Saturday, January 3, 2009

So I watched the UConn Husky football game and recorded the women's basketball game. We watched that one when Sandy woke up.

The shits continue...Sandy got me Immodium and I just took the second dose. Here's hoping it works.

The lung thing is staying the same...I told Sandy maybe it's an upper respiratory thing...she said that is ANOTHER potential side effect of the experimental drug...so it's official as far as I'm concerned...I swear I'm getting the Avastin.

Lynne told me I didn't explain this experimental drug thing very good in the blog. Okay...here it is as I understand it. I'm participating in a clinical trial of Avastin. It is a double-blind study....which means that the computer picks who gets the drug and who gets a placebo. The computer controls everything and is the ONLY entity that knows if I'm getting it or not. Even the nurses who give me the treatments don't know if I'm getting it or not...I checked the bag...it SAYS Avastin on it...but it could be the placebo.

At the end of my eight treatments, the computer makes a second decision. Either I continue to get Avastin for another 12 months (I think it's 12 months)...in a once a month dose...or I get a placebo for 12 months. I won't know which I'm getting then either.

BUT, so far it looks good that I'm getting the Avastin. Which is good for me...because it really increases my chances of getting rid of this crap quickly!

I know I'm going to get rid of it...but it would be nice if it went QUICKLY! I think you would agree.

For all of you yokels who are worried about "the lung thing"...I have NOTHING concrete to tell any medical professional at this time that wouldn't sound like mere whining (or paranoia). I know I got into deep doo-doo the last time..but that's because I let myself struggle to breathe for two and a half days before I did anything. Trust me...first time I have shortness of breath...my ass is in the car en route to the hospital...and this time we're going right to Rhode Island...no taking the damned ambulance for me!

So, chill Maggie and Lynne and Maria..and Katie and all the other loved ones who are worried. I think I just have a normal reaction to the medication...and that's a GOOD THING!

I may be old...but I'm not stupid. I won't make that mistake again.

Nighty night...I'm pooped!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Sandy canceled out Janet and the kids coming yesterday...she didn't want me to get too rundown...and I had to agree. I took a three hour nap!

Today was a nothing kind of day. I called the doctor's office, as instructed...to get advice from the nurse about what to do with the diarrhea...which continues. I called at 9:30 this morning and again at 1:30...never got an answer. Sandy is disappointed in them.

I think this is just about run its course. I'm not worrying about it unless it gets worse.

I'm also feeling something weird in my left lung...the one that filled with fluid before. I don't know what it is, but the cough is back. I'll see Dr. Lachance next Wednesday...so we'll find out then.

I'm going to bed early tonight...poor Sandy is exhausted. She's been doing it all, housework, laundry, shopping. Tonight is her last night of working and then she's on vacation for a week. I was hoping she would get up early to watch the Husky game with me...she said she can't do it. So I invited Deanna and Lorraine to come watch it with me (they'd have to travel halfway across the state)...after they said yes...Sandy asks me to not have anyone over.

She's tired and wants to sleep in peace. I don't blame her. I feel selfish...after all she's been doing for me. She's also very worried about me being around other people...she's afraid that I will get an infection, get septic and die. I understand. I have to be very careful during this period after chemo.

So, maybe I'll record the game and she and I can watch it together when she gets up. I like that idea.

Nighty night!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Maria posted a "Things I'll Remember about 2008" entry in her blog...very interesting. So interesting I'm going to steal it from her....some of our entries might be the same.

Again...as Maria did it...no particular order:

Our annual "Camp Husky" trip....Maria coming with again this year. Happy that Sandy stayed home..so Maria and I get to spend time together. Going shopping at Reny's with Anne Marie and hitting the sale! Singing "Earl" at the karaoke place.

The Pats losing in the Super Bowl...after having had an undefeated season.

Going to the Celtics game with Sandy, Frank, Ryan and Maria...seeing the Celts at home for the first time ever! (and only the second time in my life)...and they won!

