I'm taking time away from Farm Town on Facebook to get my stuff together for Yosemite. I'll leave tomorrow after church for four glorious days. Training for the Rockies. I don't know how much, if any, hiking I'll be up to, but I can do lots of walking. If I get tired, I can sit down and read. It looks like I will be going by myself, and that is fine. A little while in the mountains to just be should be lovely.
The car had its various ailments fixed and came in under 1K--not bad for a 14 year old car. My various rash areas seem to be under control too--not planning on a massage or wrap or anything that could irritate my skin at Yosemite. I will be taking the laptop, so I can send pictures, if I can figure out how to do it on the laptop--and, of course, keep up with the crops on Farm Town. I don't really have an addictive personality, but I am thoroughly addicted to that silly little game. Maybe that's why I'm addicted to it, because it is a silly little game. Somehow caring for a fake farm is a lot easier than caring for the troubles and worries of the world.
That's it--hasn't been terribly exciting--but I've got those four glorious days just around the corner. I think it is supposed to rain next week-that's ok too. Pictures don't come out as well, but I've got plenty of pictures of Yosemite.
xxooxx
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Somewhat Calmer
Things are getting fixed. The garage door was just a broom in the way of the sensors. I made Glenn pay for the visit because he's the one that put the broom in the path. We had the thing serviced, so it wasn't a wasted visit. My car has been in the car hospital since yesterday. The windshield washer got replaced, as did some relays that may have caused the fan to run down the battery. There is a crack in some manifold--an outdated part, of course, but the mechanic will weld it together for me. There are a few disadvantages of driving a 14 year old car. The advantage is that it is paid for.
The only thing on the medical horizon is an echocardigram tomorrow. This chemo has an ugly little side effect of heart damage, so they are just checking. I don't get winded or anything, it is just because it's time for this test.
I have two memorial services on Saturday. One is in Gustine--I think that's the one I won't go to, much as I liked the guest of honor.
I have become addicted to Facebook's Farm Town. I'm saving up for more land and a farmhouse. I have been known to check my crops in the middle of the night when I wake up to use the facilities. That's a sad addiction. The beauty of it is that it comes with no calories and does keep me from nibbling.
Have to pack soon--off to Yosemite on Sunday. I'm hoping it isn't too crowded and that there is lots of water in the falls and some dogwood still in blossom. I'll take it any way I can get it.
That catches you up.
xxooxx
The only thing on the medical horizon is an echocardigram tomorrow. This chemo has an ugly little side effect of heart damage, so they are just checking. I don't get winded or anything, it is just because it's time for this test.
I have two memorial services on Saturday. One is in Gustine--I think that's the one I won't go to, much as I liked the guest of honor.
I have become addicted to Facebook's Farm Town. I'm saving up for more land and a farmhouse. I have been known to check my crops in the middle of the night when I wake up to use the facilities. That's a sad addiction. The beauty of it is that it comes with no calories and does keep me from nibbling.
Have to pack soon--off to Yosemite on Sunday. I'm hoping it isn't too crowded and that there is lots of water in the falls and some dogwood still in blossom. I'll take it any way I can get it.
That catches you up.
xxooxx
Friday, May 22, 2009
Up and running again
It has been a miserable week. Everything broke at the same time--and now no Al to fix it. Not that he could fix everything. My desktop had a virus--after an hour or so on the phone with the Geek Squad, I just said "Send someone out." That was Tuesday. It got fixed today. I don't care how long it took, it is fixed for now.
The garage door motor is on its last legs. Al could have fixed that, and would have. Sears will be out tomorrow morning. The motor on my windshield squinter is dead--that's been ordered.
On the bright side, I saw my oncologist this morning and all is going well. The lymph nodes continue to shrink. I will have one more chemo before Canada then will have a break with another CAT scan after I get home. The skin thing turns out to be chemo related after all. My doctor spent time chatting with the maker of Doxil and they have seen that reaction with massage and heat. So much for my many visits to Sonoma. Not that I can afford it right now. I'll keep throwing creams and body butters at my skin and hope it helps. I don't want to give up spaing forever, just for a while.
