid build up, were signs of infection. He then removed the clear, surgical adhesive patch (looks shiny in photo), reopened a portion of the wound (cut away stitches) and drained it. Afterward, he stuffed the "hole" with gauze. Finally, the entire incision was covered by gauze.

Dr. Nash informed us that this "dressing" would have to be changed twice a day. Gary was trained so that he will be able to change the dressing in the morning, and the office is going to arrange with my insurance for a home-care nurse to come and change my dressing in the afternoon.

Lessons Learned:

1. Use your iphone (or any camera phone) to digitally send pictures to your doctor if you think something is wrong.

2. Always error on the side of caution.

3. Don't rely on objectively concrete statistics when it comes to managing your own personal health care.

Cowboy Lil' Man is Four Years Old

I got the latest photo from my daughter-in-law of our grandson Lil' Man taken on his 4th birthday.  Isn't he just the cutest little ham?  I think he has really taken to living in Texas quite well, wouldn't you agree?  Boy do we miss him and his parents SO much.


Until next time..... Lorie

Cartoon of the Day - Can't Argue with Childhood Logic

Duh, ma... 'Nuff said!!

Until next time..... Lorie

A Soldier's Prayer

Growing up, "The Prayer of An Unknown Confederate Soldier" was taped to our refrigerator door. When I went to college, my mother gently pushed aside the few scattered magnets that had settled along its borders, peeled back the yellowing tape, and gave me the prayer. Eighteen years later, that faded, worn piece of paper (that fell victim to more than just the occasional wayward kitchen splatter) remains one of the most valuable things that I own.

The prayer transcends politics and religion to reveal a fundamental truth about the human condition: quality of character is not determined by the types of challenges one faces, but rather by how one faces any type of challenge.

My mother, Adria DiMaria, contracted the polio virus when she was five years old, which left her with significant weakness in both legs. After being hospitalized for a year, her primary treating physician said that he would "tear up his medical license" if she ever walked again; my mother not only walks, but is currently training to become a member of the US Para-equestrian Team and compete in the specialty of Para Dressage at the Paralympics in England (2012). [Click HERE to read her incredible inspirational story.]

With the words of this prayer in my heart and my mother at my side, my cancer diagnosis and treatment has never been a burden; it has always been an opportunity to become more "richly blessed".

The Prayer of An Unknown Confederate Soldier

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was give life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for—but got everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

T.I.M.E......

heyya readers..miss me?..haha..so sorry for not updating..i'm kinda busy with my Uni-student-life..assignments, classes, discussions etc etc really occupied my schedule for this semester..but don't worry, i still have time for my kpop..only for that, i ensure to spend some time updating them..heheh..still addicting with SHINee's Lucifer, Se7en's Better Together and their other songs..i can't wait

I'm SO Happy - Today is National Milk Chocolate Day

I have NO idea who proclaimed July 28th as National Milk Chocolate Day, but you know what, I DON'T CARE!!  I discovered it while reading the news on the web today and saw an obscure article.  So, I just think we all need to celebrate in a HUGE way.  We can indulge because according to candyusa.com 1.4 ounces of milk chocolate has only 210 calories -- that's not much at all, hey, we can make a

Wordless Wednesday: Summer in Celebration, FL

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday... hope you are all having a fabulous summer.


Head on over to the Wordless Wednesday Hub to link up your post and view the other participants.  Have a terrific day.

Until next time..... Lorie

Dr. Garrett Nash & Sloan-Kettering: Going the Extra Mile

One thing that sets Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center apart from other hospitals is its focus on both a patient's physical and spiritual well being.

For example, the day after my surgery, a eucharistic minister came to my bedside and asked me if I wanted to receive holy communion. (I had identified myself as Catholic on my pre-admission forms.) I immediately felt stronger and calmer after receiving the Sacrament, and much more willing to face the day's challenges.

In addition to being sensitive to religious needs, Sloan-Kettering also fosters a sense of community and hope among its patients. Every nurse, doctor, and staff member who walked into my room had a smile on their face and cracked jokes. This jovial attitude spilled over into the hallways, where patients would cheer each other on as we did our required daily "laps" around the floor. I felt like I was completing my first marathon instead of just shuffling a few feet, holding onto my IV pole for support.

The 15th floor (my floor) is home to the Gastric Mixed Tumor/Colorectal Cancer Unit as well as the hospital's renowned recreation room, which was described by the NY Times as "something of a cancer patient’s corner bar, minus the booze". The recreation room has daily activities (see my previous blog posts about the Ritz-Carlton pastry chef demonstration and "look good feel better" program) as well as a pool table, library, and outdoor patio. The purpose of the room is to limit "down time" - when a cancer patient's mind is likely to drift to places that are dark and defeating.

My doctor, Garrett Nash, also demonstrated the difference in Sloan-Kettering's approach to patient care. Case in point, as soon as Dr. Nash found out my pathology results (Thursday night) he called me at the hospital. He could have easily waited until morning rounds to tell me the good news, but he went out of his way to ease my mind.

