Saturday, May 15: Not going to Juneau Now
Mom has decided not to visit Mickey in Juneau now, although she promises she'll go soon. The big reason for staying home now is that Gale will need her when she won't be able to go to Sunset Center 5 days per week. Another reason is that she doesn't want to do anything that would disrupt the progress she's been making with her amyloidosis and other medical conditions. In particular, she wants to keep getting her shots as she's getting them now.
Sunday, May 9: High Tech options
For Skype, Esther went with the option of getting the microphone and camera for her HP. Works great, and she has a really cute photo ID. She's already talked to Terrye in Israel, and when Terrye gets her camera working they'll share video in both directions.
She hasn't decided what do do about the phone, but it's possible Mickey may be able to get her a Moment at a discount.
Monday, April 26: High Tech options
Esther is deciding how to access Skype, so she can have free video phone calls, and when to upgrade her cell phone to a smart phone.
For Skype, she's inclined just to use her HP laptop, purchasing the required microphone and camera accessories. This is definitely the cheapest way, and suits her tastes better than the alternatives she's considered: getting an iPad (which has no camera anyway), or getting a modern laptop with camera and microphone built-in. Unless persuaded otherwise, she plans to go shopping for the aforemntioned accessories next Sunday, April 2nd.
As for the phone, the issue is saving money vs. living fully now. The model she wants is a Sprint Moment, a smart phone a with slide-out key board (she tried it), video camera and Web access. This would make it very convenient for her to email pictures and movies, and Google stuff for her current events group. If she waits until December, her contract stipulates that she can get it for $100. If she gets it now, it will cost $425. What would you advise?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
News
Saturday, May 15: Miscellany; Pearlita's Working Out Well
Esther's checkup with Dr. Johnson showed continued improvement (see the Health Issues posting). And she's not going to Juneau right now (see the Decisions postings).
Esther's new companion Pearlita seems like a huge improvement, even without considering the previous companion's ethical problems. Pearlita gives great showers, and is an amazing housekeeper. And she seems to really like Esther. She's in litigation for back wages from Kaiser (she was laid off from her job as an LVN when Kaiser downsized as a cost-saving measure), but she says she wouldn't return to that job: she likes working for Esther more.
She certainly seems to hold Esther in high regard. Recently, Pearlita said "Can I ask you a personal question?" Esther said yes, and Pearlita asked "Were you a doctor?" Esther told her no, and asked why she thought that. Pearlita said it was something about her demeanor.
Saturday, May 8: Esther Gets her Power Chair!
Esther says it's very comfortable, and convenient for the computer: she doesn't have to push back against the couch to standup, and the camera gets a better view of her when she talks on Skype.
Monday, April 26: Lillian's Health is not Good
Over the weekend Esther's sister Lillian condition took a turn for the worse, and they called Esther from the convalescent hospital to ask if they should take Lillian to the hospital. They seemed to be actually asking something else, something only Esther could say because she is listed as the closest family member. Esther wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, but she said to take her sister to the hospital, to try to help her get better. And she's going to to try to change the records so that one of Lillian's children can make the decision next time -- which probably won't be that far off in the future.
Sunday, April 25: Esther Puts her Hearing Aids in Herself!
It took a while, and afterwards her hands were tired. And she wasn't quite sure how she did it, and struggled and failed to repeat the feat Monday. Nevertheless, Sunday was a landmark on her path to regaining her health.
Saturday, April 17: Esther Completes Driver's Ed
Esther completed a day log driver's education class for seniors, with just a half-hour break for lunch. It's especially impressive when you realize that not log ago she would have been up to the physical challenge of sitting up for that long. However this doesn't mean that she'll necessarily start driving again, just that she wants to keep her options open.
Wednesday, April 14: Gale's Schedule Unchanged for Now
Esther's checkup with Dr. Johnson showed continued improvement (see the Health Issues posting). And she's not going to Juneau right now (see the Decisions postings).
Esther's new companion Pearlita seems like a huge improvement, even without considering the previous companion's ethical problems. Pearlita gives great showers, and is an amazing housekeeper. And she seems to really like Esther. She's in litigation for back wages from Kaiser (she was laid off from her job as an LVN when Kaiser downsized as a cost-saving measure), but she says she wouldn't return to that job: she likes working for Esther more.
She certainly seems to hold Esther in high regard. Recently, Pearlita said "Can I ask you a personal question?" Esther said yes, and Pearlita asked "Were you a doctor?" Esther told her no, and asked why she thought that. Pearlita said it was something about her demeanor.
Saturday, May 8: Esther Gets her Power Chair!
Esther says it's very comfortable, and convenient for the computer: she doesn't have to push back against the couch to standup, and the camera gets a better view of her when she talks on Skype.
