Update from our trip to Portland...actually still here! Decided a night away would be in order, so we decided to stay overnight and we just took in dinner and a movie. This has been a first!
Joey got a good report from the Doc. She does not want to see him for 6 months!! He will have another CAT scan then, but unless something unforseen happens, he's done here. Couldn't ask for more than that now could we!!
I had another expansion today, so now it is decision time. One or two more visits??? Gel or Silicone??? Decisions, decisions. Still have the treatment ahead of me so this will give me something to think about.
So, to sum everything up: It's All Good!
Until next time, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

A good weekend was had by all. Girls overnight in Hancock for me and Joey got to enjoy the peace and quite (for a little while!) at home. Many of the boys friends joined in for some swimming and a cookout for Cameron's girlfriends' birthday. Love a full house!
Joey is looking better everyday. Cannot wait until he gets his staples out tomorrow and gets his updated report from the Dr. Thank God for good weather. It is so nice to be able to go out in the boat and just float around with friends. Especially when they bring dinner!! Sunday I got him out to go grocery shopping...he is finding that this task is not as fun as it looks! Especially the part where you have to put everything away. Perfect time to say "...Man I am tired. I think I'll just go sit on the porch and rest for awhile." I'd like to be able to use that excuse sometime!!
Our trip to Portland on Tues. will be busy. Joey is meeting again with Dr Rutstein and I have another appt with the plastic surgeon. Looking into finishing up sooner than later. Maybe a couple more injections, we'll see. Still waiting on the final report from my oncologist her in Brewer so we can get going on my treatment. July 8th is my day. I feel I've been waiting long enough and want to get this thing going. My future expansion injections and surgery kind of depend on the results of this report, too.
Will let you all know how Joey makes out in Portland. Going to be a long day, so we'll probably spend the night and I will get back to you on Wed.
Until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

Hi all. Just a quick note to let you know Joey is doing great!! He has been in the office every day this week. We are actually closing on our business tomorrow morning, so we are trying to get all of our end closed out. Been out in the boat almost every day, so I'd say things are looking up.
I am heading to Portland in about 1 hour for my next expansion appt. in the morning. Wish me luck on that. I think the more I go, the more uncomfortable I am going to be. I also got my appointment for my treatment...FINALLY! July 8th is my big day. Dr. Garrett will have my treatment plan in line and hopefully will start then. Will keep you posted!
Until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

Not so good on letting you know the good news am I...We made it home Tues. night at 10pm. Made a deal with Joe that he had to eat crackers and drink a whole bottle of water by the time we got home and he agreed. Told the nurse our plan so she phone the Doc to see if we could leave...she said no :( A half hour later the nurse came in and said the Doc called back and had changed her mind! Didn't take long to pack the car and head out. Joe slept most of the way and was very glad to have his own bed back. We won't discuss how he kept his promises though...
Work has been crazy busy, but all for a good reason. We are hoping to close within the next couple of weeks. WHEW!!!! The new owner is wonderful to work with and I love who he put in the office with me. Between the two of us, we are trying to get all of the nitty gritty work done and leaving the big stuff up to Pat (the new owner) and Joey, when he is ready. Next week at this time I am sure Joey will feel much better and want to get into the office to clean everything out. That is going to be tough, but hopefully he will be right back working for them real soon.
So, in a nutshell, we jump over one hurdle and then another one is fast approaching!! That inner strength that everyone talks about can only last so long...
Until next time, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

We thought we'd be home today, but it looks like one more day might be necessary. Joey is still not eating at all or drinking much. He is very nauseous which in turn scares him to the point that he thinks he is slipping backwards. He has been sitting up all afternoon and we've been out walking, but the idea of food just turns him pale. Thank God for TV Land!! However, The Andy Griffith Show is getting a little old after 3 hrs of it. Let's hope for a sudden change in appetite so we can hit the road north.
Until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

This one is going to be short and sweet...Looks like Joey is going home tomorrow! He is officially free and clear of all IV's and weird things coming out his back!...his epidural.
He spent the day with sister Jenny while I booked it home to work at the office. His day consisted of many walks and lots of changes in his pain control. Aside from the constant nausea, he is lookin' good. Once that is under control, we are headed north. The kids and Sandy (our dog) are so ready for us to be back home.
Me? Well, it is back to Portland again next week for another expansion. I don't mind the trips at all. It is my time alone plus I have become very fond of this place!! It will be the week after that before I find out about my "treatment," so the posts will be less frequent. But still check...You never know what I might have for news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, looks like the weekend is going to be Sunny and 80!
Until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all....