That's about it for the broken stuff. I was using my laptop--it worked but wasn't what I really wanted to use. The desktop is more comfortable. I'm glad to have it back. Even now I'm being a good girl and backing up my data.
xxooxx
The garage door motor is on its last legs. Al could have fixed that, and would have. Sears will be out tomorrow morning. The motor on my windshield squinter is dead--that's been ordered.
On the bright side, I saw my oncologist this morning and all is going well. The lymph nodes continue to shrink. I will have one more chemo before Canada then will have a break with another CAT scan after I get home. The skin thing turns out to be chemo related after all. My doctor spent time chatting with the maker of Doxil and they have seen that reaction with massage and heat. So much for my many visits to Sonoma. Not that I can afford it right now. I'll keep throwing creams and body butters at my skin and hope it helps. I don't want to give up spaing forever, just for a while.
That's about it for the broken stuff. I was using my laptop--it worked but wasn't what I really wanted to use. The desktop is more comfortable. I'm glad to have it back. Even now I'm being a good girl and backing up my data.
xxooxx
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Remembering Al
I have some catching up to do, but it is trivial, and my heart is too heavy for trivial annoyances. Our dear friend, Al Sweetman, died today. He had a heart attack Monday, drove himself to the hospital--so like him. He had angioplasty yesterday, was supposed to go home today, but threw a blood clot and that got him. Al was smart and funny--a big, goofy kid, but a steady rock when necessary. He has been our go to guy since Lee died. Something isn't working right, call Al--he will know what to do and he will fix it. That was his business and he was good at it. I guess the biggest job he did for us was properly grounding our house. Had it not been for that, when the power lines snapped if February, we would have been toast.
He was more than Mr. Fix-it. He was aways praying for me with my cancer and checking up on me. His wife is the other person I know with cancer of the peritoneum. Her diagnosis was about seven months before mine and she has mentored me thorough the rough parts.
He leaves three children, the youngest of whom is graduating from high school this month. They are all too young to lose their dad.
Lots of prayers surrounded Al on his way out, lots of prayers surround the family. Rest in peace, dear friend.
xxooxx
He was more than Mr. Fix-it. He was aways praying for me with my cancer and checking up on me. His wife is the other person I know with cancer of the peritoneum. Her diagnosis was about seven months before mine and she has mentored me thorough the rough parts.
He leaves three children, the youngest of whom is graduating from high school this month. They are all too young to lose their dad.
Lots of prayers surrounded Al on his way out, lots of prayers surround the family. Rest in peace, dear friend.
xxooxx
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Adventures at the Lab
I got down to the lab today 48 hours after the CAT scan, as requested, for my post CAT scan blood draw. I got there for the last 15 minutes or so of what was, I was told, a 45 minute performance by Isabelle, aged 7, who did not want her blood taken. She was having a screaming fit when I got there, accompanied by Dad, who was near his wit's end. At one point, she actually kicked the blood sucker a sweet, tiny little thing. Dad was cajoling, pleading, yelling, holding her down. I wanted to go in there so bad and tell her, "Yes, kid, it will hurt, but only for a minute, and less than carrying on like this forever. And it's probably not the last one you will ever have, and probably not the last thing in your life that will hurt. Suck it up and let this nice lady do her job. Then we will all be happy." I also wanted to slap her.
I got a pink band over my blood stopping cotton, to go with my pink outfit, and because I'd been a good girl. I also wanted to tell the little snot that today was the third time this week my veins had been opened for someone and I have another one to go Wednesday or Thursday. So there.
Had a lovely lunch with Steve, my former boss. I am very proud of his. He gets his 3rd degree the end of the month. I gave him one of Lee's pins with the admonition that he couldn't wear it till after the degree.
Open mic tonight. I'll be doing "The Cremation of Sam McGee" if they need me.
xxooxx
I got a pink band over my blood stopping cotton, to go with my pink outfit, and because I'd been a good girl. I also wanted to tell the little snot that today was the third time this week my veins had been opened for someone and I have another one to go Wednesday or Thursday. So there.
Had a lovely lunch with Steve, my former boss. I am very proud of his. He gets his 3rd degree the end of the month. I gave him one of Lee's pins with the admonition that he couldn't wear it till after the degree.