As if that weren't enough, Dr. Nash visited me on Saturday, his day off, in his running gear. It turns out that he runs to raise money for cancer research! He is currently training for the NYC Marathon in November as a member of Fred's Team, which is a program that raises money to support crucial research at MSKCC, "bringing us closer to a world without cancer - one mile at a time." [Click HERE to visit Dr. Nash's donor page and support Fred's Team.]
Sloan-Kettering truly embodies Francis Peabody's famous quote: "The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient".

Nursing's BEST: Sloan-Kettering

I was on the 15th floor - and the nurses on the floor (MSKCC’s Gastric Mixed Tumor/Colorectal Cancer Unit) were named ADVANCE's 2008 Best Nursing Team in NY/NJ.

The personal care and attention was nothing short of extraordinary.

Read the full article here.

First Night Home

I am so happy to be home. There is nothing better than lying in bed, typing this blog, watching "Criminal Minds" and knowing that any second Gary is going to come home from grocery shopping for our new and interesting culinary adventure in low fiber, low residue, low fat cooking. (We are going to be posting any successful recipes.)

Couple of notes about the ride home: the NJ Turnpike is NOT the smoothest ride with a healing 1.5 inch incision in your gut. Also, it's a good thing to take anti-nausea meds BEFORE you get in the car.

I'm going to be working on the blog over the next few days - even my old posts...so tune in often.

I Will Be Busy This Week

I hope you will forgive me if I don't post too often this week of fall behind on my visits to your blogs and returning emails (if you even get them at all).  You see, I will be really busy this week:


You all know the two on the left, Nano and Lady Mia, the three on the right are: Mumbo, Mai-Li, and Mila... they belong to a very good friend of mine who had a family emergency and had to go out of

Hospital - Day Six

I just saw my doctor who said I could go home!!

I felt every single one of your warm wishes...it's about a 6 week recovery; please continue to hold me, my family and friends in your hearts.

Guess it's time to take down this Matisse print mom bought when she and my cousin Carly went to the MOMA on Wed.


It sure did add a touch of class to the room.


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4:15 am Vitals (BP, Temp, NYC Subway)

One thing you get used to in the hospital is being woken up at all hours of the night for vitals (blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygen), shots, and getting blood drawn. However, as soon as I saw him, I knew this nurse, scheduled to take my 4:15 am routine vitals, was going to be different. He was 6'3", 180 lbs, African American, around 50 years old, and had huge patches of major wild cats (leopards, tigers etc) sewn all over his scrubs. What a character.

I had "Brave Heart" on the TV, without the sound, and he took one look at the screen and said: "Oh yea, this guy gets pushed out the window"...5 min later - he was right, a guy gets pushed out of the window of a castle. (I never did see the movie so I can't elaborate on the scene; the TV was just on because I couldn't sleep.)

This started a conversation about evil and the NY subway, which went something like this:

"I was ex military so I always give people a once over and carry three things with me when I ride the subway: a flashlight, bottle of water, and pocket knife. There are a lot of tunnels down there and you don't know who you are sitting next to if the lights go out. I'll tell you though that if I saw that Rasputin joker get on the train I'd know something was up with that cat. He was supposed to be really tall and I've seen pictures...he looks like evil.

There are some scary, evil people in this world...(we talked about serial killers)...I was just reading about the Spanish Inquisition. Man, I can't understand them- they went after women who were free thinkers (he points to me....glad he can spot a woman-free-thinker when he sees one) and created a pool of malevolence which is where a lot of these other crazy people come from.

Like one time there was a guy lying on the floor of the subway car with a rooster on his chest and I said 'man are you serious with this chicken' but he just kept on lying there and put on a hat and sat in a chair when we got to the station. Other foreign police wouldn't let you lie in the middle of a subway car with a chicken; nope, they'd beat the breaks off you."

Indeed they would. I think.



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Someone Hacked my Email

Just wanted to let you guys all know that someone has hacked my AOL email address (LJS65) and has been sending out spam emails - some of them have to do with Canadian Pharmacies and other retail shops. 

I hope none of you have been getting any of these emails thinking they are from me and gotten any type of virus or spyware or other crap.  I have contacted AOL and they suggested I change my

First Non-IV Dinner

First solid meal: pasta, tapioca, tea, mashed potatoes


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Hospital - Day Five

Like Bill Murry said in Ghost Busters: "looks like we are going to have to put some overtime in on this one"....

I can't eat or take pain meds without throwing up-- NOT a good combo!

So all you praying people out there-- I need you to put in some overtime so I can get outta here!!


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Happy Birthday Marvin the Martian

Marvin the Martian is known for his incredible tenacity and extraterrestrial intelligence. He prides himself on being superior to any earthling, even though his attitude always seems to get the better of him. His mission in life is to blow up the Earth because it blocks his view of Venus. Of course, Marvin's adorable looks also help make him the coolest Looney Tunes character in the universe.*

Heaven Sent Desserts

North Park, San Diego is a bustling, re-vitalized area of America's Finest City that is now a hub of quaint shops, restaurants, and the arts. The main drag through North Park intersects at University and 30th, and dominating the southeast corner is nestled a seeming neighborhood giant- Heaven Sent Desserts. A towering two-story building that is understated but powerful, I was anxious to give it a try and see what all the fuss was about. With such a gigantic space and a solid position, I was expecting some sugar delicacies the likes of which I'd never seen.