Monday, April 26: Lillian's Health is not Good
Over the weekend Esther's sister Lillian condition took a turn for the worse, and they called Esther from the convalescent hospital to ask if they should take Lillian to the hospital. They seemed to be actually asking something else, something only Esther could say because she is listed as the closest family member. Esther wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, but she said to take her sister to the hospital, to try to help her get better. And she's going to to try to change the records so that one of Lillian's children can make the decision next time -- which probably won't be that far off in the future.
Sunday, April 25: Esther Puts her Hearing Aids in Herself!
It took a while, and afterwards her hands were tired. And she wasn't quite sure how she did it, and struggled and failed to repeat the feat Monday. Nevertheless, Sunday was a landmark on her path to regaining her health.
Saturday, April 17: Esther Completes Driver's Ed
Esther completed a day log driver's education class for seniors, with just a half-hour break for lunch. It's especially impressive when you realize that not log ago she would have been up to the physical challenge of sitting up for that long. However this doesn't mean that she'll necessarily start driving again, just that she wants to keep her options open.
Wednesday, April 14: Gale's Schedule Unchanged for Now
Gale's Mental Health Center hasn't closed for remodeling yet, and may not do so until June. Until that happens, Gale will continue to go to the center as long as they still serve lunch. If they do stop serving lunch, or when the center closes for remodeling, Gale plans to work for mom on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings, instead of just Sunday afternoons.
There were no problems with the visit form Kaiser's Durable Medical Equipment group. All they really wanted to do is take measurements so they could get the right chair, and have Esther pick out the color.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Window on the World
The Walnut Creek JCC Current Affairs Discussion Group
Friday, May 8: The post office; Greece; porno at the SEC.
"The first thing we talked about was the post office. I didn't think that was a Jewish concern in particular, but there was a lot of interest. The moderator said the post office had to go to Congress every time they wanted to raise rates, and he thought it should be privatized. But most people disagreed. I was surprised at how much affection people had for the post office, I didn't think they would care, one way or the other. Some people said that their first job was at the post office, handling mail at Christmas time. Others said the post office was more than a business, it was a service, and it was having a post office that put small towns on the map. Some of those post office would close if they needed to show a profit."
"The 2nd topic was Greece, and the problems with the euro. People thought that Greece wasn't an honorable country, that they falsified records to get into the euro club. Now they need help, but Germany doesn't want to do it. And there are some Eastern European countries that are in trouble too, it could be a dangerous precedent. There's one possible bright spot though -- the exchange rate will be better for the dollar."
"The last topic was that scandal at the Securities and Exchange commission. Did you hear about it? They were watching porno on their laptops instead of paying attention to the hearing. Some people thought it was serious, others treated it as a big joke. No, they can't just be fired, these are the top people. I don't know if they'll be impeached.
Friday, April 16
Topic A this week was the divestment controversy swirling around CalPERS, the California Public Employee fund that provides Esther and millions of others with retirement income. For an overview of the issue, see this link:
http://articles.latimes.com/
A capsule description is that the legislature mandated divestment in companies doing business in Iran, but CalPers is resisting, saying that to do so now would force them to incur heavy losses.
The discussion in the JCC's current affairs group was about the danger of war between Israel and Iran. Most thought Israel would attack before November. Should that happen, the group felt that Congress would insist on U.S. backing for Israel, possibly even by declaring war on Iran.
Friday, May 8: The post office; Greece; porno at the SEC.
"The first thing we talked about was the post office. I didn't think that was a Jewish concern in particular, but there was a lot of interest. The moderator said the post office had to go to Congress every time they wanted to raise rates, and he thought it should be privatized. But most people disagreed. I was surprised at how much affection people had for the post office, I didn't think they would care, one way or the other. Some people said that their first job was at the post office, handling mail at Christmas time. Others said the post office was more than a business, it was a service, and it was having a post office that put small towns on the map. Some of those post office would close if they needed to show a profit."
"The 2nd topic was Greece, and the problems with the euro. People thought that Greece wasn't an honorable country, that they falsified records to get into the euro club. Now they need help, but Germany doesn't want to do it. And there are some Eastern European countries that are in trouble too, it could be a dangerous precedent. There's one possible bright spot though -- the exchange rate will be better for the dollar."
"The last topic was that scandal at the Securities and Exchange commission. Did you hear about it? They were watching porno on their laptops instead of paying attention to the hearing. Some people thought it was serious, others treated it as a big joke. No, they can't just be fired, these are the top people. I don't know if they'll be impeached.
Friday, April 16
Topic A this week was the divestment controversy swirling around CalPERS, the California Public Employee fund that provides Esther and millions of others with retirement income. For an overview of the issue, see this link:
http://articles.latimes.com/
A capsule description is that the legislature mandated divestment in companies doing business in Iran, but CalPers is resisting, saying that to do so now would force them to incur heavy losses.
