Christmas, Chemo 4.3A, Company, and Blood

There's something really nice about a Christmas that doesn't focus on shopping.  It's peaceful.  I did actually go to the mall on Christmas Eve--zipped right into a close but not handicapped parking place.  Went into Nordstrom's and Williams-Sonoma, got what I wanted, and came home.  The only line I faced was at Willie-Sonora (at least that's what Lee and I called it).  We had a nice service on Christmas Eve--I still had traces of the Christmas Cold, so carols were difficult.  Christmas morning we had lessons and carols.  I had a reading from Isaiah and two from Luke, which I rebelliously read from the King James Version.
Elaine, Mark, and the kids came over around noon.  We had a nice visit.  We made some Christmas Cookies to make the season official, and exchanged gifts.  The girls had to leave late afternoon to have Christmas dinner with the Other Grandparents and uncle's family.  I'm not sure, but I'm willing to bet that I've never had Christmas dinner with the girls.  I don't think that's terribly fair, but as we all know, life isn't fair.
I fixed the Christmas roast, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, and Waldorf salad.  The five of us were joined by Ally and Danny, a brother and sister form church who lost their mother this year.  I snatched resting times when I could during the afternoon.  While the vegetables were cooking, Elaine massaged my feet--it was heavenly.
So all in all, it was a wonderful Christmas.  Not like the Christmas where the gifts almost forced us out of the living room, but a good time with family and friends.
Monday afternoon, my friend and Eastern Star Sister Jorie came over and we got the chapter newsletter ready to mail.  Jorie is a hard worker and a very efficient one.  There were lots of pieces that had to be co-ordinated.  It sure helped having a buddy.  We worked for over four hours solid, stuffing, chatting, drinking spiced cider.
Tuesday morning was back to chemo.  They ran some tests to see if I would be compatible with Procrit and made an appointment for me to have a transfusion--yeah.  My red count was 8.4.  Chemo was quick.  My sister, Gretchen, got to the house shortly after I got home.  We went to see War Horse in the afternoon.  Neither of us go to many movies, but the ones we see together are usually really good.  For a special treat, I had a visit from the daughters of an old friend.  I've known their Mother for over 40 years.  I watched them grow up.  Both of them are amazing women.  I still remember Kathleen's 21st birthday--I gave her a bottle of Champagne.  I think that was before I got married.
We watched the Kennedy Center Honors concert--a must for me each year.
Tuesday night the chemo kicked in.  It wasn't as bad as the orc wars, but I was uncomfortable  I woke up about 2 in the morning and for the first time experienced the side effect I'd dreaded from the beginning--serious nausea.  I think I offered up everything I'd eaten that day.
Wednesday, Gretchen went for a run--I felt like crap and rested.  The must for Wednesday was watching Cal play in the Holiday Bowl against Texas.  It was really dreadful.  Much as I love my Bears, neither team was good enough to be playing in a Bowl game.
Gretchen went home Thursday.  Guess what I did--you got it, I rested.  The blood transfusion came Friday morning.  I had to be there at 9 and left just after two.  I took lots of knitting with me and slept through most of the procedure.  You usually feel the benefits of a transfusion right away, and I do have a little more pep.  Still, after I got home, I slept for a few more hours.  Glenn and I went to a dessert party in the evening given by a couple from church.  It was a lovely gathering.  I propped myself up in a couch corner and let the party happen around me.
This has been a particularly rough chemo--and I get it again on Wednesday.  Yippee!
So that catches me up.  We have another church gathering we can attend this evening, but I'm thinking that resting is going to win out.  Happy New Year wherever you are.  I don't need to stay up til midnight.  The new year will come whether I'm there to see it in or not.
xxooxx

2011 Christmas Tree

So here's the tree

The girls did a really nice job on it.  Now my taks is to clear the mantle and put up the nativity.  I suppose I can do that sometime in the next two days.  I'm just happy I found the camera.  Things tend to hide.  The Christmas cold has almost gone away.  Life is grand.

xxooxx

Check, check, and check

Lest you think something really dreadful happened at the wedding, it was lovely.  Cold, but lovely.  I don't think I played my best, but it is hard to play the violin in a coat and fingerless mitts.  There were no disasters.  I didn't break a string this time.  There were no inquisitive bees hiding on the music staffs.  Just before we started the pre-wedding prelude, there was a warm puff of air.  I'm pretty sure it was the breath of God, promising to keep me going throughout the afternoon.  When you play for a wedding, you miss some of the details.  The compensatory joy is providing a service.  I'm so glad Kelsy asked me all those years ago to play for her wedding.
The reception was warm and spent with dear friends.  One of the very special benefits of attending a Hollenbeck function is watching North, Ky, and assorted partners swing dance.  It is exhausting and wonderful to watch.  The joy is mutual.  We stayed till cake was served, then Glenn took his very tired mother back to the Bide-a-Wee.  We had breakfast with the Bethany Gang, then hit the road for home.  We got here between 2 and 3.
I went to work on the Christmas cards, Glenn single-handedly rearranged the living room to make room for the tree.  Monica and Becca came over Monday and trimmed it while I was still working on the cards.  The tree is really beautiful.  I will try to think like a camera in a bit and see if I can find where I put the good one and include a picture--just not right now.
My niece was my driver to see my oncologist yesterday.  It was delightful to see her.  Victoria is at a very happy place in her life and she radiates it for the world.  Doctor appointment was neither good or bad.  I'm doing ok for now.  If the cold goes away I'll have chemo as scheduled on Tuesday.  I expect that will happen, because I'm feeling much better today.
I got the cards mailed this morning, so there is another big job completed.  Of course it usually follows that just after you get them mailed, you get a dozen or so cards from people you didn't send them to.  I was over-bought cards this year, so that will not present a problem.
The next Christmas task is to clear the mantle and bring out the Nativity sets--which may, or may not, live on said mantle for the year.
Life is good.
xxooxx

Wedding Eve

Glenn and I arrived safely at the Bide-a-Wee in Pacific Grove.  We checked in, unloaded, and went off to find the wedding rehearsal.  I managed to come without a music stand--and almost forgot my violin, but grabbed that at the last minute.  We set up in the frosty air for the practice--and I couldn't find the one piece the bride wanted.  Oh no!  I grabbed the piano accompaniment on the way out of the house.  It has the violin part, but it is little teeny print and there is a page turn.  Well, let's see, I'm sure the motel will have a copier and I can copy it and cut out my part.  The wedding isn't until 3 tomorrow, there's lots of time to fix things.  After the rehearsal, I remembered what I'd done with the music--had it all along, safely tucked into the music case on my violin case--just where I put it last night after I practiced with the quartet--also found the number I'm playing with them.  It was very cold at the practice.  Rumor is that it may warm up a bit tomorrow.  I'm still praying for rain and we can go to plan B--inside.  I've got a cold--raw throat and cough.  I called the Cancer Care center yesterday and talked with my nurse practitioner.  She called in a prescription for antibiotics, just so I'd have them.  If I felt better today, fine, don't take them.  I didn't.  I felt worse.  So I'm on antibiotics, just to keep this from turning into something else.
There was a meet and greet with the happy couple tonight.  We went for a bit to put in an appearance, but came back to the Bide-a-Wee.  I'm about to hop into my jammies and hope to feel better tomorrow.  I'll do just about anything for a wedding and I had no intention of missing this one.  I'm very glad Glenn took the day off and came down with me.  He drove.  I rarely give up that much control.  That's how crappy I felt.
Here's to a better day tomorrow.
xxooxx