Despite the great, long, late hours and catering available, when it comes down to the desserts themselves, I straight up, no holds-barred, just plain wasn't impressed. Red velvet cake with cream filling, coconut shavings, spongey chocolate? The icing was a plasticky mixture similar to mushy glue, and nothing about the rich delicacy of a well-made red velvet cake was apparent at all in this dish.



Don't even get me started about this pseudo coffee imitation flavored poor excuse for tiramisu.



Hey, maybe we went on a bad night. Maybe the pastry chef just had an off day- it happens! However, despite the location and seeming guarantee of goodness, with plenty of other dessert fish in the sea, my shadow won't be darkening their doorway anytime soon.

Guest Blog Post: Gary

Great News!!! Mar's pathology reports are back and there was NO CANCER in either her lymph nodes or her colon. We are beyond thrilled - now we can focus on recovering from surgery with a clear mind. WOO HOO!!!

How To Know It's True Love

As many of you know, I truly, deeply, madly love my hubby Bill for so many reasons.  I talk about how wonderful he is to me and how much he does for me every day.  Because of my disability, he does almost all of the housework and he does a fabulous job at it... thank you darling.  He also helps me with the dogs, he makes me breakfast every morning, helps me with the grocery shopping and does

Hospital - Day Two (Beauty and Hope)

Today my nurses signed me up for a very special program called "look good, feel better", which is a free, non-medical, brand-neutral, national public service program created to help individuals with cancer look good, improve their self-esteem, and manage their treatment with greater confidence.

About six patients were treated to a complete make over, complete with a make-up bag full of designer make up to keep. This program, along with the patient recreation room (also on my floor), were recently featured in a NY Times article. The volunteer in the picture on the left, all in pink, was actually my make-up artist and my angel...she made me feel about a million feet tall.

Minor set backs today included needing to get foley catheter put back in, a lot of nausea / throwing up, and a treatment of magnesium and potassium which basically feels like fire being injected into your veins. Tomorrow the epidural should come out... I hope the pain is ok.

In the words of Billy Crystal, it doesn't matter if you feel terrible as long as you "look absolutely mahvelous dahling" ...he was on to something; it definitely helps to face challenges with a smile (especially if that smile is perfectly coated in high-end shimmery pink lip gloss).
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Location:York Ave,New York,United States

Hospital - Day One

Yesterday's surgery went exactly as planned. I do not have any recollection whatsoever of anything that happened after I received the sedation for the epidural...apparently I posed some good questions to the doctor, but I have no memory of even seeing the doctor.

They were able to take out about one foot of colon and 20 lymph nodes through a 1.5 inch incision through my belly button. The doctor said nothing looked wrong to the naked eye, but it will be about one week until pathology comes back.

I had some problems sleeping last night because the epidural medicine caused poison-oak like itching; but after an injection of Benadryl and a change in narcotics I felt much better. I was able to drink clear liquids this morning and walk around a bit. I also got a visit from my girlfriend Christine, who brought me the cutest little doll in the world.

Gary and mom have been amazing, and were slightly rewarded today by taking part in a cooking demonstration by the pastry chef from the Ritz Carlton who held a class in the patient activity center on how to make molten lava cake...complete with a tasting and lovely parting gifts of a pair of Ritz Carlton slippers!

They are right now predicting I'll be released Sat or Sun, but it could be sooner (I hope). Thank you for all of the love and well wishes.



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Cartoon of the Day - Why Do They Always Wait Until the Last Minute???

As a mother, I think everyone of us has been in this situation at least once.  It drives us crazy but we would never think of buying cupcakes.... OH NO, we are perfect mothers!!!  TeeHee.



Until next time..... Lorie

41st Anniversary of the Moon Landing

On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin (Buzz) E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot.
On July 20, 1969 the lunar module, known as "The Eagle" landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the surface of the moon saying these now famous words: "That's one small

Left Hand Beer Dinner at Restaurant 4580

Left Hand Beer Dinner at Restaurant 4580

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

6:30 pm

Restaurant 4580

4580 Broadway, Unit D-1

Boulder, CO 80304

303.448.1500

www.restaurant4580.com

Come check out this very cool restaurant in North Boulder. Owned by Martin and Susan Hammer, 4580 offers a great mix of urban sophistication, rustic yet elegant dishes that are simple but bursting with flavor, all in a relaxed but hip setting. Follow the link above to get a true feel of the place and the great beer dinner menu that Martin and Chef Marcus McCoy have put together. Call 4580 for reservations, $45 per person (tax and gratuity are not included).

