Saturday started off nice and relaxing, I had stayed the night with Liz just incase she needed some assistance. Friday Liz was admitted into the ER due to having some episodes of "Elvis Legs" (as she calls it) and dehydration after starting the day at 3AM throwing up. (see previous post). We started the morning of just lounging around her place. I was sleeping on an air mattress in the front room. Liz was currled up on the couch when I mentioned that I should start getting my day underway. She chuckled a little and said, "let me help you." With that she pulled the plug out of the mattress, the air wisked out of the matteress, it sounded like an airplane taking off. In just a few seconds I was flat on the floor.
We both went about our mornings preparing for an afternoon of watching Olympics at Farrelli's. Dad and I showed up early to get things ready and chauffeur mom showed up a little bit later with the lady of the day. The day started off with Curling and NCAA basketball on the TVs accompanied by some really yummy breakfast pizzas from Farrelli's. They pies were a new recipe that they were trying out. We all gave them a big thumbs up. As we were watching the Curling competition dad explained many of the rules and neuances of the sport. He was explaining that at the level of the Olympics the players are the true "rock stars" of the event.
About an hour into the event there were many of us that had just found out about the earthquake in Chile. Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people in Chile and all of the areas effected by any of the aftermath.
The afternoon continued with TVs broadcasting Olympics, updates on Chile and the possible tsunamis and basketball. Through out the day we had items that were raffled off. Liz was the offical number puller. She did a great job locating the winner. There was a great distribution of winners. The afternoon wrapped up about 3:00. With full tummies and bounty in hand we all bid each other a good afternoon and went our seperate ways. The rest of the day was fairly low key
Thank you everyone for your continued support!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wed , Thurs , and Fri 24th thru the 26th
Well this last week has been a full one for me . I did a little bit more than normal , but hey I thought I was feeling good . On Wed. 24th I took my friend Mike out on a bro date since his fiancee was out of town . What did the bro date entail ? Hot dogs at Nathane's , A Burlesque show featuring my friend the Talented Ms. Jessica who dance to " Put the lime in the coconut " . The M.C. was witty and the crowd was encouraging . I don't think I have the balls ( or tit's ) to do what they did . It looked like fun but I am not that brazen . Learned a trick or two though ;-0 . Love new experiences ! Then after all the fun in Seattle we stopped by the Ale House to see a few friends and try our luck at Trivia . Bryan has been waiting for the day for me to start drinking again for a year and a half . Now me knowing this I have been cafeful to use that against him only a few times . Once on the 4th of July ( which was a good one he dropped his 18 pack and pumped both arms in the air and was sooo happy , kinda felt bad to burst his bubble ... ) then there was Wed. night . He and his friend both got a Washington Apple shot . So I ask the bartender to pour me a watered down cranberry juice . Well Bryan makes his rounds grading the trivia papers and when he was done he came to take his shot . Him and his friend go to cheers and I tell them wait for me ! Bryans eyes light up and say's to Tumors and other terrible things . We take our " shots" and then Bryan looks at me and asks your not messing with me again are you ? I try and play it off but in the end I cave . I just can't help to try and mess with him . He gets all annimated and happy . He is a good trooper . I guess I have another 8 months till I can mess with him again .
Well mom told you about Thursday , day . On Thursday night I went out to dinner with Carolyn . She had just finished a competion and did better than she has expected . So we went out to celebrate . There is this great little place around the corner from my place called The Upper Crust . We walked down there frome my house it was a nice night the ugly weather from earier in the day had gone away and made for a cool crisp night . We ordered a salad and some caprese bread to share . Then it was down to the serious stuff . Cribbage . She won both games .... I swear she was cheating if I hadn't dealt the card my self . She had sooo many 12 point hands and other amazing hands I was so jelouse and some what mad . She is a good card player . We walked back to my house and went our seperate ways her to go and celebrate some more and me to bake some peanut butter cookies .
3:30 AM I wake up not feeling so good . Like I haven't felt this bad in a few years . I thought I had a upset stomache at first due to the fact that on Wed. and Thur. I ate things I haven't ate in awhile . Well I am just glad that I had a good plastic bag in the trash . I threw up and just couldn't stop . I would think it was over and go back to bed ony to wake up an hour or so later with the same compulsion . At about 7ish I was done heaving at this point it was all dry . I was try to find another bag for the trash . I was squating in front of the sink when all I got this weird feeling , my first thought was quick lay down . I wasn't fast enough . I fellover and woke up few minutes later ( ?) laying on the bathroom floor right next to the toilet and the trash . I look around and kinda freak out a little . I have a mini panick attack thinking that maybe I had a seizure . ( It is a possible side effect from the tumor removal but a slight one . I was in panic mode and all alone and no sleep in my defence it has been about 12 years since the last time I passed out . ) I finally get myself up off the floor and call Sister . She is over in no time . Her 1st question is did you drink enough fluids ? I try not to roll my eyes cause I am still afraid of falling or passing out again . As I am walking up the stairs from letting her in I point to the full trash bags and tell her she can look to see if I drank enough fluid . I can feel the dager eyes . I ask her to come help me and here I am being mean . I go lay down and Karyn takes inventory . She starts me off sipping on some water to help rehydrate me . Then she starts calling all my doctors . They finally decied to have me come in to get blood work done before they proceed with Radiation that day . Karyn , dad , and I all pack into dads car and take off to the hospital . I am feeling a little better at this point . I have had some yogurt a little apple juice and was able to take a small nap . I get into the blood work room the lady want to use my port . I say no it is still healing , the port area is a little bit tender has bruising and the cut area is sensitive . The nurse was another needle ninja . She draws 3 viels of bllod in seconds flat . Tells me to wait for Barb to come out and tell how we are going to proceed . Dad and I take a nap . We are good at that . Power napping . Karyn takes a " blackmail " photo . How little does she know the ability to fall asleep just about anywhere is a talent to be proud of . I wake up from my little nap and get up to go to the bathroom . I make it about half way across the waiting room and I feel it coming on again . That weird feeling . Karyn sees me being funny . My legs start shaking like Elivis Presley's and again all I can think is I am having a seizure . Then I remember that I have to go to the bathroom . I really don't want to make a mess of myself . Thank Buddha ! I don't . By the time I actually feel my self stop shaking I have a nurse and a few other looking at me . They are going to take me down to the ER and make sure all is right with me . After a few long moments and me feeling kinda stupid ( I know I can't controll the whole passing out thing but YOU do it and tell me how you feel about it ) we get a room . They give me an I.V. drip to rehydrate me and tell me to drink Gaterade . I look at sister and said that was big fun . We all take our spots in dads car and go back to my house . Karyn had callled mom and sent her on a shopping trip of things I am allowed to eat . =) It's good because I am starting to get hungery I.V. drip is only so filling . Mom made one of my favorites Green Jello and cottage cheese Yummers ! If I was allowed I am sure it would of had pinapple too . Mom made me some chicken noodle soup so I had half a cup and a banana . I look at mom and tell her I am going to lay down . I took almost a 3 hour nap . When I woke up Mom was passed out on my couch . She looked all cute squished up on my love seat size couch . Sister came back over and stayed the night just to make sure I was ok . Love her !
Well mom told you about Thursday , day . On Thursday night I went out to dinner with Carolyn . She had just finished a competion and did better than she has expected . So we went out to celebrate . There is this great little place around the corner from my place called The Upper Crust . We walked down there frome my house it was a nice night the ugly weather from earier in the day had gone away and made for a cool crisp night . We ordered a salad and some caprese bread to share . Then it was down to the serious stuff . Cribbage . She won both games .... I swear she was cheating if I hadn't dealt the card my self . She had sooo many 12 point hands and other amazing hands I was so jelouse and some what mad . She is a good card player . We walked back to my house and went our seperate ways her to go and celebrate some more and me to bake some peanut butter cookies .
3:30 AM I wake up not feeling so good . Like I haven't felt this bad in a few years . I thought I had a upset stomache at first due to the fact that on Wed. and Thur. I ate things I haven't ate in awhile . Well I am just glad that I had a good plastic bag in the trash . I threw up and just couldn't stop . I would think it was over and go back to bed ony to wake up an hour or so later with the same compulsion . At about 7ish I was done heaving at this point it was all dry . I was try to find another bag for the trash . I was squating in front of the sink when all I got this weird feeling , my first thought was quick lay down . I wasn't fast enough . I fellover and woke up few minutes later ( ?) laying on the bathroom floor right next to the toilet and the trash . I look around and kinda freak out a little . I have a mini panick attack thinking that maybe I had a seizure . ( It is a possible side effect from the tumor removal but a slight one . I was in panic mode and all alone and no sleep in my defence it has been about 12 years since the last time I passed out . ) I finally get myself up off the floor and call Sister . She is over in no time . Her 1st question is did you drink enough fluids ? I try not to roll my eyes cause I am still afraid of falling or passing out again . As I am walking up the stairs from letting her in I point to the full trash bags and tell her she can look to see if I drank enough fluid . I can feel the dager eyes . I ask her to come help me and here I am being mean . I go lay down and Karyn takes inventory . She starts me off sipping on some water to help rehydrate me . Then she starts calling all my doctors . They finally decied to have me come in to get blood work done before they proceed with Radiation that day . Karyn , dad , and I all pack into dads car and take off to the hospital . I am feeling a little better at this point . I have had some yogurt a little apple juice and was able to take a small nap . I get into the blood work room the lady want to use my port . I say no it is still healing , the port area is a little bit tender has bruising and the cut area is sensitive . The nurse was another needle ninja . She draws 3 viels of bllod in seconds flat . Tells me to wait for Barb to come out and tell how we are going to proceed . Dad and I take a nap . We are good at that . Power napping . Karyn takes a " blackmail " photo . How little does she know the ability to fall asleep just about anywhere is a talent to be proud of . I wake up from my little nap and get up to go to the bathroom . I make it about half way across the waiting room and I feel it coming on again . That weird feeling . Karyn sees me being funny . My legs start shaking like Elivis Presley's and again all I can think is I am having a seizure . Then I remember that I have to go to the bathroom . I really don't want to make a mess of myself . Thank Buddha ! I don't . By the time I actually feel my self stop shaking I have a nurse and a few other looking at me . They are going to take me down to the ER and make sure all is right with me . After a few long moments and me feeling kinda stupid ( I know I can't controll the whole passing out thing but YOU do it and tell me how you feel about it ) we get a room . They give me an I.V. drip to rehydrate me and tell me to drink Gaterade . I look at sister and said that was big fun . We all take our spots in dads car and go back to my house . Karyn had callled mom and sent her on a shopping trip of things I am allowed to eat . =) It's good because I am starting to get hungery I.V. drip is only so filling . Mom made one of my favorites Green Jello and cottage cheese Yummers ! If I was allowed I am sure it would of had pinapple too . Mom made me some chicken noodle soup so I had half a cup and a banana . I look at mom and tell her I am going to lay down . I took almost a 3 hour nap . When I woke up Mom was passed out on my couch . She looked all cute squished up on my love seat size couch . Sister came back over and stayed the night just to make sure I was ok . Love her !
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Man, I had one job today. To pick up Elizabeth after her radiation. I needed to be there about 11:30. So I gather my computer, it's plug, the headset and portable mouse, my water bottle and the trash from my computer room. I check my phone... it's charged. I have my only set of car keys... I'm ready. I round up the dogs and tell them "car". Rusty responds enthusiastically, HannaH just stares at me. Down the stairs we go... if the dogs keep pace we'll get there on time. Then it happens. The bag is too heavy to lift, so I'm dragging it... thump, thump, thump, down the stairs, when something in the trash makes a noise (I think it was a light bulb) and HannaH spooks and turns and heads back upstairs to the computer room (their room).
Now faced with dwindling time constraints I hurry through the living room and dining room, and down another set of stairs... the trash thumping along behind me. Rusty runs back to me from the back door where he was prancing to check out the noise but is irritated that I'm slow. He wants to go in the "car".
I can't leave HannaH on her own... we have motion sensors on our alarm, but more than that, when I leave I won't be back for several hours and I don't trust her that long alone in the house with no restrictions. So back I go... up two flights of stairs and find her in the overstuffed chair, tail wagging its apologies. I tell her "car" and help her out of the chair with a gentle but swift sweep of my arm.
Now we're all heading the right direction, sans bag, HannaH is clipping along very speedily. Outside she dashes. Now my concern is she'll duck behind a shed I have and not come when called. It's a rainy day and that's all I need. But to my disbelieving eyes she stops at the Japanese Maple and sits to watch me. Rusty has emptied his bladder and is ready for the car ride, now to get HannaH to just not run off. I call Rusty and he skips along very excited. HannaH picks up on it and comes too. I'm so close...
I leave the garage doors down, as they might both bolt if it's open. I tell them to "hupt, hupt" and they jump into my car... I open the doors and we're away!
I have about 5 minutes to get there by the time Karyn told me to be there. I pull into the parking garage at TG and there are three radiation parking spaces... sweet, but I have no pass. So I take the ramp up floor after floor to the top. Not ONE space is available. The parking attendant at the top tells me I can wait in the reserved parking until Lizzy is ready... then Karyn calls, "Where are you?" I'm here in the garage I tell her and she tells me she's waiting for me inside.
Whoa. I didn't know she was waiting. So I drive down the ramps and now there's only one open radiation parking spot, so I take it. And Karyn is right behind me leaving. I just need to go inside and wait for Liz. Last time I was here there were large signs telling people to use the second floor entry. So I wait for the elevator and ride up to Two. Walk into the hospital and take the elevator down to One.
I ask at the desk about a parking pass and ask if I need to run out with it. I'm assured they don't patrol that rapidly and besides Elizabeth has the pass. So I go over to the puzzle and begin finding pieces. One, two, three, time ticks away. I'm thinking it has been a long time. Suddenly a sharp rap on the glass by me and there's Liz. She must have come out while I was riding the elevator, 'cuz she tells me she's been waiting over half an hour. (But then so was I.)
I explain the fiasco with parking and she gives me my "pass" and I'm very happy. She says it is all okay. And I feel terrible. I think I'm waiting for her and am there for her, but really she's waiting for me.
