That, in itself if exciting. I finished my home infusions on April 15 and have been engrossed in CNN since then, what with the bombing, shooting, capture, etc, then the explosion in Texas. Now we have wildfires in California, starting the fire season several months early. Then there's the big organization project. It is quite something. Glenn is happy to throw out cans of garbage. I must say, I didn't feel even a twinge of guilt throwing away papers dated 1991. Now they were stuck away in a drawer and hadn't been touched since forever, still, clearing out that space made room for more stuff to file and forget about. Good me!
And the completed knitting projects are piling up too. I finished the prayer shawl and started a new one. I have yarn for about three more after that. The beauty of a prayer shawl is that when I finish it, I take it to church and THEY get to store it! isn't that amazing?
It can't decide if it is going to be hot or cold. Naturally, I prefer cold, because you can always pile on blankets. We might even get rain next week.
I think I have three doctor appointments and a chapter meeting next week. I have such a busy social life. Got the invitation to Victoria and Brian's wedding today. It sounds serious once the invitations are in the mail. I made our hotel reservation, so I guess Glenn and I are going.
Guess I'd best get to sleep so that I don't sleep through either my breakfast or church.
xxooxx
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
New Legs
I'm done with home infusion. I'm done with cellulitis. I have ankles! I lost 20 pounds, mostly fluid, in the hospital, and I'm walking around on sticks. I say mostly fluid because I wasn't eating that much and the food was pretty awful.
I have to weigh myself every morning. If I go up more than a pound or two, I have to regulate my Torsemide. If I stay around my set weight, then I just take maintenance doses. Put on weight, increase the torsemide. Not that we wouldn't be happy for me to lose dry weight, too, it's just that I have to watch fro swelling. This is my second year of cellulitis. I don't want it again--for any number of reasons.
Knitting projects--I finished three octopus hats--though one of them is in hiding--and a gold shawl. The shawl needs pressing, then it will be gorgeous. I'm about 2/3 through with a prayer shawl. They are boring to knit and boring to finish, but oh so comfy to cuddle up in, so I keep making them, I'm also working on another shawl that used a hank from one of the bins! Now that is exciting. And I haven't ordered any new yarn. It seemed like such a good idea in the hospital, but it was too hard to get up and get out a credit card. And everyone would yell at me it I ordered more.
Today's project was getting the Chapter's membership pages in order. It was a monumental task, but I now have it under control--more or less. I have stacks of pages of deceased and demitted and suspended member pages to organize--I figured it was more important to take care of the live members first. At the same time, I'm organizing my office--talk about your monumental task. I figure it's OK to dump floppy disks, since nothing I have uses those anymore. I'm going back to my "10 Things a Day." It's ok to do more than 10, but I have to do at least 10, and 10 things makes an actual dent.
Next exciting thing--I'm driving! I didn't really feel safe driving between hospitalizations, while I was working myself off the primidone. That's long gone. I can down and up a flight of stairs without getting winded. I get tired, but that isn't the same thing. Yosemite is a month away, so I need to start walking. Maybe I can do my walking in Macy's or Nordstrom's. Except for one Christmas present, I haven't put my nose in a department store.
It's past my bedtime. Time to slather my legs with mineral oil--that's supposed to keep me from picking off the dead skin-there's LOTS of that.
xxooxx
I have to weigh myself every morning. If I go up more than a pound or two, I have to regulate my Torsemide. If I stay around my set weight, then I just take maintenance doses. Put on weight, increase the torsemide. Not that we wouldn't be happy for me to lose dry weight, too, it's just that I have to watch fro swelling. This is my second year of cellulitis. I don't want it again--for any number of reasons.
Knitting projects--I finished three octopus hats--though one of them is in hiding--and a gold shawl. The shawl needs pressing, then it will be gorgeous. I'm about 2/3 through with a prayer shawl. They are boring to knit and boring to finish, but oh so comfy to cuddle up in, so I keep making them, I'm also working on another shawl that used a hank from one of the bins! Now that is exciting. And I haven't ordered any new yarn. It seemed like such a good idea in the hospital, but it was too hard to get up and get out a credit card. And everyone would yell at me it I ordered more.
Today's project was getting the Chapter's membership pages in order. It was a monumental task, but I now have it under control--more or less. I have stacks of pages of deceased and demitted and suspended member pages to organize--I figured it was more important to take care of the live members first. At the same time, I'm organizing my office--talk about your monumental task. I figure it's OK to dump floppy disks, since nothing I have uses those anymore. I'm going back to my "10 Things a Day." It's ok to do more than 10, but I have to do at least 10, and 10 things makes an actual dent.