Left Hand Beer Dinner at Restaurant 4580

Left Hand Beer Dinner at Restaurant 4580

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

6:30 pm

Restaurant 4580

4580 Broadway, Unit D-1

Boulder, CO 80304

303.448.1500

www.restaurant4580.com

Come check out this very cool restaurant in North Boulder. Owned by Martin and Susan Hammer, 4580 offers a great mix of urban sophistication, rustic yet elegant dishes that are simple but bursting with flavor, all in a relaxed but hip setting. Follow the link above to get a true feel of the place and the great beer dinner menu that Martin and Chef Marcus McCoy have put together. Call 4580 for reservations, $45 per person (tax and gratuity are not included).

Cask Ale Promo at the West End

Cask Ale Promo at the West End

Wednesday, July 28th 2010

7pm

Tapped on the spot Cask of 400lb Monkey IPA

West End Tavern

926 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO 80302

303.444.3535

www.thewestendtavern.com

Join us in the upstairs bar at the West End for some hand tapped, fresh cask ale. Bubba Love will be swinging the mallet at 7pm and will proceed to pour 40 pints of this delicious English style IPA. With your first pint you will receive a free Left Hand logo pint glass. With each pint you will also receive a drawing ticket for your chance to win some sweet Left Hand gear. Come early and stay late!

The Happy Hour Guys @ Left Hand

Check out their site for more great videos! thehappyhourguys.com

Mommy and Me Monday - July 19, 2010

 

It’s time again for Mommy and Me Monday started by Krystyn over at Really, Are You Serious?  Pop out from behind that camera and capture yourself in action with your kids. Check out the inaugural Mommy and Me Monday for more information.

As most of you know, Bill and I take the doggies on a walk every morning in our little town for about a mile and a half.  Because of my spinal problems and

Help Save French Vanilla at Baskin Robbins

As I mentioned in my post yesterday about National Ice Cream Day, Baskin Robbins has decided to discontinue a treasured iconic flavor, French Vanilla... which I think is totally ridiculous.  It is one of the original flavors that was introduced by Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin in 1945.

Well, today I discovered that there is a Facebook page dedicated to saving this wonderful flavor.  Here is

Today is the Day

It is always strange arriving at a highly anticipated day. Whether it's a joyous occasion like a wedding or a heartbreaking gathering like a funeral; weeks, months, years of planning are played out within the same short 24-hr time period, after which the sun rises on a "new normal" and we learn to adjust our hopes and sorrows to somehow account for the magnitude and consequences of that one highly anticipated day...

"Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use only the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place." - Susan Sontag

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Company Motto of the Year

When we were walking around town last week, we saw this truck cleaning out a portable outhouse at a house that was having some work done.  I cracked up when I saw the company motto printed on the windshield.  Too funny!!


Just had to share.... Hope you all have a great week.
Until next time..... Lorie

Happy National Ice Cream Day

Happy National Ice Cream Day

Several years a go President Reagan declared that July 18th to be National Ice Cream Day.  Several chains (i.e Starbucks, Mayfield's) offer cents-off coupons.  Baskin-Robbins is retiring five flavors this year to make room for some new flavors.  I can't believe that one flavor they are retiring is French Vanilla!!  That is ridiculous -- it has been around since 1945

The Final Countdown

A nice fellow by the name of Darrell called with my surgery time tomorrow: I check into the hospital at noon; surgery is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065

Since Darrell's call, Europe's great 80s rock anthem, The Final Countdown, has been running through my head (and making me smile):

We're leaving together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown

Clear Liquid Diet

This is my first "mobile" blog entry. Last night I was treated to my grandmother's delicious homemade lasagna and Hoffman's ice cream with the Gozicks before topping off the evening with fresh squeezed lemonade on the Point Pleasant boardwalk.

Today, I start my clear liquid diet: Coffee (without milk); Ginger Ale; Jello; Juice (no pulp), Ice Tea

The purpose of the diet is to get my calorie count up while "eating" easily digestible food that won't leave any intestinal residue. It's a little strange because some items don't "look" clear (coffee) but are considered clear for the purposes of the diet.

This is my third time on this diet in the last four months, but the first time a nurse really explained it to me and said I could have coffee.

As long as I can have coffee, then the rest is a cake walk (bad idiom). It's a little like that scene in the movie "Airplane" when the flight attendant is explaining that there is no captain and the plane is crashing to a calm group of passengers who begin whispering, and then quietly announces: "and we are out of coffee" at which point absolute chaos breaks out. Never underestimate the power of caffeine (nor the comedic genius of Leslie Nielson).

Really, I have nothing to complain about...in a couple of months I'll be back to eating whatever I want; diabetics have a daily, life-long restrictive diet -- which is much, much worse.

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Enjoying a cask porter at Mad Fox! It's packed.

Caught in the Rain

One day last week on our walk, we were just on our way home (about 1/2 mile from the house) and it started to rain.  We took shelter under one of "nature's umbrellas" - because I forgot to bring one of our own - a big beautiful tree.  This seemed to keep us mostly dry for about 10 minutes until it really started coming down and we started getting soaked.  We finally gave in and started walking

2010 Boulder County Brews Cruise Tickets - ON SALE TOMORROW!

2010 Boulder County Brews Cruise tickets will be available tomorrow @ 10 AM (Mountain Time), ONLY AT lefthandbrewing.blogspot.com.

