Today's chemo surprise? Tingly legs!
I awake early at four this morning. After having done chemo for six rounds, I am noticing certain patterns have emerged. This seems to be my day after chemo waking time, no matter what time I have gone to bed the night before.
The temperature is in the mid fifties, but I decide to go for a bike ride even though it seems a little cool. I don myself with gloves, wool socks, running pants, a hoodie, jacket, and a neck warmer, just in case. I figure I am ready for anything. As I am riding, my throat starts to feel a little sore, which sometimes happens on cool, dry mornings. Just to see if this is a side effect, I pull up my neck warmer up over my mouth. My sore throat almost instantly disappears. It was a cold/chemo reaction.
That problem solved, I head down the hill at the end of the boulevard. I start to have this weird feeling on my thighs, as if the stubble on my legs were grabbing at the fabric on the pants I am wearing. The feeling gets stronger as I pedal on, and I realize that what I am feeling is the tingling sensation I get in my hands. This is a surprise. No one mentioned to me that other parts of my body would have this reaction. I thought my extremities were the only parts subject to this side effect, not any other part of my body.
I decide I shouldn't ride any further today, and head home to warm up my thighs. As I turn on the shower, I realize I can't just jump in. I am still hooked up to a pump that can't get wet, and I have a bandage on that shouldn't get wet either. I put some face cloths in hot water and place them on my legs. Warmth and relief!
One of the reasons I make myself exercise is it makes it easier for me to drink more water.
My throat seems super sensitive today though. The bottle of water that I keep
at room temperature gives me that crunchy throat feeling. I don't have
enough milk to make hot cocoa, and I don't really want tea, so I
tolerate the mildly uncomfortable feeling and drink my water.
There is a box on my table that came in the mail yesterday from my friend Julie. I decide to open it after I am all warmed up to see what is inside. It is a birthday gift with a theme. There is a pair of black fuzzy gloves that look warm and toasty, a pretty travel cup with cherry blossoms on it, and a book. These are things that will keep me warm, hydrated and keep my mind busy, all working toward good health! They are beautiful and practical, lovely gifts.
I am able to use the gloves right away, when Anna comes over to bring me to the grocery store. The gloves are warm, and even though it is still a little chilly out, no cold gets through at all. Since the temperature is cool outside, I don't even mind wearing them one bit. Anna still helps me by picking up the frozen items for me. I don't want my fingers to get too cold if I don't have to, and she is happy to help. Once we get back to my house, Steven helps us unload the car and puts all of the perishables into the fridge for me.
After the groceries are all put away, I get my radio, gloves, and tools, and head out to the garden. It has been sorely neglected all summer. Even though it doesn't look too bad, the lawn hasn't been cut since June and it is my goal to get it done this weekend. Listening to NPR as I garden is one of my favorite weekend activities.
I get one side of the walkway weeded, and the edges trimmed before breaking for lunch. I am thinking I will cut at least this half of the lawn after eating, but instead opt for a nap. I sleep two and a half hours. This shortens my day considerably.
I was hoping to visit my friend Dana today, but I have to skip it. I go to visit my Dad, and while driving over I witness a freaky accident that starts on the 195 split, and ends soon after exiting on the Wampanoag Trail. Someone in a small, green car came tearing around the curve at the end of the ramp and rammed his car into an SUV. The back of the SUV was hardly damaged, but the small car was crumpled in the front and the tires were leaning in. That driver sped ahead somehow, with the SUV in pursuit, honking his horn for the small car to pull over. I lost them after the Washington Bridge, but as I took the exit onto the Trail, I found the SUV and the small car stopped on the left side of the road. The small car had hit another car on the trail. I stop to provide a witness account, which means a much shorter visit with my father, but I feel it is important. It is also good fodder for conversation with my dad. He is a quiet guy, and a good conversation starter is always important.
I find my dad sitting in a chair next to his bed, and he seems to be in good spirits. He offers me the chair, but I tell him I can sit on the bed. He was disappointed that he couldn't leave the nursing home with my sister this morning. He was going to get a new phone and a hair cut, but he fell over in the bathroom, so his caregivers cancelled that trip. Still, he didn't seem too upset. He was very interested in the accident I had seen, and enjoying the licorice Alex had sent him. He always offers to share it, but not many people take him up on it. I notice the bag is getting low, and tell him I will get him some more when I visit next. We fiddle with the remote control to try and figure out why it will not work. The batteries were just replaced today, but we still can't get it to change the channel. He tells me I can turn the television off anyway. It is in competition with his room mates, and there is nothing on he wants to see. I give him a hug and a kiss, and tell him to be good.
When I get home, Alex is there. He has been house sitting since Wednesday, and I haven't seen much of him. We have a short visit before he heads back to watching the house and the dogs.
I go to bed early, considering the nap I had.
In June 2014, I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. What this means in regular language is that I have colon cancer. It has also spread to my liver. I am currently being treated for stage 4 liver cancer. Here is my story...