Going shopping at Cabelas with the gift certificate we got from Roxie (I believe)...and finding the great buy on winter boots and a wonderful winter coat!

Eagle watching in January and February on the CT River...spotting all those immature eagles. Staying warm despite the sleet, etc...dressed in the aforementioned winter boots and coat!

Watching the Celts win the championship for the first time in ages...18 years I think. Ray Allen is my sweetheart!

Mel Thomas and Kalana Green going down with the dreaded ACL injuries...and ending the Husky's hopes for a national championship.

Having to watch Tennessee win another championship.

Having an article I wrote named "Exhibit A" in Pat Summit's decision to not play the Huskies during the regular season. That was weird...and so wrong! My short-lived moment in the spotlight in the world of women's hoops.

Our surprise decision to sell the Sunrise Street house and buy this one! We were SO LUCKY on both transactions...I credit lots of painting in Norwich and good staging! The added bonus of becoming friends with Barb and Mary as a result of the move.

Being the President of SNEAK, our agility club for the year. Also being the Trial Chairperson for the very successful trial we held in April! So much fun working with my fellow club members, getting to know some of them better through the process.

The move to the new house...Spring in the new house...so gorgeous! Can't wait to see it again and again....

The BMW Drive 4th of July "tractor parade" and the picnic that followed at John and Mary's house.

Meeting our new neighbors, Joanne and Mike, Cliff and Cathy, the triplets, etc.

The Red Sox glorious season...watching Lester pitch a perfect game.

Manny departing for the West Coast...just in the nick of time.

The Swedes coming to visit...the trip to New York, the trip to Boston...wishing we could have done more. All the shoes they bought!

The family reunion at our house, being able to introduce Birgitta to her family in the U.S.

The trip to NYC with Taylor, Jean and Sandy.

The trips to New Haven with Sue...as she embarked on her journey towards weight loss surgery. The trips to Ikea and to Frank Pepe's pizza...I can't wait to go back!

Feeding and watering the new tree we planted in the front yard, to replace the one we had cut down.

My new closet!

All the laughs I got from listening to Howard. Arte's "melt downs" with Sal and with High Pitched Mike. Arte's drug and alcohol addiction revelations. Howard's marriage to Beth O.

Sandy and Truman's quest to earn their NATCH....National Agility Champion title...they only needed one more qualifying run. They didn't make it...not yet! This year will do the trick.

Working in the yard, getting things ready for winter. Powerwashing the fence...took me two days!

The one time Sandy let me drive the John Deere tractor. Well...the one time that she KNOWS ABOUT!!!

Being invited to..and attending, the "Mussell Party" at Joanne's house...I'm truly part of the neighborhood now. Remind me that I have those mussells in the freezer when you come over..they are great hors d'oevres.

Rooting first for Hillary...hoping to see our first woman President...and then switching my support to Obama at her request. I'm now convinced that this was the best thing for America at this time.

Getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer and all the resulting hoopla. The nurses at the hospital..particularly Marcia and Brandi. Dr. Lachance. Dr. Stuckey with her "saving needle." Sandy's steadfast support and tenderness. Jean's immediate and overwhelming assistance. The outpouring of support and well-wishes from my family and friends. Who knew that so many people cared about my well-being?

The hats that Marie and Linda made for me...they are coming in handy now!

Losing my hair and finding out that my head is not as flat as Bern told me it was!

Our first Thanksgiving and Christmas in the new house.

Being with my family on Christmas Eve. Playing Rock Band with Taylor and Ryan on Christmas Day.

Looking forward to an equally wonderful NEW YEAR!!!

New Year's Day

Remember when I wrote that Sandy knows all the side effects of the Avastin...the clinical trial drug that I may or may not be getting? I asked her not to tell me any of the side effects, so I wouldn't "fool" myself into thinking that I was getting the drug.

