Was a little tired on Saturday (think the week caught up with me), better on Sunday, but got frustrated working on a computer (what else is new). Sure am enjoying not having to go for another treatment until next week. 'Almost' seems like normal (whatever that is anymore), except for the 'hair style' when I look in the mirror. Oh well, it will grow out eventually. The stubble is getting longer, but still not very dense.
Thinking about going to town with Jim on Saturday to do shopping. Haven't done that since last fall. Hmmmm ... starting to want/do sewing, cooking/baking, shopping ... does this mean I'm starting to feel more like my old self or that I need to quick do this stuff 'cause I don't have much time left? Think I'm gonna go with the 'old self' reason.
Not much else to talk about ... except our male 'hops' plant looks magnificent with all it's greeny-white blossoms. Tomato plants growing (don't expect any actual tomatoes .. too late in planting), poor little zucchini plants are a whole 1" tall (really really late in planting), but, hey, at least there was a minimal effort. ;)
Love to all
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
So good so far
Well, I've put in a full week (6.5+ hrs per day), and feelin' pretty good. Seem to tire around 7pm, but hey, I'm home and just take it easy.
Will be putting in another full week next week, then have a couple more days before I'm due for the 5th CHOP-R (well maybe not the 5th R). Still don't know whether or not I'll be given 6 or 8 cycles. Will have to wait and find out when I'm at that point.
Otherwise, not much to report except I'm really enjoying the windchimes Bill & Karen gave me. They are tuned to Tibetian Prayer Chimes sound. Everytime I hear them play I think of Bill & Karen. The sound is just so peaceful and a joy to hear. I find myself wishing for more wind so they will play more ... (patience grasshopper ... the time will come).
Bought "Little Mermaid" fleece to make Ava that car blanket (maybe this weekend ... we'll see).
On a sad note, our friend Victor (childhood friend of Jim's plus the one who inspired us to come to Idaho) , lost his fight with colon cancer this week.
Love to all
Will be putting in another full week next week, then have a couple more days before I'm due for the 5th CHOP-R (well maybe not the 5th R). Still don't know whether or not I'll be given 6 or 8 cycles. Will have to wait and find out when I'm at that point.
Otherwise, not much to report except I'm really enjoying the windchimes Bill & Karen gave me. They are tuned to Tibetian Prayer Chimes sound. Everytime I hear them play I think of Bill & Karen. The sound is just so peaceful and a joy to hear. I find myself wishing for more wind so they will play more ... (patience grasshopper ... the time will come).
Bought "Little Mermaid" fleece to make Ava that car blanket (maybe this weekend ... we'll see).
On a sad note, our friend Victor (childhood friend of Jim's plus the one who inspired us to come to Idaho) , lost his fight with colon cancer this week.
Love to all
Monday, July 21, 2008
Wonderful Visit
Was okay that Wednesday evening, little tired on Thursday. Friday was a very good day, was able to get stuff accomplished around the house. Mark called from Worley and they arrived a couple hours later. Wow! Has Ava grown! It was so wonderful to see them. We made plans for Saturday and Sunday then had dinner and had a wonderful visit.
Saturday they came over and Gina helped me get the pattern cut out. Would have liked to do it with Ava but she's just too young right now. It was great to work on it with Gina! Wanted to make Ava a new 'car blanket' to replace the Winnie-the-Pooh one I made her when she was just a little thing. When I looked at the fleece Wednesday I was hoping to see 'princesses' or 'ballerinas', but only saw Disney's Arial. Didn't know if she would like that character. When I talked later to her she said she loved Arial, so I'll pick up the material, binding and make her one. I told her I'd mail it to her when I got it finished. Later that afternoon we headed down to the Lavendar festival where we met up with Troy, Sydney and Reed. After Reed finished his nap we headed to the lake where Troy took us all on a boat ride. Stopped at a couple of beaches where Mark, Troy, Reed, and Ava got in the water, did some stone hunting and had a fantastic time. It's been a long time since I've been on the water and it sure invigorated me! They told me I had a grin on my face that went from ear to ear. After we got back Mark, Gina, Ava, Troy, Sydney and Reed headed home to Hayden, and Jim & I headed to our house. I slept like a log!
Sunday I dropped Jim off at Silverwood where he met the kids and they spent the day on rides and at the water park. I stayed home and finished Ava's dress and had enough material left over that I could make the bag that went with it. They got back around 6pm and Ava tried the dress on. Had to make a minor modification (elastic little too big), but it seemed to fit her and she liked it. The bag was a big hit as well. Went out to dinner and then back to the house. Later when it got darker, Jim brought out some fireworks he had saved from July 4 and Mark put on a 'show'. Ava helped by bringing him the fireworks one at a time when he asked for them. She seemed to really enjoy the 'show'. When it was all over we went inside to gather up all the bits & bobs we shared, and it was time for them to go. As usual the visits (whether we go there or they come here) are always too short. BUT I LOVED IT!!!!