Too bad I was in such a hurry I left my phone in the car. Neither of us would have needed to wait long had I just gotten myself organized. Well, looking on the bright side. I did have my keys. I had my phone AND it was charged. I'll work on getting all the parts together at the same time next time.
It's not easy being me. Thank God Elizabeth is so understanding.
Elizabeth's Mom
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Olympics at Farrelli's
You are invited to join us on Saturday at the Tacoma Farrelli's to watch the Olympics with Liz. A time for fun, fellowship, family and friends. It will be $15 for Pizza, salad and other delicious goodies. There will also be select beers on tap for which the proceeds will go directly to Liz and raffles through out the event. We hope to see you there.
When: Saturday February 27th
Time: 11AM to 3PM
Where: Farrelli's 3618 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA
When: Saturday February 27th
Time: 11AM to 3PM
Where: Farrelli's 3618 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA
Feb 23 rd Port surgery
Wow talk about early ! I set my alarm for 5 am . Sister was picking me a up at 5:45 to take me to S.C.C.A. to have a port put in . The reason for the port is to save my veins and me some stress . It also makes it easier on the medical staff . Instead of try to find a vein they just feel the bump on my chest ( no not my boobs ! ) and they have a good vein for shots , blood draws , and I.V.'s . Ialso gibes me a sense of ease . I am not a big needle fan , even though I have been blessed with great nurses and I.V. therapy crews . Well I don't wake up to my alarm , I guess the pre-surgery chill pill was a little bit of a sedative . Whoops ! So I wake up when Karyn calls to tell me she is leaving her house . Eeeak ! I jump in the shower to wash the erea that is going to be operated on , the soup that I have to use smell awful ! But want to make sure I do my part to get things right . Luckily I had laid out my cloths the night before . ( I still have some brain power ! yeah ! ) I am ready and out the door in 10 minutes . I think that might be a personal best . Yes ! Sister and I get on the freeway and traffic was pretty smooth , Thank you car pool lane !
I get checked in and they have me changed in to scrubs and robes . I have a seat on one of the beds . The 2nd " chill pill " I had taken was starting to kick in . The guy who was explaining the proceedure to me was super nice and let sister sit there till I went in . I was the 1st customer of the day . The staff was all running around with coffee cups and chatting about their weekends . I like hearing that kinda stuff if they can talk about their personal life with each other it generally mean that they work well together .
I get wheeled in to the smalllest operating room I have everseen ! I have had hospital rooms larger than what they had to work with ! There was 5 of us in this little room . S.C.C.A is a learning hospital . So 2 of the people where students watching . One watching how a port is placed and another on how to do the Awake Sedation . I slept through almost all of it . I kinda scared the guys when I added my 2 cents to one of their conversations . They said I was baby snoring all the was through just about . so when I talked they wern;t sure if I was still sleeping or not . They finished me up and I got wheeled in to the recovery room for about 45min. I was given a long choice of snacks to have . I settled on gramcrackers and some applejuice . Sister and I sat there and chatted with the nurse for awhile then before I knew it I was discharged .
It was about 10am at this point my surgery took a little longer than expected . So sister had to drive kinda fast so I could make it to my radition treatment . I had been worried that the gauze from the port would get in the way of the plastic mask . It was no problem . Now that they are doing the spine it takes a little bit longer than before . I fall back asleep I think I still have some seditives in my system .
With a long morming of hospital stuff out of the way I welcome home . I grab what I call my chemo shall but others call a blanket and lay dowm on my couch . Paul came over to take care of me for the day . With the port in I needed 12 hours of supervision . It was nice to just relaxe with Paul . We went and grabed a bite at Wendy's Veitamese . Yummers ! Then came home and ended up taking a 2 hour nap !! I felt like a little kid almost I was all curled up next to him . Paul is a walking heater , I think he's natural temp is like 123 . He keeps me toasty . Dreams come quick and before I knew it I was off to sleep again . I am starting to enjoy sleeping again . For a bit there it was starting to feel like a chore . Now I welcome it . It helps heal all parts . I can actually feel the difference now when I take a nap and days that I don't . The way my body responds to it all is interesting . The human body is a pretty cool thing . If you get tha chance speaking of bodies and you don'y get grossed out to easily check out the Bodies exibit in seattle , It is truely amazing !
I get checked in and they have me changed in to scrubs and robes . I have a seat on one of the beds . The 2nd " chill pill " I had taken was starting to kick in . The guy who was explaining the proceedure to me was super nice and let sister sit there till I went in . I was the 1st customer of the day . The staff was all running around with coffee cups and chatting about their weekends . I like hearing that kinda stuff if they can talk about their personal life with each other it generally mean that they work well together .
I get wheeled in to the smalllest operating room I have everseen ! I have had hospital rooms larger than what they had to work with ! There was 5 of us in this little room . S.C.C.A is a learning hospital . So 2 of the people where students watching . One watching how a port is placed and another on how to do the Awake Sedation . I slept through almost all of it . I kinda scared the guys when I added my 2 cents to one of their conversations . They said I was baby snoring all the was through just about . so when I talked they wern;t sure if I was still sleeping or not . They finished me up and I got wheeled in to the recovery room for about 45min. I was given a long choice of snacks to have . I settled on gramcrackers and some applejuice . Sister and I sat there and chatted with the nurse for awhile then before I knew it I was discharged .
It was about 10am at this point my surgery took a little longer than expected . So sister had to drive kinda fast so I could make it to my radition treatment . I had been worried that the gauze from the port would get in the way of the plastic mask . It was no problem . Now that they are doing the spine it takes a little bit longer than before . I fall back asleep I think I still have some seditives in my system .
With a long morming of hospital stuff out of the way I welcome home . I grab what I call my chemo shall but others call a blanket and lay dowm on my couch . Paul came over to take care of me for the day . With the port in I needed 12 hours of supervision . It was nice to just relaxe with Paul . We went and grabed a bite at Wendy's Veitamese . Yummers ! Then came home and ended up taking a 2 hour nap !! I felt like a little kid almost I was all curled up next to him . Paul is a walking heater , I think he's natural temp is like 123 . He keeps me toasty . Dreams come quick and before I knew it I was off to sleep again . I am starting to enjoy sleeping again . For a bit there it was starting to feel like a chore . Now I welcome it . It helps heal all parts . I can actually feel the difference now when I take a nap and days that I don't . The way my body responds to it all is interesting . The human body is a pretty cool thing . If you get tha chance speaking of bodies and you don'y get grossed out to easily check out the Bodies exibit in seattle , It is truely amazing !
Monday, February 22, 2010
feb. 22nd Chemo
Well today started like most . Did my am routine then jumped into sisters car and was whisked off to radiation . I walked into the back and small talked with the nice older couple that have an appointment either before me or after depending on who gets there first . I sit down and read a zine for a bit then my name gets called . I get in the radiation room and they inform me that today is the day that they add the spine into the treatment . Not only do they add the spine but they also zap my brain a few beats more than before . Mmmm I love the taste of bromide in the morning !!
After my treatment sister and I hop in to her car and head to Seattle for my first chemo treatment . First I get blood work done . The nurse is a needle pro , Lizzy likes a painless needle ! Then it was up to Dr. Chaberlains office for a touch base about the chemo and my port surgery . He told me that the side effects that he told me about didn't happen all that often but they do so they need to warn us about the side effects . All I could think was you didn't make it seem so hum hum the first meeting . I thought I was going to come out of this whole thing like the female pinguin . Eeek ! Well he gives a some meds for my surgery tomorrow so that I will be more mellow and easier to seddate . I am not fond of things that make me bleed .
We finished up with the doc then head over to the injection area . ( i have no idea what they actually call it - pppsst I like to make up my own names for the stuff in the hospital ) I was assighned room 26 . The room smelled like cleaner and everything looked brand new , came to found out it was . The nurse comes in and greets us and takes us for a tour . She showed me where the snacks and juice box's where and where to send someone if I wanted a warm blanket . I love those warm blankets , They have machines that look like they belong in th ekitchen that keep the blankets all nice and toasty . I get settled in to the bed . I wished T.G. had beds like that one . It had memory foam ! Sooo comfy . They come and find a good vain and get my I.V. in . I get a saline drip going and wait for the chemo shot . It takes awhile for the shot to arrive . They can't mix the shot till they getthe order from the dr. so if the pharmacy is busy it can take awhile . Karyn and I watched cash cab and tested our combined brain power man we be smart ! The chemo shot arrives and it takes a second for the shot and another second for the saline solution and done ! Till they tell me they need more blood work for my surgery tomorrow =( almost made it out ! We go down to the blood drawing area and I am the only person there . I get in right away and this time the nurse is a needle ninja i didn't even feel it ! She gets the two vials of bllod in less than a minute and then I was really done . Yippy ! Karyn dropped me off at home . Now for some reading and maybe meditate myself to sleep . Life starts early for me tomorrow . 5am baby woohoo ! Liven the dream baby !
After my treatment sister and I hop in to her car and head to Seattle for my first chemo treatment . First I get blood work done . The nurse is a needle pro , Lizzy likes a painless needle ! Then it was up to Dr. Chaberlains office for a touch base about the chemo and my port surgery . He told me that the side effects that he told me about didn't happen all that often but they do so they need to warn us about the side effects . All I could think was you didn't make it seem so hum hum the first meeting . I thought I was going to come out of this whole thing like the female pinguin . Eeek ! Well he gives a some meds for my surgery tomorrow so that I will be more mellow and easier to seddate . I am not fond of things that make me bleed .
We finished up with the doc then head over to the injection area . ( i have no idea what they actually call it - pppsst I like to make up my own names for the stuff in the hospital ) I was assighned room 26 . The room smelled like cleaner and everything looked brand new , came to found out it was . The nurse comes in and greets us and takes us for a tour . She showed me where the snacks and juice box's where and where to send someone if I wanted a warm blanket . I love those warm blankets , They have machines that look like they belong in th ekitchen that keep the blankets all nice and toasty . I get settled in to the bed . I wished T.G. had beds like that one . It had memory foam ! Sooo comfy . They come and find a good vain and get my I.V. in . I get a saline drip going and wait for the chemo shot . It takes awhile for the shot to arrive . They can't mix the shot till they getthe order from the dr. so if the pharmacy is busy it can take awhile . Karyn and I watched cash cab and tested our combined brain power man we be smart ! The chemo shot arrives and it takes a second for the shot and another second for the saline solution and done ! Till they tell me they need more blood work for my surgery tomorrow =( almost made it out ! We go down to the blood drawing area and I am the only person there . I get in right away and this time the nurse is a needle ninja i didn't even feel it ! She gets the two vials of bllod in less than a minute and then I was really done . Yippy ! Karyn dropped me off at home . Now for some reading and maybe meditate myself to sleep . Life starts early for me tomorrow . 5am baby woohoo ! Liven the dream baby !
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Feb. 20th Sunny day !
What a great day ! I love this weather ! Woke up all sorts of early and felt ok . I got ready for the day and walked up to Proctor and met a few friends for a cup of joe . Then strolled back home . I have been enjoying watching a few different plants along my walks grow . Then their are a few that I have no idea what they are , So I have been taking snap shots of them then comparing them in a gardening book I have . I know I am a dork but it gives me healthy things to do . Gets me out in the fresh air and keeps the grey matter from going black .
Mom came andf picked me up to do a few arruns . We had both the dogs in the car with us . They are pretty darn cute . They just love car rides ! Rusty sticks his out the window and looks like he is a wolfman . Then Hanna just wants to curl up on your lap . We ended up at an estate sale . ( I told you I love them ) I found the ugliest it is so ugly it is cute swim tank top . It is yellow like super yellow with 3 tulips on it and it is made out of rayon . I swear it is UGLY but soooo cute because of it . I can't wait to wear it . ( as soon as I am allowed in the sun ) After our treasure hunt we went the the Met to grab a random lunch . We sat at on eof the little buddy bars and chatted it up for a bit . Mom droped me off at home and I felt ready for my nap . It must be 2:30 .
The rest of my day was spent fake reading my books on tumors and treatment . I just couldn't get into them . I call sister to bug her before her and her friend go to Heart ball . She asks if I want to hang out with them before they go . I said sure . I mean who would take their prom like photo in front of the fire place if I didn't . ( They grow up so fast you really have to capture these moments ) The girls droped me off and I went up to my place looked around and weighed my options and deciced to call it a night . So I curled with Breakfast with Buddah read a few chapters and drift off into a better place in my mind . Sleep is good . =)
Mom came andf picked me up to do a few arruns . We had both the dogs in the car with us . They are pretty darn cute . They just love car rides ! Rusty sticks his out the window and looks like he is a wolfman . Then Hanna just wants to curl up on your lap . We ended up at an estate sale . ( I told you I love them ) I found the ugliest it is so ugly it is cute swim tank top . It is yellow like super yellow with 3 tulips on it and it is made out of rayon . I swear it is UGLY but soooo cute because of it . I can't wait to wear it . ( as soon as I am allowed in the sun ) After our treasure hunt we went the the Met to grab a random lunch . We sat at on eof the little buddy bars and chatted it up for a bit . Mom droped me off at home and I felt ready for my nap . It must be 2:30 .
The rest of my day was spent fake reading my books on tumors and treatment . I just couldn't get into them . I call sister to bug her before her and her friend go to Heart ball . She asks if I want to hang out with them before they go . I said sure . I mean who would take their prom like photo in front of the fire place if I didn't . ( They grow up so fast you really have to capture these moments ) The girls droped me off and I went up to my place looked around and weighed my options and deciced to call it a night . So I curled with Breakfast with Buddah read a few chapters and drift off into a better place in my mind . Sleep is good . =)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Fri. Feb. 19th
Well I didn't sleep well last night . I kept waking up and I had a headache almost all day . I have has small headaches that feel kinda like the pain you get before you get a headache but thats as far as they have got . Not the case . I was happy though when waking up to find my headache no be nil . I finally gave up on sleep and got out of bed at like 7 am . Took my shower and was ready for a big day of treatment . I think the thought of starting chemo was weighing heavy on me . Yet today was the day , time to put the best foot forward and remember my meditations . I made breakfast went for a walk then was ready for Sister to come and get me . While I was waiting dad called me and told me he had my allowence for the week . Yippy ! I go down stairs and theres Karyn . The two of them were hashing out details of Heartball or some type of foundraiser . I tuned them out and went to pet Rusty ( my parents dog that they call our brother .... oy ) .
