Getting better as it should

 Doctor visit was, okay. She was the Nurse Practitioner fill in for my regular oncologist so she asked the questions, had reviewed my history and files, listened to my explanations and all that. Basically everything in my blood work was mostly good. Slightly 'anemic', need to get more Vitamin D, told her I read something about one of my heart meds depletes potassium and could that be a reason why I can't seem to keep it in the normal range for more than several months. She basically said it's possible then got me a 7 day run of potassium pills then do a recheck on my bloodwork in a week. I told her also that due to budget issues I can't buy all the foods recommended for potassium and keep them through the month. Avocados are fiendishly expensive I just had to throw out a bag of potatoes that went bad, raisins are...iffy on a regular basis, bananas are right out. So pills it is for now and see what else can be done. Dexascan results hadn't come back yet so no word on bone density. 

Overall I'm feeling much better and the NP seemed to think I had a reaction to the PET scan contrast  even though what I read indicated very few people had a reaction to it. So whatever, system is getting back to almost 'regular', got my sample collected this morning but since the lab is closed have to wait until Monday to turn it in.

 On the upside, I found my wrist brace finally! The one I got for my broken left wrist a few years ago. Somehow it ended up in the bag I had started packing for going to the hospital last month. Go figure. It doesn't stabilize my thumb in one position but it does keep my wrist from moving too much which is what I needed more.

Jon is napping right now which is my usual time for knitting but wanted to get this down first. The only other thing is the usual roughly $200 short of enough money for the month. Good news, car insurance went down about $10 bad news it took a chunk out of the money for storage and no money left for phone. All because of the $80 for SDGE and miscellaneous cat food/cat litter/gas and whatnot. It's always something with me and I hate it. I blew my chance to move storage someplace cheaper because I wanted food instead. 

Speaking of food, I burned teriyaki chicken today. I kept telling Jon it was burned I won't be offended if he doesn't want to finish it, we'll have something later. Whatever chicken and veggie mix was left I told him to toss. Total loss on it. I had the pan too hot and teriyaki sauce burned while cooking the chicken. Oh well. Chicken pot pies later. 

Jiggity jiggity beautiful blue skies. 

 

I knew it! The body doesn't lie.

 I also love the speed of medical testing. I went to get a blood draw and pick up my poop kit around 12:30 today, four hours later the test results were posted to the sharp site. Of course my doctors haven't seen the results yet but hopefully someone will by the time I see my oncologist PA tomorrow.

The body doesn't lie and I mentioned I've been feeling like I did when I was sent to the hospital in January last year. Potassium is 3.2 it should be between 3.5 and 5.1. I can only guess what it was on Monday night and Tuesday when I was feeling really crappy. Water is tasting weird which is another indicator of wonky chemistry. I just can't buy the foods I need to keep my potassium up so looks like I might have to start pills. Will see what PA says tomorrow. All the standard comprehensive numbers are good, sodium, calcium all that jazz. A couple of my hematocrit numbers are a bit low and then something called C Reactive Protein is abnormally high. It should be in the o-.5 range and it's 7.3 which is an indicator of inflammation. That figures, because I'm going through a bad flare up right now with the colitis. 

Still not top of my game but better than yesterday. But that may just be the food and cokes helping me get through the day. I've been eating, honest waiting for chicken pot pies right now, had a salad a little bit ago and BLT for breakfast. The last batch of potatoes went bad and didn't bother buying more because .... it's a waste. Might have to invest in some frozen hash browns or something. I might have to ask if I should start taking multi vitamins again.

On a side note, once again have to mention that I love my man to the moon and back but sometimes it is painfully obvious he is not a cook.... he gets in his own way, doesn't read instructions thoroughly and ignores my advice. Case in point: pot pie directions. The directions say to put the pies direction on the oven racks to cook. In his brain...he thinks that means a separate rack on top of the oven rack. I explained the first time when I cooked them that wasn't necessary. It means right on the rack in the oven. So this time, because he was doing it, what did he do? Used the only rack he could find which was a flimsy cookie cooling rack. No catastrophe happened but it was close. He also misread the directions about just putting foil around the edges of the crust and made a foil bowl and covered them with foil loosely. So he was cooking two pies which means they needed at least an extra half hour. He pulled them out and proudly brought one in to me and I knew right away they weren't cooked through. I gently told him they weren't cooked and he had to check for himself and agreed. Told him 30 more minutes uncovered. Well next thing I hear is a 'oh crap' and the sound of oven rack fumble.... ohboy. Luckily he didn't dump them but still refused to not use the flimsy rack. I will have to gently let him know that is NOT and 'oven rack' that is a cooling rack for cookies and fried things. The crust on the bottom is still not cooked all the way through but it's edible. The only way he's going to learn is by repetition, that means also repeated instructions verbally since he never wears his glasses in the kitchen for instruction reading.

