So, I met with Dr. Steven Weller today. My next appointment will be for a simulation next Wednesday, I'm assuming that will be when I'll get marked up, including what I hope will be tiny tattoos to make sure they are radiating the right place. After that, it will be a week or so to finish up this round of chemo, then the radiation will start, every day, Mon-Fri for about 5 1/2 weeks. I have plans to get away for my 30th anniversary on Sept 30. The doctor expects we should be done by then. Yippee. Now I just have to decide whether I want to keep my reservation at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which would include flights to and from, or go back to Sonoma where they know and love me, which is just an hour and a half to two hours away. I'm leaning back toward Sonoma, but I'll wait and see how tired the whole process makes me.
That's the latest update.
xxooxx
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Last Chemo
The last infusion is completed. I have new armor against the orc wars--we're tapering off my steroids. They will probably make me retain water even more but I have things I need to attend this weekend--including a funeral for my sister-in-law, so anything I can do to keep down the pain level and survive the things I need to do will help.
Meeting with the radiation oncologist tomorrow--I should be able to make plans for the next few months once I know what that schedule will look like. But as my former pastor and I used to say, "We make plans and God laughs." Still, I like to maintain a little control.
xxooxx
Meeting with the radiation oncologist tomorrow--I should be able to make plans for the next few months once I know what that schedule will look like. But as my former pastor and I used to say, "We make plans and God laughs." Still, I like to maintain a little control.
xxooxx
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
First, a bit of unfinished business. These are the flowers that my sister sent me for my birthday. You can tell I'm old because I didn't think to take them right when I got them, when they were at their best. It was about Monday when I realized, "Oh, can take their picture and share them with everyone and enjoy them forever. So, here they are, a little past their prime, but then, many of us are.Tuesday I had intended to leave straight from my doctor's office, but I overslept, so that didn't happen. I barely got to the doctor's office on time. I'm doing as expected, blood counts are all low, hence the exhaustion. But I was given the full steam ahead for Sonoma (I was going anyway) and a referral to the radiation oncologist. I came home, made an appointment with said radiation oncologist for the 30th, finished packing, let Glenn load the car, picked up some prescriptions, got two Jamba Juices for the road, and I was off around 12:30. I debated about going around by the ocean, but opted to take 19th Av through San Francisco, thinking that there couldn't be too much traffic at that hour. Bad idea. It took me longer to get to Sloat Bl than from Sloat to the Inn. Still, I got to the hotel around 2:30 and my first appointment wasn't till 4. I had time to check in, get to my room, gather my toys for the spa, and be off.
The first bunch of pictures are of my room, a Mission Suite
The bedroom
This is the view from the bedroom to the bathroom, over the in room spa.
A view from the bathroom to the bedroom.
This would be the living room area.
These next two are the view from my balcony.
Now we are walking to the Spa.
Here we are in the Spa concierge. If you are lucky, Victoria greets you. Victoria just graduated from massage school and does massages on the weekends. As you can see, she is absolutely beautiful and the beauty starts inside at the very core of her being. I love Victoria.
My first treatment was a Watsu massage. This is the Watsu pool, maintained at a constant 98 degrees F. I've had Watsus in all sorts of weathers--it is special in the mist with droplets of water hitting your face like champagne bubbles. It is also lovely in the summer moving from light into shade. For those who don't know about Watsu, here's what the brochure says about it: "Relax with a nurturing 'floating' massage in our beautiful, 'al fresco' Watsu pool, filled with our unique thermal mineral water and perfectly maintained at 98 degrees. Supported by the arms of your skilled massage therapist, experience flowing movements, stretching and shiatsu. You will feel rested and relaxed with a restored sense of harmony and creativity. " It is just the most amazing thing. I may be the Watsu queen because I think I've had more than a dozen in the last year. It is an exercise in total trust, living in the moment, nurturing, comforting. You feel like you are back in the womb and that you are the most loved and cared for being in all of creation. Did I say I love Watsu? My provider for today's Watsu was Soledad--picture to follow. I didn't have my camera with me for the treatments I had that day.
This lady greets you and says good by on your way to and from the bathhouse. I followed my Watsu with the bathing ritual, since I was already wet. After that, I had a Bodycoffee Spa Scrub. Adobe Acrobat doesn't seem to want to let me copy and paste, so I'll have to plagiarize: "Using a sumptuous blend of ground coffee, Arabica...dead sea salt...and soothing essential oils, coffee extracts help improve blood flow and circulation. Nourishing shea butter and aloe vera restore the skin's radiant softness. Emerge rejuvenated, renewed, and positively glowing." My provider was David, who is the best at the "massage application" of the lotion at the end. I didn't get David's picture--I hoped I would see him later in the week, but that didn't happen. Not a problem. I'll be back and get him then. David is on my list of preferred providers.