Early Monday morning it all kinda hit me, but I seemed to recover pretty quick. It was kinda like the after effects of the first treatment. I went to work, and am feeling pretty good.
Love to all
Saturday they came over and Gina helped me get the pattern cut out. Would have liked to do it with Ava but she's just too young right now. It was great to work on it with Gina! Wanted to make Ava a new 'car blanket' to replace the Winnie-the-Pooh one I made her when she was just a little thing. When I looked at the fleece Wednesday I was hoping to see 'princesses' or 'ballerinas', but only saw Disney's Arial. Didn't know if she would like that character. When I talked later to her she said she loved Arial, so I'll pick up the material, binding and make her one. I told her I'd mail it to her when I got it finished. Later that afternoon we headed down to the Lavendar festival where we met up with Troy, Sydney and Reed. After Reed finished his nap we headed to the lake where Troy took us all on a boat ride. Stopped at a couple of beaches where Mark, Troy, Reed, and Ava got in the water, did some stone hunting and had a fantastic time. It's been a long time since I've been on the water and it sure invigorated me! They told me I had a grin on my face that went from ear to ear. After we got back Mark, Gina, Ava, Troy, Sydney and Reed headed home to Hayden, and Jim & I headed to our house. I slept like a log!
Sunday I dropped Jim off at Silverwood where he met the kids and they spent the day on rides and at the water park. I stayed home and finished Ava's dress and had enough material left over that I could make the bag that went with it. They got back around 6pm and Ava tried the dress on. Had to make a minor modification (elastic little too big), but it seemed to fit her and she liked it. The bag was a big hit as well. Went out to dinner and then back to the house. Later when it got darker, Jim brought out some fireworks he had saved from July 4 and Mark put on a 'show'. Ava helped by bringing him the fireworks one at a time when he asked for them. She seemed to really enjoy the 'show'. When it was all over we went inside to gather up all the bits & bobs we shared, and it was time for them to go. As usual the visits (whether we go there or they come here) are always too short. BUT I LOVED IT!!!!
Early Monday morning it all kinda hit me, but I seemed to recover pretty quick. It was kinda like the after effects of the first treatment. I went to work, and am feeling pretty good.
Love to all
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday:
Got to the medical center (Paige gave me a lift and bought me a bouquet of roses ... what a sweetie).
First thing was getting my blood drawn (tech or I moved and he had to stick me again) then went to see the doctor. It was his birthday so I gave him one of the roses. He gave me a big grin and thanked me. Next he checked my lymph nodes in my neck and underarms. He said he was concerned since it seemed that one in my neck felt enlarged. So he felt under my arms again, and then my neck and said maybe it was a neck muscle (I said ... yeah a neck muscle). After moving my head side to side he decided it was probably the muscle. (Wouldn't be a good thing if it was a node). He said I'd be getting the full dose of ritux today (750) and my next cycle would be in three weeks. (Receptionist marked me down for 8/7). That gives me 2-1/2 weeks in between treatments (Yeah!!! no going in almost weekly).
Was an hour late in going upstairs to the cancer center for the treatment and they ran out of chairs so I got a bed instead. The back came up so I could sit instead of having to lay down for the 6 hours. Got me started on the saline drip, then the CHOP and when that was done started the ritux. Since last ritux session went so well I was started on a higher drip rate. No reactions so every 30 minutes got bumped up to a higher rate. Eventually reached the max of 330 with no reactions! Was finished at 5:30. Long day, but everything went great.
Wednesday:
Went in for my Neulasta shot. Felt good so stopped at the library for a quick visit. Then felt good enough that I stopped at the fabric store and bought some material (Disney princesses) and a pattern to make a dress or top for Ava. Guess I 'must' be feeling better if I even consider doing a sewing project!
Tomorrow I'll probably get hit with the 'sleeping bug', but I plan on being more energetic for Mark, Gina and Ava's visit.
Love to all
Got to the medical center (Paige gave me a lift and bought me a bouquet of roses ... what a sweetie).
First thing was getting my blood drawn (tech or I moved and he had to stick me again) then went to see the doctor. It was his birthday so I gave him one of the roses. He gave me a big grin and thanked me. Next he checked my lymph nodes in my neck and underarms. He said he was concerned since it seemed that one in my neck felt enlarged. So he felt under my arms again, and then my neck and said maybe it was a neck muscle (I said ... yeah a neck muscle). After moving my head side to side he decided it was probably the muscle. (Wouldn't be a good thing if it was a node). He said I'd be getting the full dose of ritux today (750) and my next cycle would be in three weeks. (Receptionist marked me down for 8/7). That gives me 2-1/2 weeks in between treatments (Yeah!!! no going in almost weekly).