Be sure to gets your tickets as soon as possible as this insanely popular event has been known to sell out very quickly!

Post-Surgery Diet Restrictions

One of the big changes after Monday's surgery will be my restrictive diet (thank goodness it's a temporary change...I am Italian after all, and food is life and love all rolled into one delicious bite).

Here is a list of foods I can eat for the 4-6 weeks following surgery. Gary is an awesome cook - so if anyone has any great recipes out there, please send them along! Everything that I am allowed to eat is listed below.

Low-Fat, Low-Fiber Diet (aka mostly boring food)

Fats = low-fat or non-fat of the following items: margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, sour cream, cream cheese

Fruits = canned fruits, applesauce, a ripe banana, fruit cocktail

Meat and Meat Substitutes = tender beef, pork and lamb that are well-cooked and trimmed of any visible fat, skinless poultry, fish, eggs, low-fat tofu

Veges and Potatoes = well-cooked or canned vegetables without skin, lettuce, carrots, beets, asparagus tips, white potatoes without skin, string beans, tomato sauce

Soups = reduced-fat bouillon, broth

Beverages = coffee (THANK GOD), tea, apple or grape juice, cranberry juice

Milk Group = 1% or skim milk, low-fat peach flavored yogurt, low-fat ice cream without chocolate or nuts, low-fat cheese, low-fat pudding made with skim milk (no chocolate)

Breads = white bread or rolls without nuts, coconut or dried fruit; saltines, Oyster crackers, Graham crackers, waffles, pancakes, animal crackers, rye bread without seeds

Cereals and Grains = refined cereals such as Rice Krispies or Special K, farina, cream of wheat, white rice, grits, regular pasta, couscous

Deserts = low-fat plain cakes and cookies, gelatin, sherbet, hard candy, marshmallows, jellies or jams without seeds

Even eating from the above list of foods, I must stay under 40 grams of fat and 12 grams of fiber a day.

There are certainly some obvious meals: pancake with a ripe banana and a tablespoon of low-fat margarine; pasta and tomato sauce with asparagus tips; mashed potato with skinless chicken and string beans...but we are talking six weeks, 5 small meals a day = 210 meals to plan, so any creative recipes or snack ideas will be very, very welcome!

Nano and Mia Make a New Friend

On our walk the other day, we ran into a little creature that the babies had never seen before... a snail.




I've actually never seen a snail this close up outside it's shell, it is kind-of cute.

Until next time..... Lorie

tumblr...

yes..it's tumblr..i've signed up just now..well, it's another blog site but of course this is my main..maybe that one will be updated mostly with kpop just like what i did here..there's not so much update about me since i got almost da same daily routine..hehe..anyway, if you have tumblr..do follow me and i'll follow u back...^^MY TUMBLR..CLICK IT AND FOLLOW!..

An Update from Afghanistan with Photos

I got a message from Nikolaus on Facebook the other day thanking me for some care packages I sent him along with some photos of him and his buddies in Afghanistan, so I wanted to share them with you all.
This first one is of him and his unit, they are doing pretty well after losing one of their guys, but all the support they receive from home - along with all of you - has kept them strong.  So

Sloan-Kettering in Criminal Minds

Anyone who knows me also knows that I am obsessed with crime dramas - especially criminal profiling. For all you "Criminal Minds" fans, I was recently watching a marathon and one of the episodes gave a shout-out to my hospital, Sloan-Kettering.

Episode: What Fresh Hell?

Summary: When a young girl is abducted in broad daylight from a playground in a seemingly safe neighborhood, the BAU initially believes her father is responsible. When he is able to provide an alibi, the team is forced to look for clues near where the girl lives to determine who is really responsible. What was the father's alibi? He tells agent Gideon that he was at Sloan-Kettering Hospital, secretly receiving cancer treatments in NYC when she was abducted.

Eclipse Chocolate

If I had to pick sweet or savory, 9 times out of 10 I'll pick savory. When dining out, I prefer an appetizer to prep my tastebuds for the entree to come rather than save room for dessert. However, at least once a month (guess when) there occurs an occasion in which if I do not get some chocolate on my tongue ASAP, I'm likely to fly into a homicidal rage. I know that this pains my sweet-tooth fiancee to no end, but to each his own. The chemistry of sugar, chocolate and sweets in general is a mysterious and somewhat unknown realm to me as I most of the time steer clear from it. The preciseness of baking irritates me, but whenever I come across artisan or homemade chocolates I'm likely to give it a whirl, and am often surprised at the subtle nature of the sweet.

Eclipse Chocolate opened last year on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park next to the newest Luigi's location, and any block which contains a great pizzeria and chocolatier is a solid block in my book. Since gourmet chocolate isn't a daily weakness of mine, last night was our first experience at the recommended shop. Even after 9 pm, the tiny location was bustling with yuppies on Macbooks and ladies in heels being "so naughty, I really shouldn't!" By this point in the evening, the cupcakes on display were looking a little worse for wear, but the display of truffles was presented appealingly and beautifully at the counter.



