Christmas Eve was lovely. I read fro the King James Version, which always pleases certain members of the congregation. I think I have to read from The Message on Sunday and I'm afraid the words may stick in my throat. It's sort of a hippy-dippy Bible--about as far as you can get from the poetry of the KJV. Maybe I'll take my KJV, just in case.
Christmas was delightful. Glenn let me sleep in. I got up around 10 and made waffles for him--about the only family tradition we have for Christmas. We exchanged gifts, then I took a nap. We drove to Victoria's in a driving rain storm--my idea of perfect Christmas weather. Gretchen's whole family was there, and that was delightful. I don't see Kyle that often, and he is my favorite nephew. Chaia and Cassidy liked their hats and mittens. I think I'll do the same thing for Kyle--I have yarn left and an adult pattern. Iris was a delight to play with. Her little personality is starting to emerge.
Dinner was nice and there was NO DRAMA. It was just a pleasant time with dearly loved family.
Wednesday noon, I had a CT scan. It took six tries and the head doctor to finally get it started, Just before the IV, Paul, a Technician, brought out a Teddy Bear, a gift to me from the hospital foundation. I was touched and never needed it more. They tried to get blood our of each wrist--eventually succeeding, I wasn't screaming, but I did have tears flowing down my face. Paul was helping with the IV and the other Tech was rubbing my head and my back and trying to take my mind off the pain It was pretty exhausting--and i have these things every two months.
Gretchen came over in the late afternoon--good thing--the scan took longer than usual. We decided it was not a movie night, so we fixed leftovers and had an early night.
Thursday was expensive. We went to Home Depot and finally bought a new washer. It was expensive, but a very peasant experience. Each store worker we had anything to do with was knowledgeable, polite, friendly, and a delight doing business with. On man even brought me a scooter to ride around in the store when I started gasping for breath. After we took care of the major purchase, we went to Tanforan and the movie theatres. We saw Les Miz. I wish I'd brought a towel--there were a lot of tears. It was outstanding. We were going to see The Hobbit--on the whole, glad we changed our minds. Besides. I got hit with pretty bad pain Thursday night. I couldn't have handled anything else. I increased my paid meds and am beginning to feel a little better.
Monica came oer on Friday afternoon She gave us a report on the status of things at home--about the sand. But the big news is that Mark has a job! A real tax paying, above board,, job! May he keep it forever!
That's about it. I started on a sweater for Victoria's day-care provider. I was even able to use yarn on hand! Yea! The pile decreases!
That's it--time to sleep.
xxooxx
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Advent 2012
I haven't done much because I'm tired all the time. Well, that's not quite right. I've done lots of knitting--not enough, because the yarn in the yarn cave is breeding. Monica came over for an afternoon a couple of weeks ago. We made a quick trip to get Glenn's Christmas present then just hung out at the house.
I went to a Masonic installation in Alameda on the 8th. My former boss, Steve, was installed Senior Deacon. I've been following his career in the line, because I got him into Masonry. He had wanted to join for a while. It took me some time to get someone in the East Bay to get in touch with him, but I did it. I'd like to be around when he is installed Master--that's three more years. We'll see. Outside of the exhaustion, I'm doing pretty well. I'm not in much pain at all. I have a CT scan on Boxing Day and a follow-up appointment on New Year's Eve. That will tell me how I'm doing.
I've had tons of appointments--sometimes that's how I tell what day it is--by what doctor I'm seeing. I actually forgot a couple of appointments. Now I study the calendar carefully to make sure I know who I'm seeing and what time I'm seeing them. I didn't get my sixth Avastin infusion because my blood pressure was too high. That gives me two extra weeks t recover from all the chemo I've had this year. That's actually the only excuse they can find for my exhaustion. My heart's fine, lungs are fine, blood count is fine. Half a flight of stairs and I'm gasping for breath. It's annoying, because I really like to walk. The friend who has been driving me downtown for my haircuts moved to Oregon the beginning of the month. I thought about taking BART downtown, but I know I can't walk from the Montgomery station to Union Square. I drove myself and parked in the Union Square garage. By the time I got to the salon, I was fighting for breath--about half a block. Outside of the one little trip with Monica, I did no Christmas shopping.
Glenn and I got our Christmas tree on the 17th--just after I didn't have Avastin. We found a tiny space when it wasn't raining. Getting the tree usually takes much thought. This year we went into the lot, looked at maybe two trees and picked out one we liked. We looked at a few others, just to make sure, but it was a great tree. We had them put on a stand that holds water--that we may or may not remember to fill from time to time, threw it on the truck, stopped at the pharmacy to pick up my new blood pressure medicine, and came home. God bless Glenn, he's such a prince. It was a struggle for him to get the tree in the house, but he did it. I did most of the tree trimming-the first time I've done my own tree since 2006. I had knee surgery in the beginning of December 07 and got some of the kids from church to trim it for me. 08 was the year Al Sweetman kidnapped Glenn to get a tree--see the blog about that and the Bethany Elves that did the trimming. Granddaughters have trimmed it the last few years. I was pretty proud of myself. Here's the finished product:
We're happy with it. Ally helped me a little, but I had most of it done before she got home. She and her brother have gone to Oregon to spend Christmas with their sister.
Last Sunday we planned a memorial for the church members we've lost this year. It worked out well as we also used it as a memorial for the teachers and children who were killed in Connecticut. I played the theme from Schindler's list while people lit candles in memory of the people they had lost.
It being December, I'm also lay reader. I signed up for next December, too, and hope and pray that I'll be alive to do it.
So that's it. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I will read from the King James version of the Bible. The language is so beautiful and so familiar. Glenn and I are going to Victoria's for Christmas dinner. It will be delightful to enjoy Iris's first Christmas.
xxooxx
I went to a Masonic installation in Alameda on the 8th. My former boss, Steve, was installed Senior Deacon. I've been following his career in the line, because I got him into Masonry. He had wanted to join for a while. It took me some time to get someone in the East Bay to get in touch with him, but I did it. I'd like to be around when he is installed Master--that's three more years. We'll see. Outside of the exhaustion, I'm doing pretty well. I'm not in much pain at all. I have a CT scan on Boxing Day and a follow-up appointment on New Year's Eve. That will tell me how I'm doing.
I've had tons of appointments--sometimes that's how I tell what day it is--by what doctor I'm seeing. I actually forgot a couple of appointments. Now I study the calendar carefully to make sure I know who I'm seeing and what time I'm seeing them. I didn't get my sixth Avastin infusion because my blood pressure was too high. That gives me two extra weeks t recover from all the chemo I've had this year. That's actually the only excuse they can find for my exhaustion. My heart's fine, lungs are fine, blood count is fine. Half a flight of stairs and I'm gasping for breath. It's annoying, because I really like to walk. The friend who has been driving me downtown for my haircuts moved to Oregon the beginning of the month. I thought about taking BART downtown, but I know I can't walk from the Montgomery station to Union Square. I drove myself and parked in the Union Square garage. By the time I got to the salon, I was fighting for breath--about half a block. Outside of the one little trip with Monica, I did no Christmas shopping.
Glenn and I got our Christmas tree on the 17th--just after I didn't have Avastin. We found a tiny space when it wasn't raining. Getting the tree usually takes much thought. This year we went into the lot, looked at maybe two trees and picked out one we liked. We looked at a few others, just to make sure, but it was a great tree. We had them put on a stand that holds water--that we may or may not remember to fill from time to time, threw it on the truck, stopped at the pharmacy to pick up my new blood pressure medicine, and came home. God bless Glenn, he's such a prince. It was a struggle for him to get the tree in the house, but he did it. I did most of the tree trimming-the first time I've done my own tree since 2006. I had knee surgery in the beginning of December 07 and got some of the kids from church to trim it for me. 08 was the year Al Sweetman kidnapped Glenn to get a tree--see the blog about that and the Bethany Elves that did the trimming. Granddaughters have trimmed it the last few years. I was pretty proud of myself. Here's the finished product:
Last Sunday we planned a memorial for the church members we've lost this year. It worked out well as we also used it as a memorial for the teachers and children who were killed in Connecticut. I played the theme from Schindler's list while people lit candles in memory of the people they had lost.
It being December, I'm also lay reader. I signed up for next December, too, and hope and pray that I'll be alive to do it.
So that's it. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I will read from the King James version of the Bible. The language is so beautiful and so familiar. Glenn and I are going to Victoria's for Christmas dinner. It will be delightful to enjoy Iris's first Christmas.
xxooxx
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Sneaking in on the end of the Month
I think there was a time when I blogged every day. I think that's ancient history.
There was Jennifer's installation on the 11th. it was a very long day. I had to get to Antioch early because they have a Veteran's Day parade down the main street--and that would be where the Masonic Temple is. I got a good spot on a side street and knit until the temple was opened We had installation practice, then I knit until it was time to change for the installation. It was nice, as installations go. The retiring Worthy Matron was quite old and feeble, but when it came to Ritual, she was top notch. After seeing so many people read their work, it was really nice to hear it done well--and done from memory.
I left shortly after the installation was over. It was already getting dark, and it had been a long day. I got home a little after six--in time to catch a showing of The Return of the King. I cried buckets. I was supposed to be packing, too, because I was finally going to Sonoma. I managed to throw everything together. I made great time and made it there in plenty of time for my first treatment. I was there four nights and five days. That's a lot of pampering and loving. I've been trying to get back there since July with no luck. They still have my "Welcome Back, Anne" sign, which tickles me. I wonder if the other guests wonder "Who's Anne, and why does she get a sign," but I don't care. I love them, they love me, life is good.