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Friday, September 12
I get up late today, but it is okay. There will be only one child today who won't arrive early. This gives me time to do all those wet hand chores that I won't be able to do for the next week. I get the dishes done, the floors washed and pack food for today. I pack up my busy bag, although I will probably only work on my knitting. I am not meeting with the doctor today, so I am scheduled to start at nine twenty. I am thinking that like the last time, I will be out early.
Steven and I walk to Seven Stars before we head over to the Miriam. We get a box of deliciousness for the the nurses on Fain 3 to thank them for all the good care they have been giving me. We walk to the hospital and get there right on time.
Kaileigh has come from Somerville, and meets us in the waiting area on the third floor. I register and wait only a few minutes before Carolyn, my nurse for today, comes to get me. Faye is home today with her young daughter who is not feeling well. I give Carolyn the box of pastries for the nurses. She is very excited to have such a nice treat.
I have worn my Cancergirl outfit today, and as Steve photographs me, Carolyn and Cassie watch in amusement. We are hoping to make a comic that starts in the cancer treatment center.
Steven, Kaileigh and I have a nice time sharing posts from their cell phones and talking. My blood work is taking a long time this morning, a sign that something is not right. It turns out my white blood cell count is low again. It is still within range to receive treatment today, but Carolyn is going to talk to Dr. Safran about getting me a pegfilgrastim injection. This will help bolster my neutrophil count (white blood cells) something they feel is important considering that I work with young children and these are the first line of defense in the event if an infection. I wonder if Faye's sick child has made my caretakers think of this.
I will have to return on Monday for a quick injection. I am told I might experience bone pain as a side effect, but most likely not. Other rare reactions are: allergic reaction, spleen enlargement or rupture, serious lung problems and coughing up blood. These sound delightful. Not.
I am already on four different drugs that have all kinds of side effects, but I have figured out how to deal with those. I ask if there is something else I can do to produce the white blood cells, like eat or do something helpful, but no one has another solution to this problem.
I will just have to see how things go.
I get done around three, and arrive at my house just as our only child is getting picked up. Sara has had an easy day.
After everyone leaves, Kaileigh, Steven and I head out. We stop by AC Moore to get my fox picture framed. The man in the framing department is very helpful. I get a very nice frame, that even with a sixty five percent discount is still expensive. I decide to consider it an investment in the art and don't get too upset about it. I pay for it with some birthday money, so it hasn't really cost me anything. Kaileigh wishes she had framed it herself.
We stop by to visit my dad, who is happy to see Kaileigh. We have a nice visit, and he enjoys the soft, chewy, black licorice that Alex has sent him from Whole Foods. On our Wednesday visit he had been telling Alex how much he loved that candy, and since he couldn't smoke any longer, he was going to eat candy.
When we get home, we enjoy a delicious dinner that one of my fellow knitters, Debbie, has made for us. Chicken masala, potato leek soup and lemon squares. Yum-O!
Steven and I walk to Seven Stars before we head over to the Miriam. We get a box of deliciousness for the the nurses on Fain 3 to thank them for all the good care they have been giving me. We walk to the hospital and get there right on time.
Kaileigh has come from Somerville, and meets us in the waiting area on the third floor. I register and wait only a few minutes before Carolyn, my nurse for today, comes to get me. Faye is home today with her young daughter who is not feeling well. I give Carolyn the box of pastries for the nurses. She is very excited to have such a nice treat.
I have worn my Cancergirl outfit today, and as Steve photographs me, Carolyn and Cassie watch in amusement. We are hoping to make a comic that starts in the cancer treatment center.
Steven, Kaileigh and I have a nice time sharing posts from their cell phones and talking. My blood work is taking a long time this morning, a sign that something is not right. It turns out my white blood cell count is low again. It is still within range to receive treatment today, but Carolyn is going to talk to Dr. Safran about getting me a pegfilgrastim injection. This will help bolster my neutrophil count (white blood cells) something they feel is important considering that I work with young children and these are the first line of defense in the event if an infection. I wonder if Faye's sick child has made my caretakers think of this.
I will have to return on Monday for a quick injection. I am told I might experience bone pain as a side effect, but most likely not. Other rare reactions are: allergic reaction, spleen enlargement or rupture, serious lung problems and coughing up blood. These sound delightful. Not.
I am already on four different drugs that have all kinds of side effects, but I have figured out how to deal with those. I ask if there is something else I can do to produce the white blood cells, like eat or do something helpful, but no one has another solution to this problem.
I will just have to see how things go.
I get done around three, and arrive at my house just as our only child is getting picked up. Sara has had an easy day.
After everyone leaves, Kaileigh, Steven and I head out. We stop by AC Moore to get my fox picture framed. The man in the framing department is very helpful. I get a very nice frame, that even with a sixty five percent discount is still expensive. I decide to consider it an investment in the art and don't get too upset about it. I pay for it with some birthday money, so it hasn't really cost me anything. Kaileigh wishes she had framed it herself.
