Bucket List: Butterfly Pavilion, Casa Bonita, & Cheesecake Factory

Our bucket list adventures continue with three in one day!

We started out by driving to the north end of Denver to visit the Butterfly Pavilion. It isn’t a large facility, but it was pretty cool. A lot of learning opportunities with some aquatic animals, creepy crawly animals, and butterflies!

 

 

Beautiful butterflies aplenty!

Starfish!

 

The kids all got to hold Rosie, the tarantula!

Family line up of Scott and the kids!

By the time we were done at the Butterfly Pavilion, the kids were ready for some grub! We then headed to an attraction that is somewhat unique to Colorado: Casa Bonita. It was featured in a South Park episode once. I’ve been told by many people that you go for the experience, not the food. And boy, were they right! The food was fairly mediocre and definitely nothing to brag about. However, the water diving shows, the arcade, and the general atmosphere is what made that place worth trying out. Scott likened it to a place in Mexico called Escondido, I believe…the palm trees and the lights especially.

 

After leaving Casa Bonita, we stopped at the Cheesecake Factory to grab some cheesecake on the go. The only downside of our trip was that Scott’s throat has started to hurt over the past few days. It is because of the radiation they are doing on his spine. The radiation comes fairly close to the esophagus and causes tenderness, swelling, and pain. He’s been using liquid lidocane to help numb his throat, but it doesn’t work completely.

We finished out our evening by decorating the tree!

Even Scott was able to help decorate!

Bucket List: Spa Day with older girls

Scott wanted to do a spa outing with the older girls. Pedicures for them and a foot massage for him. My friend, Tammy, happens to work at a day spa and arranged for us to visit. I came with my camera handy, ready to take loads of pictures of Scott and the girls. What I didn’t know, was that they had other plans.

Shortly after we arrived, I was told to head to a changing room and get into a robe. Apparently, while Scott and girls were getting their feet done, I got a facial! My first one, too!

It was a wonderful experience. Tammy gave us a gift card to Cheesecake Factory. She said that a client of hers wanted to give it to us after hearing about our story. Cheesecake

The best part of the evening, though: Scott got his toenails painted, too!

Lot of Lumpia

While Scott hung out with Clarence, I had a special party to run at a friend's house. Before I talk about the party, though, a little back story is in order.

My mother, who died nearly 9 years ago, was Filipina. Growing up, I got to sample many ethnic cuisine. Among her specialties was Lumpia. Lumpia is the Filipino version of an egg roll, but instead of a heavy cabbage base, it is more meat based. And while it can have cabbage, my mother's did not have any. And instead of short and fat, it was long and skinny. Filled with a mixture of ground beef, carrots, onion, garlic, and seasonings, it is absolutely delicious.

Scott had got to sample Lumpia while my mother was still alive. He instantly loved it. My mother had taught me her recipe and one of the few times I had made some was for our wedding. Lumpia is a tedious recipe and takes a lot of time to make. Of course, Scott had Lumpia on his bucket list.

I wanted a supply of Lumpia for any time he fancied having some. How was I going to do this? Plan a party, of course. And thus, "Lots of Lumpia" was born. I invited a limited number of friends to gather with me and learn the art of making Lumpia. I pre-made several trays of meat mixture the night before. And on November 22nd, over a dozen friends gathered together to help me make over 150 rolls! For their hard work and effort, everyone walked away with about a dozen rolls and a copy of my mother's recipe.

Scott was quite happy with the end result and our freezer is stocked with Lumpia to last us quite some time.

The more sensible bunch!

The goofy, crazy bunch!

Yes, sometimes I do get in the picture myself.

Yummy goodness waiting to be eaten!

Lots of Lumpia!!

A surprise for Scott

One of the items on Scott's bucket list was to see his best friend from high school. Scott would tell me stories of playing video games with Clarence, hanging out, being goofy, and just having a good time. He last saw Clarence the day he left for the army. While more than a decade has past since he saw Clarence, it didn't take very long for Clarence to make Scott's bucket list.

Shortly after Scott went into the hospital, I spoke with Clarence. He was going to try and save up money to come in the summer time. Sadly, finances were tight and he couldn't make it. So, after I got insurance money to cover our Disney trip, I contacted Clarence and said let's make this happen. The result...an amazing and touching reunion. I'll let the video speak for itself (linked below).

They only got a weekend together, but to Scott that was everything. Coming to Star Trek night, watching a hockey game, going shooting with Matt, and just hanging out and reminiscing. I'm so glad that we were able to make this happen for Scott.

Post by Mary Jane Hooper.

A not so good day…

 

Today, I got a text. He said he needed me. My heart skipped a beat. Did he fall and hurt himself? Waiting for the response back was torture. I finally get an answer, he did have an accident, but not a fall. He couldn’t quite make it to the bathroom. I had to leave work to help him.

It has been quite a while since I’ve really had to do something like this for him. Cleaning after him. Helping him at such a level.

