New month, how you?

 Today the weather is actually reasonable. It is now 4:15 pm and we have not turned on the AC as yet. It only got up to the mid 80's while we were out for second round of groceries at Costco and since it was still breezy and reasonable, didn't bother shutting up and turning on the money eater.

 Rocky curled up like a pill bug on the bed. Still have to get his flea control because I keep forgetting to stop at the pet store when we're in that direction. I discovered it's basically the same price there ($50) as it is getting it from Chewy but would have to pay shipping getting it online. 

Infusion on Monday went as well as usual, have a pre-op appointment later this month, then another pre-op then the long/short wait until surgery. I still don't know what time the surgery is and Amber has already started school with work on the weekends. Since surgery is on a Friday depending on the time she might be able to give us a ride. I don't know how that's all going to work out though and likely will not get figured out until the last minute.

 I have stressed my right thumb sufficiently knitting so much that I had to buy a compression glove. Not the best but will do and not knitting as much or on certain projects to give the tendons time to recover. What would really help is taking some anti-inflammatory but that's not happening unfortunately. This has happened before and suggestions have ranged from changing the way I knit to laying off knitting entirely for a week. Well, neither of those is happening either because I have Christmas presents to make and learning a new way to hold the yarn would be just as stressful on my thumb. The glove is helping though when I'm knitting or using my hand a lot. 

I've got about $66 left in food money to get the remainder of the groceries. I only bought the bare minimum hamburger, chicken breasts and shrimp for protein. I did score a big 2 lb bag of sti fry veggies that is a better mix than what I could find at F4L. Oh..and Jon saw the first wave of pumpkin pies were out already... so that's in the fridge as well. He wanted to get a bar cake today and had to tell him, we don't have the room with the pie. He pouted but agreed and we finished our shopping picked up a package of pollo asado for tacos later in the month as well. 

Rent check is delivered waiting for other bills to suck the life out of the bank account. There's a possibility though of moving out stuff to a newer storage place much closer and much cheaper. I've delayed long enough though that the size we need may be gone by the time we have money for it again. With renting a truck and taking two or three days to move everything (rough budget is about $200 for new storage to set up and almost the same for the truck), I don't know if we even have the energy to do that. Especially driving a large box truck 30 miles. I did it once, six years ago when we moved here but that was a smaller truck than what we'll need moving everything in one fell swoop (to save on gas and time). Also on a time constraint since I'll be out of commission for doing something that strenuous in October. So once again, missed an opportunity that would have saved us money. The standard price they had listed on the website is almost half the price of what I'm paying now. 

Garden is barely surviving. I'm only using a gallon water jug to water the tomato and the oregano because it's been too hot and it's a waste of energy and water to drag the hose out to water empty dirt and two plants and the onions. I mean it's growing but not very much because it's so hot and it's trying to put roots out into warm mostly dry soil. I've been dumping about five or six gallons of water on everything and digging the soil a bit so it gets down deeper. I do what I can with what I've got.

I think about everyone that reads these posts almost every day. I got to chat with Devon and hear how he's doing (give hugs to Rem for me Dude). Wonder how everyone else is doing, even Mike and Nancy I worry about given how much older they are than me. If I don't say Happy Birthday or message on holidays it's not that I don't care, just... I lack good communication skills and am trying to work on that.I always worry that I'm catching someone at a bad time of day or their busy with something and don't want to be a pest. 

Just know that I do think about everyone and hope things are going well as they can for you all.

 

 

 

Not much to talk about except the weather

The weather has been dreadful, and I don't mean in a snow flurry way either. More like 'someone shut the oven door!!!' Today is the third day that has registered over 100 in my small pocket of San Diego. Not contiguously but still not good, 100, 99, 99, 104 and today it is this:

 102 with a 'real feel' of 107. It was just barely 100 two hours ago. 

