Searching for answers..and waiting..

Woke up this am at 0500 and started the coffee and got our little treats together for our computer time like most days.  I also decided it's time to get caught up on my blog this afternoon. 

I wanted to do some hula hoeing before it got too warm, so donned my shorts, cowgirl boots and the hoe and got started about 0700.  Grabbed the wheelbarrow once I was done with the hula hoe and got my walking and bending in putting the weeds in the wheelbarrow and taking it over to the burn pile.  By this time I was glistening (sweating) and it was time for a much needed shower.  

A Yerington sunset :) 

Breakfast made about 0845 and then time to get some things done.  Karen invited us for dinner tonight so I decided to make some stuffing and some walnut chocolate chip cookies to take over.  Cleaned out my kitchen cabinets (boy did they need it).  A late lunch, and now here we are inside the house with the a/c going.  

Sunset :) 

Karen just had to have a fire last night :)

Searching for answers :

I'm going back a few months in order to catch up with the things that have been going on with Ken.  For the last few months he's had shortness of breath.  When we were at the ocean in July he noticed even walking on the beach he'd be breathing harder.  Walking up to the house from the beach, he had to stop.  I said, "it's ok you don't need to stop I'm good."  He replied, " I'm stopping for me" What?!  Usually he just goes and goes like an energizer bunny! He took some naps (again he never does) and he had this annoying cough going on.  Anyway, this has been going on for some time now. 

Finally, he called his primary care doctor,  Danny. He got an appointment on August 13th.  Dr. Danny listened to his chest and lungs.  In Ken's right lung he was unable to hear the normal sounds he was hearing in his left lung.  He sent him home, knowing that he was ordering a CAT Scan for him.  A couple of hours later the little hospital in Yerington called for him to come in.  A few hours later Dr. Danny called saying the 2/3 of the lobes in his right lung was filled with fluid.  He was referring him to a pulmonary doctor in Carson City.  He cautioned him that if it got worse, to head straight for Carson City as our little hospital couldn't handle it.  

Wednesday we were waiting to hear from Carson City and about 1100 they called and asked us to head for their office, which we did!  They got him in right away and we met with Dr. Foster who told us that what Ken has is called pleural effusion (basically fluid in the outside membrane of the lungs).  Now what caused that?! Not sure, there are all kinds of reasons.  The pressure of the fluid cases the  lung to collapse (2/3 of his right lung was collapsed).  He sent us over to the Carson Tahoe Hospital for some tests and then for a Thoracentesis procedure to drain the fluid.  Basically, using an ultrasound they find the best place to withdraw the fluid. Then a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space. They are only allowed to withdraw one liter of fluid, which they did and Ken still had more fluid in there.  The normal pleural space has about 4 teaspoons of fluid. He was immediately able to breathe better after the procedure. :)  

So from Wednesday until yesterday (Tuesday 20th) we were both on pins and needles hoping to get the much needed answer!  We were glad we had the Best In The Desert last weekend to help keep our minds off of things. 

His appointment wasn't until 1500 so we did some much needed running around in Carson City. Lunch at Betsy's Kitchen and then over to Dr. Foster's office.  We were there about 45 minutes early and they called us right in!  

Dr. Foster explained the fluid didn't show any cancer cells YAY! He did say protein was high. He went on to say that there was going to have to be more testing as he didn't have an answer as to what caused this :(  He listened to Ken's lungs and thinks the fluid may be coming back, so next Wednesday Ken will have another Thoracentesis.  Thursday we will go back to Carson City for another CAT Scan, as this one will show the clearer lungs and maybe he can tell something then.  If not, then possible a PET Scan and last case, a surgeon with a camera will go in and look around. We are certainly hoping it doesn't come to that.  His next appointment is September 10th at 1000.  So, more waiting. 

I didn't want to get specific last week as we hadn't said anything to our family members yet.  We have now and now I want to let our friends know and also for me to keep a record of what's happening at this time in our lives. We're hoping it's something simple and can be taken care of soon.  We'll keep you posted as we know anything. 

Have a great evening! 

A day at the desert races!

Friday about 10 we headed out to the track and the area that these guys always go to to watch the race.   Got everything all set up ez ups, chairs, ice chests etc.  Johnny brought out some misters and a water barrel which was incredibly wonderful! Ok let the race begin!  