Wednesday morning and time for a full day of pampering. First thing on the day was a Hungarian Moor Mud Kur. My provider was Glenn. Glenn is two weeks younger than I am, so we speak the same generational language. Glenn is also one of the few who give Watsu massages--in fact, he gave me my first. He is also multitalanted--and incredible photographer of very tiny things. I love Glenn. The Hungarian Moor Mud Kur is not one of the more glamorous treatments, but it sure does make you feel good. Here's the official word: "Celebrate the strength of your body with this centuries old tradition of combining medicinal mud, healing waters and light massage. Begin with a body wrap using moor mud infused with the uplifting aroma of fresh rosemary. Immerse in medicinal waters of potent minerals and relax in a massage of a soothing mineral crème mixed with fennel, juniper and essential lavender to aid in relaxing and detoxifying the body."
The mud was followed by a Chardonnay Olive Oil Sugar Scrub, with Soledad. So here's Soledad. for some reason she wanted a picture with me, so we did that.
Soledad is the pretty one.
Here's the official word on this treatment: "An aromatic and stimulating exfoliation that moisturizes while promoting new skin growth. Using products hand made in the Sonoma Valley, this combination of olive oil, sea salt." It feels wonderful and smells heavenly and I had Soledad, who is loving and nurturing and gentle and glows from within with a heavenly light. I love Soledad. I was supposed to have another treatment with her on Thursday, but she wasn't feeling well later in the day on Wednesday, so they sent her home. I hope I didn't make her sick.
There is no way to describe Diane. She's fabulous at what she does. She's a hoot, she's intuitive, she makes me feel very special. I love Diane. If you get the feeling that I love everyone there, you would be right. Diane has several years of spa experience. She has designed some of the treatments at the SMI. If you are lucky enough to get Diane, you are in for precious time. Diane is a Reike Master. She told me that while she was setting up the room, before she saw me, something said "Cancer" to her. She was gentle and has a wonderful healing touch.
I've learned to save fingers and toes for the last thing I do at a spa. If you do it early, then you are always worried during the scrubs that your expensive polish will need to be touched up. If you wait till the end, you can leave glamorous.
Bebe took care of me on Saturday. I was scheduled for the Sonoma Stone Pedicure furst followed by a manicure. Bebe is a wise woman. She did the fingers first so they had time to throughly dry before I did anything. I love Bebe.
Now we are walking to the Spa.
Here we are in the Spa concierge. If you are lucky, Victoria greets you. Victoria just graduated from massage school and does massages on the weekends. As you can see, she is absolutely beautiful and the beauty starts inside at the very core of her being. I love Victoria.
My first treatment was a Watsu massage. This is the Watsu pool, maintained at a constant 98 degrees F. I've had Watsus in all sorts of weathers--it is special in the mist with droplets of water hitting your face like champagne bubbles. It is also lovely in the summer moving from light into shade. For those who don't know about Watsu, here's what the brochure says about it: "Relax with a nurturing 'floating' massage in our beautiful, 'al fresco' Watsu pool, filled with our unique thermal mineral water and perfectly maintained at 98 degrees. Supported by the arms of your skilled massage therapist, experience flowing movements, stretching and shiatsu. You will feel rested and relaxed with a restored sense of harmony and creativity. " It is just the most amazing thing. I may be the Watsu queen because I think I've had more than a dozen in the last year. It is an exercise in total trust, living in the moment, nurturing, comforting. You feel like you are back in the womb and that you are the most loved and cared for being in all of creation. Did I say I love Watsu? My provider for today's Watsu was Soledad--picture to follow. I didn't have my camera with me for the treatments I had that day.Here's another shot of the Watsu pool:
This lady greets you and says good by on your way to and from the bathhouse. I followed my Watsu with the bathing ritual, since I was already wet. After that, I had a Bodycoffee Spa Scrub. Adobe Acrobat doesn't seem to want to let me copy and paste, so I'll have to plagiarize: "Using a sumptuous blend of ground coffee, Arabica...dead sea salt...and soothing essential oils, coffee extracts help improve blood flow and circulation. Nourishing shea butter and aloe vera restore the skin's radiant softness. Emerge rejuvenated, renewed, and positively glowing." My provider was David, who is the best at the "massage application" of the lotion at the end. I didn't get David's picture--I hoped I would see him later in the week, but that didn't happen. Not a problem. I'll be back and get him then. David is on my list of preferred providers.Feeling thoroughly relaxed, with five months of dead skin cells scrubbed off, I was off to dinner. Spinach salad and a New York steak. I'm anemic so I tried to get lots of iron.