Yes, triple digits and it doesn't get reasonable until long after the sun goes down. We had to run the AC all night two days ago and then I broke the bad news to Jon that we can't do that every night. SDGE is going to be over $150 even with the discount we're getting.  That may not sound like a lot to some people that have multiple hundred dollar bills but it's a lot to us. Even with the AC and all the fans going it got up to the high 80's in the front room and kitchen. I love Jon dearly but he doesn't think things through sometimes. We have been setting up one of the floor fans in the living room facing the bedroom door at night so it can circulate the cooler air coming through the door and windows. Well apparently he was not very mindful and forgot to open it up out there and we had the bedroom door closed to run the AC. I opened the door and almost got knocked back at how hot it was (but thinking it was in the low 70's in the bedroom ten degrees can make a difference). Nope. It was 90 because he forgot to open things up. I gently let him know and he was very apologetic of course. It's still very much warm at night and very little airflow outside. All the wind happens during the day.... making it a blast furnace outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So I've been doing a lot more knitting as a result of staying inside. The 'Sheepicorn' socks fit a big snug going over my heel but I think they'll fit Amber or Logan just fine. The black ones are technically for Devon (who I haven't heard or seen any signs of life from since Mother's Day so that concerns me). They look funky because I literally just got them off the needles and the ends tucked in, no blocking and the ribbing on the instep makes it look weird. All the sock knitting has done a number on my thumbs though so am looking for some thin support fingerless gloves for that sort of thing. Also working on the shawl instead helps. I don't grip as hard and use a slightly different motion to knit, so I've been productive in that way. Very excited to finish the socks really and of course picked up another yarn and started another pair that will be very colorful and shorter. 

I still haven't gotten that list of costs from the vet and by the time I remember, it's after hours and then it's Friday and now Saturday. They sent me a satisfaction survey and I made a comment to that effect on the survey and then got an automated 'thank you for your kind words' email after that. So it's not like they don't have the right email, so far am not impressed with this vet office. Rocky's only issue right now is not being able to go outside for two weeks because of his flea problem. That will be solved in another three or four days after we get money. 

The last batches of hamburger that I bought from Costco, apparently didn't get bagged up fast enough and sat in the fridge just long enough to go bad. I have to toss the last three pounds of the meat because it's got that funky smell. Yes, it's been in the freezer but once it thaws it's no good. So we have no hamburger for the next three or four days but when we do that shopping it's going to be partitioned and immediately chucked in the freezer. I think I had to wait until I had baggies to portion it out and that was the problem. We have plenty of chicken of course. Thighs, thigh meat and breasts, I've got the second small chicken in the crockpot slathered with rotisserie chicken mix some butter and onion. Needs veggies but don't have those either but oh well, it should be done by about 5 or 6 tonight. 

On the topic of cooking, marinating chicken thighs in Olive Garden Italian Dressing for an hour then searing in a pan and (should have) baked on a rack in the oven is a knock out! Needed potatoes but it was already too hot in the kitchen. I scored a head of broccoli and just used the last of that up in a box of red beans and rice.  No protein to put in it so it was veggie style with the broccoli, canned corn, finely diced celery and onion. Don't even have any canned tomatoes left in the cupboard, but that's what happens at the end of the month sometimes. We still have food to fix (despite wanting tacos, burritos and giant sandwiches all the time) which heats up the kitchen, although we did have tuna sandwiches the other day. We have LOTS of tuna and one can of salmon so food will happen. Maybe some salmon pasta salad........ hmmmmm. Oh Pinterest, what do you have for me on that topic?

 

 

 

And Rocky is basically okay

 Since I only had enough money for a basic exam without any tests, all they could do is take his weight, check his teeth and coat and belly, temp all that stuff. They'll be emailing me a list of suggested tests and vaccines he should get because 8 years old is considered 'senior'.  He's none the worse for his ordeal despite his loud protestations from his carrier in the waiting room. Doctor and staff were all very nice, the lump on his back the doctor seemed to feel was more like fat than a tumor or mass. They won't know until they can get a biopsy of course and will find out how much that will cost when I get the email. Doctor did say that cats aren't prone to lumps and masses like dogs are so that's a point in his favor. He should get a 3 month course of flea control because they did find one flea (which I hope they caught and dispatched), which I think is the same one I spied the other day as well. Until I get the flea control started I want to keep him inside and off the lawn. 

 He's actually laying on the floor right now but this is from the other day. 

