Here We Go Again!!

Woke up Thursday morning with severe pain in my breast. I went exploring to see what it was and discovered a large lump about the size of a large marble in my right breast! I was pretty freaked out considering my family history of cancer as well as my own!!! My nurse practitioner didn't show up until the following afternoon, so had to wait until Monday to make appointment. I got an appointment for Tuesday morning, but when I got up there, they were expecting me to be able to stand. That's the only way they had to do the mammogram, so they did an ultrasound instead. They discovered I have a really nasty infection in the breast tissue. I was told that this type of infection usually happens in the legs and that they had never seen it in the breast before. You know me - I like to stump the medical profession! I have to take IV antibiotics for two weeks, so the nurse came in last night and put a midline in my left arm so they don't have to keep poking me when it's medicine time. Thank goodness it wasn't something worse, but this is literally a royal pain! I'm curious, what does a disabled woman do for a mammogram???? Surely they have come across this situation before! It's something I need to have, but I have no idea where to go and everyone here doesn't either!! I am really in too much pain to work up anything for this week. Hopefully will be back at it in time for something next Wednesday. Hope to see you then! Love, Darci

The Life of Riley

Well, Guys, I made it back this week - wasn't sure if I'd make it. Yesterday, I was miserable, and had a temp of 102! Doing much better today. Temp is 100.

This poem is my tribute to our sweet pup. He was happy-go-lucky to the end - never complaining or grumpy. He still tried to do his dogly duties and carry on as usual. I'm so glad that my family brought Riley to the facility several months ago. He was so damn cute, and he knew he was!!! There are volunteers who bring their dogs in, but it's not as special as seeing your own pet.

The Life of Riley

He was 25 pounds of wiggle and silky golden fur, and quickly became my family's favorite Christmas gift. We christened him Riley - my grandmother's maiden name. My mother's best buddy, he was her unflagging shadow, padding behind her wherever she went. She considered Riley to be her furry grandchild. The two were inseparable.

Riley was my day-time companion. Many times I would wake from a nap on the sofa to find him protectively wrapped around me.

Paul walked Riley around the neighborhood, but he soon became too strong - straining at the leash so hard he nearly jerked Paul off his feet!

Bruce's smoke-break pal, he dutifully trotted outside with him, except on the hottest of days.

Riley was Steve's dancing partner, and he joked about buying a saddle for the 115 pound pooch. Steve claimed Riley was surely part pony.

Riley's best-loved toy was one of Grandma's old shoes - purchased toys were a low priority and usually ignored.

Even as a pup, he had a "big dog" bark, using it one night to scare off would-be intruders at our back gate.

Riley always had to lick out the tuna fish can, and would eagerly await for his table scraps at each of our meal and snack times. He parked himself at Grandma's chair, since she was the most generous.

One holiday season Grandma and I were baking sugar cookies, each secretly feeding Riley. He got so "hopped" up on sugar that he literally did hop on his hind legs, making a very large bunny in our kitchen. We laughed so hard we forgot to grab our cameras!!

Riley enjoyed a bubble bath till he outgrew the tub, but he hated getting wet in the rain! He'd bark crossly at raindrops. "Puppy" was frightened by storms - his body shook as it would thunder and lightning. He also hated the noise the garbage truck made and barked furiously at it!

He never fussed about taking his meds, and he loved how they'd "fuss" over him at the vet's and the groomer's. He was the vet's "Big Boy".

Riley loved car rides; he'd carry his leash in his mouth to indicate he was ready to climb in the car and go for a drive. He refused to use his igloo-shaped dog house, even though we made it nice and very comfy for him.

Riley was a happy soul, sweet-tempered, curious, friendly, with personality plus. He was full of light and love. My God, how we loved him, and treasured his time with us here on earth.

Our beloved canine truly did live the "life of Riley."

Riley Chance Spears

October 27, 2000 - August 4, 2010

Rest in peace, Puppy, Rest in peace.

In other news:

Congrats to Robert C. for moving on up to another facility with assisted living. Keep singing the songs we grew up with - ones that are now the "oldies"! Mr. Columnist - I'm so proud of you!! Thanks for sticking by me and with me, and for always having my back.

I have a new roommate - her name is Nancy. My previous "neighbor" got to go home. She wasn't on a vent, so not sure why she was placed with me.

To Mom, Paul and Peg - hope you are having a great va-cay. Have a safe flight on Friday.

That's all for this week. I'll be back here in seven.

Love Always, Darci

I've been sick this week but doing better. I am working on some things for next week. Check back again.

Frances we love you and miss you! We know you are in a better place.

Thanks for checking me out; be back here next week. Darci