Wednesday morning and time for a full day of pampering. First thing on the day was a Hungarian Moor Mud Kur. My provider was Glenn. Glenn is two weeks younger than I am, so we speak the same generational language. Glenn is also one of the few who give Watsu massages--in fact, he gave me my first. He is also multitalanted--and incredible photographer of very tiny things. I love Glenn. The Hungarian Moor Mud Kur is not one of the more glamorous treatments, but it sure does make you feel good. Here's the official word: "Celebrate the strength of your body with this centuries old tradition of combining medicinal mud, healing waters and light massage. Begin with a body wrap using moor mud infused with the uplifting aroma of fresh rosemary. Immerse in medicinal waters of potent minerals and relax in a massage of a soothing mineral crème mixed with fennel, juniper and essential lavender to aid in relaxing and detoxifying the body."
The mud was followed by a Chardonnay Olive Oil Sugar Scrub, with Soledad. So here's Soledad. for some reason she wanted a picture with me, so we did that.
Soledad is the pretty one.
Here's the official word on this treatment: "An aromatic and stimulating exfoliation that moisturizes while promoting new skin growth. Using products hand made in the Sonoma Valley, this combination of olive oil, sea salt." It feels wonderful and smells heavenly and I had Soledad, who is loving and nurturing and gentle and glows from within with a heavenly light. I love Soledad. I was supposed to have another treatment with her on Thursday, but she wasn't feeling well later in the day on Wednesday, so they sent her home. I hope I didn't make her sick.
I had pre-ordered a spinach salad (more iron), so I sat in the snade and eat my lunch and read waiting for the next treatment, which was a Sonoma Stone Massage, again with Glenn. Again, the official word: "For hundreds of years Native American people came to this sacred ground from surrounding valleys and the coast to partake in healing rituals honoring the earth and the waters, and the spirit of all the elements. Today we offer you our ritual of warm stone therapy to bring deep relaxation, improve muscle tissue and soothe the nervous system. Aromatherapy, a blend of 'hands on' techniques and the flow of warm stones over the body, produce an unparalleled sensual experience. The energy of the stones creates a magical extension of hands and heart. Warm and cool stone 'tools' work specific areas of tension and inflammation, creating a balanced effect for body, mind and spirit. All of this is set in an atmosphere that honors your presence in this special place on earth. " Now, here's one of the benefits of being on chemotherapy and losing your hair and going to the spa. You don't get "Spa Hair" Many of the massages include wonderful scalp work, which feels like you've died and gone to heaven but leaves you looking like the Bride of Frankenstein. I just whipped off the cranial prosthesis and let them massage my scalp to their heart's content. I felt glorious and came away with every hair in place.
That was my last treatment of the day, so I sat in the sun for a while and read and knitted. Then I went back to my suite where I napped on the balcony. I had a poached sole for dinner. I don't like fish, but I know it is good for me, and sole is one of the few things I can handle.
On to Thursday. First treatment of the day was a Spirulina Body Wrap, with Bill. Bill wanted his picture taken with the tools of his trade. Bill's probably about my age too, or close to it. We've been known to sing camp songs together that very few other people know. I love Bill. Oops, I'm forgetting my job as tour director. Here's the skinny on this treatment: "Spirulina, rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes, is harvested from pure salt lakes in California. This treatment helps to nourish, stimulate and revitalize the body." This is a 100 minute treatment--another that is not so glamourous, but really nourishing and probably uses more lotion and potions than anything else. Bill is the head trainer and really knows what he's doing. He also loved my scalp and gave it much TLC. After the wrap, I lounged till it was time for Reflexology with Reike with Diane.
On to Thursday. First treatment of the day was a Spirulina Body Wrap, with Bill. Bill wanted his picture taken with the tools of his trade. Bill's probably about my age too, or close to it. We've been known to sing camp songs together that very few other people know. I love Bill. Oops, I'm forgetting my job as tour director. Here's the skinny on this treatment: "Spirulina, rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes, is harvested from pure salt lakes in California. This treatment helps to nourish, stimulate and revitalize the body." This is a 100 minute treatment--another that is not so glamourous, but really nourishing and probably uses more lotion and potions than anything else. Bill is the head trainer and really knows what he's doing. He also loved my scalp and gave it much TLC. After the wrap, I lounged till it was time for Reflexology with Reike with Diane.