I get a phone call , it's Seattle Cancer Care the nurse is tellig me there was confusion and they had to move my appointment to Monday . That way they would be able to do the test they need and I would be able to talk more with the Dr. . I have to admit I was kinda excited about this news . I really wasn't ready to start chemo I am having a hard time with it for some reason . I understand why I am doing the radiation but even after being explained to me a few times from mutiple people I still don't get why I need to do the chemo . I just think I am being stubern on the subject . =)
Radiation treatment went pretty quick as soon as I got in . The plastic mask that they click me into is starting to feel less evasive to me . When they give me the treatment , I tell myself that what is happening is making me better . It can be a real distrubing process if you are not in the right mind frame . ( I think that is my problem with chemo I just can't find my mind frame for it , maybe I should go shopping for frames .... ) My first treatment I got a weird taste in my mouth this time it kinda smelled like bromide ( like hottub chemicals ) it just smelled no taste . About 10 minutes afterwards I had a headache . I find it somewhat ironic that the whole reason I came in was due to headaches and now the treatment they have me on a side effect is headaches , at least I still have a bunch of aleve from before still . ( got to find the silver linings )
I ask Karyn if she wanted to go up to Seattle with me to see the McKay's , she said she would love to . So we wwent up there at about 2ish . I tild her that we were going to be way early so we took a detoure at the Westfeild mall area . We did what Whitacre women are really good at shopping ! We went into the Dress Barn to see if we could find her a dress for some thing she was going to on Satuerday . I love the hunt ! I found her this super cute gold and black dress . It had black lace and a gold satin under it , Super cute on sister ! Plus it was 60% off so it was a steal ! I found a warm up jacket for 8 bucks ! ( I know exceedes my $5 limit but some things are worth it ) While we are shopping S.C.C. calls again and tells me that they had a opening on Tuesday if I want to move up my port surgery . I take it , I think that people are more focased on their 2nd day at work . Plus I would like to try and keep all the stuff that makes me feel like poo to the early week that way on my weekends I will be a bit stronger going into them and feeling better on the Monday before the treatments start again . It's all bout maintaining optimal health .
Sister and I finsh up shopping and head to Pip's house . We took the express lane think it would work in our benifit . It would have if we would of been able to take the exit we needed . We ended up having to drive a bit more but it was a nice drive around the Fremont / Ballard area . We sat around for a few minutes and played catch up then everyone agreed that they were hungry . While grabing coats Pip asked my sister do you want me to drive or for you to drive . Karyn says you can you know where we are going , ask Liz who she want to drive . Pip says she hates my driving . Sister responds she hates everyone driving . I chip in Thats because you all try and KILL me ! Plus Pip I only hate your highway / freeway driving in town you are great ! With that we all pile in to Pip and Louise's car . We went to Korean B.B.Q. I had never been . It was awesome ! The 4 of us shared a combo meat platter and a extra side dish . It all was good ! The Teryaki sauce was a little spicey which I liked . My favorite though was mixing the bean sauce and the teryaki it was supper good . I will definitly go for Korean again .
The drive home was nice not to much traffic . Karyn told me to try and count how many planes were lined up for landing , I have never done this before . At one point there was 8 that I could count . That's a lot of people on the go . Wonder where they all go ? Mmmmm ....
I get a phone call , it's Seattle Cancer Care the nurse is tellig me there was confusion and they had to move my appointment to Monday . That way they would be able to do the test they need and I would be able to talk more with the Dr. . I have to admit I was kinda excited about this news . I really wasn't ready to start chemo I am having a hard time with it for some reason . I understand why I am doing the radiation but even after being explained to me a few times from mutiple people I still don't get why I need to do the chemo . I just think I am being stubern on the subject . =)
Radiation treatment went pretty quick as soon as I got in . The plastic mask that they click me into is starting to feel less evasive to me . When they give me the treatment , I tell myself that what is happening is making me better . It can be a real distrubing process if you are not in the right mind frame . ( I think that is my problem with chemo I just can't find my mind frame for it , maybe I should go shopping for frames .... ) My first treatment I got a weird taste in my mouth this time it kinda smelled like bromide ( like hottub chemicals ) it just smelled no taste . About 10 minutes afterwards I had a headache . I find it somewhat ironic that the whole reason I came in was due to headaches and now the treatment they have me on a side effect is headaches , at least I still have a bunch of aleve from before still . ( got to find the silver linings )
I ask Karyn if she wanted to go up to Seattle with me to see the McKay's , she said she would love to . So we wwent up there at about 2ish . I tild her that we were going to be way early so we took a detoure at the Westfeild mall area . We did what Whitacre women are really good at shopping ! We went into the Dress Barn to see if we could find her a dress for some thing she was going to on Satuerday . I love the hunt ! I found her this super cute gold and black dress . It had black lace and a gold satin under it , Super cute on sister ! Plus it was 60% off so it was a steal ! I found a warm up jacket for 8 bucks ! ( I know exceedes my $5 limit but some things are worth it ) While we are shopping S.C.C. calls again and tells me that they had a opening on Tuesday if I want to move up my port surgery . I take it , I think that people are more focased on their 2nd day at work . Plus I would like to try and keep all the stuff that makes me feel like poo to the early week that way on my weekends I will be a bit stronger going into them and feeling better on the Monday before the treatments start again . It's all bout maintaining optimal health .
Sister and I finsh up shopping and head to Pip's house . We took the express lane think it would work in our benifit . It would have if we would of been able to take the exit we needed . We ended up having to drive a bit more but it was a nice drive around the Fremont / Ballard area . We sat around for a few minutes and played catch up then everyone agreed that they were hungry . While grabing coats Pip asked my sister do you want me to drive or for you to drive . Karyn says you can you know where we are going , ask Liz who she want to drive . Pip says she hates my driving . Sister responds she hates everyone driving . I chip in Thats because you all try and KILL me ! Plus Pip I only hate your highway / freeway driving in town you are great ! With that we all pile in to Pip and Louise's car . We went to Korean B.B.Q. I had never been . It was awesome ! The 4 of us shared a combo meat platter and a extra side dish . It all was good ! The Teryaki sauce was a little spicey which I liked . My favorite though was mixing the bean sauce and the teryaki it was supper good . I will definitly go for Korean again .
The drive home was nice not to much traffic . Karyn told me to try and count how many planes were lined up for landing , I have never done this before . At one point there was 8 that I could count . That's a lot of people on the go . Wonder where they all go ? Mmmmm ....
Friday, February 19, 2010
1st Radiation treatment Feb.19th
Talked to my Radiologist today before treatment . I was telling him that I was feeling pretty good and that I want to try doing more now . I told him that I had talked to some of the other cancer patience and most of them are working , and those who were not working were retired . He looked at me and said that I should talk to the ONE other head tumor case . He is not allowed to work either . He explained that maybe I could if I was just getting radiation but with the addition of the chemo it is not an option . Due to the fact that my immune system will become so low and being around a bunch of people is not a good idea . ( I say BLAH ! ) I am trying to be a good patient but I am starting to go stir crazy . There is only so much boring stuff I am able to come up with . I finish talking with my Dr. and the nurse comes to get me for my treatment . This time I was in and out with in 15 min . It was nice to have the " lizard " marks for about 10 min after the treatment was done instead of an hour or two . I thought it was weird that as soon as I got the 1st zap of radiation I got this weird taste in my mouth . I don't know if it is because every time I get some kinda prick or treatment that I get a weird taste in my mouth . Maybe it is just a side effect of the tumor . Who knows ?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Another dry run feb 17th
I was going to start radiation today . Everything was ready . Test run had been done , lines had been drawn , lasers had been pointed , molds had been made and this was it . So we all thought .... After spending about 45 min. in what I call lizzy in the plastic mask , they inform me that they need to tweak a few things . They want to get it right . ( So do I ..... eeeeeak !! ) So they call it another dry run and tell me they will see me tomorrow . I change then look at my self and I have the lizard print not just on my forehead like it has been in the past but my whole intire face !! This whole thing is really making me live up to my nickname Lizzard . I leave the back waiting room and see Sister hunched over the puzzel table with that look that only tweakers and puzzelers get . After we leave Karyn looks at me and asks me if I want to go any where . I give her a look like would you want to go anywhere with this imprint on your face ? She laughs at me and says with you I never know . So she drives me home , as we drive I see this little store I have always wanted to go in but it is always closed when I am off . So I make sister stop . The shop had hella cute clothes , shoes and localy made jewlery . Karyn found a shirt that said " Gritty Tacoman " I loved it . So I had to have it . =) I love all the great local shops Tacoma has to offer . They all have great little hidden treasures . Fantastic !
Karyn drops me off at home and I have a late lunch which leads to nap time . I get a call from Ming asking me if I will be around later she had something to drop off for me . I like little surprises ! She said she was going to play vollyball with our long time friend Laurel and wanted to know if I wanted to go watch and get out of teh house for awhile . I told Ming I wasn't sure , I wasn't feeling so good , still trying to wrap my head around a few things . I did some tidying up around the house , did some meditating , and had some tea , then called Ming and said I am game .
We drove up to Kent to the community center . They had the smaller gym today which was nice . I find my spot on the bleechers and stake a claim . Laurel's team had a few new players that I didn't know . The 1st game was a really good game to watch . Both teams seemed evenly matched . The 2nd game the other team did a little better , the 3rd game the other team did a little better also , the last game the other team did well but the girls I was rooting for seemed to find their rythem . They all did better than I would have . Laurel , Ming and I went to grab a bite to eat after the game . We ended up at Chipolett . We sat around and caught up on each others lives and told a few stories that maybe others were not suppose to hear . All is fair in good friends talking . Those two girls make me laugh so hard . I have gotten in to a lot of fun with them two and some trouble . Man I have good friends . =)
Karyn drops me off at home and I have a late lunch which leads to nap time . I get a call from Ming asking me if I will be around later she had something to drop off for me . I like little surprises ! She said she was going to play vollyball with our long time friend Laurel and wanted to know if I wanted to go watch and get out of teh house for awhile . I told Ming I wasn't sure , I wasn't feeling so good , still trying to wrap my head around a few things . I did some tidying up around the house , did some meditating , and had some tea , then called Ming and said I am game .
We drove up to Kent to the community center . They had the smaller gym today which was nice . I find my spot on the bleechers and stake a claim . Laurel's team had a few new players that I didn't know . The 1st game was a really good game to watch . Both teams seemed evenly matched . The 2nd game the other team did a little better , the 3rd game the other team did a little better also , the last game the other team did well but the girls I was rooting for seemed to find their rythem . They all did better than I would have . Laurel , Ming and I went to grab a bite to eat after the game . We ended up at Chipolett . We sat around and caught up on each others lives and told a few stories that maybe others were not suppose to hear . All is fair in good friends talking . Those two girls make me laugh so hard . I have gotten in to a lot of fun with them two and some trouble . Man I have good friends . =)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lent ... Feb. 17th
I will start by saying I am not a bible type religion person . I do like some things about it though . One of them is Lent . Why Lent ? You might ask , well I like to torcher myself . I like the idea that you give a up something that you really enjoy for a few weeks . I few years back I gave up fast food , It is not that I loved or enjoyed fast food it was that it was easy . It was hard for me to learn how to cook for one person so it was a easy fix . In the few weeks I gave it up I learned a lot about cooking and myself .It is now a expeirance I look forward to each year . I have been thinking what I will give up this year . My choices are getting slimer each year . I try not to repeat . I was thinking T.V. but with going through treatment I don't think that is realistic and I don't like to set my self up for failure . I thought maybe texting , hahaha yea right ! I am not that sadistic to myself . Then maybe no sweets , but I think I will have to save that for next year , I need ice cream to get me through treatment . ( I can't help it have you tried the Oatmeal cookie or the Peach's for Willie Nelson from Tom and Jerry's ? ) So I have decieded to go with no fried food . I think it will be the best choice and still a little bit hard . There are so many things that you eat that you don't think of as being fried . Like a snack favorite for me tortilla chips - fried , Thai , Korean , Mexican , Vetimesse , and American - fried . I was looking through my now Encylopedia Bertanica size treament books and handouts and they all tell me to eat lots and lots of fresh veggies and fruits , so I might as well make a game out of it . See how long I can go with out . What are you going to try ? - I really want to know ! Give me ideas form year sto come ! That and I find it interesting on how and why people pick what they do .
The whole Whitacre family went up to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance with me today to meet a another doctor whom with my radialogist had been in constent contact with over my treatment . I was going to be finding out if they were going to treat me in Seattle or in Tacoma . Well it is both . Yes both . I will now be getting Radiation treatment 4 to 5 times a week and Kemo once a week for the next 7 to 8 weeks . BLAH !!! I have to admit I never saw the kemo aspect coming . What does that entail now for me . Well the likely hood of my hair growing back are less =( I know right ! Out of all the stuff that can go wrong I am worried that I wil be bald . I don't even have that great of hair . No one ever says ' Wow I wish I had your hair !" haha but I have become kinda attached to it over the years . I am still excited about the wigs but I thought that at some point I would get my hair back . I think I will get my hair back .... I have to think that . Thinking that stimulates the hair folicals , and when that happens it make syour hair grow . I am an optimistic . Really though what it means is that the cancer cells will most likely be all destroyed . Kemo therapy is a shot that they give you . Anyone who has seen me in the last 2 months has seen my I.V. bruises and the never coming off tape marks from them . I never was afraid of needles befor this , I still would not say I am afraid maybe apperhensive of getting pricked . I also will have more blood test and other stuff that involves getting poked . With all this needle work going on in my arms they are worried that my vains might give up on them . The solution is to get a port put in . A port is a small permanent ( they take it out at the end of treatment ) I.V. hook up . They keep you awake for the procejure ! ( Oy ! I might need some gas . ) The port will be placed under my skin either on the right or left side of my chest it has a " tail " that will be fed in to one of my main veins . The top of the port is a small circle about the size of a nickel and the edges are raised slightly . The center is a kinda plastic/sponge material that prevents blood from coming out on it's own . They still will have to go through the skin but it won't be as hard on me as when they try my arms , I tend to stop breathing right before the prick me . When you stop breathing you veins drop down or " hide " . at this point the nurse might try and poke after it or be sneeky and not tell you the next time they go to put the needle in .