Was an hour late in going upstairs to the cancer center for the treatment and they ran out of chairs so I got a bed instead. The back came up so I could sit instead of having to lay down for the 6 hours. Got me started on the saline drip, then the CHOP and when that was done started the ritux. Since last ritux session went so well I was started on a higher drip rate. No reactions so every 30 minutes got bumped up to a higher rate. Eventually reached the max of 330 with no reactions! Was finished at 5:30. Long day, but everything went great.
Wednesday:
Went in for my Neulasta shot. Felt good so stopped at the library for a quick visit. Then felt good enough that I stopped at the fabric store and bought some material (Disney princesses) and a pattern to make a dress or top for Ava. Guess I 'must' be feeling better if I even consider doing a sewing project!
Tomorrow I'll probably get hit with the 'sleeping bug', but I plan on being more energetic for Mark, Gina and Ava's visit.
Love to all
Monday, July 14, 2008
Good week
Went to work all last week. Planned on putting in 6.5 hours and ended up putting in more on a few days. Was a good week, tiring, but good.
I guess I must be feeling better since I rearranged a couple of cabinets. The one above the 'fridge because I got tired of zip bag boxes falling on my head every time I opened it. The other, oh well, just didn't like where things located.
Having Mark, Gina & Ava coming this next weekend makes me want to get through tomorrow's treatments quickly. It will be wonderful to see them.
Not much else to report of any value .. things like dry skin don't seem to grab one's interest, although Terry told me Olive Oil is good to try. I did and it really helped (first I tried regular, then extra virgin).
Love to all
I guess I must be feeling better since I rearranged a couple of cabinets. The one above the 'fridge because I got tired of zip bag boxes falling on my head every time I opened it. The other, oh well, just didn't like where things located.
Having Mark, Gina & Ava coming this next weekend makes me want to get through tomorrow's treatments quickly. It will be wonderful to see them.
Not much else to report of any value .. things like dry skin don't seem to grab one's interest, although Terry told me Olive Oil is good to try. I did and it really helped (first I tried regular, then extra virgin).
Love to all
Monday, July 7, 2008
Little bit of everything
Had the ritux on the 3rd. All went well. Nurse said next time we could start at faster drip (good thing since it will be chop-r and scheduled for 6 hours). This always hits me the next day or two, which it did. The usual routine ... drink, pee and sleep for a day or two, then feel better.
Jim blew off some fireworks on the fourth (our 38th anniversary), saved some for when Mark, Gina & Ava come up as well as some for New Year's eve. Pretty good day ...
Slept most of Saturday (2nd day after ritux), and Sunday couldn't stand the grass (weeds really) being so high. Jim got the old rider mower running (it really didn't want to start), and after 2 hours of mowing (or should I say 'hacking') the weeds, got them knocked down. Hopefully next weekend won't be too hot so I can lower the mowing deck a bit and chop the weeds down a bit more. With hot weather and no watering the 'grass' should get nice and brown and stop growing for the summer.
Should be able to go to work this week since no treatments are scheduled until the following week. I'm kinda curious as to how the 'double whammy' will hit me. Hopefully just the ususal.
Not much else to report ... same old same old ...
Love to all
Jim blew off some fireworks on the fourth (our 38th anniversary), saved some for when Mark, Gina & Ava come up as well as some for New Year's eve. Pretty good day ...
Slept most of Saturday (2nd day after ritux), and Sunday couldn't stand the grass (weeds really) being so high. Jim got the old rider mower running (it really didn't want to start), and after 2 hours of mowing (or should I say 'hacking') the weeds, got them knocked down. Hopefully next weekend won't be too hot so I can lower the mowing deck a bit and chop the weeds down a bit more. With hot weather and no watering the 'grass' should get nice and brown and stop growing for the summer.
Should be able to go to work this week since no treatments are scheduled until the following week. I'm kinda curious as to how the 'double whammy' will hit me. Hopefully just the ususal.
Not much else to report ... same old same old ...
Love to all
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Short and sweet
Sorry I haven't posted anything for a while. Nothing much has changed. Still same routine... treatment/sleep/work when possible. What's left of my hair is thinning. As soon as I get a 'bald spot' I'll put on a temporary tattoo. What I use will depend on size of spot!
It will be nice to have a break from treatments (7-3 ritux then 7/15 CHOP-R). Hopefully it won't wipe me out too much, although I'm hoping for the 2 week 'off' for recovery (unless dr. plans for me to have another ritux in between).
Had a fantastic visit with Bill & Karen. It was so wonderful to see them. Happy 42nd anniversary. Wish we had known beforehand.
Looking foward to seeing Mark, Gina & Ava later this month.
Love to all
It will be nice to have a break from treatments (7-3 ritux then 7/15 CHOP-R). Hopefully it won't wipe me out too much, although I'm hoping for the 2 week 'off' for recovery (unless dr. plans for me to have another ritux in between).
Had a fantastic visit with Bill & Karen. It was so wonderful to see them. Happy 42nd anniversary. Wish we had known beforehand.
Looking foward to seeing Mark, Gina & Ava later this month.
Love to all
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