There is no way to describe Diane. She's fabulous at what she does. She's a hoot, she's intuitive, she makes me feel very special. I love Diane. If you get the feeling that I love everyone there, you would be right. Diane has several years of spa experience. She has designed some of the treatments at the SMI. If you are lucky enough to get Diane, you are in for precious time. Diane is a Reike Master. She told me that while she was setting up the room, before she saw me, something said "Cancer" to her. She was gentle and has a wonderful healing touch.My last treatment of the day was a Tandem Massage, which is just downright decadent. One receiver, two massage therapists. It was supposed to be Bill and Soledad, but since she was out ill, it was Bill and Arlene. I didn't get Arlene's picture either. That's another maybe next time. This is another that I have to plagiarize "Take your relaxation to a new level an two therapists massage you in synchronicity to work both sides of the body simultaneously. Throughout the massage, smooth movements along the length of your body create the illusion of one therapist rather than two. As a luxurious finish during the final 15 minutes of the treatment, one therapist massages your scalp while the other performs balancing reflexology on your feet."
I had such a treat for dinner. My friend Luanne (whose picture I didn't take either) lives in San Rafael. She came up to take me out to a belated birthday dinner. I took her on a tour of my suite, the grounds, and the spa before we ate. I had another spinach salad and ribs, which I have learned to eat with a knifeand fork. They were very yummy. I had warm berry cobbler for dessert, with ice cream and a birthday candle. I blew it out in one breath! After dinner, we went back to my suite to talk. Before we knew it, it was after 9 and I sent her home.
Friday morning started bright and early with Fitness Training with Karen at 8 in the morning. I've worked with Karen several times. She's wonderful an working within her client's limitations. Last time I saw her I was rehabbing my knee. This time, I'm rehabbing my whole body. She showed me things I can do and stressed doing short bursts throughout the day rather than try to do it all in one session. She also advised me to rest between repetitions while I'm rebuilding my strength. Karen has been taking classes preparing to go to graduate school for nursing, so she knows more than your average personal trainer. I love Karen. I just don't know what I'm going to do when she gets into nursing school, hopefully at UCSF, and I have to break in a new trainer.
Off to the bathhouse and the bathing ritual after the workout, then another Watsu with Laura. I'll get it out first this time. I love Laura. Her Watsu technique is a little more vigorousthan Soledad's. There's a little more stretch, but just as much nurture. Laura gave me my second Watsu last year. All the people that give Watsu have a passion for it. They each have adapted it to their personality, so it doesn't seem like having the same thing over and over. Each one is new and special.
Friday morning started bright and early with Fitness Training with Karen at 8 in the morning. I've worked with Karen several times. She's wonderful an working within her client's limitations. Last time I saw her I was rehabbing my knee. This time, I'm rehabbing my whole body. She showed me things I can do and stressed doing short bursts throughout the day rather than try to do it all in one session. She also advised me to rest between repetitions while I'm rebuilding my strength. Karen has been taking classes preparing to go to graduate school for nursing, so she knows more than your average personal trainer. I love Karen. I just don't know what I'm going to do when she gets into nursing school, hopefully at UCSF, and I have to break in a new trainer.
Off to the bathhouse and the bathing ritual after the workout, then another Watsu with Laura. I'll get it out first this time. I love Laura. Her Watsu technique is a little more vigorousthan Soledad's. There's a little more stretch, but just as much nurture. Laura gave me my second Watsu last year. All the people that give Watsu have a passion for it. They each have adapted it to their personality, so it doesn't seem like having the same thing over and over. Each one is new and special.
I had lunch--Spinach salad--I can just feel those red blood cells growing. After lunch, it was time for my Revitalizing Kur with Diane again. Yeah! Here's the scoop: "Our Ayurvedic treatment used to restore vitality and stimulate circulation. Ayurvedic herbs create a body masque to exfoliate the skin while removing toxins from the body. A warm, full body, aromatic massage and relaxing, heated wrap nourish your body, leaving your skin with a healthy glow and your mind and body feeling totally refreshed. " I slithered out and waited for my Beyond Botox Facial with Andrea--and yet again I didn't get a picture. It was a 90 minute facial, brand new to the Spa, so it isn't in the brochure or the web site. The products were made by a chemist in Canada who uses maple in his products. If I was lathergic after the Kur, I was almost comatose after the facial. There is this approach-avoidence thing where part of you wants to drift into dreamland and the other part wants to be awake to experience every wonderful minute. I managed to make it out to a lounge chair by the pool to work up the energy to go back to the room and dinner, then back to the suite to pack and get ready for boo-hoo day.
I've learned to save fingers and toes for the last thing I do at a spa. If you do it early, then you are always worried during the scrubs that your expensive polish will need to be touched up. If you wait till the end, you can leave glamorous.
This is Rudolfo. I love Rudolfo. I didn't have him for anything this trip, but I got at least a hug a day from him, so I just had to include him in the pictures.
Bebe took care of me on Saturday. I was scheduled for the Sonoma Stone Pedicure furst followed by a manicure. Bebe is a wise woman. She did the fingers first so they had time to throughly dry before I did anything. I love Bebe.