Oh yeah and you thought your drugs had bad side effects , I think I will take a few of some of the other drugs out theres side effects over some of the ones I will get during Kemo . One of the my cause my hands and feet to " fall asleep " - become numb and or limp !!! Thats right I could loss the movement to my hands and/or feet . Who the hell aproved that drug ?! I mean really ! I want to know at what extent to they say oooohhh noooo that is to terrible for any one to endure we can not allow that . I am suppose to tell my doctor if I get numb feeling in my feet or hands right away . Duh that will not be a problem . I am in awe at what they allow . Yet at the same time thankful and amazed that they are able to treat and make me better . I think that I am just starting to get scared . The unknown is always a leap of faith not always just in your self but in others too . I am thankful that I still have faith in man kind .
The whole Whitacre family went up to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance with me today to meet a another doctor whom with my radialogist had been in constent contact with over my treatment . I was going to be finding out if they were going to treat me in Seattle or in Tacoma . Well it is both . Yes both . I will now be getting Radiation treatment 4 to 5 times a week and Kemo once a week for the next 7 to 8 weeks . BLAH !!! I have to admit I never saw the kemo aspect coming . What does that entail now for me . Well the likely hood of my hair growing back are less =( I know right ! Out of all the stuff that can go wrong I am worried that I wil be bald . I don't even have that great of hair . No one ever says ' Wow I wish I had your hair !" haha but I have become kinda attached to it over the years . I am still excited about the wigs but I thought that at some point I would get my hair back . I think I will get my hair back .... I have to think that . Thinking that stimulates the hair folicals , and when that happens it make syour hair grow . I am an optimistic . Really though what it means is that the cancer cells will most likely be all destroyed . Kemo therapy is a shot that they give you . Anyone who has seen me in the last 2 months has seen my I.V. bruises and the never coming off tape marks from them . I never was afraid of needles befor this , I still would not say I am afraid maybe apperhensive of getting pricked . I also will have more blood test and other stuff that involves getting poked . With all this needle work going on in my arms they are worried that my vains might give up on them . The solution is to get a port put in . A port is a small permanent ( they take it out at the end of treatment ) I.V. hook up . They keep you awake for the procejure ! ( Oy ! I might need some gas . ) The port will be placed under my skin either on the right or left side of my chest it has a " tail " that will be fed in to one of my main veins . The top of the port is a small circle about the size of a nickel and the edges are raised slightly . The center is a kinda plastic/sponge material that prevents blood from coming out on it's own . They still will have to go through the skin but it won't be as hard on me as when they try my arms , I tend to stop breathing right before the prick me . When you stop breathing you veins drop down or " hide " . at this point the nurse might try and poke after it or be sneeky and not tell you the next time they go to put the needle in .
Oh yeah and you thought your drugs had bad side effects , I think I will take a few of some of the other drugs out theres side effects over some of the ones I will get during Kemo . One of the my cause my hands and feet to " fall asleep " - become numb and or limp !!! Thats right I could loss the movement to my hands and/or feet . Who the hell aproved that drug ?! I mean really ! I want to know at what extent to they say oooohhh noooo that is to terrible for any one to endure we can not allow that . I am suppose to tell my doctor if I get numb feeling in my feet or hands right away . Duh that will not be a problem . I am in awe at what they allow . Yet at the same time thankful and amazed that they are able to treat and make me better . I think that I am just starting to get scared . The unknown is always a leap of faith not always just in your self but in others too . I am thankful that I still have faith in man kind .
Tuesday, February 16th
The sun was out and the day boded well for us... a trip to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. It was a "family" affair. Elizabeth would be hearing from Dr. Chamberlain just what type of treatment she would be receiving. Up until this meeting the only treatment we knew for sure was the radiation that Dr. Reiki in Tacoma would be overseeing. Wednesday would begin her radiation. She had her registration tattoos. She had her body mold. She had her "dry run". She knew where to go for the radiation treatment. Now it was time to hear what Dr. Chamberlain thought would be the right procedure for her to rid her body of this poison.
None of us had any idea what he would say so as we entered Seattle on the sunny afternoon anything was possible. We turned right at the foot of the Mercer Street Exit off I-5. Now, where once St. Vincent de Paul's had been, a complex of newer brick buildings rose on the hillside. There in front of us was SCCA. It looked its part... it looked solid, and official. The curved walls of glass looking over Lake Union spoke of serious medicine happening there.
After parking and short elevator ride we enter a lobby where each person fills out a health form. No one is allowed in the area if they have a transmittable/active cold or infection of any kind. To prove we've been through the screening we each wear a blue label that says Tuesday and that we are "clean" for our visit. (Many here have suppressed immune systems, so no invasive germs are tolerated.)
We await our appointment in a waiting room with expansive lake views in recliner chairs. It is nice.
Dr. Chamberlain has just returned from a vacation scuba diving off Papua New Guinea. He has come in to meet with us because Elizabeth's tumor is unusual and the doctors in Tacoma want his opinion on how best to treat this "robber-of-well-being". He tell us it is very rare and when it is seen it is seen in children. The reason is the cells are the primitive cells that can become more specific cells later... children as they have not finished developing have more of these cells than adults. But adults have very, very few of them, so for what few are in an adult to become cancerous is rare as the cells are rare and add to that they then need to develop cancer. We find out that Elizabeth is one of two people (on average) that get this type of cancer a year. It is about 1% off all cancer. So we listen as he tells us that children being the most often seen people with this cancer, their treatment will help them set the protocol for Elizabeth. Children can tolerated better than adults radiation and chemo; he will recommend that Elizabeth use the same treatment as children with this disease. That will mean having both radiation and chemo. So we hear about how it will be made up of three chemicals and that she will need to be driven to Seattle to get her treatment. That this treatment will be given concurrently with the radiation. She will have much of her white blood cells killed, her immune system will be greatly compromised during treatment. She is told that she must insist that anyone wishing to visit her must be in good health... He stressed that. So everyone out there needs to hear this... NO runny nose. NO coughing (that would also be me right now), NO exceptions. If you want to see her you need to be in good health.
Elizabeth asks about all the needle injections and expresses how sore she already is from blood draws and injections of chemicals for scans and such. They tell her about a "port". This is a small flat reservoir that will be placed under her skin, if she wishes, that will lead directly to her heart. This arterial blood vein makes it easy to put the chemo chemicals in, and blood draws, and anything having to do with "sampling" her blood. She likes the idea of not being sore and having her arms bruised, so in a weeks time she will have a procedure that will plant this port under her skin so she doesn't have to endure the pain of chemicals entering her blood stream (you know the stinging/burning feeling some drugs can give you).
There is a binder with about 8 tabs that they give her to "look over". And suggest the family also reads it. It will answer many questions. The nurse hangs around a bit longer and we are all numb with TMI. I don't know how people without family (real or otherwise) do it. There is so much to take in. Elizabeth seems to have hit her capacity. And she says that she's hungry. We came all the way to Seattle... let's eat here.
Karyn, ever the proactive caregiver, has anticipated this and has brought two coupons for the Crab Pot on the waterfront. Yum. We head there with mouths watering hoping to slake our thirst for crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, and the corn-on-the-cob they put into the pot. We were not disappointed. It was very tasty.
To add to the day, Vanessa— Jim's sister (fka Liz) and her fiance join us for dinner. We have a nice time together and the visiting, laughter and good food is nice for all of us. If only we could "tele-port" back to Tacoma instead of driving. But alas, we must make the journey. We are all tired and as we part we tell each other that we're going to rest and watch the Olympics. Thank goodness for the Olympics. We all enjoy them so much.
Elizabeth's Mom... Kathryn
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Mon. Feb. 15th I hate Comcast and other companies ....
I woke up feeling pretty good . I was even up to handling a few lose ends that I needed to deal with . I start by doing a few thank you's , followed by some breakfast . While eating breakfast I was looking over my Comcast bill and I thought I should change a few things . I never use my home phone , plus if I want to make a phone call I can use my cell or computer . So I call them to disconnect my phone and get a cable up grade ( I figure t.v. watching will increase as fatigue sets in ) . The lady on the other line tells me that I can not have two orders put in at once . I ask her then why can I get all of then turned on at once ? She tells me that is different . I ask how so . She explains it's two different departments . So I ask then why does it matter if I turn off my phone and it a cable up grade at the same time , if they don't go to the same area ? She starts to get annoyed with me , the feeling is responeded . ( I am starting to realize why my dad told me he would handdle these types of things while I was recovering . I could feel my face getting hot and I have to addmit I haven't lost it in a long time and I was starting to feellike I was going to lose it ) She puts me on hold for a few minutes , normally I would possibly be annoyed by this but I find it welcomeing so I am able to calm my nerves . While on hold dad arrives to take me to lunch . I tell him we have to wait till I am done , I have made it to far to give up now . He nods and then proceeds to shake his head and laugh at me . He seems a little excited for a front row seat to see someone else deal with this type of thing . The lady comes back on the line and informs me that her superviser said that I have to do one at a time . I am so hungry that my growls from my stomach sound like me grumbling while taking to the girl . I opt to up grade the cable first , nessity first . I will call tomorrow to turn off the landline ...... she said I had to put one order in at a time she never said the order had to be completed before the next order was placed . There has to be loop holes somewhere in the system right ? I just hope I didn't piss off the cable gods .
After lunch I went and did a few arruns with dad then back to the parents house to watch .... can you guess ?...... The Olympics . I sat in dads chair in the den and at different times had one of the dogs to pet and annoy . For some reason I like to blow on their heads and watch them try and shake it off . I just find it sorta funny . ( In my defence I never had a little brother or sister to pass along all the torments Karyn taught me . It's not like I dress them up and make them have tea partys geez .... ) My great aunt Doris stops by with a meal for me . I run to put it in the fridge , I hide it behind some other leftovers so that it stays safe . I finish watching the Cross Counrty sking and tell dad I was ready to go home . I grab my lovely care package and head out the door .
When I get hom ei turn on the oven to heat up my dinner . As the oven warms up I look to see what I got . Fried chicken , scallop potatos , and strawberry Jello with bananas ! Yummers ! As I look at the bottom of the bag I find some chocolattes and a card filled with get well wishes and love . What a great meal , I can tell my grandma's sister made it the scallop potato's tasted just like hers use to . It's weird but not how food can remind you of things . Made me miss Grambo . ( Karyn and I called granma this because she was a Sargent in the Marines plus dad thought it was hysterical )
After lunch I went and did a few arruns with dad then back to the parents house to watch .... can you guess ?...... The Olympics . I sat in dads chair in the den and at different times had one of the dogs to pet and annoy . For some reason I like to blow on their heads and watch them try and shake it off . I just find it sorta funny . ( In my defence I never had a little brother or sister to pass along all the torments Karyn taught me . It's not like I dress them up and make them have tea partys geez .... ) My great aunt Doris stops by with a meal for me . I run to put it in the fridge , I hide it behind some other leftovers so that it stays safe . I finish watching the Cross Counrty sking and tell dad I was ready to go home . I grab my lovely care package and head out the door .
When I get hom ei turn on the oven to heat up my dinner . As the oven warms up I look to see what I got . Fried chicken , scallop potatos , and strawberry Jello with bananas ! Yummers ! As I look at the bottom of the bag I find some chocolattes and a card filled with get well wishes and love . What a great meal , I can tell my grandma's sister made it the scallop potato's tasted just like hers use to . It's weird but not how food can remind you of things . Made me miss Grambo . ( Karyn and I called granma this because she was a Sargent in the Marines plus dad thought it was hysterical )
Monday, February 15, 2010
All my Valentines ! Feb. 14th
I stayed up a little late watching the Olympics of course , so I woke up a little bit later than I am use to 10:30 !! It felt weird ! I started to get ready to go to lunch with the boys . Mike and Ash ( Andy ) were going to be here at 12ish to take me to lunch . I finish getting ready , play a little trivia on freerice.com starting to feel smarter already .- they have some tough questions . I get the text that they are out front . Andy was driving , Mike gets out of the front seat and I tell him I can sit in the back . Mike informs me that it will be his pleasure to sit in back becuase that way he gets to stick his butt in Andy's oldest sons face . It was pretty amusing to see mike get in the back . He had about maybe a foot of room between the two carr seats . Andy's boys sat there and made fun of Mike and Mike gave some back . With everyone now in the car we head off . We were on our way to Sonic's . I have never been . It was like a sober version of Harold and Kumar go to white castle . I laughed alot as Andy and Mike told me stories about what they have been up to latley . We get to Sonics and Andy's boys get out of the car and the quite little kids start running and yelling . It was pretty funny . It was like the whole time they were in the car the were waiting to explode and play .
We decided to sit at one of the picnic tables that the have instead of eating in the car . We all gather around the menu and pick what we want . Andy's boy climbed around and then they started the game that only boy's are allowed to play . They were punching ech other in the crotch , it started with the little kids then some how the older kids got involved . Next thing I know Mike punches Andy and Andy is hunched over claiming good shot you got all 3 , Then says that he hit him in the right spot now he has to poop . I am laughing and yet wondering if you could really make a guy poop his pants if you punched him just right in the goods . ANY WAYS , The boys drop me off at home . as I walk up to my door I can hear Juvinile blaring as they drive down the street for about 2 blocks , it didn't seem that loud in the car weird .
I call paul to see how he is doing on time . He informs me that he is still having problem with his car and he should be here at 4ish . So I decide to watch more of the games . Go U.S.A. ! Well I end up taking a nap while waiting . Paul makes it over and he lays down next to me . He tries to pull me out of my groggy state . Saying stuff like we are going to miss all the bands at The Swiss if you don't get up . After about 5 minutes of nudging I concide . I roll over to push him out of bed and the bed all the sudden tilts and we hear a snap . One of the support boards broke . haha those boards are older than me . My mom got that bed when she was in college . She than gave it to my grandma who had it in her guest room then to me . So the bed has had a full life . I look at Paul and inform him we might not make it to The Swiss , Because we now need to go to home depot .