As for everyone else, we're all doing good so far. I got a look at the physical copy of my procedure information and there was actual photos (yuck, no one wants to see that) and a graphical representation of where inflammation is and where they took samples. Fascinating and actually got a call back from the doctor's office saying that nothing unusual was detected in the samples and keep on doing what we're doing with the infusions. I realized the other day that I am not eating a whole lot of fiber in my usual diet. No dark leafy greens like spinach or broccoli, the wheat bread we have is just that, no whole grains or large amounts of fiber so that will be on the menu more often. We did get a box of instant oatmeal packs and I've been trying to have one of those a day, can't say it's making a big difference though as yet. 

Oh Jon got his laptop back and is absolutely thrilled with how fast it's doing things. I sent a message to Wellman thanking him profusely for doing that for us and I got to see Logan and Amber when they dropped it off. So very proud of all my kids and family. 

That's all the news that's fit to type for now.  Bills are all paid, usual brokeness in the bank but only have ten days left in the month. We survive as we always do.

Oh yes, and it's still HAHT! 

 

Done and done

 It's not just the prep this time, along with being tortured with only liquid intake for two days, this time was different.

Not going into details but the doctor made a note and I agreed that if there's a next time, I get sedated. Combination of labor pains and bad gas pain, it was horrific for about 5 minutes I think (according to the post procedure notes, it was exactly 5 minutes). Which is an eternity and was reminiscent of my worst session on the toilet a month ago. So yeah. When I mentioned if I have it done again, the doctor said, 'well it's likely he'll ask for another sometime and will make a note to have it under sedation'. She'll have results from the samples in about ten days, going to predict nothing significant.

Good news is, the inflammations spots from January are reduced so she said it looked really good other than a few small patches which she took samples of. She mentioned the difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis. 'itis is bad, 'osis is not so much (you can look it up if you want) which is what I have. So now it's a matter of figuring out just what the heck is causing my issues. I'm giving up sodas again to see if that makes any difference. Because that's the only thing that is a constant in my diet everything else is highly variable

So despite being recommended to eat something light and easy to digest... we stopped at In N Out. I only got a single burger and fries (and despite saying no onion, mine had onion on it) and later on I'll probably heat up the last chicken pot pie.  Only drinking Powerade for the duration at this point and will see what happens down the line. 

Okay next week is another appointment for the top surgery and then the week after that I think is my next infusion.  Rocky has his appointment next week as well. Oh and Jon's last blood tests were all great. A1c is down, cholesterol is down, BP is good, all things considered his numbers are excellent, doctor was very pleased. YAY. 

Need to get gas tomorrow and will check finances and maybe have enough to get sammiches. Because I will still be freaking hungry tomorrow! 

                       

When you need to get something done....

 I sent an email this morning after not getting any feedback and then decided, since we were going to get a birthday lunch for Jon, we'd stop at the vet personally.

 Well, turns out it looked like they only had one vet listed on the front window which makes them a very busy office. The receptionist was friendly and when I explained my problems with making an appointment she said that they had disabled making online appointments because they couldn't keep up. Well it would be nice if they would post that on the website. So she said she had seen my email this morning and got my information and concerns. Asked if he had seen a vet before and I mentioned the name and I had is records, she said 'oh I know them you want us to contact them for his records?' I said sure! So all in all, $68 for initial visit, but if they need any blood work done it can run over $100. I guess I'll mention the senior discount when we get there, and that was it. She said the best way to get hold of them is email, call or text. I'll mention when we get there next week to pass the word along about changing the website info. Jon thought it was sketchy they didn't have their prices posted. I told him I have yet to see a vet post their prices on a website but then I haven't shopped around for vets in a while. Next Wednesday at 2:15 for his appointment is set. Whew!

Rocky seems to be more like his old self this morning. He got some water last night when I filled the bathroom sink a little with water. He's got a little more energy as well and is now napping on the bed again. Apparently 8 years old is considered 'senior' for cats, I beg to differ, but it all depends on how long they live (which is what the receptionist said). I counted with 'he's middle aged'. Oh and Jon cleaned out his box last night but I failed to ask and he didn't offer that there were four large clumps and one small clump in the litter. So that's some progress and I know Rocky used it overnight because there was litter scattered on the bathroom floor. 

So yes, it's Jon's birthday today and with an extra money gift we went down to our favorite taco place and had delicious rolled tacos with rice and beans (my last big meal for the next three days). Then stopped at Baskin Robbins and got two scoop cups for dessert.  He's calling it a great birthday and I'm good with that. I'm feeling better about Rocky but am still concerned about his health and how we're going to pay for it.