I got home in time to cook the turkeys for our annual church Thanksgiving Dinner. I had a lot of help and mostly just directed. My math was a little off, so I way over seasoned the stuffing, but other than that, things were good. I love filling the church with the smells of Thanksgiving.
Glenn and I postponed our celebration so we could have guests. We ordered Chinese on Thursday. Our preferred restaurant was closed, which is a good thing for them. The food wasn't bad, just not as good as it could have been. We had our celebration on Saturday. Monica came over in the morning and helped me get the bird ready. She hung out for the afternoon and let me take a much needed nap. Ally joined us, as well as my friends Janis and Sam, who are moving to Oregon next month. A delightful time was had by all. I should entertain more. I have lovely things and I like using them. Of course, entertaining takes work, which takes energy, and I'm short on that. I had a treatment Monday, have a doctor appointment this afternoon, and an echocardigram tomorrow--to see if that explains the lack of energy. Elaine is having surgery on her neck tomorrow, but I don't have the necessary information, like where and what time. I'm torn. I should be there, but at the same time, I don't know how she would fee about it. I'll keep the cardiology appointment.
That's it. Hasn't been terribly exciting, but I'm still above ground, so that's a good thing.
xxooxx
There was Jennifer's installation on the 11th. it was a very long day. I had to get to Antioch early because they have a Veteran's Day parade down the main street--and that would be where the Masonic Temple is. I got a good spot on a side street and knit until the temple was opened We had installation practice, then I knit until it was time to change for the installation. It was nice, as installations go. The retiring Worthy Matron was quite old and feeble, but when it came to Ritual, she was top notch. After seeing so many people read their work, it was really nice to hear it done well--and done from memory.
I left shortly after the installation was over. It was already getting dark, and it had been a long day. I got home a little after six--in time to catch a showing of The Return of the King. I cried buckets. I was supposed to be packing, too, because I was finally going to Sonoma. I managed to throw everything together. I made great time and made it there in plenty of time for my first treatment. I was there four nights and five days. That's a lot of pampering and loving. I've been trying to get back there since July with no luck. They still have my "Welcome Back, Anne" sign, which tickles me. I wonder if the other guests wonder "Who's Anne, and why does she get a sign," but I don't care. I love them, they love me, life is good.
I got home in time to cook the turkeys for our annual church Thanksgiving Dinner. I had a lot of help and mostly just directed. My math was a little off, so I way over seasoned the stuffing, but other than that, things were good. I love filling the church with the smells of Thanksgiving.
Glenn and I postponed our celebration so we could have guests. We ordered Chinese on Thursday. Our preferred restaurant was closed, which is a good thing for them. The food wasn't bad, just not as good as it could have been. We had our celebration on Saturday. Monica came over in the morning and helped me get the bird ready. She hung out for the afternoon and let me take a much needed nap. Ally joined us, as well as my friends Janis and Sam, who are moving to Oregon next month. A delightful time was had by all. I should entertain more. I have lovely things and I like using them. Of course, entertaining takes work, which takes energy, and I'm short on that. I had a treatment Monday, have a doctor appointment this afternoon, and an echocardigram tomorrow--to see if that explains the lack of energy. Elaine is having surgery on her neck tomorrow, but I don't have the necessary information, like where and what time. I'm torn. I should be there, but at the same time, I don't know how she would fee about it. I'll keep the cardiology appointment.
That's it. Hasn't been terribly exciting, but I'm still above ground, so that's a good thing.
xxooxx
Saturday, November 3, 2012
More Catching Up
It's hard to keep up when you are on the road--then recovering from being on the road. October 15, I had my third round of Avastin and a Vitamin B-12 shot, hoping to get some energy. It didn't seem to do much good. Anyway, Tuesday, Dory and I were off to Fresno. She did all the driving. bless her. I could have helped out, but she didn't need me to, so I didn't. Getting registered at the hotel for Grand Chapter is always a bit of a trial. Somehow, the hotel never knows that there are going to have a zillion people checking in all at the same time, all with tons of stuff, all needing assistance with their stuff. It tends to bring out the very worst side of people. I'm pretty patient, as long as I have my knitting to entertain me. Eventually, we snagged a bellman and got to our room--about as far away from the elevator as we could get. OK, I would just take a few extra stops on the way to the convention center. We had a phone call from the hotel, asking us if everything was all right. I mentioned the distance from the elevator. Not to worry, they arranged to move us and sent up a bellman who took us to another room--right across from the elevator. Points in their favor.
We managed a lot of baseball watching and were not disappointed. Throughout our vacation, the Giants managed to win it all and keep things very exciting. Somehow, we managed to see most of it.
This was my 31st Grand Chapter. It is good to see friends from throughout the state. It was exhausting because of my lack of stamina. I would walk a little, start gasping for air, rest, then walk a little more. This meant that I gave myself extra time to get anywhere. Saturday afternoon was Big Game--in the way wrong time of the year. I skipped a session and watched the game--which was dreadful.
Installation Saturday night was impressive--mostly because it wasn't overly long. The new Worthy Grand Matron is from our area, and we were very proud of her. We were tucked in bed before midnight--when the hotel started shaking. It seemed to go on for a very long time. It took a while to get connected to the USGS. The earthquake was located near King City and it was 5.3 at 11:55 PM. There was an aftershock at 12:18--we didn't feel that one. Dory doesn't like earthquakes. I can't say that I do either, but once it stopped and everything was fine, I was OK with it.
Sunday morning was good, because we didn't have the alarm set. We were only going to Yosemite, and that's pretty close. Yosemite was great. It wasn't too crowded. There was no water in the falls. That was fine, because I couldn't walk that far anyway. Mostly, we rested and watched baseball. We had a view of Half Dome, so we really didn't need to leave the room. I took pictures of the many moods of Half Dome. Here are some:
All taken from the same window.
I felt dreadful the morning we left--really dreadful. I barely touched my breakfast. We debated on whether or not we should stop in at the medical clinic--eventually voted no. We had a long way to go. We usually take Tioga Pass to 395 and north to Reno, but the pass closed on Sunday and had no intentions of reopening. So we took the long way--southwest to Merced, north to Sacramento, and east to Reno over Donner Summit. There was a lot of snow over the summit. It wasn't falling or on the road, but there was a lot of snow. The external temperature got down to around 34. We got to Reno around six. We had a great time. Dory did better than I did. She kept finding machines that were paying off. We finally had to start for home on Monday, because I had a CT scan on Tuesday. We leave before breakfast, drive to Boomtown, have breakfast and play there. We really have fun in Boomtown. We're thinking of changing our routine and spending our last night there. We had a little excitement when my foot slipped off the rung of a stool I was about to sit on and I did a face plant on the floor. Nothing was broken or bleeding, but my dignity was badly bruised. Two ladies helped me up. I felt a little wobbly and very silly. I told Dory about it and she turned me in to the management, who were all very solisitious. No, I didn't want to go to emergency. Yes, I was fine. No, I was not going to sue the casino. I did feel pretty sore the rest of the week and I've got a bruise on my left knee--which isn't the one that hurts.
CT scan on Tuesday--Glenn took me down because my battery was dead after sitting around for two weeks. Wednesday was the ophthalmologist--eyes have actually improved in the last year. Thursday I saw Dr. Chee, my oncologist, and got the results of the scan. I'm stable. She thinks the exhaustion is the result of all the chemo I've had. I had the option of stopping treatment. While getting a little stamina back is appealing, if the treatment is working, I'll keep going with it. If things get too dreadful, I can always get a wheelchair or scooter--or just continue to walk very slowly and rest a lot.
Yesterday was a haircut. My appointment was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, but that was the Giant's World Series Parade, and I got caught up in that two years ago--also for a hair appointment. There was no way I was going to do that again.
Things are getting back to normal. I have minutes to type and reports to do for the Chapter and a speech to write for an installation on the 11th. I guess I'll get it all done.
I think things are caught up here.
xxooxx
We managed a lot of baseball watching and were not disappointed. Throughout our vacation, the Giants managed to win it all and keep things very exciting. Somehow, we managed to see most of it.
This was my 31st Grand Chapter. It is good to see friends from throughout the state. It was exhausting because of my lack of stamina. I would walk a little, start gasping for air, rest, then walk a little more. This meant that I gave myself extra time to get anywhere. Saturday afternoon was Big Game--in the way wrong time of the year. I skipped a session and watched the game--which was dreadful.
Installation Saturday night was impressive--mostly because it wasn't overly long. The new Worthy Grand Matron is from our area, and we were very proud of her. We were tucked in bed before midnight--when the hotel started shaking. It seemed to go on for a very long time. It took a while to get connected to the USGS. The earthquake was located near King City and it was 5.3 at 11:55 PM. There was an aftershock at 12:18--we didn't feel that one. Dory doesn't like earthquakes. I can't say that I do either, but once it stopped and everything was fine, I was OK with it.
Sunday morning was good, because we didn't have the alarm set. We were only going to Yosemite, and that's pretty close. Yosemite was great. It wasn't too crowded. There was no water in the falls. That was fine, because I couldn't walk that far anyway. Mostly, we rested and watched baseball. We had a view of Half Dome, so we really didn't need to leave the room. I took pictures of the many moods of Half Dome. Here are some:
All taken from the same window.