We make it to Home Depot and find the isle we need ans have to wait for the fork lift guy to be done . So I tell Paul about lunch and the ball busting that had happened . He kinda laughs then punchs me in my crotch , so as protocall goes I tap him back . Paul hunches over a little and informs me I am not allowed to do that . My argument was he did it to me , then said the golden rule . Do onto others as you would have undo to you . Tongue stuck out and everything . We get the boards cut and are on our way to The Swiss . I get a text from our friends Meg and Greg saying it was way to loud for them and to meet at O'mally's . Fine by us . We sat around shooting the breeze for a few hours then me beening sick called it a night at 8:30 . Paul drops me off and comes up stairs to help me fix the bed . We both are laughing at the whole ordeal . He says his good byes and was on his way . I watch the Olympics high light and went off to sleep .
We decided to sit at one of the picnic tables that the have instead of eating in the car . We all gather around the menu and pick what we want . Andy's boy climbed around and then they started the game that only boy's are allowed to play . They were punching ech other in the crotch , it started with the little kids then some how the older kids got involved . Next thing I know Mike punches Andy and Andy is hunched over claiming good shot you got all 3 , Then says that he hit him in the right spot now he has to poop . I am laughing and yet wondering if you could really make a guy poop his pants if you punched him just right in the goods . ANY WAYS , The boys drop me off at home . as I walk up to my door I can hear Juvinile blaring as they drive down the street for about 2 blocks , it didn't seem that loud in the car weird .
I call paul to see how he is doing on time . He informs me that he is still having problem with his car and he should be here at 4ish . So I decide to watch more of the games . Go U.S.A. ! Well I end up taking a nap while waiting . Paul makes it over and he lays down next to me . He tries to pull me out of my groggy state . Saying stuff like we are going to miss all the bands at The Swiss if you don't get up . After about 5 minutes of nudging I concide . I roll over to push him out of bed and the bed all the sudden tilts and we hear a snap . One of the support boards broke . haha those boards are older than me . My mom got that bed when she was in college . She than gave it to my grandma who had it in her guest room then to me . So the bed has had a full life . I look at Paul and inform him we might not make it to The Swiss , Because we now need to go to home depot .
We make it to Home Depot and find the isle we need ans have to wait for the fork lift guy to be done . So I tell Paul about lunch and the ball busting that had happened . He kinda laughs then punchs me in my crotch , so as protocall goes I tap him back . Paul hunches over a little and informs me I am not allowed to do that . My argument was he did it to me , then said the golden rule . Do onto others as you would have undo to you . Tongue stuck out and everything . We get the boards cut and are on our way to The Swiss . I get a text from our friends Meg and Greg saying it was way to loud for them and to meet at O'mally's . Fine by us . We sat around shooting the breeze for a few hours then me beening sick called it a night at 8:30 . Paul drops me off and comes up stairs to help me fix the bed . We both are laughing at the whole ordeal . He says his good byes and was on his way . I watch the Olympics high light and went off to sleep .
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Greek dinner with Kat Feb 13th
I woke up and was not sure where I was . Which means I slept real good . I feel like since I had my surgery that my sleep is slowly changing . Every night it feels like I get a deeper sleep than the night before . What that means is I feel better and better each day . Now that I am getting that feeling I have to admit that I am somewhat nervous to start radiation . The side effects of radiation are different for everyone due to the fact that every one has a different part getting treated and the way your body reacts to it . I guess from what they say if you get sea sick that your more likely to become sick after a treatment , but the sickness normally passes after a few treatments . ( so they say ) Fatigue is another side effect and loss of appetite . I really don't want to have a that feeling of regressing . I have got my mid day nap down to a half hour and at night I am sleeping about 9 hours now instead of 11 . I guess I am suffering from nerves . I think they gave me to much time in between surgery and treatment . I had to much time to think about how thing are going to effect me and actually processes what is going on . I understand why it took all this time , and I am glad that they wanted to make sure they got everything and that they are doing the best treatment for me , I just wish that it did not take so long to figure it out . Even now a month after my surgery they have pathogen reports coming in on my unknown tumor . The more they learn about the tumor the better they can treat it . So I want then to learn a lot !
I dragged mom and Paul down to the Tacoma Dome for the lunar new year celebration . It was fun . Paul got to show off that he could say a few things in a couple different languages . We walked around and looked at the different booths and tried some cultural food . Mom had a blast ! She ran into a few friends and made a few new ones . She talked up all the booths finding out stuff or informing them of things . I enjoyed watching the dancers and music from the different bands . It was a nice afternoon out .
Kat came over at about fourish . As she walked in there was a wave of garlic . She had made a Greek salad . Yummers ! She also had Spanakopita with her . I had some chicken that we stuffed with oragano and drenched with lemon juice . It was a good meal . We sat around and shot the breeze for a few hours . We did some catchup and some memory lane chatter . She showed me this web site that is a trivia game and every time you get a answer right the website donates food to a 3 world country . I wish I could remember the name of the site .... We ended the vistit with a drive around Tacoma . It was a great night for a drive . We drove the waterfront and sky was clear , you could see the lights reflecting off the sound and see the stars . It was great .
I made it home just in time to watch the U.S. women get the Gold and Bronze in the down hill free style and Apolo and Celski get the silver and bronze . I went to bed with thoughts of greatness . Thinking I was greaceful and I too could ski or skate like them .
I dragged mom and Paul down to the Tacoma Dome for the lunar new year celebration . It was fun . Paul got to show off that he could say a few things in a couple different languages . We walked around and looked at the different booths and tried some cultural food . Mom had a blast ! She ran into a few friends and made a few new ones . She talked up all the booths finding out stuff or informing them of things . I enjoyed watching the dancers and music from the different bands . It was a nice afternoon out .
Kat came over at about fourish . As she walked in there was a wave of garlic . She had made a Greek salad . Yummers ! She also had Spanakopita with her . I had some chicken that we stuffed with oragano and drenched with lemon juice . It was a good meal . We sat around and shot the breeze for a few hours . We did some catchup and some memory lane chatter . She showed me this web site that is a trivia game and every time you get a answer right the website donates food to a 3 world country . I wish I could remember the name of the site .... We ended the vistit with a drive around Tacoma . It was a great night for a drive . We drove the waterfront and sky was clear , you could see the lights reflecting off the sound and see the stars . It was great .
I made it home just in time to watch the U.S. women get the Gold and Bronze in the down hill free style and Apolo and Celski get the silver and bronze . I went to bed with thoughts of greatness . Thinking I was greaceful and I too could ski or skate like them .
Saturday, February 13, 2010
It's finally here !!!!
I LOVE I'm mean LOVE the Olympics ! I can not tell you a exact reason why or ramble on about scores and I surely can not correctly say or spell most of their names , all though I might try . I find the whole spirit of the games to be what draws me to them . They all seem so graceful .
Last night I had sister over to watch the opening . I was all excited ! I made a few snacks of a veggie plate and some homemade wings . Yummy ! Her and I waited on baited breath for the festivities to start . I like comparing the different countries outfits . I really like it when the flag bearer has a special outfit that is representative of their culture and traditions . I thought they did a great job with the show . I was glad to see that they didn't try to chase the Torino opening . I think that both were great in their own way . I am super stoked to see how this years games play out .
Earlier in the day I had another M.R.I. ( said with a exasperated voice ) The tech guy told me to go into the dressing room and take off any thing that had metal . I told him I just need to lock up my purse , I quit wearing a bra to the hospital about a month ago because every time I wear one I have to take it off . Now this normally is not a hard task but you add a I.V. in your arm it becomes a bit more tricky . The tech who was doing my told me I was looking better . I asked him if I had seen him before . He laughed and said that it was right after surgery and then the day after my surgery , so he understood me not recognizing him . I said well my excuse for not remembering him was I could not wear my glasses with all the gauze and I was on morphine , but mostly the morphine . So we start the scans . The first was pretty quick about 6 minutes , then they added the contrast . ( I don't know if anyone out there is apart of the few people who gets a weird taste in their mouth when given a shot of something but I am . It is a hard taste to define but I can say that it is not a good taste . ) I make my gross face like a kid who just had to eat lima beans ( which I actually like ) The tech looked at me and said he has has the other techs inject him to see what the taste was like but he does not get it . I told him he was lucky . I go back in the tube for about 10 minutes more and we were all done with the slides . Part 1 done on to part 2 .
I get my purse and head down stairs to the radiology department for my dry run . I check in and give the nurse at the counter a few pens . On a earlier trip in I had talked her about pens and how many I go through on a shift she said she has to gaurd hers with her life . Plus it never hurts to have the people that make your appointment times like you . I get my 2nd " bracellett " and go to the back waiting room = for people getting treatment only . I change into a robe and put my stuff in a locker and get a good magazine . I barely get trhough one article and they call me in . They have me lay on a hard table that is slim . They set a yoga type block ( about the sixe of a quart of milk ) between my feet and wrap 2 rubberbands around them to prevent my feet and legs from moving . Then they snap me into the " plastic " mask . I had to lay there not moving for almost 45 minutes . My legs started to fall asleep and was just all around uncomfortable . They finish fine toning where the lasers should go and the points on the mask . The 3 thech high five each other and tell me way to stay still . I look at they with my now reptile looking face and say thanks . ( I get a latice or reptile skin from the plastic form that hold my head and shoulders in the same postion ) . I got my stuff and walked to the front waiting room and looked at mom and sister and informed them I was over the whole hospital thing and was ready to go .
Karyn had met with my radialogist navagator ( Barb ) while I was getting my MRI done . Barb had done me a favore and was able to get me films of my tumor ! I was so happy . I know doesn't take much . What I want to do is sandwhich the film between two peices of glass and kinda turn it into a suncatcher . I know slightly morbid . It will serve as a little reminder to myself that if I think that something is not right it most likely is not right .
Hahaha I almost forgot since mom likes to tattle on her self I figure I might as well tattle on her too . While I was going trough my dry run mom and sister were in the front waiting room . Mom was working on a puzzle they have out. well she wanted more light so she tries to turn on one of the end table lights and no light . She makes her way around the room trying all the end table lights none of them work ! Mom walks up to the receptionist and informs her that all the end table light are out . The receptionist tell mom well they haven't work since she has been working there . Mom asked how long have you been here . She says about a year and a half . Mo asked her for a light bulb . She finds one . Mom goes around to all the lights to test them out . They all had burnt out lights !!! Mom changed the one and informed the receptionist , ( who had just watched the crazy lady go around the room changing all the bulbs thinking to her self HOW long is her daughter in treatment for ! ) you just need more light bulbs .( Moms face had that kinda proud look a kid gets )
Last night I had sister over to watch the opening . I was all excited ! I made a few snacks of a veggie plate and some homemade wings . Yummy ! Her and I waited on baited breath for the festivities to start . I like comparing the different countries outfits . I really like it when the flag bearer has a special outfit that is representative of their culture and traditions . I thought they did a great job with the show . I was glad to see that they didn't try to chase the Torino opening . I think that both were great in their own way . I am super stoked to see how this years games play out .
Earlier in the day I had another M.R.I. ( said with a exasperated voice ) The tech guy told me to go into the dressing room and take off any thing that had metal . I told him I just need to lock up my purse , I quit wearing a bra to the hospital about a month ago because every time I wear one I have to take it off . Now this normally is not a hard task but you add a I.V. in your arm it becomes a bit more tricky . The tech who was doing my told me I was looking better . I asked him if I had seen him before . He laughed and said that it was right after surgery and then the day after my surgery , so he understood me not recognizing him . I said well my excuse for not remembering him was I could not wear my glasses with all the gauze and I was on morphine , but mostly the morphine . So we start the scans . The first was pretty quick about 6 minutes , then they added the contrast . ( I don't know if anyone out there is apart of the few people who gets a weird taste in their mouth when given a shot of something but I am . It is a hard taste to define but I can say that it is not a good taste . ) I make my gross face like a kid who just had to eat lima beans ( which I actually like ) The tech looked at me and said he has has the other techs inject him to see what the taste was like but he does not get it . I told him he was lucky . I go back in the tube for about 10 minutes more and we were all done with the slides . Part 1 done on to part 2 .
I get my purse and head down stairs to the radiology department for my dry run . I check in and give the nurse at the counter a few pens . On a earlier trip in I had talked her about pens and how many I go through on a shift she said she has to gaurd hers with her life . Plus it never hurts to have the people that make your appointment times like you . I get my 2nd " bracellett " and go to the back waiting room = for people getting treatment only . I change into a robe and put my stuff in a locker and get a good magazine . I barely get trhough one article and they call me in . They have me lay on a hard table that is slim . They set a yoga type block ( about the sixe of a quart of milk ) between my feet and wrap 2 rubberbands around them to prevent my feet and legs from moving . Then they snap me into the " plastic " mask . I had to lay there not moving for almost 45 minutes . My legs started to fall asleep and was just all around uncomfortable . They finish fine toning where the lasers should go and the points on the mask . The 3 thech high five each other and tell me way to stay still . I look at they with my now reptile looking face and say thanks . ( I get a latice or reptile skin from the plastic form that hold my head and shoulders in the same postion ) . I got my stuff and walked to the front waiting room and looked at mom and sister and informed them I was over the whole hospital thing and was ready to go .
Karyn had met with my radialogist navagator ( Barb ) while I was getting my MRI done . Barb had done me a favore and was able to get me films of my tumor ! I was so happy . I know doesn't take much . What I want to do is sandwhich the film between two peices of glass and kinda turn it into a suncatcher . I know slightly morbid . It will serve as a little reminder to myself that if I think that something is not right it most likely is not right .
Hahaha I almost forgot since mom likes to tattle on her self I figure I might as well tattle on her too . While I was going trough my dry run mom and sister were in the front waiting room . Mom was working on a puzzle they have out. well she wanted more light so she tries to turn on one of the end table lights and no light . She makes her way around the room trying all the end table lights none of them work ! Mom walks up to the receptionist and informs her that all the end table light are out . The receptionist tell mom well they haven't work since she has been working there . Mom asked how long have you been here . She says about a year and a half . Mo asked her for a light bulb . She finds one . Mom goes around to all the lights to test them out . They all had burnt out lights !!! Mom changed the one and informed the receptionist , ( who had just watched the crazy lady go around the room changing all the bulbs thinking to her self HOW long is her daughter in treatment for ! ) you just need more light bulbs .( Moms face had that kinda proud look a kid gets )
Friday, February 12, 2010
Olympics at Farrelli's on Feb 27th
We are partnering with Farrelli's to help raise money for Liz Whitacre to help her pay for her medical bills as she does not have any insurance.