Music Music Music

I'm playing for a friend's daughter's wedding on Saturday--a gig I booked several years ago.  The friend and her brother-in-law, who's accompanying on guitar stopped by to practice this evening.  No matter how bad I feel, music brightens things up.  I have to put in some practice time between now and Saturday, but I feel good right now, after the practice.  I may be a little old to have found my passion, but fiddling is right around the top.  Right there along with sock yarn.  I finished a hat and a mitten today.  I also did a little vacuuming (yes, Gretchen, I know how to do that) and got a start on the Christmas cards.  I should be exhausted.
xxooxx

Chemo 4-2A & B

Last Monday, after praying for platelets, I got my chemo.  They changed my schedule somewhat.  Instead of getting 4.1B (my name for it), I got 4.2A, platelets just squeaking thorough.  Tuesday was Therapist Mark and my Cardiologist--heart and lungs in great shape.  I walked from his office to Nine Rubies yarn shop. got some yarn I didn't need, got some needles I needed, and met a lady who needs wool mittens.  I told her I'd be happy to make them for her and got her name and address--she lives in Connecticut.  I actually found some pure wool yarn when I got home and a pattern that I liked.  I mailed them off to her on Saturday.  Hope she likes them.
Side effects weren't too bad.  There was another mouth sore and pain, but I have drugs for both, so things were under control.  We had the month's Eastern Star meeting preceded by a great turkey dinner.  Glenn is turkeyed out--I don't get tired of it.  I fixed ham for Friday and we've had it every day since.  Eastern Star meeting was good. I'm getting the secretary's stuff organized.  I was in a lot of pain, but I got through.
Saturday, Glenn and I got our Christmas tree. It's still living in the garage, waiting to come up stairs and be trimmed.  That will happen by Christmas.  Same with the Christmas cards.  I thought I'd lost my address list, but I'm turning into a geek, and I found it.
I had Chemo 4.2B this morning.  We'll see how the side effects go for this one.  Next infusion of poison is Dec 27.
That's it for now--I have much work to do.
xxooxx

No Chemo for you

Well, after that lovely build up, my platelets were too low to do chemo today.  It took them around an hour to decide that.  They don't do chemo if platelets are below 100--mine were 48.  I was sent home to rest.  I'll have my labs on Friday and go back.  My nurse said that they will probably lower my dose--she said the first one was pretty strong.  So, I have a week of resting and hope that my bone marrow does its job.
xxooxx

Chemo Eve

I've been a busy little girl this week.  Two trips downtown--to see my therapist and get my hair cut--and no, they couldn't possibly be on the same day.  Had a delightful phone conversation with a friend from high school and college (thanks for calling, Marjorie--hope you got home safely).  Had an even more delightful conversation with my niece.  Cooked up a bountiful feast for the family.  Elaine came over Wednesday night and helped with the prep work.  It's lots of work, but worth every minute.  I wasn't going to become a statistic on Friday, but I had to take the girls to the other grandmother's house, which is just down the street from the yarn shop.  So I shopped small at a local business--had to get more yarn (everyone who has seen the yarn cave is now groaning).  I finished a hat and a sock and am now working on the other sock, a new pair of socks, a pair of mittens, and another hat.
Friday night was Cal football.  Go Bears!!!  Terribly exciting and they won.  Saturday was college football all day.  College football and knitting--what more could you ask for?  Today was church and an open house given by granddaughter Monica and her roommate Sue.  It was a pleasant afternoon with good friends.  I wasn't feeling especially good, but I found a comfy seat and let things go on around me.
My chemo appointment is in the afternoon, so I'm hoping to get to Curves in the morning and pick up Christmas cards.  I'll work on the Christmas Novella this week.  It won't be as long as usual, because there was no big trip.  I was pretty much tied down this year--and it sounds like next year will be worse.
I'm ready to get Chemo 4.1B out of the way.
xxooxx

Side Effects

Some side effects are major--hair loss is like that.  The first chemo took care of that--second one not at all, and the third time around my hair just thinned out.  It is a little early to see what will happen this time around.  I've still got five great cranial prostheses and several hats, so I'm prepared if that happens.  I've never had a problem with nausea--there's lots of medication for that and if I feel the least bit queasy, I take something. 
Then there are the minor ones that are merely annoying, so I tend to forget about them.  Mouth sores are now officially on that list.  With no warning whatsoever, I woke up this morning with my lower lip encrusted with blood and a popped blister on the inside of said lip.  I have stuff for it, but it is annoying. 
There are no orc wars, for which I am grateful.  I just feel generally crappy.  I'm so glad I bought a new duvet last year.  Crawling under it and reading or knitting is amazingly comforting.  I've felt way worse--see April through August 2008.  I've also felt way better.  To paraphrase Sophie Tucker, I prefer better.
Thus endeth the whining session.
xxooxx

Chemo 4.1 days 2 and 3

Day one did not end well.  I got all dressed up and went to Pacific Star's Installation.  I wanted to go for Marina, who is a first time Worthy Matron.  I was hurting, so I left as soon as it was over--didn't even look at the refreshments.  I took helpful drugs and set the alarm for 7 to be at church, ready to cook, by nine.
I am glad to say that I felt better Saturday morning.  The Dex was doing its job.  My face was bright red but I would survive.  There were lots of helpers in the kitchen.  They all wore name tags reading "Anne's Minion."  We start with cranberry sauce--I like to fill the church with Thanksgiving smells.  After the cranberry sauce comes the stuffing.  Mine is very traditional.  Vegetables and sourdough bread had been chopped the day before, so throwing the stuffing together is really pretty easy--especially with so much help.  I'm getting much better an giving instructions and letting the Minions do the work.  We had five turkeys, all weighing in at a little over 20 lbs.  The timing is so much easier when the birds are the same size.  We had them stuffed, buttered, and wrapped in tons of foil and ready for the ovens at 11:30.  We went home to rest and God did the cooking.  Back to church at 4 and took the birds out of the ovens--well, the Minions did that.  I wasn't allowed to lift anything.  We unstuffed the birds and started sucking up the juices for quarts of gravy.  That was my last official act.  Kathryn, our new pastor, grounded me and it was up to the Minions to finish the job.  The Minions were marvelous.
It is wonderful to see the church full of happy diners.  The side dishes and desserts are all pot luck.  I was tired, but didn't feel too bad--living better with chemistry.  I didn't stay for the Talent Show.  It is always good, but I was wearing out and Big Game was on.  I have my priorities, after all.  I've been following Big Game since the mid sixties.  Anything can happen at Big Game.  I expected us to be slaughtered this year--that S school being nationally ranked and all.  We lead for most of the first half.  The Bears played their hearts out and only lost by a field goal.  I was very proud of them.
I'm uncomfortable today.  I haven't needed as many drugs today as yesterday, but I haven't done as much today as yesterday.  I'm still testing the reactions to this chemo.  So far, so good.  I have Curves tomorrow and a Trustees meeting tomorrow night.  I think I can do that.
Thanks for the prayers.
xxooxx

Chemo 4.1

Chemo at 10, home by noon.  It started with the usual blood sucking, numbers being good, I started with Dex and Zofran, about half an hour of Topotecan, then flushing the port then home by way of the bakery.  I have my calendar for the rest of November and for December--three more chemos and two doctor appointments.  It's either going to be a very long six months or very short.  I went to Curves this afternoon--everyone thinks keeping that us is a very good idea.  I'm not feeling anything from the chemo, though my doctor did increase my long acting pain meds--I told her this morning that I was popping Percocet like they were M&M's.  I'm hoping to make it to Pacific Star's installation tonight.  I just have to get into a formal, get there, sit there and be cute.  I can do that.  Tomorrow is the church Thanksgiving dinner.  Yes, I'm cooking again.  The Dex should keep me feeling good until Sunday.  Stay tuned.  We'll see how this one works.
xxooxx