I felt dreadful the morning we left--really dreadful. I barely touched my breakfast. We debated on whether or not we should stop in at the medical clinic--eventually voted no. We had a long way to go. We usually take Tioga Pass to 395 and north to Reno, but the pass closed on Sunday and had no intentions of reopening. So we took the long way--southwest to Merced, north to Sacramento, and east to Reno over Donner Summit. There was a lot of snow over the summit. It wasn't falling or on the road, but there was a lot of snow. The external temperature got down to around 34. We got to Reno around six. We had a great time. Dory did better than I did. She kept finding machines that were paying off. We finally had to start for home on Monday, because I had a CT scan on Tuesday. We leave before breakfast, drive to Boomtown, have breakfast and play there. We really have fun in Boomtown. We're thinking of changing our routine and spending our last night there. We had a little excitement when my foot slipped off the rung of a stool I was about to sit on and I did a face plant on the floor. Nothing was broken or bleeding, but my dignity was badly bruised. Two ladies helped me up. I felt a little wobbly and very silly. I told Dory about it and she turned me in to the management, who were all very solisitious. No, I didn't want to go to emergency. Yes, I was fine. No, I was not going to sue the casino. I did feel pretty sore the rest of the week and I've got a bruise on my left knee--which isn't the one that hurts.
CT scan on Tuesday--Glenn took me down because my battery was dead after sitting around for two weeks. Wednesday was the ophthalmologist--eyes have actually improved in the last year. Thursday I saw Dr. Chee, my oncologist, and got the results of the scan. I'm stable. She thinks the exhaustion is the result of all the chemo I've had. I had the option of stopping treatment. While getting a little stamina back is appealing, if the treatment is working, I'll keep going with it. If things get too dreadful, I can always get a wheelchair or scooter--or just continue to walk very slowly and rest a lot.
Yesterday was a haircut. My appointment was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, but that was the Giant's World Series Parade, and I got caught up in that two years ago--also for a hair appointment. There was no way I was going to do that again.
Things are getting back to normal. I have minutes to type and reports to do for the Chapter and a speech to write for an installation on the 11th. I guess I'll get it all done.
I think things are caught up here.
xxooxx
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Not much going on
It has cooled off since the last post. Looks like it will be cool when we get to Yosemite, but Tioga should still be open in two weeks to go to Reno. I haven't done much. I've gotten rid of piles of trash--not enough, but I'm making headway. I had my flu short, so people can breathe on me at Grand Chapter.
We had a special meeting last week and initiated three new members. There's a fourth who couldn't make it, and one of the new members had me send her petitions for her husband and daughter. Yippee!
The Giants are keeping us excited, as are the Oakland A's. Both teams made the post season, both teams lost their first two games, and both teams squeeked out wins today. they have to win the next two games to keep things going.
I'm still tired most of the time. I'm not in much pain--just gasping for breath.
Sunday was Worldwide Communion Day. I played the prelude--Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze and Du Bist Bei Mir, and for communion--Samuel Barber's Adagio and Handel's Where 'Ere you Walk. It didn't go too badly. I haven't touched my violin since the Ceili in March, so I was a little aprehensive when I was asked to play. I was a little worried about the placement of my pacemaker, but it didn't bother me. I also read the scripture in German. My high school and college German teachers were probably rolling over in their graves--I know at least one of them is dead. It was quite an experience. My voice comes and goes. It bothers me when it's time to sing.
That's about it. Dory and I are leaving for Grand Chapter a week from today, so i guess I'm going to have to start packing. We take two sets of clothes--one for Grand Chapter, and one for Yosemite. I don't think there's going to be a great deal of hiking, but we can just sit and look and enjoy.
Go Giants. Go As. Life is grand.
xxooxx
We had a special meeting last week and initiated three new members. There's a fourth who couldn't make it, and one of the new members had me send her petitions for her husband and daughter. Yippee!
The Giants are keeping us excited, as are the Oakland A's. Both teams made the post season, both teams lost their first two games, and both teams squeeked out wins today. they have to win the next two games to keep things going.
I'm still tired most of the time. I'm not in much pain--just gasping for breath.
Sunday was Worldwide Communion Day. I played the prelude--Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze and Du Bist Bei Mir, and for communion--Samuel Barber's Adagio and Handel's Where 'Ere you Walk. It didn't go too badly. I haven't touched my violin since the Ceili in March, so I was a little aprehensive when I was asked to play. I was a little worried about the placement of my pacemaker, but it didn't bother me. I also read the scripture in German. My high school and college German teachers were probably rolling over in their graves--I know at least one of them is dead. It was quite an experience. My voice comes and goes. It bothers me when it's time to sing.
That's about it. Dory and I are leaving for Grand Chapter a week from today, so i guess I'm going to have to start packing. We take two sets of clothes--one for Grand Chapter, and one for Yosemite. I don't think there's going to be a great deal of hiking, but we can just sit and look and enjoy.
Go Giants. Go As. Life is grand.
xxooxx
Monday, October 1, 2012
34 years ago
It's way too hot today--somewhere around a gazillion degrees. 34 years ago, Lee and I were on our honeymoon in Banff. It was not hot. Mother bought me a coat the afternoon of our wedding when she realized that I was going to Canada without one in October. It took us a little longer to get to Banff than we had planned. I think we had the world's worst travel agent planning our trip. The plan was to vly to Vancouver and then take the train to Banff. Our reservation was for a sleeper car. things would have been just fine, except our plane was two hours late leaving San Francisco. We landed when the train left. I was a mature married woman--I burst into tears and didn't know what to do. Everybody was so nice. They said not to worry. We could stay at one of the airport hotels then fly to Calgery in the morning. We could take a bus from the airport to the Banff Springs and everything would work out just fine. We could get a refund on our train trip when we got home.
So we stayed at a lovely Hyatt at the airport. Everyone knew our sad story. We were presented with a cake for desert. Everything worked out just fine the next day. I did most of our travel planning after that. And it was much colder in Canada than it is here today.
So, here I am, using my new computer. I'm not sure that I'm crazy about it, but it is a lot faster than the old one. It is taking some getting used to. I'm clearing out stuff--not enough, but clearing out all the same. On Sunday, my wedding anniversary, I looked through my wedding book. I was a lot younger. I'll try to put together another bag of junk for next week's garbage run.
Lee Denny sent me the book she put together about her sister, Gail (see August 09 on the Joys of Pack Ratting). It is thoroughy charming. Gail and Lee were lovely little girls. Gail has been gone for 16 years.
I'm chugging along. I had my second Avastin treatment last Tuesday. I have a follow-up with the Nurse Practitioner in a week and my thire treatment two weeks from today--then it's off to Grand Chapter. I'm trying to build up my stamina so that I can get back and forth fro the hotel to the convention center--then for when we get to Yosemite--more energy needed.
That's about it for now--need my beauty rest.
xxooxx
So we stayed at a lovely Hyatt at the airport. Everyone knew our sad story. We were presented with a cake for desert. Everything worked out just fine the next day. I did most of our travel planning after that. And it was much colder in Canada than it is here today.
So, here I am, using my new computer. I'm not sure that I'm crazy about it, but it is a lot faster than the old one. It is taking some getting used to. I'm clearing out stuff--not enough, but clearing out all the same. On Sunday, my wedding anniversary, I looked through my wedding book. I was a lot younger. I'll try to put together another bag of junk for next week's garbage run.
Lee Denny sent me the book she put together about her sister, Gail (see August 09 on the Joys of Pack Ratting). It is thoroughy charming. Gail and Lee were lovely little girls. Gail has been gone for 16 years.
I'm chugging along. I had my second Avastin treatment last Tuesday. I have a follow-up with the Nurse Practitioner in a week and my thire treatment two weeks from today--then it's off to Grand Chapter. I'm trying to build up my stamina so that I can get back and forth fro the hotel to the convention center--then for when we get to Yosemite--more energy needed.
That's about it for now--need my beauty rest.
xxooxx
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Not a Happy Girl
In the immortal words of Gilda Radner, It's always something. The current something is a dead desktop computer. I got up yesterday morning, and the power to the tower (kinda poetic) was off. And it wouldn't go on. I tried messing with the cords--no luck. It's just dead. It's probably time to get a new one, because I think I got this one before Lee died, so that's over five years. Tomorrow is one of Glenn's days off, so he will schlep it to Best Buy for me. We'll find something I like and have them transfer my data to the new one. Meanwhile, I'm using the laptop, which is very slow and not at all my favorite thing to play with.
There is good news--the Giants won their division, and that was very exciting. The Bears did quite poorly. I'm used to the Golden Bears doing poorly, but that doesn't mean I like it. I finished a difficult pattern pair of socks--well, almost finished. I finished the second sock, then I had to take out the toe of the first sock because I didn't make it quite long enough. I have to do another pattern repeat then do the toe again--then I'll be done with that. I don't know who will get them, but at least I'll be done. The next thing will be a pair of socks that I started in the Skilled Nursing Facility when I was getting antibiotocs for the cellulitis in March, THEN I can start something new. I also finished a baby bunting that I started probably a few years ago--that was exciting. I'm not even sure I know where the pattern is for it, so I hope I did it right.
I'm feeling OK. Still pretty tired, but not hurting. Maybe Glenn and I can squeeze in a walk tomorrow, just to see if I can do it.