We stop by to visit my dad, who is happy to see Kaileigh. We have a nice visit, and he enjoys the soft, chewy, black licorice that Alex has sent him from Whole Foods. On our Wednesday visit he had been telling Alex how much he loved that candy, and since he couldn't smoke any longer, he was going to eat candy.
When we get home, we enjoy a delicious dinner that one of my fellow knitters, Debbie, has made for us. Chicken masala, potato leek soup and lemon squares. Yum-O!
Monday, October 6, 2014
Monday, September 8
Get up early and need to clean the downstairs after a busy weekend. I decide that I will still go for a bike ride since the weather is so nice. I manage two and a half times around the boulevard, and still get everything done before my first child arrives.
Sara gets here, but has to leave to bring my dad to the emergency room. The technicians at the dialysis center are concerned that his coumadin levels are too high. They say he could bleed to death if he gets a cut or scrape. She brings him to the Miriam Hospital because she was not happy with the treatment he received at the Jane Brown Unit at Rhode Island Hospital. While he was home over the weekend, she discovered that he would get out of breath easily, and he was not able to climb the three steps to get into her house. During his stay at RI Hospital, he only went for one walk, and that was because my sister took him. They told her that a visiting nurse would come to help and he would receive physical therapy at home, but when she called to find out when they would be coming she was told they didn't come out on Sundays, and she couldn't get anything done for him.
Since there are only a few children today, it is not a problem. We take a walk and see some guys in a couple of bucket trucks, a big thrill for the kids.
After dinner I visit my dad. He is still in the process of being admitted. The nurse asks Sara and me a ton of questions, and I am amazed at how much information Sara keeps track of in her head.
By the time we leave the hospital, sometime after nine, it already seems to be a better experience for my father than Jane Brown. Even though he is in a semi private room here, the nurses seem more attentive, and my dad seems more comfortable.
Tuesday, September 9
I wake up with a start when I hear my neighbor leaving for school. I had hoped to be at the polls when they opened at seven, and it is now ten to seven. I hurry to get dressed and Steven and I make it over to the polls and back well before my first child arrives.
Steven is doing some campaign work for a friend until the polls close, so Alex and I are on our own for dinner. Alex decides to take me and Filipa our for dinner to India Restaurant. I love Indian food. It makes me feel so warm inside and out when I eat it. It is so delicious, especially the samosas.
As I am getting my bike out to ride to visit my dad and then to knitting, my neighbor Polly calls down from her window to take her car. I am running late, so I take her up on it. Since I have just received the gift of more time, I invite Alex and Filipa along to visit my dad. He is in great spirits tonight. He is sitting up and reading a magazine, he has set his bedside table up like a desk for himself. He is happy to see Alex, and delighted to meet Filipa.
Alex and Filipa walk home so I can head to knitting. It is so nice to have my dad within walking distance from my house.
I head to knitting where we talk about the election, among other things. My stoma is noisy tonight, as it seems to be on Tuesdays. It must be the excitement of knitting.
Wednesday, September 10
I get done working early today, and have time to change before I am to go out with my friend Nancy. We are going to celebrate being friends for forty years as well as my birthday. We met on the first day of Jr. High way back when.
We stop to visit my dad, who is in a good mood again this evening. He would like to be home, and doesn't really understand why he has ended up back in the hospital though. His missing finger is doing okay, although he tells me he is getting phantom itchiness and that is weird. He has had dialysis today, and they are finishing up with the tests they have been running. By tomorrow we are expecting to hear a plan about what needs to be done for him.
Nancy and I head over to McBride's in Wayland Square. I have been in the mood for beef stew, and Steven has decided that he wants to stop eating red meat, so I figure this is my best chance. We decide an Irish pub might be our best bet for stew, but it turns out they don't have it on the menu. I have a burger instead.
For dessert, we head over to Sundae's in Seekonk. We often talk about having dessert and end up skipping it, but tonight is a special occasion, so we decide to get it right away. It is getting dark and cooler, and if it gets too cool, I fear I will not be able to eat the ice cream. We sit in the car with the windows up, and it all works out just fine.
Savers is down the street, and I need some black clothes for another comic project. Black clothing is something I do not own, and probably will not wear again, so I want something very inexpensive. We look at many options, and I settle on a swingy skirt and a black crew neck. It all costs less than ten dollars.
Thursday, September 11
Get up late again today, as I have done most of the week.
My first child arrives, and we say a long, sweet goodbye to his mom. It is her birthday this week too, and to celebrate, she is going hiking by herself. I think this a very courageous thing to do. I don't think I have ever hiked all alone.
After all the kids are picked up, Steven and I get a Zipcar so we can go visit my dad at Orchard View Nursing Home in East Providence. He is to have physical therapy here before he can go home. This is what we had expected when he was at RI Hospital, but for some reason they decided to skip this step. He doesn't really like this place, he has been here before for the same reason at a different time, but he isn't complaining about it this time. He has a room mate who likes to parade around without his pants, and my dad doesn't appreciate this.