My fingers and toes are OPI's Deer Valley Spice, a bleuish red that will be perfect for chemo on Tuesday. The Stone Pedicure is amazing. "The Scen Tao Sonoma Stone Pedicure takes you on a journey of scent and balance of the mind, body and spirit. This is our ultimate pedicure experience including exfoliating scrub, hydrating foot masque, warm paraffin dip, reflexology and the deep relaxation benefits from the ancient techniques of the warm stone massage." It was a badly needed pedicure. My previous polish had mostly grown out and my nails were like daggers. Not to worry. Now they are perfect. I sat in the shade and knit and read and chatted with strangers for an hour after the pedicure to let my toes dry. I made the rounds, wished everyone farewell, and checked out. Sigh.
On the way home, I'd made arrangements to visit with my old violin teacher's daughter, who lives in Novato, so it was literally on the way home. We had a nice visit. Faith is a professional artist. She is doing a series of panels for several of the California State Parks. She showed me several of her panels. They are beautiful. Each set for each park has its own style. She said that this has been a tremendous boost to her business and she's officially no longer a starving artist. I have three of her paintings in my house and gave one to my sister one Christmas.
I got home before dark, just as the Giant's game was beginning. Even though I was only gone four days, I had a pile of mail, e-, voice, and snail, to deal with and the constant wonder "What am I going to do with this now?"
So now it is back to reality. I start steroids tomorrow, preparing for my last chemo on Tuesday. I see my gynocological oncologist and my primary care tomorrow. And I probably have some bills that think they want to be paid. On the whole, I think I'd rather be back at the Spa being pampered.
xxooxx
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Spending Mr. Bush's Money
Remember my digital camera? I thought it was the batteries? It may just be old age. I think I've had it about ten years. I know I bought it with a Team Award from the phone company. I know I spent a lot of money for it at the time--it has 2.1 megapixils! Whoop-di-do! Whatever, yesterday, I decided I needed a new one, so I went out with my economic incentive, or whatever it is called, and got a new Canon--8 megapixils--and a library of instruction manuals that need to be read before a single shot can be fired, it seems. So I think I will take my dying old Canon to Sonoma with me. For all the times I 've been there, I've never taken pictures. This time, I'll be taking pictures--of the room, of the pools--of my massage therapists, if they will let me. I might take the new camera and the books in case I run out of reading material...
The last time I saw my oncologist, she said it would take longer to get over each cycle. She was right. I'm still not feeling completely good. I went to an Eastern Star reception Friday night. I didn't have to drive, but it still took a lot out of me. I was really hurting by the time it was over, and it really wasn't all that long. Yesterday, I was supposed to walk the survivors' lap in our local Relay for Life. I didn't even want to get out of my jammies when I was supposed to be there. I left a message for our team leader and went back to sleep--and slept till after noon. I went out long enough to buy the camera and some more books, came home and went to sleep for a few more hours. I think I was awake maybe 5 out of 24 hours. Each day I feel a little better, but there is still lots of room to go. The only thing on my list tomorrow is getting blood drawn and packing for Sonoma--basically swimsuits, sweats, underwear, and jammies...and books and knitting and needlework. I think I can handle that. In the evening, i have a date with Glenn for dinner and a movie for my birthday week. I could make him sit through Wall-E or the American Girl movie, and he would, but I think we'll see Mama Mia! I think that would be the least torturous for him. Tuesday, it is the oncologist, a referral to a radiation oncologist, and off to Sonoma. My first treatment is at 4 PM.
xxppxx
The last time I saw my oncologist, she said it would take longer to get over each cycle. She was right. I'm still not feeling completely good. I went to an Eastern Star reception Friday night. I didn't have to drive, but it still took a lot out of me. I was really hurting by the time it was over, and it really wasn't all that long. Yesterday, I was supposed to walk the survivors' lap in our local Relay for Life. I didn't even want to get out of my jammies when I was supposed to be there. I left a message for our team leader and went back to sleep--and slept till after noon. I went out long enough to buy the camera and some more books, came home and went to sleep for a few more hours. I think I was awake maybe 5 out of 24 hours. Each day I feel a little better, but there is still lots of room to go. The only thing on my list tomorrow is getting blood drawn and packing for Sonoma--basically swimsuits, sweats, underwear, and jammies...and books and knitting and needlework. I think I can handle that. In the evening, i have a date with Glenn for dinner and a movie for my birthday week. I could make him sit through Wall-E or the American Girl movie, and he would, but I think we'll see Mama Mia! I think that would be the least torturous for him. Tuesday, it is the oncologist, a referral to a radiation oncologist, and off to Sonoma. My first treatment is at 4 PM.
xxppxx
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Happy Birthday to ME
A little tiny part of me is thinking that if I hadn't had the infection, I'd be having my last chemo tomorrow--at least I think that's how it would have worked out--but then maybe I couldn't have gone to Yosemite or Wynyard, Saskatchewan, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss either of those journeys. So there we are--still with almost 2 weeks to go till the last one. And it is my birthday--all day. I'm feeling better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow. It was mostly a good day, lots of phone calls, flowers, my favorite thing in the whole wide world, from my sister, dinner out with Dory, a lunch date for tomorrow with my friend Meg and her daughter--Meg and I share the birthday, but I always remind her that she's WAY older than I am. My daughter and the grandchildren are coming over tomorrow afternoon. Life is good.
