Boley Cook Book

Boley Cook Book

Monday, February 28, 2011

Surgeon's Report

This posting will be a little confusing to those of you who have waited patiently for this day with us.

There is no definite answer to the question if she can or cannot have surgery at this time.

His immediate goal is to place a stint in the pancreatic duct to relieve the pressure that keeps the food from digesting and to replace the feeding tube so she can build strength. That should happen this week.

We will see him every Monday for a while so that he can keep track of her improvement.

And that's it folks!

Not good, not bad, just OK for now.

The Boley Family

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Laughter

The following occurred two weeks ago when Betty returned from her overnight stay in the hospital. She had a sudden burst of energy. I thought you would enjoy hearing about some of our secret laughs.

Betty said to Raymond: Put the fruit breads Sharon made into the freezer.
Put the rest of the bread in the freezer before it goes to waste.
See which of these remote controls will fix the TV problem.
Don’t cook that delicious beef stew too long that the girls made.

Raymond called: “SANDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Betty said to Sandy: Get the remote controls from your bedroom. Maybe they will work.
We need to get my meds organized.
Get some of those good Pillsbury biscuits out of the freezer.
I just want a small biscuit.

Raymond said to Sandy: “I don’t want a biscuit.”
Sandy said to Raymond : “Pretend you do!”

Sandy patted Raymond on the back. “You’re doing a great job!” He chuckled!

The preceding dialog took place in the space of 30 seconds.
OK – I exaggerated. 35 seconds!

I excused myself and made a phone call to some of the Boley elves (Granddaughters). “This would be a great time to visit to hear about Grandma’s day!” And they did!

Betty forgot about us. Raymond and I sighed in relief.

The Boley Family

Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday, February 25th

We continue to have a quiet week. Betty is continuing to sew, watching TV and napping occasionally. She didn't try to attend South Boston this week because she hopes to attend Church this Sunday. I hope she has the energy.

Raymond is still as nurturing and caring as he can be. The dishes are beautifully washed and he is enjoying getting out most mornings for socializing.

I am off to see Fiddler on the Roof this week end. Sharon and Lindsey are going to try to keep things under control while I am gone. Devona and her family are setting up their jewelry display at the Maple Syrup Festival in Garrison Hollow near Salem this weekend and next. Dennis and Jill traded for a different camper and they are trying it out at Hardy Lake this weekend.

So you may remember that Monday morning Betty will have a CAT scan at 9 and will see the surgeon at 11 for his decision. Prayers would be appreciated. I'll post Monday afternoon.

The Boley Family

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wednesday February 23rd

There's not really very much to report. Betty is experiencing good and bad days. She was determined to do laundry yesterday, but let me finish the project today. She has finished a few more Sun Bonnet Sue blocks. Today's project concerned straightening the tray table by her chair. It looks much nicer now.

She can eat some days and some days not. I have officially become a human food disposer. I let her start a meal and I finish it. I thought when the chemo and radiation treatments finished she would regain digestive health, but it is as unpredictable as always.

Now on a more serious note, Betty agreed with the Bachelor's choice last night. Raymond announced tonight that he now is allowed to lift heavy things and Betty immediately suggested he vacuum. We'll see! He almost helped me change his bed this morning, but he couldn't quite figure out how to put a pillow case on a pillow. He decided to leave the job for me! He is still doing his dishes daily so I'll have to be patient.

Raymond is enjoying squash soup his niece, Jan, provided. He is enjoying it and he shared some with me this evening. It is delicious. Jill's chocolate mint cookies are a hit!

The Boley Family

Monday, February 21, 2011

Monday February 21st

Today's trip to the heart specialist provided confirmation that we are doing a good job of taking care of Betty. She can't be put on a water pill to reduce ankle swelling because it would lower her potassium level. She will try to improve her diet to reduce swelling naturally and she is wearing support hose. She will also take magnesium.

We stopped at Betty and Raymond's favorite Chinese restaurant on the way home and she practiced eating. We praised her good work.

Last night we found a beautiful decorated sweat shirt on the porch for Betty. Thank you dear friend. And we found delicious chocolate chip cookies in the car. Where did they come from?

Raymond found 6 golf balls this weekend.

Betty asked me to wake her in time to see The Bachelor this evening.

No quilting today.

The Boley Family

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Sunday February 20th

Betty completed 4 blocks today for a Sun Bonnet Sue baby quilt. I jumped for joy when I found her sewing this after noon. I didn't dare turn on our new favorite DVD, "Two Fat Ladies." I wanted her to keep on keeping on. After Friday night's outing to the South Boston Opry, Betty spent a great deal of Saturday in bed resting, not sick, just resting.