Next exciting thing--I'm driving! I didn't really feel safe driving between hospitalizations, while I was working myself off the primidone. That's long gone. I can down and up a flight of stairs without getting winded. I get tired, but that isn't the same thing. Yosemite is a month away, so I need to start walking. Maybe I can do my walking in Macy's or Nordstrom's. Except for one Christmas present, I haven't put my nose in a department store.
It's past my bedtime. Time to slather my legs with mineral oil--that's supposed to keep me from picking off the dead skin-there's LOTS of that.
xxooxx
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Transfusion to Transfusion and Beyond
The trouble with not blogging in a long time, is that there is a lot to catch up on. Somewhat more to catch up on than when I wrote the first sentence, which was 10 or so days ago. So this may take a while.
I left a significant detail out of my last blog--at the time thinking it was no biggie. My legs were starting to hurt again, so I had Dr. Chee take a look at them at my appointment on the 11th. Hmmmmm. Looked like cellulitis again. She put me on Ceflex for 10 days
I drove downtown on Valentine's day for a haircut. While I have many friends willing to drive me places, several of them don't drive in San Francisco. I don't quite understand that--it's just like driving anyplace else.
We finally started band practice on the 18. Since it was a holiday, it worked with everyone's schedule. We welcomed a new flutist to the band. We added one new piece and for the rest of it, went with our program from last year. I think I tried to start our practices in January--it took us that long to find a day that worked. Memo to self--start talking about practices in September.
Chemo on the 19th. This chemo is really easy. It is quick and hasn't demonstrated, at least to me, any unpleasant side effects. I had my scan on the 25th.
Bright and early on the 26th, Dory picked me up and we were off to Emeryville to catch the Snow Train to Reno--the very train trip we were supposed to take in 2008--on the very same day. Because we had to cancel rather suddenly in 2008, that being the day of my surgery, I got us first class tickets. This was something that they hadn't had before. It was to celebrate their 50th year of running the train--not steadily, because it hadn't run since the ill-fated 08. Our seats were in the dome car. We in the car had our own attendants and our own dining car. We paid for it, but worth it. The trip was oh so pleasant--smooth, beautiful. There was a rowdy crowd that got on in Sacramento. they came stocked with their own bar. When they found out that drinks were complementary in first class, they really took advantage of it. That was about the only down side of the trip. When we got to Reno, our attendant had arranged for a wheel chair for me. While you could practically spit on our hotel from the train station, on doctor's orders we took a cab rather then schlep our suitcases. Once at the hotel, my wonderful Dory arranged another wheel chair for me. It slowed us down a little, but nowhere near as much as my trying to walk would have. In fact, I did get cocky Wednesday morning and said I didn't need it, since we were just going to breakfast then from machine to machine. I got very tired very quickly. That was solved by a nap. We had dinner at Sterling's. I had rack of lamb, Dory had a fillet. The food was really good and the service was better. We didn't pay too late because we had to be at the train by 9:30 in the morning. We thanked the hotel for the use of the wheel chair, took a cab back across the street to the station, got another wheelchair, got me to the train. The trip home was as smooth as the trip up, and close to on time.
I met my Nephrologist on the first of March--an incredibly nice man with the cutest dimples. He increased my diuretics and had me make an appointment for three weeks to see how things were progressing.
March 4 I had an appointment with Dr. Chee to get the results of the CT. Glenn was working, so Ally drove me. We have this routine when I get scans. Dr. Chee comes into the room and asks "how are you?" I say to her, "I don't know. You're the one with the results. How am I?" This time the answer was "Better." The mass they have been following is somewhat smaller. Yay team! Then we looked at my legs. Oh, no. After 10 days of antibiotics they are not better but worse. Dr. Chee told me to go to the hospital because once again, I needed IV antibiotics. I told her it was the same deal as last year--I'd go after band practice. She may have rolled her eyes, but she has been taking care of me for five years and knows me pretty well by now. So, home we went to pack up the stuff I would need for the hospital. I always need stuff. I don't remember what we did about dinner, but Glenn got me to band practice, we went over our stuff, and then we were off to emergency. I asked the band to be good and practice without me--which they did.
Off to the hospital to check in for what turned out to be an eight day stay. Too long. I had the menu memorized in sort order--not that there was much I wanted to eat. I got my round the clock antibiotics and my shins got better. It no longer hurt to stand on them. I got my chemo in the hospital--which I thought would be no big deal, because it is no big deal when I go to the infusion center. It was a big deal--for everyone but me. I was fine with it--had a visitor, had dinner, no big deal. Went home on the 12th on oral antibiotics--and my legs wrapped in Unnaboots--not the most comfortable things by any stretch of the imagination..
Sometime in February, not quite sure when because it came on gradually, I developed a tremor. It got worse until it was pretty much obvious to anyone. There were times I couldn't control my hands--partial excuse for not blogging sooner. Anyway, I had them take a look at it during my 10 day visit to Peninsula. The doctor put me on medicine that might help. He also had a Neurologist look in on me. A follow up visit was recommended and secured for the 15th.