Joel's trailer

Johnny, this is his place

Ted and his son, Matt were there, they left before the race

Johnny's rig

Joel's rig..Ken went for a little ride, but even that didn't convince
him we need one :(

Ready to head to the races

The name of the race is Best In the Desert Vegas to Reno.  These different machines do 500 miles in one day on desert roads.  Really cool to watch! They're flying!  A couple of the Super Trucks even have helicopters flying with them to tell them what to look for in front of them. 

Our Dodge loaded and ready to go

Loaded and ready!!

Part of the group cheering on the racers!

1974 Jeep this guy bought at Hot August Nights

Cheer, Cheer, Cheer!

One of the first racers..

Our set up to watch the race..

Misters were wonderful in the 95 degree tent!

Johnny brought out hot dogs for lunch so during a lull he brought out a commercial hot dog cooker with the rollers..OMG those hot dogs were wonderful! They're not that expensive and I'm thinking they'd sure be a nice to have for company! A nice,simple easy lunch but oh so yummy! 

The first helicopter we saw! 

Where we were!

This helicopter goes ahead of the truck and tells them how
the track is in front of them..only two that we saw..

Super Truck

Love this thing!

A Super Truck

The group across the way

It's getting dark out there!

Then it was time for the Super Trucks..those things are really cool! Of course there's time between them, but I'd like if they were closer together but still fun with the company we're out there with!  

It was near dark by the time we headed back to Johnny's property. The party continued until we couldn't party anymore (you know how that feels don't ya George!) 

This morning (Saturday) we awoke to a nice breeze coming through the trailer. Got ourselves up and going and after pouring his second cup Ken headed outside with the guys.  I went ahead and got my shower done and then went out.  

We ended up saying good bye to Shawn and Adam who were leaving,  heading towards Reno before they head to their homes.  Duke had left earlier in the am.  Keith and his son, Chase showed up to spend the night.  Even though we had only planned on two nights, we drove the Dodge home and are going back to spend the night there in a bit.  We figured, why not?!  We only see them once or twice a year so let's do it.  We'll be back home in the morning sometime.  

Looks like Seth and Holly had a great time in San Francisco

I thought this was a cute pic of them :)

Grandson Aaron playing first year
football in high school!! 

Friday morning catch up...

Monday morning we got ourselves ready and headed towards Carson City and Discount Tire.  Surprisingly it looked pretty empty at 0830! Great we'll be in and out since we didn't take two cars. Ummm NOPE...they said we'd be out of there around 1100 and we were.  They had lots of appointments going all day!  Learned our lesson for sure.  

Ken had the two tires put on the Tundra (we'll buy two more before we head for Tennessee).  He bought two more for the Dodge, which they put on the rims.  Then he bought another tire and rim, but they had to order the rim as it's an old truck.  I told him he's almost got more money in tires than what he paid for the truck! Safety first! 

After that we ran by Walmart (always) and then to Verizon to buy a new plug in charger for my phone.  Luckily the guy didn't try selling me a new phone or anything else!  Carson Valley Inn for lunch and then a nice nap for me on the way home :) 

He got the tires on the Dodge and they look nice. Very beefy! Nothing too amazing after that.  

Tuesday morning Ken had a doctor's appointment at 0845 in Wellington so he headed there early, as you never know what the roads and roadwork may bring. Once he got home he was working on getting the trailer moved so we can get it ready for Thursday when we'll take it out to Silver Springs for Best in the Desert Racing.  

The little medical center in town called and they had an opening for a test Dr. Danny wanted done.  He headed to town and was home not too long after.  

Once it cooled a bit we decided to sit outside and enjoy the sunset out front. We did that for much too long so a late, simple dinner was made! Ken wanted grilled ham and cheese so that was easy! 

Yesterday morning I had a hair appointment in town.  I haven't had hair this short since I was in 6th grade!  It needed something for sure! Once I got back home I was working on some potato salad for Thursday and a few other things when we got a call from a Dr. office in Carson City.  We left here and had an appointment with Dr. Foster. He sent Ken over to Carson medical for some more  tests to be done. 

By the time we finished we're looking at close to 1600.  We both were starving as we hadn't eaten since 0800.  We made a stop at Betsy's Kitchen in Slotworld Casino and had a great early dinner.  

Our friends we'll be hanging with Thursday, Friday and part of Saturday were at the river near the property at Silver Springs.  We stopped at the gas station and picked up a six pack of beer and a bottle of wine (of course we had all this at 
home, but didn't know we'd be going to Carson yesterday).  We met up with them at the river and then headed over to the property for some more visiting. :) 

Before we knew it, it was after 2000 and getting dark, time to head home. 