Raymond has been getting out more and more harassing the girls at the bank and any one he sees. The girls adore his harassment and enjoy hearing about Betty. They doubt he'll follow through with his treat to take his business elsewhere if they don't pamper him.

The roses are still beautiful that Raymond bought us for Valentine's Day. Only the very best for his girls.

Betty is still having blood tested frequently to keep an eye on the potassium level so we don't have another emergency. We will see the heart specialist tomorrow to discuss swollen ankles and to arrange a working relationship between Betty's GP and the specialist. The GP is doing a wonderful job of following Betty's situation. (I'm tempted to take a picture of the face Betty's makes when she swallows the liquid potassium. It rivals any you've seen on a child's face.) The grand kids would love it!

My hope for this week is smooth sailing.

The Boley Family

Friday, February 18, 2011

South Boston Opry

Tonight was a treat. Betty decided that she was going to feel good enough to attend the “South Boston Opry,” and she did!

Raymond has been urging her to get out a little and although she has good and bad days it seems like he must know what he’s talking about. She thoroughly enjoyed her evening. I thought we would go about the time it started, 7:00, but she was ready to leave at 4:30 so they could get a good seat! If you arrive early you are also assured of getting a piece of homemade pie. Tonight’s choices were coconut and chocolate.

After one unfortunate evening when a gentleman trying to empress his two female companions refused to honor the reserved seat for South Boston’s Slaw Queen, a royal sign was installed by the management. It seems the man’s self proclaimed large financial donations to unnamed parties did not trump the Slaw Queen’s 10 years of slaw making.

Friend after friend stopped to welcome Betty and Raymond after their 3 month absence. Scott Applegate, the owner, called his wife, Kim, and she hurried to arrive to shower them with love. The song written in Betty’s honor was sung and many joined the chorus. Each friend brightened her day.

You might consider attending the South Boston Opry some Friday evening, but be forewarned, avoid the back row with the large sign, “Reserved for our Slaw Queen.”

The Boley Family

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Wednesday February 16th

The Boleys were out and about today. The monthly luncheon of the McCammon family cousins was held at Cheddars. Devona, Karoline and sweet Abbagail joined us. Abbagail received new nail polish for Valentine’s Day. She painted Raymond’s nail at luncheon. Raymond’s little pink pinky was very entertaining. Betty ate a baked potato.

Betty's Home Health nurse was concerned about her swelling ankles. We couldn't get an appointment with the heart doctor so we visited Betty’s GP this afternoon to discuss her swollen ankles. Her blood pressure medicine was changed last week, the new one doesn’t have a diuretic. Water pills would endanger her potassium level so the solution involves eating more protein and drinking more water. (Raymond just asked Betty if she drank one of the additional supplements and with a little smirk she shook her head no.) It's going to take a little patience and finesse.

To celebrate the nice weather we took a little walk down the street. Betty enjoyed the walk.
Raymond found another golf ball today. The golfers were really out today.

Betty is delighted with the British cooking/travel log. Ask her about Two Fat Ladies!
Raymond’s granddaughter, Lindsey, reported on his behavior during his recent doctor’s appointment.

“After the lady called us back we went into a room for about 3 minutes. She asked a question or two and realized she didn't have the right paper work because he hadn't had the ultra sound yet. She came back in after it was done to finish her questions, and Pop doesn't let anyone slide by without joking around with them. While he messed around with her she asked him a couple questions. My mom answered them and I don't think he really noticed. As soon as the nurse left Pop said, "Well what did she want?" (He got a good report :)”

It was a good day.

The Boley Family

Monday, February 14, 2011

Betty is Famous


I think my sense of humor has returned. Time will tell.


Raymond bought Betty and me a rose and a valentine card. He may have gotten Betty one before, but this is the first time my father has done that for me. I am tickled.


Betty and Raymond have a lovely condo that borders a golf course. They’ve never played golf, but Raymond has become the resident golf ball collector. He goes out twice a day and proudly shows his findings. We praise his good work. I suggested since he knows the usual places lost balls land he could erect a sign that says, “Lost Balls!” He didn’t like that idea. They’re in the hall closet in case you need some.


We’re watching “Two Fat Ladies,” a BBC cooking/travel log from 1998. For those of you who have Netflix, you may want to order them and see what you think. These two wonderfully entertaining English women keep you guessing what will come out of their mouths next. The show is keeping Betty entertained while she tries to gain strength.