My second night at home, I woke up around 3, went to the bathroom, then figured since I was awake, I could pull a sneaky on Glenn and spend a little time on the computer. It turned out to be a very little time, because my hands wouldn't cooperate. So I turned out the light and started back to bed. Between the dresser and the bed, I tripped on nothing and did a face plant. Glenn was there in a flash. "Mom, are you all right?" I said, "Busted." Glenn told me I was busted the minute the light had gone on. So was I all right? My dignity was bruised. I had a scrape on my forehead and later discovered a shiner, and hurt my left thumb. Glenn thought I was a little loopier than usual and asked if I had increased my pain meds. Nope. I called the visiting nurse when it was daylight, just to make sure I hadn't done any major damage. When I met with the Neurologist, he took me off the medicine that they tried in the hospital--the only thing it would do was make me loopy--but I had to wean myself off of it. I was taking 4 per day--decrease by one every four days. It will then take your body about four weeks to get out of your system, then come see me. OK. Next was a visit to the lab to have blood work drawn for my Mar 22 follow-up with the Nephrologist.
It was good to go to church on the 17th--it was also good that the Ceili, originally scheduled for that evening, was postponed to the 23rd. We had a practice on the 18th. Glenn took me and Frank brought me home, followed by George so that both of them helped me into the house. I love my band. The 19th was a follow up with the Gastro-enterologist--everything fine there--one down. The 20th was my primary care in the morning--Glenn drove and in the afternoon follow-up with the Vascular Surgeon--it was Glenn's swing day, so Melinda drove me there. Are you getting a recurring there here--I didn't think it was prudent for me to drive for a while. The 21st was an appointment with my CPA for taxes--I carefully wrote down the time then filed it in my mind as a hour later. No problem, they said. I appreciated that. The 22nd was a follow-up with the Nephrologist--who increased my diuretics again and added another pill that retains potassium..
Gretchen got here Friday afternoon. She and Glenn did all the cooking while she was here. We had our final band practice at 6 and got out before the Mohk Yang congregation that meets at our church had their Friday night service. The band gave me a lovely necklace that they had all prayed over. I felt very special.
The Ceili was Saturday the 23rd. I rested in the morning then dressed and got to church around 1 for the 2 PM party. Getting me set up was interesting. Because I needed to keep my legs elevated, I sat in one chair. I had two chairs in front of me, with the backs to the outer sides of my legs. My music stand was between the chairs. Playing was a little awkward, but I managed. We didn't take things quite as fast as usual, but we were good. We had an added treat this year--two bagpipers! That was very cool. During our breaks, Andy led dancing. He asked Gretchen to be his display partner. She had a blast. Frank came prepared with several Irish stories that kept things pretty lively. When people asked how I was, the standard response was as long as I was sitting down and not moving, I was fine. If I got up and moved around, I was in excruciating pain. Even though I was on oral antibiotics, the redness and pain in my legs was moving up. After the show, they insisted that I use the church wheelchair. It helped.
Palm Sunday was a glorious day in many ways. The weather was lovely. Once again I used the church wheelchair. They turned the chair in front of me around so that I could keep my legs elevated. I did not process with palm branches. The service was lovely. After the service, we dedicated a mosaic wall that the church had commissioned and with the help of the community built in honor and memory of those lost in the explosion and fire in 2010, particularly the Bullis family. The mural is beautiful. There was a reception after the dedication. All of that being accomplished, Gretchen and I went to Richmond to see Victoria and Iris. I didn't hold Iris very much because her squirmy little body touching my legs was very painful. Gretchen drove home through Tilden Park, which was lovely. I don't think I've been there since Patti Wieger's wedding in 1994.
