So one of the things that Emily and I have enjoyed over the years, our backyard, was exciting last night. We watched a herd of deer, final count was 21, mass up and take their good natured time to cross Corwin Street. I think this was the largest groups we have ever seen together. It is the snow cover, of course, that is making life difficult for them. This is the time when our shrubs and trees are in peril. They have eaten the English Ivy under our tree (well, what used to be a tree) in the front yard several times. Our flowering shrubs, literally a foot from the house, have been nipped (that means no blooms in the spring) as well. I doused those with "deer-be-gone" spray in the fall and so far it seems to have saved them.
We are also bird watchers with several feeders--the gold finches seem plentiful in the winter, but we had only one pair who stuck with us over last summer. We also have a flock of wild turkeys that have come to the feeders on occasion. This winter we have had four toms traveling together, (the gay caballeros) I have called them, who have made themselves pests. Just now they aren't around and we hope they have found a more generous benefactor. We will certainly miss all of this when we move.
I am down to the last two days before a blessed week off the meds. It hasn't been bad--I have continued to eat solid meals, the slime index has been very moderate though I have very little taste at this point, and I have had no mouth sores at all. Though constipation continues to be a threat, I have managed that without a lot of problems. But I have had a lot of fatigue. I seem to be able to exert myself for an hour or so, then I am ready for the recliner--or a two hour nap!
Monday is the CT scan, news from that will wait until my checkup on Friday.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Periodic update
So Gemzar III with Zeloda has turned out to be a fairly decent week. I am amazed how the reduction of the oral med has changed my condition. No slime, can still eat solids fairly well. No mouth sores, not even the "bumples" that are usually on my gums. Constipation was manageable. Wednesday was still a "sag" day, spent most of it in my chair. Extreme fatigue with some abdominal cramping. Fortunately I have an anti-spasm med that I can use when my gut objects to all the attempts to keep things moving.
We missed the tournament games at DC, but both the men and women managed to win without our support--and they advance to the next round tomorrow. The high school winter musical opens tonight and we always attend that, so I am hoping that I have renewed energy the next couple of days.
We continue to ponder the move to the condo that is in our future. Thinking about what we have here that can fit over there is a painful process. Obviously, a great deal of our things will not make the trip. Parting with a life time's collection of "things" is painful, but necessary. The place has to feel like home a little, doesn't it? So the winnowing will go on for a few months.
We missed the tournament games at DC, but both the men and women managed to win without our support--and they advance to the next round tomorrow. The high school winter musical opens tonight and we always attend that, so I am hoping that I have renewed energy the next couple of days.
We continue to ponder the move to the condo that is in our future. Thinking about what we have here that can fit over there is a painful process. Obviously, a great deal of our things will not make the trip. Parting with a life time's collection of "things" is painful, but necessary. The place has to feel like home a little, doesn't it? So the winnowing will go on for a few months.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Gemzar III
We had a very nice weekend. At the spur of the moment, with mom home from work for the weekend to care for Kaylin, Beth and Wally decided to come home to Defiance. We had a nice visit, dinner at Bobby E's (the chicken parm still taste darn good to me), and Sunday lunch at the DRMC. It was good to spend time with them without the entire tribe. And I am sure they felt the same way, as Beth is a full time baby sitter for the most part. They had a chance to see the condo and put their ideas into the mix. A very pleasant weekend indeed.
This week is the third Gemzar infusion, along with the oral Zeloda. This is actually the first time I have been in that situation. The first month was both for a week, then a week off. The second month during week three, the Zeloda was pulled because of mouth sores. With the reduced dosage of Zeloda, I have no mouth sores (yet), very little slime (yet), and am able to eat regular food (as of today). Nonetheless, I have very little energy and tire quickly. There are several things I would like to do this week, we will see how it goes. I have been able to get out some, but not to the extent that I would like to. We have had snow cover now for a couple of weeks, unusual for Ohio. This week's temps are to be well below normal, so there won't be much melting for another week. Winter still has us in a tight grip.