That's it. Maybe I'm a slightly happy girl after all. We'll see after we visit the computer store tomorrow.
xxooxx
There is good news--the Giants won their division, and that was very exciting. The Bears did quite poorly. I'm used to the Golden Bears doing poorly, but that doesn't mean I like it. I finished a difficult pattern pair of socks--well, almost finished. I finished the second sock, then I had to take out the toe of the first sock because I didn't make it quite long enough. I have to do another pattern repeat then do the toe again--then I'll be done with that. I don't know who will get them, but at least I'll be done. The next thing will be a pair of socks that I started in the Skilled Nursing Facility when I was getting antibiotocs for the cellulitis in March, THEN I can start something new. I also finished a baby bunting that I started probably a few years ago--that was exciting. I'm not even sure I know where the pattern is for it, so I hope I did it right.
I'm feeling OK. Still pretty tired, but not hurting. Maybe Glenn and I can squeeze in a walk tomorrow, just to see if I can do it.
That's it. Maybe I'm a slightly happy girl after all. We'll see after we visit the computer store tomorrow.
xxooxx
Monday, September 17, 2012
Trying to make the world smaller
I'm hoping Lee will take one more look at my little blog, because I would like to carry on this conversatison. My e-mail is aecarlsn@pacbell.net. I might get strange, random, messages, or I might bet a message from a double bass player from Willard and BHS. I am sorry you lost your husband, sorrier still what you lost him to. When I was on the Speaker's Bureau at BHS, and it was time for us to make our pitch for the American Cancer Society, the statistic they gave us was 1 in 3 will develop cancer. That was in the 60's. I don't think it has changed. For some, the journey is too swift, and for others, it seems to go on forever. I have a friend who has been fighting for well over 20 years. My journey is 4 1/2 years and still swinging. There are some things I want to make it to, and at other times, I just want to cross my arms over my chest and hold a lily--those times are few and far between, but I get tired of being tired. Then I look at my stash of yarn and realize that I have too much to do to go right now.
Hope this works. And if you random people want to touch base, that's OK too.
xxooxx
Hope this works. And if you random people want to touch base, that's OK too.
xxooxx
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Wow--is it ever a Small World
I got a new comment to an old entry yesterday. The old post was on the Joys of Pack Ratting from August of 2009, and the comment was from Lee Denny. She was looking up her older sister, Gail, whose obituary I've been saving for quite a long time. She was concerned because I haven't blogged since August. Not to worry, Lee. I'm still kicking--slowly, but still kicking.
I started my new treatment, Avastin, on Sept 4. I'm still terribly tired, and tired of being tired, but the pain is a lot less than before. I have an appointment with my oncologist this coming Tuesday. I'm hoping she'll set me up for a transfusion. That might help the energy. climbing one flight of stairs totally wipes me out. So we'll see.
I made two sweaters for Iris, one with a hat and booties. They are size 0-6 months and have lots of growing room. I've been putting my yarn in to plastic bins--easier to see what I have that way. I haven't put everything away, but I have about 2 1/2 bins now. I'm working on several projects, none of which are close to finished. Monica came over to hang out and have dinner last week. Becca is talking to her again, so I finished a pair of purple socks for her--hope she likes them.
That's about it for now--and the Giant's game is on. Thanks for jogging my memory, Lee. I remember you and the double bass. Hope life has treated you well.
xxooxx
I started my new treatment, Avastin, on Sept 4. I'm still terribly tired, and tired of being tired, but the pain is a lot less than before. I have an appointment with my oncologist this coming Tuesday. I'm hoping she'll set me up for a transfusion. That might help the energy. climbing one flight of stairs totally wipes me out. So we'll see.
I made two sweaters for Iris, one with a hat and booties. They are size 0-6 months and have lots of growing room. I've been putting my yarn in to plastic bins--easier to see what I have that way. I haven't put everything away, but I have about 2 1/2 bins now. I'm working on several projects, none of which are close to finished. Monica came over to hang out and have dinner last week. Becca is talking to her again, so I finished a pair of purple socks for her--hope she likes them.
That's about it for now--and the Giant's game is on. Thanks for jogging my memory, Lee. I remember you and the double bass. Hope life has treated you well.
xxooxx
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
We make a new Plan
Chemo 6 has been painful and has completely sapped my energy. I'm taking lots of pain meds, which sometimes work and sometimes don't. I had 6.2B last Tuesday. 6.2 wasn't as bad as 6.1, but still not very pleasant.
Victoria and Iris came over on Thursday. Iris got two hats, lemon and eggplant. She needs little sweaters, so that has been added to the list of things to do. I made a Big Girl cape for Jennifer Neal Davis's two year old--she out-grew her sweater. I also made a sweater for Jennifer's little boy who is due the beginning of December. I am on the second sleeve of Iris's first sweater. The little things go together quickly. It's fun to make them, even if the babies can't wear them too long. Tiny people need warmth, too. My standard baby outfit looks so big now when I compare it to the 0-6 month sizes.
I had a CT scan on Friday. Got the results today. It was partly good--the lymph nodes that were growing are stable--that's the good part. There is a new mass--that's the bad part. So Chemo 6 was sort of working and sort of not. I didn't have 6.2C today. I get a week off to try to build back some energy and next week we will start Avastin. It is given by infusion, but Dr. Chee said it isn't exactly chemotherapy. Maybe it won't suck up as much energy.
That's about it. I'm knitting and reading and getting lots of sleep. It is hard to believe that Labor Day is coming up. This is the third year without the Gateswingers at Jones Gulch. I miss fiddling all weekend, but I'm sure I couldn't make it from the cabin to the dining hall or the cabin to the dance hall. Still, that's where I started fiddling and I'll miss it.
xxooxx
Victoria and Iris came over on Thursday. Iris got two hats, lemon and eggplant. She needs little sweaters, so that has been added to the list of things to do. I made a Big Girl cape for Jennifer Neal Davis's two year old--she out-grew her sweater. I also made a sweater for Jennifer's little boy who is due the beginning of December. I am on the second sleeve of Iris's first sweater. The little things go together quickly. It's fun to make them, even if the babies can't wear them too long. Tiny people need warmth, too. My standard baby outfit looks so big now when I compare it to the 0-6 month sizes.
I had a CT scan on Friday. Got the results today. It was partly good--the lymph nodes that were growing are stable--that's the good part. There is a new mass--that's the bad part. So Chemo 6 was sort of working and sort of not. I didn't have 6.2C today. I get a week off to try to build back some energy and next week we will start Avastin. It is given by infusion, but Dr. Chee said it isn't exactly chemotherapy. Maybe it won't suck up as much energy.
That's about it. I'm knitting and reading and getting lots of sleep. It is hard to believe that Labor Day is coming up. This is the third year without the Gateswingers at Jones Gulch. I miss fiddling all weekend, but I'm sure I couldn't make it from the cabin to the dining hall or the cabin to the dance hall. Still, that's where I started fiddling and I'll miss it.
xxooxx
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Chemo 6.2A
Things have been somewhat boring lately. I'll take that. Picking up where I left off, I had an appointment with a healer on July 28, hoping to make up for missing my Reike at Sonoma. It was interesting, but I don't think I need to go back. The focus was on my non-existent energy. I'm letting other people suck it off of me and I have to be stronger about not letting them do that. I like Diane better, but I think she would tell me the same thing.
The 30th was an extremely stressful day. Those of you who know about it will understand why it isn't going into the blog, other than to say it was difficult. I have now declared my life a drama-free zone, which I'm keeping, for the most part. The 31st was supposed to be chemo 6.1C. Ally took me, because Gretchen and Jim's plane was due in from Scotland, and Glenn had agreed to pick them up at the airport. My white count was low, so no chemo. They gave me a two week break--I was thrilled.
Iris and Victoria came to visit on the 3rd. I'd made iris her third hat--this time a raspberry. Holding Iris is pretty high on my list of favorite things to do. She's growing, bit by bit, but is still a pretty precious little bundle.
The Olympics have been on, and that is quite time consuming. I always feel that if I don't watch them then they won't award the medals. I recorded a lot because it conflicted with my Giants schedule, and the Giants are part of my therapy.
Last night, we did a re-do of Glenn's birthday. Ally and Monica joined Glenn and me for dinner at the Beach Chalet. I scheduled it for that night because I figured it would be the last night this month that I would feel good. We had a delightful time. The food was delicious and the company the best. I was pretty tired when we got there--i actually let Glenn help me into the restaurant. I get faint, which is not a fun feeling. After a good, nourishing dinner, I was able to make it to the car on my own.
So, this gets us, more or less, to today. I had chemo 6.2A. My doctor decreased the dosage, hoping to get all three doses in this time. 6.1A was way worse. I hurt before we got into the car for the trip home. It wasn't as bad this time. Hope it stays that way.
That's it, you are now up to date.
xxooxx
The 30th was an extremely stressful day. Those of you who know about it will understand why it isn't going into the blog, other than to say it was difficult. I have now declared my life a drama-free zone, which I'm keeping, for the most part. The 31st was supposed to be chemo 6.1C. Ally took me, because Gretchen and Jim's plane was due in from Scotland, and Glenn had agreed to pick them up at the airport. My white count was low, so no chemo. They gave me a two week break--I was thrilled.
Iris and Victoria came to visit on the 3rd. I'd made iris her third hat--this time a raspberry. Holding Iris is pretty high on my list of favorite things to do. She's growing, bit by bit, but is still a pretty precious little bundle.
The Olympics have been on, and that is quite time consuming. I always feel that if I don't watch them then they won't award the medals. I recorded a lot because it conflicted with my Giants schedule, and the Giants are part of my therapy.