Monday was my follow up with the cancer center. I saw Suzanne, the nurse practitioner. She took a look at my legs, then Dr. Chee took a look at my legs. They were redder and shinier and really hurt. They also checked my blood. My red count was very low, so along with a Procrit shot, I got an appointment for a transfusion. I wrote down the appointment, 7:30, which is way early for me--except I put 7:00 in my brain. I woke up at 5, so I had plenty of time for breakfast. Glenn got me to the infusion center a little after 7--to find the door locked. There was one nurse inside setting up for the day. She let us in but told us that they didn't open till 7:30--oops. I sent Glenn home, picked out my chair and knit until they were officially open. Getting a transfusion is very peaceful. I always take plenty of stuff to keep me entertained, then sleep through most of it. Melinda picked me up when it was over. We ran a few errands and then she took me to my next appointment. When they cur of the Unnaboots, Melinda said that my legs were so much worse than the previous week. My appointment was with the doctor's assistant. She asked for the doctor to come in and look at them, since he had seen them the week before too. He stuck his head in the door and said "Oooooh. Hospital--now" I asked if I could go home first and get my hospital stuff. No. Hospital. Now. They are waiting for you in admissions. So downstairs we went and over to admissions. I said it would probably take a while to get my room ready, since that is what usually happens when I'm admitted from emergency. Could I go home and get my stuff. No, your room is ready. Whoosh and we were in room 3743. I texted Glenn and Ally. Bless her heart, Ally took her break to come home and get my stuff together. I gave Melinda my keys and thanked her profusely. There began another 10 days in the hospital. The whole while I was there, I was afraid that they would make me go to a Skilled Nursing Facility to get my antibiotics--I was getting them round the clock. I did not want to go-big time I didn't want to go. Eventually, I won. My Infectious Disease specialist changed my antibiotics to something I could infuse at home--which I am doing even as I type the end of this piece. I'm not going to bore you with my ten days lying in bed, most of the time with my feet higher than my heart. Suffice it to say that I now have ankles and I'm walking around on sticks. I lost about 20 pounds of fluid. They are hoping I can lose another ten or so pounds, then I have to watch for swelling or redness or pain. I can do that. I'm very happy to be home. I have 9 more days of home infusion. I can do that.
I'll try not to let another two months go by, faithful readers.
xxooxx
I left a significant detail out of my last blog--at the time thinking it was no biggie. My legs were starting to hurt again, so I had Dr. Chee take a look at them at my appointment on the 11th. Hmmmmm. Looked like cellulitis again. She put me on Ceflex for 10 days
I drove downtown on Valentine's day for a haircut. While I have many friends willing to drive me places, several of them don't drive in San Francisco. I don't quite understand that--it's just like driving anyplace else.
We finally started band practice on the 18. Since it was a holiday, it worked with everyone's schedule. We welcomed a new flutist to the band. We added one new piece and for the rest of it, went with our program from last year. I think I tried to start our practices in January--it took us that long to find a day that worked. Memo to self--start talking about practices in September.
Chemo on the 19th. This chemo is really easy. It is quick and hasn't demonstrated, at least to me, any unpleasant side effects. I had my scan on the 25th.
Bright and early on the 26th, Dory picked me up and we were off to Emeryville to catch the Snow Train to Reno--the very train trip we were supposed to take in 2008--on the very same day. Because we had to cancel rather suddenly in 2008, that being the day of my surgery, I got us first class tickets. This was something that they hadn't had before. It was to celebrate their 50th year of running the train--not steadily, because it hadn't run since the ill-fated 08. Our seats were in the dome car. We in the car had our own attendants and our own dining car. We paid for it, but worth it. The trip was oh so pleasant--smooth, beautiful. There was a rowdy crowd that got on in Sacramento. they came stocked with their own bar. When they found out that drinks were complementary in first class, they really took advantage of it. That was about the only down side of the trip. When we got to Reno, our attendant had arranged for a wheel chair for me. While you could practically spit on our hotel from the train station, on doctor's orders we took a cab rather then schlep our suitcases. Once at the hotel, my wonderful Dory arranged another wheel chair for me. It slowed us down a little, but nowhere near as much as my trying to walk would have. In fact, I did get cocky Wednesday morning and said I didn't need it, since we were just going to breakfast then from machine to machine. I got very tired very quickly. That was solved by a nap. We had dinner at Sterling's. I had rack of lamb, Dory had a fillet. The food was really good and the service was better. We didn't pay too late because we had to be at the train by 9:30 in the morning. We thanked the hotel for the use of the wheel chair, took a cab back across the street to the station, got another wheelchair, got me to the train. The trip home was as smooth as the trip up, and close to on time.
I met my Nephrologist on the first of March--an incredibly nice man with the cutest dimples. He increased my diuretics and had me make an appointment for three weeks to see how things were progressing.
March 4 I had an appointment with Dr. Chee to get the results of the CT. Glenn was working, so Ally drove me. We have this routine when I get scans. Dr. Chee comes into the room and asks "how are you?" I say to her, "I don't know. You're the one with the results. How am I?" This time the answer was "Better." The mass they have been following is somewhat smaller. Yay team! Then we looked at my legs. Oh, no. After 10 days of antibiotics they are not better but worse. Dr. Chee told me to go to the hospital because once again, I needed IV antibiotics. I told her it was the same deal as last year--I'd go after band practice. She may have rolled her eyes, but she has been taking care of me for five years and knows me pretty well by now. So, home we went to pack up the stuff I would need for the hospital. I always need stuff. I don't remember what we did about dinner, but Glenn got me to band practice, we went over our stuff, and then we were off to emergency. I asked the band to be good and practice without me--which they did.