Open mic tonight. I'll be doing "The Cremation of Sam McGee" if they need me.
xxooxx
Friday, May 15, 2009
Little things
It has been a medical week. Monday was my GYN--I brought him up to speed and promised to have my oncologist's office keep him in the loop. He is such a nice man. When my mother died, he called me, just to see how I was doing and if there was anything he could do to help. He only sees me once a year (unless I have a little surprise cancer surgery), but he remembers me. I also called my oncologist's office and brought them up to date on the status of my rash and the accompanying blister. The PA's advice was to finish the antibiotic, then let the dermatologist's office know my status. I could do that. The blister on the top of my foot was getting bigger.
Tuesday was my wonderful therapist. My little island of time when it is ok to whine. I treasure my appointments with Mark.
Wednesday, for some reason, I had no appointments. No blood work. Nothing medical where I had to be someplace. The dermatologist's office called just as I was getting ready to call them to let me know the results of the culture--no bacteria growing. That was a good thing. Scratch the follow-up appointment on the 20th and come in sooner. Could I come in Friday at 10? No, I'd be in Chemo--1? That would be pushing it. 3? Perfect. Knitting circle in the evening, then a work party for Eastern Star where we brainstormed the skit I'd agreed to write but was suffering writer's block. We came up with something that I agreed to type Thursday afternoon, between CAT scan and the meeting.
So Thursday, I set the alarm for 5:30 so I could have some breakfast (can't eat for 3 hours before the CAT scan appointment--mine was at 9). I've thoroughly described the CAT scan process in an earlier blog. It did take them three tries to start the IV--that was fun. I was really tired when I got home and dozed through most of my soap opera. The meeting went fine last night--the skit came off somehow.
So, here we are at today, Friday. Chemo appoint was supposed to be at 11 and I told Glenn that I'd take myself, which he grudgingly agreed to--then the Cancer Center called me yesterday afternoon to let me know that they had a 9 AM opening and did I want it--of course. I called Glenn at work and he was relieved to find out that he could take me. I really could take myself, but it makes him happy and secretly makes me happy too. Chemo from 9 to noon, home in time to see my soap opera. Took off at 2 to do grocery shopping, then see the dermatologist. She thinks it may be an auto-immune disease. The only way to really be sure would be to biopsy the blister, but since it is on my foot, it would never heal and I would end up with an ulcer instead of a blister--so we're not going to do that. She lanced the blister and had it dressed. I got a new ointment to use on all the red places twice a day. Watch for any other blisters and let her know, otherwise, come back in a month and we'll check things out.
I'm pooped.
xxooxx
Tuesday was my wonderful therapist. My little island of time when it is ok to whine. I treasure my appointments with Mark.
Wednesday, for some reason, I had no appointments. No blood work. Nothing medical where I had to be someplace. The dermatologist's office called just as I was getting ready to call them to let me know the results of the culture--no bacteria growing. That was a good thing. Scratch the follow-up appointment on the 20th and come in sooner. Could I come in Friday at 10? No, I'd be in Chemo--1? That would be pushing it. 3? Perfect. Knitting circle in the evening, then a work party for Eastern Star where we brainstormed the skit I'd agreed to write but was suffering writer's block. We came up with something that I agreed to type Thursday afternoon, between CAT scan and the meeting.
So Thursday, I set the alarm for 5:30 so I could have some breakfast (can't eat for 3 hours before the CAT scan appointment--mine was at 9). I've thoroughly described the CAT scan process in an earlier blog. It did take them three tries to start the IV--that was fun. I was really tired when I got home and dozed through most of my soap opera. The meeting went fine last night--the skit came off somehow.
So, here we are at today, Friday. Chemo appoint was supposed to be at 11 and I told Glenn that I'd take myself, which he grudgingly agreed to--then the Cancer Center called me yesterday afternoon to let me know that they had a 9 AM opening and did I want it--of course. I called Glenn at work and he was relieved to find out that he could take me. I really could take myself, but it makes him happy and secretly makes me happy too. Chemo from 9 to noon, home in time to see my soap opera. Took off at 2 to do grocery shopping, then see the dermatologist. She thinks it may be an auto-immune disease. The only way to really be sure would be to biopsy the blister, but since it is on my foot, it would never heal and I would end up with an ulcer instead of a blister--so we're not going to do that. She lanced the blister and had it dressed. I got a new ointment to use on all the red places twice a day. Watch for any other blisters and let her know, otherwise, come back in a month and we'll check things out.