One of the things that Liz really enjoys is the Olympics and you are invited to come enjoy a fun filled afternoon of watching the Olympics at the 6th and Union Farrelli's with Liz and friends. We will be taking over the Sports Bar section of the 6th and Union Farrelli's (21 and over please). What a great way to spend the afternoon!
Time: 11am - 3 pm
Location: Farrelli's Wood Pizza
3518 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98405
It will be $15 for Pizza, salad and other delicious goodies. There will also be select beers on tap for which the proceeds will go directly to Liz and raffles through out the event.
Olympic events for the day will include:
Mens' Slalom (10AM)
Bobsled 4 Man (1PM)
Cross Country Women's 30K (11:45AM)
Curling Bronze (9AM) Gold (3PM)
Snow boarding Qual (10AM)
Men's Parallel Medalrd (12:15PM)
Speed Skating Women's Team Final (12:30PM)
Men's Team Pursuit Final (12:51PM)
Women's Team Pursuit Final (1:13PM)
We hope you are able to join "The Avocado Grove" for an afternoon of watching the Olympics at Farrelli's and helping to support Liz.
If you have any items that you would like to donate for the raffle please contact 'sister' Karyn
One of the things that Liz really enjoys is the Olympics and you are invited to come enjoy a fun filled afternoon of watching the Olympics at the 6th and Union Farrelli's with Liz and friends. We will be taking over the Sports Bar section of the 6th and Union Farrelli's (21 and over please). What a great way to spend the afternoon!
Time: 11am - 3 pm
Location: Farrelli's Wood Pizza
3518 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98405
It will be $15 for Pizza, salad and other delicious goodies. There will also be select beers on tap for which the proceeds will go directly to Liz and raffles through out the event.
Olympic events for the day will include:
Mens' Slalom (10AM)
Bobsled 4 Man (1PM)
Cross Country Women's 30K (11:45AM)
Curling Bronze (9AM) Gold (3PM)
Snow boarding Qual (10AM)
Men's Parallel Medalrd (12:15PM)
Speed Skating Women's Team Final (12:30PM)
Men's Team Pursuit Final (12:51PM)
Women's Team Pursuit Final (1:13PM)
We hope you are able to join "The Avocado Grove" for an afternoon of watching the Olympics at Farrelli's and helping to support Liz.
If you have any items that you would like to donate for the raffle please contact 'sister' Karyn
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Costco
Woke up to Erin calling me asking if we were still on for going and getting coffee . I figured since I fell back asleep that I would need it for the day at hand . So I scrabbled to get ready and was dressed and at the door just as she puled up . I even showered . For some reason I am not a big fan of getting dressed for about half the day then taking a shower . Erin and I sat around had a cup talked giggled then she was off to study and I was off to annoy sister for the day .
When I got back to sisters house she was gone and it was just Raini and I . I laid on the couch and she came over and snuggled with me . Just as I was thinking " I guess I don't get to bug Karyn ...... " she came through the door . She moves like she had more coffee than me . She asked if I was hungry and tummy tummy answered for me . So Karyn whipped up some turkey tacos . Yummers ! I took my after noon nap with the cat after having a full belly .
I woke up to mom coming over to help Karyn fix her living room light . I started to help but started to think to my self there are to many of the Whitacre women tring to do this . I watched and helped for a little bit longer but declared mydelf useless and went to my room to read and told them to yell for me if they needed any thing . I smiled softly as I heard Karyn and mom " discussing the right way to hold a wrench and listening to mom give Karyn eductional tips on how to do certian things . It's so nice to see that their themperment is that way with each other also not jus with me . That and I have to say I was trying to see their faces as they were talking . the way I think they would look . Hahaha wish you could see inside my mind .
Karyn and I venture off to Costco to grab a few things . Sister informs me on the way there I am not going to be long here just a few things and out . I should of guessed that statment to be forshadowing . We hit almost every isle .... we didn't get stuff from everyone but we looked at EVERYTHING ! We had fun talking about the different stuff . I had fun doing some people watching . Costco is great for that ! When we were in the check out line I looked at sister and told her that I almost felt abligated to get a hotdog . The guy in front of us smiled and nodded . All those years going with dad I can't help it . Someones talks about Costco and I almost taste sourkraut and mustard .
Karyn and I make it back home and she takes off for a meeting and I went out with Ming . Her and I went up to the Ale House for trivia night . We won the first quiz ! We sooo smart ! I had fun actually having a chance to talk with people , I didn't really get a chance to talk with . Ming and I poked fun at each other and tried to come up with funny answers to the questions we didn't know the answers to . Ming and I both called it a night at about 9:15 . She dropped me off and I went a watch my fav t.v. show then called it a night myself . All over not a bad day at all .
When I got back to sisters house she was gone and it was just Raini and I . I laid on the couch and she came over and snuggled with me . Just as I was thinking " I guess I don't get to bug Karyn ...... " she came through the door . She moves like she had more coffee than me . She asked if I was hungry and tummy tummy answered for me . So Karyn whipped up some turkey tacos . Yummers ! I took my after noon nap with the cat after having a full belly .
I woke up to mom coming over to help Karyn fix her living room light . I started to help but started to think to my self there are to many of the Whitacre women tring to do this . I watched and helped for a little bit longer but declared mydelf useless and went to my room to read and told them to yell for me if they needed any thing . I smiled softly as I heard Karyn and mom " discussing the right way to hold a wrench and listening to mom give Karyn eductional tips on how to do certian things . It's so nice to see that their themperment is that way with each other also not jus with me . That and I have to say I was trying to see their faces as they were talking . the way I think they would look . Hahaha wish you could see inside my mind .
Karyn and I venture off to Costco to grab a few things . Sister informs me on the way there I am not going to be long here just a few things and out . I should of guessed that statment to be forshadowing . We hit almost every isle .... we didn't get stuff from everyone but we looked at EVERYTHING ! We had fun talking about the different stuff . I had fun doing some people watching . Costco is great for that ! When we were in the check out line I looked at sister and told her that I almost felt abligated to get a hotdog . The guy in front of us smiled and nodded . All those years going with dad I can't help it . Someones talks about Costco and I almost taste sourkraut and mustard .
Karyn and I make it back home and she takes off for a meeting and I went out with Ming . Her and I went up to the Ale House for trivia night . We won the first quiz ! We sooo smart ! I had fun actually having a chance to talk with people , I didn't really get a chance to talk with . Ming and I poked fun at each other and tried to come up with funny answers to the questions we didn't know the answers to . Ming and I both called it a night at about 9:15 . She dropped me off and I went a watch my fav t.v. show then called it a night myself . All over not a bad day at all .
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9th
This afternoon I was invited to go to a wonderful place in Seattle that I discovered a few years ago... Second Use.
I could spend days in stores like these. Aisles of wood trim, old windows, lighting fixtures, cabinets, out side is granite, concrete details, and on and on it goes. I just love it there. Anyway, the girls gave us three gates to cordon off the dogs to specific areas of the house, but one gate's hardware was missing a piece and I couldn't install it. The trip proved fruitful as I found two matching brass hinges for 25¢ each. Now I'll get that gate up. The drive was very pleasant and not without several laughs.
I had to tell a story on myself. I had taken Rusty (our Dhoki Apso) and HannaH (our Havanese) to Shampooch (self washing service where you can wash and groom your pet with all the right accessories). I had just given HannaH her first wash (we got her in Nov) and I've meant to wash her sooner, but other things came up...
Anyway, I lift HannaH from the tub, bundle her in towels and begin to walk toward the grooming table, when suddenly I trip on the steps that lead up to the tub... I stumble with HannaH in my arms; I start to go down, I grapple for footing, reaching out to brace for the floor and to protect HannaH. Thud! We hit the floor. Not really hard, but enough action to scare HannaH! When we get up there's a big pile of poop on the floor.
I know many wouldn't tell this story on themselves, but in our family it is rather standard fare to share the good and the bad. So, tell them, we do. And we laughed for several miles.
Oh, and I rewashed HannaH. She was after all scared "shitless", but otherwise not hurt in the least.
PS
I spell HannaH with two capital H's, so her name is a palindrome... very literally, with the capital H at either end.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
OH Monday ! Fen 8th
I rarely have Mondays like Garfeild but yesterday kind of felt like one to me . It was a bit rainy a little on the ho hum side for me . I tried to make the day have a silver lining but at last it never really did . I did a few things that made me feel better . Karyn came with me over to my apartment and helped me do some cleaning . She handled all the chemicals . I dusyed and vacuumed . It is starting to feel pretty good over there . I cleared out some clothes that I either don't care for or they don't fit ( 5 bags worth of stuff ) and 1 box of kitchen stuff . I have to say it feels good to purge . Get ride of the clutter . I figure by the time I go back to work I will have a pretty clean house and about half the stuff I have now . I have tons of crap from over the years . I need to go through it all and ask myself do I really need this ? I read some where that decluttering and getting rid of stuff can make your home a calmer area , and help you feel more relaxed when you are surounded by less . Makes sense to me .
After Karyn and I were done we took the bags to the Goodwill so that others may enjoy which I no longer do . Hope they are excited about some of the stuff as I was when I found it . On the way home I asked Karyn if we could stop by the pound . She said sure . ( If you ever ride with Karyn you have to be on your game , she will start talking and forget where she is going then try and blame you for distracting her , so you gotta remind her where to go . Just a little hint for everyone ) We missed the entrance which she informed me was my fault . I choose whem we first walk in to look at the bunnies . Karyn and I both pile in the room and start looking and ahhh-ing and saying to look at his one and that one . Then this red headed boy comes in who is about 7 or 8 and he starts reading everything to us and is acting like we know him . I don't think I can explain this right with out coming across as a complete but head . I look at sister and we both file out of the room . We kinda give each other the what the hell was that look .
We start looking at the dogs and I can't help but to want to take a few home with me . There was a black Pomeranian that was pretty cute but a little to old for me . Then there was this 3 year old beagle named Sweet Pea who was just too cute ! I think I might make sister take me back to see if I can have a vistit with her . She how she plays and what kinda energy level she has . I might even see how good she is with other dogs . If I get her I would have to have grandma and grandpa watch her when I go back to work . So that means she would be with Rusty and Hannah , who are also rescued dogs . We shall see . I think I should wait til I start my radiation before I jump and get a dog . I need to see what my energy level is going to be . WE shall see ....
After Karyn and I were done we took the bags to the Goodwill so that others may enjoy which I no longer do . Hope they are excited about some of the stuff as I was when I found it . On the way home I asked Karyn if we could stop by the pound . She said sure . ( If you ever ride with Karyn you have to be on your game , she will start talking and forget where she is going then try and blame you for distracting her , so you gotta remind her where to go . Just a little hint for everyone ) We missed the entrance which she informed me was my fault . I choose whem we first walk in to look at the bunnies . Karyn and I both pile in the room and start looking and ahhh-ing and saying to look at his one and that one . Then this red headed boy comes in who is about 7 or 8 and he starts reading everything to us and is acting like we know him . I don't think I can explain this right with out coming across as a complete but head . I look at sister and we both file out of the room . We kinda give each other the what the hell was that look .
We start looking at the dogs and I can't help but to want to take a few home with me . There was a black Pomeranian that was pretty cute but a little to old for me . Then there was this 3 year old beagle named Sweet Pea who was just too cute ! I think I might make sister take me back to see if I can have a vistit with her . She how she plays and what kinda energy level she has . I might even see how good she is with other dogs . If I get her I would have to have grandma and grandpa watch her when I go back to work . So that means she would be with Rusty and Hannah , who are also rescued dogs . We shall see . I think I should wait til I start my radiation before I jump and get a dog . I need to see what my energy level is going to be . WE shall see ....
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Super Bowl ! Feb 7th
Karyn and I woke up and got ready to go do a dirty passion ..... Estate sale . It was the last day so granted it is slimmer picking but you get a better price and can normally haggle with them . I am kinda kicking my self in the butt right now for going against myself on a few items . I gave myself a five dollar limit ( yes five bucks is a good price limit for me , it is the standard beginning limit ) . There was this really pretty deviled egg dish , it was orange glass that had a kinda oil finish to it but it was 6 dollars which would put me out of my range . I might have to start looking at 2nd hand stores for one . I thought that instead of eggs it might make a good earring holder and bracelet holder . I found Karyn up stairs in the house and was in awe of how many doilies the lady had own . The man that had lived there had tons of pocket watches and all the stuff to go with the watches . They had some really cool stuff . Sometimes estate sales kinda feel like a museum . It's like a day in the life of someone . I am blow away at how much you feel like you can get to know a person just by seeing their stuff . Makes me wonder what people will think of me when they look through all my stuff . I think I might have to aquire a couple bizzar pieces just to make them wonder ..... hahaha I still get the last laugh ! haha .... Karyn found a few cool things for her house and I got myself a nice little serving tray ( $1 ) ( just had to brag that I was 4 $ under buget )
Karyn and I load the car with our finds and head off to the store to get our fixens for bean dip . Karyb got the idea to make a 7 layer dip in either the shape of a football or the feild . She went with the feild . She even piped on the lines of the feild useing a frosting bag and wrote the team names in the end field . It looked pretty cool . I found that the way it was eaten might of been a early preminisssion to the way the game ended . The Colts end feild was eaten and only the Saints remained . I wonder if we could test this theroy somehow ? I wonder if it would work as well as the chicken that picks winning teams ?
Karyn and I load the car with our finds and head off to the store to get our fixens for bean dip . Karyb got the idea to make a 7 layer dip in either the shape of a football or the feild . She went with the feild . She even piped on the lines of the feild useing a frosting bag and wrote the team names in the end field . It looked pretty cool . I found that the way it was eaten might of been a early preminisssion to the way the game ended . The Colts end feild was eaten and only the Saints remained . I wonder if we could test this theroy somehow ? I wonder if it would work as well as the chicken that picks winning teams ?
