The orcs had not made their appearance Wednesday morning when Glenn took me to the Dorothy Schneider Cancer Center for my transfusion. They waited until I got there. Fortunately, I had pain meds with me. I got all comfortable in a chair with a view--could have had a bed. I got Tylenol and benedryl as pre meds, then settled back for two units of A positive blood. My appointment was at 8:15 in the morning and I left around 2. I got some knitting done and a great deal of snoozing. My friend and Eastern Star Sister Meg took me home. I napped for another hour or so. I was really pretty drowsy all day.
Today, I definitely have more pep. I'm not ready to run a marathon (ever), but I feel more energetic today and the orc attacks aren't as bad. I'm staying on top of that with meds.
It's opening day of baseball season, so I get to cheer for the Giants this evening. I have many knitting projects, so baseball season didn't come any too soon. The added energy will help too.
Go Giants!
xxooxx
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Chemo 3.2 and other stuff
The orcs retreated slowly about two weeks after they came so the last two weeks of the cycle weren't bad. I have no energy because my hemoglobin is very low--not so low that I couldn't have chemo today but low enough to for me to get two units of blood on Wednesday.
I spent most of week three and four inside watching it rain. Gretchen came up on Friday. She took me on a forced march in the afternoon--I did a little over a mile with rest stops.) We were going to go to a movie, but there was nothing playing that we were excited about. Saturday was the Ceili. We practiced to two hours in the morning. I came home, took a rest, painted my face--should do that more often--I look quite good with make-up--and we were off to the Ceili. It had a sort of shaky start--Sue was late--so we rearranged things and Andy taught some dances at the beginning. Eventually, things worked out. We had a great crowd and we played really well. I should have had the transfusion on Thursday, because I was really tired. But this is my passion and I played on adrenalin. The band played, we had some vocals, we had dancing for the audience, we had refreshments. Babies Emilie (14 months) and Viviann (9 months) had a blast dancing. It was hard to concentrate on the music because they were so cute, but I managed. Gretchen was very proud of me, which made me feel really good.
Sunday we went to church--i was lay reader and got to read from Numbers (everyone's favorite...). There was a meeting after church with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance--I was tired, we didn't stay. There was also a short PNC meeting--didn't stay for that either. Gretchen went for a long walk in the afternoon while I slept. We hopped on BART a little after four and went to dinner with Victoria and her new family in the evening. A good time was had by all.
Today was chemo--I wanted Gretchen to see what I go through. She did a lunch run and went for a walk while I was being infused. We came home--I napped and Gretchen went to Tanforan to get something cool to wear home tomorrow--we finally seem to be free of storms for the next week. Gretchen made me dinner, which was very nice of her. She's heading home tomorrow. I have a PNC meeting tomorrow night then the transfusion on Wednesday. I'm expecting to feel dreadful for the next few weeks. I'll try to blog sooner but make no promises.
xxooxx
I spent most of week three and four inside watching it rain. Gretchen came up on Friday. She took me on a forced march in the afternoon--I did a little over a mile with rest stops.) We were going to go to a movie, but there was nothing playing that we were excited about. Saturday was the Ceili. We practiced to two hours in the morning. I came home, took a rest, painted my face--should do that more often--I look quite good with make-up--and we were off to the Ceili. It had a sort of shaky start--Sue was late--so we rearranged things and Andy taught some dances at the beginning. Eventually, things worked out. We had a great crowd and we played really well. I should have had the transfusion on Thursday, because I was really tired. But this is my passion and I played on adrenalin. The band played, we had some vocals, we had dancing for the audience, we had refreshments. Babies Emilie (14 months) and Viviann (9 months) had a blast dancing. It was hard to concentrate on the music because they were so cute, but I managed. Gretchen was very proud of me, which made me feel really good.
Sunday we went to church--i was lay reader and got to read from Numbers (everyone's favorite...). There was a meeting after church with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance--I was tired, we didn't stay. There was also a short PNC meeting--didn't stay for that either. Gretchen went for a long walk in the afternoon while I slept. We hopped on BART a little after four and went to dinner with Victoria and her new family in the evening. A good time was had by all.
Today was chemo--I wanted Gretchen to see what I go through. She did a lunch run and went for a walk while I was being infused. We came home--I napped and Gretchen went to Tanforan to get something cool to wear home tomorrow--we finally seem to be free of storms for the next week. Gretchen made me dinner, which was very nice of her. She's heading home tomorrow. I have a PNC meeting tomorrow night then the transfusion on Wednesday. I'm expecting to feel dreadful for the next few weeks. I'll try to blog sooner but make no promises.
xxooxx
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Two weeks later
My sister reminded me that i haven't blogged in days, so I thought I'd stick my head up and let you know I'm still breathing. The orcs were pretty relentless this time. It wasn't as painful as Chemo 1, but it just went on and on. I saw Dr. Chee yesterday. She increased my pain meds and sent me for an abdominal x-ray. It could be still healing from the surgery or scar tissue. I have what I'm expecting to be the last appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. The incision has healed, but things are still hurting. Blood counts are down, but that's to be expected with chemo. We'll check it again next week and if the red count is still low, I might get a transfusion to give me some extra energy for the ceili.