So anyway. Dinner is had no disasters happened and it's edible. Food goals right? So another update tomorrow after doctor visit and various produce and fiber are traded afterward. 

 

Feeling 99% better today

 I slept rather well last night. I think I only woke up twice, maybe a third time to use the bathroom but went right back to sleep. Still have that slightly off internal feeling, energy is still low but not as low. Was able to get a full shower (didn't shower or brush my teeth at all yesterday or the day before). So got my shower, had a good breakfast, we went to the store for a few things with the grocery money then came home. I felt drained for sure considering I used the toilet before we left and needed to use it again when we got to the store 15 minutes later. That's annoying and exhausting.

Fixed some food, settled in and proceeded to be sedentary for the remainder of the day. I did bolster my energy level with one coke which helped me get through the sandwich and food fixing. I bought 3 Roma tomatoes at $1.99/lb. They were pale colored and a bit hard, smaller than usual being off season and likely grown in a greenhouse out of state. Necessary component for BLT. 

Messaged my GI doctor to let him know what was happening (but not all the details) so at least he's been notified, PET scan results showed no abnormalities or signs of concern according to my oncologist. That scan looked at liver condition, heart, kidneys, all the things including the bone area they took a sample of a year or so ago. So as far as that's concerned everything is 'normal'. That's likely going to be a yearly thing for cancer follow up tests other than blood draws. Which is something else I need to get done this week, see about that tomorrow hopefully. All the running around I've been doing gas is getting low again and we aren't even out of the first week.

I have found the cutest and most appropriate toy for Jon. A 1/56 scale RC mini forklift. I haven't checkd the price on the one I keep seeing show up on my fb feed but equivalent toys from other stores are reasonable priced (anywhere from $25-$40). Have to make sure to get that size because there's also a 1/10 size and that would not fit in our apartment. If I manage to get one it'll be interesting to see Rocky's reaction to it too. Oh he bought himself some headphones that sync with the tv and not through wifi apparently and he's been using them all day. I'm glad he told me this morning after we got back because otherwise I'd be wondering why it was so quiet out there and didn't hear the nightly line up of news, Wheel and then Jeopardy. Yep, officially old people with that line up, at least the news isn't as heinous and chock full of political ads now.

So that's the update for today, feeling better and hope to continue that trend. 

Goodnight Blue Moon. 

 

 

 

 

I don't know what hit me

 Yesterday I was progressively feeling kind of out of it, exausted and fatigued from the constant D sessions. Seriously painful internally and externally. So we went to bed and turned the light out arou nd 10:30 ish. Very unusual but it had been a fatiguing day for both of us so not that surprising. 

The best I can describe how I was feeling is similar to the fatigue from when I was sent to the hospital for low potassium and high liver count. It progressively got worse until around 2:30 and I had whole body shivers and could not get warm. Toes and fingers were cold, achey almost fever sensation and was slightly hungry but didn't have the energy or brain power to fix or eat anything. Couldn't relax probably lasted for about an hour then hit the toilet again and was feeling a bit better. A few afib coughs once in a while during all this which is why I think it has something to do with all that.

I was panting constantly, back and body aches until I was able to fall asleep briefly (about 2 hours ) then woke up in the morning still worn out and exhausted. Managed to fix two sausage links then went back to bed. Rocky was in the room with me and of course I had to move him from laying on my side of the bed so he took offense at that and was a pill so had to put him in the bathroom so I could get some more sleep.

I was feeling a bit more cognizant and hungry in the afternoon (around 3-4) and Jon asked if I wanted a pot pie, I said yes definitely. Ate most of the pie while he was napping, then went down for a little while for another nap. Decided to try one of the yogurts, strawberry cheesecake, chalky as ever but I managed to swallow it all down. After that I fixed half a container (small bowl) of broccoli cheddar soup with a few crackers but it wasn't as satisfying as the first time we had it. 

And now it's just after 8pm and I'm still full from the soup and feeling a little skin sensitive on my back and still moving slow. For the third time jon has come in and asked how I was doing and then asked if I was going to take a shower. I honestly don't have the energy to do that right now, just want to go lay down again but only on my right side with a full stomach.

