Sacramento Jazz Jubilee 2011

The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee is now history for another year.  We volunteered, as usual, and we enjoyed it, as usual.  But this year we did something a little unusual and lots of fun.  We invited our  oldest (almost 14 now!) grandsons Ben and Perry to come stay with us for the four day festival and enjoy it with us.  It didn't hurt that they are both serious music students and had expressed some interest in the Jubilee.  They're also both well-behaved and easy to get along with.

As a shift manager for our site, Carolyn was responsible for supervising a team of approximately 15 people to do various things: from announcing the bands to getting drinks for the bands and volunteers, to evaluating the bands and counting the crowds to verifying that everyone entering the Sheraton ballroom had a valid ticket or pass.  Although our team was mostly new to us, they were all reliable and a joy to work with.

Although I was listed as Carolyn's assistant, I wasn't much help.  But that didn't stop me from enjoying the assignment. For example, the group Sister Swing (one of our favorite groups) needed a handsome old man to pose with.  I was more than happy to volunteer because that's what my badge says I do.

Surgery scheduled

As we had expected, Carolyn's breast cancer surgery has been scheduled for this week, specifically Thursday, June 2.  She has already completed her lab work and will go in Tuesday morning to complete all the paperwork.   Thursday morning she has an appointment in Nuclear Medicine to have dye injected in her lymph nodes to determine the extent of their involvement with the cancer and thus how extensive the surgery will be.  She will also get the final word as to when the actual surgery will take place.  She is expecting to have a bilateral mastectomy.  The surgeon expects no complications and also expects that Carolyn will be able to go home on Friday following an over night stay to make sure that the healing process has begun normally.

We appreciate your expressions of love and concern as well as the many prayers that have been offered in Carolyn's behalf. We'll keep  you posted here on her progress.

Good news, bad news, no news

It seems to me that dealing with a diagnosis like cancer is a lot like peeling a banana:  you never know what you'll find just by peeling the skin back a little further. The fruit might be solid and white or mushy and brown or anywhere in between.

Good news is that there is no evidence of cancer in the left breast.  Bad news is that the tumor in the right breast does not seem as well defined as at first thought.  There is still no news about any spreading to the lymph nodes or anywhere else in the body.  Apparently we'll have to wait until surgery for more word about that.

Surgery has not been scheduled yet but will definitely be after Memorial Day and the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee for which we already had a commitment to volunteer about 16 hours as well as chaperon a couple of our grandsons around to some exciting concerts.  We're guessing the surgery will be the first week of June.  Although Carolyn has chosen to have a bilateral mastectomy, the doctor thinks it will only involve an overnight stay in the hospital.  She hasn't said how quickly Carolyn can expect to resume her normal activities.

We did have a consultation appointment with the plastic surgeon.  Because of all the radiation therapy that Carolyn has had in her breast and stomach area, he was not enthusiastic about using her skin or fatty tissue in those areas for reconstruction surgery (boob job).  That, plus the potential problems such as leakage or asymmetry, led him to recommend prosthetics instead.  Carolyn took the news rather well.

We went over to our home teacher's home yesterday.  They are going on an Alaskan cruise and Carolyn has volunteered to look after their garden.  Don and I gave Carolyn a blessing she had requested.

That's probably all the news we'll get until we hear when the surgery is scheduled.  Thanks for all the kind wishes and prayers and thoughts.  We really feel your love and friendship.

Sprinkler system rehab

One great thing about having pre-teen grandsons living close to us is that they have been willing and able to mow our lawns.  And they do a fair job of it although Jake's method of mowing is akin to a Kreepy Krawler pool sweep or a Roomba vacuum cleaner: totally random pathways. Unfortunately, they haven't yet learned to recognize a sprinkler head or distinguish it from a blade of grass.  So, we have had to do more sprinkler maintenance as a cost of having our lawns mowed.

The other day I volunteered to help Carolyn repair the system.  I would turn the sprinklers on and off and she could fix the heads we determined had a problem.  She directed me to the manifold where one can manually turn a knob to turn a particular branch on or off.  I explained that I could do it even easier and stay drier with the sprinkler system timer but then we'd have to yell louder or use our phones because the timer is in the back of the garage.

The next day, I wanted to check out the system and set the sprinkler times so I had to use the timer.Turns out, I couldn't use the timer.  I pressed the manual override so the first branch should go on.  Nothing.  Well, not nothing, the LCD display said "No power".  Now how, I asked myself, did a timer with electronic display have the nerve to say "No power"?  Carolyn had said something about turning our fountain off but that doesn't turn off the timer.  I thought.  It didn't take me long to determine the outlet was dead and the timer display runs off a battery.

