Ok, maybe I wasn't whining, since three hours later I was on my way to the ER. I'd never been to Tempe St. Luke's before.
While there they drew blood. The doctor wanted to either admit me and start a transfusion or transport me to Good Sam; I said I'd let my oncologist make the call. I faxed her the lab results and that afternoon I was back in Phoenix having more blood drawn for a type and cross-match for the transfusion I had yesterday.
And today the problem that sent me to the ER in the first place is back.
I am greatly blessed. I have friends that I can call at 3:45am. I have friends who have helped me at home, and with rides, prayers and good wishes. I'm thinking more clearly since the transfusion.
There's a downside to that. Now that my brain is working I see things I want to get done and can't, due to the other issues.
Heavenly Father knows what I need and He knows when I need it. The day before I went to the ER my friend had said to me, "Now, you call me if you need anything, even if it's at night." And when I did call, she had been awake for about a minute, even though she didn't need to get up that early.
Showing posts with label status. Show all posts
Showing posts with label status. Show all posts
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Still whining...
Following the first chemo, in the hospital, I had about five days of feeling pretty good (other than needing a transfusion), then things started blowing up.
Since the second chemo I've been fighting this respiratory thing, and now new things are blowing up.
I'm due for a CBC today, Thursday. I expect to learn the results this afternoon or tomorrow.
I'm not sure how much sleep I'm going to get.
Whine
Since the second chemo I've been fighting this respiratory thing, and now new things are blowing up.
I'm due for a CBC today, Thursday. I expect to learn the results this afternoon or tomorrow.
I'm not sure how much sleep I'm going to get.
Whine
Sunday, February 15, 2009
No one said it would be easy. (whine)
The fever broke about 9:30 Saturday night.
I've spent two days with a respiratory infection, not really sleeping, not really awake, trying to force clear liquids.
A friend came over, did damage control in the kitchen, made me Jello and will bring soup tomorrow.
I've decided that the anemia is not as bad as I thought it was on Friday. I may still get blood drawn on Monday instead of waiting for Thursday.
Marie: It wouldn't have been a lot different if you were here. Other than emptying the dishwasher, which is what kept me from putting the new dishes in the dishwasher, there's not much you could have done other than watch me sleep and worry about me.
As soon as I finish this batch of liquids it's back to bed.
I've spent two days with a respiratory infection, not really sleeping, not really awake, trying to force clear liquids.
A friend came over, did damage control in the kitchen, made me Jello and will bring soup tomorrow.
I've decided that the anemia is not as bad as I thought it was on Friday. I may still get blood drawn on Monday instead of waiting for Thursday.
Marie: It wouldn't have been a lot different if you were here. Other than emptying the dishwasher, which is what kept me from putting the new dishes in the dishwasher, there's not much you could have done other than watch me sleep and worry about me.
As soon as I finish this batch of liquids it's back to bed.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Roller coaster...
I didn't fully appreciate the extent of the ups and downs I would experience after chemo.
I'm tired. I'm cold. I can't think clearly. I hurt in places I didn't in the hospital.
I'm back to having trouble putting a balanced meal on the table and cleaning up.
Lunch is over; back to bed.
I'm tired. I'm cold. I can't think clearly. I hurt in places I didn't in the hospital.
I'm back to having trouble putting a balanced meal on the table and cleaning up.
Lunch is over; back to bed.
I should have paid more attention ... (whine)
when the nurse who gave me the shot yesterday asked, "You do know to take Tylenol with this, don't you."
It hurts to chew. Anything. I didn't think the skull bones produced a lot of blood cells.
When I was in the hospital the first time my blood was checked every morning and, depending on the results, I was given a short-acting shot to boost my neutrophils. That doesn't work when I'm at home.
The shot yesterday was a bigger, long-lasting version of the same drug, bound to a carrier chemical.
And I can tell that my red cells are gone. I have the pounding in my ears that I had the first week of January; I'm cold and mentally foggy.
I'm going back to bed.
It hurts to chew. Anything. I didn't think the skull bones produced a lot of blood cells.