The past 24 hrs have not been especially good for Joey. He has had two incidences where his epidural line was blocked and he was not getting any of his pain meds. OUCH!! He said it feels like his ribs are broken. His pain level was as bad as the night we admitted him in Bangor. He is not a fan of this feeling at all :( Had to call in the anestheologist both times to come fix the darn thing. They did replace the filter the second time, so hopefully this was the problem. His other IV line beeped because it was empty and he went right into a panic thinking it was this line again and I had to reassure him it was not!! He has been up walking (twice) and felt great doing so. This is a great sign. He looks great, just feels like crap :( !

Been a very low key day sitting on the side lines, but trying to keep the scene upbeat. He has been sleeping A LOT, so I sneak out then to chat on the phone.

I will be doing a quick trip home tomorrow morning after I see Dr. Rutstein. Still have many things to take care of so we can wrap things up in the office. It is going to be bittersweet these next few weeks as we wrap things up for good. Don't know the closing date yet, but we are planning on 3-6 weeks. Just know it is all good.

I also cannot wait to get home to see what our nephew Larry has done to our yard! When we left, it was entirely torn up, but when I called him tonight, he said he's been working hard and it is really taking shape. I guess the boys are loving it! We are making a more formal walkway starting at the driveway and going all of the way down to the water with it. We are going to do low key garden lights along the way with a new light post highlighting the entryway. He is creating a dry rock river bed along side the walkway that is going to be beautiful! We also ripped off the raised beds and putting in lower ones. Plus we are putting stone along the foundation so you won't be seeing that ugly concrete anymore! It is going to be so nice when it is done. Ya'll are going to have to come visit to see our renovated digs!

Enough of that. Joey is progressing along as well as expected. Rest is the only thing on the menu for now. As I look up at him right now, he must be dreaming. He is moving his hands around and he is mumbling (and snoring! which he claims he never does. Blames me for that!). Hope the dream is a good one :)

Until I have more news tomorrow about when his drain and epidural will be removed...

Good night, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

A new day brings another new drain for Joey, but only for the time being. He will get it out before he heads home!! His surgery last night went as well as expected, however, his pain is worse than ever. Thank God for the epidural! His surgery was only about 1 1/2 hrs, but he ended up in PACU until well into the night. I was in his room waiting for him around 9:45pm and he still was not here. Nurse Mikee came in to tell me PACU had called and said I could come see him there because he would not be leaving there anytime soon. They could not control his pain and he was incredibly uncomfortable. When I got down there, he was wide awake and we talked about many things...I am thinking (hoping) anesthesia is like a truth serum for him. He said MANY nice things to me! When I asked him about it this morning, he said he doesn't remember even seeing me last night! Should I tell him now about the big new diamond ring he promised me when this is all over?????? :)
Looks like we are going to be here a little longer than expected. At least 'til Mon., so the Doc says. He is on some pretty heavy duty pain meds, so he needs to be right here.

Well..., when it rains it pours. We have some pretty heavy, but good news to pass on to you all. As of yesterday morning at 7am, Lynch Construction Inc. is now known as Lynch Construction, a division of R.F. Jordan, in Ellsworth. They are an incredibly well known and respected construction company. This has all happened in just a couple of weeks and it has certainly been a whirlwind to say the least. Especially with everything else that is going on!! Let me tell you all how yesterday alone went...
7am Meeting at our home with the new owners
8am Meeting with our men. (To explain to them how this was a good thing for them and we care about them so much! We had them in mind through this whole process. This wasn't just for our benefit, it was for theirs too.)
9am Met with new owners and our guys as a group
10:30am My consultation at Cancer Care of Maine to figure out my path of treatment
12pm Hit the road for Portland
3pm Maine Med for Joey's surgery
Funniest thing of all is that at my 10:30 appt they took my blood pressure and it was great! How could that possibly be?????
I know this is a lot to consume in one post, but it is all for the good. Many tears have been shed, but in the long run, it is best for all. This is also going to be a great healing tool for Joey, just knowing the ship is now sailing in smooth waters. They have even offered Joey a position when he feels up to it. Another huge load off his back. Now, with all of this said, it is truly time to "LET THE HEALING BEGIN!"
So, until next time, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

