Okay I was not truthful

 

This is the short hallway for the entrance to the actual scanning room. There are more than just these, maybe two dozen or so. They are actual 'blown' glass and one of the assistants said the entire theme of the room is water, so those have a watery blue glass look and are bigger than my hand by a little bit.  It's a very relaxing kind of ambiance and makes me smile.

Okay... got my appointment done, easy peasy again nothing dramatic. We got grocery delivery last night and am not impressed with that delivery driver but that's beside the point. We got groceries we needed. I figured out that after my appointment today we could take the trolley back to our station, hop over to the other short line going to Santee, hoof the two and a half blocks to Costco, do our needed shopping there and then call for a Lyft ride back home. Why I didn't think about that until now I do not know.

So we were both starving by the time we got there as well as being a bit footsore, got our usual 'cheap lunch/dinner' hot dog, soda and pizza (they have a combo calzone for 6.99!!! Definitely going to be a thing to order next time) before going inside and getting the paper goods and meat that we needed. Which, by the way, hamburger is a dollar more than it was three months ago. I keep receipts and remember it being $4.99/lb and it's now $5.99/lb. And for an early birthday treat, got a chocolate cake with mousse filling. YUM! So needed items, foodstuffs and we're set for the month for that. Rent check! (just realized I forgot to bring it with me when we left today and went down to do that just now, the 3rd is cut off day)

 Lyft driver was in a really nice car (Hyundai Ioniq 5 wooo faancy) that had plenty of trunk space (kind of like a prius) and we were home in minutes, even traffic wasn't that bad. Also wasn't too hot today either, only got up to 81 but of course that means about 86 inside. We got home around 6 and the sun was just going down behind the other building so we were able to open up everything and get air flowing. 

No my car hasn't even been looked at yet by AAA. Stupid AAA website thinks I don't have an account even though I accessed it yesterday. Grrrr! Along with the confusion of accounts and everything wondering if me creating an account on my phone has anything to do with this now. (got through on my phone just fine)

I'll be calling for the shuttle van tomorrow to see about rides for next week instead of transit. 'Shuttle van' is a broad term. First ride was a 9 passenger standard van, second ride same day was a lift capable van, third one was an actual small bus style and the fourth one was another lift van, take what they have for sure if it's free. Not sure if I can do a standing order for the same time every day but will ask. Since all our shopping is done for the month mostly, we can come straight home. If I can arrange for AAA to come out and see about my car battery and starter, that can be something for next week as well.  If I have to get a new battery, we're sunk. I don't have the money for that at all. I could likely ask Amber if she can foot the bill, but will see what happens. 

More news when it happens. 

  

 

Not going to be posting every day...

 because basically it's anticlimactic, other than transportation.

So this was definitely an adventure but nothing traumatic. We decided to head out early around 11 because I wanted a breakfast sandwich form Starbucks. Jon, out of habit walked to the bus stop and I double checked with him about taking the bus early and stopping at the one close to the grocery store instead of walking down the street and back again. So that's what we did. Got off the bus had plenty of time to order and eat our food and our drinks while waiting for the next bus. 

I had researched what options were available at our stop on the trolley to get to the doctor office. Couldn't have been any easier. Since the elevators are out and likely won't be fixed for some time, there is a bus line that goes right there. Well almost right there, it's the first stop at the 'top' of the hill but still a short walk to the building we need. We got there a little more than an hour early. So, Jon napped for a half hour I knitted, it was relatively quiet and air conditioned so lovely quiet time.  

This also meant that when he got done it was maybe a 3 minute walk to the building for my treatment. Another hour wait time before I even thought about checking in. Again, nice and cool quiet as far as voices were concerned but nice radio music going, mix of easy listening soft rock music. 