Walking with Bethany . Feb 6th
I woke up to Karyn's cat looking at me , as if to say where is my food lady ? I want my morning treat ! Every morning when I have breakfast I feed Rainie and give her a little Friskie's treat . I think I have set the bar now for sister . I have made her cat that much more high maintenance . Bawhahaha !!! Shows Karyn ! Lets me into her house , takes care of me , gives me her bed while she sleeps on the couch , takes me to my appointments and feeds me ! I sure showed her ! Made her cat want one more thing . Hahahaha ! Little sister strikes again ! Little sisters of the world unite ! ( I think I git to much sleep last night )
Well Beth picks me up and she asked me where I wanted to go . I looked at her and declared I am out of the house it's a nice day , I am down for what ever ! So she heads the car to Starbucks and we grab a cup and a little snack . We banter for awhile over our lives and our familys . Have a few laughs then decieded to bask in the winter sun .
Beth said she has to change her shoes so she drives to her new house . It was so cute ! Totaly Beth . Her family had just rescued a border collie that weekend and he was a keeper ! He had high energy , barely barked and had a nice shinny coat . While Beth went on a scavenger hunt for her shoes I talked with her husband . Beth came down with tennie runnners on and had bunddled up a little bit more . We were off !
We decieded on Titlow . It is a pretty flat surface and it is paved . Which is good for me . Baby steps . 30th hill can wait a few more months . I have not been to Titlow in a long time . It is a really nice park . As Beth and I start to walk I see a little jack russel terrier who I know . It's Dave Justice's dog Jack . Beth thought I was being funny and saying hi to the dog and just blew it off as me being me . Till we got to Dave and I said hi to him also . After we were a few feet away she giggles a little and says oh you do know them . We walked around the park discussing important things like how rude kids are today , class room sizes , Tacoma schools vs. U.P. schools , tumors , and how can we make a differance in our world , commmunity , ect. It was a full walk . Left me with a ton of questions that I need to answer sooner than later .
It is nice to have a friend like that who you have known for so long , you can express your opinions and feeling and they don't label you a asshole or a idiot for feeling a certian way . I love that I have friends like that where we can debate a topic and not agree on something then a few minutes later be laughing over something different . They don't let it sit on their shoulders . I think that is a good trait to have . The ability to move on and forward .
Well Beth picks me up and she asked me where I wanted to go . I looked at her and declared I am out of the house it's a nice day , I am down for what ever ! So she heads the car to Starbucks and we grab a cup and a little snack . We banter for awhile over our lives and our familys . Have a few laughs then decieded to bask in the winter sun .
Beth said she has to change her shoes so she drives to her new house . It was so cute ! Totaly Beth . Her family had just rescued a border collie that weekend and he was a keeper ! He had high energy , barely barked and had a nice shinny coat . While Beth went on a scavenger hunt for her shoes I talked with her husband . Beth came down with tennie runnners on and had bunddled up a little bit more . We were off !
We decieded on Titlow . It is a pretty flat surface and it is paved . Which is good for me . Baby steps . 30th hill can wait a few more months . I have not been to Titlow in a long time . It is a really nice park . As Beth and I start to walk I see a little jack russel terrier who I know . It's Dave Justice's dog Jack . Beth thought I was being funny and saying hi to the dog and just blew it off as me being me . Till we got to Dave and I said hi to him also . After we were a few feet away she giggles a little and says oh you do know them . We walked around the park discussing important things like how rude kids are today , class room sizes , Tacoma schools vs. U.P. schools , tumors , and how can we make a differance in our world , commmunity , ect. It was a full walk . Left me with a ton of questions that I need to answer sooner than later .
It is nice to have a friend like that who you have known for so long , you can express your opinions and feeling and they don't label you a asshole or a idiot for feeling a certian way . I love that I have friends like that where we can debate a topic and not agree on something then a few minutes later be laughing over something different . They don't let it sit on their shoulders . I think that is a good trait to have . The ability to move on and forward .
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Feb. 5th Getting ready
Well I went over to my place for the 1st time really since Jan. 4th !! Over a month ! Needless to say it smelled . The trash had needed to be taken out about 5 weeks ago . I was nervous to open the fridge . I thought I might need a Full body suit with oxygen mask . It was pretty full of food that I had just bought on Jan. 3rd sooo annoyed to throw away all that food . Oh well . Karyn was a trooper and helped me empty out the fridge before her meeting that day . I wanted to get all the big stuff that I could in the trash before they came for pick up . Made it on time and was even able to add a few more bags . I am amazed that my trash guys come pretty much at the same time every week . at about 10- 11 am . I have lived places where they come one week at 7am and the next at 3pm . I like knowing helps with the cleaning schedule .
After Karyn left me at my place I looked around baffled at where I would start . I have to be honest , I had been really tired the last few months . Working a short shift about 6 hours I would feel pretty tired . So I really hadn't cleaned cleaned my place in awhile . I mean I surfaced cleaned but no dusting , moving the couch , wiping down the shelfs , or window washing . It seemed that doing those things dipped to much into my nap time the last 3 months . So I decided to honor what I had promised Karyn and not over do it . I turned on the T.V. to Discovery and conjure a attack plan . I conclude to work only during the commercials . I figured I can not over do it in that amount of time . Plus then after the commercial is over I get a 15 minute break ! Sweet ! Things that take a commercial break to do , it is so easy and such a small amount of time , a sink load of dishes , load the washer then fold whats in the dryer and reload dryer , scrub sink bathtub and toilet , sweep kitchen and bathroom floor . I was pretty happy with my system . I am intrested to see what else I can find that takes just 5 to 7 minutes .
I had mom pick me up at 2ish and her and I went and had a late lunch at E-9 . It was my 1st time back there since I have been out . It was great to see everyone ! Mom and I went to the bar and had a seat at the buddy bar . Mandy was bartending I was super impressed that she remembered how specific my mom is about her soda . Mandy even remembered the light ice part . Mom and I sat in there for awhile chatting and giggling . It was nice . Sometimes I find myself in these moments where I dont really feel like I had a tumor or that anything was ever wrong with me . I think it is due to the fact that I found out I had a tumor then with in 24 hours I didn't . It just never really had time to sink in . I think I am the better for it , sometimes for me sitting or stewing on something that huge can eat at me . I am glad it happened the way it did ( as morbid as that might sound .... ) .
Mom and I after lunch went to Target . She need a new laundry hammper . I just wanted to stay out of the house longer =) . After mom found the right hammper for her I made her look at all the discount racks . I found a few things to try on . So did mom . We had a small fashion show complete with turns and hip checks . I found a nice sweater that I can wear to a few dinner that I have coming up . I love the 50 and 75 % off racks . It is hard to find a good reason why I should't buy something that is five dollars and looks that good on me .
I have mom drop me off back at my house so that I can finish a load of laundry and the last sink of dishes . I take a look around and feel like I was wonder women for getting done what I got done . I figure if I keep it up my place should be ready no time . It will feel good to be in a nice organized cleaned and smelling good and cozy home . Kinda like a hug from a great friend . Welcoming , comforting and releaving ( or is it a release that you get ? from the pressures of life or the problem ? or is it a transfer ? like you place your problem on their shoulder for the duration of the hug ? Makes tha mind reel ! ) .
After Karyn left me at my place I looked around baffled at where I would start . I have to be honest , I had been really tired the last few months . Working a short shift about 6 hours I would feel pretty tired . So I really hadn't cleaned cleaned my place in awhile . I mean I surfaced cleaned but no dusting , moving the couch , wiping down the shelfs , or window washing . It seemed that doing those things dipped to much into my nap time the last 3 months . So I decided to honor what I had promised Karyn and not over do it . I turned on the T.V. to Discovery and conjure a attack plan . I conclude to work only during the commercials . I figured I can not over do it in that amount of time . Plus then after the commercial is over I get a 15 minute break ! Sweet ! Things that take a commercial break to do , it is so easy and such a small amount of time , a sink load of dishes , load the washer then fold whats in the dryer and reload dryer , scrub sink bathtub and toilet , sweep kitchen and bathroom floor . I was pretty happy with my system . I am intrested to see what else I can find that takes just 5 to 7 minutes .
I had mom pick me up at 2ish and her and I went and had a late lunch at E-9 . It was my 1st time back there since I have been out . It was great to see everyone ! Mom and I went to the bar and had a seat at the buddy bar . Mandy was bartending I was super impressed that she remembered how specific my mom is about her soda . Mandy even remembered the light ice part . Mom and I sat in there for awhile chatting and giggling . It was nice . Sometimes I find myself in these moments where I dont really feel like I had a tumor or that anything was ever wrong with me . I think it is due to the fact that I found out I had a tumor then with in 24 hours I didn't . It just never really had time to sink in . I think I am the better for it , sometimes for me sitting or stewing on something that huge can eat at me . I am glad it happened the way it did ( as morbid as that might sound .... ) .
Mom and I after lunch went to Target . She need a new laundry hammper . I just wanted to stay out of the house longer =) . After mom found the right hammper for her I made her look at all the discount racks . I found a few things to try on . So did mom . We had a small fashion show complete with turns and hip checks . I found a nice sweater that I can wear to a few dinner that I have coming up . I love the 50 and 75 % off racks . It is hard to find a good reason why I should't buy something that is five dollars and looks that good on me .
I have mom drop me off back at my house so that I can finish a load of laundry and the last sink of dishes . I take a look around and feel like I was wonder women for getting done what I got done . I figure if I keep it up my place should be ready no time . It will feel good to be in a nice organized cleaned and smelling good and cozy home . Kinda like a hug from a great friend . Welcoming , comforting and releaving ( or is it a release that you get ? from the pressures of life or the problem ? or is it a transfer ? like you place your problem on their shoulder for the duration of the hug ? Makes tha mind reel ! ) .
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I picked up Elizabeth after her body molding around noon. She still had faint traces of netting that enveloped her face. I'm sure she will blog about it. We went to Wendy's Vietnamese at FreightHouse Square for some yummy veggies, rice with curry and tofu. We split the huge serving and had spring rolls that we could only eat one of, so that's a snack for Karyn and Liz later. We had a bit of a discussion about the spiciness... she likes 5 (highest) and I like about 1.5 (something, but not all heat), we settled on a 3. It was very good, as usual. If you've never tried "Wendy's" you're in for a treat. There is also one on Tacoma Mall Blvd (Wendy's II). When Elizabeth and Karyn were in elementary school and had friends around and we talked about going to Wendy's the other kids thought "hamburgers", but were brought back down to earth when we told them is was stir fried Asian cuisine. E & K have always liked veggies and have always eaten a lot of them. So now that Eli needs to eat 5-6 fruit/vegetables she is happy. I sure enjoy being around Elizabeth, she is a positive person who keeps everyone around her on target... the keep your eye on the prize target we are aiming for. Thank you for reading her story. Keep up the prayers, good vibes, emails, phone calls and comments in the blog. All of it makes her happy. It's one thing to have friends, but to see them taking an interest is really uplifting. Thanks.
Feb. 3rd
Yesterday was a good day . I got a few thank yous done and mailed ( yippy ! small victory ) I went for a nice little walk , man I still can't get over how stuff like that makes me tired . I tried to be in denial that I was tired then I heard my aunts voice telling me I need to rest ! If I don't I'm only hurting and hindering my own recovery . So I took a cat nap with the cat . Karyn's cat is my kiss of death , she puts me to sleep in a few minutes flat with her warmth and purring . Love her !
I woke up to Karyn saying we had to go go go to make my doctors appointment . We made it there just in time . I really don't like to be late either does Karyn . So the car ride there was a little bit tense . I was relieved though to find out I did not need blood work done . Yes ! I avoided the needle again !!! ( another small victory )
The nurse takes us back into a room where instead of a table is a old school dental type chair . Weird to see in a radialogist office dont you think ? Well I look past my thoughts of weirdness and have a seat . The nutristionist is the first appointment . She was there to let me know what I should be eatingand stuff I should stay away from . Stuff to stay away from - Concentrated pills like green tea ( hinders what the radiation is doing ) , Fried foods ( duh ) , and foods high in fat or made with cream . Stuff that is good - Six to seven servings of fruit and vegetables , 100 ounces of water ( talk about a bladder buster ! ) , and light excercise ( keeps the body strong ! Grrr !!! )
After that the nurse takes a to a different room to meet with my radialogist . He comes in and says his hellos then procedes into the news . He tells us that he has some what good news and some what bad news . He says that they found "suspicous" cells . I kinda giggel and he looks at me a bit perplexed and I ask him if that means they are dressed in black and creaping around in my spinal fluid ? He smiles says he has never heard it put quit that way but yes sort . The cells that they found were found to be unidentifiable ( Why can't they find out the names of any thing in my body ? Maybe I'm not from here ... " take me to your leader " said in bad 50's alien voice ) also my protien count was high . He told us that if the lab techs hadn't known my case they would of told him to xray my whole body to find the cancer . Why ? High protein count in the spinal fluid can be a sign of cancer .
So he proceeds to tell me the plan of action . They will radiate my head and my spine . BLAH ! That sounds like a lot to me . He went in to the whole processes of body forming so that I don't move and laser markers ( small tattoos so they know where to treat . ) . He then started talking about the depression that people go through when they hit this part of treatment . I have to admit I haven't tried to think this far a head yet . The most thought I gave it was that I got a wig . I never thought about how I would feel while losing my hair or while it was growning back . How it would feel to get the radiation fatigue that I hear about or the nasua that can happen . So he tells us that just doing one small thing that makes you happy can help you from falling pray to the deaper side of the depression . He said that everyone gets depressed who goes through this if you did not he would worry .
I left the office feeling somewhat in my own little world . I know that I have a mini army of people who care and love me to help me get through this but for the first time I kind of felt lonley . I can't think of another word to discribe it , lonely is not the word i want but it is the closest one . This has been a strange trip so far and I am barely at the half way point . I am somewhat nervous to see what happens but a good amount of me is excited for some unknown reason .
