I can't believe it--last blog I was amazed that it was September and now it's almost over. Haven't done much--still trying to get my stamina back. Highlights of the month were our Remembrance Sunday service on 9-11. I played Barber's Adagio for Strings for the candle lighting. I haven't played serious music in a long time--it went quite well. The following Saturday was my niece Victoria's engagement party. We had almost the whole family together for the first time in almost forever. Missing were my nephew Kyle, at a wedding in the Carolina's, I think, and grandson Ryan, who was doing boy things with his friends. I had my check up with Dr. Chee (oncologist). Things are about the same. I'll have my next scan in November.
So here I am at the Sonoma Mission Inn. I left home around 11:30. Traffic through the city on 19th Avenue was a breeze and I got here a little after 1. My room was ready so I went off to catch most of my soap. I got to my building and met the bellman--at the foot of the staircase. No elevator--that was not going to work. So back to the lobby to wait for something on the first floor or in a building with an elevator. I sat and knit. I got into my room a little after three. I got organized, then it was off to the spa for a massage with David and the first Watsu with Soledad. Wednesday morning I had breakfast--lemon cottage cheese pancakes--always the first day breakfast--and Watsu number 2 with Glenn. In the afternoon, I had a new treatment--Wine Country Recovery with Soledad, starts with a bath then an aloe-gel wrap, foot massage and facial. It was amazing. My chemo dried skin loved it. That was followed by a tandem massage with Soledad and David. I still think that should be illegal it feels so good. I rested on the loggia for a bit, then it was off to dinner and back to the room to knit. I'm half through with the last scarf in the project--and two weeks to go. I stayed up too late to get to that point and to finish this. I think I have four activities tomorrow--pampering can be exhausting. So good night for now.
xxooxx
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
September Tunes
I'm not sure how it happened, but it seems to be September already. I should be at Camp Jones Gulch this weekend, fiddling my heart out. Alas, the Gateswingers don't go there for Labor Day any more. I remember when Lee first took me, just before we were married. I didn't think I could spare the weekend, but it came to be a cherished time. I don't think I ever would have started fiddling without the time spent there and the encouragement I got playing with Keeping Up With the Joneses. I think I prefer playing with the Brawlers, because we don't play for dancers and we can play the tough tunes a little slower if we need to and we only play the tunes twice through as a rule.
I had a gig yesterday morning in Morgan Hill. I had to leave the house around 8,which meant breakfast by 6:30. In the morning. I forgot there was a 6:30 in the morning. The gig wasn't terribly taxing--ended up playing less than planned. That's because just before we were going to start, as I tuned, my G string broke. I go years without strings breaking, but my A broke just before Piper's wedding last year and there went the G. Fortunately, I always carry spares, but there was the whole production of changing the string, then praying that it didn't go out of tune when I needed it. The best part of the exercise, was that they paid me for playing! That was a treat--and they fed me--and I got home in time to watch the Cal game. Cal won.
A few months ago, I took on a huge knitting project. I had several months to complete it, so I wasn't worried. I now have four and a half weeks to finish and I'm about half done. So much for knitting socks for fun--it's the project till I get it finished.
The little girls from across the street stopped by to visit this evening. They aren't little girls any more. The older one graduated from college last May and the younger one is starting college in a week or so. The older one was a baby when her parents bought the house across the street. I've watched them grow up to be lovely young women. They have always been really sweet girls. I didn't let them leave empty handed. One got a hat when she asked if I would make her one (no, I didn't sit down and whip it up, I had it on hand) and the other got the most recent pair of socks. I'll get back to socks and hats when the project is over.
I'm doing well. Chemo was six weeks ago. I'm still dealing with side effects, but I'm not as tired as I was, and that's a blessing. My skin is still very dry and more hair falls out than I'd like. I know that is cyclical and will pass. It's like the stamina thing. I'm feeling good for the most part--once again working my way off pain meds. I won't push it, but if I can get off them, I will--at least until I start to hurt again. I'm not rushing either. I think I'll just enjoy feeling good for a while.
