A Few More....

The first picture is our Halloween pic! It was taken in a restaurant in Port Clinton on one of our "Fall Drives". That's a creepy character behind us. Ron took the picture of the red tree. After all the miles we have put on the car driving, he took that one from his window in the car while in Cale's driveway.
The medication picture shows what I do when setting up his pill cases. At the same time, I take inventory and figure out what I need to request refills for from the online pharmacy, or if no refills left, I can message the bone marrow transplant clinic, and they email a new script to our online pharmacy. I do all of this online, and Express Scripts allows me to have refills well in advance, so there is never an emergency because we're out of something. Ron's medications have been the same for several months. In addition to pills, he has 3 different inhalers and oxygen supplies that need to be managed.

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Ron and I have both loved fall for many reasons. This year has been different with warmer than usual days and no trip to northern Michigan. We have been taking drives to visit places closer to our homes, and we choose days that are mostly sunny, so the fall colors are shown off. Both of us continue to enjoy taking pictures of the sights we visit. I will post a few soon. I know the decision to not take overnight trips is the best for us. (Except between Gilead Lake and Bowling Green.)
I am still in the process of trying to get a portable oxygen concentrator for Ron. It should make our outings easier.
Since I started this entry, the respiratory tech has come and evaluated Ron's oxygen needs again. A portable concentrator is probably not the way to go due to the level of oxygen he needs. The batteries would not last long, and I would be looking for a place to plug it in frequently. Also, he would need a larger one, so I would still have a machine on wheels to pull around. The other option is a smart dose valve which is not a constant flow like he has now. With it, tanks last a lot longer, and we could have smaller tanks for outings. The valve monitors his breathing and adjusts automatically as his requirement varies.

Change of Plans

As difficult as it was for me to admit, we are not able to take our Michigan fall colors or Thanksgiving trip to Virginia. The oxygen is the deal-breaker. The logistics of transporting oxygen tanks, the oxygen concentrator, and the worry of a possible breathing complication were too much for me to deal with. I really hated to admit it! At this point though, the relief after making this decision is much greater than the disappointment. Ron is not able to help me with organizing any of this, packing his clothes, preparing medications, getting in and out of the car independently, loading the car, etc. I am still up for day trips in the area, and the fall colors are beginning to arrive! We went to Shipshewana this week...mainly for lunch! I must say again how so many strangers step in and assist us when we are out. The goodness of people is abundant. Doorways are the most challenging obstructions!
So again we adjust as there is again a shift in what we are able to do. Although he was disappointed, Ron was accepting of these changes when I explained how difficult it was for me.
We now have our dock out of the water, and I have done some fall decorating and gardening. I have always loved this time of year. We plan to spend more of winter at the villa in Bowling Green this winter.
Love to all,
Ron & Jan