I woke up to Karyn saying we had to go go go to make my doctors appointment . We made it there just in time . I really don't like to be late either does Karyn . So the car ride there was a little bit tense . I was relieved though to find out I did not need blood work done . Yes ! I avoided the needle again !!! ( another small victory )
The nurse takes us back into a room where instead of a table is a old school dental type chair . Weird to see in a radialogist office dont you think ? Well I look past my thoughts of weirdness and have a seat . The nutristionist is the first appointment . She was there to let me know what I should be eatingand stuff I should stay away from . Stuff to stay away from - Concentrated pills like green tea ( hinders what the radiation is doing ) , Fried foods ( duh ) , and foods high in fat or made with cream . Stuff that is good - Six to seven servings of fruit and vegetables , 100 ounces of water ( talk about a bladder buster ! ) , and light excercise ( keeps the body strong ! Grrr !!! )
After that the nurse takes a to a different room to meet with my radialogist . He comes in and says his hellos then procedes into the news . He tells us that he has some what good news and some what bad news . He says that they found "suspicous" cells . I kinda giggel and he looks at me a bit perplexed and I ask him if that means they are dressed in black and creaping around in my spinal fluid ? He smiles says he has never heard it put quit that way but yes sort . The cells that they found were found to be unidentifiable ( Why can't they find out the names of any thing in my body ? Maybe I'm not from here ... " take me to your leader " said in bad 50's alien voice ) also my protien count was high . He told us that if the lab techs hadn't known my case they would of told him to xray my whole body to find the cancer . Why ? High protein count in the spinal fluid can be a sign of cancer .
So he proceeds to tell me the plan of action . They will radiate my head and my spine . BLAH ! That sounds like a lot to me . He went in to the whole processes of body forming so that I don't move and laser markers ( small tattoos so they know where to treat . ) . He then started talking about the depression that people go through when they hit this part of treatment . I have to admit I haven't tried to think this far a head yet . The most thought I gave it was that I got a wig . I never thought about how I would feel while losing my hair or while it was growning back . How it would feel to get the radiation fatigue that I hear about or the nasua that can happen . So he tells us that just doing one small thing that makes you happy can help you from falling pray to the deaper side of the depression . He said that everyone gets depressed who goes through this if you did not he would worry .
I left the office feeling somewhat in my own little world . I know that I have a mini army of people who care and love me to help me get through this but for the first time I kind of felt lonley . I can't think of another word to discribe it , lonely is not the word i want but it is the closest one . This has been a strange trip so far and I am barely at the half way point . I am somewhat nervous to see what happens but a good amount of me is excited for some unknown reason .
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Feb. 2nd Dentist
Well it was kind of a slow day today . Nice relaxing morning . Read a little of my book " Breakfast with Buddha " . It is such a great book . I have been trying to read it slow so that I can enjoy it longer . Not quit working . Oh well it is still a good read . =)
I still have some swelling in my head so sister made an appointment for me to go see my Neurologist . He looked at my head and said that the swelling was normal . It was new tissue and it takes awhile for fluid to pass through it . He told me to only worry if it gets squishy . Yuck ! Then we asked him about me passing out during the spinal tap . He said it could be a few things but not to worry it had nothing to do with my surgery or the area of the brain that I had work on . It just goes to prove I'm a big old baby . That is ok by me , I accept my baby-ness .
Then one of my favorite parts of the day ! I heard from someone that if you get radiation done and you have a bad tooth or something wrong with your teeth it can spread to your whole body . That got me kinda freaked out . I just had my annual check up in October but I don't want to take any chances . So my dad makes and appointment for me . I go in and they look at my teeth and poke around a bit and declare my mouth good . Wooohoooo ! Now the real good part the teeth cleaning . I love having my teeth cleaned it is up in my top 30 of things I love . A awesome most amazing day for me would be teeth cleaned , pedicure , hair washed , some time in the sauna , and all with a few friends to share in the happiness .
Paul came over at about five . Karyn put him to work for a little bit . He gets to do the manly stuff , stuff that he says takes muscles . Karyn and mom made home made fish and chips ( actually tatertots ) It was good . They even made some with salmon . I made a salad . We all sat down and ate . My poor dad got made fun of a little bit , then he started shooting it back on to everyone . Not so poor dad . We all sat around the table for a bit chatting and laughing at each other .
Karyn offered up dessert . Left over cake from the Ale House Benefit or the tasty pie Ramona and Mike gave me . They said both . Then came the five year old voices " Do you have ice cream to go with the pie and cake ? " . Duh ! How can you have pie with out ice cream !?! Please ! Karyn thought of that as soon as she saw my pie so did I .
After dinner mom and sister played guitar hero so paul and I went and watched T.V. in my room . Paul and I found a channel to watched and snuggled down . After about a half hour I was asleep . What can I say , I am on blue hair time .
I still have some swelling in my head so sister made an appointment for me to go see my Neurologist . He looked at my head and said that the swelling was normal . It was new tissue and it takes awhile for fluid to pass through it . He told me to only worry if it gets squishy . Yuck ! Then we asked him about me passing out during the spinal tap . He said it could be a few things but not to worry it had nothing to do with my surgery or the area of the brain that I had work on . It just goes to prove I'm a big old baby . That is ok by me , I accept my baby-ness .
Then one of my favorite parts of the day ! I heard from someone that if you get radiation done and you have a bad tooth or something wrong with your teeth it can spread to your whole body . That got me kinda freaked out . I just had my annual check up in October but I don't want to take any chances . So my dad makes and appointment for me . I go in and they look at my teeth and poke around a bit and declare my mouth good . Wooohoooo ! Now the real good part the teeth cleaning . I love having my teeth cleaned it is up in my top 30 of things I love . A awesome most amazing day for me would be teeth cleaned , pedicure , hair washed , some time in the sauna , and all with a few friends to share in the happiness .
Paul came over at about five . Karyn put him to work for a little bit . He gets to do the manly stuff , stuff that he says takes muscles . Karyn and mom made home made fish and chips ( actually tatertots ) It was good . They even made some with salmon . I made a salad . We all sat down and ate . My poor dad got made fun of a little bit , then he started shooting it back on to everyone . Not so poor dad . We all sat around the table for a bit chatting and laughing at each other .
Karyn offered up dessert . Left over cake from the Ale House Benefit or the tasty pie Ramona and Mike gave me . They said both . Then came the five year old voices " Do you have ice cream to go with the pie and cake ? " . Duh ! How can you have pie with out ice cream !?! Please ! Karyn thought of that as soon as she saw my pie so did I .
After dinner mom and sister played guitar hero so paul and I went and watched T.V. in my room . Paul and I found a channel to watched and snuggled down . After about a half hour I was asleep . What can I say , I am on blue hair time .
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Spinal Tap Feb. !st
Well I woke up this morning with a slight sore throat and a small head ache . I smiled and thought to my self can you have a social hang over ? That is what I felt like my head was still kinda swarming with conversation from the night before . I thought of a few different high points and found my self laughing out loud a little . Then thanked the heavens that no one made me give a speech oye ! I would of done the ugly cry and that is never something you want to do in public . Thank you all for not making me give a speech .
Sister came in my room and told me the plan for the day ..... a spinal tap ... blah ! So I procrastinate getting out of bed till about 30 till we have to leave . I start getting dressed and then I stop and think to my self I can't wear this it has metal in it . So I find my jammie bottoms take off my bra - every time I wear one to the hospital I have to take it off so whats the point right ? - put on a tank yop and a t-shirt and call it good . No sense in dressing up for the day spent in the inner walls of the hospital .
Sister and I wait for almost an hour to get in for my appointment . They had a few others who were in worst shape then me who get in 1st . Which is fine by me , I'm sure I trumped a few people when I went for test when I first got there . So we sat there and watched Cops and it was a good episode . Favorite part is when the cop steped in dog poop while in a house . I'm easily entertianed what can I say .
I get called back into the room and it is the biggest machine I had seen so far . The nurse asks me a few questions then tells us about what is going to happen . I tense up . Sister comes and puts her hand on my shoulder . The nurse tells me if it feels uncomfortable don't jump try and remain calm and just tell us it hurts . In my head I was thinking - ARE YOU F"ING KIDDING ME !!!!! - Well the nurse hands me a robe and tells me to change and informs me to leave my undies on but take every thing else off . I go to change and start laughing . It was the second time I was not wearing underware . Hahaha so I ask her if I can wear my jammie bottom and all she could do was laugh at me and say sure .
I lay on my tummie and she puts a pillow under my tummie for a flater back area where the injection site will be ( with drawl site either or ) . The nurse starts to prep for her part and she had this awesome lead suit that was something out of the wizard of oz . It was a emerald green foa snake skin lead suit that was a skirt and vest . I was hopping she would bust out in the a song from the movie .... one can wish .
The needle lady comes in and the machine comes to life and the table I am laying on starts to go up and down and the x-ray " eye " is spining around and she is giving the nurse directions that do not make sense to me . Then I hear a small victory in the needle lady's voice " theres our spot ! " She lanicains the area and tells me I will feel a slight pinch . I think to my self relax . I am finding this to almost be my mantra . The pinch was not that bad . So I mentally tell myself that She is a pro this won't hurt , let your fears go , and that nothing so far has hurt as bad as I thought it would . So I let go of the fear .
Needle lady says that she is in the area and is about to take out my spinal fluid . She starts to with drawl and my body starts to feel weird not the good weird either . I say to her that I feel funny she tells me to discribe the weirdness . It kinda feels like when you drink a glass of cold water and you can feel it go all the way down to your tummy , but through my whole body and like 60 percent more intense . While I am talking I guessed I passed out . I woke up to them yelling my name . I kinda flinch up and the Needle lady tells me not to move because I still have the needle in my spine . I am shaking and have the cold sweats . The nurse is talking to me calming me down . I ask her if this is a normall thing . She daps my forhead with a damp cloth and say soory but no , I think this happened because you had low fluids . ( WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN !!! ) She then asked me how much water did you drink before you got here ? I tell her a glass of water . She tells me I should of drank a lot water . OH well no one told me that I would of if I would of known .
Another nurse comes in a declares me good they finish the spinal tap and take me away to be obbserved for about an hour . I thought I had been everywhere in the hospital . Boy was I wrong . They took me to a place that reminded me of what hospitals must of been like before t.v.'s and private rooms . All the little area had was a curtain and a few devices . It was super quite too , which is weird in a hospital .
I have some apple juice , water , and then some grape juice . The nurse takes my vitals and says I am good to go . Yippy !!! I get put in a wheelchair and get rolled back to where I started . Sister looks at me and asked if I'mm ready to go home . She has no idea how ready I am to go .
We get home I lay down as flat as I can and my body tells me it is ready to nap . I give in . Sleep feels good .
Sister came in my room and told me the plan for the day ..... a spinal tap ... blah ! So I procrastinate getting out of bed till about 30 till we have to leave . I start getting dressed and then I stop and think to my self I can't wear this it has metal in it . So I find my jammie bottoms take off my bra - every time I wear one to the hospital I have to take it off so whats the point right ? - put on a tank yop and a t-shirt and call it good . No sense in dressing up for the day spent in the inner walls of the hospital .
Sister and I wait for almost an hour to get in for my appointment . They had a few others who were in worst shape then me who get in 1st . Which is fine by me , I'm sure I trumped a few people when I went for test when I first got there . So we sat there and watched Cops and it was a good episode . Favorite part is when the cop steped in dog poop while in a house . I'm easily entertianed what can I say .
I get called back into the room and it is the biggest machine I had seen so far . The nurse asks me a few questions then tells us about what is going to happen . I tense up . Sister comes and puts her hand on my shoulder . The nurse tells me if it feels uncomfortable don't jump try and remain calm and just tell us it hurts . In my head I was thinking - ARE YOU F"ING KIDDING ME !!!!! - Well the nurse hands me a robe and tells me to change and informs me to leave my undies on but take every thing else off . I go to change and start laughing . It was the second time I was not wearing underware . Hahaha so I ask her if I can wear my jammie bottom and all she could do was laugh at me and say sure .
I lay on my tummie and she puts a pillow under my tummie for a flater back area where the injection site will be ( with drawl site either or ) . The nurse starts to prep for her part and she had this awesome lead suit that was something out of the wizard of oz . It was a emerald green foa snake skin lead suit that was a skirt and vest . I was hopping she would bust out in the a song from the movie .... one can wish .
The needle lady comes in and the machine comes to life and the table I am laying on starts to go up and down and the x-ray " eye " is spining around and she is giving the nurse directions that do not make sense to me . Then I hear a small victory in the needle lady's voice " theres our spot ! " She lanicains the area and tells me I will feel a slight pinch . I think to my self relax . I am finding this to almost be my mantra . The pinch was not that bad . So I mentally tell myself that She is a pro this won't hurt , let your fears go , and that nothing so far has hurt as bad as I thought it would . So I let go of the fear .
Needle lady says that she is in the area and is about to take out my spinal fluid . She starts to with drawl and my body starts to feel weird not the good weird either . I say to her that I feel funny she tells me to discribe the weirdness . It kinda feels like when you drink a glass of cold water and you can feel it go all the way down to your tummy , but through my whole body and like 60 percent more intense . While I am talking I guessed I passed out . I woke up to them yelling my name . I kinda flinch up and the Needle lady tells me not to move because I still have the needle in my spine . I am shaking and have the cold sweats . The nurse is talking to me calming me down . I ask her if this is a normall thing . She daps my forhead with a damp cloth and say soory but no , I think this happened because you had low fluids . ( WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN !!! ) She then asked me how much water did you drink before you got here ? I tell her a glass of water . She tells me I should of drank a lot water . OH well no one told me that I would of if I would of known .
Another nurse comes in a declares me good they finish the spinal tap and take me away to be obbserved for about an hour . I thought I had been everywhere in the hospital . Boy was I wrong . They took me to a place that reminded me of what hospitals must of been like before t.v.'s and private rooms . All the little area had was a curtain and a few devices . It was super quite too , which is weird in a hospital .
I have some apple juice , water , and then some grape juice . The nurse takes my vitals and says I am good to go . Yippy !!! I get put in a wheelchair and get rolled back to where I started . Sister looks at me and asked if I'mm ready to go home . She has no idea how ready I am to go .
We get home I lay down as flat as I can and my body tells me it is ready to nap . I give in . Sleep feels good .
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