When I was in the hospital the first time my blood was checked every morning and, depending on the results, I was given a short-acting shot to boost my neutrophils. That doesn't work when I'm at home.
The shot yesterday was a bigger, long-lasting version of the same drug, bound to a carrier chemical.
And I can tell that my red cells are gone. I have the pounding in my ears that I had the first week of January; I'm cold and mentally foggy.
I'm going back to bed.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I'm home!
I had another very positive experience. The inpatient chemo went very well. I received one drug that they chose not to give me while I hospitalized, because I was so sick. They administered that one very slowly, in case I reacted badly, but it was fine.
I was discharged to the outpatient unit where I got the shot I needed. I found it a bit unsettling that there was a long list of possible side effects that would require calling 911. It's been about 12 hours, though, and I seem to be fine.
I was home by noon.
I'm very tired. I had to remind myself that I may become more tired this week, as all of my blood counts plummet.
Purell is my friend. I'm neutropenic now -- not enough neutrophils -- and am vulnerable to infection. I picked up my planner and thought, I had that with me outside ... I touched it when I wasn't worried about infection ... it's on the floor.
The apartment is full of things that I last touched when I wasn't worrying about bacteria.
The Purell is within arm's reach.
I was discharged to the outpatient unit where I got the shot I needed. I found it a bit unsettling that there was a long list of possible side effects that would require calling 911. It's been about 12 hours, though, and I seem to be fine.
I was home by noon.
I'm very tired. I had to remind myself that I may become more tired this week, as all of my blood counts plummet.
Purell is my friend. I'm neutropenic now -- not enough neutrophils -- and am vulnerable to infection. I picked up my planner and thought, I had that with me outside ... I touched it when I wasn't worried about infection ... it's on the floor.
The apartment is full of things that I last touched when I wasn't worrying about bacteria.
The Purell is within arm's reach.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The next adventure...
In twelve hours I start the next phase of this adventure, semi-outpatient chemo.
If my blood counts are high enough I'll check into the hospital tomorrow morning. I would expect them to start the chemo pretty soon after that; it will take about eight hours. I'll stay overnight, then be discharged around noon.
I just learned today that I need a follow up treatment the following day. We're hoping to be able to take care of that on the same trip. It's in an outpatient clinic at the same hospital. Maybe.
There are a lot of unanswered questions, this first time through.
I'll be offline for the next two days.
If my blood counts are high enough I'll check into the hospital tomorrow morning. I would expect them to start the chemo pretty soon after that; it will take about eight hours. I'll stay overnight, then be discharged around noon.
I just learned today that I need a follow up treatment the following day. We're hoping to be able to take care of that on the same trip. It's in an outpatient clinic at the same hospital. Maybe.
There are a lot of unanswered questions, this first time through.
I'll be offline for the next two days.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Status
My first week home from the hospital was spent establishing a routine for my meals and medication. That took all of my time and energy.
Last week I turned my attention to preparing for my next session of chemo. I had a lot of help at home, which I greatly appreciate. I got the food under better control, especially after Meals on Wheels delivered ten frozen meals on Friday. (I still prefer my own cooking.) I began to accomplish things not related to food and drugs, but much less than I hoped. I also made progress regaining my strength, although stamina is still an issue.
And I lost most of my hair.
I am scheduled to start my next cycle of chemo on Wednesday, February 11. I'll stay at Banner Good Sam overnight, barring complications. When I return home I will be under the most strict limitations, as the drugs destroy my immune system and leave me vulnerable to infection. I don't know how long that will last.
Since I haven't been through a cycle of outpatient chemo, I have a lot of unanswered questions.
"Heavenly Father knows what I need, and He knows when I need it."
That belief got me through my hospitalization. It got me through anxiety about managing at home. It got me through worries about how to pay for this cycle of chemo. I'll be okay.
Life is good.
Last week I turned my attention to preparing for my next session of chemo. I had a lot of help at home, which I greatly appreciate. I got the food under better control, especially after Meals on Wheels delivered ten frozen meals on Friday. (I still prefer my own cooking.) I began to accomplish things not related to food and drugs, but much less than I hoped. I also made progress regaining my strength, although stamina is still an issue.