Off to the hospital to check in for what turned out to be an eight day stay. Too long. I had the menu memorized in sort order--not that there was much I wanted to eat. I got my round the clock antibiotics and my shins got better. It no longer hurt to stand on them. I got my chemo in the hospital--which I thought would be no big deal, because it is no big deal when I go to the infusion center. It was a big deal--for everyone but me. I was fine with it--had a visitor, had dinner, no big deal. Went home on the 12th on oral antibiotics--and my legs wrapped in Unnaboots--not the most comfortable things by any stretch of the imagination..
Sometime in February, not quite sure when because it came on gradually, I developed a tremor. It got worse until it was pretty much obvious to anyone. There were times I couldn't control my hands--partial excuse for not blogging sooner. Anyway, I had them take a look at it during my 10 day visit to Peninsula. The doctor put me on medicine that might help. He also had a Neurologist look in on me. A follow up visit was recommended and secured for the 15th.
My second night at home, I woke up around 3, went to the bathroom, then figured since I was awake, I could pull a sneaky on Glenn and spend a little time on the computer. It turned out to be a very little time, because my hands wouldn't cooperate. So I turned out the light and started back to bed. Between the dresser and the bed, I tripped on nothing and did a face plant. Glenn was there in a flash. "Mom, are you all right?" I said, "Busted." Glenn told me I was busted the minute the light had gone on. So was I all right? My dignity was bruised. I had a scrape on my forehead and later discovered a shiner, and hurt my left thumb. Glenn thought I was a little loopier than usual and asked if I had increased my pain meds. Nope. I called the visiting nurse when it was daylight, just to make sure I hadn't done any major damage. When I met with the Neurologist, he took me off the medicine that they tried in the hospital--the only thing it would do was make me loopy--but I had to wean myself off of it. I was taking 4 per day--decrease by one every four days. It will then take your body about four weeks to get out of your system, then come see me. OK. Next was a visit to the lab to have blood work drawn for my Mar 22 follow-up with the Nephrologist.
It was good to go to church on the 17th--it was also good that the Ceili, originally scheduled for that evening, was postponed to the 23rd. We had a practice on the 18th. Glenn took me and Frank brought me home, followed by George so that both of them helped me into the house. I love my band. The 19th was a follow up with the Gastro-enterologist--everything fine there--one down. The 20th was my primary care in the morning--Glenn drove and in the afternoon follow-up with the Vascular Surgeon--it was Glenn's swing day, so Melinda drove me there. Are you getting a recurring there here--I didn't think it was prudent for me to drive for a while. The 21st was an appointment with my CPA for taxes--I carefully wrote down the time then filed it in my mind as a hour later. No problem, they said. I appreciated that. The 22nd was a follow-up with the Nephrologist--who increased my diuretics again and added another pill that retains potassium..
Gretchen got here Friday afternoon. She and Glenn did all the cooking while she was here. We had our final band practice at 6 and got out before the Mohk Yang congregation that meets at our church had their Friday night service. The band gave me a lovely necklace that they had all prayed over. I felt very special.
The Ceili was Saturday the 23rd. I rested in the morning then dressed and got to church around 1 for the 2 PM party. Getting me set up was interesting. Because I needed to keep my legs elevated, I sat in one chair. I had two chairs in front of me, with the backs to the outer sides of my legs. My music stand was between the chairs. Playing was a little awkward, but I managed. We didn't take things quite as fast as usual, but we were good. We had an added treat this year--two bagpipers! That was very cool. During our breaks, Andy led dancing. He asked Gretchen to be his display partner. She had a blast. Frank came prepared with several Irish stories that kept things pretty lively. When people asked how I was, the standard response was as long as I was sitting down and not moving, I was fine. If I got up and moved around, I was in excruciating pain. Even though I was on oral antibiotics, the redness and pain in my legs was moving up. After the show, they insisted that I use the church wheelchair. It helped.
Palm Sunday was a glorious day in many ways. The weather was lovely. Once again I used the church wheelchair. They turned the chair in front of me around so that I could keep my legs elevated. I did not process with palm branches. The service was lovely. After the service, we dedicated a mosaic wall that the church had commissioned and with the help of the community built in honor and memory of those lost in the explosion and fire in 2010, particularly the Bullis family. The mural is beautiful. There was a reception after the dedication. All of that being accomplished, Gretchen and I went to Richmond to see Victoria and Iris. I didn't hold Iris very much because her squirmy little body touching my legs was very painful. Gretchen drove home through Tilden Park, which was lovely. I don't think I've been there since Patti Wieger's wedding in 1994.