I just realized that I had not informed you all of our next escapade! Sorry about that...
Lots of news out of Portland this time. Joey had his appt with Dr. Rutstein on Tues for his gallbladder situation. She took one look at him and said "...that's gotta come out!" Joey thought the next day would suit him just fine, but she had other plans. Friday...yes, this Friday, as in tomorrow!! So, here is the schedule: My consult at Cancer Care of Maine at 10:30 am for me, then straight to Portland from there. He is scheduled for surgery at 3, but that means nothing on a Friday afternoon. It could be 3, but more likely 5 or 6. Maybe even 10. Who knows. We just know it is coming out and it is a good thing!! The boys are going to hold down the fort here with promises of a clean house when we get back. Wonder what that means?????
Anyway, I will post with the outcome of my appt and Joey's recovery stories on Sat. so until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...
PS...Forgot to tell you that my first expansion when really well. Didn't even know they did anything! Probably 4 or 5 visits will do for me. Only time will tell!

We are off to Portland tomorrow. Joey is in a lot of pain from his gallbladder drain, so I hope we get some answers as to when his next Maine Med visit will be...sooner than later would do us just fine. My appt for my first expansion will be Wed morning. Thinking it might be a little painful because they have to "stretch the skin" in order to make the size just right!! That bigger is better theory will go right out the window as soon as I have my first "Oh My God this HURTS" moment!!
Will let you all know what the results of Joey's appt is. Let's pray for relief for him real soon.
Until next time...God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

Today has been on of the busiest and most productive days yet. All started with a great nights sleep for Joey and a horrible one for me. I wake up anytime between 12:30 and 2am, toss and turn 'til about 5 then fall back to sleep only to hear the boys getting ready for work/school at 7. This morning my day was planned by 4:30am, so we ended up hitting the road early. Had to drag Joey out of bed, but he was glad I did. We did a few errands, visited with a few friends, worked for a couple of hours, then had our dear friend Fa. Bockus come to the house to give us communion before he heads off for his operation next week. Whew!! (He came down to give us communion before both of our operations, so it was only fitting he did it before his!!:))
Did get some news yesterday...finally got my appt with my oncologist here. Next Fri. at 11. Looking so forward to getting the answers we've been waiting for for so long. What type of chemo will I get, when do I start and how long will it be for?? All questions that have been filling our minds. We head to Portland Tues & Wed for Joeys answers and my 1st expansion. Busy week coming up!
With a couple of graduation parties to attend this weekend, I think I'll make this short and sweet. We need our rest, so off to watch the Red Sox in bed!
Until next time...God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

I know I am slacking, but now that I am feeling better, it is off to the office for me so my time is stretched a little more!! I do have an update, but I am sure it is not what you want to hear...
Last Friday's news from Portland was so positive,but unfortunately, for Joey, it did not pan out like we had hoped. His drain for his gallbladder had to be hooked back up on Monday. This means another operation (in Portland) to have his gallbladder removed. Because of the chemo he had, he has to wait a little while longer and it will probably require a couple of nights stay at Maine Med. They have to take it out the old fashioned way, which means another incision and a longer recouping period. Joey looks at me and sees me doing (somewhat) normal activities after only 2 weeks and he knows how he feels after almost 2 months and it just doesn't seem fair to him that he is still not feelin up to par. Thank God for the nice weather though!! Over the weekend, he could be found laying in the party boat in the sun...soaking in the rays. He does take a walk up to our baseball field most days, so that is good, but he needs some nice uplifting news to get him refocused. Got any to share???????????????????????????
Me?...I am doing well. Still waiting for contac from my oncologist here to get the chemo thing set up. Hurry up and wait. That seems to be our life's motto right now. I head to Portland again on Tues. and it looks like Joey will be going with me to meet with Dr. Rutstein to set the plan in motion for his surgery.
Will let you know if anything new and exciting happens sooner!! Until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...