And I lost most of my hair.
I am scheduled to start my next cycle of chemo on Wednesday, February 11. I'll stay at Banner Good Sam overnight, barring complications. When I return home I will be under the most strict limitations, as the drugs destroy my immune system and leave me vulnerable to infection. I don't know how long that will last.
Since I haven't been through a cycle of outpatient chemo, I have a lot of unanswered questions.
"Heavenly Father knows what I need, and He knows when I need it."
That belief got me through my hospitalization. It got me through anxiety about managing at home. It got me through worries about how to pay for this cycle of chemo. I'll be okay.
Life is good.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Brief update
After consulting with my insurance company and doctor, we have decided that I will receive all of the chemo as an inpatient, overnight. The co-pay is lower, and there are medical reasons supporting the decision.
Sigh. There was something else I wanted to post. Maybe I'll remember later.
Sigh. There was something else I wanted to post. Maybe I'll remember later.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What's next?
3pm: update at bottom
Status
As far as the leukemia goes, I'm healthier than I've been in a long time. I feel good. I finally seem to have gotten rid of the water weight from the steroids. I'm regaining my strength and stamina. My vision seemed to have changed while I was inpatient. It might have been a side effect, or it might have been never looking more than ten feet ahead; that seems to be improving today.
Treatment
I've completed the first of six rounds of chemo in this treatment cycle.
That accomplished the goal of destroying and flushing out the defective lymphocytes that were overwhelming my system. We put out the fire.
I need five more rounds to suppress the cells that are turning out bad lymphocytes in the first place. That will be seeking out and suppressing any hot spots.
Each chemo treatment will destroy my immune system, so for the next four months I will cycle between feeling great and having few limitations and feeling awful with many limitations. We don't know to what extent the side effects of the treatment will return. Although we don't expect them to ever be as bad as the last two weeks, we can't guarantee that. I may require hospitalization again. Because of my underlying auto-immune disorders I will almost certainly require red cell transfusions every cycle.
Each cycle will consist of a treatment, a period when my blood counts are falling, and I am most vulnerable, a period when they are rising, and a recovery period until the next session.
My next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, February 4, 2009. Now 2/11.
Game plan
I have a lot to do this week.
I left the hospital with more medication and protocols than I've ever dealt with. I need to establish routines and a tracking system to ensure that I protect my health and get the full benefit of the treatment. I need to become confident as an insulin dependent diabetic. I need to establish a little clinic area where I can organize my new supplies and assess and track my status, so that, when I'm sick and vulnerable, I can recognize the need for intervention right away. And I need all of these in place before my next treatment.
While I was in the hospital my friends did an absolutely amazing job of damage control. They removed the garbage and fresh food, washed the dishes, took the laundry home and returned it, took things to me in the hospital, brought them back with me. I cannot imagine how different yesterday would have been without their help, but it wasn't obvious where everything lives. I need to put things away.
The week before my admission I spent most of my time in my recliner. I felt well, but I had absolutely no stamina. (Funny what the absence of red blood cells will do!) The six weeks before that, as I dealt with increasing fatigue, I left routine things undone. I need to clean up and put away things I left lying around during that time.
Then there's the mail. Piles of mail. Bags of mail. Some of it is probably important. And I need to set up a system for the many, many bills I expect to receive.
None of that even touches recovering from the involuntary "upgrade" to my apartment last July. My office is unusable, but as my strength failed, that just wasn't at the top of the list.
More important than those last two, however, is the need to rebuild my general strength and wellness. Between the problems from my neck injury and the fatigue of the leukemia, I've lost a horrendous amount of general conditioning and fitness. My neck is fixed, the leukemia is being treated...I need to begin reclaiming lost ground.
So here's my plan
I've laid this all out, hoping to answer the questions many of you have about the next few months of my treatment.
I plan to spend today and tomorrow establishing the physical space and routines for my medical needs. I will begin incorporating a general fitness program, as well.