This week is the third Gemzar infusion, along with the oral Zeloda. This is actually the first time I have been in that situation. The first month was both for a week, then a week off. The second month during week three, the Zeloda was pulled because of mouth sores. With the reduced dosage of Zeloda, I have no mouth sores (yet), very little slime (yet), and am able to eat regular food (as of today). Nonetheless, I have very little energy and tire quickly. There are several things I would like to do this week, we will see how it goes. I have been able to get out some, but not to the extent that I would like to. We have had snow cover now for a couple of weeks, unusual for Ohio. This week's temps are to be well below normal, so there won't be much melting for another week. Winter still has us in a tight grip.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Periodic update
It has been a mostly good week. I continue to struggle with my intestinal tract--that has been ongoing from the very beginning and my main side effect. But by the end of the week, things have usually leveled out well. My appetite is just not there, but I continue to eat solid meals--only one Ensure meal breakfast this week, otherwise it is heavy on the eggs and bacon!
Our bid on the condo was accepted (a big surprise) so we are ready to start planning a transition. Closing is on March 16, then we can try to get the work started at the new place. Primarily the bathrooms which have not been touched since 1962. The best idea seems to be to gut them, but both have floor to ceiling ceramic tile, an expensive proposition.
We have gone out to eat a couple of times, including the College's Empty Bowls soup/bread/dessert event last evening. This is a fund raiser for our local homeless shelter sponsored by the Social Work Department. The response has been phenomenal, leading to it being located to a bigger hall. It is always well attended by DC faculty and staff so it gave me a chance to see many of my friends. That is always a welcome lift.
Also spent some time with Andrew yesterday, talking about the concert series downtown. He is now a part time employee of DCCC, helping to complete the staging of the remaining concerts this year and planning next year's series. Once again, I am greatly impressed with his work and eternally grateful that he is here to carry on with a very vulnerable, fledgling concert series. It looks like he will have a great line up and exciting events for Defiance.
Our bid on the condo was accepted (a big surprise) so we are ready to start planning a transition. Closing is on March 16, then we can try to get the work started at the new place. Primarily the bathrooms which have not been touched since 1962. The best idea seems to be to gut them, but both have floor to ceiling ceramic tile, an expensive proposition.
We have gone out to eat a couple of times, including the College's Empty Bowls soup/bread/dessert event last evening. This is a fund raiser for our local homeless shelter sponsored by the Social Work Department. The response has been phenomenal, leading to it being located to a bigger hall. It is always well attended by DC faculty and staff so it gave me a chance to see many of my friends. That is always a welcome lift.
Also spent some time with Andrew yesterday, talking about the concert series downtown. He is now a part time employee of DCCC, helping to complete the staging of the remaining concerts this year and planning next year's series. Once again, I am greatly impressed with his work and eternally grateful that he is here to carry on with a very vulnerable, fledgling concert series. It looks like he will have a great line up and exciting events for Defiance.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Periodic update
I've been feeling really quite well, over the weekend and through infusion day. No problems eating, my taste is not bad and the slimes stayed away for the most part. The reduction in the oral chemo has been a good thing I think. Made it to church on Sunday and went to the DRMC for lunch as usual. Sam was with us as Cathie is in Atlanta for a week. The chicken parm and spaghetti was tasty!
I now have a CT scan scheduled for March 1. No one is particularly anxious for this to happen but it needs to be done to direct the continued treatment. Feeling as well as I have for a few days, it is easy to forget that this is a progressive disease that can move quickly if we aren't doing the right thing so additional information is good.
We put in a bid on the condo on High Street yesterday. If we can get the property tied down, we can plan the reno's necessary there as well make some decisions about what needs to be done here in preparation for listing sometime in the spring when the grass and flowers are looking good. All of this looks doable, but of course the condition of my health is a wild card. I think of my life in month segments now, as the chemo cycle consumes a month. So just one more cycle and it is April! April flowers and all that. Glorious spring!
I now have a CT scan scheduled for March 1. No one is particularly anxious for this to happen but it needs to be done to direct the continued treatment. Feeling as well as I have for a few days, it is easy to forget that this is a progressive disease that can move quickly if we aren't doing the right thing so additional information is good.
We put in a bid on the condo on High Street yesterday. If we can get the property tied down, we can plan the reno's necessary there as well make some decisions about what needs to be done here in preparation for listing sometime in the spring when the grass and flowers are looking good. All of this looks doable, but of course the condition of my health is a wild card. I think of my life in month segments now, as the chemo cycle consumes a month. So just one more cycle and it is April! April flowers and all that. Glorious spring!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Fashion Statement
Well, I was getting hair all over everything: on the floor, in the shower, on my clothes. I had a crew cut once--in college. Everything comes back in style eventually. Anyone who wants to join me, it's a number four attachment on the clippers!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Periodic update
This week has been good--slime never really became a problem, absolutely no mouth sores, and the ability to eat real food, even though there is very little appetite. The reduction in Xeloda obviously has made a real difference, and I like it. Should be a good weekend, perhaps some outings in the offing. Further south, I still struggle with a rash/infection that will finally get me to an Urologist on Monday. I've had just a touch of constipation, but I continue to pop stool softeners like candy.