That has been a joyful part of the last two weeks. We practice every Tuesday night for about an hour. Fiddling takes a little more energy than I've got right now, but it's so uplifting. The music stays rolling around in my head. You can't be cheerless with jigs dancing around in your brain. It just doesn't work.
Beside the band, there has been Eastern Star (two new, enthusiastic members last week--Yippee!), the PNC, the committee that is going on forever, church, knitting--lots of knitting. It's just that there's nothing new and exciting. I wake up each morning, so I guess that's the plus. And if the orcs are retreating till the next infusion of poison, so much the better.
xxooxx
That has been a joyful part of the last two weeks. We practice every Tuesday night for about an hour. Fiddling takes a little more energy than I've got right now, but it's so uplifting. The music stays rolling around in my head. You can't be cheerless with jigs dancing around in your brain. It just doesn't work.
Beside the band, there has been Eastern Star (two new, enthusiastic members last week--Yippee!), the PNC, the committee that is going on forever, church, knitting--lots of knitting. It's just that there's nothing new and exciting. I wake up each morning, so I guess that's the plus. And if the orcs are retreating till the next infusion of poison, so much the better.
xxooxx
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Chemo 3.1 Day 3
Just a quick status update. The Orcs have returned and have made camp in my abdomen. Feeling dreadful. This too shall pass--just not soon enough.
xxooxx
xxooxx
Monday, February 28, 2011
Chemo 3.1
Not bad--so far. The whole enterprise took a little over three hours. I had my blood work done last week, so they didn't have to start with that. First thing was Dex and Aloxi (check out April and December 08 for that), then I got Doxil, which still looks like Hawaiian Punch, and finally Carboplatin. I'm not feeling tip-top, but part of that is still from the surgery. And I'm tired. I'm getting lots of rest, but I'm tired. I'm anemic already and taking iron--and resting. Tomorrow is a full day. Judging from past chemos the day after is usually OK. Actually, with Doxil, everything was pretty good. Now I'm just waiting.
xxooxx
xxooxx
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Looking to the Near Future
It was a week of appointments. Monday was Dr. Chee. My surgery was almost as good as it could have been--best would have been if it was just scar tissue causing the blockage. There was some discussion as to whether I would need further chemo or not. Chemo won--but what kind? I could have carboplatin and taxol again and welcome a new series of orc wars on a three week cycle=and no hair. Boo hiss. Or I could have Doxil again and put up with skin problems on a four week cycle. Or something different. Different won--I'll be having carboplatin and doxil with a different set of side effects. I start Feb 28 then once every four weeks for six cycles. That's really the best that it could be. It doesn't interfere with the important things coming up--my Eastern Star meetings, the Ceili (perfect timing for that, the Ceili is March 26), or my trip to Yosemite in May. Bring it on.
Tuesday was Mark, my therapist. A visit with Mark includes a visit with Charles, the security guard in the lobby. Mark has been very good for me for years--Charles is an added bonus. Charles greets me with "Good morning, beautiful," and I feel beautiful, even if I'm not. Charles prays for me when I need prayers--that would be most of the time--and I pray for Charles when he needs it. Charles volunteers for the Red Cross and is one of those who rush in where angels fear to tread. Charles was also not there on Tuesday. He'd hurt his ankle the day before. i may have to make a special trip to Mark's building next Wednesday when I go downtown for my (FINALLY) haircut.
Wednesday was my follow-up with Dr. Allen, the surgeon. That took five minutes. Everything is healing as expected..see you in a month.
Thursday was just a social visit with my friend Andrea--but it's another bright spot in the week.
Friday, the visiting nurse came to check on my dressings--getting better but still draining. My friend Luanne came and brought lunch then stayed to try to organize one of my kitchen counters. "Where does this go?" "If I knew it would be there." It was really sweet of her--causes me a little anxiety because I really am comfortable with junk, but it looks much better. Luanne is another blessing in my life courtesy of the phone company. We worked together for years. I wouldn't like to think of my life without her because she is such a dear person. Friday afternoon was the last doctor appointment of the week--Dr. Maldonado for my heel. She gave me two shots to help the inflammation and more DuoDerm to protect it. I was once given a plaque that read "It isn't the mountains that get you down, it's the grain of sand in your shoe." My left heel is the grain of sand in my shoe. Not a big deal, but a pretty constant annoyance. I'd just like it to get better so I can start walking again...if it ever stops raining.