I'm pooped.
xxooxx
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mom's Day 2009
I'm feeling way better today than I did last Mother's Day--last year it fell during orc season. I remember my niece and nephew came over and barbecued for me. This year, Elaine and her family came over with a picnic--a late one, but a picnic all the same. She cleaned my kitchen counter, no small task, and we had do it yourself sandwiches, potato salad, cucumber salad, chips, and pie. And late was OK, since I overslept--missed church--and had breakfast around 11. My pills get confused when I don't eat at the accustomed time, but that's the only thing.
The rash--parts of it are getting better, but strange water blisters are popping up in strange places. I don't know whether to let Dr. Chee and/or the dermatologist know about that. I don't want to be whiney, but you never know what is important and what isn't.
Yesterday was a lovely day. We had our Spring Tea at church. I stuffed myself with good things then came home and took a three hour nap. I had a slight wide awake break then went to bed around 10--and slept. i woke up just before seven and decided that was just too early to get up on a Sunday--then slept till the phone rang just after 10.
That's it for now.
xxooxx
The rash--parts of it are getting better, but strange water blisters are popping up in strange places. I don't know whether to let Dr. Chee and/or the dermatologist know about that. I don't want to be whiney, but you never know what is important and what isn't.
Yesterday was a lovely day. We had our Spring Tea at church. I stuffed myself with good things then came home and took a three hour nap. I had a slight wide awake break then went to bed around 10--and slept. i woke up just before seven and decided that was just too early to get up on a Sunday--then slept till the phone rang just after 10.
That's it for now.
xxooxx
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Dealing with little things
It is never the big things. The big things are easy. It is the piddling little things that get you down. So the rash. The prednisone didn't help--and the rash popped up other places and hurt. Tuesday I saw my primary care, who referred me to a dermatologist. Saw the dermatologist on Wednesday. She pronounced it (them) an infection, took a culture of one of the open wounds, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics and an ointment, and made an appointment for a two week follow up. After two days of the antibiotic, things are looking better.
I was a very good girl and reported on everything to Dr. Chee (the oncologist). She pushed out my chemo for a week.
So that's where we are. Right now I'm having a strange pain that may be gall bladder. Of course, it is nearly ten at night, so there isn't much to do about it now. I've had these pains before--it will go away if I am a good girl and sit quietly. I'll probably forget about it before I talk to Dr. Chee again. Still, it is annoying while it's going on. Oh, and my belly button is still draining--and yes, I told that to Dr. Chee. We're hoping the antibiotic takes care of that too.
Here's to better days.
xxooxx
I was a very good girl and reported on everything to Dr. Chee (the oncologist). She pushed out my chemo for a week.
So that's where we are. Right now I'm having a strange pain that may be gall bladder. Of course, it is nearly ten at night, so there isn't much to do about it now. I've had these pains before--it will go away if I am a good girl and sit quietly. I'll probably forget about it before I talk to Dr. Chee again. Still, it is annoying while it's going on. Oh, and my belly button is still draining--and yes, I told that to Dr. Chee. We're hoping the antibiotic takes care of that too.
Here's to better days.
xxooxx
Friday, May 1, 2009
Blustry May Day
I know I have much catching up to do--I don't really remember the end of last week, so it must have been boring. Saturday noon was our gig at my Eastern Star chapter. It was just half the band, but we did a good job. Our next gig will be the 3rd Saturday at church, so we have a while. The other band liked me, but they do mostly vocals and need someone who can transpose on sight, and that's just not me. No problem.
Sunday was church, part of the worship committee, then on to Sonoma. I got home a little after noon, ate my sandwich, changed my clothes, let Glenn pack the car, and off I went. I picked up Luanne in San Rafael, truly on the way, and we were ready. Julie was already in Sonoma, checking out the town (something I've never done). We were to call her when we got into town and she would meet us at the hotel. Our room was ready when we got there--something that hasn't happened the last few times I've been there, so we checked it out, had our stuff dumped, and grabbed our suits for the Bathing Ritual. Normally, I book a treatment or two when I first get there, but I didn't think that was the right thing to do to my friends. The bathing ritual was fine. I got to explain it to them and we did the whole thing--except for the cool showers. I just stick a limb into the cold water and say that's enough.