Many of you know that we have lived in the same house for forty years. Since I retired six years ago, I have greatly expanded what already was an extensive array of gardens, flower beds, and landscaping. Well, those decisions don't always turn out like you intended. I simply will not be to do this work anymore, nor manage a fairly large lawn. So we have made the decision to finally move on. We are looking at a nice condo, of which there are very few on the north side, and trying to figure out what we would do with all the furniture and "stuff" we have collected over nearly half a century. Painful as this is for us and our kids, there seems little choice. Between the expense of having the lawn/landscaping/gardening/snow removal hired out and the cost of maintaining a sixty-five year old three bedroom, two bath, house for just the two of us, it seems inevitable. Life goes on.
Many of you know that we have lived in the same house for forty years. Since I retired six years ago, I have greatly expanded what already was an extensive array of gardens, flower beds, and landscaping. Well, those decisions don't always turn out like you intended. I simply will not be to do this work anymore, nor manage a fairly large lawn. So we have made the decision to finally move on. We are looking at a nice condo, of which there are very few on the north side, and trying to figure out what we would do with all the furniture and "stuff" we have collected over nearly half a century. Painful as this is for us and our kids, there seems little choice. Between the expense of having the lawn/landscaping/gardening/snow removal hired out and the cost of maintaining a sixty-five year old three bedroom, two bath, house for just the two of us, it seems inevitable. Life goes on.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Periodic update
I am able to eat three solid meals these days, but the slime is beginning to rise. I have a whole arsenal of tricks to use now, thanks to many folks' suggestions.
Tuesday I felt quite well, was able to use the snow blower, but was very tired. Tuesday night was rough. I didn't want to have a repeat of the restlessness of Monday, so I took an Ativan--and later, when I woke up at 1:30 (every night without fail), a Benadryl. The result was a night of weird dreams, disconnected things that left me mystified in the morning--and unable to explain what I had dreamed or what I remembered. Took me quite a long time to get my head back. And I got up with a low grade temp, 100.7., and dizzy. It was a crash day. The temp came down with a Tylenol but I was pretty well flat all day with fatigue.
For what ever reason, the drugs have hit me harder this time. So with the 8 inches of snow fall, thank God for Freddy G. who came down twice with his blower to do our drive way. The help that we continue to get from friends and neighbors has been a blessing. Today, I am much better and will get out for some errands. Things usually improve toward the end of the week as the Gemzar begins to fade.
Tuesday I felt quite well, was able to use the snow blower, but was very tired. Tuesday night was rough. I didn't want to have a repeat of the restlessness of Monday, so I took an Ativan--and later, when I woke up at 1:30 (every night without fail), a Benadryl. The result was a night of weird dreams, disconnected things that left me mystified in the morning--and unable to explain what I had dreamed or what I remembered. Took me quite a long time to get my head back. And I got up with a low grade temp, 100.7., and dizzy. It was a crash day. The temp came down with a Tylenol but I was pretty well flat all day with fatigue.
For what ever reason, the drugs have hit me harder this time. So with the 8 inches of snow fall, thank God for Freddy G. who came down twice with his blower to do our drive way. The help that we continue to get from friends and neighbors has been a blessing. Today, I am much better and will get out for some errands. Things usually improve toward the end of the week as the Gemzar begins to fade.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Series III, Gemstar I, Day 1
I didn't report on my check up last Friday, too much weekend excitement. It went well-- had a good conversation with the Doc and he answered all my questions. He said the numbers were going the "right direction" and we agreed that the tumor near my navel that can be felt was smaller. So off we go on another month-- he will schedule a CAT for the first week of March--the next week off. The only change made is that my Xeloda is reduced to three tablets twice a day, from four. That is to try to avoid the mouth sores that led to cancelling the second series last month.
Since I was virtually "normal" at the end of last week--no Pred, no mouthwash, eating normally, bodily functions normal--I am going to try to better document the side effects as they appear in this series. Of course the accumulative side effect, losing my hair, continues.