Once we picked one truffle, a few more followed, and the flavors from left to right are: vanilla bean & sassafras, lavender & sea salt, balsamic & pink peppercorn, and goat cheese & tarragon with fennel pollen. All were filled with a luscious chocolate ganache, and varied as much in quality as they did in flavor. These were only a quarter of the varieties offered, and the range of flavors was surprisingly vast and well thought out to appeal to an entire range of flavor enthusiasts. My runaway favorite was the lavender and sea salt, not just in flavor but in quality of the ganache melding with the chocolate shell. It was by far the thinnest truffle with the highest quality filling, with subtle flavors that still made themselves known throughout the bite. I can't say that the flavors married with each other and provided that same complex bite transition as well in any of the other three, but none of them were unpleasant by any means. The balsamic truffle was a close second, but I'd recommend it only if you are an adventurous dessert seeker!



Did I mention that my fiancee is a chocoholic? Let me re-emphasize this. Ashton is insane about chocolate on levels comparable to a hormonally imbalanced woman who just got dumped by her boyfriend and is watching a Lifetime movie while crying about her love handles. If you think that we were going to stop with a few truffles, you've got another thing coming. Beneath the truffle display were the Chocolate Roccos, chunky chocolate logs with a variety of fillings. Did I really sell you on those with that description?

He selected the Citrus Honeycomb, which comes with their homemade vanilla bean marshmallows with 72% dark chocolate rocky road, along with some honeycomb candy, bee pollen, & candied citrus peel. They were kind enough to slightly heat and slice it for us, and besides the end pieces, which proved to be a little tough and lacking in the filling department, it was a decent treat with a solid flavor base. I personally would have gone for the Chili Burnt Caramel with canilla bean marshmallow & 38% milk chocolate rocky road studded with burnt caramel toffee & cayenne candied pecan, but there's always next time.

I feel like I need to mention that we got a salted caramel and rosemary cashew yellow cupcake with chocolate frosting, but their lack of airtight display and the late hour did not prove favorable to the cupcakes. Avoid unless fresh.

Overall, I found it to be an innovative addition to the local scene, and while it might take a little more to impress me with the dessert department, I found the menu to be well thought out, and with a little work on storage to maintain freshness, a pleasant place to spend an evening.

Eclipse Chocolate
2121 El Cajon Boulevard
North Park, San Diego, 92104
619-578-2984

rumah vs hostel....

kali ni meself nak bercerita pulak pasal bezanya kehidupan kat hostel and kat rumah..meself mcm rasa lah macam diri ni kan ada dua orang coz perangai kat hostel lain and bila balik rumah lain..i mean cara kehidupan tu yang berbeza agaknya..ye lah kat rumah kan kita bebas lakukan apa je tapi kat hostel dikelilingi kawan2 mesti lah lain sket, ye x?..jom kita bezakan..ini ikut pandangan meself lah..

Currant: American Brasserie

One of my regular haunts in Richmond just happened to be the best brasserie in Virginia as far as I'm concerned, and a definite plus was the fact that my best friend just happened to be one of the highest up chefs in the kitchen, which contributed to many a dining experience ending in an engorged belly and a painful toddle back to my apartment. I find the consistency of French cuisine in America comforting, and Can Can was my first true experience which I found to be great during brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner on a regular basis. The sentiment was confirmed when I was lucky enough to brunch at Bouchon in Las Vegas, but since moving to San Diego, I hadn't found the same caliber of Franco-cuisine. However, that aforementioned best friend/chef just happened to move here only a few weeks ago and during his job hunt stumbled upon Currant in downtown San Diego. It was a fortuitous discovery and perfect opportunity to put it to the test!

With Andy being jobless in a new town, and I being sadly underpaid, we decided to take advantage of the half-price happy hour menu, which is a solid 3 hours long every day. A happy find! The offerings proved to be pretty standard French-American cuisine, so with our usual selection of mussels (we opted for the French curry option) and fried pickle chips, both at 50% off, we toasted our cocktails (also on special during 4-7) and relished in our success. We had a few minutes until the bartender acknowledged us to take our food order, but they seemed pleasant enough, and with the other half of the small center-room bar being occupied with what seemed to be the male cast of the Jersey Shore dizzy with Cosmos, it was an excusable oversight.

The decor tiptoed the line of lavish and gaudy; many subtle classic touches were easily overlooked with the overabundance of garish additions. The bar itself dominated the already small space (the restaurant is located within the boutique Sofia Hotel on Broadway), and with it crowned on four corners with massive pillars, it almost seemed to be squeezed in as an afterthought. The lounge area adjoining the bar boasted several sage green velvety couches with pouf pillows aplenty- more nightclub than restaurant. Details fought to be recognized, and I felt somewhat claustrophobic nestled next to a giant support pillar on the left, a closely placed bar stool on the right, the section of the bar which no more than three people would fit at comfortably, and the floating cocktail rack above, which was towered over by another decorative screen which wrapped around the bar near the ceiling. Too much.

