We just had a little scare: We were returning to the cabin for the last week and a close down, we are 2 weeks later than usual,, the solar dryer quit working about 2 weeks past. We had a great rain, a lot of water, the river level up ,the spring muddy, and the colors changed over night. One of the most colorful years in a long time. The colors changing is cause for more time at the cabin.
The scare: On our return to the cabin for the last week of fall and the closing of the cabin I discovered my legs were swollen. We did a turn around and headed back to Redding and a check up with Dr. Phillips. He couldn't see any apparent sign of infection but prescribed an extra strong antibiotic, told Bud to elevate his legs and see Dr. Martinez early Monday morn. We did all those things; Dr. Martinez could find no problem either so decided a steroidal medication he was taking was probably the culprit. We've discontinued the use of that and things are straightening up.
We're back at The Glen to enjoy one last week and then close things up . . . we come to this every year, but we're never happy to do it!
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Sunday, 4 October 2009
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Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Time is Precious
26 September 2009
When Betty and I first found out about my health problem, we were told that I had no immune system. I needed to stay away from any infection, even the common cold. Because of this, we decided the best place to be was The Glen. At first we traveled to Redding on a weekly basis for blood tests. Right now we are up to three weeks - a good thing I hope!?! I had my fourth transfusion yesterday, and all went well. They do make me feel better but it is a two day process, with the transfusion itself taking about 7 hours. It goes a whole lot faster when there's golf on TV!
Unfortunately, we can't spend all our time at the cabin. There is not enough sun in the sky to dry our clothes in a day, or enough wood on the mountain to keep us warm through the winter. Our next line of retreat was to the ranch in Hayfork. If you did not know, we have 40 acres on Hayfork Creek, on the west side of the valley. It is a wonderful piece of land with an early ranch style house, that was the original Drinkwater homestead. We currently rent the pasture to a lady for her 30 horses. It is basically a place where old horses can come, when other options are no longer available. It's always great to see the ranch with animals in the fields.
Anyway, most everything at the ranch needed some cleaning, repairing, and/or re-plumbing. So for the past 2 months Betty and I have used our mornings building and installing new wood-framed window screens, spring cleaning, repairing fences, and collecting trash. It has kept us busy and our minds off of other things. We both agreed it was almost like when we were first married.
We've had lots of help too. Every time we turned around it seemed like someone showed up with a piece of furniture or equipment that we could use. Now we even have a pump to put in the creek that will provide irrigation water!
Bob Warren (our new ranch foreman!?!) and his truck driver friend, have been a great help with the heavy work. Bob understands leukemia as he has been challenged with chronic leukemia for the past 8 years. Although different from mine, which is acute, our battles are similar. I thank him for his help and support.
So we're off to Jay and Laure's to spend a few days with them and make our first visit to AT&T Park - GO GIANTS!!!
I do want to remind everyone, that even if you're not working on your bucket list just yet, time is precious. The future is unknown, and the present is just that - a gift. Spend as much of it as you can, doing things you love, with the ones you love.
All Our Love,
Mr. & Mrs. Tinker
DrinkWater Gulch USA
P.S. So, does anyone have information on growing grapes, or starting a vineyard? No kidding - you know it's never too late to learn something new!
P.S.S. We have been asked about donating blood. Here's the scoop. The old way of donating blood to a specific person doesn't happen anymore. When you give blood it goes to whoever needs it. There is no charge for blood. I use 2 units every month - so please keep giving. I'm not the only one who needs it :) !
When Betty and I first found out about my health problem, we were told that I had no immune system. I needed to stay away from any infection, even the common cold. Because of this, we decided the best place to be was The Glen. At first we traveled to Redding on a weekly basis for blood tests. Right now we are up to three weeks - a good thing I hope!?! I had my fourth transfusion yesterday, and all went well. They do make me feel better but it is a two day process, with the transfusion itself taking about 7 hours. It goes a whole lot faster when there's golf on TV!
Unfortunately, we can't spend all our time at the cabin. There is not enough sun in the sky to dry our clothes in a day, or enough wood on the mountain to keep us warm through the winter. Our next line of retreat was to the ranch in Hayfork. If you did not know, we have 40 acres on Hayfork Creek, on the west side of the valley. It is a wonderful piece of land with an early ranch style house, that was the original Drinkwater homestead. We currently rent the pasture to a lady for her 30 horses. It is basically a place where old horses can come, when other options are no longer available. It's always great to see the ranch with animals in the fields.
Anyway, most everything at the ranch needed some cleaning, repairing, and/or re-plumbing. So for the past 2 months Betty and I have used our mornings building and installing new wood-framed window screens, spring cleaning, repairing fences, and collecting trash. It has kept us busy and our minds off of other things. We both agreed it was almost like when we were first married.
We've had lots of help too. Every time we turned around it seemed like someone showed up with a piece of furniture or equipment that we could use. Now we even have a pump to put in the creek that will provide irrigation water!