I plan to spend the rest of this week putting things away.
I plan to spend early next week putting things in place for my next treatment cycle: clothes, food, etc.
And I don't plan to spend a lot of time here.
We'll see how it works.
Update: It doesn't. The kitchen needs to be done first, so that I can easily prepare meals, and everything is going to take longer. I've had to go back to preparing meals as I did when my neck was bad, one step at a time, sitting down. When I was only halfway through preparing lunch, at 2:30 pm, and exhausted, I ate last night's leftovers.
Status
As far as the leukemia goes, I'm healthier than I've been in a long time. I feel good. I finally seem to have gotten rid of the water weight from the steroids. I'm regaining my strength and stamina. My vision seemed to have changed while I was inpatient. It might have been a side effect, or it might have been never looking more than ten feet ahead; that seems to be improving today.
Treatment
I've completed the first of six rounds of chemo in this treatment cycle.
That accomplished the goal of destroying and flushing out the defective lymphocytes that were overwhelming my system. We put out the fire.
I need five more rounds to suppress the cells that are turning out bad lymphocytes in the first place. That will be seeking out and suppressing any hot spots.
Each chemo treatment will destroy my immune system, so for the next four months I will cycle between feeling great and having few limitations and feeling awful with many limitations. We don't know to what extent the side effects of the treatment will return. Although we don't expect them to ever be as bad as the last two weeks, we can't guarantee that. I may require hospitalization again. Because of my underlying auto-immune disorders I will almost certainly require red cell transfusions every cycle.
Each cycle will consist of a treatment, a period when my blood counts are falling, and I am most vulnerable, a period when they are rising, and a recovery period until the next session.
My next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, February 4, 2009. Now 2/11.
Game plan
I have a lot to do this week.
I left the hospital with more medication and protocols than I've ever dealt with. I need to establish routines and a tracking system to ensure that I protect my health and get the full benefit of the treatment. I need to become confident as an insulin dependent diabetic. I need to establish a little clinic area where I can organize my new supplies and assess and track my status, so that, when I'm sick and vulnerable, I can recognize the need for intervention right away. And I need all of these in place before my next treatment.
While I was in the hospital my friends did an absolutely amazing job of damage control. They removed the garbage and fresh food, washed the dishes, took the laundry home and returned it, took things to me in the hospital, brought them back with me. I cannot imagine how different yesterday would have been without their help, but it wasn't obvious where everything lives. I need to put things away.
The week before my admission I spent most of my time in my recliner. I felt well, but I had absolutely no stamina. (Funny what the absence of red blood cells will do!) The six weeks before that, as I dealt with increasing fatigue, I left routine things undone. I need to clean up and put away things I left lying around during that time.
Then there's the mail. Piles of mail. Bags of mail. Some of it is probably important. And I need to set up a system for the many, many bills I expect to receive.
None of that even touches recovering from the involuntary "upgrade" to my apartment last July. My office is unusable, but as my strength failed, that just wasn't at the top of the list.
More important than those last two, however, is the need to rebuild my general strength and wellness. Between the problems from my neck injury and the fatigue of the leukemia, I've lost a horrendous amount of general conditioning and fitness. My neck is fixed, the leukemia is being treated...I need to begin reclaiming lost ground.
So here's my plan
I've laid this all out, hoping to answer the questions many of you have about the next few months of my treatment.
I plan to spend today and tomorrow establishing the physical space and routines for my medical needs. I will begin incorporating a general fitness program, as well.
I plan to spend the rest of this week putting things away.
I plan to spend early next week putting things in place for my next treatment cycle: clothes, food, etc.
And I don't plan to spend a lot of time here.
We'll see how it works.
Update: It doesn't. The kitchen needs to be done first, so that I can easily prepare meals, and everything is going to take longer. I've had to go back to preparing meals as I did when my neck was bad, one step at a time, sitting down. When I was only halfway through preparing lunch, at 2:30 pm, and exhausted, I ate last night's leftovers.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Today's the day!
I'm being discharged from the hospital today!