Our food arrived, and while the mussels were especially tasty with a thicker-than-expected yellow curry sauce, I was disappointed with the ratio of unopened (therefore inedible) mussels to opened. The fries were no contest second place to Can Can's, but certainly not bad by any means, and while the sauce seemed too similar to curry gravy to counter the nature of mussels which I find flourish in a thinner broth, it proved to be a glorious dipping sauce perfect for the frites. The fried pickles did not come breaded as expected, but battered in a light and delicious tempura batter with paired nicely with the house ranch. I personally find dill by itself to be somewhat overwhelming and prefer it as a paired herb, but for $3 I was satisfied with the plate. However, it falls short of the normal lunch/dinner price of $6, which piques my curiosity to the difference between the "cheaper" (i.e. less time taken by a generally less experienced cook) happy hour servings vs. the dinner portion.

Overall, it was a positive experience, and a place that will most certainly draw me to downtown when few places appeal to me enough to fight the traffic and pay for parking. Despite the oppressively small bar space and odd Gaslamp clientele, the happy hour prices are on the money, and the familiarity of brasserie style is one that will keep me coming back, perhaps even for dinner!

Pre-Surgery Appointment at Sloan-Kettering

On July 8, 2010 we traveled to Sloan-Kettering for my final appointment before my surgery with Dr. Nash in a week. They did the usual: EKG, chest-xray, blood work; standard stuff.

After we left Sloan-Kettering, I reflected a bit on the journey so far. In the last six months, I've had 16 doctor appointments, two lab work ups, one surgery, and six diagnostic tests: MRI (2/17); CT scan (3/18); endoscopy (4/2); anoscopy (4/28); sigmaoidoscopy (5/20); and colonoscopy (6/25). All of these diagnostic tests came back negative - even, unfortunately, the MRI and CT scans which failed to identify the large carcinoid tumor in my appendix prior to my first surgery.

Also, July 19th will be the fourth time I'll be put under general anesthesia in the last four months; however, it will be the first time that I'll also have epidural anesthesia. This will allow me to control my pain with the push of a little button for a few days following surgery, until I can eat and drink on my own.

What is Epidural anesthesia ?

After a sterile prep and draping, local anesthetic is placed to numb the area where the Epidural needle will be inserted. The needle for the Epidural passes between the vertebrae of the Spinal column to the Epidural space. Once the position is verified, a very small catheter(tube) is placed via the needle. The needle is then removed and the catheter remains in the Epidural space. The catheter is then taped to the patients back. Local anesthetics and narcotics are given epidurally via this catheter. The procedure usually takes 10 - 25 minutes.

How do I feel about getting an Epidural?

Initially, I was upset. I always thought the procedure sounded scary and painful; but, one thing you learn with cancer is nothing is as bad or as easy as you anticipate. I didn't think I could ever stand a foley catheter, but after minor complications with my first surgery, when I had no choice but to get one, I realized it wasn't that bad.

One of my favorite artists is Kate Bush, and I'm reminded of her lyrics from "Walk Straight Down the Middle" that sum up the reality of anything tough in life, including my next surgery:

But he thought, he was going to die

But he didn't

And she thought, she just couldn't cope

But she did

And we thought it would be so hard

But it wasn't

It wasn't easy, though.

bila ber-kpop...

ok..post kali ni bukan lah nak menunjuk-nunjuk yang meself ni dah lama sangat dalam dunia kpop..tidak..but sometimes i got annoyed dengan rookies yang baru lagi dalam dunia ni..macam ni..1. when u baru lagi minat kpop ni x kesah lah starting dari super junior ke 2pm ke wonder girls ke etc etc..don't you ever show off to me since i know much better of kpop than you do..2. lagi satu..honestly lah

Cartoon of the Day - I am Already SO Sick of Political Ads!!

Can you believe we have until November before the these ads will be over??  Thank goodness for my DVR!!

Until next time..... Lorie

my recent ultimate fav drama..

this time kita lupakan dulu soal kpop..but i nak share my recent fav drama..call me outdated..mmg i outdated if bab2 drama melayu nih..haha..but i giler suka dengan slot akasia ni..lain x bukan adamaya lah..mesti antara korang pun ramai yang tau kan pasal drama ni..tipu lah kalau x tau..i suka bab2 kawen ni especially yang diarrange by parents or in short marriage yg dibina bukan disebab cinta..

no other..super junior

i know everyone is talking about their new mv, right?..well, i'm not an exceptional too..i totally and definitely adore them in this song..oh my~~..the way they are proposing will flatter any girl heart i can tell..one word for this song..awesome!..and the boys did a great job since they learnt this dance steps only thru video clips that sent by their choreographer who didn't make it to teach

happy birthday, our dangerous cinderella Heenim

Hye guys..i'm back!..my 1st post for today dedicated to our dangerous cinderella and adorable heenim!..hope he will always stay healthy and have a happy life!..heenim oppa, saranghaeyo..^^

Left Hand Farmer's Market

Left Hand Beer Dinner at the Greenbriar Inn

Left Hand Beer Dinner at the Greenbriar Inn

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 @ 6pm

The Greenbriar Inn

8735 N. Foothills Hwy.

Boulder, CO 80302

303.440.7979

greenbriarinn@msn.com

This will be our second beer dinner with the Greenbriar and we are very excited. The first dinner was legendary and I would expect nothing less this time around. If you want to see the entire menu for the dinner, and you should, follow the link above. But just to tempt you how does this sound…..