This is on one of the papers the assistant gave me along with my schedule of appointments. Yay for that!  Not that it's hard to remember but the last two appointments will be in the morning rather than afternoon but hopefully will have car by then. This is a very simplistic version of the set up. My machine had another 'boom/counterweight' whatever at the bottom and the active radiation window is at the top. It rotates around the bed very slowly when doing the actual radiation and went around twice I think. Not completely around but the main emitter end goes all the way to the side out of view.  I asked after it was done (about ten minutes of actual scan time) what that other part was and she said it was a CT scanner to make sure everything was lined up properly. 

Cool! Oh the 'tattoos' are so minute I thought they were just normal spots I have except they're black and not brown. Seriously, tip of a needle really so not a big deal at all and have to look really hard to find them.

We decided on another treat for food and went to a Rubio's across the street at the other mall. Such a treat.. and if not for the guy in the corner crying incessantly... he was sobbing and going on I have no idea what happened to him but it was literally non-stop. I think he might have quieted down to loud sniffling for about a minute or two then back to almost wailing. It almost felt like a social interaction experiment to see who would go over and check on him. We ate our delicious food that was much better than the last time we had Rubio's and headed to the bus stop to go home. I hope the guy gets some help for whatever is going on.

Had to stop at CVS so Jon could pick up two meds that were transferred and some incidental things that were needed and could be bought on the OTC card. Got home, immediately hit the computer to start ordering groceries for delivery. Still waiting now an hour and a half later. First day of the month and a few of the items we wanted were out of stock but none crucial.

So that's my day today, out and back again in about 7 hours. Oh Jon's ultrasound was not traumatic other than when she had to push on his calf with the scanner he cringed and said, 'I'll tell you anything just don't do that again' made the technician laugh.

Later start tomorrow at least for the appointment.  We couldn't take the shuttle today because they were booked up and by the time I thought about calling for future appointments it was too late. So will call tomorrow for Friday and keep doing that to see if I can do multiple days in advance. The transit ride is much easier than the ones before just time consuming and a bit stressful being around people.

I have to download the AAA app to see if I can get a 'virtual' member card loaded so I can call for 'roadside assistance' to check my car. And that's an utter failure. Will try again tomorrow but so far the website and signing up has been severely lacking. 

See what happens tomorrow.

 

Sometimes I am less than inightful

 Okay not so fast

thinking here.

Amber sent me the money for a tow, but now the battery is completely dead and no one in the complex apparently has jumper cables. Well shoot, what now. I had in mind to start AAA again when we get money this week and had looked in to double check the price, $52 with autopay once a  year, we can manage that. I still had 100 in the bank saving that out for the tow to the mechanic and then 2020 hindsight  hit me in the butt.

I could have restarted my AAA a week ago and it would be at the mechanics already and maybe even fixed by now. SUCH AN INCREDIBLY ...AAAAWWWWGGGGGGHHH!!

Okay kicking myself over with I go to the AAA site and start the process, didn't remember I had an account years ago and started a new one. Got it all dialed in made the payment and it sends me to a page that says 'Join AAA again' or back to the homepage. Okay so go to the top button and it wanted me to pay an extra 20 to sign up again. I may have that much but I just paid for the discounted membership, it was already out of the bank.

Round and round and figured okay maybe it needs to catch up somehow. I wait an hour and still get the same run around so decided to call instead. 

Then my headset isn't working and have to use speaker so I can type with both hands. Got someone live on the phone she understood the issue and updated the email address for the new account. Had me go through the same thing I did before, at least got a member number (which I forgot to write down) because then it sends me right back to the same page. She was taken back a bit and said to wait an hour or two or try again tomorrow.

One of the reasons why doing AAA wasn't on my mind is I knew I didn't have it and mentally didn't have the money for it. The money Amber gave me was for 'a tow' that was already in the back of my mind. The other factor is I thought it was like a month wait time for roadside assistance to be available until I checked online. It's only 48 hours. So even if I did try this a week ago, it would still be all good. 

I could have had my car functional by now.