Monday was my follow up with the cancer center. I saw Suzanne, the nurse practitioner. She took a look at my legs, then Dr. Chee took a look at my legs. They were redder and shinier and really hurt. They also checked my blood. My red count was very low, so along with a Procrit shot, I got an appointment for a transfusion. I wrote down the appointment, 7:30, which is way early for me--except I put 7:00 in my brain. I woke up at 5, so I had plenty of time for breakfast. Glenn got me to the infusion center a little after 7--to find the door locked. There was one nurse inside setting up for the day. She let us in but told us that they didn't open till 7:30--oops. I sent Glenn home, picked out my chair and knit until they were officially open. Getting a transfusion is very peaceful. I always take plenty of stuff to keep me entertained, then sleep through most of it. Melinda picked me up when it was over. We ran a few errands and then she took me to my next appointment. When they cur of the Unnaboots, Melinda said that my legs were so much worse than the previous week. My appointment was with the doctor's assistant. She asked for the doctor to come in and look at them, since he had seen them the week before too. He stuck his head in the door and said "Oooooh. Hospital--now" I asked if I could go home first and get my hospital stuff. No. Hospital. Now. They are waiting for you in admissions. So downstairs we went and over to admissions. I said it would probably take a while to get my room ready, since that is what usually happens when I'm admitted from emergency. Could I go home and get my stuff. No, your room is ready. Whoosh and we were in room 3743. I texted Glenn and Ally. Bless her heart, Ally took her break to come home and get my stuff together. I gave Melinda my keys and thanked her profusely. There began another 10 days in the hospital. The whole while I was there, I was afraid that they would make me go to a Skilled Nursing Facility to get my antibiotics--I was getting them round the clock. I did not want to go-big time I didn't want to go. Eventually, I won. My Infectious Disease specialist changed my antibiotics to something I could infuse at home--which I am doing even as I type the end of this piece. I'm not going to bore you with my ten days lying in bed, most of the time with my feet higher than my heart. Suffice it to say that I now have ankles and I'm walking around on sticks. I lost about 20 pounds of fluid. They are hoping I can lose another ten or so pounds, then I have to watch for swelling or redness or pain. I can do that. I'm very happy to be home. I have 9 more days of home infusion. I can do that.
I'll try not to let another two months go by, faithful readers.
xxooxx
Monday, February 11, 2013
Not as far behind as I thought
Glenn had to work the Tuesday that I left, so I packed the dead body the night before and he put it in the trunk. I got the rest of my things ready to go Tuesday morning, then wondered how I was going to get them all downstairs. I had my computer, CPAP, snacks, books, and yarn--I alawys plan on doing ever so much more than I end up doing, but I need plenty of toys. Just as I was about to start schlepping stuff down, Leo got home. He took it all down in a heartbeat. Thank you, Leo.
The traffic was very light. I got to Sonoma somewhat after 1. I was greeted by the Bellman, who put all my stuff on his cart and took me to my room--181 which we had figured would be perfect on my last trip. I didn't have to check in at the front desk or anything. And the room was ready! I always let them know I will be an early check-in, but it has never been that smooth. I grabbed a swim suit and slippers and went to the spa. I did not use the golf cart because the spa was right across the road from my room. I checked in and was given my locker key. Inside my locker was a bag containing Elli, the Lavender Elephant, and a sweet note from the Spa Fairies There was another lady in the locker room who asked why I got a present. I said, "I'm special." I found out later that they went to considerable pains to get Elli. She was the very first one, before they got their shipment. They really do sweet things for me.
First thing on the program was a Watsu at 2:45 from Lani. Lani is very nice, but she just isn't Soledad. I had a little nap when I was supposed to be knitting, then I had a Sonoma Stone Massage from David. David is one of my favorites. He finally has a woman in his life. I'm pleased about that. I could barely walk after the massage--I had the wall holding me up on one side and David on the other. He walked me back to the locker room--good thing, I was pretty wobbly. I changed and went back to my room, then off to the Big 3 for dinner, and the shock of the vacation. They have taken out the Market. It was a delightful place to nose around and pick up sundries. They turned it into a lounge, complete with wide screen TVs. There is now no place to get sundries at the hotel. There is the Spa Boutique, but it isn't the same. I had dinner then back to the room, where I stayed up too late.
Wednesday morning started with Lemon cottage cheese pancakes for breakfast. I don't like pancakes and I don't like cottage cheese, but I love these. Generally, Lori takes care of me for breakfast. I started the day at the spa with a Spicy Gingerbread scrub and massage. It is wonderful, You smell like a gingerbread cookie and want to eat yourself. That was at 10:15. The yummy smell only lasted so long--at 12:45 I had a Lavender Kur. that is not to imply that you do not smell heavenly after the Lavender Kur--you just don't smell like a cookie. I had a facial at 3:15
Thursday was a very full day. 10:15 Watsu with Glenn, 12:45 Rejuvenating Kur with Diane, 3:15 Tandem Massage with Diane and David--a totally sinful treatment, then at 4:30, Reiki with reflexology with Diane. My Reiki with Diane is better than a CT scan. She knows more about what is going on inside me than my doctor does.