I got home and upon walking in the door, it reeked of feces. He managed to get himself to the shower and try to clean himself, but his clothes were a mess and the bathroom was a mess. I was about to start cleaning when he got up again to try and use the bathroom, when he had another accident. So, I got him in the shower to wash him for a second time. While doing so, though, a curtain rod that we have in our shower holding all our bath items fell down. In my haste to clean it up, I cut myself with a razor blade…a rusty blade.

I cleaned it out, put on a band-aid, and finished helping Scott get cleaned up. I then start cleaning up the bathroom – the floor, the toilet, the sink, everywhere. I also got his soiled clothes rinse out and soaking in water with detergent. Then I went to the clinic for a Tetanus shot.

My fear with what happened is how things will just get worse. I don’t know if he has a stomach bug or if he’s taking too much stool softener or if it is the radiation or if it is the cancer. Losing control of bowel movements, though, isn’t a good sign. I feel that this is the beginning. The beginning of the end for him. The start of his decline. I’m hoping the radiation and chemo will kick in and change all this. But I don’t know. I’m scared and I feel so helpless. Unfortunately, Scott didn’t respond to chemo very well and will likely want to discontinue it. But we’ll see. He’s already been told that he doesn’t have much time. Six months or less. Why the hell did this have to happen?

Radiation & Date Nights Galore

Last week, Scott started radiation. His first day was wintery and cold. I actually left for a massage while he had radiation done, as the first session was going to be the longest (he wasn't done when I got back!). Besides radiation, last week was just absolutely fantastic!

Thursday, we were treated to dinner at Ocean Prime in Denver. Talk about the most savory meal we've ever had! The chef chose everything for us. The dessert wasn't even on the menu and made just for us! Our server was the most amazing person, treating us like royalty. When I tried to tip him, he refused! Scott even tried my fish and like it. He really wants to go back there again. It was such a memorable evening, one I will not forget.

On Saturday, Scott and I went to the Melting Pot and afterwards, we watched the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra - both of these were bucket list items. It was our first fondue experience and it was amazing! I had them put roses and candles at our table to set the atmosphere, a gesture Scott appreciated! The orchestra was just beautiful and tears came to my eyes during part of it. It was nice to share these moments with Scott. Just him and I.

Better still, was a date night with the kids. What's even better? A limousine ride!

Through some really awesome orchestrations, friends arranged for a limo to pick us up, take us out to eat at Back East Bar & Grill, and then, with a police escort, take us to Transiberian Orchestra!! This was just absolutely so cool!

During the ride, Jacey got a bit weepy and emotional. She understands the gravity of the situation and knows why people are doing all these kind things. I think it just overwhelmed her a bit.

The night was just amazing. Jack, our limo driver, was just an absolute sweetheart! He helped to get our tickets all together and even closer to the stage. Tammy and Crystal just rocked orchestrating the whole evening. It was all just magical. Tammy even hung pictures inside the limousine! Officer Edmundson was so awesome to offer his services by providing the police escort. The kids were just in awe of it all!

Perhaps the most unbelievable thing to happen this evening, though, is Melayna falling asleep through all the noise (guitars, pyrotechnics, etc).

WesCon for the Win!

This past week has had its ups and downs. Last weekend, I shared a bit about how Tristan found out about Scott dying. Since last week, Tristan has acted up a little more in school and at daycare. Last Saturday, Scott's mother found Tristan crying (I was out at Zumba during this time). She brought him to Scott and they talked for a bit. I was told that Tristan expressed being upset about Daddy changing and being scared that he will be different. Later that day, I took the kids to Target to spend their report card money. All three of the girls had frustrated me before going to Target, so I aired out some frustration with Tristan walking by my side. I had said something to the effect of, "why does everyone have to make things so difficult?" Holding my hand, he said to me, matter-of-factly, "Brain cancer made everything difficult, mom." My sweet boy is processing all this new information and he so succinctly stated the woes of our family. So wise beyond his years.

Now, Tristan is very attached to his Grandpa (my dad). When we first learned of Scott's cancer back in February, he asked for Grandpa. Knowing this, I asked my dad if he had time this weekend for his little buddy. Of course, my dad always has time for him. So, last Sunday, Tristan went on a hike in Palmer Park and got to go to the Bass Pro Shop with his grandpa. My dad told me that he while they were at Bass Pro Shop, Tristan read all the names of the fish on the wall there and he wanted to know if that was all the fish. He is always absorbing new information.

Monday, I got this message from Tristan's teacher:

Tristan has suddenly become a one man Duck Dynasty! He’s making lists of all the fish he’s going to catch. He’s making a list of hunting targets, and I’ve had to tell him several times to put his hat in his backpack. He makes me smile!

While his day with Grandpa is certainly one he remembers and enjoyed, I know that my little man is hurting and he thinks of his daddy. I know that he is thinking about cancer and what is happening to him. He has such a curious spirit and he yearns for answers. But I also do know that he is surrounded by so much love. He has people who care about him and watch over him. This goes for all of the children. They are all surrounded by friends, family, and teachers who all love them and care for them.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday, Scott had a really rough morning. Scott had an appointment at his oncologist with the NP. Symptom management is big and since Scott is still having nausea and pain, she increased some meds and made recommendations for the meds he does have. The whole time, Scott was uncomfortable in his chair, in pain, and eventually he complained that he was hot. As we were finished up, he coughed up some phlegm and then proceeded to throw-up for a good five to ten minutes. At one point we didn't get the vomit bags in time, so he threw up on himself. It was awful. He was miserable and he is tired of feeling sick. They wanted to admit him to the hospital, but Scott was stubborn and refused.