I think I've heard this song before

Got the results of last week's scan today.  I could have waited--forever.  I wasn't really surprised because I have been in more pain lately.  My CA-125 (a tumor marker) has increased quite a bit--for me--still below what they normally worry about, but since mine has always been low, we go on relative terms.  Relatively, it has doubled.  I also have some lymph nodes that have grown.  So we start new chemo--Topotecan--next Friday, then Nov 28, a week after that I'll see my doctor and the next week it starts over again.  After two of three months of this, we'll repeat the scan and see where we are.  Pray for me again--or still--as the case may be.
Last night was chapter installation.  That was a milestone for me.  I wasn't sure I would make it through the term.  I did it.  I'm a pretty tough old bird.  Don't feel so tough right now, but I'll bounce back.
I finished the scarves for the Grand Star Points and gave them to Grand Adah last night.  They are really pretty, but I don't think I want to do another scarf for a long time.  I'm now working on a commissioned pair of mittens and socks.  When I finish those projects, I'll dig into the boxes of yarn and start working my way through.  Good thing I have lots of knitting time.
That's it for now--that's more than enough for now.
xxooxx

Catching up yet again

Guess it's time to write something so that my sister won't think I'm dead.  I'm not.  I realize it has been a while.  Last entry was after Sonoma.  It was our new pastor's first Sunday.  Today was her installation.  It was a long journey, but now we are official.  The happily retired Pastor Nominating Committee can draw a huge sigh of relief and say to each other, "job well done."
So what have I been doing.  I finished the scarves with a week to spare.  They were well received.  I have an ante-room meeting and Installation left to go next Thursday.  I wasn't entirely sure that I would complete my term as Worthy Matron, but I did it.  We had a good chapter year.
Grand Chapter was a couple of weeks ago--one of the best I've been to and I've been attending them since 1982.  Kim and Don presided beautifully.  Everything went smoothly and I never had to correct their grammar in my head.  It was really a pleasure.  Grand Chapter, as usual, was followed by four days at Yosemite.  They were glorious days--warm in the daytime and cool in the evening.  We didn't do much, just enjoyed hanging out.  There was even a little water in Yosemite Falls.  The weather being fabulous, Tioga Pass was open, so we went on to Reno for two nights.  Once again, we had a blast.  I couldn't lose.  Well, I'm sure I could have if I'd tried hard enough and long enough.  We didn't have the option of staying extra days this time, so I came out ahead.  I came home with more cash than I left with.
Now i really am home.  Next Yosemite trip will be in May, and that's a long time from now.  I had my follow up CT scan yesterday.  I'll get the results next Friday when I see Dr. Chee.  I'm not expecting anything bad.  I've been feeling good--maybe a little peppy.  It's been a long time since I could say that.
You're up to date.  I have a new scarf project, but this one is only five and I'm almost done with the fourth one.  My goal is to be finished by Thursday.  It may happen or it may not.  The world will not come to an end.  After that is done, I get to move back to socks and hats and try to put a dent in the yarn cave.
xxooxx

Home for a while

Leaving the Inn is really hard.  As with Yosemite, I know that it will be there and I can always go back.  This was an amazing visit.  It was almost spiritual.  I know I'm paying a king's ransom for the privilege, but it is more than that.  The love that surrounds me there is palpable, both at the Spa and The Big 3.  I love my friends there and they love me. They pray for me and take care of me.  It is almost as though my time there was one big Watsu, and I'm floating happily through my time there.  Saturday was toes, fingers, hair, and scalp, all with Rudolfo.  I got to visit with Bebe too.  Bebe is another one who seems to know what's going on inside me.  In January 2010, before I had my scan and people started saying "remission," as she was doing reflexology on my feet, Bebe looked at me and said, "You're better."  She was right.  Rudolfo is just a sweaty.  How can I not enjoy my last hours there since they are spent in the salon?  I'm not always glamorous through the various wonderful treatments, but after a morning in the salon, I leave pretty.
Sunday was a very special day too,  It was our new Pastor's first service with us.  We've been waiting for her for so long.  It was a happy time.  And I got home in time to see the 49ers win.  Life is good.
I got up today full of purpose.  I did some picking up in the bedroom, remembering my plan at the beginning of the year to put, throw, or give away at least 10 things a day.  If I look at the whole mountain, it is just too depressing.  But anyone can deal with 10 things a day.  If I do more, so much the better.  I also did some vacuuming on the landing, stairs, and hall.  I finished the knitting project last night.  Now all I have to do is press all of them and they will be ready to go--and I've moved on to the next project--a hat and mittens--one set, not seventeen.  After that, I'll start on the boxes of yarn.  I've got socks to make for two friends from the Inn.  Gosh--then I'll have to take the finished products up there!  I can handle it.
xxooxx

Happy Skin

Here's my last night in 917.  Thursday morning I started with Reiki with reflexology and a Rejuvenating Kur with Diane.  Reiki is better than a CT scan.  It's almost spooky how Diane knows what is going on with my body.  It was pretty intense.  Diane knows, so I do what she tells me.   The Rejuvenating Kur is quite lovely.  It concludes with a warm oil and a conditioning mask for the hair and scalp.  You don't look glamorous when it's done, but you really feel good.  I took my towel wrapped head to the loggia to rest and let it sink in before I showered it out.  Next was a Thai Massage--great stretching--with Bill, who is 4 months younger than I am.  It's another of those "Will you respect me in the morning" treatments.  Love it.  Last treatment of the day was a Total Body Recovery with David.  This is another of the new treatments.  Starts with a soak and concludes with a massage using icy cold and hot stones--I had wondered why Diane hadn't schedules a Sonoma Stone Massage--this was where I figured it out.
Today was my last Watsu with Laura.  Each provider does generally the same thing, but each one has their own signature.  I think that's why I need so many of them.  After the Watsu, I finally did the Bathing Ritual, since I was already wet.  After that, I lay by the outdoor pool to give my suit time to dry out and read till it was time for my Balance Body with Laura--my last new treatment.  tarts with a foot soak and exfoliation, an amazing body scrub, shower, and massage with really amazing oils.  You leave with spa hair--I never realized how much I can look like Albert Einstein--but your skin feels so good you just don't care.  I napped on the loggia until it was time for my facial.  The facial means things are winding down, which is sad, but it feels wonderful, which is good.  Another rest on the loggia to let the creams soak into my face and feet.  I stayed there till it started to get dark--at least until it was hard to read, and then I got back into clothes and had my dinner.  I had fillet mignon tonight since it is my wedding anniversary (33rd).  Now I'm ready to sit by the fire and knit.  Tomorrow is pedicure, manicure, and hair and scalp treatment with Rudolfo, and then back to the real world.  My body usually goes into shock when it realizes that no one is going to slather it with lotions and oils.  I could do part of it, but it just isn't the same thing.
Right now,  my skin is happy and softer than it has been since before Chemo.  I'm a happy girl.
xxooxx

Back to Sonoma

I can't believe it--last blog I was amazed that it was September and now it's almost over.  Haven't done much--still trying to get my stamina back.  Highlights of the month were our Remembrance Sunday service on 9-11.  I played Barber's Adagio for Strings for the candle lighting.  I haven't played serious music in a long time--it went quite well.  The following Saturday was my niece Victoria's engagement party.  We had almost the whole family together for the first time in almost forever.  Missing were my nephew Kyle, at a wedding in the Carolina's, I think, and grandson Ryan, who was doing boy things with his friends.  I had my check up with Dr. Chee (oncologist).  Things are about the same.  I'll have my next scan in November.
So here I am at the Sonoma Mission Inn.  I left home around 11:30.  Traffic through the city on 19th Avenue was a breeze and I got here a little after 1.  My room was ready so I went off to catch most of my soap.  I got to my building and met the bellman--at the foot of the staircase.  No elevator--that was not going to work.  So back to the lobby to wait for something on the first floor or in a building with an elevator.  I sat and knit.  I got into my room a little after three.  I got organized, then it was off to the spa for a massage with David and the first Watsu with Soledad.  Wednesday morning I had breakfast--lemon cottage cheese pancakes--always the first day breakfast--and Watsu number 2 with Glenn.  In the afternoon, I had a new treatment--Wine Country Recovery with Soledad,  starts with a bath then an aloe-gel wrap, foot massage and facial.  It was amazing.  My chemo dried skin loved it.  That was followed by a tandem massage with Soledad and David.  I still think that should be illegal it feels so good.  I rested on the loggia for a bit, then it was off to dinner and back to the room to knit.  I'm half through with the last scarf in the project--and two weeks to go.  I stayed up too late to get to that point and to finish this.  I think I have four activities tomorrow--pampering can be exhausting.  So good night for now.
xxooxx