Two other outlets in the garage were dead including one for our microwave oven and the circuit for our driveway lantern.  The light went on (so to speak).  A GFI (ground fault interrupt) had tripped a safety switch and cut the circuit.  Resetting the GFI switch turned on our lantern, the microwave, and the sprinkler timer.  I tested out the sprinklers without getting wet and all is happy again.  Except we still don't know what caused the GFI in the first place.  And, of course, we've had rain almost every day since repairing the sprinkler system so it really doesn't matter if it works or not.

Slowing down or speeding up

Giving up a driving license is always a traumatic experience for people who have grown up with the freedom and flexibility to drive wherever we want without having to bother someone else.  (Most of us don't have a chauffeur at hand.)  And it is something that most of us have to deal with sometime.  Those of  us with a progressively disabling disease like Parkinson's just have to deal with it a little sooner.

A couple of people in my Parkinson's Support Group have shared with the group that they voluntarily gave up driving rather than push their luck.  I'm not at that point yet but I can feel that I'm creeping up on it.  Late in the evening, at night, or in rainy weather I feel much more uncomfortable driving than I used to.  Enough so that I have voluntarily cut back as much of that driving as I can.  Fortunately, Carolyn and I are usually going somewhere together during those difficult to drive times so it's usually not a problem.

At the same time I've requested additional physical therapy so that I can walk better and faster once I do get close to where I want to go.  I don't want to be stranded.

More information will be forthcoming, we hope

Carolyn and I met with her surgeon today to discuss the most likely direction the treatment of her breast cancer will take.  We've learned that some surgeons talk like that because you can't really know what's inside the body until you open it up and sometimes a surgeon will make a quick decision based on what he or she finds in the operating room or what the path lab report says.  Carolyn had an MRI last Friday but the results had not been interpreted and reported to her surgeon by this morning's appointment.

Carolyn has two types of cancer cells in a small tumor in her right breast.  Because one of those types tends to spread in the body and because Carolyn has already had a significant exposure to radiation in that area, the surgeon is recommending a mastectomy probably followed by chemotherapy.  She (the surgeon) wanted to leave the chemotherapy recommendation to the medical oncologist.

The surgeon said the mastectomy usually calls for an overnight stay in the hospital and for a fairly quick recovery time.  Even so, Carolyn has suggested that the operation be scheduled for early June to allow her to get through the Jazz Jubilee as planned.  The surgeon is okay with that.

We'll keep you posted as we get more information.

Morrocan restaurant review

A few days ago, Carolyn and I wanted to eat out and hadn't decided where we'd go.  Thumbing through our Entertainment Book, Carolyn suggested the Casablanca, a Moroccan restaurant at Fair Oaks and Watt.  She called to see if (1) they were still in business and (2) still accepting the Entertainment Book discount.  She also asked if a reservation was necessary. The answers were yes to all three questions.

The locale is anything but impressive.  They share a tiny strip mall with a liquor store on one side and a Goodwill Industry collection storefront on the other.  When we arrived at 7:00 pm there was only one other couple in the place.  We began to feel bad about asking for a discount if they only have 4 customers for the evening. It's a small restaurant anyway with seating for 40 at most.  All the tables are a foot off the ground with a large 3 to 4 foot brass platter serving as the table top.  There were 2 or 3 seating pillows at each table as well as some seating around the periphery of the room.  So people could sit close to the floor (and the food) or at a more normal height but away from the food.

There were basically two choices on the menu - limited selection 5 course meal and no selection 6 course meal.  With the latter, it was really chef's choice.  We chose that because we wouldn't have any idea what to choose anyway.  By the time we had made our choice, the room was almost half full so Carolyn relaxed a little about using our Entertainment Book discount.

Before we could get our food, we had to wash our hands.  To assist us, the Master of the House (MOTH) brought over a portable tin sink and poured lukewarm water over our hands.  Really classy in an old world sort of way.  Next came soup that was not too hot but just right.   After that it was a plate of spicy peas and tomatoes with pita bread then a pastry confection that looked like we had reached dessert.  Our MOTH assured us we had not.

The restaurant was now almost completely full, a third of the people belonging to what looked like a birthday party for a 5 or 6 year old girl.  All her girl friends and a couple of relatives were there.  The MOTH changed the lighting and background music.  We all looked around puzzled until a brightly dressed woman glided on center stage and began belly dancing.  The little girls were entranced, the men in the room seemed slightly embarrassed,  and the woman amused.  Soon either the moms or the dads were pressing a $1 into the young girls hands and urging them to slip the tip inside the belly dancer's costume.  It must have been harder than it looks, mainly because she was such a moving target.