Now let me tell you about cut flowers. You get them, you feel special, they look beautiful, then they die and you can throw them away with a clear conscience and not have to worry about where to put them. My sister sent me yellow and orange roses, which match what I'm wearing today and the Atomic Orange I put on my fingernails today. As I said, life is good.
About dinner--we went for Chinese, since it is my traditional birthday feast. I was told several years ago that noodles on your birthday were good luck, so dinner included chicken chow mien, of which I am very fond. When it came time for the fortune cookies, we did that properly--I handed one to Dory and she handed one to me--you never pick out your own fortune. I unwrapped my cookie, broke it open--and there was no fortune. I looked sad and Dory started to laugh and said that apparently the noodles weren't doing their job. I thought maybe it was folded and looked in each half--no fortune. By then we were both laughing hard--as was the waiter, who took pity on my and brought me a new cookie--with a good fortune. Whew!
I've made it through the first week of this chemo cycle--I've hit as far down as I will go and am now on the upward swing. It will be a little better each day till the middle of next week, when I'll be feeling my best till #6. And am I going away? You betcha. I see my oncologist on the 22nd then leave for Sonoma and five days of pampering. Life is very good.
xxooxx
Now let me tell you about cut flowers. You get them, you feel special, they look beautiful, then they die and you can throw them away with a clear conscience and not have to worry about where to put them. My sister sent me yellow and orange roses, which match what I'm wearing today and the Atomic Orange I put on my fingernails today. As I said, life is good.
About dinner--we went for Chinese, since it is my traditional birthday feast. I was told several years ago that noodles on your birthday were good luck, so dinner included chicken chow mien, of which I am very fond. When it came time for the fortune cookies, we did that properly--I handed one to Dory and she handed one to me--you never pick out your own fortune. I unwrapped my cookie, broke it open--and there was no fortune. I looked sad and Dory started to laugh and said that apparently the noodles weren't doing their job. I thought maybe it was folded and looked in each half--no fortune. By then we were both laughing hard--as was the waiter, who took pity on my and brought me a new cookie--with a good fortune. Whew!
I've made it through the first week of this chemo cycle--I've hit as far down as I will go and am now on the upward swing. It will be a little better each day till the middle of next week, when I'll be feeling my best till #6. And am I going away? You betcha. I see my oncologist on the 22nd then leave for Sonoma and five days of pampering. Life is very good.
xxooxx
Monday, July 14, 2008
Side effects
I'm making it through chemo cycle # 5. I pretty much spent the weekend lying in bed, taking meds at the proper times, reading. I'm working my way through the Sue Grafton Alphabet Mysteries. Don't know what's taken me so long, but I read the first three this weekend. I watched the Giants, who finally won one for me yesterday--and I didn't even have the heart to watch the end of the 9th inning. I was so afraid they would blow it, I didn't want to give them the added pressure.
The drugs helped keep the pain down--I wasn't comfortable--still not comfortable--but I'm getting by. I have yet to experience the nausea that used to be standard with chemo--that would be thanks to really good drugs. The bone pain is still around, along with some stomach pain--no nausea, just pain. Then there's the one I never heard about with chemo--peripheral neuropathy. My fingers and toes are either tingling or numb. It isn't fun. It is supposed to go away after chemo--or not. I've got no energy at all. My big exercise is going out in the morning and getting the newspaper. I am exercising my mind, since I've started doing the crosswords. I never really liked them before because I can't spell, but let's face it, I've got lots of time on my hands, so there we are. My sister and Margaret should be proud of me, because I think it was their influence that made me try the puzzles.
That would be it for now. Tomorrow should be better.
xxooxx
The drugs helped keep the pain down--I wasn't comfortable--still not comfortable--but I'm getting by. I have yet to experience the nausea that used to be standard with chemo--that would be thanks to really good drugs. The bone pain is still around, along with some stomach pain--no nausea, just pain. Then there's the one I never heard about with chemo--peripheral neuropathy. My fingers and toes are either tingling or numb. It isn't fun. It is supposed to go away after chemo--or not. I've got no energy at all. My big exercise is going out in the morning and getting the newspaper. I am exercising my mind, since I've started doing the crosswords. I never really liked them before because I can't spell, but let's face it, I've got lots of time on my hands, so there we are. My sister and Margaret should be proud of me, because I think it was their influence that made me try the puzzles.
