Best/Worse//What did I learn today?chat with friends old&new

Grandma Betty....this is a new experience for you!! GIRLS!!

And, BAM .. your world changes in a heart beat .......

The phone rang at about 9am .. it was my cousin, David, one of the most brilliant people both mentally and emotionally that I know ..
Chairman of many boards, consummate 'giver' .. an all around stellar fella ..
Thought he was calling me re my Aunts 100th bday .. no he wasn't ..
He was calling to tell me he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer .. STAGE flippin 4 .. also called, 'the end stage'
He is in round 2 of chemo .. but.. he is confident and, as a stubborn Irishman, he refuses to let cancer end him ..
He and wife Linda and their 3 grown and married children are united in this journey ..
Weird thing is .. David never smoked .. he was the Manager of the local Ford dealership for 34 years, just retired last summer ..

I want to comment about all and everyones posts, but, I think I'm just going to sit for a bit and let this all settle.
I do want to say I hope all goes well with Vern ...

~M~

Oh no. So sorry to hear that "M". Sending many prayers.

How very sad "M"
Sending hugs, know you need them

Brother Mike and his wife Kim just dropped in, they are on a spider run, Greg and Mel off to a wedding and Jeff and friend have the Foxy Lady out for the weekend

Busy time for all

Hi - Bob's gone to make one last run at the old place...... John's helping him.
We have a good guy helping us install kitchen cabinets today - thought it would be 10am, but because we didn't get to sleep until 4am, we didn't get up until 9:30, so it's one more run at the old place and then unload here. THEN we pick up Harold and he can help with the cabinets later today.
It WILL be today though......!!

I'm so sorry, Marilynne. I know when my mom was diagnosed with stage 4, you just can't believe it. How had it got so far so fast! My prayers are with all of you. As you know, that cancer is nasty stuff. :-(

So sorry to hear about your cousin, Marilynne. Sure puts other problems in perspective.

I made the trip to town and got milk, fish and cabbage. Also a box of chicken legs.

Cooking fish to make a tuna-type salad. It's hard to cook in this weather. I usually end up sharing chicken legs and brown rice with the dogs. Only I have mine on a plate.

Slept OK but even after taking a pain killer I went back to sleep this morning.

I have my list of things to do and have gotten a few done. No point in pushing myself; I just end up crashing. I think all the sunflower seeds germinated and they're shooting up so I will move a few of them.

As usual, it's hot and humid so we are in survival mode.

hugs, katie

"m" heart goes out to you, doubt there is not one of us here who hasn't been touched by cancer and it never gets any easier does it.here is hoping he will be able to attend your aunts 100th so you can hold him..prayers coming your way

Smart thinking Katie re taking it easy as you know how easy it is to burn out. You can cook outside right?

Bob's going to end up making himself I'll Susan, too much for a man of his age to be doing so much, know he'll not say no can do so maybe you will have to do so

78 in here,had an hour of nap time, just shut the windows and put air on..why endure heat when you don't have to

Ahhh "M" Hugs to you, that's a tough blow.

Sending you tight Armwraps and prayers M.
So sorry to hear about your cousin.
..When not in garden, I've been knitting and knitting and knitting. Guess what? It has kept me from smoking, cut my smoking down to 7-10 cigs oppose to an entire pack.
lol got the knit down so now I will move on to the pearl.

We are going to see Areatha Franklin tonight. Of course it's raining but not caring too much since I just got my Harley Rain suit and finally a pair of Harley boots! my feet should stay nice and dry. And I invested in a nice pair of leather gloves...I am set for Sturgis!
Betty we leave 28th or around there.

Friends here went to Sturgis, can't believe she drove her bike all the way there and back..you will so enjoy!

You will master the knitting in no time

So lazy, should go to foodland! Maybe I'll treat myself to something from the restaurant. Not even sure I have enough energy for that

This message was edited Jul 11, 2015 5:25 PM

Glad to hear your still knitting Judy, we want to see your items you have made.

Sending prayers from Norm and I "M". I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll pray for his family for the strength they will need. Hugs to you and your family.....

Sitting out but skitters are coming out for supper..hate to go in

I so enjoyed watching a bluejay sitting on the wings of the metal fairy at the pond.,bluejay would dive in the pond then back up on the winds..watched for about 5 minutes..first time I've seen this

Nature at its best

As always .. thanks to ALL of you, from the heart ..