That's it for now. Besides the knitting, I have to practice real music. I'm playing at church next week. Guess I'd better check my stash of strings while I'm at it.
xxooxx
I had a gig yesterday morning in Morgan Hill. I had to leave the house around 8,which meant breakfast by 6:30. In the morning. I forgot there was a 6:30 in the morning. The gig wasn't terribly taxing--ended up playing less than planned. That's because just before we were going to start, as I tuned, my G string broke. I go years without strings breaking, but my A broke just before Piper's wedding last year and there went the G. Fortunately, I always carry spares, but there was the whole production of changing the string, then praying that it didn't go out of tune when I needed it. The best part of the exercise, was that they paid me for playing! That was a treat--and they fed me--and I got home in time to watch the Cal game. Cal won.
A few months ago, I took on a huge knitting project. I had several months to complete it, so I wasn't worried. I now have four and a half weeks to finish and I'm about half done. So much for knitting socks for fun--it's the project till I get it finished.
The little girls from across the street stopped by to visit this evening. They aren't little girls any more. The older one graduated from college last May and the younger one is starting college in a week or so. The older one was a baby when her parents bought the house across the street. I've watched them grow up to be lovely young women. They have always been really sweet girls. I didn't let them leave empty handed. One got a hat when she asked if I would make her one (no, I didn't sit down and whip it up, I had it on hand) and the other got the most recent pair of socks. I'll get back to socks and hats when the project is over.
I'm doing well. Chemo was six weeks ago. I'm still dealing with side effects, but I'm not as tired as I was, and that's a blessing. My skin is still very dry and more hair falls out than I'd like. I know that is cyclical and will pass. It's like the stamina thing. I'm feeling good for the most part--once again working my way off pain meds. I won't push it, but if I can get off them, I will--at least until I start to hurt again. I'm not rushing either. I think I'll just enjoy feeling good for a while.
That's it for now. Besides the knitting, I have to practice real music. I'm playing at church next week. Guess I'd better check my stash of strings while I'm at it.
xxooxx
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Ran Away from Home--Had an Extended Blast
I haven't blogged for a while because I haven't done anything except recover from chemo. Had a transfusion on the 16th and that perked me up a little. Last Tuesday, that would be the 23rd, Dory picked me up around 11 and we were off for a three day stay at the Silver Legacy in Reno. Thursday, as we were thinking about going home the next day, we decided to stay over another night and come home Saturday. we were having such a good time. The same thing happened on Friday. We kept crazy hours, we ate when we felt like it, we never went outside between turning the car over to the valet and retrieving it. We laughed most of the time. I played many machines--Dory would find one she liked and stay there. We each have our own code. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I hardly ever go to the movies--slots are entertaining as hell for me. I spent lots of time playing on house money.
We packed up this morning and left before breakfast so we couldn't change our minds again. I really did need to come home. We stopped at Boomtown for breakfast and a little slots. I kept setting times that we should leave and we kept ignoring them. We actually got into the car around 2--and decided to play just a little longer. So we played a bit more, watched the end of the Giants game on the jumbo screen, thought about spending the night there--but I was out of clean clothes and really did need to get home. I called Glenn just before we left so there was no turning back. We had dinner at Lou LaBonte's just before Auburn and got home a little after nine. Two very happy old ladies. Now we're plotting our next trip.
I'm feeling good--still some abdominal soreness, but my energy is coming back. Have to figure out how to be a normal person again.
xxooxx
We packed up this morning and left before breakfast so we couldn't change our minds again. I really did need to come home. We stopped at Boomtown for breakfast and a little slots. I kept setting times that we should leave and we kept ignoring them. We actually got into the car around 2--and decided to play just a little longer. So we played a bit more, watched the end of the Giants game on the jumbo screen, thought about spending the night there--but I was out of clean clothes and really did need to get home. I called Glenn just before we left so there was no turning back. We had dinner at Lou LaBonte's just before Auburn and got home a little after nine. Two very happy old ladies. Now we're plotting our next trip.