I've seen my doctors, had my questions answered, cleaned up.
I've set up my next chemo session, talked about what to expect, talked about what to take.
I've talked to the discharge nurse, who will remove the outer part of the port on my chest, tell me how much insulin to take and give me prescriptions to continue at home.
After two weeks of outstanding food, breakfast was awful.
See you soon!
I've seen my doctors, had my questions answered, cleaned up.
I've set up my next chemo session, talked about what to expect, talked about what to take.
I've talked to the discharge nurse, who will remove the outer part of the port on my chest, tell me how much insulin to take and give me prescriptions to continue at home.
After two weeks of outstanding food, breakfast was awful.
See you soon!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Look out, world!
My oncologist's partner visited me this morning. He isn't releasing me today, but thought it a good possibility she will tomorrow. When I reminded him that my friend is available to pick me up tomorrow, but not Tuesday, he laughed.
The internist told me later that there is a note on my chart, "May go home Monday."
Remember those red blood cells we were waiting for? For two days? And I said that Heavenly Father knew what I needed and when I needed it? The blood arrived at 4 am today, nearly 48 hours after it was ordered. The blood blank protested the transfusion; they felt my red cell count was too high. They woke me up at 5 am to make me read out loud to a witness a statement about criteria. They called the oncologist on call, too.
When my blood was drawn later my red cell count had gone up on its own.
Flo
The internist told me later that there is a note on my chart, "May go home Monday."
Remember those red blood cells we were waiting for? For two days? And I said that Heavenly Father knew what I needed and when I needed it? The blood arrived at 4 am today, nearly 48 hours after it was ordered. The blood blank protested the transfusion; they felt my red cell count was too high. They woke me up at 5 am to make me read out loud to a witness a statement about criteria. They called the oncologist on call, too.
When my blood was drawn later my red cell count had gone up on its own.
Flo
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Status check
Morning all!
1) I may disappear from cyberspace abruptly.
Heavenly Father provided this laptop for my use when I really needed it. I've accomplished what I most needed, I've made arrangements with my friends to take me home, I've done a little business...I'm ready to let it go when another patient needs it. That could happen at any time, theoretically.
2) That would leave me with just my camera and my own laptop. :)
I did some good digi-scrapping last weekend, but haven't touched my own computer since getting wi-fi. I have a lot of ideas I want to play with. Since I'm feeling confident that things are in order for my discharge, I've finished formal PT and OT, I'm expecting only one more appointment this weekend, other than routine medical checks...I can play!
Oh...and my red cells are down a little, and I'm getting a transfusion today. Sitting in a chair, or my bed, playing on my laptop, sounds real good.
3) medical status
My lymphocytes are down around where they were when I was diagnosed!!!
My red cells are down a little more, but I'm getting a "top off" transfusion today, to see me through until the next chemo cycle.
My neutrophils, the ones that protect me, are still low. My doctors would rather not discharge me until they return to normal. The partner who is seeing me this weekend won't; my own doctor, when she returns on Monday, has the option.
I'll be getting a transfusion today if the blood ever comes through.
My pre-existing auto-immune disorders make it very difficult to find blood for me. The first batch took a few hours. The second batch took about 12 hours. This batch has so far taken more than 24 hours, and it's still not here.
4) Summary
After talking with my doctor and nurse today, I now expect to be discharged on Monday. That is not set in stone, but it feels right.
Thank you, all!
Flo
1) I may disappear from cyberspace abruptly.
Heavenly Father provided this laptop for my use when I really needed it. I've accomplished what I most needed, I've made arrangements with my friends to take me home, I've done a little business...I'm ready to let it go when another patient needs it. That could happen at any time, theoretically.
2) That would leave me with just my camera and my own laptop. :)
I did some good digi-scrapping last weekend, but haven't touched my own computer since getting wi-fi. I have a lot of ideas I want to play with. Since I'm feeling confident that things are in order for my discharge, I've finished formal PT and OT, I'm expecting only one more appointment this weekend, other than routine medical checks...I can play!