So I started the Zeloda Monday morning, then had my infusion at 12:30 rather than early because of scheduling at the hospital. It knocked me down pretty good. I had my usual "Kennel Cough," shortness of breath with a nonproductive hacking. It ran longer than usual, was still going when I went to bed. It is gone this morning. The lungs seems to take the brunt of the infusion and I have some hot flashes as well for the first few hours. But between the two drugs, I spent most of the rest of the day in the recliner. I also had a restless night, as the pre-infusion drugs leave me a little jittery. I can make up for it today (Tuesday) with a couple naps, as we are getting a lot of snow and won't be going outside until it is time to clear the drive--likely not until tomorrow.
Since I was virtually "normal" at the end of last week--no Pred, no mouthwash, eating normally, bodily functions normal--I am going to try to better document the side effects as they appear in this series. Of course the accumulative side effect, losing my hair, continues.
So I started the Zeloda Monday morning, then had my infusion at 12:30 rather than early because of scheduling at the hospital. It knocked me down pretty good. I had my usual "Kennel Cough," shortness of breath with a nonproductive hacking. It ran longer than usual, was still going when I went to bed. It is gone this morning. The lungs seems to take the brunt of the infusion and I have some hot flashes as well for the first few hours. But between the two drugs, I spent most of the rest of the day in the recliner. I also had a restless night, as the pre-infusion drugs leave me a little jittery. I can make up for it today (Tuesday) with a couple naps, as we are getting a lot of snow and won't be going outside until it is time to clear the drive--likely not until tomorrow.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wild, Wonderful Weekend
The time with our dear friends was perfect--they missed the terrible weather out east, everyone was healthy, and I felt the best I have in months. We talked, ate, talked, ate--you get the picture. When you have been close friends as long as we have, the years just melt away and it seems that we are all back here again, together, instead of spread out over the east. It was an incredibly good time and I am humbled that they went to the time and expense to be here.
I was thinking of doing a food journal for my gentle readers, but it would be time consuming, and frankly--embarrassing. I will just give you the high points: the weather on Friday took a bad turn and though the As arrived a couple of hour earlier than the Bs, it was getting messy by the time we had planned on going out for dinner. So Emily and I pulled together a spaghetti and meat sauce dinner, with salad. Led to a long visit at the dinner table, much more pleasant than fighting the cold and snow. Saturday morning, I got my self running early and put out a pancake, bacon, and sausage breakfast for everyone. We went to Kissners' for lunch, which you see above. Hamburger, potato wedges and chili for me. The cocktail hour started early that evening, with a huge munchy spread that included Greek grape leaves from a Detroit deli, several dips, and venison sausage from a special friend. We pulled ourselves together to go to Stella Blue in Archbold for a great gourmet dinner, joined by Sam and Cathie. Saw a lot of Defiance folks there, including the director of Defiance's chamber of commerce and his family! C'mon, Defiance, how about a decent, locally owned, supper club? Sunday noon, we went to the fine dining at Defiance Regional Medical Center--they had read about it in the blog, wanted to experience it first hand. A long afternoon of chatting Sunday, and the left over muchies came out, followed by a Walmart super, large pizza! What a weekend.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Fantasia
So, tap, tap, here we go. Cue woodwinds, kind of a low, burbling Midsummer nights dream thing. Great expectancy. No crescendo yet, winds. Just as a teaser, oboe motif, nachos with cheese, can't wait for the main tune. Some nice chewing music in the clarinets. Cresendo, strings shimmer with a preliminary statement of the idee fixe. Iceberg, with black olives, banana peppers, tomato, onion, abundant mozzarella, and a really good Greek dressing. Strings soar, in octaves, poco a poco, to a gallant theme with just a hint of Italian Baroque texture. Fresh from the oven, toasty and crunchy, a great hoagy bun, filled to the brim with Italian sausage, pizza sauce, banana peppers and some veggies! Just bite in. Brass, doubled at two octaves, ff, sfz, a simplified, triumphant version of the theme. Timp roll, cymbal crash. Ecstasy. Nancy comes out for a bow.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Interim Week, Day 3
Well, where to start. It has just been a whirlwind (guess you can sense how dull it usually is in my skin). I have felt rather well, good energy, able to eat (even if it isn't all enjoyed), and able to stay awake at night long enough to be active. Amazing what some distance from these drugs will do for your good will.