Ken had a good night's sleep for the first time in quite a long time. I set the alarm for 0500 as we've got things to do today.  We're going to take the Dodge out to Silver Springs so it can be used tomorrow as it should be, as a truck.  It'll haul the EZ UPS, ice chests, chairs etc out to the race site.  We'll come home and then grab the trailer and Tundra and head out to the property for the next couple of nights.  The brush out to the race site is really evil, so we don't want to get the Tundra all scratched up that's why we'll have two trucks out there :)  

I didn't think I'd be able to post from here in Silver Springs so I'm going ahead and doing it so tomorrow's post won't be so long. Today is the race Best in the Desert..Vegas to Reno..(not really, Pahrump to Dayton haha)..but that's what it's called.  So this is Friday morning, we'll be home Saturday afternoon.  Have a great day! Stay cool! Only 100 degrees expected here uhhh...

A few more pics from Seth's going away...

Eric and April.  The kids grew up with her and
her sisters way back in high school and they're
still good friends to this day! 

Greg, Shawn, Bobby, Dusty

Mason helped out to welcome kids at Northside
Elementary School

Nephew Tony

Russell and Lori

Seth's going away party! :)

*Warning! Picture overload!!*

Saturday morning we woke up at Hope Valley after a good night's sleep at least on my part.  Found Ken on the couch as he didn't sleep very well :(  Had some coffee and then we headed out.  A beautiful drive in the early morning hours.  When we got to Fresh Pond above Placerville we pulled in to make some breakfast and have our showers.  We got to Eric's house close to 1000.  

Sun was heating up the waters

These falls are huge and running like crazy on Highway 50

Father in Law Bobby was there helping Eric get set up.  EZ UPS and tables were being put out. We got parked and leveled then went up to help.  I found tablecloths and decorations so took them outside and got started.  The place looked really cute gotta say! Very patriotic, perfect for the day!  

Flags and Marine balloons!

Marine Corps Banner all across front of house:) 

Says it all!

There were cards labeled "Words of Wisdom" to pass too Seth..

Not too clear, but a tear jerker called " I give you my Son"...

Right near 1200 guests started arriving! Lots of family and friends all here to pay tribute to Seth for joining the Marine Corps.  A wonderful party! 

Mason and one of Seth's friends..first to arrive

Seth and a friend..

Lots of Marine Corp flags..

Some tables and decorations

Neighbors from across the street! He was a Marine in 1969..

Marcus, Denise and Isabella :)

Amber and two of her kids! 

Neighbor Kathy, Ken and Russell...

Bobby, Tony and Bobby walking in..

Christina in the black shirt..looking good after her weight loss..

Seth and friends..

Some of the parking lot...more cars later in the day..

Daughter in Law Cheryl..Bryan on the side along with Denise 

People kept arriving and leaving throughout the day.  There was tons of food so no one left hungry that's for sure! 

The goat pen was a huge success for part of the day..

Cheryl, Owen, Aaron  and Bryan heading to the goat pen

Owen loved the goats..

Cupcakes with OOH RAH pins in them..

Love this pic!  Seth and Owen..birthday buddies
November 10th which also happens to be
the Marine Corps Birthday! 

Seth and his great grandma..Love this!

Dusty with Cassidy, Seth, Chelsea, Owen, Bobby and Linda

Aaron, Seth, Russell, Lori and Aaron..

Mason showing his skills on the quad

Getting read to end the day by relaxing..

Towards the end of the day it was just the few of us and it was nice chit chatting outside.  The temps cooled nicely.  

Eventually we went inside and visited some more then it was bedtime. 

Seth was surprised at all the people who showed up to congratulate him and show their support for this young man making this commitment to the military in these uncertain times! Love you Seth and your papa and I are so proud!! 

Sunday morning we didn't wake until almost 0700 :)  Had some coffee and then went inside to see how everyone was doing.  I got some breakfast stuff I brought and made some pancakes for Mason, 3 eggs and cheese for Seth, Egg Mc Muffins for Eric and Ken, egg beaters for me.  Dishes done and time for a shower.  

We didn't leave Eric's house until 1300 but that was ok, as we were just headed home. 

Time to empty the trailer and because Ken wants to go to Carson City tomorrow he had to unload the Tundra and then take two tires off the 73 Dodge.  Gotta make it worth our while right?! 

Have a great night..bedtime for me!