You may not be aware that Raymond is married to someone famous, well famous at the South Boston Opry. Many years ago after experiencing the wonderful atmosphere and music at this Friday night hoe down, Betty asked if there was anything she could do to help in the kitchen. Their slaw lady had retired so Betty assumed the job. Every Friday night for the last 10 years Betty and Raymond have delivered Betty’s special slaw early enough that Betty could save their favorite seats and the crowd was able to have slaw with their burgers and fries. Over the years their entourage grew to quite a crowd including members from both sides of the family.


The owner, Scott Applegate, wrote a song about Betty, coining her “Slaw Queen.” Raymond was included in the song in a very appropriate way.


Slaw Queen
For Betty Boley
Words by Scott Applegate "06
"Music by Scott Applegate

Chorus:

She's the Slaw Queen
From Scott County
That's a big achievement to me
She makes cole slaw
As good as her maw
It's a good thing we're both spoken for

Verse #1

When we met her
She asked if there was something to do
Mamaw told her
Bring a dish girl
Something ya fix pretty good

Verse #2

She never takes home the extra cole slaw
We take turns taking it home
Once I dropped some
Out back on the sidewalk
I scooped up the clean part to eat

Verse #3

Her husband Raymond
They call him Paw Slaw
He's been eating the queen's Slaw for years
Old Paw's been pickled by the vinegar
The old Fart will live for years
The Boley Family

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sunday, February 13th

Betty is finally consistently eating. She has eaten a normal dinner three days in a row!
The fatigue factor is very high right now. Having experienced a "normal" energy not too long ago, she expects that energy level now that the treatments are over. Perhaps she will have a new "normal" energy level. Time will tell.

Raymond is getting out at little more taking care of business. He has a final appointment with his surgeon and I predict good results. I wasn't planning on accompanying him, but I'd like to hear the conversation.

There's a lot of sleeping going on right now. More later.

The Boley Family

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Betty Made It!

Betty made it!

Today was the last day of radiation treatment. Chemo ended last Saturday and tomorrow we are sleeping in!

Devona went along today for our final early morning trip. She enjoyed the attention Betty received from anyone who had participated in Betty's traumatic experience.

There was laughter, hugs, and well wishes. Raymond received his last root beer sucker and met more families. He shared his sense of humor and that crazy joke.

Betty asked for the spaghetti today so we celebrated with a meal at the Spaghetti Factory and Raymond fell into his old habit of driving 30 miles an hour. It took a pretty stern request from this old first grade teacher to encourage him to put the "pedal to the metal."

Betty is sleepy, less nauseated, and hoping for enough energy to start stitching soon.
Thank you to the Brown Cancer Center for their good care and to all of you for your support. The daily mail remains a highlight for both Betty and Raymond. Thank you to all.

The Boley Family

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Are You "That Lady?"

Wednesday was a day filled with sharing the story of “what happened” on Monday. As Betty waited for her appointments, numerous staff members stopped to tell Betty how glad they were that she was feeling better.

Each shared their contribution to the team of health care professionals that saved Betty’s life. One recognized a distinct change in Betty’s demeanor, one noticed a vacant look in her eye, one took her blood pressure, and one removed her sweater to access her port. Dr. Bhatt insisted they not try to transport her to the ER, but call the trauma team.

Having chosen Oncology as their area of medicine, most had not had a chance to practice emergency medicine recently. They were as happy to share their part of the story as we were to learn of their contribution.

They were able to see the fruits of their years of training in action and Betty was the fortunate recipient. When I mentioned Betty Boley, the immediate reply became, “Is she that lady?” She is now, “That Lady!”

A couple waiting in the same area shared they were waiting in an adjacent bed for transport to the hospital. They were able to tell more of the story and reported that four “men in black” comprised the trauma team.

Devona didn’t go today and didn’t get to enjoy the stories. I hope she gets to go tomorrow so that she can add to this narrative and enjoy the air of celebration for a life saved. The life of “That Lady.”

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tuesday

I'm too tired to make this post entertaining.

We couldn't sleep last night. Betty has been up for 2 days now.
She was able to have her radiation treatment this afternoon. She will have two more radiation treatments but the chemo has been discontinued at this time.

We arrived home about 3 and need to be back again tomorrow morning at 8:30. We will see both the chemo doctor and the radiation doctor tomorrow.

I promise to write a more informative post about our experiences soon.

Off to bed,
The Boley Family

Monday, February 7, 2011

Monday Madness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You've missed our exciting day!


Betty was not feeling well all weekend. She was having trouble keeping her meds down so eating was something she was not interested in. She woke this morning, took her meds, ate soup, and kissed me goodbye. It was Devona's day to accompany Raymond and Betty.