September Tunes

I'm not sure how it happened, but it seems to be September already.  I should be at Camp Jones Gulch this weekend, fiddling my heart out.  Alas, the Gateswingers don't go there for Labor Day any more.  I remember when Lee first took me, just before we were married.  I didn't think I could spare the weekend, but it came to be a cherished time.  I don't think I ever would have started fiddling without the time spent there and the encouragement I got playing with Keeping Up With the Joneses.  I think I prefer playing with the Brawlers, because we don't play for dancers and we can play the tough tunes a little slower if we need to and we only play the tunes twice through as a rule.
I had a gig yesterday morning in Morgan Hill.  I had to leave the house around 8,which meant breakfast by 6:30.  In the morning.  I forgot there was a 6:30 in the morning.  The gig wasn't terribly taxing--ended up playing less than planned.  That's because just before we were going to start, as I tuned, my G string broke.  I go years without strings breaking, but my A broke just before Piper's wedding last year and there went the G.  Fortunately, I always carry spares, but there was the whole production of changing the string, then praying that it didn't go out of tune when I needed it.  The best part of the exercise, was that they paid me for playing!  That was a treat--and they fed me--and I got home in time to watch the Cal game.  Cal won.
A few months ago, I took on a huge knitting project.  I had several months to complete it, so I wasn't worried.  I now have four and a half weeks to finish and I'm about half done.  So much for knitting socks for fun--it's the project till I get it finished.
The little girls from across the street stopped by to visit this evening.  They aren't little girls any more.  The older one graduated from college last May and the younger one is starting college in a week or so.  The older one was a baby when her parents bought the house across the street.  I've watched them grow up to be lovely young women.  They have always been really sweet girls.  I didn't let them leave empty handed.  One got a hat when she asked if I would make her one (no, I didn't sit down and whip it up, I had it on hand) and the other got the most recent pair of socks.  I'll get back to socks and hats when the project is over.
I'm doing well.  Chemo was six weeks ago.  I'm still dealing with side effects, but I'm not as tired as I was, and that's a blessing.   My skin is still very dry and more hair falls out than I'd like.  I know that is cyclical and will pass.  It's like the stamina thing.  I'm feeling good for the most part--once again working my way off pain meds.  I won't push it, but if I can get off them, I will--at least until I start to hurt again.  I'm not rushing either.  I think I'll just enjoy feeling good for a while.
That's it for now.  Besides the knitting, I have to practice real music.  I'm playing at church next week.  Guess I'd better check my stash of strings while I'm at it.
xxooxx

Ran Away from Home--Had an Extended Blast

I haven't blogged for a while because I haven't done anything except recover from chemo.  Had a transfusion on the 16th and that perked me up a little.  Last Tuesday, that would be the 23rd, Dory picked me up around 11 and we were off for a three day stay at the Silver Legacy in Reno.  Thursday, as we were thinking about going home the next day, we decided to stay over another night and come home Saturday.  we were having such a good time.  The same thing happened on Friday.  We kept crazy hours, we ate when we felt like it, we never went outside between turning the car over to the valet and retrieving it.  We laughed most of the time.  I played many machines--Dory would find one she liked and stay there.  We each have our own code.  I don't smoke, I don't drink, I hardly ever go to the movies--slots are entertaining as hell for me.  I spent lots of time playing on house money.
We packed up this morning and left before breakfast so we couldn't change our minds again.  I really did need to come home.  We stopped at Boomtown for breakfast and a little slots.  I kept setting times that we should leave and we kept ignoring them.  We actually got into the car around 2--and decided to play just a little longer.  So we played a bit more, watched the end of the Giants game on the jumbo screen, thought about spending the night there--but I was out of clean clothes and really did need to get home.  I called Glenn just before we left so there was no turning back.  We had dinner at Lou LaBonte's just before Auburn and got home a little after nine.  Two very happy old ladies.  Now we're plotting our next trip.
I'm feeling good--still some abdominal soreness, but my energy is coming back.  Have to figure out how to be a normal person again.
xxooxx

Two good newses

Wednesday morning I got up at five to eat breakfast so that I could get to my CT scan by 8:30.  I stopped off at the fancy yarn shop after the scan and the requisite blood sucking.  I got two more sock pattern books and extra needles--socks take a lot of needles.  The message light was flashing when I got home, so I checked it--my favorite niece calling to let me know that as of her birthday, the previous day, her boy friend became her fiance!  How terribly exciting.  Her engagement ring was our Great Aunt Jessie's ring--appropriate because Aunt Jessie died shortly after she heard that Gretchen was going to have a baby--who turned out to be Miss Victoria Gabrielle.  It is a lovely diamond in an old fashioned setting and Victoria loves it.  I couldn't be happier for her,  I love weddings.  Not that they are in a rush, but chances are I will be around for it.
Which brings the other piece of good news.  Because I'm still in a great deal of abdominal pain, I was worried about the scan.  Worried to the point that I really didn't want to go to this appointment by myself.  Glenn, who has been so good about taking me to my various appointments, had to work swing and my appointment was at 3:30.  Dory had a 4 PM appointment, so she couldn't go.  This morning, I called Elaine to see if she could go with me.  She had a little rearranging to do, but yes, she could come over.  I picked her up at the BART station just after 2.  We stopped at CVS to pick up a prescription then came home so I could pick up my knitting and Elaine could see the pictures Victoria had posted to Facebook--which should now be renamed Fingerbook.  Elaine knows that Victoria is six years younger than she is, but still likes to think Victoria is 16.  She was, however, properly excited and thrilled over the ring.
We grabbed our stuff and headed to San Mateo.  in the one storey elevator on the way up to the office, Elaine gave me a hug and said "I love you, Mom."  She knew I was scared.  I didn't need to be.  The scan was good, compared with May and January scans.  There is still the collection of fluid.  Dr. Chee thinks that's what's causing the pain and is a leftover from surgery.  It is something that only time will take care of.  But everything is stable.  My blood counts are all down--to be expected from the chemo.  If I want a transfusion, I can have one, but I think I'm OK.  Red count is 9.6 and she usually transfuses when it goes below 9.  It was 8.2 for the last transfusion last month.  White count is low--stay away from sick people.  Platelets are low--be careful of sharp objects.  All of that should come out as I get through this chemo cycle and don't replace it with another one.  I made an appointment to have my port flushed in a month and to see Dr. Chee in seven weeks.  She wanted it to be six, but she's going to London.  I want to go with her.
So we were happy girls leaving the office.  We went grocery shopping so that I could take advantage of Elaine to tote them upstairs.  She stayed for dinner and we had a good time, buoyed by the news that I'm not dying tomorrow.  We laughed as silly stuff and said that I'm good a lot.  I took her to the BART station and was home in time to watch most of the Giants game.  I'm not inviting Cliff Lee to the next party.  He wasn't nice to my team.  I have faith in them and will love them no matter what.
So that's the good newses and no bad news--unless you count the Giants game.  They will turn it around for me--it's their job.  My job right now is to rest and make all sorts of blood cells.  Their job is to win and keep me happy.  What's so hard about that?
xxooxx