Oh...and my red cells are down a little, and I'm getting a transfusion today. Sitting in a chair, or my bed, playing on my laptop, sounds real good.
3) medical status
My lymphocytes are down around where they were when I was diagnosed!!!
My red cells are down a little more, but I'm getting a "top off" transfusion today, to see me through until the next chemo cycle.
My neutrophils, the ones that protect me, are still low. My doctors would rather not discharge me until they return to normal. The partner who is seeing me this weekend won't; my own doctor, when she returns on Monday, has the option.
I'll be getting a transfusion today if the blood ever comes through.
My pre-existing auto-immune disorders make it very difficult to find blood for me. The first batch took a few hours. The second batch took about 12 hours. This batch has so far taken more than 24 hours, and it's still not here.
4) Summary
After talking with my doctor and nurse today, I now expect to be discharged on Monday. That is not set in stone, but it feels right.
Thank you, all!
Flo
Friday, January 23, 2009
Going home, going home...
Barring major surprises, I will be discharged on Sunday or Monday, Jan. 25 or 26, 2009.
My home is ready and my ride arranged, thanks to wonderful friends.
This week I have made absolutely amazing progress. On Monday I looked and felt like the Firestone man, the result of fluid retention, as much as 50 pounds. I couldn't wiggle my ankles; getting in and out of bed was a major chore. I celebrated my accomplishments: I cut my lunch by myself. I brushed my hair.
By Wednesday I had started Physical Therapy, to regain my strength and stamina. Walking once around the nurses' station, with a walker, was a big deal. Also, a laptop had been delivered, courtesy of a local foundation, and I began to reconnect with the world.
Today I was discharged from PT; I still have homework to do, but no longer need supervision and instruction, just persistence. I've spent some time on my business, requested help for my concerns about returning home alone and worked with friends to make it happen.
I've controlled diabetes for twelve years without medication through lifestyle modification. The drugs that saved my life have changed that, temporarily. Today I filled and injected my insulin, all by myself! Even more important, I've done so well getting back to my regular routine that this morning I didn't need any.
It's Friday night, and there's nothing on my To Do list!
And that's a good thing. My red cells no longer die overnight, but they still don't stick around long enough. I'm waiting for a transfusion, a "top off" to carry me to my next chemo cycle, but it won't be available until tomorrow. I'm tired, and the mental focus that has carried me through the week is slipping. Well, has slipped.
So I'll sign off, and relax, and maybe do a little digi-scrapping. Or maybe just nap.
Thanks!
My home is ready and my ride arranged, thanks to wonderful friends.
This week I have made absolutely amazing progress. On Monday I looked and felt like the Firestone man, the result of fluid retention, as much as 50 pounds. I couldn't wiggle my ankles; getting in and out of bed was a major chore. I celebrated my accomplishments: I cut my lunch by myself. I brushed my hair.
By Wednesday I had started Physical Therapy, to regain my strength and stamina. Walking once around the nurses' station, with a walker, was a big deal. Also, a laptop had been delivered, courtesy of a local foundation, and I began to reconnect with the world.
Today I was discharged from PT; I still have homework to do, but no longer need supervision and instruction, just persistence. I've spent some time on my business, requested help for my concerns about returning home alone and worked with friends to make it happen.
I've controlled diabetes for twelve years without medication through lifestyle modification. The drugs that saved my life have changed that, temporarily. Today I filled and injected my insulin, all by myself! Even more important, I've done so well getting back to my regular routine that this morning I didn't need any.
It's Friday night, and there's nothing on my To Do list!
And that's a good thing. My red cells no longer die overnight, but they still don't stick around long enough. I'm waiting for a transfusion, a "top off" to carry me to my next chemo cycle, but it won't be available until tomorrow. I'm tired, and the mental focus that has carried me through the week is slipping. Well, has slipped.
So I'll sign off, and relax, and maybe do a little digi-scrapping. Or maybe just nap.
Thanks!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
100 is not always a perfect score.
I saw my oncologist this afternoon. After several months of accelerating increases in my white blood cell count, I was hoping that the increase had at least slowed, if it hadn't stopped.