I'm feeling good--still some abdominal soreness, but my energy is coming back. Have to figure out how to be a normal person again.
xxooxx
Friday, August 5, 2011
Two good newses
Wednesday morning I got up at five to eat breakfast so that I could get to my CT scan by 8:30. I stopped off at the fancy yarn shop after the scan and the requisite blood sucking. I got two more sock pattern books and extra needles--socks take a lot of needles. The message light was flashing when I got home, so I checked it--my favorite niece calling to let me know that as of her birthday, the previous day, her boy friend became her fiance! How terribly exciting. Her engagement ring was our Great Aunt Jessie's ring--appropriate because Aunt Jessie died shortly after she heard that Gretchen was going to have a baby--who turned out to be Miss Victoria Gabrielle. It is a lovely diamond in an old fashioned setting and Victoria loves it. I couldn't be happier for her, I love weddings. Not that they are in a rush, but chances are I will be around for it.
Which brings the other piece of good news. Because I'm still in a great deal of abdominal pain, I was worried about the scan. Worried to the point that I really didn't want to go to this appointment by myself. Glenn, who has been so good about taking me to my various appointments, had to work swing and my appointment was at 3:30. Dory had a 4 PM appointment, so she couldn't go. This morning, I called Elaine to see if she could go with me. She had a little rearranging to do, but yes, she could come over. I picked her up at the BART station just after 2. We stopped at CVS to pick up a prescription then came home so I could pick up my knitting and Elaine could see the pictures Victoria had posted to Facebook--which should now be renamed Fingerbook. Elaine knows that Victoria is six years younger than she is, but still likes to think Victoria is 16. She was, however, properly excited and thrilled over the ring.
We grabbed our stuff and headed to San Mateo. in the one storey elevator on the way up to the office, Elaine gave me a hug and said "I love you, Mom." She knew I was scared. I didn't need to be. The scan was good, compared with May and January scans. There is still the collection of fluid. Dr. Chee thinks that's what's causing the pain and is a leftover from surgery. It is something that only time will take care of. But everything is stable. My blood counts are all down--to be expected from the chemo. If I want a transfusion, I can have one, but I think I'm OK. Red count is 9.6 and she usually transfuses when it goes below 9. It was 8.2 for the last transfusion last month. White count is low--stay away from sick people. Platelets are low--be careful of sharp objects. All of that should come out as I get through this chemo cycle and don't replace it with another one. I made an appointment to have my port flushed in a month and to see Dr. Chee in seven weeks. She wanted it to be six, but she's going to London. I want to go with her.
So we were happy girls leaving the office. We went grocery shopping so that I could take advantage of Elaine to tote them upstairs. She stayed for dinner and we had a good time, buoyed by the news that I'm not dying tomorrow. We laughed as silly stuff and said that I'm good a lot. I took her to the BART station and was home in time to watch most of the Giants game. I'm not inviting Cliff Lee to the next party. He wasn't nice to my team. I have faith in them and will love them no matter what.
So that's the good newses and no bad news--unless you count the Giants game. They will turn it around for me--it's their job. My job right now is to rest and make all sorts of blood cells. Their job is to win and keep me happy. What's so hard about that?
xxooxx
Which brings the other piece of good news. Because I'm still in a great deal of abdominal pain, I was worried about the scan. Worried to the point that I really didn't want to go to this appointment by myself. Glenn, who has been so good about taking me to my various appointments, had to work swing and my appointment was at 3:30. Dory had a 4 PM appointment, so she couldn't go. This morning, I called Elaine to see if she could go with me. She had a little rearranging to do, but yes, she could come over. I picked her up at the BART station just after 2. We stopped at CVS to pick up a prescription then came home so I could pick up my knitting and Elaine could see the pictures Victoria had posted to Facebook--which should now be renamed Fingerbook. Elaine knows that Victoria is six years younger than she is, but still likes to think Victoria is 16. She was, however, properly excited and thrilled over the ring.