Friday started with a 10:15 Watsu with Laura--Laura's Watsus are pretty fantastic. 12:45 Talasso Spirulina Kur--not the most glamorous treatment, but it sure makes your skin feel good. At 4:30 I had a Thai Massage with Sharon. I usually get them with Bill, but he's on disability--didn't stop him from hanging around the spa, but he just couldn't give treatments.
Saturday I had my pancakes again, and then packed up and checked out. My day was spent in the salon, fingers, toes, and a wonderful hair and scalp treatment when Rudolfo was finished, because i couldn't move. I stopped at the spa boutique to say good by. This time I tool the golf cart back to valet parking. They poured me into my car and filled the trunk. Somehow I made it home without crashing into anyone, and somehow I make it home in the time I told Glenn it would take. I was a puddle of muush. I celebrated my homecoming with a crown coming out. Yippee.
Church was kind of lonely on Sunday. Most of the women were at Westminster Woods for the Women's retreat. It has never appealed to me. I went there once when I was in the 9th grade.
Monday the 28th was chemo. This one is really quick. The only side effect I've noticed is an itchy rash. I have prednisone to treat that. Tuesday, my friends Karen and Ted came and brought lunch. Next month we will have known each other for 50 years. I went to the dentist in the afternoon and got my crown re cemented. Not bad.
Saturday was Barbara DeLand's memorial service. It was harder on me than I expected. The last time I saw Barbara, I was leaving after an appointment with Dr. Chee and Barbara was going for chemo. She got pneumonia shortly after that and went quite quickly. Barbara had bone cancer. I think she was diagnosed sometime after I was. The memorial service reminded me that I too have a terminal illness. I don't feel like I'm going to die soon, but there's always that illness hanging over my head. Glenn and I had planned on going to First Saturday dinner at Sue Bullis's new house. I just didn't have the energy.
Sunday, my nose bled all through church. The worst was when it dripped on my dress. It was Super Bowl Sunday, and at least the blood was 49er's colors. Ken and Roberta Henry wouldn't let me drive myself home. In fact, they wouldn't let me stay home. Roberta drove me home to pick up my knitting and Ken drove my car home. After that, they took me to emergency to get my nose taken care of. We called Glenn, who said he'd be right there. I got my nose cauterized again and my blood sucked. All my numbers were low--that would explain the exhaustion. We sent the Henrys home in time for kick off. In fact, Glenn got me home in time for kick off. He went off to watch the game with friends. I slept till sometime in the third quarter. We lost, so it really wasn't worth waking up.
Monday, Suzanne called me from the Cancer Center with my appointment for a transfusion on Wednesday. What a good idea. It took some work getting there and back. My car was in the shop with an oil leak. It all worked out. Glenn got me there and Ellen Kross from church picked me up and took me home. I had lots of projects with me. I slept most of the time. I got two units of red cells. I've been resting most of the time since then, but I think I do feel better.
That catches me up, I think. I saw Dr. Chee today. She set me up for procrit again and wants me to see a nephrologist--that will be March 1. So there we are. Wednesday is Elaine's birthday. I sent her a letter. I couldn't let it go by without some acknowledgement. Hope she's doing well.
xxooxx
Monday, January 21, 2013
Quality of Life
It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately, possibly because it is something my oncologist and i talk about. I know the smart thing is to focus on the things I can still do and not on the things I can't do any more. I can knit, and I do that quite well. I can read. i can still cook when I want to. I put on a birthday dinner for Ally last night that was lovely. Green salad, mashed potatoes (which turned out to be her brother Danny's almost favorite food), Prime Rib, and birthday cake--store bought. It wasn't hard. We used the good china and the silver and the good crystal. I did the prep work, cooking, and cleaning. I was tired, but I would have been tired before I got sick.
Victoria posted pictures of her and Brian and Iris hiking Mt. Tam today. the pictures were beautiful, but it broke my heart. I could no more do that anymore than fly. And I used to love to hike. When i was a little girl, my Mother said I was part mountain goat. I would go right up the side of the hill.
I had my big adventure last week. I took Bart downtown by myself and walk to my therapist's office and reversed the process, but the next day, climbing up four stairs wiped me out and I was gasping.
Dr. Zipkin suggested I work my way back, and I should try that, walking around Tanforan until the weather improves. This girl hiked the Plane of Six Glaciers 7 years ago and won a BMW (Burly Mountain Woman) certificate! Once again, I wasn't sick and weighed 30 pounds less.
So quality of life. I'm surrounded by people who love me--that's a good thing. I can still set the fiddle on fire--that's a good thing. I can make Christmas cookies--that's good or bad, depending on who eats them. My nose seems to have stopped bleeding--that's a very good thing. I can't go for a walk in the woods. That makes me sad. Allow me some time to mourn for what I can't do, then I'll be myself again.