Last night, we did a re-do of Glenn's birthday. Ally and Monica joined Glenn and me for dinner at the Beach Chalet. I scheduled it for that night because I figured it would be the last night this month that I would feel good. We had a delightful time. The food was delicious and the company the best. I was pretty tired when we got there--i actually let Glenn help me into the restaurant. I get faint, which is not a fun feeling. After a good, nourishing dinner, I was able to make it to the car on my own.
So, this gets us, more or less, to today. I had chemo 6.2A. My doctor decreased the dosage, hoping to get all three doses in this time. 6.1A was way worse. I hurt before we got into the car for the trip home. It wasn't as bad this time. Hope it stays that way.
That's it, you are now up to date.
xxooxx
Thursday, July 26, 2012
A Little Trip to ER
Woke up this morning around 1:30 is screaming pain. It took very little convincing on Ally's part to go to the hospital. I chose her as the driver this time because Glenn was exhausted. He works swing on Wednesdays and day on Thursday through Sunday, so that first night is a killer for him. Allie had just gotten home, so it was easier for her. ER was pretty empty and they took me in right away without having to faint or say chest pain, or bleed, or anything. We didn't know if the pain was cancer, chemo, or constipation. Once they got my pain under control, I sent Ally home to sleep. Getting a ride home would not be a problem. I got poked and prodded and had a scan. Constipation won. Two enemas and much production later I was feeling much better and ready to go home. Dory couldn't believe it when I messaged her to come get me. I'm tired, very tired, but feeling much better. Don't need breakthrough meds, at least not right now, and that's a very good thing. Think I'll have some lemonade and a nap. Thank you, God, for an easy one this time.
xxooxx
xxooxx
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Chemo 6.1B
Wasn't as bad as 1A. I was in terrible pain all week,on top of my regular pain meds popping percocet like they were M&M's. It helped somewhat. I did get yelled at because I didn't call the office to let them know how I was feeling. The pain could be the cancer, it could be the chemo, or is could just be constipation--or all three. As I have learned on this journey, life is all about managing poop. My pain meds were increased and if I'm still hurting Friday, I'll call. I'm doing somewhat better.
Tamra from church gave me a ride downtown to get my hair cut today. It has thinned a little and not grown much in the last 12 weeks, but a trim was nice. Got home to see the end of the ball game--Giant's lost--Boo--but they took the series--good. Don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow with no baseball. Guess I'll survive.
That's it.
xxooxx
Tamra from church gave me a ride downtown to get my hair cut today. It has thinned a little and not grown much in the last 12 weeks, but a trim was nice. Got home to see the end of the ball game--Giant's lost--Boo--but they took the series--good. Don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow with no baseball. Guess I'll survive.
That's it.
xxooxx
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Chemo 6.1A
Just to continue on from the last post, I heard that the grandmother didn't survive the fire. What a dreadful way to go.
Friday afternoon, I went to the knitting shop because I have found an instruction that even I can't figure out. No luck with Kathryn, the owner, she couldn't figure it out either. We did find a web site, so I wrote to them for help. SINCE I was at the yarn shop, I just had to get the pattern for little fruit hats for size infant to T-2. And yarn;. I've made a blueberry and a strawberry. When I got home, I ordered more fruit colors. Yes, I do consider my hand slapped. I ordered this yarn form the Loopy Ewe. The awful bad thing that happened there is that I now have ordered so much from them that I have a $25.00 credit. That means I have to order more yarn--and I've got a huge Wish List with them
I didn't feel like reading on Sunday, Not a problem, there were backup's ready to take over, and kind sisters to keep me together. I hate weeping through all of church, but what better place to do it. The space is filled with people who love me deeply and care about me. People who are willing to dry my tears. People who understand. The worst part about crying in church is that it's hard to sing the hymns when my voice is croaky. We had a blessing of the new trees after the service--one of the branches is in memory of Lee--followed by a reception--perhaps leftovers from the Blessing of the Animals that I didn't go to on Saturday, No, it was a surprise Birthday Party for ME. I've never had a really honest to goodness surprise party before--one of the disadvantages of being a control freak. I was deeply touched. Tears of joy leave your eyes just as red as tears of sadness, but when they dry, You have the joy left over,
Monday was MY BIRTHDAY. I felt better for PT--not good, but better, I was able to actually do the exercises. Stopped at Barnes and Noble with a list of favorite authors and instead of buying a pile of books, bought a Nook. What the hell, it's MY birthday. I got lovely flowers from church and from my sister all the way in Scotland. Glenn gave me a Giant's shirt--the one that says "Got MELK?" I love it. I talked to Cindy for a long time--she thinks we're doing the right thing and agreed to write a letter for the cause and see what she could do about getting letters from other friends. I learned much in that conversation that I really didn't want to know, but really needed to know. Elaine left a message while I was talking to Cindy, I appreciated it, but haven't called her back. My friend Andrea came in the afternoon and we had a nice, spiritual time together. The only sad thing is that she can't be my executor, so I'll have to put more thought into that.
We had a fun Birthday Dinner at Red Robin (where Ally works). Monica wasn't feeling well, so it was just Glenn, Dory, Ally, and I. We had a tower of Onion Rings, various burgers, and an Ice Cream Cake. I'm not used to eating a lot after breakfast. I felt like the Pillsbury Dough Boy--but we had a great time--with NO drama. I know I wanted to be an actress for must of my young life, but I wanted to be a comedienne, do musical comedy,
Tuesday it was time for my new chemo--Navelbine. I had them schedule me in the morning so that Glenn could have some of his time off for himself. So we presented ourselves at 10:30. They had problems accessing my port--I knew the hospital should have used it. It gets little tiny clots that stick in the tubing when they are trying to get blood return. I try various positions and they shoot it full of saline and Drano--eventually whatever is there pops, the get blood return, and they can start the process. I haven't had any kind of chemo since Glenn's birthday--hospital should have used it--it would have saved me a big ugly bruise. Anyway, since I hadn't had chemo is so long, my numbers were pretty good--except CA125 which is now over 100. The good newses about my numbers being OK and that I could go ahead with chemo as planned and didn't need a procrit shot. I got a small bag of premeds--zofran and dexamethesone, usually. Then out comes the chemo. It usually comes in a quart bag. This was in a large Syringe that hooked onto the tubing and was infused over four or five minutes. After that, I got a small bag of saline, and we were off. Maybe the quickness of it makes up for the fact that I have to have it three Tuesdays in a row. It better be working, because I've felt terrible since they started infusing it. Not fair. I sure hope it is working, because I feel terrible. As soon as we got home, I took 2 percocets and a lorazapam and went to sleep. Glenn got me up at 2 for an appointment with my PCP--who has become Monica, Dory, and Glenn's PCP too. It was a follow up from the hospital.
Wednesday was a Mark day, Glenn and Ally didn't want me to try BART, so they lined up a ride downtown for me with my friend Roberta. I do feel warm fuzzys for the way they take care of me. Wednesday afternoon, Victoria and Iris came to visit. It was a lovely time, I can see little changes in her still tiny little person. I had a surprise for Victoria. I started a photo album of her from the time I first met her--she was about 10 days old--my Grandmother and I flew down to Santa Barbara for the day)--until she was about 2. I think there are more pictures in that book than our mother took of our whole childhood--and I'm jst the Aunt!. Anyway, I asked her if she would like to have it, since she would get it eventually. She got a little teary nad said "But it's yours!" I told her I din't want to hurt her feelings, but I don't pull it out every day and look at it. I thought since she now had a daughter of her own, it would be nice to make the comparisons. I think she was happy to take it. At least I hope so.
Thursday was Dr. Shen, the Gynological Oncologist. He just feels around and say come back in 4 months and wish he could make my pain go away. So do I. Ride for that was Vicki,.
Friday was a late birthday dinner with my dear friends Gloriann and Vaughn, We're still laughing over things we did in the 70's. Old, dear friends are the best.
All this while, the Giants have stepped up to their job as a major part of my recovery therapy. There's beem a little more drama than necessary, but they have been winning. Makes me happy.
So here it is--or was--the Third Saturday of the Quarter and time for OMNAB. I didn't want to go--I still feel pretty crappy--but a local piano teacher was using our Open Mic Night to give her students a chance to play. I figured short people could use all the audience they could get. I took my knitting and it helped for canceling Knitting Circle last night.
Well that's it, you are up to the minute, more or less. I've even managed to take care of necessary Chapter business--Grand Chapter reports, Quarterly taxes to the EDD. I'm on top of things. Have I typed the minutes from June yet? Uh.........
Well. time to get ot bed.
xxooxx
Friday afternoon, I went to the knitting shop because I have found an instruction that even I can't figure out. No luck with Kathryn, the owner, she couldn't figure it out either. We did find a web site, so I wrote to them for help. SINCE I was at the yarn shop, I just had to get the pattern for little fruit hats for size infant to T-2. And yarn;. I've made a blueberry and a strawberry. When I got home, I ordered more fruit colors. Yes, I do consider my hand slapped. I ordered this yarn form the Loopy Ewe. The awful bad thing that happened there is that I now have ordered so much from them that I have a $25.00 credit. That means I have to order more yarn--and I've got a huge Wish List with them
I didn't feel like reading on Sunday, Not a problem, there were backup's ready to take over, and kind sisters to keep me together. I hate weeping through all of church, but what better place to do it. The space is filled with people who love me deeply and care about me. People who are willing to dry my tears. People who understand. The worst part about crying in church is that it's hard to sing the hymns when my voice is croaky. We had a blessing of the new trees after the service--one of the branches is in memory of Lee--followed by a reception--perhaps leftovers from the Blessing of the Animals that I didn't go to on Saturday, No, it was a surprise Birthday Party for ME. I've never had a really honest to goodness surprise party before--one of the disadvantages of being a control freak. I was deeply touched. Tears of joy leave your eyes just as red as tears of sadness, but when they dry, You have the joy left over,
Monday was MY BIRTHDAY. I felt better for PT--not good, but better, I was able to actually do the exercises. Stopped at Barnes and Noble with a list of favorite authors and instead of buying a pile of books, bought a Nook. What the hell, it's MY birthday. I got lovely flowers from church and from my sister all the way in Scotland. Glenn gave me a Giant's shirt--the one that says "Got MELK?" I love it. I talked to Cindy for a long time--she thinks we're doing the right thing and agreed to write a letter for the cause and see what she could do about getting letters from other friends. I learned much in that conversation that I really didn't want to know, but really needed to know. Elaine left a message while I was talking to Cindy, I appreciated it, but haven't called her back. My friend Andrea came in the afternoon and we had a nice, spiritual time together. The only sad thing is that she can't be my executor, so I'll have to put more thought into that.