So this means we still have to take transit or the shuttle. It was booked for this Wednesday when we both have appointments. Good news is, October 1 all transit is free. We also don't have to go as far and have money for a Lyft for the short distance from the trolley to the doctor office right up the hill. Yes, uphill. There is an elevator but it has been out of commission for at least a year or two. The last weeks we've taken the trolley there's always been an announcement that it is out of order. We did this before so not a problem. Also our favorite sandwich shop is right down the street from the hospital so there's dinner.

This also means no grocery shopping on the weekend unless someone wants to help out. Luckily there is still unlimited free delivery from the grocery store all the way through November 4. We won't need it that far away thankfully but we are down to bare cupboards and fridge so shopping this weekend is absolutely necessary.

Took a chance on dinner last night. We were able to get some chicken legs really cheap at the store (Hispanic month so a lot of things for cooking are on sale) 14 chicken legs for $5. Not sure if that deal will still be there on the weekend but will see what happens. Anyway, I divided out four legs for last night then two bags of 5 for today and whenever. So I had the four in a dish soaking in milk and spices then had to go in the bedroom to do something and heard Jon calling out from the front room. I forgot Rocky was roaming around and he had gotten up on the counter and was licking one of the legs and even bit into it. Another less than insightful move on my part. Jon was disgusted and I told him it was okay, yes the cat touched raw chicken but I rinsed all of them off really well. Luckily I had the other bag of five legs in the fridge and I was NOT going to waste chicken. So I prepped the other five and put all nine into the oven. Jon even showed me that you aren't  supposed to eat chicken after a cat has put their mouth on it. I wasn't going to say much else only I'd eat the four and he could have the five, I'd be fine. 

And I am. No signs of being sick, everything is good. He hasn't asked how I'm feeling either so once again, my instinct was right. Honestly how many times has anyone heard of someone going to the hospital or getting sick from that sort of incident? Yes it was a chance but truthfully I trusted my instincts.  So those five legs were supposed to be for today, I also ate the leftovers of some spaghetti and meatballs I made that was supposed to be for today as well. Sigh. The last bag of legs are thawing in the fridge. Lunch and dinner will be out tomorrow since there's nothing left but ramen and tuna in the cupboards.

We'll get by like we have before, it's just my own lack of forethought and insight that has caused the issue just like always. 

Shorter than I thought...

 

Went in for the CT Simulation appointment, wasn't too uncomfortable and no worse than any of the other scans I've done. Even the 'tattoo' part was a lot less painful than my two shots I got. So they said they had to wait before arranging my actual treatment appointments because they were backlogged with the department that makes the 'cradle'. What they did was lay me down, raise my arms and grasp two small grips then had what I thought were pellets or sandbags or something form around my arms and sides. What it was actually was an expanding foam system for an actual 'cradle' that is fit to my form. So when I go in for the appointment they grab that and put it on the table so I'm perfectly stabilized for the focused radiation. No wiggle room allowed of course but the entire appointment is only about 15 minutes, so much better than the 3 and 4 hour chemo sessions the first time.

So I thought I had a week off but in fact, first appointment is October 1. Makes it easy to remember at least. It is also the same day as an appointment for Jon. He told the doctor about the pain in his calf and she ordered a vein ultrasound just to be sure it isn't a blood clot or something else. So his appointment is at 1:20 and mine is at 3:30. Really short walk since it's in the same complex/campus. Transportation is the issue. Need to call that on Monday and explain the situation because I'll be done before 4 so would have to ask them to pick us up at 1 and then not come back until 3:45. I think they have a cut off time of 4 so that's an issue.

As for the transportation with my car, IF I get it to the mechanic on Monday or Tuesday I hope they will have it finished by the end of the week. Which means this coming week we still need the shuttle service, luckily all my following appointments are at the same time so easy peasy. Total of 15 treatments 5 days a week (including the three on the front and two at the end) so will finish up mid/late October. THEN.... not sure how much wait time between finishing that and arranging for follow up surgery but that will happen in November and estimating by December will be all healed and ready to start a new year.