The rain has been with us all week. It has been glorious wonderful rain. When I can see the drops without my glasses, you know that's a good rain. It is good for my healing and my budget, because I'm not anxious to go out and shop in this weather. I'm happy in a cute sweater, nice and warm inside, knitting. I'm on a quick project right now. My friend Roxanne is a first time grandmother to premature twins. I got a whole book of preemie patterns. It's like making doll clothes. They are so cute--and so quick.
That's it for now. Anticipating chemo but confident.
xxooxx
Tuesday was Mark, my therapist. A visit with Mark includes a visit with Charles, the security guard in the lobby. Mark has been very good for me for years--Charles is an added bonus. Charles greets me with "Good morning, beautiful," and I feel beautiful, even if I'm not. Charles prays for me when I need prayers--that would be most of the time--and I pray for Charles when he needs it. Charles volunteers for the Red Cross and is one of those who rush in where angels fear to tread. Charles was also not there on Tuesday. He'd hurt his ankle the day before. i may have to make a special trip to Mark's building next Wednesday when I go downtown for my (FINALLY) haircut.
Wednesday was my follow-up with Dr. Allen, the surgeon. That took five minutes. Everything is healing as expected..see you in a month.
Thursday was just a social visit with my friend Andrea--but it's another bright spot in the week.
Friday, the visiting nurse came to check on my dressings--getting better but still draining. My friend Luanne came and brought lunch then stayed to try to organize one of my kitchen counters. "Where does this go?" "If I knew it would be there." It was really sweet of her--causes me a little anxiety because I really am comfortable with junk, but it looks much better. Luanne is another blessing in my life courtesy of the phone company. We worked together for years. I wouldn't like to think of my life without her because she is such a dear person. Friday afternoon was the last doctor appointment of the week--Dr. Maldonado for my heel. She gave me two shots to help the inflammation and more DuoDerm to protect it. I was once given a plaque that read "It isn't the mountains that get you down, it's the grain of sand in your shoe." My left heel is the grain of sand in my shoe. Not a big deal, but a pretty constant annoyance. I'd just like it to get better so I can start walking again...if it ever stops raining.
The rain has been with us all week. It has been glorious wonderful rain. When I can see the drops without my glasses, you know that's a good rain. It is good for my healing and my budget, because I'm not anxious to go out and shop in this weather. I'm happy in a cute sweater, nice and warm inside, knitting. I'm on a quick project right now. My friend Roxanne is a first time grandmother to premature twins. I got a whole book of preemie patterns. It's like making doll clothes. They are so cute--and so quick.
That's it for now. Anticipating chemo but confident.
xxooxx
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Remembering Way Back
I read obituaries. I have read obituaries for as long as I can remember. Because I've lived in the San Francisco Bay Area all my life, occasionally I run into names that mean something to me. This week, the memory tweaker was James Morley. I never knew James Morley, but his father, Professor Morley, was very important to my very small self. Professor Morley was old when I was a little girl on Etna Street. We moved to Russell Street when I was six, so that was a very long time ago.
Etna Street was a wonderful place in the early 50's. Our block was crawling with kids our age. Professor Morley lived four or five houses down the block, towards Derby Street. Most afternoons (or so it seemed), Professor Morley would gather the neighborhood children on his front steps, like so many baby ducklings, and read Beatrix Potter stories to us. He was already a retired professor then, with white hair. He was everyone's grandfather. What a lot of patience he must have had. I suppose now, people would assume the worst about an old man and a bunch of children. I liked the 50's. We just grouped around this great old man and he read us stories. It was a magical time.
So rest in peace, James Morley. Don't know a thing about you, but you had a great dad, so you had a good start in life.
I'm doing as expected, healing slowly. My skin really hates adhesives, so it is really looking forward to being bandage free. If it's all the same with God, I'd prefer not to get an infection in the incision this time. Looking forward to seeing Dr. Chee tomorrow to find out what is next.
xxooxx
Etna Street was a wonderful place in the early 50's. Our block was crawling with kids our age. Professor Morley lived four or five houses down the block, towards Derby Street. Most afternoons (or so it seemed), Professor Morley would gather the neighborhood children on his front steps, like so many baby ducklings, and read Beatrix Potter stories to us. He was already a retired professor then, with white hair. He was everyone's grandfather. What a lot of patience he must have had. I suppose now, people would assume the worst about an old man and a bunch of children. I liked the 50's. We just grouped around this great old man and he read us stories. It was a magical time.
So rest in peace, James Morley. Don't know a thing about you, but you had a great dad, so you had a good start in life.
I'm doing as expected, healing slowly. My skin really hates adhesives, so it is really looking forward to being bandage free. If it's all the same with God, I'd prefer not to get an infection in the incision this time. Looking forward to seeing Dr. Chee tomorrow to find out what is next.
xxooxx
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