Finally we got our main course which was lamb with rice and trimmings and chicken with a sweet sauce.   Our last course was a dense, very sweet pastry.  By the time were we ready to leave, the dancer was ready for her second set.  The MOTH computer our bill, discounted it appropriately for the Entertainment Book discount then told us that he wasn't going to void the coupon.  We could use it again and again.

During the evening several guests had brought in their own alcohol in a bottle since the Casablanca doesn't serve any.  Now outside we chuckled at the convenience of the liquor store.

All in all we would say it was a very good evening.  With tax and tip it amounted to $72 before the discount.  A little pricey for going there regularly.

The DMV comes through

It seems to be the fashion now to trash talk government employees.  One agency that particularly seems to get more of its share of griping is the DMV.   I beg to differ.  My experiences with the DMV have, in general, been positive.  Recently, this was reconfirmed.

Because my Parkinson's severely affects my balance and walking, I applied for and received in the mail this hanger to be placed on the dashboard or hung from he mirror.  The hanger was to expire on June 30, 2011.  Since that is about 7 weeks away, I was concerned whether the DMV would send a reminder.  Would I need another statement from my doctor?

Then just a couple days ago, a replacement placard with an expiration date of June 30, 2013 arrived.  No notice, not another examination or doctor's statement.  Thanks, DMV

How to Succeed in Business... Davis Musical Theater Center

This past Saturday evening Carolyn and I spent a delightful evening at the Davis Musical Theater production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."  The play was inspired by a paperback book of the same name which was published in 1952.  The book by Shepherd Mead was close to biographical, describing Mead's meteoric rise in a corporation, so the play is biographical as well. Both the book and the play are also grossly satirical --  poking fun at corporate culture such as sending a memo to attempt to rein in excess memos. But it (they) is also dated.  In the 50's corporations were largely male dominated, sexual harassment was not a problem, and a chairman of a board apparently has more power in daily decisions.  Thus, the play comes off as an old relic.

But for doing such an old looking play, the cast did a marvelous job.  Casting was, as usual, right on the money.  The principals all sang in tune and with a suitable accent when required. Choreography involved more than just dancing and was carried out with precision and energy.  I was exhausted just watching them.

The music was fun rather than memorable.  You won't go away humming a tune or even remembering one from the show unless it's "I Believe in You" or "The Brotherhood of Man."

I would recommend the  DMTC's production of "How to Succeed" as a great example of what a community group can do with a dated production.

Happy Mother's Day

It is with some trepidation that I post today about Mothers Day.  After all, there are good moms and there are lousy ones.  There are faithful ones and unfaithful ones.  There are mothers who would compete favorably with God and ones that will rank with Lucifer.  Because it's Mothers Day, do we honor all mothers? motherhood? potential motherhood?

I believe we honor the ideal and the idea of motherhood. Without mothers, our race would die.  Without mothers who strive to be ideal, who teach and train their children how to live an ethical life, our race would probably deserve to die.  Mormons teach that "the natural man is an enemy to God".  It takes the influence of mothers, fathers, and even a whole village to raise a child. I think Mothers Day is a good time to reflect on mothers' positive role in this process.

As our society changes we have also seen that "mother's role" also changes.  Even who the "mother" is can change from day to day and hour to hour.  And not just for same sex unions.  Such unions usually have significant experience defining then redefining "mother's role".

And finally, Mothers Day is a day to inspire us to help mothers come closer to the ideal and for non-mothers to be inspired by those who have shown that spark of god-like motherhood.

You're giving me a .... what?

Having more and more difficulty bending down to reach my feet, I can just barely clip my toenails, let alone clip them nicely.  So, the other day Carolyn told me to get in the car as we had an appointment in 15 minutes.  Where? I asked nonchalantly.  (Sometime I'm going to have to try asking chalantly.)  To the KB Salon was her answer.  For ... For a pedicure, she replied as it that was the end of the discussion.

I knew a pedicure is for feet what a manicure is for hands and that was the limit of my knowledge.  I strongly suspected that men seldom, if ever, frequented "salons".  Thus, I was NOT surprised to find that I was the only male customer.  I was not the only man in the place, however. There were a couple of other men who looked like they were on the staff.  In any case no fuss at all was made about my getting a pedicure.