I've got no pictures to share, just been one of those few days. 

The blue wave is happening but still a battle is ahead of us all. 

Goodnight. 

Doing okay groceries are done for the week

 The weather is holding cool, occasionally rainy (yesterday was rainy overnight so things are damp) Today we clear and in the 70's so glad I needed to wear my sweatpants and a heavier Hawaiian shirt over a tee shirt.

That photo was actually taken in the middle of the night when I got up to go pee and could smell the rain. Jacaranda outside the kitchen window makes for some pretty pictures.

So I had a PET scan today and don't remember which doctor ordered it. It was base of skull to mid-thigh so I suspect it was likely my oncologist who I have an appointment with on Friday. Other than the usual fasting for 6+ hours before the morning appointment it all went as smooth as it could. I brought a change of pants with me and my knitting and so had way too much to keep track of but didn't lose anything. I decided to splurge and hit jack in the Box afterward because I wanted a sourdough jack burger. Would have been cheaper to eat at Costco but that was too far away for my patience level at that point. Me driving hangry is not good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wee have food and treats. Jon's idea to pick up the caramels and picked up the french onion soup by mistake. Barely visible in the fridge section is the double pack of the broccoli cheddar soup again. Oh yeah, and a pumpkin bar cake he wanted to try. We have to eat down some things in the freezer quickly because that 6lbs of hamburger needs to get divvied up and in the freezer. I think Lasagna is on the menu for tomorrow, we both had one of the onion soups today after we got home and settled in. Yes we have veggies in the drawers except for tomatoes. The usual Roma tomatoes were astronomically expensive now, in season they're about .99/lb beginning of 'off season' they go up to 1.49. Yesterday they were 1.99. Nope, will do without and luckily a friend I'm doing a yarn for grocery swap has some tomatoes. Will need those for making BLT's later on.

So got some healthy stuff, some fun stuff and long term foodstuffs. I need to dig out the chicken that's at the bottom of the freezer and put it at the top so it doesn't get too far into the freezer damage. I splurged on getting some beef bologna instead of the tomatoes and a few other things as well as some breakfast sausage that was on sale. Eating good tomorrow morning for sure and for lunch, and for dinner. Flavored yogurt for a snack as well as pumpkin cake, pickles, 

Should have taken a before picture of the freezer at least but it's a good feeling no matter that we have a fully stocked fridge. All the other bills on the other hand.... another matter entirely. The second half of SDGE from last month is paid, Costco is paid, had to get cat litter and wet food for Rocky, which the litter was half the cost I normally would pay so that's a bonus. Jon took a chance and bought a pair of headphones that are supposed to sync with the tv but that was only $20. It all adds up though as it usually does. 

My internal combustion system is in pretty sorry shape right now. Almost like it was two months ago and need to message my GI doctor and let him know. Trying to not eat a lot of 'spicy' foods but does a 'zesty' pickle count as spicy? Beef tacos with mild salsa? Onions? Garlic? Do I need to knock my diet down to rice and brown gravy with a side of broccoli with healthy bland yogurt for dessert? Just before and after surgery I was feeling pretty good, nothing out of the usual but now... bleh. The infusions are not working at all but the current flare up started the week before the infusion. 

I am a month exactly after my surgery and everything is basically healed up. The scars are a bit tight and still a bit tender here and there but that's to be expected. The PET scan had my put my arms up over my head and thought 'I'm not supposed to be doing this technically', I mentioned to the tech that I had breast surgery a month ago so my scars were a bit sensitive he asked if I needed support on  my arms. no dude, I need to not have my arms rotated above my shoulders. It was fine, I'll be sure to lotion them up after my shower tomorrow.

Okay that's enough update for now, more after Friday doctor and visit.

I HOPE YOU ALL VOTED ALREADY!! IF NOT GET OUT THERE AND DO IT!

 

 

 

 

 

A bit uncomfortable but feeling festive

 So yesterday was a full day again. Had my bone scan (ongoing due to age and having had chemo to check for calcium and bone loss) and then another post op appointment. We were able to get funding so we could have lunch between the two appointments and with some spare time we wandered into the Lowe's that was right across the parking lot. 

Feeling festive due to the seasonal display inside. Those are all separate pieces and off to the right is the blonde elf holding a toy. That entire set up is close to $2000 including the elf and let me tell you if we had the money and yard to support it..... so I had to send this picture to Amber. They also have a giant Frosty the snowman further to the right.