Bob Warren (our new ranch foreman!?!) and his truck driver friend, have been a great help with the heavy work. Bob understands leukemia as he has been challenged with chronic leukemia for the past 8 years. Although different from mine, which is acute, our battles are similar. I thank him for his help and support.
So we're off to Jay and Laure's to spend a few days with them and make our first visit to AT&T Park - GO GIANTS!!!
I do want to remind everyone, that even if you're not working on your bucket list just yet, time is precious. The future is unknown, and the present is just that - a gift. Spend as much of it as you can, doing things you love, with the ones you love.
All Our Love,
Mr. & Mrs. Tinker
DrinkWater Gulch USA
P.S. So, does anyone have information on growing grapes, or starting a vineyard? No kidding - you know it's never too late to learn something new!
P.S.S. We have been asked about donating blood. Here's the scoop. The old way of donating blood to a specific person doesn't happen anymore. When you give blood it goes to whoever needs it. There is no charge for blood. I use 2 units every month - so please keep giving. I'm not the only one who needs it :) !
Monday, 14 September 2009
Head line news
June 10, 1956
Bud Felch Wins Wife Lottery
This story comes from a book I started reading during my third transfusion.
The book, “The Last Lecture”, was given to Betty by our son Jay.
Inside the book is a note from Jay saying “Thank you mom for
being here and for a wonderful week in Philly with my family.
Congratulations on winning the pinochle tournament.
I definitely won the Mom lottery.”
In one of the chapters the professor talks about his parents.
The chapter ends with the comment
“He had definitely won the parent lottery..”
I have definitely won the wife lottery!
Bud
June 10, 1956
Bud Felch Wins Wife Lottery
This story comes from a book I started reading during my third transfusion.
The book, “The Last Lecture”, was given to Betty by our son Jay.
Inside the book is a note from Jay saying “Thank you mom for
being here and for a wonderful week in Philly with my family.
Congratulations on winning the pinochle tournament.
I definitely won the Mom lottery.”
In one of the chapters the professor talks about his parents.
The chapter ends with the comment
“He had definitely won the parent lottery..”
I have definitely won the wife lottery!
Bud
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Great News!!
Bud's recent blood test showed an increase in platelet count. Yippie Skippie!!! No need for a transfusion. The Dr. seems to think he can walk on water (was extremely pleased). So were Bud and Betty. However they wonder if it isn't them doing the walking on water. :)
Friday, 14 August 2009
From the Glen
The afternoon shadows are on the cabin by four PM, and my electric blanket is on by nine pm.
The yellow leaves from the madrone trees have dropped, and the path on the up river trail has its golden color. I think it is too early for this to happen.
Good News: Betty and I made our weekly journey to Redding to see the oncologist expecting another transfusion. The good news is: I have managed to make enough platelets to last another 2 weeks. It must be the good life on river at the Glen.
The yellow leaves from the madrone trees have dropped, and the path on the up river trail has its golden color. I think it is too early for this to happen.
Good News: Betty and I made our weekly journey to Redding to see the oncologist expecting another transfusion. The good news is: I have managed to make enough platelets to last another 2 weeks. It must be the good life on river at the Glen.
Thursday, 13 August 2009
The grandaughters visit
All the grandaughters enjoyed a wonderful weekend with grandma and grandpa. It's been about 6 years since all of us have been together. We have some pictures from this weekend to share with everybody and are all very thankful that we could spend this time together with our amazing grandparents. We love you grandma and grandpa and we are so lucky to have you. Get well soon grandpa!
Love always,
Love always,
The grandaughters
Grandma and her river rats
Grandpa's harem!!
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
The Beginning
On June 19th of this year Dr. Martinez diagnosed Bud with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Bud and Betty went to appointments to discuss treatment options in both Redding and at UC Davis. After exploring several options they decided to put Bud on a chemo pill. The pill (Hydroxyurea) is not curing the cancer, but is keeping it in check a bit longer than Bud’s body could do left to its own devices.
After blood work in Redding on July 23rd, Bud’s dosage was reduced to even days, instead of every day, as the high dosage was becoming counter-productive. On the 24th he had a blood transfusion, which perked his energy levels up a bit.
The pill makes Bud a bit more tired than usual, but other than that he is feeling good, and still tinkering around the cabin. He’s happy spending time at his favorite place and not lying in a hospital bed and appreciates everyone’s good wishes. Bud laughingly tells everyone that he’s “on-the-pill” and taking “ecstasy” (chemo pill and Emergen-C)…. a little laughter makes the medicine go down!
Watch for updates.
After blood work in Redding on July 23rd, Bud’s dosage was reduced to even days, instead of every day, as the high dosage was becoming counter-productive. On the 24th he had a blood transfusion, which perked his energy levels up a bit.
The pill makes Bud a bit more tired than usual, but other than that he is feeling good, and still tinkering around the cabin. He’s happy spending time at his favorite place and not lying in a hospital bed and appreciates everyone’s good wishes. Bud laughingly tells everyone that he’s “on-the-pill” and taking “ecstasy” (chemo pill and Emergen-C)…. a little laughter makes the medicine go down!
Watch for updates.
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