1/28 to 2/3

Monday morning we woke up to lovely wet snow that covered everything.  It was so beautiful I had to take some pictures of it. Nothing like snow to make everything clean and fresh plus it helps Willard get his exercise.

Tuesday I went to see Dr Hodson and she recommended that I take a different pill which is a generic for Femara after I get my heartburn under control, which hasn't happened yet.  Also, her nurse Jan then bandaged up my drain again and then that afternoon it started to leak again and ruined that one.

Hailey did a great job handling the beaters.

While we waited Hailey practice.

Her Dinner that she made.

I only taught Hailey that day and got to know her better.  I so admire her great attitude and indomitable spirit.  She has many challenges but you would never know it from her attitude.  She is priceless.  In talking with her and as I thought about how I could help her,  the thought came into my mind to have her come over after school on Thursday and cook dinner for her family.  As it turned out it was perfect because Deborah was sick that day and needed a meal brought in to her.  So Hailey made a Banana Cream pie, Bread Sticks and Spaghetti.   While we waited Hailey practiced her whole lesson and it only took 15 min.  Quite a lot was accomplished in 1 1/2 hours. I was very proud of her. 

Hailey yummy Bread Sticks

Wednesday I was so embarrassed, because I started to leak when I was teaching the Durants. I was really crunched for time so I just had to put some guise pads to soak it up.  Then I called Jen Mecham, my neighbor down the block who is a nurse and she came over an fixed up a bandage for me because I now had used all of them that I got at Dr Hodsons.  Later she brought over a box of water proof bandages  from her office.  I sure appreciate all of her help.  The reason why I am leaking so much is for some reason I am having some fleshy stuff block my tube which makes it leak.   Thank goodness it didn't leak during conference today, at least it waited until now. Oh the trials of life!

As I was reading my scriptures Friday morning, I was a little discouraged that I was still out putting about 60 CC in 24 hours and I really wanted to go to the temple to do some work.  Then a thought came to my mind to call the temple and asked them about my concerns.  They understood and said there wouldn't be any problem.  It amazes me how the Lord so quickly addresses our concern if we are willing to listen.  It was so nice to be in the temple again.  I definitely want to go more often for there is peace there that you can't find anywhere else.   

Then on Saturday Jane had her first piano lesson from me over Skype. Sarah was surprised at how well it went.  It was a challenge sometimes but Sarah was a great big help.  She could show her things that she remembered that I taught her.   I was so thrilled that she got a piano.  It makes me so happy to know 4 of my grandchildren Bryce, Hailey, Aubry and now Jane involved with the piano. Each of them are so talented and really have a great love of music.  They are definitely kindred souls. 

Friday night I had such bad heartburn.  I just couldn't figure out the reason why because I had started taking Prolec OTC daily and I was no longer were taking the estrogen therapy pill.   I was miserable all night.  Then during the wee early morning I had a thought to check the internet and see if I could find out how to avoid heartburn.  Pay Dirt!  I found a list of things I should and shouldn't be eating.  Some of  the ones that I should avoid are mashed potatoes, sour cream and ice cream of which I had eaten the day before. I am so thankful for the internet where you can get answers to your questions.  I hope it will help.  Funny thing is, all the things that I should avoid are fating things.  I definitely have more incentive to avoid high fat foods. Ah, how the Lord blesses me!

I now am officially on Medicare which will effect some of my care. I discovered that would cost $15 to go to the Anti-Coagulation Clinic while I can get the same thing done by my primary care physician Dr. Maderious, which will cost me only $5. I will now have to me our delectable of $3,900 before anything is free.  I think I will easily do that through radiation of which there is a 20% co-pay on my part.  

Thank goodness I get to see Dr. Maderious on Monday.  It originally was just to have it on the medical  record that I talked with him and that he determined that I need a CPAP machine which is required by Medicare and I had to talk with him after I got on Medicare.  (Stupid I thought since I just saw him in January and we discussed it)  Now I have a long laundry list of things he needs to address plus the CPAP and INR:  my heartburn, constant burning of my urethra and of course my drain and leakage problem. I think I will typed out a list so he don't get side track and forget to address a few things.  I noticed he doesn't handle well  multiple problems.  

As I talked with Betty on Saturday about my problems, she said something about being more able to have more compassion for those who are chronically ill.  I totally agree with her. Though all this, I now understand how people who don't feel good or have other chronic  problems have a hard time looking beyond themselves because they are just trying to survive.  I so admire Dianne Salsibury because she reaches out to others who aren't feeling well, and she has so many serous health issues.  She always is checking up on others and helps out in the community.  She is such a great example to me.