We had a fun Birthday Dinner at Red Robin (where Ally works). Monica wasn't feeling well, so it was just Glenn, Dory, Ally, and I. We had a tower of Onion Rings, various burgers, and an Ice Cream Cake. I'm not used to eating a lot after breakfast. I felt like the Pillsbury Dough Boy--but we had a great time--with NO drama. I know I wanted to be an actress for must of my young life, but I wanted to be a comedienne, do musical comedy,
Tuesday it was time for my new chemo--Navelbine. I had them schedule me in the morning so that Glenn could have some of his time off for himself. So we presented ourselves at 10:30. They had problems accessing my port--I knew the hospital should have used it. It gets little tiny clots that stick in the tubing when they are trying to get blood return. I try various positions and they shoot it full of saline and Drano--eventually whatever is there pops, the get blood return, and they can start the process. I haven't had any kind of chemo since Glenn's birthday--hospital should have used it--it would have saved me a big ugly bruise. Anyway, since I hadn't had chemo is so long, my numbers were pretty good--except CA125 which is now over 100. The good newses about my numbers being OK and that I could go ahead with chemo as planned and didn't need a procrit shot. I got a small bag of premeds--zofran and dexamethesone, usually. Then out comes the chemo. It usually comes in a quart bag. This was in a large Syringe that hooked onto the tubing and was infused over four or five minutes. After that, I got a small bag of saline, and we were off. Maybe the quickness of it makes up for the fact that I have to have it three Tuesdays in a row. It better be working, because I've felt terrible since they started infusing it. Not fair. I sure hope it is working, because I feel terrible. As soon as we got home, I took 2 percocets and a lorazapam and went to sleep. Glenn got me up at 2 for an appointment with my PCP--who has become Monica, Dory, and Glenn's PCP too. It was a follow up from the hospital.
Wednesday was a Mark day, Glenn and Ally didn't want me to try BART, so they lined up a ride downtown for me with my friend Roberta. I do feel warm fuzzys for the way they take care of me. Wednesday afternoon, Victoria and Iris came to visit. It was a lovely time, I can see little changes in her still tiny little person. I had a surprise for Victoria. I started a photo album of her from the time I first met her--she was about 10 days old--my Grandmother and I flew down to Santa Barbara for the day)--until she was about 2. I think there are more pictures in that book than our mother took of our whole childhood--and I'm jst the Aunt!. Anyway, I asked her if she would like to have it, since she would get it eventually. She got a little teary nad said "But it's yours!" I told her I din't want to hurt her feelings, but I don't pull it out every day and look at it. I thought since she now had a daughter of her own, it would be nice to make the comparisons. I think she was happy to take it. At least I hope so.
Thursday was Dr. Shen, the Gynological Oncologist. He just feels around and say come back in 4 months and wish he could make my pain go away. So do I. Ride for that was Vicki,.
Friday was a late birthday dinner with my dear friends Gloriann and Vaughn, We're still laughing over things we did in the 70's. Old, dear friends are the best.
All this while, the Giants have stepped up to their job as a major part of my recovery therapy. There's beem a little more drama than necessary, but they have been winning. Makes me happy.
So here it is--or was--the Third Saturday of the Quarter and time for OMNAB. I didn't want to go--I still feel pretty crappy--but a local piano teacher was using our Open Mic Night to give her students a chance to play. I figured short people could use all the audience they could get. I took my knitting and it helped for canceling Knitting Circle last night.
Well that's it, you are up to the minute, more or less. I've even managed to take care of necessary Chapter business--Grand Chapter reports, Quarterly taxes to the EDD. I'm on top of things. Have I typed the minutes from June yet? Uh.........
Well. time to get ot bed.
xxooxx
Saturday, July 14, 2012
WTF?
Let's start with the good stuff. After church and a dreadful Giant's game on Sunday, I set off for Richmond, to meet Miss Iris Gabrielle Wyatt. Victoria's pictures are better than mine, but here goes:
Monday I was feeling less good. I had a PT appointment and could barely walk into the room. No exercises for me. I got a massage, then spent 15 minutes lying on heat on my neck and shoulders. That felt good. The massage was practice for Sonoma. Monica, Glenn, and I had an appointment in Concord at John Muir in the afternoon. It was a very productive meeting. They are professionals and know what they are doing. We got some homework. I will call them next Monday and make the next appointment. I particularly liked the way they took the burden off my shoulders. We talked about my upcoming trip to Sonoma. They thought that was a wonderful thing I was doing for myself. I did too. I had my treatments memorized. My skin was just waiting to suck up every bit of cream it could find.
Tuesday morning, I felt worse than Monday. It was not hot, but I sweated heavily through breakfast. I was trying to get the last few details of my suitcase packed, and I really felt bad. Trouble breathing, heart palpitations (after I looked them up because people are always asking me if I have them. It was looking like Sonoma wasn't going to happen. I called my doctor's (PCP) office, and the word there was to go straight to emergency. I called the Spa to cancel my appointments for that day--then we decided I should cancel everything. They would take care of canceling my hotel reservation.
Glenn was otherwise engaged--he'd agreed to get Gretchen and Jim to the airport for their trip to
Scotland. We would babysit their truck while they were gone. The time that they were coming by coincided with when I had to leave. No problem, my wonderful Ally was there. I had to mail the annual report and pick up a prescription, so I thought we could go by CVS. At the last minute, I handed the envelope to Glenn and asked him to mail it. The prescription would wait. Ally needed gas, so we took care of that, then off to the hospital. We got the last parking space in the emergency lot and managed to get into the building. There was someone at the admitting desk, so we had to wait. That didn't take very long. It was our turn and we got to the desk and sat down. I could feel everything closing in on me, so I put my arm and head down on the desk. The next thing I knew, there were about five nurses and Ally, trying to get me onto a bed--we all managed, and they whisked me into one of the special rooms. I was bone weary. They got me into a hospital gown and got an IV started. There followed the usual tests. EKG, chest x-ray, chest CT. I had needles in each arm. Because I have cancer, my blood tests as though there might be an embolism, hence the CT. Nothing showed up there. The Doctor actually asked me if I wanted to stay or go home. Go home? Are you kidding me? What if it happens again? No, they kept me for two nights. Good thing we canceled Sonoma. I had a head CT Wednesday morning, then an EEG around noon. Both tests were perfect. My doctor wasn't sure I'd had a seizure. She thinks it was a vasovagal episode, brought on by stress. OK, well THAT will be really easy to eliminate from my life. Glenn brought me home yesterday afternoon. I'm discovering the benefits of Atavan. I kind of wanted to stay at the hospital--I felt safe there. But I'm home. I got through a few errands today with nothing amiss. I even cooked most of dinner--I did the chops and baked potatos and Glenn cooked the green stuff. Tomorrow will be better.
I trust Gretchen and Jim got to Scotland safely. Every fire engine in and around town was rushing up Monetary Drive, sirens blaring. Heard in the news it was a fire on Lake Drive. A two year old baby was killed. Prayers for the surviving grandmother and parents. Maybe tomorrow will be quieter.
xxooxx
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
If you Wanna Feel Better...
If you wanna feel better, just look at a baby. And I have one to look at! Things have been tense, and probably will be for the foreseeable future. I'm hurting. I have plenty of pain meds, but I don't really like taking too much. I also don't like hurting. It's a balancing act.
In the midst of all the Strum und Drang, my niece, Victoria, and brightened up my life by producing Miss Iris Gabrielle Wyatt. Iris was due on the 23rd, but came early. She popped out July 2 at 9:10 in the morning. Well, I don't think she exactly popped out. Victoria was in labor for a while. Victoria and Brian posted pictures on Facebook, and Gretchen, a very happy Grandma, sent me several. Iris is a beautiful little bit of a person. I look at the pictures and just smile. I think I don't hurt quite as much when I look at her little face. I want to be around for her important firsts. Her college graduation and wedding would be nice, but I think that would be pushing it, even if I weren't sick. Thank you, Victoria and Brian, for giving me a reason to smile, and thank you, God, for a safe delivery of the precious new member of the family
In the midst of all the Strum und Drang, my niece, Victoria, and brightened up my life by producing Miss Iris Gabrielle Wyatt. Iris was due on the 23rd, but came early. She popped out July 2 at 9:10 in the morning. Well, I don't think she exactly popped out. Victoria was in labor for a while. Victoria and Brian posted pictures on Facebook, and Gretchen, a very happy Grandma, sent me several. Iris is a beautiful little bit of a person. I look at the pictures and just smile. I think I don't hurt quite as much when I look at her little face. I want to be around for her important firsts. Her college graduation and wedding would be nice, but I think that would be pushing it, even if I weren't sick. Thank you, Victoria and Brian, for giving me a reason to smile, and thank you, God, for a safe delivery of the precious new member of the family
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Happy Grandma Day and not Such Good News
Stress level has been pretty high since the last blog. I started out with a delightful hour with Jenn Davis and her almost two yer old daughter. I got to pat the impending baby, who, we found out on the 25th, will be a little brother. He's due in the winter. The time with my therapist was helpful, as was the next day with my Stephen Minister and the day after that with my oncologist. It helps to have people to listen and it helps to talk.
