He said something about a pastrami on rye being doctor's orders. Umm hmmm! Stained glass, misters and chandeliers.

And a lovely fountain adding the gentle, soothing sound of water. Pots of colorful flowers at the base but didn't want to be too annoying with the camera.

Okay, I was a little annoying. Don't know these people but they seemed to be enjoying their meal as were we.

Did a double check with the doctor today to confirm he still wants DH to have the bone scan scheduled a day before the surgery and yes, still needed. The days are going by quickly now. We are scheduling all the last minute things that need to be taken care of and going over all the mundane chores we will now be doing while he is in the hospital. He heals incredibly fast and hope his stay is closer to one week than two.

Daughter had her first day on the job yesterday and unbelievable as it sounds, they have already made it a 40-hour week, promoted her and given her a raise. Turns out an employee just quit and while holding a meeting to discuss who would replace her, they thought of the "new girl" with the great attitude. Yep, that was DD and she couldn't believe it - from a 20-hour week to full time, a raise, and new position. See what sobriety does? She is so concerned about all the time she's lost and knows she has a lot of catching up to do. This really helped and she is beyond jazzed.

Had a late lunch with neighbors at Back Street - a deli restaurant with a small selection of delicious sandwiches and the best pasta salad ever. Dining is al fresco with umbrellas and misters to deal with the heat. A wonderful afternoon. Good company, good food. It doesn't get much better than that.

What A Difference A Day Makes

Everything's coming up roses!

Today's visit with the surgeon had some good and some not so good news. The good - no great - news is that the cancer appears to be only in the bladder and there are no plans for any chemo after the surgery. The bad news is that this is a very big operation complete with a long recovery period. Three surgeons will operate and the hospital stay will be from 1 to 2 weeks. He checks into the hospital Wednesday around 10:00am and the surgery is scheduled for 1:00pm.

We don't know how long it will take but I'll be there when he wakes up. And visiting will be easy. The hospital is lenient with visiting hours so I'll be able to see him on the way to work and on the way home.

I'm making lists of all the things that need to be done while he's in the hospital. A dear friend has already called and offered to do the yard work; we'll call him if we need help but I'm pretty sure the boys and I can handle it.

Now, how is DH taking this info? He has a wonderful attitude, just wants to get in, get it out, and get on with life. There will be checkups more often in the future (doctor's orders) but we have been given a future again. After our last visit with the surgeon, DH thought we should sell the motorhome because we'd never be able to use it again. Now? We're planning where we will go when all the healing is done.

Just Stuff

Wish they all could be California girrrls,
We are now getting advice from some friends that husband should just ignore the bladder cancer. Do nothing. Wait and see. And then I read online that delay decreases your chances for survival. Surgeon says it must come out, primary doctor has seen surgeon's report and agrees with it. The final decision is husbands but I know that I want the odds on his side. He has come to terms with the idea of a bag - we just hope it hasn't spread. Our visit with the surgeon tomorrow should tell us a little more.

A lot of what I know about illness I learned from my sister's dealings with MS. One of the most important things I learned is that it doesn't just affect the person with the disease - it touches the entire family and friends. Roles change. Things may appear the same but nothing is. The disease becomes the elephant in the room.

The highway gods struck back today with a vengeance. A truck went through the center divider on the 91 early this morning and traffic was backed up all day. My 33 mile commute took almost two hours and for half of that 33 mile drive I drove about 60mph. Getting through Corona was the problem. Ever wonder why it's called the Corona Crawl? I'm thankful for work right now though, keeps me busy and diverts my attention from doctors and bladders and things that go bump in the night.

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

We were told to prepare for a summer that would be even hotter than the record-breaking one last year but - surprise, it just hasn't materialized. We're not complaining. Just enjoying. Son had his surgery today and two screws were removed from his leg. He was told to keep all weight off the leg for two weeks and that the remaining screws, pins, and rods will stay. And will he ever ride motorcycles again? No. The doctor said that if he breaks it again, just like Humpty Dumpty he will never be able to put it together again.

Daughter has just gotten a job! She called and was so excited. She starts right away and so will be working when she gets out of her rehab program. She has asked us to have the locks on her car changed as the ex-boyfriend has a set of car keys. And what will she need when she starts her life over? E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! But we have lots we can give her and shopping with a sober daughter will be a joy.

Husband has an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday to go over the CT scan and discuss his bladder removal operation on the 15th. I will be there too because it definitely helps to have two listening. The internet has given us a lot of information on what to expect and we have even found online support groups.

We are preparing for his operation and talking about the unthinkable. He says that if he doesn't come out of surgery he wants to be cremated. I've always know he wanted cremation, we both decided on that some time ago. I don't like talking about these things but know it must be done and oddly it makes him feel more comfortable.

Another good commute this morning but I've figured it out - I'm leaving later! It is so much fun to drive freeway speeds on the freeway. Crank up the stereo and let the good times roll.

Sum-Sum-Summertime

Cooler August than usual, so far anyway. It didn't even reach 90 today and tomorrow is supposed to be even cooler. Yep, time to kick back, relax. Husband's CT scan is now over. They gave him an IV solution before the scan and he said it burned and left a metallic taste in his mouth but other than that the procedure went okay. He said he even fell asleep in the scanner! Actually, he can fall asleep standing up so that probably doesn't mean much. He has a bone scan scheduled for next week and another scheduled appoinment with his doctor before the surgery on the 15th.

We have had some friends weigh in with opinions on his pending surgery. One neighbor said he would rather die than have his bladder removed. Husband told him if it was really a matter of life or death perhaps he would think otherwise. I think husband always felt like our neighbor but not now. Real life trumps theory.

And how good was my commute this morning? 70-75 mph all the way. Has everyone taken August off? Was there a holiday and no one told me? I need answers! Hmm, probably an aberration, just enjoy!