Well...she did tell me one side effect...the risk that my wound site could "de-hiss"...start leaking fluids and blood. I didn't think that would happen as it has healed very well...and Dr. Lachance really checked it good before approving me to start the trial. But the other night I started having pains along my wound site...and it persisted over a couple of days, on and off...which made Sandy wonder if I did get the Avastin last Friday when I went for my treatment.

Someone else let it slip that fatigue is a side effect of Avastin. Well...the first night after my treatment I had insomnia...so that made me think that I didn't get the drug. Now I can't be sure with this side effect...I am tired but the other drugs make you tired too!

Well...last night I had multiple bowel movements...I know, I had promised not to discuss this again. I had made the decision yesterday to stop taking the Miralax...which Dr. Lachance prescribed for the constipation. I had a couple of BMs the day before and I just wanted to see if I could stop taking the stuff. I don't want to get dependent on it. So...last night, just as Sandy was leaving for work...I was back in the bathroom. At 4:45 I was back in there again...and at 6:30...it was another bout...this time diarrhea..something I haven't had in a couple of months!

It really wiped me out and I collapsed back in bed this AM....Sandy brought up my protein shake and the paper when she came up to be after 9AM. She told me that she thinks I'm getting the Avastin as diarrhea is one of the side effects! Well...maybe.

So, I go from not pooping...to too much pooping! I ate a banana this AM and I'll try tea next. I'm drinking my G2...the reduced sugar Gatorade...that's a lifesaver! If it doesn't stop soon, I'll call the doctor's office and find out what I can take!

Those damned bowels....the most important body parts we own!

On a lighter note, I did enjoy Kathy Griffin last night. When she asked if Dr. Sanjay Gupta (CNN's Medical consultant) could come down and do a pap smear on her..I thought Anderson Cooper was going to fall off the podium! I kept the tv on until a little after midnight and then turned the lights out. I did get to talk with Sandy a little after midnight...so that was nice.

She works one more night...Friday..and then she's off for a week! YAY!! I hope she gets to go hiking with her doggies...but Truman has been limping lately, so we'll see...he seems to limp went it's "convenient" and his Mommy picks him up and fusses over him..other times he seems to have no problem tearing after squirrels in the back yard...like a wild man!

I'm going back on the toidy and then I'm going to nap in my recliner...the good life!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

GO HUSKIES!!!

Well...I made it! We got up early, went to have my blood drawn and then headed out in the wind and snow to Hartford. Bob Miller called on the cell phone when we were en route and was completely aghast that we were on Rte 2 headed to Hartford! He says, "but it's really SNOWING hard out there!" To which I replied, "really? We hadn't noticed!"

It was really snowing hard...and we ran into "white out" conditions. Saw one little accident. Most people were driving very slowly..but they still bunch up too much...ride on each other's butts. We were late getting to the game..the score was already 20-9 by the time we got into our seats.

Cori sat right in front of us...Marie had said Cori was in that section..but I didn't realize it was right in front!

We had a great time at the game...Sandy would go get us stuff to eat (the pizza was pretty decent) and I got Mel Thomas' book! The guy next to us came back with one...so I asked him where he got it. He told us...I gave Sandy $20 and off she went to get it...AND...Mel signed it for me! That was a nice surprise.

In the last four minutes of the game I ran out of steam. Not so much that I wasn't able to climb the stairs to get up to the concourse. Sandy was impressed that I did it without stopping to rest. Then Cori and I had to wait in line for the ladies room of course....and then we walked across the street to the parking garage.

The ride home wasn't as wild as the ride up. When we got home I went up and took a little nap...Sandy had the pleasure of going out and running her snowblower...which she does seem to enjoy!

Oh...the big news of the day...I weighed myself this AM--and I weighed 139lbs....haven't weighed that since I went in the ARMY!

I talked with Birgitta today...it was great to hear her voice! They don't have snow where they are in Sweden...she was hoping for some. I told her we had it coming down like crazy here.

Talked with Chris Whitley about Craig...who is still in a drug induced coma. Everytime they try to wean him from the ventilator he has problems. Thank God Chris got some other doctors in for consults...Craig's doctor was really screwing things up. Chris feels better after talking with the neurologist and a different pulmonologist. We are all praying that Craig's lung infection clears up and he is able to come off the vent.