Chemo 3.DONE

Finished--with this round.  Platelets were 170 something, so I was good to go this afternoon.  I finished Rachel's socks this morning and tossed them to her when Mark brought Elaine over to keep me company at chemo.  I finished Elaine's pair at chemo.  She loves them.  On to the next few projects.
My appointment was at 2:30.  I usually just settle in.  This time, I waited till after the blood count to make sure I was good to go--then I got comfortable.  Elaine went on a lunch run.  I knit and let them infuse poison.
When we got home, I watched the rebroadcast of the Giants at the White House today and then a repeat of Willie Mays 80th birthday party.  And then the TV went out.  And the phone.  And the Internet.  Called tech support and yelled at them.  Have a tech coming out between 8 and noon tomorrow.  I'm not a technically happy person just now.  I'm really glad that I kept the air card for the laptop.  I've got a cell phone for emergencies, so I'm not totally in the stone age.  This is the second time in a month that the service has gone down.  No--not a happy girl at all just now.  Glad that the chemo's over--well, that the infusion is over.  The rest of it takes a month or so.
I think I'll knit some socks.
xxooxx

Chemo 3.not

Well, after being prepared for my last chemo, I flunked the blood test.  Red count was 10, which isn't perfect but better.  Platelet count was 84--they don't do chemo under 100.  So I got sent home with an appointment for next week.  There's lots of goods--my daughter is here and we can just hang out for a few hours.  I'll have a week of not feeling crappy.  I do have to be careful about cuts since platelets are what makes your blood clot.  I kept this week free because I thought I would be feeling dreadful.  So now my bone marrow has to do its job,
That's all for now
xxooxx

Birthday and the first half of July

Now this is really annoying--I had most of the last two weeks summarized, was just about and the end of yesterday--and it disappeared!  Now I have to remember what I posted and if it was all that earth shattering that it needs to be posted.  Here goes.
The month has gone by quickly-probably because it has included much resting.  My red blood count has been dragging.  I had another transfusion on Wednesday, and that has helped some.  Much of my time has been spent knitting.  I've been ordering really pretty yarns and it is so exciting to see how they knit up.  Everyone will get socks, hats, and/or gloves this year--that is if I can stand to part with my little works of art.
Transfusion Wednesday. Special Eastern Star meeting on Thursday for the purpose of initiation.  We took in three new members and have two more waiting in the wings.  I was very proud of my Officers.  Friday was a quick trip downtown for a haircut that was comped as a birthday present.  That was exciting.  I've been going to the same stylist for about 10 years.  Last year, I knit matching sweaters for her children.
Yesterday was the birthday.  I got up around 10, read the paper and ate breakfast.  I knit until it was time to get dressed for THE PARTY.  I share the day with a friend who was having a milestone birthday--one of those that ends in a zero.  Her younger daughter planned a dinner party for both of us.  I think there were around 50 people there.  My table included Glenn, Elaine, Mark, Rebecca, Rachel, Ryan, and Dory.  Monica had other plans.  There was dinner, wonderful entertainment, presents, and cake!  It was a perfect day.  I was sad to miss open mic night at church--one of those times that you want to be two places at once.  It was a delightful party.  I made the right choice for me.
Church today.  It was our Interim Pastor's last Sunday.  We had a little reception for him and his wife.  I wasn't feeling particularly good, so I was just as pleased when that was over and I could come home and veg.  Tomorrow is my last round of this chemo.  I'll have a scan the beginning of August then find out what's next.
That's it for now.  I had a great birthday.  I'll be smiling for a good long time because of that.  Even if I don't feel my best.  I can still smile.
xxooxx

Keeping Medicare Happy

I haven't blogged because I've been feeling poorly, so I haven't done anything.  Last night was my sleep study, so that was a change of pace.  I've been sleeping with a CPAP since Feb 1996.  Users of CPAPs are entitled to new supplies every six months.  I haven't taken full advantage of this, about a year ago, my mask and headgear were getting a little ratty, so when the automatic caller asked if I wanted new stuff, I pressed the button for "yes."  Ms Automatic Caller also wanted to know if there had been a change to my insurance.  Well, yes, I went on Medicare August 1 and it became my primary coverage.  Oh.  Medicare didn't care that I'd been using the thing, successfully, since shortly after Noah got off the ark, they needed me to see my primary care provider who needed to let my supplier know that I still used the CPAP and was benefiting from it.  The wording had to be very exact.  So in August, I saw my doctor and told her what Medicare needed.  Not a problem and we moved on to my left heel--see last year if you are really interested in that.  I didn't think too much about it.  Then came September and the fire and I had other things on my mind.  When I got around to remembering that I needed new stuff, I guess it was November.  Called the supplier who said they hadn't gotten the correct wording form my doctor.  I called the office, told the girls what I needed, and waited for supplies.  Another month went by and no new stuff, so I called them back.  By now, I was on a first name basis with the supplier.  She said she would call the doctor's office and tell them exactly what I needed.  Then came December and the bowel obstructions.  When I finally saw my PCP again, maybe even after my surgery, I asked who I had to sleep with to get the correct wording for my CPAP supplies.  She promised she would take care of it.  She must have sent the magic words, because eventually, I got my new supplies.
You would think that would be the end of it.  But no.  I got a call from my supplier saying that they needed a copy of my sleep study.  That was three doctors ago and in the end of 95.  95?  Oh, they are only good for 10 years.  Could I have a new one to make Medicare happy?  So last PCP appointment I mentioned it.  Doctor said no problem, she'd arrange it.  I got a call from Mr. Sleep Study guy a few days later and we set up an appointment for last night.  At least it was close to home.  The one in 95 was at a hospital about 20 miles from home.  This would be in a clinic near my yarn shop.
I got there just before 9 last night.  There was a receptionist and two technicians.  I was shown to my room, got into my jammies, and was wired up for everything.  The whole process took about 45 minutes.  Now relax and go to sleep.  I settled down to read and get sleepy.  The surprising thing is that I did go to sleep eventually.  After two hours, the technician came in and connected me up to a CPAP.  Relax and go back to sleep.  Sure.  It took longer and for some bizarre reason the theme song from Lambert the Sheepish Lion was running through my brain--that was a cartoon from the late 50's or early 60's and I'm pretty sure that the only other person who still knows it is my friend, Roz--and I only knew she knew it was that we saw a play with a character named Lambert when we were in Jr or Sr High School and we both started humming the song.  Anyway, I finally got back to sleep, only to be waken at the ungodly hour of 5 AM and they started disconnecting me.  I still have sleep apnea and still need the CPAP.  They will send a report to my PCP who will send a copy to my supplier, who will have it on file for Medicare, and supplied will once again be available every six months.  Medicare gets to pay the bill for the unnecessary process.  Medicare would have saved themselves money if they had just taken my word and the fact that I've been sleeping with this thing for over 15 years.  It is almost as though the government thinks that the earth only just started rotating when I went on Medicare and so we'll need to reinvent the wheel for a while.
I got home at 5:45 and went back to sleep till 10.
xxooxx

Chemo 3.5

The big thing that happened in the last two weeks was Abby and Eric's wedding on June 11.  It was a lovely day and a beautiful ceremony.  Good friends, amazing music, surrounding love--all and all an honor to participate.

The wedding dress is my age, having been worn by Abby's Mother and Grandmother.  It has been a joy to watch this young woman grow up.