That would be it for now. Tomorrow should be better.
xxooxx
Thursday, July 10, 2008
OK--OH Canada part deux
So, the camera still doesn't want to down load my pictures, but I got a handy dandy compact flash reader that more or less does the same thing. Now I'm trying to get them into the blog--in no particular order.
Here are my hosts, Margaret and Ken Melsted, Ken wearing one of his 11 new Tilley Hats, courtesy of Lee. That was the actual purpose of the trip. Ken and Margaret were great hosts. they let me do as much or as little as I wanted to do. Mostly it was just laze around.
This is the farmhouse. Ken was born here.
Last, but not least, this is the Provincial Flower of Saskatchewan, the Red or Prarrie Lilly. Margaret has two growing in her garden. With luck. the bulbs will multiply as the lilly is in danger if extinction.
I didn't have my camera out with me in Saskatoon--too bad, it was really pretty around the hotel and park where we saw The Tempest.
Orc report--so far, so good. Not even any drums beating yet. I don't hold out hope of a stay for more than another day, though.
xxooxx
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Chemo Five
Well, I was going to download my pictures from Canada and post them tonight. That would be one of the best laid plans of mice and men ganging aglee. The camera keeps shutting off when I try to access it. It may be the batteries, so I'll get some new ones and try again tomorrow. I'm not overly happy about that, but thems the breaks, as a co-worker of Lee's used to say.
Chemo went fine today. I can't believe it's the fifth one already and the last one is just around the corner. Fortunately the block that corner is on includes the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. Before I get there, I have to survive the orc wars and walk in the survivors lap in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life--hopefully the orcs will have retreated by then.
So what have I been doing lately. Monday was my annual eye exam. Something in my life is going right--no changes, no glaucoma, no Macular degeneration, no cataracts--yet. Have a good life and we'll see you next year.
Went downtown to see my therapist yesterday. I was feeling much better than I did two weeks ago. After the visit, I walked to the San Francisco Center, where I bought some more books--started on the Sue Grafton series, finally. Also went to Nordstrom where I couldn't find any clothes that I really wanted but did get some makeup--my eyebrows have been steadily thinning, so I got brow makeup to enhance them. My hair is still coming out, but not as much and now in inch or less long strands that are hard to pick up--so I'm just shedding.
Sorry about the pictures. I'll see what I can do about them tomorrow while I'm still feeling fairly good. I'm also hoping to make a run to the office to show the guys I'm still alive. Once I start radiation, I'll see if I'm up to maybe four hours a day. I need to get back to work before they figure out that they can get along perfectly well without me--if they haven't already. I miss my spreadsheets and fighting with vendors--er--setting vendors straight.
xxooxx
Chemo went fine today. I can't believe it's the fifth one already and the last one is just around the corner. Fortunately the block that corner is on includes the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. Before I get there, I have to survive the orc wars and walk in the survivors lap in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life--hopefully the orcs will have retreated by then.
So what have I been doing lately. Monday was my annual eye exam. Something in my life is going right--no changes, no glaucoma, no Macular degeneration, no cataracts--yet. Have a good life and we'll see you next year.
Went downtown to see my therapist yesterday. I was feeling much better than I did two weeks ago. After the visit, I walked to the San Francisco Center, where I bought some more books--started on the Sue Grafton series, finally. Also went to Nordstrom where I couldn't find any clothes that I really wanted but did get some makeup--my eyebrows have been steadily thinning, so I got brow makeup to enhance them. My hair is still coming out, but not as much and now in inch or less long strands that are hard to pick up--so I'm just shedding.
Sorry about the pictures. I'll see what I can do about them tomorrow while I'm still feeling fairly good. I'm also hoping to make a run to the office to show the guys I'm still alive. Once I start radiation, I'll see if I'm up to maybe four hours a day. I need to get back to work before they figure out that they can get along perfectly well without me--if they haven't already. I miss my spreadsheets and fighting with vendors--er--setting vendors straight.
xxooxx
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Home again, home again
Got home safely, but not without some excitement.
To catch you up, we went to Saskatoon yesterday and saw The Tempest on the banks of the Saskatchewan River. It was a little hard to understand at first, but things improved. Prospero and Ariel were wonderful. It was an outdoor theatre and somehow, I managed to get mosquito bites through my clothes again. Not so many as Yosemite, but enough to itch.