Happy New Year everyone! Tomorrow Janet, Jess and maybe Jeremy (?) will be coming over for supper and playing Rock Band. We invited Carol and Mark too...don't know if they will come...I hope so.

It's Bubbles birthday tonight...my little baby turns seven! Hard to believe! She's going to spend her birthday being scared to death...it's very windy out there...she hates that...it really scares her. She'll be snuggled up close to me all night.

Nighty night...see you all next year! Next year will be a better year for sure!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Big day tomorrow...we go to get my bloodwork done and then we're off to Hartford for the Husky UHart game...thanks to Marie and Don, who gave us their tickets.

Today I dragged most of the day...feeling "low grade ill"...probably from overdoing it yesterday. I dozed a bit in the recliner, which helped...but went up for a nap as soon as Sandy got up. I stayed up there dozing on and off for about two hours.

Sandy made steak tonight, "to feed my blood"...which is funny because last night I was thinking I should have steak. It was good, but I fill up fast...and then I went back later and finished it!

We're watching "Mama Mia" which I got for Christmas. I love the music of course...and am singing along with every song...and Sandy isn't even complaining...as she usually does when I sing along.

Tomorrow night is Bubbles birthday...she will be seven! I hope I can stay up long enough to watch Cathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper on CNN...and wish Bubbie a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Nighty night! Wish me strength to make it through the busy day tomorrow. THANKS!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Monday

Carol and Mark came over last night for supper and then we played with the Wii Rock Band. It was so much fun! I just did the singing...so I wouldn't get too tired out. Carol and Mark took turns making fools of themselves on the drums and guitar...but by the end they were getting the hang of it. We all agree that we have to get another guitar so we can have both guitar AND bass going for each song...and to allow four people to play at once.

I'm eating my lunch of pickled herring on rye crisps...I had bought a big tub of herring to bring to Phil's for Christmas and forgot it at home...now I have to get rid of all this herring! I had also bought a smaller jar of herring in sour cream...I have that to get rid of too...and I don't know anyone besides Steve who eats it!

Frank is coming up here to help Sandy work on fixing the awning..again. It collapsed under the weight of the snow. I'm driving down to their house while he's here, to hook up Jean's new laptop we got her for Christmas...and to hook up the wireless connections. Jean is anxious to start using her laptop. If I get too tired, she'll drive me home and ride back with Frank...nice plan, eh?

I do get tired, but it is a lot less than I did with the first round of chemo...my legs are aching too..but not too bad.

Poor Sandy, she has to do everything now. She's vacuuming the house, then will put the laundry away and do other chores. I did the laundry..I just can't lug the baskets...and besides she likes everything a "certain way"...those of you who know her know what I mean!

When I feel better I do try to help out around the house. I don't want her to get burned out. She works so hard and is so good to me.


Watched the Patriots beat the Bills, and it stinks that they didn't make the play-offs. Oh well..everyone better watch out next year! Spoken like a true Sox fan!

I recorded the Husky game and watched it this AM...lying in bed, resting up for my big trip to Waterford. The Huskies need to come home and be in their own environment for awhile...they played "okay" but weren't as dominant as they should have been.

I was going to go to that South Carolina game...last year when they set the date for the game I had plans to go to SC and see the game with my old Army pal, Debbie Besst, who lives down in Columbia. It would have been great to see her again after all these years...oh well...maybe I'll still get down there sometime soon.

Well...I better get my ass in gear to head south...gotta job to do...let's see how this goes...if I can drive down there...do the job and drive myself home..it will be a red letter day!

Sandy and I go to the UConn game on Wednesday...thanks to Marie and Don, who gave us their tickets. We get to see Jen Rizzotti's UHa team...Sandy has never seen this Husky team in person and she's very happy to be going. She loves Maya Moore. What's not to love about Maya??

Gotta go...catch you later!