It was lovely to go back to the Big 3 for meals. Sante is very elegant, but a little too pretentious for me. I'm happy with plain food.
Monday the fun began. Luanne brought her breakfast and ate in the room. Julie and I went to the Big 3. This gave Luanne her quiet time, so it worked. I had an 8 AM Fitness Training session--Julie and Luanne worked out on their own. It was so nice to see Karen and work out with her again. She's only at the hotel 2 days a week and then just from 6 to 9. I've been following her career plans for two years now. She's getting closer to her goals and very happy. She's also a great trainer for me. I did the Bathing Ritual after the work out, then was ready for my 10:15 Watsu with Laura. I got an 85 minute Watsu--Laura loves me and Laura's on my list of preferred providers. I picked up a little color in the Watsu pool--not a burn, just a little tan.
I ordered lunch to be ready after my next treatment, then went off for my Chardonnay Olive Oil sugar Scrub with Lani. While I was doing all this, Luanne had Reflexology with Arlene and Julie had the Chardonnay. They went to lunch at Whole Foods. I had a spinach salad by the pool after my scrub. Julie had a Watsu with Laura in the afternoon. She loved it, as I knew she would. I had a Thai Massage with Bill, which was incredible, then Reike with Reflexology with Diane--my own personal CAT scan. Diane knows more about what's going on inside my body than my doctors do. I met the girls back in the room. I was mush. dinner, a little TV, then time to sleep.
We did the same routine Tuesday morning. I noticed a small cut on my ring finger, right hand. More about this later. Luanne to the rescue with a bandaid for my finger and some aloe gel for my tan. Julie and Luanne worked out while I had my morning Watsu with Lani. Julie had a Balancing Reflexology Pedicure with Rudolfo, Luanne had a Watsu with Lani, and I had a Hungarian Moor Mud Kur with Soledad. They did Whole Foods again while I ate by the pool again. At 2, I had a back, neck, and shoulder mini massage with Mary--I won it--Luanne got one too, I just don't remember what time, and Julie went home--not mad--she had a wonderful time, but that was the arrangement before the trip. After my Mini Massage, I had a Tandem Massage with Mary and David. I still think that's illegal in about 47 states and one of the best things they do. When they put the massage oil on my left arm, there was a little annoying stinging, but I didn't have time to check it out then. The Tandem was wonderful. I ended the day with a Sonoma Stone Massage with Sharon. She rightly figured that I was pretty massaged out and just did a light pressure, but it was just enough. Luanne met me in the Bath House lounge as prearranged--good thing, because I'd forgotten my room key in the morning. I checked out the left arm when we got back to the room--a little red, but nothing specific that I could see. I'd noticed on the massage tables that it had hurt to flex my hands--I also noticed more cracks and redness. Oh crap--chemo reactions. Dinner and early to bed again.
Wednesday, I had a yogurt while Luanne had her breakfast, then we went to the Big 3, where she watched me have a continental breakfast--a scone and a croissant that was to die for. There was also a muffin that I couldn't touch. I had a 9 AM Watsu with Soledad. Watsu is the way to start the day. It is almost like a prayer in the morning. Next, Luanne had the Chardonnay with Don and i had a Body Coffee Wrap with Arlene. Luanne and I ordered lunch, then went to the Loggia, where the lit the outdoor heater for us and we lounged, covered with towels for blankets, while we waited for lunch. I had a Rujuvenating Kur with Don at 2--his favorite treatment to give--perfect. I thought my facial was at 4. When I checked my itinerary, I saw it was at 4:30, so I had time to shampoo my hair--necessary after the Rejuvenator--before the facial and back facial both with Andrea--by now my left arm was bright red on the back, where I couldn't see it, but confirmed by Andrea. Luanne hung out and did the Bathing Ritual while I was being Kured and facialed. Dinner and bed.