House made roasted red pepper rabbit sausage with sautéed Colorado chanterelles and scallions and Imperial Stout Dijon….Shut my mouth! Not to mention that another course will feature tapped on the spot a cask of Black Jack Porter. Call the Greenbriar for reservations which are $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included) seating is limited.

Music City Brewers Festival

Music City Brewers Festival

Nashville, TN

July 31st, 2010

12pm-4pm and 6pm-10pm

Music City Walk of Fame Park

www.musiccitybrewersfest.com

This is without a doubt one of the best beer festivals in the Southeast. Come out and help Nashville recover from the “big flood” and drink up some Left Hand suds.

Left Hand Kicks off in Jacksonville, FL

Left Hand Kicks off in Jacksonville

You asked for it … no wait, you demanded it so now you have it. Left Hand is officially coming to Jacksonville. Chris Lennert and Jason Ingram from the brewery will be in town July 21st – 23rd to train you up on everything Left Hand you need to know. Here are a few events that are already planned:

List of events:

Left Hand Tasting

Whole Foods

July 21st 4pm- 6pm

10601 San Jose Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32257

(904)288-1100

Left Hand Tasting

Grassroots Natural Market

July 21st 4pm-6pm

2007 Park Street

Jacksonville, FL 32204

(904)384-4474

http://www.thegrassrootsmarket.com/

Left Hand Tasting

Wine Warehouse of Edgewood

July 21st 4pm – 6:30pm

Jacksonville, FL 32205

(904)389-9997

http://www.winewarehouse.com/

Left Hand Tasting

Total Wine

July 21st 4pm-6:30pm

4413 Town Center Parkway

Jacksonville, FL 32246

(904)988-1740

Left Hand Official Kick Off Party

Kickbacks

July 21st 7:30pm

910 King Street

Jacksonville, FL 32204

(904)388-9551

Come to the best beer bar in Jacksonville and meet Jason Ingram and Chris Lennert from Left Hand. Maybe if you are lucky they may buy you a Milk Stout!!

Left Hand Tasting

Broudy’s Fine Wine and Spirits

July 22nd 4:30pm- 6:30pm

353 Marsh Landing Parkway

Jacksonville, FL 32250

(904)273-6119

Left Hand Tasting
EUROPEAN STREET CAFE
July 22 5:00pm-7:00 pm
992 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904)249-3001

Left Hand Meet Up

Engine 15 Brewing Company

July 22nd 7:30pm

1500 Beach Blvd

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

http://www.engine15.com%20/

Night two of the Left Hand kick off. Come meet up with Chris and Jason once again in one of the hottest new craft beer spots in FL.

Left Hand Tasting

Broudy’s Liquor and Spirits

July 23rd 4:30pm – 6:30pm

516 West Geoffrey Street
St. Augustine, FL 32086
(904) 417-2090

Hangin with Left Hand Night

Rendezvous

July 23rd 8pm

106 Saint George Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084

(904)824-1090

This is Chris and Jason’s last night in the Jacksonville market so make sure you get out to meet these guys to say hello.

4th of July Parade in West Peoria, IL

The Moo-Mobile was decked out in all it’s patriotic glory for the annual 4th of July Parade in West Peoria IL. Instead of throwing beer, we threw out Left Hand stickers!

Left Hand Beer Dinner @ The Club at Strawberry Creek

Left Hand Beer Dinner
Friday July 30th
The Club at Strawberry Creek
14810 72nd Street
Kenosha, WI 53142 262.857.8400
http://strawberrycreekclub.com/index.php

Join Mike Walters from Left Hand Brewing Company at a fabulous beer dinner exquisitely designed by the chefs at The Club at Strawberry Creek Country Club in Kenosha Wisconsin.

Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival

Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival | July 30-31

Keystone brings the wonders of Appalachia to the Rockies. Down-home cooking, frothy flavors and mountain-music are just a piece of the pie. In a whirlwind of hillbilly luxuries, folks gather while microbreweries from Colorado and beyond showcase their unique blends of hops and barleys. Live music rocks out on 3 stages.

Blues & Brews

Blues & Brews | Saturday, July 10, noon-10pm

The Old South Pearl Street Festivals are sure to please your ears as well as your taste buds with 8 bands performing Bluegrass and Blues music respectively, food vendors from the neighborhood including Pearl Street Grill, Hansons and Moe's BBQ to name a few.

To purchase tickets please call Main:(303) 734-0718 |Ticket:(303) 734-0718

Summer Brew Fest

Summer Brew Fest | July 23 | 7-10pm

The Summer Brew Fest at Mile High Station will celebrate craft beverages from around Colorado and other U.S. microbrews and feature; live local music, food, and other vendors.