Friday, April 9
Birthday party for Jean and Esther
It was a frozen yogurt cake of course, from Tucker's in Alameda, Gale's favorite. We asked them to come up with something with a 'gardening motif.' The potting soil was their idea.
Getting ready to eat the cake. Jean picked the bouquet from her rose garden that morning.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Fast forward
May
May 16: Mickey visiting from Alaska.
Esther up to Juneau for a visit? For how long, and how to ensure continuity of medical care and keeping good helpers? Possibly schedule the visit for the 5 weeks in between chemotherapy rounds?
Matt 3/9/10: Kaiser reimbursed for medical treatment when I visited Juneau, just needed to fill out paperwork and attach receipts.
Terrye 3/9/10: Is there Kaiser in Alaska? How much would it take to have blood tested out of network? How long is the flight from Alaska? Can she sit up for that long?
Mickey 3/9/10: Have tickets for two to Juneau in May, return in June. But mom worried about Kaiser covering blood tests, having to get them out of network.
June
The center Gale goes to in San Francisco will be closed for remodeling. Currently, the plan is for Gale to come over to help on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings, taking the bus from the BART station to the Walnut Knolls sign on San Miguel. But if that's too much for Gale they'll cut back to fewer days, and Gale can always lie down and rest any time she feels tired.
June 21: First day of Esther's every-6-weeks chemotherapy cycle.
Esther's wish list
Tuesday, April 6
1) If you have a considered opinion on the new health care legislation, or a link to an interesting article, please let Esther know. The topic will doubtless come up again soon in her current affairs group at the JCC, and she's eager to join the discussion. Right now, she gets most her news online, either from AOL, news.google.com, or www.nytimes.com.
Can you help broaden her horizons?
2) Any suggestions for online writer's groups? Esther enjoyed
the class she took a few years ago, and wrote a powerful, literally unforgettable piece about her sister calling out for her. Now that she's feeling a little better she's ready to try again.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Birthday party for Esther
This is the first real post, kind of like a test drive, so we'll keep it short.
Esther's birthday was Monday, April 5, but we celebrated the day before in Walnut Creek with a frozen yogurt cake. Gale was there too, and greatly appreciated the dessert. The rest of the cuisine was Esther's traditional lunch spread, modified for Passover to substitute matzoh for bagels: smoked fish, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. (We'll post pix of the celebration soon).
In other food-related news, Esther was very proud of herself Saturday after dining on a savory meal of fried matzoh. What made it particularly satisfying was that she made it herself, her most ambitious cooking project since she got sick last year. As she puts it, there was no choice if she didn't want to do without -- fried matzoh just isn't in Lianna's culture. She she got out the pan, diced the onions, and cut up the tomatoes -- the works. The only downside was hand pain, she had to wake up in the middle of the night and take a powerful prescription pain killer she's reluctant to use, not wanting anyone to possibly confuse her with that widely syndicated right-wing talk show host.
Health issues
Saturday, May 15, 2010: Post-chemo meeting with Dr. Johnson
Esther just finished her every-six-weeks chemotherapy week for amyloidosis. Here are Mickey's notes on the meeting with Dr. Johnson, her amyloidosis physician, on Friday, May 14:
Mom says only pains are in hands, and rates the pain at a 6. They look deformed to me.
Things are up and down on the Kappa LC Fr, but are trending down. 1/8th of first reading.
Elbow bumps (which I see for the 1st time) have been there forever.
Continue chemo therapy and shots for anemia.
Some swelling in legs, which is painful when touched.
In his opinion it would be OK for mom to visit Juneau between chemo cycles. Mom is very reluctant to go at this time and the trip is put off for now.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 Hands
Esther just finished her every-six-weeks chemotherapy week for amyloidosis. Here are Mickey's notes on the meeting with Dr. Johnson, her amyloidosis physician, on Friday, May 14:
Mom says only pains are in hands, and rates the pain at a 6. They look deformed to me.
Things are up and down on the Kappa LC Fr, but are trending down. 1/8th of first reading.
Elbow bumps (which I see for the 1st time) have been there forever.
Continue chemo therapy and shots for anemia.
Some swelling in legs, which is painful when touched.
In his opinion it would be OK for mom to visit Juneau between chemo cycles. Mom is very reluctant to go at this time and the trip is put off for now.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 Hands
Esther's biggest health concern continues to be her hands. Even when they don't hurt they just don't feel quite right, although they're better than before. She's taking Neurontin© daily, but sometimes the pain will cut through that and wake her up in the middle of the night. She has two things she tries when that happens. One is an alternative medicine technique she learned at Tiffy, gliding one hand over the other, "not touch, not rub, glide." The other is a more heavlily controlled drug that she tries to avoid.
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