Same routine for breakfast on Thursday. This time I ate the muffin first and passed up the scone. We were amazed, surprised, and pleased when we got to the Spa and they said that my pedicure and manicure were going to be comped, because I was such a good customer. Yippee! And both were with Rudolfo. Fingers and toes are now You Rockapulco Red, which is a much better spring color than Malaga Wine. I broke the rules and used my cell phone in the dressing room to call my oncologist's office to report on the hands and the rash--told them I'd be home by 4:30, so the doctor didn't have to rush getting back to me. Luanne did the Bathing Ritual one last time and swam, then came and schmoozed while my fingers were getting done. Parts of the manicure were really painful on my hands--Rudolfo was gentle. We waited in the Lounge while my fingers dried. We checked out when the fingers were safe, had a last lunch, and hit the road around 2. The trip home was uneventful, except that it was going home instead of there. Luanne's husband was glad to see her. I hit zero traffic crossing the bridge and getting home. After I unloaded the car, I called the oncologist's office to let them know I was home. My doctor wanted to see me today, since she really couldn't diagnose over the phone. No problem. I took a nap, had some soup, watched TV, then when my skin hurt too much to be in clothes, got into my jammies and went to bed.
This morning, my doctor checked out the rash and the swelling in my hands. She put my on four days of prednisone and suggested cortisone cream for the more painful rash--thinks that it is a reaction to some lotion, potion, or oil that was used early on in the stay--maybe the Chardonnay, though I've had that several times with no reaction. So we shall see. I took the first round and don't think I hurt as much as yesterday--though this morning when I got to the office, everything hurt. She also upped my pain meds, so I shall try to keep on schedule with that.
Tonight I get to watch the Giants again--if they don't get rained out. It is supposed to rain all weekend--which is a good thing, unless you are a baseball team. It's only raining off and on, so maybe they can get the games in. It really is a blustery and dreary day, though--more like February than May.
Time to put some food into my rashy body. I guess I'm happy to be home--sort of. It was a really wonderful time with my friends. I think I made two more Spa addicts!
xxooxx
Sunday was church, part of the worship committee, then on to Sonoma. I got home a little after noon, ate my sandwich, changed my clothes, let Glenn pack the car, and off I went. I picked up Luanne in San Rafael, truly on the way, and we were ready. Julie was already in Sonoma, checking out the town (something I've never done). We were to call her when we got into town and she would meet us at the hotel. Our room was ready when we got there--something that hasn't happened the last few times I've been there, so we checked it out, had our stuff dumped, and grabbed our suits for the Bathing Ritual. Normally, I book a treatment or two when I first get there, but I didn't think that was the right thing to do to my friends. The bathing ritual was fine. I got to explain it to them and we did the whole thing--except for the cool showers. I just stick a limb into the cold water and say that's enough.
It was lovely to go back to the Big 3 for meals. Sante is very elegant, but a little too pretentious for me. I'm happy with plain food.
Monday the fun began. Luanne brought her breakfast and ate in the room. Julie and I went to the Big 3. This gave Luanne her quiet time, so it worked. I had an 8 AM Fitness Training session--Julie and Luanne worked out on their own. It was so nice to see Karen and work out with her again. She's only at the hotel 2 days a week and then just from 6 to 9. I've been following her career plans for two years now. She's getting closer to her goals and very happy. She's also a great trainer for me. I did the Bathing Ritual after the work out, then was ready for my 10:15 Watsu with Laura. I got an 85 minute Watsu--Laura loves me and Laura's on my list of preferred providers. I picked up a little color in the Watsu pool--not a burn, just a little tan.
I ordered lunch to be ready after my next treatment, then went off for my Chardonnay Olive Oil sugar Scrub with Lani. While I was doing all this, Luanne had Reflexology with Arlene and Julie had the Chardonnay. They went to lunch at Whole Foods. I had a spinach salad by the pool after my scrub. Julie had a Watsu with Laura in the afternoon. She loved it, as I knew she would. I had a Thai Massage with Bill, which was incredible, then Reike with Reflexology with Diane--my own personal CAT scan. Diane knows more about what's going on inside my body than my doctors do. I met the girls back in the room. I was mush. dinner, a little TV, then time to sleep.