After visiting my dad, I decide to skip the teacher orientation at church tonight. I am too tired.
.
I am feeling apprehensive about tomorrow. Last time I had chemo, it made me feel so drunk for so long. I am afraid it will be worse this time.
Sara gets here, but has to leave to bring my dad to the emergency room. The technicians at the dialysis center are concerned that his coumadin levels are too high. They say he could bleed to death if he gets a cut or scrape. She brings him to the Miriam Hospital because she was not happy with the treatment he received at the Jane Brown Unit at Rhode Island Hospital. While he was home over the weekend, she discovered that he would get out of breath easily, and he was not able to climb the three steps to get into her house. During his stay at RI Hospital, he only went for one walk, and that was because my sister took him. They told her that a visiting nurse would come to help and he would receive physical therapy at home, but when she called to find out when they would be coming she was told they didn't come out on Sundays, and she couldn't get anything done for him.
Since there are only a few children today, it is not a problem. We take a walk and see some guys in a couple of bucket trucks, a big thrill for the kids.
After dinner I visit my dad. He is still in the process of being admitted. The nurse asks Sara and me a ton of questions, and I am amazed at how much information Sara keeps track of in her head.
By the time we leave the hospital, sometime after nine, it already seems to be a better experience for my father than Jane Brown. Even though he is in a semi private room here, the nurses seem more attentive, and my dad seems more comfortable.
Tuesday, September 9
I wake up with a start when I hear my neighbor leaving for school. I had hoped to be at the polls when they opened at seven, and it is now ten to seven. I hurry to get dressed and Steven and I make it over to the polls and back well before my first child arrives.
Steven is doing some campaign work for a friend until the polls close, so Alex and I are on our own for dinner. Alex decides to take me and Filipa our for dinner to India Restaurant. I love Indian food. It makes me feel so warm inside and out when I eat it. It is so delicious, especially the samosas.
As I am getting my bike out to ride to visit my dad and then to knitting, my neighbor Polly calls down from her window to take her car. I am running late, so I take her up on it. Since I have just received the gift of more time, I invite Alex and Filipa along to visit my dad. He is in great spirits tonight. He is sitting up and reading a magazine, he has set his bedside table up like a desk for himself. He is happy to see Alex, and delighted to meet Filipa.
Alex and Filipa walk home so I can head to knitting. It is so nice to have my dad within walking distance from my house.
I head to knitting where we talk about the election, among other things. My stoma is noisy tonight, as it seems to be on Tuesdays. It must be the excitement of knitting.
Wednesday, September 10
I get done working early today, and have time to change before I am to go out with my friend Nancy. We are going to celebrate being friends for forty years as well as my birthday. We met on the first day of Jr. High way back when.
We stop to visit my dad, who is in a good mood again this evening. He would like to be home, and doesn't really understand why he has ended up back in the hospital though. His missing finger is doing okay, although he tells me he is getting phantom itchiness and that is weird. He has had dialysis today, and they are finishing up with the tests they have been running. By tomorrow we are expecting to hear a plan about what needs to be done for him.
Nancy and I head over to McBride's in Wayland Square. I have been in the mood for beef stew, and Steven has decided that he wants to stop eating red meat, so I figure this is my best chance. We decide an Irish pub might be our best bet for stew, but it turns out they don't have it on the menu. I have a burger instead.
For dessert, we head over to Sundae's in Seekonk. We often talk about having dessert and end up skipping it, but tonight is a special occasion, so we decide to get it right away. It is getting dark and cooler, and if it gets too cool, I fear I will not be able to eat the ice cream. We sit in the car with the windows up, and it all works out just fine.
Savers is down the street, and I need some black clothes for another comic project. Black clothing is something I do not own, and probably will not wear again, so I want something very inexpensive. We look at many options, and I settle on a swingy skirt and a black crew neck. It all costs less than ten dollars.
Thursday, September 11
Get up late again today, as I have done most of the week.
My first child arrives, and we say a long, sweet goodbye to his mom. It is her birthday this week too, and to celebrate, she is going hiking by herself. I think this a very courageous thing to do. I don't think I have ever hiked all alone.
After all the kids are picked up, Steven and I get a Zipcar so we can go visit my dad at Orchard View Nursing Home in East Providence. He is to have physical therapy here before he can go home. This is what we had expected when he was at RI Hospital, but for some reason they decided to skip this step. He doesn't really like this place, he has been here before for the same reason at a different time, but he isn't complaining about it this time. He has a room mate who likes to parade around without his pants, and my dad doesn't appreciate this.
After visiting my dad, I decide to skip the teacher orientation at church tonight. I am too tired.
.
I am feeling apprehensive about tomorrow. Last time I had chemo, it made me feel so drunk for so long. I am afraid it will be worse this time.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
A Surprise!
I get up and get ready for church. I try to get the kitchen cleaned a little. Kaileigh is coming over this morning to go to church with me. I am surprised and delighted to see that Josh is also with her.