Nope.
My WBC count is now 100. Actually, 100.9. I've also become anemic, which pushed me straight to Stage 3. (Do not pass Stage 2, do not collect $200.) And I have palpable nodes in a new area. The other staging system uses the number of areas as a criterion.
And because my WBC count is so high, if I should decide to have chemo, it would have to be inpatient instead of outpatient. The toxins released by 100K lymphocytes imploding will clog up my kidneys and wreak havoc with my electrolyte levels.
I reread some of the online reference material after I got home. My current stats qualify me as "high risk." My doctor seems to think there is a very real chance that I will wake up one morning feeling really, really bad.
But...she agreed: I'm still not doing permanent damage by waiting. And I'm still waiting.
Nope.
My WBC count is now 100. Actually, 100.9. I've also become anemic, which pushed me straight to Stage 3. (Do not pass Stage 2, do not collect $200.) And I have palpable nodes in a new area. The other staging system uses the number of areas as a criterion.
And because my WBC count is so high, if I should decide to have chemo, it would have to be inpatient instead of outpatient. The toxins released by 100K lymphocytes imploding will clog up my kidneys and wreak havoc with my electrolyte levels.
I reread some of the online reference material after I got home. My current stats qualify me as "high risk." My doctor seems to think there is a very real chance that I will wake up one morning feeling really, really bad.
But...she agreed: I'm still not doing permanent damage by waiting. And I'm still waiting.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Status update
Hi!
I'm back in Arizona, for at least a couple of months.
I've cleaned out the inbox on both my home and cell phones, so you can leave messages.
I'm having major technology challenges at home, and it's making me nuts. My old computer became corrupted when I tried to install a wi-fi router. It will no longer run Java, so I can't use most of my usual websites. I can't pay bills, I can't place or track CM orders, I can't update my blog, I can't use any formatting on my email or forum posts. My new to me laptop works fine, but won't talk to my high speed internet, so to get anything done I have to drive to a wi-fi hotspot.
I'm back in Arizona, for at least a couple of months.
I've cleaned out the inbox on both my home and cell phones, so you can leave messages.
I'm having major technology challenges at home, and it's making me nuts. My old computer became corrupted when I tried to install a wi-fi router. It will no longer run Java, so I can't use most of my usual websites. I can't pay bills, I can't place or track CM orders, I can't update my blog, I can't use any formatting on my email or forum posts. My new to me laptop works fine, but won't talk to my high speed internet, so to get anything done I have to drive to a wi-fi hotspot.
My oncologist didn't like my latest lab report any more than she liked my previous ones, but didn't ask me to go see her.
I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!
Flo
[posted 12/17/08. Email to blog list while I was unable to post.]
Friday, November 21, 2008
I'm home!
Hi, all!
I'm home.
I plan to be here for at least a couple of months.
I'm safe.
I had an uneventful trip.
I found my cell phone. It had slid under the front seat of my car.
More later.
Flo
[posted 12/17/08. Email sent to (some of my) blog list while I was unable to post.]
I'm home.
I plan to be here for at least a couple of months.
I'm safe.
I had an uneventful trip.
I found my cell phone. It had slid under the front seat of my car.
More later.
Flo
[posted 12/17/08. Email sent to (some of my) blog list while I was unable to post.]
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Ups and Downs
I've really been neglecting this blog!
The week after my last post I finally flew to New York. The following week I extended my stay by a week.
I've had good days and bad days. I've been more conscious of including the daily practices that helped me bring my numbers down in May. I'm still tired, and I'm having intermittent sinus and digestive problems. But enough of that!
I spent a lot of time with my great-nephew last Wednesday. He had left a homework project until the last day, so we worked on it together. He entered his narrative on my sister's computer while I found and cropped some photos on mine. He called his mom to ask her to find two particular photos and have them ready when he got home. I think it came out pretty well!
I've been spending more time in a particular sub-forum of Scrap Share. It's a smaller group, very close-knit, very supportive and caring. We've all be dealing with adversity of one kind or another, lately: job loss, illness, bereavement, moving. It's been really good for me.