As we were finishing up, they wanted to draw his blood for CBC, INR, and at least one other vial for something I can't remember. We ran into his oncologist and her medical assistant. While Scott was getting his blood drawn, we talked with her and she decided that stopping the chemo for now and doing radiation might be better for Scott. She's going to consult with his radiation oncologist and he's likely going to start radiation in the next week. This will help alleviate the pain he's having in his back, neck, hips, and legs. And the decision to resume chemo will be up to Scott after radiation has been completed.

This was one of those moments where I didn't keep my cool. I freaked out. When hospital admission became a distinct possibility, I panicked. Also, I'm the kind of person that cries even more when hugged, and of course, hugs were abound from his doctor, the MA, the NP, and such. I was scared and I really don't know what's going to happen next. Unfortunately, we also talked about hospice care and being prepared for that. Let's just say, that day was awful. 

The week ended on a good note, though! Another one of Scott's bucket list items checked of: WesCon (hence the title of this post!). So our friends from Friday Night Gamers (group of board game geeks), all came together to help us with WesCon. I think a little background is in order. A while back, our friend Wes would host his gaming friends over to his place for a weekend of board games and good ole fun. Over time the group grew and Wes, with his wife Amy, would host the weekend at their ranch in Penrose and the event was dubbed WesCon. A few years ago, WesCon went on hold as Wes' job took him out of state and life for everyone became hectic. Scott has many fond memories of going to WesCon. Riding motorcycles down to Penrose from Joe's house. Going for coffee at Coyote Coffee. Target practice outside. Staying up until 4 in the morning playing games. Good, fond memories.

When Scott first went into the hospital, Wes came to visit him. It was then that Scott asked Wes if he would do another WesCon. He was more than happy to do so. We finally found a day that would work for most in the group and that was this last weekend!

We were joined by over 15 of our friends, along with our children, over 30 in all! We all came rolling in Friday night and convened this evening. I believe there were four RV's/campers in the driveway which helped to alleviate the crowd inside.

I tell you, Scott had a blast! Nothing like being with his friends and playing some games to keep you upbeat. His new dosage of morphine has definitely helped with keeping the pain at bay. And with over a week behind him since chemo, his appetite definitely came back. He ate every meal and even had seconds and thirds on some! And last night, he stayed up until 4am this morning playing Shadows Over Camelot (a game that reminds him of our friend Joe, who passed away from brain cancer earlier this year).

Scott was most definitely happy this weekend. Thank you to all our friends who came and made this a an amazing event! 

A busy, rough week

Monday, Scott had his port placed. He was very nervous about the procedure. It was pretty short and afterwards, he wasn't doing too bad. They left a line in so they could easily access it at infusion for chemotherapy.

Tuesday through Thursday, Scott underwent chemotherapy. The drugs they used were Etoposide and Carboplatin. Sitting through his first day, Scott did fairly well. He relaxed and tried to nap while the chemo drugs were put into his body via the port. 

Then that night, he threw up. He was so sick. It happened so quickly. The another frustrating moment happened that evening, accompanied with panic and tears. Melayna witnessed Scott throwing up which led to a discussion at dinner about Daddy's new medicine and what to expect. Out of the blue, Hayley asks, in front of Melayna and Tristan, "did they say how long Daddy will live?" This is after I've established with the older two that this is a subject not to talk about in front of Melayna and Tristan. We haven't breached this subject with the younger two due to their ages. I panicked. I didn't know what to say but tell Hayley that this is not to be discussed in front of the other two. But since the subject was breached, I said that cancer is unpredictable. Melayna was oblivious, of course. But Tristan had this concerned look on his face. Then he started to bawl his little eyes out. I picked him up, he sobbed in my arms as I took him to our room. Scott and I frantically tried to comfort him. Assure him Daddy is okay right now and that he's still here. My poor little boy, if he wasn't before, is now very aware that Daddy might die from cancer. My heart aches for him. For all of our children. They shouldn't have to go through this. Unfortunately, they are and this just sucks. 

Of course, this week was Halloween. Someone I work with put together a bag filled with treats, cupcakes, and pumpkin carving kits. She also gave us pumpkins and money for pizza. So, the kids and I carved pumpkins, ate pizza and cupcakes, and listened to the soundtrack to Nightmare Before Christmas.

On Halloween, Scott was too sick to go out with the kids, so he laid in bed and had the kids trick-or-treat with him before heading out into the neighborhood.  He got to wear his costume last weekend at a local game store, so at least his mom's hard work at putting it together didn't go to waste. The kids, of course, got a huge haul of candy and had a ton of fun going from house to house. The two younger ones and I never left our street (they got so much from just our street alone!)