They come in to say hello to Steven and we head off to church. Cathy Seggel, the religious education director for our congregation has asked me to help out with the service today, and I need to find out what my role will be. I will have to read two words, joy and community, as a part of a succession of other words that will be said during the water service.
The water service happens each September. It is a time when the congregation comes together again after our summer adventures. People bring water from places they have traveled and pour it into a large communal bowl. The water comes together as we do, from many places to become one. Over the year the water is used during child dedications and for other occasions in the church.
Before church begins, we gather on the front lawn. It is an exciting time, when people get to see one another after the summer break, everyone happy to reconnect with one another. It is a time to catch up, to hear of travels and beaches, and to see how our children have grown.
The service is lovely, and the words that are said by me and five of my fellow congregants are accompanied by the unfurling of banners from the second story balcony as each word is read. It is a beautiful effect, like water rolling down a stream. The sun filled church looks so lovely lined in shades of purple and blue.
After church, we come home and gather Alex and go to check out the Cyclovia Festival on Hope St. The first booth we come to is for electric bikes and Josh is eager to try one. As he rides off down the street, I receive a call from Ayla who is at Lippett Park. Her dog Powder has gotten loose in the park, and she needs my help in catching her.
I head down Hope Street to the park, Kaileigh and Alex too, with Josh catching up after returning the bike. When I arrive at the southern end of the park, Ayla is there calling Powder in a panicked voice. She tells me Chauncey has her cornered in a grove of trees directly in front of me. As I head toward the trees, I realize I have been tricked. I see people, lots of people gathered in the spot where we often have birthday parties in the park. They are chanting "Kathy, Kathy!" as I get closer. There are so many people it looks like the crowd that was gathered in front of the church this morning. I think "Holy cow! Is the whole congregation here?" It is a surprise birthday party for me and I am truly surprised since my birthday isn't until next Sunday!
There are many of my families there, new and old, and people I have
known for years. There are friends of my children who are all grown up,
and family. It is a wonderful surprise. My sister Sara, and daughter
Ayla have planned the party with help from my friend Elizabeth. They chose this Sunday so that it wouldn't be a chemo Sunday. Ayla had been at Elizabeth's house yesterday baking cupcakes and making food for today. Elizabeth has made her special rice that my family loves, and other friends have have contributed food as well.
My sister Sara, and daughter
Ayla have planned the party with help from my friend Elizabeth. They
chose this Sunday so that it wouldn't be a chemo Sunday. Ayla had been
at Elizabeth's house yesterday baking cupcakes and making food for
today. Elizabeth has made her special rice that my family loves, and
other friends have have contributed food as well.
I spend the whole afternoon talking with and catching up with as many people as I can. There are many cupcakes, and two cakes from Pastiche. Happy Birthday is sung, and I blow out the candles with help from my friend Ellen whose birthday is actually on this day.
My dad comes to the party and sits on the bench and watches for a
while. He looks good, maybe a little tired, but he has come out on this
fine, warm day. I am so happy to see him out and about. He makes us sad when he says this could be the last time he gets out like this.
Later
in the day, Cancergirl and Radioactive Man make an appearance in the
park. We shoot photos for our next episode, based on the story from A
Playground Adventure:
http://cancergirlandradioactiveman.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-playground-adventure.html, with help from my daycare friends.
It is a super fun day!
When we get back to the house, I open the gifts from the party. There are so many nice things that people have brought for me. They could have just brought themselves, that would have been gift enough, but it is always fun to receive something that has been chosen with care by a friend. There is a book Sara has compiled of pictures of foxes that many of my friends have drawn for me. It is a amazing collection of art.
I realize that I was so busy talking with everyone, that I didn't get to eat that much at the party. Friends Dan and Dave have chipped in and given me a gift certificate to the Gourmet House, so I take my family out for Chinese food.
Kaileigh and Josh leave to go home, dropping Steven at AS220 to film the Empire Review on their way. Ayla and Chauncey leave, and I get ready for bed. It has been a very full day.
They come in to say hello to Steven and we head off to church. Cathy Seggel, the religious education director for our congregation has asked me to help out with the service today, and I need to find out what my role will be. I will have to read two words, joy and community, as a part of a succession of other words that will be said during the water service.
The water service happens each September. It is a time when the congregation comes together again after our summer adventures. People bring water from places they have traveled and pour it into a large communal bowl. The water comes together as we do, from many places to become one. Over the year the water is used during child dedications and for other occasions in the church.
Before church begins, we gather on the front lawn. It is an exciting time, when people get to see one another after the summer break, everyone happy to reconnect with one another. It is a time to catch up, to hear of travels and beaches, and to see how our children have grown.
The service is lovely, and the words that are said by me and five of my fellow congregants are accompanied by the unfurling of banners from the second story balcony as each word is read. It is a beautiful effect, like water rolling down a stream. The sun filled church looks so lovely lined in shades of purple and blue.