So Tuesday we spent some time on campus, running errands and talking to folks (the few I still know). Thanks to a wild rumor from my daughter, dinner was planned for McD's. Seems that the McRib is back--at least it was in the Joliet, IL region. The young lady (and I mean young) behind the register had never even heard of a McRib. The innocence of youth. So I made do with my usual two burgers, McFries, and added a shake for good measure. Tasted pretty good, would have been even better if the McFries tasted salty.
Tuesday evening was the first rehearsal for the second semester College Community Band, so I took my euphonium and sat in. Didn't play much, but that was much more a result of a weak lip than Chemo. It was good to be there, had some fun. After, the usual group went to Frischs for pie. They have a no-sugar added cherry one, but it certainly didn't taste very good. Ate it any way.
This morning I put down two eggs, over easy, two slices of rye toast, and one Bobby E's sausage patty. Then this noon, I met my two lunch friends from campus and had Mexican--a burrito, and it was spicy enough that it tasted great! I am trying to do it all before Monday, when the great descent begins all over again.
On the more mundane (and not much related to food), I went in for labs this morning in preparation for my appointment with the Doc on Friday noon. I still would like to have him talk more, so I will attempt again. He is truly a man of few words. Pokes, prods, listens, says nothing.
So Tuesday we spent some time on campus, running errands and talking to folks (the few I still know). Thanks to a wild rumor from my daughter, dinner was planned for McD's. Seems that the McRib is back--at least it was in the Joliet, IL region. The young lady (and I mean young) behind the register had never even heard of a McRib. The innocence of youth. So I made do with my usual two burgers, McFries, and added a shake for good measure. Tasted pretty good, would have been even better if the McFries tasted salty.
Tuesday evening was the first rehearsal for the second semester College Community Band, so I took my euphonium and sat in. Didn't play much, but that was much more a result of a weak lip than Chemo. It was good to be there, had some fun. After, the usual group went to Frischs for pie. They have a no-sugar added cherry one, but it certainly didn't taste very good. Ate it any way.
This morning I put down two eggs, over easy, two slices of rye toast, and one Bobby E's sausage patty. Then this noon, I met my two lunch friends from campus and had Mexican--a burrito, and it was spicy enough that it tasted great! I am trying to do it all before Monday, when the great descent begins all over again.
On the more mundane (and not much related to food), I went in for labs this morning in preparation for my appointment with the Doc on Friday noon. I still would like to have him talk more, so I will attempt again. He is truly a man of few words. Pokes, prods, listens, says nothing.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Interim Week, Day 1
We didn't make it to the ball games, nor to church on Sunday. I continued to feel fairly exhausted, just didn't have the energy. But I did have a hot dog, two in fact. On one of our outings, sent Emily into Chief for wieners. Don't you know she came out with $4 a pound all beef? Hardly the kind of thing you put ball park mustard on!
My sense of taste is slowly returning--except for salty. And you know how I love salty. Sure cancels out the Mcfries. We did have our Sunday dinner at Wendys and granddaughter, Kris, joined us. Managed to eat a single, everything, no cheese. And their Frosty is a nice thing. That makes for a great treat, and I didn't eat more than a third of it, so my glucose didn't spike. I may return there!
This is the week in which we look forward to a visit from our life-long friends, the Barrs and Adams. We all met at DC, about 40-45 years ago. Our families became close and we spent all the holidays and birthdays together. After they moved on from DC, they continued to spend Christmas here for many, many years. In the past several years, our reunions have been less regular, but equally joyful. Even if I can't enjoy the feasting, it is going to be a glorious weekend.
My sense of taste is slowly returning--except for salty. And you know how I love salty. Sure cancels out the Mcfries. We did have our Sunday dinner at Wendys and granddaughter, Kris, joined us. Managed to eat a single, everything, no cheese. And their Frosty is a nice thing. That makes for a great treat, and I didn't eat more than a third of it, so my glucose didn't spike. I may return there!
This is the week in which we look forward to a visit from our life-long friends, the Barrs and Adams. We all met at DC, about 40-45 years ago. Our families became close and we spent all the holidays and birthdays together. After they moved on from DC, they continued to spend Christmas here for many, many years. In the past several years, our reunions have been less regular, but equally joyful. Even if I can't enjoy the feasting, it is going to be a glorious weekend.
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