 They also were selling a pickle dog toy and sent that to Amber as well since she's all about pickles. That was our jollies for the day, oh they also had multiple colors for large rolling tool cabinets and had a pink one out on display. Can't say they got yours mixed up with theirs if it's pink or teal, or olive colored. There are more women getting mechanic jobs now so this makes sense but I dare anyone to make fun of a veteran mechanic with a pink tool cabinet. Jon said he'd buy one.

So feeling uncomfortable has to do with being able to wear a smaller size bra and then on top of that is a 'bra band'. The point of that is to force my new right side down on my chest a bit more and combine that with 'massaging' (a bit painfully mind you) once or twice a day to get it looser. I'm following directions as much as I can, the PA said I don't have to wear the band constantly just as much as I can tolerate. The band is also reminding me to sit up straighter because it pulls in on my lower back and pulls down on my chest. So this is all bonus stuff for better results. I got to have a full on shower this morning whoohoo! Almost feeling human again! I don't have another appointment with them until close to Thanksgiving. 

Which reminds me I need to start making a grocery list. Turkey is gong to be provided by a friend along with some sides I suspect. We'll be over at Amber's on the day of as usual which is not a problem, family is always good but we don't get any leftovers so hence having our own another day.  

I discovered an abandoned hat project I started a while ago and am working on that to finish up in time to send off. Easier on the hands than doing socks a bit at least, just trying to keep my hands occupied and not chewing my nails with my rising anxiety levels. Everything from the socio-political situation around the world and changing medical coverage paperwork to the pain in my right hand.

We're managing as usual, best we can do with what we've got. At least we have a little extra food  money for the next year and then a little boost to the monthly check in January. Which will be needed but still not enough to cover inflation. Here's hoping there will be relief of sorts by the end of next year.

Tra lala and all that jazz. 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

Infusion day and not much else going on

 As the days wind down, despite the uptick in temps a few days ago, it's definitely chilling down now. My surgery sites are all healing well so sleeping is easier (If I could convince my bladder to not fill up every 2 hours).

Picture is an Angel Face rose growing along one of the building paths in the complex. It's very old, has not been taken care of well and doesn't get nearly enough sun. But it manages to give a flower or two every year.  I have not done anything in the garden since last month for all the reasons I've mentioned before, might be able to do something next month. Hopefully.

Infusion was not as smooth as previous sessions, we got there about 10 minutes late but they hold the chair for patients for 15 or 20 minutes after appointment time or give you a call. So nothing unusual for wait time, the nurse however.... not the greatest in technique. She didn't have my hand at the right angle so it was rather painful and then it was still painful to move my hand around so I couldn't do any knitting. Had to sit there with my arm and hand on a pillow carefully positioned. Scrolling on my phone with my right hand only. Luckily it's only about 45 minutes to an hour so I survived but dang that hurt! No lasting scarring or scab to show for it luckily, the scab from my hospital stay came off a day or two ago. 

My right thumb however is still being cranky which puts a crimp on doing Christmas gift socks. The night time brace is not really helping and neither is the support glove. Well... if I didn't use my hand at all, it might heal faster but.... yeah not happening unfortunately. Yet something else that's going to need a referral from my doctor to a specialist to see if there's anything else that can be done. 

Down to the end of the month and I have two appointments tomorrow, one close by and another post op up in Scripps.  So we'll be out all day essentially and I'll see if Amber can spare $20 so we can grab a cheap lunch while we're out. Jon was starving by the time we got home today so he fixed some leftovers and then I made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and a can of tomato bisque soup. Delicious of course but we'll be out tomorrow about the same amount of time as today. 12:30 to about 4pm. There's a chunk of time between the two appointments luckily to drive through somewhere or pick up a hot dog and soda from costco. Will see what happens if I can get some extra money from Amber.

I expect we'll get money on Friday since the first is a Sunday so shopping will happen on the weekend and the first Monday. It's the only time we get out really, shopping and doctor appointments. 

When gas was affordable we would go do stuff. Drive to Balboa Park and walk around, to find a walking trail, take the trolley to downtown or Old Town. We did stuff. Now it's 'I have three doctor appointments that will eat up 3/4 of a tank of gas, we can't afford to drive anywhere'. Let alone spend any money on eating out somewhere 'extravagant' like a real restaurant.  Thank you all for the birthday money, it gave us some freedom and fun with food and it was greatly appreciated! 

Let's hope the winds of change come our way for everyone next month and the world can start healing.