I spoke with David's wife, Linda, this afternoon .. he was napping .. apparently, over the last few years, he has had 'melanomas' (skin cancers) removed from his back and arm ..
He is a fair haired/light skinned man .. and, like ME .. not very good at using sunblock ..
One of the melanomas .. travelled .. right to his lungs, and, hid on him ... by the time he felt any symptoms, the cancer was well advanced ..
He is doing chemo, and, maintaining a very positive attitude ..

Still trying to come to grips with all this, and, I appreciate your thoughts ..

HUGS

~M~

Another day, full of sunshine, and, LESS heat and humidity ..and, we move forward, cuz, there is NO going back .. take it as it comes .. and deal with whatever is dealt.

Love all the pics of flowers and gardens, and will have some of my own to post in a bit once I upload them to this laptop ..

Katie, I hope things go well with your correspondence.

Susan ... do you have a kitchen yet? EWE to the mouse fiasco ..

Sharon .. someone being at the bedside at meal times is a HUGE issue .. good that you're there for Vern.

Karen .. the kids are having a very memorable summer thanks to you and Bumpa :-)

Dianne .. drop us a line , worry about you ..

Judy .. hurray for cutting back on the cigs .. I IS a tough row to hoe ..

Joyce, thanks for your thoughts ..

I've missed lots, still feel like someone punched me in the belly and knocked the wind out of me, but, that will pass ..

Take care, and, enjoy your day ..

HUGS

~M~

Morning all, sunshine day here as well..

How right you are "M" 'Take it as it comes, and deal with whatever is dealt'
No truer words
Was telling someone yesterday that there is no reason to worry today about what may be tomorrow, if this is our last day on earth or if it is never to be we've wasted precious hours that we can never have back!

Lordy I have to go shopping for a camera, maybe walmart after I have my coffee (best I get dressed)
Photo's on this iPad is the pits

Jeff spent the night on the Foxy Lady, will drop by later, Darlene said she will drop in, Terri from Florida is here helping with her move this week..she also sold the place she bought after Mike passed on

Must think of something to cook in case they stay for lunch or supper

Twins will be here this morning to check on their project

Lots to fill my day, best I get a move on

Morning everyone.

"M" We will keep you and the family in our prayers.

Betty your gardens are beautiful.

Morning all, Not sunny as yet but not raining either. National Cherry Festival ended last night. We'll still have lots of tourists but not quite as bad. We'll be able to take the kids to a few fun places now..Sand Dunes, Splash pad, Platte River for tubing. Grandson is now on vaca too which is good as we have 1 too many to ride in our car.

Thanks lindakay, just got back from walmart,

Whatever happened to cheap cameras?? Just know now that I bought one I will find mine
Now to figure it out before trip

I met one of my best friends from grade 1 to 11' I recognized her but she didn't recognize me..we promised to get together when I get back from my trip..so enjoyed gabbing

Karen, been to Michigan sand dunes last year, beautiful beaches
Make sure you have your camera with you

Betty, do you have a cell phone with a camera? They usually take really nice photo's!

Enjoy your vacation Karen. Our family used to do all those things when were younger.

No lindakay, have a bucket of them in the cupboard, when Jeff gets a new version he gives me his old but I do not like cell phones so camera it is

On the charger it came with , says charge to full a few hours so am reading instructions

Here are some pics taken with my cellphone camera yesterday
Have never seen a Petunia quite like the one pictured ..
The pic of Lorna and myself .. well .. just way too funny trying to take a 'selfie' .. the only one of SIX that turned out and her head is chopped off .. she had just been in the pool ..

M

Those are beautiful petunias!

Love that picture! How is her leg doing, did they get it adjusted, so it does not rub?

Dianne, how are you doing? Is your mouth doing better?

Lorna's leg (touch wood) has been fitting well since being replaced ..
Betty had asked how her hand was, the fall was 2 weeks ago .. her hand is still a bit tender, and, she swears up and down she broke her index finger, but, it didn't visualize in the xrays ..

Just hit me .. the Petunia looks like a 'shell' found on the beach .. I found one in Florida, there was a religious significance attached to it .. maybe something to do with the 12 Apostles or something .. gonna have to google it .. Sand Dollar ?

Making dog food today .. the kitchen looks like a BOMB went off in it ..

BBL

~M~

http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/f024_SandDollar.htm

Glad to hear her leg is fitted well.

Sorry to hear she still has pain in her hand.