I'm off to Sonoma on Tuesday--that should perk me up.
xxooxx
Victoria posted pictures of her and Brian and Iris hiking Mt. Tam today. the pictures were beautiful, but it broke my heart. I could no more do that anymore than fly. And I used to love to hike. When i was a little girl, my Mother said I was part mountain goat. I would go right up the side of the hill.
I had my big adventure last week. I took Bart downtown by myself and walk to my therapist's office and reversed the process, but the next day, climbing up four stairs wiped me out and I was gasping.
Dr. Zipkin suggested I work my way back, and I should try that, walking around Tanforan until the weather improves. This girl hiked the Plane of Six Glaciers 7 years ago and won a BMW (Burly Mountain Woman) certificate! Once again, I wasn't sick and weighed 30 pounds less.
So quality of life. I'm surrounded by people who love me--that's a good thing. I can still set the fiddle on fire--that's a good thing. I can make Christmas cookies--that's good or bad, depending on who eats them. My nose seems to have stopped bleeding--that's a very good thing. I can't go for a walk in the woods. That makes me sad. Allow me some time to mourn for what I can't do, then I'll be myself again.
I'm off to Sonoma on Tuesday--that should perk me up.
xxooxx
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
So it's 2013 Already
Where to start. I finished the sweater for the babysitter--quite nice. I'm sure she will be pleased. I got a commission for another baby sweater and Ally would like a sweater for her birthday. I can do that. She won't have it on her birthday, which is Saturday, but it's the thought that counts. She picked it out of a new book that I'm anxious to try, so all in all, it will be an enjoyable project. I'm working on a sweater for Iris--out of yarn on hand. I went to 9 Rubies on Monday and only bought knitting needles--though I did lust over some incredibly beautiful yarn that goes for $47.00/hank. At that price, it had better be beautiful!
Boxing day scan--not bad but not good. the mass is still growing slowly, but we've had two scans with it growing. So we are now on chemo #8, Alimta. It's quick. I didn't have my last infusion of Avastin. The day I was supposed to get it, my blood pressure was too high. The day they postponed it to, Dr. Chee changed me to the new stuff. What I notice is that I can walk just a little bit further before I start gasping. Life is not all bad.
The new washer arrived and is working well. Unfortunately, I also had to get a new water heater and a new dishwasher. It has been an expensive month.
Yesterday, I had lunch with my new friend from Connecticut--the one I make wool mittens for. She was out here visiting her daughter. We had a delightful time. I also had two doctor appointments. My nose started bleeding last week. I called Dr. Chee about it on Friday. She had me go to the hospital for a CBC. She didn't call me back with the results, but it kept bleeding, off and on, so Friday night, Glenn took me to emergency. They cauterized it, which was not at all pleasant--or effective. One of the doctors I saw Monday was my primary care. She didn't seem too concerned. I also have another bleeding site for which she sent me off to see a gastro-entorologist. He prescribed a powder that seems to be helping. Also have an itchy rash on my chest and neck--got a cream for that--it isn't working as fast as the powder.
During all of this, I've been working my buns off for the chapter. I typed up a new roster that I hope will convert to mailing labels, and did all the end of year taxes. That was fun.
So now we're caught up to the middle of the month. I'm off to Sonoma next week. I need the rest.
xxooxx
Boxing day scan--not bad but not good. the mass is still growing slowly, but we've had two scans with it growing. So we are now on chemo #8, Alimta. It's quick. I didn't have my last infusion of Avastin. The day I was supposed to get it, my blood pressure was too high. The day they postponed it to, Dr. Chee changed me to the new stuff. What I notice is that I can walk just a little bit further before I start gasping. Life is not all bad.
The new washer arrived and is working well. Unfortunately, I also had to get a new water heater and a new dishwasher. It has been an expensive month.
Yesterday, I had lunch with my new friend from Connecticut--the one I make wool mittens for. She was out here visiting her daughter. We had a delightful time. I also had two doctor appointments. My nose started bleeding last week. I called Dr. Chee about it on Friday. She had me go to the hospital for a CBC. She didn't call me back with the results, but it kept bleeding, off and on, so Friday night, Glenn took me to emergency. They cauterized it, which was not at all pleasant--or effective. One of the doctors I saw Monday was my primary care. She didn't seem too concerned. I also have another bleeding site for which she sent me off to see a gastro-entorologist. He prescribed a powder that seems to be helping. Also have an itchy rash on my chest and neck--got a cream for that--it isn't working as fast as the powder.
During all of this, I've been working my buns off for the chapter. I typed up a new roster that I hope will convert to mailing labels, and did all the end of year taxes. That was fun.
So now we're caught up to the middle of the month. I'm off to Sonoma next week. I need the rest.
xxooxx
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Christmas
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
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 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
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