It's raining in New York. Not only that...the temperature has dropped. It's 55F right now, at 11am. We call that winter!
I'm excited about a new computer tool, but I'll put that in its own post.
The week after my last post I finally flew to New York. The following week I extended my stay by a week.
I've had good days and bad days. I've been more conscious of including the daily practices that helped me bring my numbers down in May. I'm still tired, and I'm having intermittent sinus and digestive problems. But enough of that!
I spent a lot of time with my great-nephew last Wednesday. He had left a homework project until the last day, so we worked on it together. He entered his narrative on my sister's computer while I found and cropped some photos on mine. He called his mom to ask her to find two particular photos and have them ready when he got home. I think it came out pretty well!
I've been spending more time in a particular sub-forum of Scrap Share. It's a smaller group, very close-knit, very supportive and caring. We've all be dealing with adversity of one kind or another, lately: job loss, illness, bereavement, moving. It's been really good for me.
It's raining in New York. Not only that...the temperature has dropped. It's 55F right now, at 11am. We call that winter!
I'm excited about a new computer tool, but I'll put that in its own post.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I don't think we're in Kansas. Or New York.
I was supposed to be in New York today. Instead, I'm in Arizona. Bummer!
I've joked in the past about being able to prepare for a trip, or take the trip, but not both. This time it was true.
By the time I finished the laundry and running around, I crashed. I hadn't started packing when I should already have been at the airport. I could have still done it, but I questioned the wisdom. If I couldn't manage to put four days worth of clothes in a suitcase, what was I doing starting a 12 hour trip? (I do laundry at my sister's, and I left several important pieces there last time, some on purpose, some not.)
I started folding clothes, called my sister on the speakerphone and asked if she was okay with postponing the trip for a week. I'm really disappointed. Really! I'm also discouraged.
And, honestly? Today has been my worst day since my diagnosis. I'm tired, and weary, and concerned about the project my sister and I are pursuing. If I had been planning to get sicker, faster, I would have spent more energy putting the apartment back together. Of course, if I'd been able to do that, I wouldn't have needed to postpone the trip.
As it is, the only parts of my apartment that are fully functional are my bed, my bathroom and my computer corner. The stereo/DVD/TV are all the way I want them, but the recliner is on the verge of giving up. I can't keep one of the bolts in, so the seat is no longer level.
On the bright side? I'm making progress using my digital scrapping tools. And Fresh & Easy opened just four blocks from me. They have lovely, fresh food, both ready-to-use produce and prepared meals. Their hummus tastes better than mine and uses no olive oil or salt.
Things would look much better if I could just get enough sleep!
I've joked in the past about being able to prepare for a trip, or take the trip, but not both. This time it was true.
By the time I finished the laundry and running around, I crashed. I hadn't started packing when I should already have been at the airport. I could have still done it, but I questioned the wisdom. If I couldn't manage to put four days worth of clothes in a suitcase, what was I doing starting a 12 hour trip? (I do laundry at my sister's, and I left several important pieces there last time, some on purpose, some not.)
I started folding clothes, called my sister on the speakerphone and asked if she was okay with postponing the trip for a week. I'm really disappointed. Really! I'm also discouraged.
And, honestly? Today has been my worst day since my diagnosis. I'm tired, and weary, and concerned about the project my sister and I are pursuing. If I had been planning to get sicker, faster, I would have spent more energy putting the apartment back together. Of course, if I'd been able to do that, I wouldn't have needed to postpone the trip.
As it is, the only parts of my apartment that are fully functional are my bed, my bathroom and my computer corner. The stereo/DVD/TV are all the way I want them, but the recliner is on the verge of giving up. I can't keep one of the bolts in, so the seat is no longer level.
On the bright side? I'm making progress using my digital scrapping tools. And Fresh & Easy opened just four blocks from me. They have lovely, fresh food, both ready-to-use produce and prepared meals. Their hummus tastes better than mine and uses no olive oil or salt.
Things would look much better if I could just get enough sleep!
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