I was going to take Glenn to a belated birthday lunch on the 25th, but I was really sick after physical therapy, so he got a rain check--or in this case, a puke check--I took zofran and a nap and didn't eat anything. Monica came over in the afternoon and we did some talking about the elephant in the room. Something has to be done. My therapist, Mark the wonderful, doesn't really want me involved, but I can talk with Monica and Glenn and help to stratagize. Monica needed to talk with her therapist, so the next conversation will be after that. In the mean time, I had a date with Monica for the 27th to take her to Golden Gate Park--a place she wasn't the least bit familar with. She asked if Becca and Ryan could come too. My answer was absolutely!
So Wednesday morning, a little after 10, I went to the other grandmother's house and picked up a carfull of grandchildren. I wanted to go by way of the ocean, but Great highway is still closed, so I had to drive around side streets till we got to Lincoln. I got to start where I wanted. First stop, the windmill. The girls had not tols Ryan where we were going, so he was a little miffed, but when we got there, he was a happy camper.
We got out for the first stop. Monica loves photography--all aspects of photography. She takes wonderful pictures. That said, I'm only showing you MY pictures, because it is MY blog. Monica took many pictures--I took a few--at least at the windmill.
I had a sort of vague plan of what I wanted to show them for this first trip. We piled back in the car and drove east. The next stop was the Buffalo Paddock. They are sort of mangy looking--I don't think I've ever seen the Golden Gate Park Buffalo when they weren't shedding, but hey, there are Buffalo--well,l Bison--in San Francisco. Who cares how attractive they are.
The Buffalo Paddock is apparently also the Gopher Paddock, although the gophers are rather less well fenced..
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| Gopher House |
 |
| Gopher checking things out |
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| Gopher getting braver |
After that, we'd pretty much done the Tea Garden, at least for this trip. We went out, around the front of the Band Shell, and over to the Hall of Sciences. The kids went through the Earthquake exhibit while I rested and caught up on the Giants game (they won, 3-0, thereby sweeping the Dodgers). We went through the Rain Forest exhibit and then visited some of the fish. The Planetarium show was sold out (I think that's called dodging a bullet), so we have to keep that for another trip. We looked at the Pendulum for a while, but we weren't near the hour, so it would be a long wait to watch it knock over a peg. We went to say hello to White Guy--White Guy has a real name, but I can't remember it and I do remember White Guy:
I had to get up at 5:30 Thursday morning to have my breakfast eaten before six--cenreal with milk and blueberries and V-8 juice--no coffee. I went back to sleep for about an hour, jumped into my clothes, and left for Mills Hospital by 7:30. Crystal Springs Road is still closed for repair, so once again, I had to use a circuituous route. I got to Radiology by 8, got my contrast beverage to drink--three cups over 40 minutes, got the scan--with IV contrast--and was on my home well before 10. I slept from 11 to 3, then 4:30 to 7. Watched the Giants win again, and slept some more. I wasn't as tired today. I knit--almost finished Monica's Sunset Print socks--and I read. Dr. Chee called me around 5. The scan was not good. So much for Gemzar. The new chemo (this will be #6) is a 28 day cycle, with infusions on days 1, 8, and 15, and a check up on day 22. Because I have my reservation for Sonoma starting the 10th, I get to hold off till the 17th. This is good. I'll have my spa time and my birthday feeling reasonably well. Victoria's baby is ready to be born any day, so maybe I'll even see my new great niece feeling good. Actually, I think anytime I see my great niece I will feel good--babies just put out this great vibe.
So that's it--more twisty paths for this journey of ours. Thank you for hanging with me. I know there are several of you out there who follow my story. Feel free to comment--even if it's just to say "Hi!" I know you are praying for me, I do feel that warm blanket. I'm feeling pretty good, which just means that the pain is well controlled. I get occassional twinges, but I have stuff for that. Dr. Chee says the new stuff will make me tired. Good thing I did the Bridge on Wednesday. I can deal with tired.
I just spell-checked today's epistle. Either it's broken or I've learned to spell in my old age!
xxooxx
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Chemo 5.5.2 and Glenn's Birthday
I see it's another of those catch up blogs. Just remember, if there's no blog, it probably means I haven't done much. I'll try to catch up.
I was supposed to have chemo May 29. Platelets were low, so I didn't. I saw my primary care doctor on the first. She started me on a new anti-depressant. It has one little side effect--severe nausea. I have drugs for that too. She also sent my to physical therapy, thinking that the breathing problem has something to do with my chest muscles. so I go once a week now. I have exercises and get my back and neck massaged. Not bad.
I had a little dinner party for Dory on June 4. Her birthday is the 10ty, but she was going to be out of town. We had salad and French Onion Soup--and birthday cake. The 5th was the postponed chemo. For the first time, it started hurting as soon as it got in. Because I've been flunking my day 8 blood test on a pretty regular basis, Dr. Chee lowered my chemo dose and put me on day 1 and day 15. It works out to every other week now. I had a gollow up with my PCP on the 6th. She kept me on the new drug, even with the nausea and took me off prozac. I've been taking that for almost 10 years. Coming off of it has been ok.
Glenn went on vacation for a week, leaving on the 7th. I asked him who would take me to the hospital in the middle of the night. He asked if I was planning on going--I told him no, but I didn't plan on it the last few times either. I managed just fine. My sister came up on the 9th. We went to a shower for Victoria on the 10th. The baby is due in four weeks--excitement is building. Victoria looks great. She got her EDD from Davis on the 13th, We're very proud of her. Gretchen and I went to see Madascar 3 and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on Monday. Both great movies.
Say Cardiologist #1 on the 15th--all is well. I've somehow lost an inch in height and 10 pounds. Happy about the pounds--not so much about the height.
Today It's 3 minutes to Wednesday as I type) was chemo 5.2. It was also Glenn's birthday. We were going to take things easy because of the chemo, but Elaine wanted to come over to celebrate. She wasn't feeling well and we should have kept with the original plan. It was an evening of drama that I'd just rather not blog about. I'm bery happy that I see my therapist tomorrow. Enough said.
I'm going to have a visitor in the morning. One of my favorite Job's Daughters, Jenn Neal Davis is in town and will come by with her little girl before i leave to see the therapist. That will be a very pleasant time.
That's it. You're caught up. I'll try to lead a more interesting life. I'm still working my way through the boxes of yarn. I gave Becca her latest pair of socks tonight and I started sock 2 of the next pair. The yarn is called Gingerbread, and it is one of the prettiest I've worked with so far. Now that's it.
xxooxx
I was supposed to have chemo May 29. Platelets were low, so I didn't. I saw my primary care doctor on the first. She started me on a new anti-depressant. It has one little side effect--severe nausea. I have drugs for that too. She also sent my to physical therapy, thinking that the breathing problem has something to do with my chest muscles. so I go once a week now. I have exercises and get my back and neck massaged. Not bad.
I had a little dinner party for Dory on June 4. Her birthday is the 10ty, but she was going to be out of town. We had salad and French Onion Soup--and birthday cake. The 5th was the postponed chemo. For the first time, it started hurting as soon as it got in. Because I've been flunking my day 8 blood test on a pretty regular basis, Dr. Chee lowered my chemo dose and put me on day 1 and day 15. It works out to every other week now. I had a gollow up with my PCP on the 6th. She kept me on the new drug, even with the nausea and took me off prozac. I've been taking that for almost 10 years. Coming off of it has been ok.
Glenn went on vacation for a week, leaving on the 7th. I asked him who would take me to the hospital in the middle of the night. He asked if I was planning on going--I told him no, but I didn't plan on it the last few times either. I managed just fine. My sister came up on the 9th. We went to a shower for Victoria on the 10th. The baby is due in four weeks--excitement is building. Victoria looks great. She got her EDD from Davis on the 13th, We're very proud of her. Gretchen and I went to see Madascar 3 and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on Monday. Both great movies.
Say Cardiologist #1 on the 15th--all is well. I've somehow lost an inch in height and 10 pounds. Happy about the pounds--not so much about the height.
Today It's 3 minutes to Wednesday as I type) was chemo 5.2. It was also Glenn's birthday. We were going to take things easy because of the chemo, but Elaine wanted to come over to celebrate. She wasn't feeling well and we should have kept with the original plan. It was an evening of drama that I'd just rather not blog about. I'm bery happy that I see my therapist tomorrow. Enough said.
I'm going to have a visitor in the morning. One of my favorite Job's Daughters, Jenn Neal Davis is in town and will come by with her little girl before i leave to see the therapist. That will be a very pleasant time.