After church, we come home and gather Alex and go to check out the Cyclovia Festival on Hope St. The first booth we come to is for electric bikes and Josh is eager to try one. As he rides off down the street, I receive a call from Ayla who is at Lippett Park. Her dog Powder has gotten loose in the park, and she needs my help in catching her.
I head down Hope Street to the park, Kaileigh and Alex too, with Josh catching up after returning the bike. When I arrive at the southern end of the park, Ayla is there calling Powder in a panicked voice. She tells me Chauncey has her cornered in a grove of trees directly in front of me. As I head toward the trees, I realize I have been tricked. I see people, lots of people gathered in the spot where we often have birthday parties in the park. They are chanting "Kathy, Kathy!" as I get closer. There are so many people it looks like the crowd that was gathered in front of the church this morning. I think "Holy cow! Is the whole congregation here?" It is a surprise birthday party for me and I am truly surprised since my birthday isn't until next Sunday!
 |
| I am surprised! |
There are many of my families there, new and old, and people I have
known for years. There are friends of my children who are all grown up,
and family. It is a wonderful surprise. My sister Sara, and daughter
Ayla have planned the party with help from my friend Elizabeth. They chose this Sunday so that it wouldn't be a chemo Sunday. Ayla had been at Elizabeth's house yesterday baking cupcakes and making food for today. Elizabeth has made her special rice that my family loves, and other friends have have contributed food as well.  |
| Elizabeth! |
 |
| Happy Birthday Ellen! |
 |
| We get help blowing out the candles. |
My dad comes to the party and sits on the bench and watches for a
while. He looks good, maybe a little tired, but he has come out on this
fine, warm day. I am so happy to see him out and about. He makes us sad when he says this could be the last time he gets out like this.http://cancergirlandradioactiveman.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-playground-adventure.html, with help from my daycare friends.
It is a super fun day!When we get back to the house, I open the gifts from the party. There are so many nice things that people have brought for me. They could have just brought themselves, that would have been gift enough, but it is always fun to receive something that has been chosen with care by a friend. There is a book Sara has compiled of pictures of foxes that many of my friends have drawn for me. It is a amazing collection of art.
I realize that I was so busy talking with everyone, that I didn't get to eat that much at the party. Friends Dan and Dave have chipped in and given me a gift certificate to the Gourmet House, so I take my family out for Chinese food.
Kaileigh and Josh leave to go home, dropping Steven at AS220 to film the Empire Review on their way. Ayla and Chauncey leave, and I get ready for bed. It has been a very full day.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Saturday, September 5
I get up early for a bike ride. It is so warm and humid out I don't need gloves or a hoodie. I know the humidity makes some people uncomfortable, but this year I am thankful for it. It keeps me nice and warm and makes my life easier.
I make it around the boulevard two and a half times. As I am thinking I haven't noticed any animals on my recent rides, two racoons ramble across the road ahead of me. They run to the base of a big old tree and blend in, but I can see them watching me as I ride by. I also see a rabbit hopping along in the grass. One of the great pleasures of going out so early in the morning is that I often do see animals. I have spotted a fox, a cayote, rabbits. racoons and opossums on my early morning walks and rides. I guess I have been so preoccupied on making the ride, I haven't noticed many things going on around me.
Anna takes me to the grocery store today, acting as my helping hands for today. Her boys have been coming to my house for several years now, so we talk about what they will or will not eat. I show her some of the foods they eat at my house, she helps me with the cold and frozen items that make my fingers tingle.
Once Steve and I are done with our morning errands, we are going to go visit Kaileigh and Josh in Sommerville, along with Alex and Filipa. We arrive before eleven, and get a tour of their unpacked apartment. It is nice and homey.
We had hoped to visit the Renaisance Museum on this trip, but it turns out you can only visit if you have a group of twenty or more people, or if they are having a special event. We will try to visit sometime in the future.
There is a Greek Festival at a local church, so stop by to get some lunch. We arrive before the main attraction, food, is ready. As an appetizer we get some Greek pastry; baklava and loukoumades. They are very sweet and tasty, but we are really hungry for lunch. There are a few people walking around with gyros, so we head over to the food tent only to be told it is not ready yet. There is a spacious cafeteria beneath the church we are directed to where we can wait for food. Here, there are trays out for food to come, moussaka, souvlaki, and other Greek dishes. We are happy to wait for the gyros. When we finally get them, they are on soft, warm pita pockets, unlike anything you can find in the grocery store. The meat and vegetables are tender, delicious, and really hit the spot.
Our next destination is an art show at Assembly Square, a new mall in town. There are several tents set up around the border of the parking lot near the mall, a pretty sorry show. Unimpressed, we decide to look for the rest rooms, and discover a Lego store to explore.
On our way back to the car, we stop at the Clover Truck in the parking lot. This is a vegetarian food truck based in Boston that Ayla had been inspired by to create her vegetarian food truck. Kaileigh and Josh get some lavender lemonade and rosemary fries to share before we head back to their apartment.