Other than this bright spot, my time has been filled with doctor appointments and knitting.  I have discovered sock yarn.  Sock yarn comes in amazing colors.  You can make socks, but you don't have to.  Here are two of the latest:

Fun to make, fun to wear.  I have several projects going on right now.  They keep me out of trouble.

Chemo 3.5 was not without drama, but I'd rather not dwell on it.  It's done and now I'm recovering.  I have felt worse, but I have also felt better.  Glenn has been on vacation this week, so I've been all by myself--probably a good thing.  I don't have to be charming.  The Giants remembered that they are part of my therapy and gave me a good game last night--what more could I ask for.  Today is a day game, so I'd best get to it.  They do require my presence to have a prayer of winning, after all.  And I get to knit while I'm rooting them on!  What could be more perfect.
xxooxx

Catching up yet again

I was reminded tonight that I haven't blogged in a while.  That usually means that not much has been going on.  This last chemo wasn't too bad, though my counts were still descending.  I had another transfusion of two units last Monday and I'm starting to feel peppier.  I've had my mammogram--negative as i expected, saw my cardiologist--everything good there  It's hard to remember, when I have this big cancer thing going on, that I have other parts of my body that are in great shape.  The cardiologist was very good news, since congestive heart failure can be a side effect of the Doxil I'm on.
The living room TV spent a week in the TV hospital and came home today good as ever and only $165.  I don't think I could have gotten a new TV for that, so I'm happy.  I never thought I'd get tired of watching TV in the bedroom, but I did.  It's nice to have it there, but I like my Queen Anne chair.
I can't remember if I've talked about Charles.  I think I have.  Charles was the security guard at my therapist's office.  Charles is one of those people who make your life better by being in it.  Charles would say "Good morning, Beautiful," and I would feel beautiful.  I'm not beautiful, but I felt beautiful.  Charles was an excellent hugger.  I got a hug on my way in and on my way out.  When I got to my appointment two weeks ago--no Charles.  His place was filled by some other man.  I pointed out the obvious, that he wasn't Charles.  Charles was moved to another building.  My heart broke.  Wherever you are and whatever you are doing now, Charles, I miss you and will always love you.  I still get to see my therapist, and that is a very good thing, but Charles was a blessing.
I think that catches things up.  We had Eastern Star tonight and elected four new members.  I'm very excited.  The first time I was Worthy Matron, we had four initiations--I don't want to make that record--meeting once a month as we do now, we don't have time.
I think I have NOTHING to do tomorrow.  Saturday is a wedding.  I have to keep reminding myself.  I'm looking forward to it, even though I've known the bride all her life--and she's old enough to get married!  I love weddings--the ceremony itself.  Receptions are OK, but I love weddings.
That's it for now.
xxooxx

Chemo 3.4

Yes, it is that time again.  Blood counts are still down, in spite of the new blood two weeks ago.  Down to the point that they actually debated about giving me chemo today.  I'd have been really annoyed to go down there and be sent home without being pumped full of poison.  Give her the chemo won out.  Elaine made a lunch run and I had plenty of knitting, so life was grand.  When we got home, Monica came over to drive her mother to BART.  The girls are all sticking to their diet--I almost didn't recognize Elaine when I picked her up at the BART last night.  She's looking GOOD.  Monica's clothes are hanging on her.  I'm so very proud of all of them.  I know how hard it is to lose a pound.  I got a little choked up when they left as Monica got into the driver's side of the car.  That sweet little baby is growing up so fast.  She has two more days of this term, then she will be a Sophomore!  Growing up--a miracle to watch, but do they have to do it so fast?
I'm feeling ok--tired, but ok.  The TV in the living room finally died--it has been on the sick list for quite a while.  It might be repairable, but it will probably be cheaper to replace it.  Glenn and I each have sets i our rooms, so it isn't like we're wandering in the desert.
That's it for now.  Waiting for the orcs on Wednesday.
xxooxx

New Blood to Yosemite

Oh my gosh, my faithful non-Facebook readers must think I'm still in the hospital.  They never quite figured out what the pain was from, but it got better, thanks to good drugs.  My blood counts were way low, so after much conversation, decided that a transfusion was the perfect thing to do.  After I sucked up two units of blood I could go home.  Unfortunately, they didn't make this decision till after 3 in the afternoon and the first unit didn't start flowing till around six and the second about 10.  I called Glenn and told him to go to sleep because I was spending another night and could get a ride home in the morning.  I didn't find that this transfusion gave me as much pep as the first one, but I did feel better.  I had to cancel my therapist Tuesday morning and my dentist appointment for Wednesday--that chemo and blood count thing again.  I saw my oncology nurse practitioner on Thursday.  She increased my MS Contin and that has helped.
Friday was great fun.  I polished up the silver and had tea for our Pastoral Candidate, our church secretary, and their husbands.  We had tea (of course), crumpets, scones with devonshire cream, and petite fours.  I used the good silver and china and entertained like a grown-up--of maybe like a little kid having a tea party.  It was quite fun.  Saturday we had a luncheon for the congregation to meet our candidate.  The Brawlers played for entertainment.  The hardest part was picking out just a few tunes.
Sunday, our candidate, Kathryn Pike, preached, we had a congregational meeting, and extended a call.  Kathryn will start in August.  I shall miss the PNC.  It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun.
After the meeting, I picked up my friend, Dory, and we were off to Yosemite.  I decided to show her a different way into the park and took 120.  Things were grand until we was the "Chains required" signs just before we came to Highway 49.  OK, then, took 49 south to Mariposa and went in on 140.  It took longer than I'd planned, but we didn't have a bus to catch.  The Merced River was full and furious.  We finally got to the park, showed my "old fart" card, and headed into the valley.  Just after we passed the turn off to Bridalveil Falls, it started snowing lightly...at first.  The snow wasn't sticking, but it was coming down pretty fast by the time we got to the hotel.  What the heck?  This was my Spring trip to Yosemite.  I'd packed for cold but not for snow.  We were in Yosemite at the Ahwahnee.  Who cared about the weather?  We didn't.
We watched it snow from our room until it stopped--still didn't stick.  We had soup and sandwiches in the bar for dinner.
Monday morning after breakfast, we went out for a little walk down to the river. As per instructions from the oncologists office, I used hiking poles for all my walks. I didn't feel unsteady, but those were my instructions and I followed them. And so the pictures begin:

This is a view of the hotel and the snow from Sunday night.

Dogwood Season

More Dogwood and Yosemite Falls

An obligatory picture of Half Dome

It rained on and off on Monday.  I had soup and hot chocolate with Gretchen and Jim.  They had come up to cross country ski, but the Badger Pass/Glacier Point road was closed.  They did some snow shoeing, but didn't have the trip they'd planned.  Dory and I napped in the afternoon then took the bus to the Lodge for dinner.

Tuesday was rainy off and on, so we napped off and on.  We did some souvenir shopping and a great deal of lounging--our sort of day.  I took Leroy the Lavender Pig with me on this trip.  He usually goes to the hospital with me, so I thought he deserved a pleasure trip.  Housekeeping enjoyed Leroy.

I woke up around 2 on Wednesday morning.  Dory was up and sitting by the window--watching it snow.  We went back to sleep and it went on snowing.  Wednesday was a glorious day.

This is a view from our window Wednesday morning.  Wednesday became walking day.  First stop was Yosemite Falls.  Dory's back and hips were giving her a lot of trouble, but she was a gamer.  We stopped and rested several times on the walk to the Falls, but it gave us time to enjoy the views.


The Royal Arches from the Falls bus stop

Here is a very tiny us in front of the falls.  The lady who took our picture didn't get it that we wanted a picture of US, not so much the view.

Care for a rest on a nice bench?
More Dogwood.  Did I mention that I go to Yosemite in May for the Dogwood?