That's it. You're caught up. I'll try to lead a more interesting life. I'm still working my way through the boxes of yarn. I gave Becca her latest pair of socks tonight and I started sock 2 of the next pair. The yarn is called Gingerbread, and it is one of the prettiest I've worked with so far. Now that's it.
xxooxx
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Catching up--yet again
I haven't blogged for a while, but I've been busy--or not feeling good. Mother's Day Eve I ran a temp of 100 and my lungs hurt, so off we were to the ER--after the Giants won their game. I do have my priorities. Everything was tested. Once again, it wasn't a heart attack, wasn't a clot, wasn't pneumonia or asthma. It wasn't anything that was going to kill me, so we were sent home around midnight, after blood tests, chest x-ray, and CT scan. Apparently the cancer makes my blood tests look like I have a clot, hence the scan. The fever went away on its own. I was only worried about the reservation at the Ahwahnee for Monday. The ER doctor wanted me to check with my cardiologist before I went to the mountains.
Mother's Day was quiet. Elaine had an infection in her jaw andMark wouldn't let her leave the house--good call. Monica and Rebecca came over and we hung out for the afternoon. I made Tomato Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches--serious comfort food. Dory and I kept checking on our packing status. I was going to Yosemite. I did check with Dr. Zipkin Monday morning and got the OK before we were on the San Mateo Bridge. I was still restricted from driving. Bless Dory, she was happy to drive and I got a lot of knitting done.
And some wildlife:
I sort of gave Dory the option of walking back to the Lower Falls stop or just crossing the road and walking to the Mountain Room--it was probably the same distance...sort of... We were ready to stop when we got to the restaurant. Prime Rib--yum.
Thursday, we were a little stiff. Decided that the two mile walk to and from Mirror Lake was not a good idea. So we took the bus to Sentinel Bridge and walked to the Chapel. Dory had never been there, and I really wanted to Thank God for keeping me alive to visit His house. God is everywhere, but his voting address in in Yosemite. So here are the pictures from the bus stop and the necessary :I don't need another picture of Half Dome" pictures:
We ate at the Ahwahnee Dining Room again--just too tired to go back to the Lodge, and we did have a reservation.
Friday was get away day. It was a beautiful drive, up 120 and over Tioga Pass. I should have taken pictures, but didn't, to show how little snow there was the middle of May. This was one of the earliest times the pass has been open for the summer. It was our gain, because that meant we got to go home by way of Reno--it is kind of like Yosemite is on the way home from Fresno--you take 41 and run smack into it. If you take Tioga and turn left on 395--same thing--you run smack into Reno. It wasn't as profitable as our last trip, but we had fun. Dory is a great traveling buddy. She's so easy to get along with and the same things strike us funny. We spent three nights at the Silver Legacy, then, as is our custom, we leave before breakfast and go to Boomtown for breakfast and slots. We figured how long it would take go get home, missing commute traffic in both Sacramento and the Bay Area. I called Glenn about 3:30 as we were getting gas, to let him know we'd be home around 9--he said he'd be home around 11--he was working on his day off. WELL, that settled that--we didn't have to be home until 11, back to the casino and the slots and more fun. We stopped at Burger King for a chicken sandwich and a shake and pulled into the driveway just, and I do mean just, ahead of Glenn. Bless my beast of burden. He carried everything upstairs when he was really tired from working all day.
Tuesday was Mark, and driving on my own. Once again, down to BART and downtown. I had a little PTSD getting off the train. There were lots of people and trains were going each direction, but I made it. One escalator was out of service, so I had to take an alternate route, but that was doable. Mark's schedule is changing, so I will change to Wednesdays--that's actually more convenient for my hair appointments. Josie doesn't work on Tuesdays. Now all I have to do is change my appointment for June 20 and life will be grand.
Tuesday afternoon was back to my chemo schedule. That was not without entertainment. Their blood count machine broke and they were having to send people to the hospital for their lab work. I didn't get the message, but I haven't had chemo for over a month and my count was good two weeks ago, so we just went for it--after keeping me waiting about half an hour. Then it took forever to access my port. I think they had to use five or six needles till they got blood return and I finally got my pre-meds and the Gemzar. Haven't felt really good since then, but this will pass. I had my teeth cleaning appointment on Thursday--checked with the oncologist--light cleaning and don't go below the gum line--cancer effects everything. No cavities, so maybe there is something to this brushing and flossing.
I've been knitting, working on things for my niece, whose baby is due in July. I won't post pictures till after her shower to keep it a surprise. I'm almost ready to go back to socks--and I used one skein from the Yarn Cave! Of course, I am lusting after new stuff, but I'm trying to get the stuff that needs doing finished.
I have chemo again on Tuesday. It will be the first time I've had the full cycle since February. Maybe I shouldn't jinx it.
That's my news.
xxooxx
Mother's Day was quiet. Elaine had an infection in her jaw andMark wouldn't let her leave the house--good call. Monica and Rebecca came over and we hung out for the afternoon. I made Tomato Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches--serious comfort food. Dory and I kept checking on our packing status. I was going to Yosemite. I did check with Dr. Zipkin Monday morning and got the OK before we were on the San Mateo Bridge. I was still restricted from driving. Bless Dory, she was happy to drive and I got a lot of knitting done.
We had lunch about half-way to Yosemite--good resting point. Then it was "Are we there yet?" It was a beautiful drive. Weather was perfect. I never put on a coat the whole time we were gone. We FINALLY got to the hotel, and waiting to greet us was Steve, my very favorite Bellman. I like most of the guys there, but Steve has been my favorite for over 20 years. Steve made sure that the General Manager welcomed us--that was pretty cool. He didn't think much of our room, so told us not too unpack too much--he'd see what he could do about moving us the next day. I sure love being taken care of. We got a room with a better view
We could see the falls and Steve's favorite Dogwood Tree was right outside out window.
Tuesday was a rest-all-day day. My lungs still hurt. We rode the Shuttle and did some shopping. 
This was always Lee's favorite tree, in front of the Village Store.
We had dinner at the Ahwahnee Dining Room because we didn't want to take the bus to the Lodge and we got a reservation at a reasonable time.
Wednesday we were ready for some exercise. We went to Happy Isles--Dory's favorite walk.
I try to go to Yosemite in Mid May because school is still in session, there's usually lots of water in the falls, and the Dogwood is in blossom. Here's lots of Dogwood.
After Happy Isles, we took the Shuttle to Lower Yosemite Falls. Dory wasn't sure two walks was a good idea, but I was pretty sure we could do it. We were planning on dinner at the Lodge, and it just didn't make sense to go back to the room for about five minutes and then take the bus to dinner. We rested lots on the trail. It's a pretty walk and not at all strenuous--well, not for normal people. It got colder and louder and windier as we got to the falls. There was LOTS of water.
Thursday, we were a little stiff. Decided that the two mile walk to and from Mirror Lake was not a good idea. So we took the bus to Sentinel Bridge and walked to the Chapel. Dory had never been there, and I really wanted to Thank God for keeping me alive to visit His house. God is everywhere, but his voting address in in Yosemite. So here are the pictures from the bus stop and the necessary :I don't need another picture of Half Dome" pictures:
Friday was get away day. It was a beautiful drive, up 120 and over Tioga Pass. I should have taken pictures, but didn't, to show how little snow there was the middle of May. This was one of the earliest times the pass has been open for the summer. It was our gain, because that meant we got to go home by way of Reno--it is kind of like Yosemite is on the way home from Fresno--you take 41 and run smack into it. If you take Tioga and turn left on 395--same thing--you run smack into Reno. It wasn't as profitable as our last trip, but we had fun. Dory is a great traveling buddy. She's so easy to get along with and the same things strike us funny. We spent three nights at the Silver Legacy, then, as is our custom, we leave before breakfast and go to Boomtown for breakfast and slots. We figured how long it would take go get home, missing commute traffic in both Sacramento and the Bay Area. I called Glenn about 3:30 as we were getting gas, to let him know we'd be home around 9--he said he'd be home around 11--he was working on his day off. WELL, that settled that--we didn't have to be home until 11, back to the casino and the slots and more fun. We stopped at Burger King for a chicken sandwich and a shake and pulled into the driveway just, and I do mean just, ahead of Glenn. Bless my beast of burden. He carried everything upstairs when he was really tired from working all day.
Tuesday was Mark, and driving on my own. Once again, down to BART and downtown. I had a little PTSD getting off the train. There were lots of people and trains were going each direction, but I made it. One escalator was out of service, so I had to take an alternate route, but that was doable. Mark's schedule is changing, so I will change to Wednesdays--that's actually more convenient for my hair appointments. Josie doesn't work on Tuesdays. Now all I have to do is change my appointment for June 20 and life will be grand.
Tuesday afternoon was back to my chemo schedule. That was not without entertainment. Their blood count machine broke and they were having to send people to the hospital for their lab work. I didn't get the message, but I haven't had chemo for over a month and my count was good two weeks ago, so we just went for it--after keeping me waiting about half an hour. Then it took forever to access my port. I think they had to use five or six needles till they got blood return and I finally got my pre-meds and the Gemzar. Haven't felt really good since then, but this will pass. I had my teeth cleaning appointment on Thursday--checked with the oncologist--light cleaning and don't go below the gum line--cancer effects everything. No cavities, so maybe there is something to this brushing and flossing.
I've been knitting, working on things for my niece, whose baby is due in July. I won't post pictures till after her shower to keep it a surprise. I'm almost ready to go back to socks--and I used one skein from the Yarn Cave! Of course, I am lusting after new stuff, but I'm trying to get the stuff that needs doing finished.
I have chemo again on Tuesday. It will be the first time I've had the full cycle since February. Maybe I shouldn't jinx it.
That's my news.
xxooxx
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