They are gorgeous and yes petunias do resemble sand dollars, thanks for the link lindaKay
Maybe "M" hairline crack so small it can't be seen

Love the selfie..last night they advertised a camera with an extendable arm for selfies..I keep thinking how many photo's that are minus the one taking photo, would be great for those times

Camera says charged, when I take photo it says no memory card but I did install it..have to check that out

Making chicken and sliders, Jeff loves them so a treat for when he drops in

Bob's doing just fine, Betty - but thanks for the worrying (you do that ever so well lol)
Now that we're actually all here, the fun stuff starts.....
have to sort out stuff that goes to the sale, sheds, goodwill & storage...... that should take care of a good 1/3 of it!!
No, kitchen's not in yet - Harold came by, dry fit some of it but we also have to get some cupboards out from under boxes, etc, in the living room.
He has a plan..... and we need to get some parts (dishwasher kit, shims, etc).
I'm going to call the moving company tomorrow, and calmly discuss how they're going to make ma happy.........

Marilyn - My heart & prayers are with you cousin's family.

I had a talk with my daughter, Michelle - her MIL is in the hospital, with cancer, wasting away - matter of time. She's been transferred to Vita, Manitoba - very tiny town, and they're not sure of the quality of care she'll get, after a previous time in same hospital - it wasn't very nice
Spoke to Alice - she's doing ok, but also a matter of time - it's a beautiful summer in Winnipeg, but she does a lot of sleeping & resting. Gets visitors a lot. She's not required to go into the hospital as yet, but knows it's her last summer, and won't see Christmas.

How sad to know you may not live to see all the seasons, I would think it makes her (everyone diagnosed) enjoy each and every day to the fullest, sees life in a different perspective .
Glad Bob is ok, worry about the amount of work he has been doing, tell him how wonderful it is to see someone so 'fit' he can endure what you've both been through these past few months.

Hope skitters have gone in, want to do more weeding

Drats, why don't they tell you memory card is sold separately?? Sigh

Know I have a few somewhere, likely with my camera that I can't find

Guess another trip to midland is in order

yes, he's fit - and it's a good thing, too........ otherwise we'd be a real mess, we two......
Well, off to the store to get parts for our kitchen installation - cya later!!

This is what is happening today. They are doing spinal tap and then injecting dye to see if the brain drains it. Pray that the brain keeps the dye because if it does, we have found the brunt of Vern's problems and they are fixable to a point.



Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical symptom complex caused by the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid. This condition is characterized by abnormal gait, urinary incontinence, and (potentially reversible) dementia. See the image below.
T2-weighted MRI showing dilatation of ventricles o T2-weighted MRI showing dilatation of ventricles out of proportion to sulcal atrophy in a patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus. The arrow points to transependymal flow.
Signs and symptoms

Patients with NPH present with a gradually progressive disorder. The classic triad consists of the following:

Abnormal gait: Earliest feature and most responsive to treatment; bradykinetic, broad-based, magnetic, and shuffling gait
Urinary incontinence: Urinary frequency, urgency, or frank incontinence
Dementia: Prominent memory loss and bradyphrenia; forgetfulness, decreased attention, inertia

See Clinical Presentation for more detail.
Diagnosis

Laboratory testing

In general, laboratory testing is not helpful in the diagnosis of NPH. However, a levodopa challenge may be helpful to rule out idiopathic Parkinson disease; patients with NPH have no significant response to levodopa or dopamine agonists.

Imaging studies

Imaging studies are invaluable in the diagnosis of NPH. In most cases of new-onset neurologic symptoms, obtain an initial computed tomography scan of the brain. Although magnetic resonance imaging is more specific than CT scanning in NPH, a normal CT scan can exclude the diagnosis.

Procedures

All patients with suspected NPH should undergo diagnostic CSF removal (either large volume lumbar puncture and/or external lumbar drainage), which has both diagnostic and prognostic value. Improvement in symptoms with large-volume drainage supports the diagnosis of NPH.

See Workup for more detail.
Management

Surgery

Surgical CSF shunting remains the main treatment modality for NPH. Prior to embarking upon surgical therapy, knowing which patients may benefit from surgery is necessary. Detailed testing is performed before and after CSF drainage (eg, baseline neuropsychological evaluation, timed walking test, large-volume lumbar puncture, external lumbar drainage, CSF infusion testing).