And water in the Falls--we don't usually get that in October

We went back to the hotel for a rest--and my soap opera.  We thought about napping, but I figured I could nap at home and took the bus to Happy Isles.

We had a late dinner at the Ahwahnee--should have made the reservations on Sunday when we got there instead of Tuesday when we thought about it.  After dinner, we packed and organized for the trip home.  I don't usually stop and take pictures on the way out, but it was just too gorgeous.

The drive home was uneventful.  After four days in the snow, it was interesting to watch the external temperature going up into the 80's as we went through the Central Valley.
Friday morning, I had an echocardiagram and blood work--in the new hospital.  I didn't take time to explore, but I did check out the oncology ward to see how my friends were doing.  I saw Sheri and Dr. Adler.  There isn't a central nurses station, so they are more spread out.  I took a peek at one of the rooms.  I'm not in a rush to spend time there, but I expect I will some day.
We had a lovely trip.  The good thing about the wet weather was that I wasn't tempted to do more than I was capable of doing.  I have more energy after this transfusion, but not as much as I did after the first one--but then, my blood count was lower before the second transfusion than the first.  I have chemo on Monday, so the cycle will start all over again.
xxooxx

Happy Mother's Day--WTF???

Yesterday was the Bethany Spring Tea--and a delightful event it was.  Everything looked good.  Everything tasted good.  The joint was packed.  I had a good time.  There was a little blip when for just a minute it felt like my insides were ripping apart--but that went away.  A good time was had by all.
I put in some physical labor before the tea--Glenn and I weeded.  I pulled out a whole bagful of weeds--worked for maybe 15 minutes.  After the tea, I was exhausted, so I came home and napped for a good two hours.  I woke up during the third or fourth inning of the Giants game.  It was tremendously exciting.  I took a deep breath during the game and was blindsided by abdominal pain.  After the game (it was THAT exciting), I told Glenn I was thinking about having him take me to emergency.  I've had some pain for the last several months, but this was different.  Glenn asked how long it had been since my last scan.  I said pre surgery--he said "We're going."  I gathered stuff together and around 9:30, we were off to the hospital.  It seemed a little early for us and I wasn't in my jammies yet.
Emergency was very busy, but I was taken care of.  In due time, I had a CT scan.  It isn't a bowel obstruction (I didn't think so, it didn't feel the same).  The scan showed a collection of fluid, which hasn't been there before, and a lot of stool--which has.  Haven't I always said that the secret of life is managing poop?  Still, that seemed odd to me, because I've been staying on top of that.  At 2ish in the morning, I was given my choice of checking in, where they could keep an eye on things and manage the pain, or going home and checking with doctors (take your pick, there are several to choose from.)  We chose check in. So, here I am getting lots of pain meds and being observed.  The doctors are discussing it.  I'm expecting to go home tomorrow after the doctors finish discussing things.
Remember the left heel?  Acting up again.  I went almost a week without shoes irritating it and it has gotten worse each day.  Guess it's time to call the dermatologist again.  AND I had a gout flare-up--also left foot.  So there we are, sharp abdominal pains and painful left foot.  My hair continues to come out, two or three strands at a time  The crown is really starting to look thin.  Decisions, decisions--let it go or get it over with--buzz cut it and wear the cranial prostheses that have been waiting patiently for me.
Oh, and for the "you've GOT go be kidding me" news of the week.  I have an echocardiogram scheduled for 9 tomorrow morning, here at the hospital.  I scheduled it three months ago.  You would think it would be really convenient.  I'm already here--just a wheelchair ride from my lovely room on the second floor.  You would be wrong.  I have to reschedule.  Insurance won't cover an outpatient procedure that they would normally pay for when I'm an inpatient because it has nothing to do with the reason I'm hospitalized.  What?
Elaine is recovering from her dog bites.  I can't remember--did I know about that when I blogged last week.  I found our from Monica's Facebook status update.  Of course, she found out I was here when Becca read MY Facebook update.
OK.  I've gone on long enough.  Thank goodness for good drugs.
xxooxx

Running away, Easter, Chemo 3.3, and a Royal Wedding

So it has been a while.  Not a terribly exciting while, but a while.
Catching up quickly--
April 14 was our Worthy Grand Matron's Official Visit.  Because most of the planning was done when I was really sick, my Associate Matron took over (God Bless You, Marti).  All I had to do was show up, look cute, and be witty.  Check, check, and check.
The 19th was a big treat.  My friend Karen (of more years than I will admit to--I was younger than three of my grandchildren when I met her) works at the Opera House and got me two tickets for the Ballet.  I took Monica.  It took somewhat longer than I expected for us to get into town, park, and be seated at Max's, so we gulped down salads and were off to the Opera House.  The tickets were amazing.  Row J, dead center. Parts one and two were all right.  Part three was lovely to look at, lovely to listen to, just lovely all the was around, so we left truly feeling that everything is beautiful at the ballet.
Wednesday morning, I threw stuff in a suitcase and drove to Dory's for our little run away from home time.  I'd been planning it, sort of, for quite some time, figuring on chemo schedules, weather, and various obligations.  We were off to Reno for two days.  Dory doesn't like to drive in snow, so I drove.  There was no snow or ice on the road.  We made good time, stopping for a snack in Auburn.  There was lots of snow on the mountains.  We arrived, safe and sound, at the Silver Legacy around 3.  We were really traveling light--for us--because we didn't need a bellman.  We got up to our room, arranged our nest, then set off to invest.  While we were arranging, there was some caterwauling in the hallway--ill mannered children, we thought--but as we were heading to the elevators, we saw three security officers and a few guests with the room door open.  We did not stop to check out the action but were very curious.
We shrewdly invested--winning enough to be entertained.  Dory finds a machine she likes and stays there.  I play a little here, a little there.  I mostly want to see the crazy things the machines do.  I miss the coins.  I miss your hands turning black.  I don't miss waiting for someone to pay you off when you really need to go to the bathroom.  We left Friday morning--had breakfast at Boomtown and played till around noon.  I had a six o'clock meeting to get home to.  Lunch at Fenton's in Vacaville and home in time for my very successful meeting.  I must have been really tired, because I slept till after noon.
Easter was quiet.  I fixed roast leg of garlic--er--lamb, salad, veggies, and mashed potatoes.  Elaine and the girls have been following Dr. Phil's 17 day diet and doing very well, so I didn't want to sabotage their efforts.
Elaine spent the night here and went with me to chemo on Monday.  I could go by myself, but it is really nice to have someone with me.  Neither of us felt like lunch, but Elaine did go on a water run about halfway through--"Mom, weren't you supposed to bring a bottle of water?"  I took Elaine to the BART after my soap.  I felt pretty awful that night and Tuesday morning, but no orc attack like the first round.
I napped as much as I could on Thursday and watched the Royal Wedding from one Friday morning till about 4:30.  I haven't missed a Royal Wedding since Princess Margaret's.
Now I'm settling in.  There are exciting things coming up this month--the church will vote on the terms of call for a new pastor, Dory and I will go to Yosemite for our spring visit.  My hair is coming out--not is chunks like it did the first time, but enough that I'm noticing it.  I leave a trail wherever I go.  I suppose I could just have a buzz cut and be done with it, but I can't bring myself to do that.
Sad note--my friend Betty died today.  Betty had the same kind of cancer I have--hers was diagnosed about 8 months before mine.  I don't think I'm ready to go in another 8 months.  Betty was sicker than I've been.  She was a wonderful resource when I first got sick.  I'll miss comparing notes with her.  My heart goes out to her children.  Bless you, Betty.  Now you don't hurt.
xxooxx

