January is Birthday Month

January is my birthday month which has always been a reason to "party hardy" in my life. I am so happy that I was able to have a big celebration for my 70th birthday three years ago!  It was so much fun.   This year between the pandemic and the "c" diagnosis, it wasn't much of a time to do anything major--just celebrate another year.  It is hard for me to believe that I am 73.   Despite all of the setbacks I have had lately, I still don't feel that I could possibly be "this damn old."

Lots has happened and I need to get over my writer's block and post this journey.  So that is my goal (or at least one of them)!

We were able to go out for a nice dinner at the Seafood Market for my birthday.  I love fish and it is hard to get good fish here in Arizona.

Dave was so thoughtful and sent me a dozen absolutely beautiful red roses.  They were delivered with a beautiful card.  I have rarely received flowers in my life and he is always so thoughtful about this.

 

I was going to post a picture on Facebook with the roses and realized just before I did it that I had the "Fuck Cancer" sign in the background.  Decided that might not be a wise decision so took a different picture.

After my bout with diverticulitis that really threw me, I had a couple of IV's here at the house to help with dehydration.   I must say that I had never heard of this before and they are amazing!  

I was feeling good so we had decided to go to Green Valley and spend a few days with Dave's cousins, Chuck and Maura.  I am normally not comfortable staying at someone's house, but that is not an issue with Chuck and Maura.   So Wednesday I had an IV with a bunch of extra supplements because I knew it would help me with energy.   So Thursday we drove down to Green Valley.  It was the best three days I have had in a long time. We had a wonderful dinner that Maura made Thursday night.  On Friday Maura and I went to the casino while Chuck and Dave golfed.   After we went to a Mexican restaurant and I had MENUDO--the dinner of champions.  Saturday we watched football and visited.   We left early Sunday morning.  I can't thank them enough for their hospitality.  It was so fun.  I absolutely love both of them and am so glad to have cousins like them.

Lots of other things have happened and I am really going to try to write more.  

TO BE CONTINUED...........! 

Writer's Block and a Few Other Complications

For the past few weeks I have had writer's block plus a few other complications that I certainly don't want to go into for my "sensitive" readers!  

I had my last chemo on Dec. 22 and did well.  I had previously had a CT or PET scan and met with Dr. Bhoola on the day of chemo.  My scan was good and we discussed further radiology.  He believes that we can cut back on how many sessions I have but I am leaving it up to the radiology oncologist that I will see on this week on the 20th.

The scan showed a flareup of diverticulitis and I can honestly say that has been my first set back.  Having had a few flareups before, it isn't fun.  Combined with the chemo, it kind of knocked my on my butt.  However, I really am still doing well considering everything.  One of the side effects was that I got super dehydrated.  I found out that I could get a nursing service where they come to your house and do IV electrolytes.  What a miracle that has been!  I have had three and will get one more next week.  I never realized how dehydration makes one feel.  The funny part is that the nurses told me that they often get called out to do this from people who have been out partying the night before.  Wow!   That is now one of my goals!  When I am all done, I am going to party hardy one night and set up an in home IV!  Something to look forward to doing!

It did put a bit of a damper on both Christmas and New Year's but we managed to have a nice dinner for both eve's and days thanks to my family.  

We continue to be very careful, but my bloodwork has come back good which means I can get out a bit more.   Because of where we live and the disregard for masking, we are extremely careful where we go.  

We were able to go to a Frontier Basketball tournament at Chandler/Gilbert.  It was small colleges from Montana and Arizona mostly.  We got to watch the Western Montana, Dave's alma mater,  play.  There were very few people in the gym and sat up high in the last row fully masked and very careful.  It was fun.

Over the holidays, I had the opportunity to go to lunch at three different friends houses to visit and just be able to feel some normalcy.  All are fully vaccinated and all were so accommodating.  I am grateful for these wonderful friends!

I know I need to document this so when I am DONE with this process and back to good health, I will be able to look back and read about it.  

I continue to be positive and am anxious to meet with the radiologist on Thursday.  I will do as many treatments as he suggests and then will have three more chemo treatments when that is done.  It is hard to make any plans right now because of the uncertainty of what treatments will occur next, when and how long.  I continue to be in good spirits.  What I have found out is the only two things I have control over at this point are my attitude and how I take care of myself.  I believe I am doing well on both!

I am truly going to try to write a few times a week.  Even though my life is a bit boring right now, I do have a lot to document. 

I can't say enough about Dave and how he has handled all of this.  His kindness and patience with me during all of the good and difficult days is beyond anything I could ever imagine.  How fortunate I am to have this wonderful man in my life and love me the way he does!!!

TO BE CONTINUED................!

An Actual Date Night!

Dave and I haven't actually been able to get out just the two of us (not that we don't spend a lot of time together) for quite sometime for many reasons.  We talked earlier and decided that we would have a date night at 3:00 and go to dinner thinking that would be after the  lunch crowd and before the dinner crowd.  A lot of times food doesn't sound good to me, but I was hungry for some good fish.  It is the one food that I have not  been able to figure out how to cook successfully.  One of my favorite restaurants is the Seafood Market not far from us in Mesa.  So we got dressed up for me--I wore a nicer hat than I usually do around the house and wore real clothes--not a muumuu. 

It was perfect as  there weren't very many people there.  We sat way in the back and not around people.  All of their staff were wearing masks!! I thanked the owner as we were leaving.

We really had a nice time.   He had shrimp and I had a delicious sole almondine.  Both were great.

Getting to do this makes  me feel somewhat normal (if that is possible)!  