My first impression of the salon was how clean it was, and orderly.  I would compare it to a good dental office.  Some of the staff were wearing face makes and all who worked with the customers wore sterile gloves.  The chairs all faced the same way and were just close enough that you could converse with your neighbor but far enough away that you didn't have to.  Between each pair of chairs was a utility table for magazines, drinks, and whatever else a customer might need during her stay.

The same time I was sitting down, one of the staff begin filling a small basin in front of me with warm water.  Into the water he squirted some blue liquid which didn't foam so I assumed it was either a disinfectant or something to soften toe nails.  The attendant showed me the chair controller.  Turns out there is a powerful massage engine built into the chair so while you're getting your nails done you can have a nice back massage.

The attendant took each of my feet in turn, placed it on a foot rest and began to clip my toenails. This was only a start.  Taking out a little tool that looked like a wire cutter, the attendant carefully sculpted my nails and surrounding tissue.  It was the about the "surrounding tissue" that I was concerned.  While she was cutting and scraping and sculpting it didn't hurt but I could picture some problems later.  After the toenails, she scraped and sanded my sole and heel then rubbed lotion into the whole foot and calf area.  She finished by wiping off the excess lotion and helping me put my shoes on.  She didn't offer to paint my nails with the bright red polish all the women were getting.

I let Carolyn take care of the payment and tips since she had a better idea what to do in that department. The whole process took almost an hour.

My feet were sore every once in a while during the following week but less each day.  In general, they look better and feel better so I might even have my toenails done on a weekly basis.  Thank you, Carolyn.  Once more you have surprised me with a "random event".

The next chapter in the history of Carolyn's Health

I suppose it really is time to officially open this next chapter because there is no longer any doubt that Carolyn is back in the ring against the formidable opponent Cancer.  Here is the announcement that Carolyn sent out to our children and I forwarded to our Facebook friends. I apologize for the duplication:

I decided that during my birthday month each year I would have a yearly physical, a mammogram, pap smear, blood tests et.al. In the process of doing this year's series a lump was found in my right breast. While the lump is on the small side (1.5 cm) the biopsy came back today as cancerous. It appears to be a combination Ductal and Lobular Carcinoma. At this time we do not know if it is non-invasive or if it has spread. I specifically asked to have it checked and verify that it is not lymphoma (and there is no indication that it is).

The next steps are an MRI of my breasts - they will inject a dye into my veins and then do a scan. After the MRI results are back I will have surgery. The results of the MRI will influence whether or not it is a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I anticipate another round of chemotherapy. I told the doctor I wanted a boob job out of this game -- just as well be some benefit.

While another kind of cancer doesn't seem fair, I have been expecting something. I was raised in Northern Arizona during the time of the above ground Atomic Testing in Nevada. People in all the counties in Nevada, and in the southern counties of Utah and the northern counties of Arizona are all in an at-risk cohort. A statistically large number of people who were young during the 50s and 60s when they were doing the testing have had unexpected cancers. Two of my first cousins died in their early 30s from weird cancers - I feel like I have been very fortunate to have had a full and interesting life. However, this one isn't my swan song. I will survive this one to have another one in about three years.

If I can influence the scheduling of testing and surgery I will try to have the MRI this Friday, the surgery the next Friday and be ready to enjoy the Jazz Jubilee with Ben and Perry two weeks after that. When they go home, I will try and schedule the chemo and be ready for the Family Reunion in Utah the first part of August. Dad says that sounds like pure Carolyn. Since none of this has been discussed with medical personnel, we will see if they go along with my plan. 

I would appreciate your faith and prayers.

Carolyn

We were aware of a potential problem when we traveled to Utah for a family  funeral but since we didn't know at the time if the lump was even cancerous, we decided not to speak about it.  Besides there was enough tragedy in the family with Brian's passing.

Carolyn is beginning to be superstitioius about something happening every three years.  First there was her myasthenia and removal of a baseball-sized tumor  in her chest.  Then it was the removal of her thyroid.  Three years ago they discovered lymphoma in her stomach which resulted in major stomach surgery followed by months of chemo-  and radiation therapy.  She's an amazing lady to take it all so bravely.

She has several things going for her this time:  (1) She knows the drill better this time;  (2) the tumor is much smaller this time; (3) Northern California Kaiser has been named the best agency in this area for integrated  medical records; and (4) she appears to have a well-qualified team of doctors and medical personnel who have worked together on hundreds of similar cases.

We both appreciate the outpouring of love, concern, and kindness we have felt this past week.  It really is wonderful to have so many friends to stand by us when we're once again called to stand up to that monster Cancer.