Transfused

The orcs had not made their appearance Wednesday morning when Glenn took me to the Dorothy Schneider Cancer Center for my transfusion.  They waited until I got there.  Fortunately, I had pain meds with me.  I got all comfortable in a chair with a view--could have had a bed.  I got Tylenol and benedryl as pre meds, then settled back for two units of A positive blood.  My appointment was at 8:15 in the morning and I left around 2.  I got some knitting done and a great deal of snoozing.  My friend and Eastern Star Sister Meg took me home.  I napped for another hour or so.  I was really pretty drowsy all day.
Today, I definitely have more pep.  I'm not ready to run a marathon (ever), but I feel more energetic today and the orc attacks aren't as bad.  I'm staying on top of that with meds.
It's opening day of baseball season, so I get to cheer for the Giants this evening.  I have many knitting projects, so baseball season didn't come any too soon.  The added energy will help too.
Go Giants!
xxooxx

Chemo 3.2 and other stuff

The orcs retreated slowly about two weeks after they came so the last two weeks of the cycle weren't bad.  I have no energy because my hemoglobin is very low--not so low that I couldn't have chemo today but low enough to for me to get two units of blood on Wednesday.
I spent most of week three and four inside watching it rain.  Gretchen came up on Friday.  She took me on a forced march in the afternoon--I did a little over a mile with rest stops.)  We were going to go to a movie, but there was nothing playing that we were excited about.  Saturday was the Ceili.  We practiced to two hours in the morning.  I came home, took a rest, painted my face--should do that more often--I look quite good with make-up--and we were off to the Ceili.  It had a sort of shaky start--Sue was late--so we rearranged things and Andy taught some dances at the beginning.  Eventually, things worked out.  We had a great crowd and we played really well.  I should have had the transfusion on Thursday, because I was really tired. But this is my passion and I played on adrenalin.  The band played, we had some vocals, we had dancing for the audience, we had refreshments.  Babies Emilie (14 months) and Viviann (9 months) had a blast dancing.  It was hard to concentrate on the music because they were so cute, but I managed.  Gretchen was very proud of me, which made me feel really good. 
Sunday we went to church--i was lay reader and got to read from Numbers (everyone's favorite...).  There was a meeting after church with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance--I was tired, we didn't stay.  There was also a short PNC meeting--didn't stay for that either.  Gretchen went for a long walk in the afternoon while I slept.  We hopped on BART a little after four and went to dinner with Victoria and her new family in the evening.  A good time was had by all.
Today was chemo--I wanted Gretchen to see what I go through.  She did a lunch run and went for a walk while I was being infused.  We came home--I napped and Gretchen went to Tanforan to get something cool to wear home tomorrow--we finally seem to be free of storms for the next week.  Gretchen made me dinner, which was very nice of her.  She's heading home tomorrow.  I have a PNC meeting tomorrow night then the transfusion on Wednesday.  I'm expecting to feel dreadful for the next few weeks.  I'll try to blog sooner but make no promises.
xxooxx

Two weeks later

My sister reminded me that i haven't blogged in days, so I thought I'd stick my head up and let you know I'm still breathing.  The orcs were pretty relentless this time.  It wasn't as painful as Chemo 1, but it just went on and on.  I saw Dr. Chee yesterday.  She increased my pain meds and sent me for an abdominal x-ray.  It could be still healing from the surgery or scar tissue.  I have what I'm expecting to be the last appointment with the surgeon tomorrow.  The incision has healed, but things are still hurting.  Blood counts are down, but that's to be expected with chemo.  We'll check it again next week and if the red count is still low, I might get a transfusion to give me some extra energy for the ceili.
That has been a joyful part of the last two weeks.  We practice every Tuesday night for about an hour.  Fiddling takes a little more energy than I've got right now, but it's so uplifting.  The music stays rolling around in my head.  You can't be cheerless with jigs dancing around in your brain.  It just doesn't work.
Beside the band, there has been Eastern Star (two new, enthusiastic members last week--Yippee!), the PNC, the committee that is going on forever, church, knitting--lots of knitting.  It's just that there's nothing new and exciting.  I wake up each morning, so I guess that's the plus.  And if the orcs are retreating till the next infusion of poison, so much the better.
xxooxx

Chemo 3.1 Day 3

Just a quick status update.  The Orcs have returned and have made camp in my abdomen.  Feeling dreadful.  This too shall pass--just not soon enough.
xxooxx

Chemo 3.1

Not bad--so far.  The whole enterprise took a little over three hours.  I had my blood work done last week, so they didn't have to start with that.  First thing was Dex and Aloxi (check out April and December 08 for that), then I got Doxil, which still looks like Hawaiian Punch, and finally Carboplatin.  I'm not feeling tip-top, but part of that is still from the surgery.  And I'm tired.  I'm getting lots of rest, but I'm tired.  I'm anemic already and taking iron--and resting.  Tomorrow is a full day.  Judging from past chemos the day after is usually OK.  Actually, with Doxil, everything was pretty good.  Now I'm just waiting.
xxooxx

Looking to the Near Future

It was a week of appointments.  Monday was Dr. Chee.  My surgery was almost as good as it could have been--best would have been if it was just scar tissue causing the blockage.  There was some discussion as to whether I would need further chemo or not.  Chemo won--but what kind?  I could have carboplatin and taxol again and welcome a new series of orc wars on a three week cycle=and no hair.  Boo hiss.  Or I could have Doxil again and put up with skin problems on a four week cycle.  Or something different.  Different won--I'll be having carboplatin and doxil with a different set of side effects.  I start Feb 28 then once every four weeks for six cycles.  That's really the best that it could be.  It doesn't interfere with the important things coming up--my Eastern Star meetings, the Ceili (perfect timing for that, the Ceili is March 26), or my trip to Yosemite in May.  Bring it on.
Tuesday was Mark, my therapist.  A visit with Mark includes a visit with Charles, the security guard in the lobby.  Mark has been very good for me for years--Charles is an added bonus.  Charles greets me with "Good morning, beautiful," and I feel beautiful, even if I'm not.  Charles prays for me when I need prayers--that would be most of the time--and I pray for Charles when he needs it.  Charles volunteers for the Red Cross and is one of those who rush in where angels fear to tread.  Charles was also not there on Tuesday.  He'd hurt his ankle the day before.  i may have to make a special trip to Mark's building next Wednesday when I go downtown for my (FINALLY) haircut.
Wednesday was my follow-up with Dr. Allen, the surgeon.  That took five minutes.  Everything is healing as expected..see you in a month.
Thursday was just a social visit with my friend Andrea--but it's another bright spot in the week.
Friday, the visiting nurse came to check on my dressings--getting better but still draining.  My friend Luanne came and brought lunch then stayed to try to organize one of my kitchen counters.  "Where does this go?"  "If I knew it would be there."  It was really sweet of her--causes me a little anxiety because I really am comfortable with junk, but it looks much better.  Luanne is another blessing in my life courtesy of the phone company.  We worked together for years.  I wouldn't like to think of my life without her because she is such a dear person.  Friday afternoon was the last doctor appointment of the week--Dr. Maldonado for my heel.  She gave me two shots to help the inflammation and more DuoDerm to protect it.  I was once given a plaque that read "It isn't the mountains that get you down, it's the grain of sand in your shoe."  My left heel is the grain of sand in my shoe.  Not a big deal, but a pretty constant annoyance.  I'd just like it to get better so I can start walking again...if it ever stops raining.
The rain has been with us all week.  It has been glorious wonderful rain.  When I can see the drops without my glasses, you know that's a good rain.  It is good for my healing and my budget, because I'm not anxious to go out and shop in this weather.  I'm happy in a cute sweater, nice and warm inside, knitting.  I'm on a quick project right now.  My friend Roxanne is a first time grandmother to premature twins.  I got a whole book of preemie patterns.  It's like making doll clothes.  They are so cute--and so quick.
That's it for now.  Anticipating chemo but confident.
xxooxx