We grabbed our stuff and headed to San Mateo. in the one storey elevator on the way up to the office, Elaine gave me a hug and said "I love you, Mom." She knew I was scared. I didn't need to be. The scan was good, compared with May and January scans. There is still the collection of fluid. Dr. Chee thinks that's what's causing the pain and is a leftover from surgery. It is something that only time will take care of. But everything is stable. My blood counts are all down--to be expected from the chemo. If I want a transfusion, I can have one, but I think I'm OK. Red count is 9.6 and she usually transfuses when it goes below 9. It was 8.2 for the last transfusion last month. White count is low--stay away from sick people. Platelets are low--be careful of sharp objects. All of that should come out as I get through this chemo cycle and don't replace it with another one. I made an appointment to have my port flushed in a month and to see Dr. Chee in seven weeks. She wanted it to be six, but she's going to London. I want to go with her.
So we were happy girls leaving the office. We went grocery shopping so that I could take advantage of Elaine to tote them upstairs. She stayed for dinner and we had a good time, buoyed by the news that I'm not dying tomorrow. We laughed as silly stuff and said that I'm good a lot. I took her to the BART station and was home in time to watch most of the Giants game. I'm not inviting Cliff Lee to the next party. He wasn't nice to my team. I have faith in them and will love them no matter what.
So that's the good newses and no bad news--unless you count the Giants game. They will turn it around for me--it's their job. My job right now is to rest and make all sorts of blood cells. Their job is to win and keep me happy. What's so hard about that?
xxooxx
Monday, July 25, 2011
Chemo 3.DONE
Finished--with this round. Platelets were 170 something, so I was good to go this afternoon. I finished Rachel's socks this morning and tossed them to her when Mark brought Elaine over to keep me company at chemo. I finished Elaine's pair at chemo. She loves them. On to the next few projects.
My appointment was at 2:30. I usually just settle in. This time, I waited till after the blood count to make sure I was good to go--then I got comfortable. Elaine went on a lunch run. I knit and let them infuse poison.
When we got home, I watched the rebroadcast of the Giants at the White House today and then a repeat of Willie Mays 80th birthday party. And then the TV went out. And the phone. And the Internet. Called tech support and yelled at them. Have a tech coming out between 8 and noon tomorrow. I'm not a technically happy person just now. I'm really glad that I kept the air card for the laptop. I've got a cell phone for emergencies, so I'm not totally in the stone age. This is the second time in a month that the service has gone down. No--not a happy girl at all just now. Glad that the chemo's over--well, that the infusion is over. The rest of it takes a month or so.
I think I'll knit some socks.
xxooxx
My appointment was at 2:30. I usually just settle in. This time, I waited till after the blood count to make sure I was good to go--then I got comfortable. Elaine went on a lunch run. I knit and let them infuse poison.
When we got home, I watched the rebroadcast of the Giants at the White House today and then a repeat of Willie Mays 80th birthday party. And then the TV went out. And the phone. And the Internet. Called tech support and yelled at them. Have a tech coming out between 8 and noon tomorrow. I'm not a technically happy person just now. I'm really glad that I kept the air card for the laptop. I've got a cell phone for emergencies, so I'm not totally in the stone age. This is the second time in a month that the service has gone down. No--not a happy girl at all just now. Glad that the chemo's over--well, that the infusion is over. The rest of it takes a month or so.