Our next destination is an art gallery in Davis Square, which is a ten minute walk from the apartment. The art is interesting, from some young artists that are still developing their style. It is in the lower floor of an apartment house that has been converted to a gallery, so it is very small, but they make good use of the space and light.
We head over to the comic book store in town, Comicazi. It is filled to the ceiling with books, collectable figures and games. It is where items from places like Newberry Comics come to be resold. Everyone in my group is an avid comic book reader, except for me, but there is plenty to look at while they browse the collection.
There is a forecast for severe weather, and the skies are rapidly darkening. I hear thunder and suggest that we move to a restaurant to have dinner and wait out the quickly moving storm. We end up waiting outside the Snappy Ramen for a little while before it opens, and make it in just before the sky opens up.
We enjoy wonderfully flavorful ramen and sticky buns, while the rain comes down in torrents outside. The lightning is as intense as the rain. By the time we are done with our meal, the rain has stopped, and the sky has brightened. The air is clean and clear after the storm, and it becomes cooler as we walk back to the apartment. People are relieved after the oppressive humidity of the last few days.
Hugs are given all around before we leave. Driving home, we skirt around the edge of the storm, amazed at the bright flashes of lightning. It doesn't start to rain again until we hit Providence.
I text with my sister to find out that our dad has been discharged from the hospital today.
I make it around the boulevard two and a half times. As I am thinking I haven't noticed any animals on my recent rides, two racoons ramble across the road ahead of me. They run to the base of a big old tree and blend in, but I can see them watching me as I ride by. I also see a rabbit hopping along in the grass. One of the great pleasures of going out so early in the morning is that I often do see animals. I have spotted a fox, a cayote, rabbits. racoons and opossums on my early morning walks and rides. I guess I have been so preoccupied on making the ride, I haven't noticed many things going on around me.
Anna takes me to the grocery store today, acting as my helping hands for today. Her boys have been coming to my house for several years now, so we talk about what they will or will not eat. I show her some of the foods they eat at my house, she helps me with the cold and frozen items that make my fingers tingle.
Once Steve and I are done with our morning errands, we are going to go visit Kaileigh and Josh in Sommerville, along with Alex and Filipa. We arrive before eleven, and get a tour of their unpacked apartment. It is nice and homey.
We had hoped to visit the Renaisance Museum on this trip, but it turns out you can only visit if you have a group of twenty or more people, or if they are having a special event. We will try to visit sometime in the future.
There is a Greek Festival at a local church, so stop by to get some lunch. We arrive before the main attraction, food, is ready. As an appetizer we get some Greek pastry; baklava and loukoumades. They are very sweet and tasty, but we are really hungry for lunch. There are a few people walking around with gyros, so we head over to the food tent only to be told it is not ready yet. There is a spacious cafeteria beneath the church we are directed to where we can wait for food. Here, there are trays out for food to come, moussaka, souvlaki, and other Greek dishes. We are happy to wait for the gyros. When we finally get them, they are on soft, warm pita pockets, unlike anything you can find in the grocery store. The meat and vegetables are tender, delicious, and really hit the spot.
Our next destination is an art show at Assembly Square, a new mall in town. There are several tents set up around the border of the parking lot near the mall, a pretty sorry show. Unimpressed, we decide to look for the rest rooms, and discover a Lego store to explore.
On our way back to the car, we stop at the Clover Truck in the parking lot. This is a vegetarian food truck based in Boston that Ayla had been inspired by to create her vegetarian food truck. Kaileigh and Josh get some lavender lemonade and rosemary fries to share before we head back to their apartment.
Our next destination is an art gallery in Davis Square, which is a ten minute walk from the apartment. The art is interesting, from some young artists that are still developing their style. It is in the lower floor of an apartment house that has been converted to a gallery, so it is very small, but they make good use of the space and light.
We head over to the comic book store in town, Comicazi. It is filled to the ceiling with books, collectable figures and games. It is where items from places like Newberry Comics come to be resold. Everyone in my group is an avid comic book reader, except for me, but there is plenty to look at while they browse the collection.
There is a forecast for severe weather, and the skies are rapidly darkening. I hear thunder and suggest that we move to a restaurant to have dinner and wait out the quickly moving storm. We end up waiting outside the Snappy Ramen for a little while before it opens, and make it in just before the sky opens up.
We enjoy wonderfully flavorful ramen and sticky buns, while the rain comes down in torrents outside. The lightning is as intense as the rain. By the time we are done with our meal, the rain has stopped, and the sky has brightened. The air is clean and clear after the storm, and it becomes cooler as we walk back to the apartment. People are relieved after the oppressive humidity of the last few days.
Hugs are given all around before we leave. Driving home, we skirt around the edge of the storm, amazed at the bright flashes of lightning. It doesn't start to rain again until we hit Providence.
