The Mountain Thymes

 Cliff discovered the relaxing comfort you get from the porch swing.  You're being swaddled like a baby and hugged by loving arms when needed most. He had his fourth chemo treatment yesterday so is tired today.  If his body reacts in the same pattern, he'll progressively feel more fatigued and foggy-brained as the week goes on, napping and lying on the couch most of the day.  His appetite is still fairy good.  This noon he ate meatloaf, baked potato, and farmers market steamed spinach.  Yesterday I had my two-month follow-up and liver panel with our doctor who spent quite a long time talking about what Cliff is going through mentally and physically, how hard the poison is on his organs and his brain.  He offered advice on how to help Cliff during his lashing-out anger and depression times so we can both journey through this together.  Sunday we packed a picnic lunch and headed to the Ocoee Gorge to watch the rafts and kayaks. The TVA didn't release the water Sunday but we l

There haven't been any posts lately because as I sit to type, the words that I want to type get smothered by emotions or the need to flee.  So I'll start by sharing some simple images from our acreage that bring me tranquility. Over the years I've dug up these wild daisies from the slopes on Boulder Creek Road before the board has them mowed down.  The daisies also seed themselves in places throughout the woods, between rocks, and in areas so dry that I could never get anything to grow there.  I unexpectedly found this wonderful surprise behind stacked firewood in our woods. Their roots spread shallow needing very little moisture or or humans fussing with them.  They flourish just popping up in unexpected spots.   Outside the garden fence................... Along a path to the garden................... Inside the garden fence near the beets and compost.................. When I come across some where they may be tread on, it's easy to loosen the roots and give them a new

 We received lots of information this morning from our doctor, asked lots of questions, and got a few issues cleared up.  Cliff will be seeing him every seven to ten days for a quick blood draw and check on his leg edema to keep him out of clinics and hospitals. He gave us some suggestions on handing pressure and emotions that pop up during the difficult days.   We both felt good after the consult this morning.  Cliff needs to prop up his feet during his rest time. I need to get back to my exercise, whatever it is I choose to do, and we need to take breaks from each other when we get on each others nerves.   Last night Cliff showed up at his Station 25 training and was warmly welcomed back.  It's been a couple of months since he's been on any calls or to any training but his volunteers have been in constant contact checking on him.  Since there was no chemo Monday he felt well enough to try the meeting.  What a boost to his moral......a feel of normalcy.  After telling one of h

 First of all, I goofed on yesterday's report of normal blood results.  They were not normal.  The numbers were all over the place due to the chemo.  He was released because he didn't have cellulitis and the doctor doubled his Lasix Rx to relieve the fluid causing the redness and pain in both legs.  Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, we will follow up with our doctor.  Cliff went to his chemo appointment this morning and had a good discussion with the PA.  It upsets him that he never gets to see or talk to the doctor, only a PA.  No chemo today because of the blood results.  He's feeling quite well today. On the way home from the clinic he wanted a full breakfast at the Sawmill so he ordered a pancake, two eggs over easy, and an order of bacon.  His eyes are fully opened today, color is good, and he's up and around doing little tasks.  Usually by the weekend he begins showing signs of normalcy where he can carry on a full conversation and get involved in life again.  Then chemo

This morning's post was all typed and close to being published when I accidentally hit one vile key that deleted the whole page.  Let's see what I can recall and get this published before I delete it again......... Yesterday morning around 11 we ended up in Fannin ER thinking that Cliff had developed cellulitis in his legs.  Earlier in the week he noticed consistent leg swelling with little relief.  By Friday it was worse but didn't call our doctor because he had a one p.m. appointment scheduled with our optometrist.  Friday night both legs were painfully swollen and red.  Saturday morning when he called our doc, we were told to go to the ER for evaluation.  We had to wait, though, because the new microwave was being delivered and needed to be inspected for approval and our acceptance signature.  Whenever we go anywhere now, I have an insulated bag with Ensure, pretzels, Propel, peppermints, fruit yogurt cup and spoon in case he needs them. One thing I've found helpful