Breathing a little easier and less stressed today because we've got ice cream and ice cream always makes things better. Haven't heard from Wellman about the laptop yet, Amber says it's making progress apparently. Would have been nice to have it done by today but oh well.

Going to do some knitting and relax in front of the fan and enjoy it not being 90+ inside the apartment.

 

 

 

A lot of no progress

 I decided to research the teaching hospital/vet down the road from us, literally less than five minutes away. I hate making cold calls to businesses so looked like they had good reviews and a way to fill out a new client form online, great!

Until it wasn't great. I filled out the form, then saw there were three possible financing options available. One of them was the CareCredit card which I knew was a no go, the other two I hadn't heard of. I proceeded to go through the hoops and omg stuff just to get my identity verified. They wanted a photo of my ID/license, well okay see if I can do that on my computer with the camera. My hands shake too much and the lens was probably fogged up so neither front nor back photo was good enough. SIGH okay try my phone, so have to get my phone, open up the QR code reader in order to get to the website.... holy hoops batman!. Then had to take a picture of my license that way, first photo wasn't accepted, second one was, back was accepted immediately (sort of). It then switched back to the computer. All of that, and I didn't prequalify.

NUTS. The last choice had a relatively simple form to fill out until it gets to the bottom and asks what the approximate cost of services would I be getting. I DON'T KNOW! I haven't even talked to a real person yet nor have I gotten confirmation that I'm actually a new client there. I got confirmation that my form had been received and filled out correctly. That was it. I can't even book an appointment until I get a confirmation because it doesn't have a form for me to create a password to go with my email.

::Charlie Brown screaming in frustration::

As for Rocky, he's been sleeping all day. I just gave him some wet food with some added water on the advice online for getting him more liquid.  He pretty much cleaned the plate but has avoided the water bowl. He hasn't even used the litter box yet. That is what has me concerned with a bowel/urinary blockage. I might have to call tomorrow and see about an emergency appointment that may cost in the thousands because it's 'surgery'. Exam, bloodwork, IV for fluids, sedation, all the things. 

I hope that baby lizard he ate isn't the cause for all this. 

I start diet restriction day after tomorrow but will be reducing solid food and upping my liquid intake tomorrow. Not that I've been eating a lot myself, scrambled eggs with sausage and bacon in the morning with a few spoonfuls of yogurt. Lunch today was pan seared oven baked chicken thighs (once again having to open windows and door for ventilation) and mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy. Ice cream sandwich, a BLT for 'dinner' and only had one coke with ice middle of the day. 

So far that's all the news right now. I have zero money and will tell the vet office tomorrow when I call and also that I've been turned down for the three finance options. At least they have a 10% senior discount on services.  

 

I am a very concerned cat mom

 I may be starting a gofundme or looking for paypal donations very soon.

Rocky has been a bit lethargic the last few days, which normally isn't unusual for it being so hot. I noticed he seemed to have lost some weight in the past few weeks and again, not unusual since he doesn't have as much undercoat. The issue is, he stopped drinking water that I can tell the last 24 hours and has no pee lumps in the same amount of time in his litter box. His litter box leavings have been basically normal up until this month.  He's had a soft lump on his back just near his hips but when I've massaged it he hasn't done anything so it's not painful.

But now I'm really worried because I know if cats get dehydrated it can cause a whole lot of other serious complications. He's still hungry and is begging for his wet food or anything but his dry kibble, which he nibbles on when I'm on the toilet if he's awake. But even then it's only a few token nibbles and I saw him look at his water bowl and pause then turned away. I cleaned it out and made sure it was cool water but he doesn't have any interest in it.

I was fixing a roast beef sandwich and he was right at my feet begging for some bits so I made sure to give him some (the london broil slices I got at costco and made sure they were interior not edge with spices). I'll double up his wet food portion in the morning just so he gets some water from that at least. 

My bigger worry is I don't have the money for vet bills, don't qualify for the CareCredit card and  a regular credit card would only be about $200 limit. That's barely a doctor visit cost with labs and tests.  Which is why I have delayed taking him in to have the lump looked at. If it's cancer, I'll be looking at any and all pet charities for sure in the morning. 

He's snoozing on my side of the bed as usual but I keep double checking to make sure he's still breathing.