Tonight his Montana Grizzlies are playing in a true football playoff.  They won their first game last week. Tonight they play James Madison in Virginia.  Have to be true to my caregiver so I tried to find colors as close to the Griz's colors. I am ready! I have my 1967 Butte Bulldog championship football necklace on and Butte copper earrings on.  I even found some shoes that are almost the right color! The game is on ESPN 2 so we are all set. GO GRIZ!!!!  

 
TO BE CONTINUED..............

Friends Make Me Feel Better!

 A am so grateful for so many friends who have reached out. Love these "pics" I get.

 

And maybe the best from my friend, Barb Venard:

It is a bracelet that says "Fuck Cancer" in Morse Code so I can wear it anywhere--like I go places, but still!

TO BE CONTINUED...................

A Gift from Kerri!

 

Enough said........

To Be Continued...........

Wigging Out..........

Tuesday night we had our end of month business meeting for the GPS Governing Board.  I was able to go with my wig on CORRECTLY!  Judy came over and helped me put it on so that it looked right and was not crooked, etc.  I tried to get it as close as possible to my hair style that I have had.  It actually looks better than my hair ever did (unless it was the day I got it cut).   It felt good to get a little dressed up for a change and it really felt good to get out of the house, even if it was for a meeting.  Even though very few people wear masks,  it is a big room and we are spaced fairly well.  Of course, I wore my mask and will continue to do so.

The meeting went well and wasn't too long.  We had nothing controversial on the agenda, so that was good as we didn't have a lot of people wanting to speak.  I absolutely believe it is important that the public is allowed a voice.  I just always hope it is done with courtesy and respect.   I don't think a lot of people realize the hours that are put in by board members who do not get paid a penny for what we do.

On Wednesday, we had to get up early as I was scheduled for chemo to start at 9:00.   Since I have to be there the majority of the day, I have quite a few things to pack.   I fixed a half a tuna sandwich, cheese, crackers, some water and Dave made me an iced caramel coffee that is DELICIOUS.  I also had to take my electronic devices, headphones, etc. so I could listen to music or my audible book or read and play some games. I also have to take a blanket, as it gets a bit chilly in the chemo room.  What this means it that I have a lot to "pack" in for the day.  

Patrick helped me get everything up to the doctor's office and one of the nurses helped me take everything into the room.   My dear friend, Jan, gave me a "port" shirt as she had been through chemo previously.  It has zippers in places that make it easier to get to the port and much more comfortable.  It is awesome!   Also, having the port is so much easier than a needle in the arm.  With all of the drugs they put in, it is much better going through the port.

The day went well.  I actually was able to sleep a little bit in the morning when the benedryl hit me. That was a good thing. 

Everyone who works in this practice are so kind and so helpful.  The nurses take such good care of all of the patients and treat each person with dignity and respect.   Some of the patients are a bit grumpy (which I get), but I laugh with them and thank them because I believe it is the right thing to do!

When I was finished with everything about 3, I packed all of my bags and figured out how carry out everything as easily as possible.   As I was walking out of the room, Dr. Bhoola was standing at the counter looking at a chart.  When he saw me he offered to help me carry everything out.  I was blown away by that.  I thanked him and told him that I had it figured out and was fine.  He is not only an excellent doctor, but is also an incredible human being who has EMPATHY!

I am feeling pretty good and it has been two days after my second treatment.  Last night, Judy came over and I helped her make chili beans for a chili cook-off at her school today.  I had started the beans early in the morning (and had a bowl with cheese for lunch).  I had everything ready when she got here.  She and Patrick "followed my orders" and the chili turned out very good.   We had some for dinner.  I am anxious to know how it was received at her school today.

So far so good in terms of how I feel.  Other than fatigue and a few minor aches and pains, I am doing well.   Last time it wasn't until Sunday that I had anything, but I was just uncomfortable.  

The only issue I am having is that I can't get out and about because of the lack of respect so many people have by not wearing masks and taking this seriously.   But it is what it is and I just have to do my best to take care of myself!!

TO BE CONTINUED...........

Hair Today---Gone Tomorrow!!

I decided to make a "BALD" move today!  I can assure everyone that is was a "HAIRY" experience!  Starting Friday when I was taking a shower,  I noticed that a lot of my hair was starting to fall out.  It continued all day Saturday and I was covered with hair (the picture below was about an hour's worth).  I went to a Facebook group that I belong to with people who have endometrial cancer and asked advice about what to do.  The vast majority said to shave it off myself before it fell out on its own.  So when Dave got home from the ASU football game, we talked about it.  Patrick said that he could do it (I am sure that he was happy to truly be able to "pull my hair out" as I have often said when my kids did something I didn't like).  So this morning, we decided to get a "HEAD START" before chemo had the final say!

We got sheets to put on the floor and around me.  Dave took pictures and gave me moral support (as opposed to morals as I am still working on that.   Chemo and COVID are assisting me as I  must behave myself!)

It was a bit sad and I have to say I shed a tear or two.   However, it was also liberating as it was my choice--sort of!  I was a bit surprised at all of the gray hair.  However, I have a story for each gray hair!  But the best part is I didn't "WIG" out with the whole process.

When we were all done, Paco (my grandpug) didn't recognize me and started barking.  He is definitely in my doghouse right now.  The others were fine!

I have some really cute caps to wear so that will help me day to day.  I need to practice putting my wig on as we have a Board Meeting Tuesday night.  Doing hair is certainly not my forte.  I don't want to show up at the meeting looking like I have been on a two day binge with my wig askew!

So the "Sheila Kicks Cancer's Butt" journey continues.  I have this and will make the best of this "heady" experience!

TO BE CONTINUED.............