I think I'll knit some socks.
xxooxx
Monday, July 18, 2011
Chemo 3.not
Well, after being prepared for my last chemo, I flunked the blood test. Red count was 10, which isn't perfect but better. Platelet count was 84--they don't do chemo under 100. So I got sent home with an appointment for next week. There's lots of goods--my daughter is here and we can just hang out for a few hours. I'll have a week of not feeling crappy. I do have to be careful about cuts since platelets are what makes your blood clot. I kept this week free because I thought I would be feeling dreadful. So now my bone marrow has to do its job,
That's all for now
xxooxx
That's all for now
xxooxx
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Birthday and the first half of July
Now this is really annoying--I had most of the last two weeks summarized, was just about and the end of yesterday--and it disappeared! Now I have to remember what I posted and if it was all that earth shattering that it needs to be posted. Here goes.
The month has gone by quickly-probably because it has included much resting. My red blood count has been dragging. I had another transfusion on Wednesday, and that has helped some. Much of my time has been spent knitting. I've been ordering really pretty yarns and it is so exciting to see how they knit up. Everyone will get socks, hats, and/or gloves this year--that is if I can stand to part with my little works of art.
Transfusion Wednesday. Special Eastern Star meeting on Thursday for the purpose of initiation. We took in three new members and have two more waiting in the wings. I was very proud of my Officers. Friday was a quick trip downtown for a haircut that was comped as a birthday present. That was exciting. I've been going to the same stylist for about 10 years. Last year, I knit matching sweaters for her children.
Yesterday was the birthday. I got up around 10, read the paper and ate breakfast. I knit until it was time to get dressed for THE PARTY. I share the day with a friend who was having a milestone birthday--one of those that ends in a zero. Her younger daughter planned a dinner party for both of us. I think there were around 50 people there. My table included Glenn, Elaine, Mark, Rebecca, Rachel, Ryan, and Dory. Monica had other plans. There was dinner, wonderful entertainment, presents, and cake! It was a perfect day. I was sad to miss open mic night at church--one of those times that you want to be two places at once. It was a delightful party. I made the right choice for me.
Church today. It was our Interim Pastor's last Sunday. We had a little reception for him and his wife. I wasn't feeling particularly good, so I was just as pleased when that was over and I could come home and veg. Tomorrow is my last round of this chemo. I'll have a scan the beginning of August then find out what's next.
That's it for now. I had a great birthday. I'll be smiling for a good long time because of that. Even if I don't feel my best. I can still smile.
xxooxx
The month has gone by quickly-probably because it has included much resting. My red blood count has been dragging. I had another transfusion on Wednesday, and that has helped some. Much of my time has been spent knitting. I've been ordering really pretty yarns and it is so exciting to see how they knit up. Everyone will get socks, hats, and/or gloves this year--that is if I can stand to part with my little works of art.
Transfusion Wednesday. Special Eastern Star meeting on Thursday for the purpose of initiation. We took in three new members and have two more waiting in the wings. I was very proud of my Officers. Friday was a quick trip downtown for a haircut that was comped as a birthday present. That was exciting. I've been going to the same stylist for about 10 years. Last year, I knit matching sweaters for her children.
Yesterday was the birthday. I got up around 10, read the paper and ate breakfast. I knit until it was time to get dressed for THE PARTY. I share the day with a friend who was having a milestone birthday--one of those that ends in a zero. Her younger daughter planned a dinner party for both of us. I think there were around 50 people there. My table included Glenn, Elaine, Mark, Rebecca, Rachel, Ryan, and Dory. Monica had other plans. There was dinner, wonderful entertainment, presents, and cake! It was a perfect day. I was sad to miss open mic night at church--one of those times that you want to be two places at once. It was a delightful party. I made the right choice for me.
Church today. It was our Interim Pastor's last Sunday. We had a little reception for him and his wife. I wasn't feeling particularly good, so I was just as pleased when that was over and I could come home and veg. Tomorrow is my last round of this chemo. I'll have a scan the beginning of August then find out what's next.
That's it for now. I had a great birthday. I'll be smiling for a good long time because of that. Even if I don't feel my best. I can still smile.
xxooxx
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