We did the same routine Tuesday morning. I noticed a small cut on my ring finger, right hand. More about this later. Luanne to the rescue with a bandaid for my finger and some aloe gel for my tan. Julie and Luanne worked out while I had my morning Watsu with Lani. Julie had a Balancing Reflexology Pedicure with Rudolfo, Luanne had a Watsu with Lani, and I had a Hungarian Moor Mud Kur with Soledad. They did Whole Foods again while I ate by the pool again. At 2, I had a back, neck, and shoulder mini massage with Mary--I won it--Luanne got one too, I just don't remember what time, and Julie went home--not mad--she had a wonderful time, but that was the arrangement before the trip. After my Mini Massage, I had a Tandem Massage with Mary and David. I still think that's illegal in about 47 states and one of the best things they do. When they put the massage oil on my left arm, there was a little annoying stinging, but I didn't have time to check it out then. The Tandem was wonderful. I ended the day with a Sonoma Stone Massage with Sharon. She rightly figured that I was pretty massaged out and just did a light pressure, but it was just enough. Luanne met me in the Bath House lounge as prearranged--good thing, because I'd forgotten my room key in the morning. I checked out the left arm when we got back to the room--a little red, but nothing specific that I could see. I'd noticed on the massage tables that it had hurt to flex my hands--I also noticed more cracks and redness. Oh crap--chemo reactions. Dinner and early to bed again.
Wednesday, I had a yogurt while Luanne had her breakfast, then we went to the Big 3, where she watched me have a continental breakfast--a scone and a croissant that was to die for. There was also a muffin that I couldn't touch. I had a 9 AM Watsu with Soledad. Watsu is the way to start the day. It is almost like a prayer in the morning. Next, Luanne had the Chardonnay with Don and i had a Body Coffee Wrap with Arlene. Luanne and I ordered lunch, then went to the Loggia, where the lit the outdoor heater for us and we lounged, covered with towels for blankets, while we waited for lunch. I had a Rujuvenating Kur with Don at 2--his favorite treatment to give--perfect. I thought my facial was at 4. When I checked my itinerary, I saw it was at 4:30, so I had time to shampoo my hair--necessary after the Rejuvenator--before the facial and back facial both with Andrea--by now my left arm was bright red on the back, where I couldn't see it, but confirmed by Andrea. Luanne hung out and did the Bathing Ritual while I was being Kured and facialed. Dinner and bed.
Same routine for breakfast on Thursday. This time I ate the muffin first and passed up the scone. We were amazed, surprised, and pleased when we got to the Spa and they said that my pedicure and manicure were going to be comped, because I was such a good customer. Yippee! And both were with Rudolfo. Fingers and toes are now You Rockapulco Red, which is a much better spring color than Malaga Wine. I broke the rules and used my cell phone in the dressing room to call my oncologist's office to report on the hands and the rash--told them I'd be home by 4:30, so the doctor didn't have to rush getting back to me. Luanne did the Bathing Ritual one last time and swam, then came and schmoozed while my fingers were getting done. Parts of the manicure were really painful on my hands--Rudolfo was gentle. We waited in the Lounge while my fingers dried. We checked out when the fingers were safe, had a last lunch, and hit the road around 2. The trip home was uneventful, except that it was going home instead of there. Luanne's husband was glad to see her. I hit zero traffic crossing the bridge and getting home. After I unloaded the car, I called the oncologist's office to let them know I was home. My doctor wanted to see me today, since she really couldn't diagnose over the phone. No problem. I took a nap, had some soup, watched TV, then when my skin hurt too much to be in clothes, got into my jammies and went to bed.
This morning, my doctor checked out the rash and the swelling in my hands. She put my on four days of prednisone and suggested cortisone cream for the more painful rash--thinks that it is a reaction to some lotion, potion, or oil that was used early on in the stay--maybe the Chardonnay, though I've had that several times with no reaction. So we shall see. I took the first round and don't think I hurt as much as yesterday--though this morning when I got to the office, everything hurt. She also upped my pain meds, so I shall try to keep on schedule with that.
Tonight I get to watch the Giants again--if they don't get rained out. It is supposed to rain all weekend--which is a good thing, unless you are a baseball team. It's only raining off and on, so maybe they can get the games in. It really is a blustery and dreary day, though--more like February than May.
Time to put some food into my rashy body. I guess I'm happy to be home--sort of. It was a really wonderful time with my friends. I think I made two more Spa addicts!
xxooxx
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