I text with my sister to find out that our dad has been discharged from the hospital today.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Friday, August 5
I wake up all jittery again this morning. It is driving me crazy. I don't have time to go for a bike ride today since I slept late after getting up so early yesterday.
There are only a couple kids today, which is good, because my dad is supposed to get released from the hospital today, some time after dialysis.
For the morning, Sara takes the kids to the park, and I water the garden I didn't get to earlier. I give the kitchen counter a good cleaning and start lunch. Once we are done with lunch, I tell Sara to go. She needs to get things ready for my dad to come home.
I find out my dad is going to stay in the hospital another day, after having a rough time a dialysis. I plan on going to visit him, but end up staying home. I am till feeling jittery in the evening. I take this as a sign that I should take it easy and go to be early.
There are only a couple kids today, which is good, because my dad is supposed to get released from the hospital today, some time after dialysis.
For the morning, Sara takes the kids to the park, and I water the garden I didn't get to earlier. I give the kitchen counter a good cleaning and start lunch. Once we are done with lunch, I tell Sara to go. She needs to get things ready for my dad to come home.
I find out my dad is going to stay in the hospital another day, after having a rough time a dialysis. I plan on going to visit him, but end up staying home. I am till feeling jittery in the evening. I take this as a sign that I should take it easy and go to be early.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Thursday, September 4
I awake at four o'clock, it is one of those jittery days. I have come to realize that these seem to happen on Thursday mornings after I have had chemo. I take a bike ride to help get rid of the jitters, and make it around the boulevard twice.
As I water my garden this morning, I take my water bottle with me and water up myself. I manage to drink the whole bottle by the time I finish, but then feel kind of sloshy. I am super hungry and have already eaten a bowl of mini wheats with blueberries, two English muffins with apricot jam, a hand full of M&M's and a glass of cranberry juice. Maybe bike riding makes me too hungry. It is good to be hungry though, it will help me gain the weight I will need to make it through my next operation.
It is a birthday for one of the children at daycare today. Since he is not a big fan of cake, we make pizza and have birthday donut holes to celebrate. He is very excited!
After daycare, I make some food to take to a friend who has had a medical procedure on Thursday. From all the wonderful people who have helped feed me, I have learned what an important and necessary thing it is to feed people who are not feeling well.
As I am trying to hurry to go and pick up my zipcar, I hear a voice calling me from down the street. It is one of my grown out of daycare kids calling for me to wait up. Here is another lesson learned, don't be in such a hurry! It is a good idea to take time to visit with friends, even if only for a few minutes. She wants to give me a birthday gift, which turns out to be a fox shaped warming friend. It is soft and smells of lavender. I love it. It is not my birthday until next week, so it is a nice early surprise.
I make it to to my destination with dinner in hand and still warm, with plenty of time to talk and to enjoy the company of a dear friend. We talk and try not to laugh too hard or it will hurt too much! We have such a nice visit.
There is still time to visit my dad and spend some time with him. He is very shaky tonight and is complaining that his finger is hurting him. I ask for some pain medication for him, which he receives before I leave. He tells me that they will be sending him home tomorrow, which seems hard to believe.
I have forgotten all about my class this evening, I didn't even call to tell them I wouldn't be there. Sigh. Sometimes life is too busy. Or maybe it's just the chemo.
As I water my garden this morning, I take my water bottle with me and water up myself. I manage to drink the whole bottle by the time I finish, but then feel kind of sloshy. I am super hungry and have already eaten a bowl of mini wheats with blueberries, two English muffins with apricot jam, a hand full of M&M's and a glass of cranberry juice. Maybe bike riding makes me too hungry. It is good to be hungry though, it will help me gain the weight I will need to make it through my next operation.
It is a birthday for one of the children at daycare today. Since he is not a big fan of cake, we make pizza and have birthday donut holes to celebrate. He is very excited!
After daycare, I make some food to take to a friend who has had a medical procedure on Thursday. From all the wonderful people who have helped feed me, I have learned what an important and necessary thing it is to feed people who are not feeling well.
As I am trying to hurry to go and pick up my zipcar, I hear a voice calling me from down the street. It is one of my grown out of daycare kids calling for me to wait up. Here is another lesson learned, don't be in such a hurry! It is a good idea to take time to visit with friends, even if only for a few minutes. She wants to give me a birthday gift, which turns out to be a fox shaped warming friend. It is soft and smells of lavender. I love it. It is not my birthday until next week, so it is a nice early surprise.
I make it to to my destination with dinner in hand and still warm, with plenty of time to talk and to enjoy the company of a dear friend. We talk and try not to laugh too hard or it will hurt too much! We have such a nice visit.
There is still time to visit my dad and spend some time with him. He is very shaky tonight and is complaining that his finger is hurting him. I ask for some pain medication for him, which he receives before I leave. He tells me that they will be sending him home tomorrow, which seems hard to believe.
I have forgotten all about my class this evening, I didn't even call to tell them I wouldn't be there. Sigh. Sometimes life is too busy. Or maybe it's just the chemo.
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