We made a trip to the store by bus yesterday and with careful budgeting got some chicken legs that were on sale, a tray of meatballs, milk and a few other things all for under $20. Then I had enough points at Jersey Mike's to get a sandwich for each of us for under $15 and voila! Supplies for food that will last for another four days and a special treat for lunch yesterday. Spaghetti and meatballs were delicious of course. 'Scratch' sauce with the last few cans of tomato products in the cupboard, onion and spices, the last of fresh garlic (oh the horror! We're out of garlic!). And a little bit for leftovers in the fridge, we're set until we get money on Tuesday and then food money on Wednesday. Yippeee!

 

 

 

And a short respite...

 So yesterday at my main doctor appointment, she went over both of our numbers and situations as far as cholesterol levels, sugar numbers and all that, since we were scheduled back to back. Jon's cholesterol is a bit high so going to keep up with the meds and try to eat a bit better. He got an alternate inhaler of one that wasn't covered, brought up his issue with his calf but everything else is basically okay. My cholesterol was at 7 which they'd like to see a bit lower so she has me on pravastatin now just like Jon. So I am up to two pills right now and after radiation is done will be taking three. In the world of taking meds, this is easy and I am thankful for that. 

As for the respite, went in for the CT simulation appointment where they do measurements with the scanner and all that before starting the actual radiation, nothing too uncomfortable or invasive other than the three little dot 'tattoos' that apparently only the machine can see. The flu and covid shots we got yesterday was far worse. Back to the reprieve, they are ordering a custom 'brace' or whatever that will fit to my head and arms for doing the radiation and they have to wait for that to get made and ordered before starting on my regular appointments. Which means not next week but the following week will likely be the start time for that. This also means I have a whole week to get the car fixed. I will do it! Late in the day right now, will message Amber and let her know I'll be getting it towed tomorrow and be ready for transferring the money. Crossing fingers that goes smoothly as well. 

Other than a little achy and a fuzzy almost caffeine headache I'm good from the shots yesterday. It's good to know we have a respite from doctor appointments for a week. Arranging for a van to pick us up was anxiety riddled and I hate being a back seat driver. Get the car taken care of and that will be one less stress inducing activity in my life.

Month is almost done again, birthday month is next. Honestly, there's so few things that I 'want' and so many things that I 'need'. There's a blurred line between the two sides of course when it comes to things I love to do. I'd love to have one of those rotary shredders with different cylinders or maybe something that will chop veggies easier but not that rectangular thing that you have to completely pound on to get things chopped. Food processor that does all the things of course is nice but we don't have the room to store something like that. 

I'm in a stable place to live and due to everything else going on, not able to really take advantage of what I have. Once I get my car running again that's a big factor, helps with appointments as well as running to storage and trying to sort that out. It's going to be January before I'm back up to speed I suspect as far as my health is concerned. Will see where we go from there. 

Just a quick update

 Nothing fantastic or big, the weather is cooler, much cooler today. Overcast, a little bit of misty drizzle but we haven't turned the AC on at all and because of the clouds, there's no sun blasting the front of the apartment at this hour. HUZZAHHH!

Secondly, got the 'official' mail notice that EBT is going up another $22 barely enough to really make a difference but better than nothing or losing that much for sure. Edging up closer to the pandemic boost level which was 400 something, that was a godsend for sure but wished we had a place instead of living in hotels for two months. 

As they say, it is what it is and is now in the past.

Right boob is still a bit sore but managing. Honestly haven't had to take much in the way of meds for that discomfort or my arthritis lately (just took some though because my hands were starting to twinge). Depending on what I'm doing I might take some in the morning and then not really need any for another eight or ten hours. Sometimes may not need it until the afternoon, so much for the new estrogen blocker making my joints hurt more. Speaking of that, when Jon took his ibuprophen he asked how often he could do that and I said about six hours. He counted off on his fingers when that would be and I didn't think to add, 'if you need it'. So promptly on the six hour mark he took some more and I asked 'are you still hurting?' Genuinely concerned if he was, he said no then I told him, it's on an as needed basis hon, he shrugged and 'just being sure'. So he's fine now, whatever happened with his calf is all good and was likely a charlie horse that wouldn't go away. 