It took a little longer than usual in the radiation room because new settings were being established. Betty became very uncomfortable, nauseated and weak. The technicians were concerned and notified the doctors and then the drama commenced!


To make a long story short, Betty's potassium and magnesium levels were much much too low. She was taken to the ER and is spending the night at the University of Louisville Hospital. She is being given potassium and magnesium. Fortunately, Betty's port was able to be used for the potassium. She is not feeling the intense burning associated with potassium being given intravenously. The plan is to stay only tonight, return to radiation treatment in the morning and the doctors will decide tomorrow when to reattach the chemo.


Of course, now that we understand the problem we are comfortable. Our lunch time, however, was a little tense. We didn't know what label the doctors were going to use to describe Betty's condition.


We continue to be amazed with the organization of the Brown Cancer Center, the University of Louisville Hospital, and the medical professionals available to us. Nurturing chaplains acted as liaisons during Betty's time in the ER, updating us on her condition. The nurses caring for her tonight are wonderful.


Every time we have run into a problem there has been someone to help. This story could have had a very different ending had Betty not been in the right place at the right time. In a heartbeat, the medical professionals gathered to make sure Betty had what she needed. A trauma team raced to deliver her to the ER and when there, specialists took over to study her blood work and reverse the situation. I'm sorry to say George Clooney was not on duty, but we didn’t miss him too much.

During a quiet moment while we took Raymond for a bite to eat, Devona’s daughter, Karoline Gantt, called to say her 4 month old, Raleigh, was being hospitalized. He has pneumonia. So Devona sped home to support her family, Dennis and Jill took Raymond home for rest and Betty was given a lovely room with an air mattress and cable TV so she can watch The Bachelor. I can tell she is feeling much better because she is being very vocal concerning the bachelor’s choices in women.

When it rains, it pours.
The Boley Family

Friday, February 4, 2011

Friday February 4th

A word about date nut bread:

Shopping trips to down town New Albany during our childhood always included a trip to Williamson's bakery. Betty taught us the delight of eating from a round loaf of date nut bread freshly sliced before our eyes. With all the hungry mouths in the car, there was usually very little bread left when we arrived home, but we were full and dinner could wait a while. Williamson's has since moved to Clarksville, but Betty knows just where it is. Yesterday she asked Devona to stop for a loaf. Unfortunately there was only one loaf on the shelf so Betty got to bring that loaf home and Devona had to settle on a different kind.

A note of warning: Date nut bread must be eaten with cream cheese!

Betty's port leaked yesterday, probably from contact with the seat belt and the strap from her chemo bag. A nurse visited to change the bandage and assure us it was working properly.

Betty started stitching a Sun Bonnet Sue block and was able to finish it. Now only "umpteen" to go. Every granddaughter needs at least one baby quilt for the future! We plan a "sew in" when things are going better.

Raymond's GP requested Raymond visit for a check up on the incision. Apparently the surgeon had requested the GP check him before our Feb. 15th appointment. Everything was OK.

My daughter in Iowa has 4-5 feet of snow drifts in her back yard. The college canceled classes, but the staff had meetings. Thank heavens the city bus system is reliable. It will be a while before she can get her car uncovered.

Have a good weekend!

The Boley Family

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Wednesday February 2nd

I should have remembered our past experiences with very good days. Today wasn't a good day. Betty had a bad night, couldn't keep her meds down, and returned home to nap. She woke at four to see Oprah. She's thinking about more of that good beef stew the Boley food elves provided. Raymond was the one who suggested it. He cooked a double serving tonight.

Our trip was a short one this morning. We saw numerous utility truck caravans headed north. At least 10 groups of about 10 trucks each. It was quite impressive.

We are so grateful that our weather has not been a problem. Raymond tried to go for a little walk last night, but lasted only long enough to get to the street and turned back because of the wind. He magically discovered a nail in the car tire today and since it has been a week he boldly stated, "I'm going to drive to the tire store." He had allowed me to drive to Louisville so far this week and we thought it was time he earned his wings.

Maybe we'll have a good weekend.

The Boley Family

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Tuesday February 1

We thanked Raymond this morning for always making sure we get to the Brown Cancer Center at least 45 minutes before Betty's appointment. We have quality time to bond there and people watch. He could let us sleep another half hour if he could let himself.

Betty has had a great day. We enjoyed beef stew made by the Boley food elves. Betty enjoyed it so much that she drank the broth left in the bottom of her bowl. She made custard and served me a bowl. She got her quilt projects out and worked about an hour before she went down for a nap. Oprah is on and Betty and Raymond are learning about a Vegan diet.

I am smiling today.

The Boley Family