Ken and Margaret got me to the airport in plenty of time and the flight from Saskatoon to Calgary was fine. I was met by my wheelchair driver. We got to the baggage claim for those of us continuing on to the states. Remember the 6 hours and change I had between flights getting to Saskatchewan? Well, I had about an hour in Calgary. So imagine how thrilled we were when there were no bags coming through. There was some sort of jam in the system. My SF flight boarded at 1745 and it was already 1735. My driver said we could wait till 1805 at the latest, then we would have to board the SF flight, bags or no If our bags didn't make it with us, they would be flown to SF tomorrow and delivered to us. While that would have made life somewhat easier when I landed, I really didn't want to have to go without my suitcase full of dirty laundry overnight. Finally the bags started moving. Mine came up and we were off through US Customs, put the bag back on a conveyor belt to get to the plane, through security, and on to the plane. I was one of the last ones on, but I was on. I got settled all snug in my seat and the plane couldn't move. Seems the bridge from the airport to the plane didn't want to move and they had to wait for workers from the airport to fix it. So we were a little late leaving. I was thinking "That's two..." and thinking it wasn't a good sign. We had a little turbulence--nowhere near as bad as coming in--but otherwise the flight was without incident and we made up the time in the air and landed on time. Again I had a wheelchair waiting for me. The gentleman took me to baggage where we waited. And waited. And waited. A bunch of bags came up and were collected then nothing. Seems there was a bag jam in the system. Where have I heard this before. Finally, finally, the belt began moving and mine was the second bag. Glenn was there shortly after I got outside. I had a great time, but I was glad to get home. Pictures will follow tomorrow or whenever I get them downloaded.
Time for bed.
xxooxx
To catch you up, we went to Saskatoon yesterday and saw The Tempest on the banks of the Saskatchewan River. It was a little hard to understand at first, but things improved. Prospero and Ariel were wonderful. It was an outdoor theatre and somehow, I managed to get mosquito bites through my clothes again. Not so many as Yosemite, but enough to itch.
Ken and Margaret got me to the airport in plenty of time and the flight from Saskatoon to Calgary was fine. I was met by my wheelchair driver. We got to the baggage claim for those of us continuing on to the states. Remember the 6 hours and change I had between flights getting to Saskatchewan? Well, I had about an hour in Calgary. So imagine how thrilled we were when there were no bags coming through. There was some sort of jam in the system. My SF flight boarded at 1745 and it was already 1735. My driver said we could wait till 1805 at the latest, then we would have to board the SF flight, bags or no If our bags didn't make it with us, they would be flown to SF tomorrow and delivered to us. While that would have made life somewhat easier when I landed, I really didn't want to have to go without my suitcase full of dirty laundry overnight. Finally the bags started moving. Mine came up and we were off through US Customs, put the bag back on a conveyor belt to get to the plane, through security, and on to the plane. I was one of the last ones on, but I was on. I got settled all snug in my seat and the plane couldn't move. Seems the bridge from the airport to the plane didn't want to move and they had to wait for workers from the airport to fix it. So we were a little late leaving. I was thinking "That's two..." and thinking it wasn't a good sign. We had a little turbulence--nowhere near as bad as coming in--but otherwise the flight was without incident and we made up the time in the air and landed on time. Again I had a wheelchair waiting for me. The gentleman took me to baggage where we waited. And waited. And waited. A bunch of bags came up and were collected then nothing. Seems there was a bag jam in the system. Where have I heard this before. Finally, finally, the belt began moving and mine was the second bag. Glenn was there shortly after I got outside. I had a great time, but I was glad to get home. Pictures will follow tomorrow or whenever I get them downloaded.
Time for bed.
xxooxx
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Taking the waters
We went to the spa at Manitou Beach on Canada Day (that would be yesterday). It is by a lake in which it is impossible to drown because the mineral content is so high. The townspeople built a spa (probably more than one, we just went to the main one) using these waters. There are pools of varying degrees of heat. Learning to navigate in the mineral water was a little difficult, but the heat felt good. It was the first time I'd been submerged since I was at Lake Louise (in the heated pool and hot tub, not the frozen lake) in February before all this wonderfulness in my life started. It was glorious--salty, but glorious.
Today is another lounge day. I'm getting lots of rest and feeling quite good. I know my blood counts are coming up (ready for the next attack), by my energy level and I'm not bruising as easily as even a few days ago. When we got back to Wynyard yesterday, I missed the top step into the house and the worst thing I bruised was my dignity.
That's it for now.
xxooxx
Today is another lounge day. I'm getting lots of rest and feeling quite good. I know my blood counts are coming up (ready for the next attack), by my energy level and I'm not bruising as easily as even a few days ago. When we got back to Wynyard yesterday, I missed the top step into the house and the worst thing I bruised was my dignity.
That's it for now.
xxooxx
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