In other things, made some burger dogs today. We had hot dog buns, but only one hot dog left and I had pulled down the last pound of hamburger to do something today. I had seen where some places made hamburger into a plank to fit on a roll so why not. It was good although awkward and had to separate the buns so all the fixings would fit. Need to remember to slice the onion a lot thinner, getting the hang of where to set the blade thickness now. 

I took a picture of them cooking in the pan but it was blurry due to slow phone response. Grrr... That's two out of four 'planks' I made, got out the plastic wrap, put it on top and used my rolling pin to flatten it all out. Kitchen and front of the apartment now smells like hamburger grill. 

Working on knitting projects as well, wanted to do some charity projects like hats and as luck would have it I have two balls of a heavier weight yarn in a pink/tan and started a hat with that, have a Christmas color theme scarf going and the two pairs of socks.

Seriously, if anyone wants a hat, scarf or cowl for Christmas now is the time to get some yarn to me!  I have lots of yarn but not necessarily colors or type for something specific. Now that I'm not taking public transit twice a week I am setting aside time for working on knitting. 

That's all for now really, quick update as I said. Hoping to have news about the car this coming week.

Pumping up is done...moving on

 Last visit with Camberos' office for a while, next up is radiation visits. They didn't put as much in this time because it is really uncomfortable and they were over filling anyway just to be sure. First set up visit is next week and the following day a visit with my regular doctor. Just a check in and probably nag me about getting a colon cancer screening, poop test is fine and Jon has a visit with the same doctor right after mine.  I've ordered a shuttle van for that pair of visits and have to call the day before on both of them to make sure I got on the list. Very disappointing... I put in a request and still have to make sure my reservation made the list?

One more call to another mechanic apparently short walking distance from us. Need to see how much I trust them since the facade and lot does not look appealing or trustworthy. It is 2 pm and checking on the map for it, they are closed until Monday. From the reviews, seems they're only open 2 days a week so I don't think that's going to work. No mechanic/repair place is open on the weekend so I've missed my window. I know Amber is waiting for word from me to get it started, so m any other things taking up my mental space and feeding into my aversion to making phone calls and getting it started. 

The other thing that delayed it was having the walkways resurfaced which kept us inside while that was being worked on. Luckily the last coat went on yesterday and we were able to get one last load of groceries delivered (by the same driver as last time stroke of luck). 

Other than that it's been hot and tropical muggy due to a small rainstorm coming through yesterday and the night before that. So temps in the 80's with humidity in the upper 50's (dewpoint in the 70's which is where the mugginess comes in to play). It is now clear and hot today so we're buttoned up as usual. We had the AC and fans running while we were out yesterday and since we didn't get home until close to 6 it was a good thing.

While we were on the last bus to the appointment something happened with Jon's right calf. He said it felt like a cramp but then when he tried to stretch it out it felt like it had torn. He knows the feeling from his teen and twenty years running. So the walking around we did was rather painful coming home. I insisted that he take some ibuprophen or alleve when we got home but he countered with 'I'll just take some aspirin'. Well when we got home he asked for one of the ace bandages after he took some aspirin. He also insisted on helping with the grocery delivery and I was heavy sighing a lot. I didn't know whether an ice pack or hot pack was called for since I didn't know exactly what happened. I did know that an anti-inflammatory was a good call. Before bed last night he said, 'if my calf is still hurting I'll take some of your medicine'. Righto... the man listened... asked for two ibuprophen this morning and he's right as rain now. 

Once again....  I'm the female in the room with the right advice.

That's a general statement about women not being listened to when it's important and being dismissed. Then not seeing we were right all along until it's too late.

Anyway... That's all for today, thankful and feeling guilty at the same time having to ask for monetary help constantly. In another timeline things may have been different but then other things would have been more different.  Off to find some hat projects and scarves for gifts.