Ideal candidates for shunt surgery would show imaging evidence of ventriculomegaly, as indicated by a frontal horn ratio exceeding 0.50 on imaging studies, along with one or more of the following criteria:

Presence of a clearly identified etiology
Predominant gait difficulties with mild or absent cognitive impairment
Substantial improvement after CSF withdrawal (CSF tap test or lumbar drainage)
Normal-sized or occluded sylvian fissures and cortical sulci on CT scan or MRI
Absent or moderate white-matter lesions on MRI

An alternative technique to shunt surgery is endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Pharmacotherapy

No definitive evidence exists that medication, including levodopa/carbidopa, can successfully treat NPH. Although levodopa/carbidopa has been reported to be of benefit in anecdotal reports, patients with NPH may represent misdiagnosed cases of parkinsonism. However, in patients who are poor candidates for shunt surgery, repeated lumbar punctures in combination with acetazolamide may be considered.[1]

See Treatment and Medication for more detail.
Next Section: Background


Read more about Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus on Medscape
Related Reference Topics

Imaging in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus
Posttraumatic Hydrocephalus


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LindaK, thanx for the link .. it all came back to me, especially the 'Doves' .. one of my parents friends in Boca was a devout Catholic, and she explained it all to me .. but, I was young, Murray was about 6 yrs old and I was paying more attention to him playing in the pool .. that link sure brought it all back ..

Oh Betty .. feel bad you didn't get a memory card .. the salesperson should have said something fer sure ..

Susan .. good luck to you ..

Off to the cemetery to water a bed or 2 the guys forgot yesterday .. even thogh we have a storm warning .. seems they give them, and the storms go right past us, but, I think NOT today !

~M~

Oh M I am so tired ... I just looked at your post and I read you were going to try out a water bed with 2 guys. Yep that's tired!

Lovely day here except for the bugs. A couple of friends were trying to walk down the lane for a visit. They called me to say they were on the way. I offered them a ride but they wanted the exercise. I just had come back in from walking the pups and was bombarded with deer flies and skeeters. I decided to drive up and get them. Boy were they glad to see me.

Tuesday I see Doc and have the rest of the upper teeth pulled and a plate put in immediately. Betty I was so relieved to read that you keep your dentures in except to clean them.

Oh Judy have a blast at Sturgis... wish I could be there with you.

Susan hope your unpacking is uneventful.

Need to put my doorman hat on and get the boys outside.

Dianne

Omg Sharon, you must be frantic, how soon will they know results? I don't understand a whole lot of the medical jargon but do know it's serious..guess you will not know when Vern will be moved until results right? You must be exhausted ..how far s the hospital vern's in to your home?

Dianne, you aren't going to the dentist alone on Tuesday are you?
Jeff/julie, Darlene and Terry were here for a bit, wasn't bad under the gazebo but Jeff cut branches that were sitting on the gazebo top, we carried them to back bush and boy were skitters bad, unlucky you to have deer flies as well..guess we won't have to worry when it's -34 😆

Jeff left with container of chicken/sliders and container of spaghetti sauce, his 2 favourites.

Watching a movie, cuddled up in a blank id, guess I could turn down a/c

LMAO Dianne .. yep, that'd tire me out for sure hahahahaah ..
I actually miss the water beds, if it wasn't for the dogs, I might re think getting another one
Good luck Tuesday ..
Deer flies, yep, got'em here too, and, with the heat and humidity we have my all time HATED bug (besides spiders) .SPRUCE BEETLES !!!!!!!!!!!

Sharon .. am thinking this could be good news for Vern if he pooling stays where it should, a shut to could fix a lot of his symptoms ..

Got half an inch of rain in 20 minutes here during the storm .. over now .. but .. MUGGY !!!!

Early to bed

Sleep well all

~M~

We've not had many mosquitoes yet. Some flies. Mostly ants and cockroaches in the kitchen which I am struggling to clean and clear. Was feeling grateful for the lack of biting bugs until I put on a long t-shirt fresh off the clothesline - and got bitten by ants!! So now I'm naked. And hot and sweaty.

Listening to Jim Croce. Very mellow.

Woke up in the middle of the night for several hours. Working on my letter to the IRS. If they go after the retirement people I won't care if I ever get any of the money they owe me. I'll settle for a good scandal. Am thinking hard about what to say to them. While cleaning up the kitchen. I don't mind the gekkos but wish the mice and ants would go elsewhere. They get into packaging that is supposed to block them. Hah.

hugs, katie

Katie I just know I'd not fare well with all those critters roaming atpround my kitchen, shaking my head no...guess skitters don't know enough to head south to Mexico.

Must look at the forecast for tonight to see if I should cover lawn chairs

That's a lot of rain to fall in short time, saves you watering though "M"
How is Gord doing?

Lindakay you've been quiet, bet you are catching up with all the chores you had to leave while not well

Joyce, are the garden showings now done for the year?

Deb, did you make the trip, another furry in a good home?

I am here, just took it easy today. Nice and quiet. Too hot to go outside for anything. 98 today, with the humidity, it said feels like 107.