This morning I languished in bed until about 10:30...I know how those of you who aren't retired LOVE to hear that kind of dirty talk!

Sandy took Lily for a long walk around the neighborhood and then took Truman and Bubbles up to Hopeville Pond to walk there. She was going to walk them at their favorite place, in Pachaug Forest, but the area they usually go to is where they found the dead body yesterday (and let's face it, EVERYONE knows it has to be the body of the mother of that guy they arrested!)...so Sandy didn't want to have to deal with police tape, etc. The Russells would probably try to attack anyway.

Poop Patrol Update: Now the diarrhea is gone and guess what? You got it...it's time to start taking the Miralax again! Is there no rest for my weary bowels???

I called Velma Hair today...she was our secretary at the clinic where I worked in the Army in South Carolina. I "found" her again last year. Then I lost her address when we moved. I finally remembered that I had her phone number saved on my upstairs computer...so I looked it up and called her....had to leave a message. She called back tonight and we had a nice chat...getting caught up on all the news. Velma turns 88 next week and she hasn't changed one bit since the last time we saw each other...about thirty years ago. She says I haven't changed either. She's probably right.

I tried calling Diana too...one of my old roommates from the Army. No answer, so I'll try again tomorrow.

I have to call my cousin Frannie too. Boy, for someone who hates talking on the phone, I'm certainly being phoney lately.

Speaking of phone calls, last night I called Grace. She tells me that she heard that Maggie G. died while having a seizure. I went nuts, because no one had told me this. I emailed Judi and also Meghan and Pam...Judi got back to me first, assuring me that she had called Maggie and the rumors of her departure were not true. Now Grace isn't answering her phone so I can tell her that she was wrong...thank God!

I'm watching the Huskies PASTE USF on CPTV now. Maya Moore had something like 20 points and 9 rebounds in the first half alone! I love her...she is one of those special players that most teams only get once in a lifetime...UConn has been fortunate to have a few of those kind of players...she is the latest one.

Tomorrow we go to get my bloodwork, then we are going to schlep thru the snow/sleet/rain/whatever to pick up Lynne. She is coming along with us to go to see Dr. Lachance at L&M...although I did have to break the news to Lynne that it may not be Dr. Lachance, but his partner, Dr. DiSilvestre instead. I love Dr. DiSilvestre so it doesn't bother me.

One advantage of losing your hair is that you lose ALL of your hair. I haven't shaved in over a month and yet there is no stubble on my legs and nothing in my pits! And the carpet is just about matching the drapes, if you know-what-I-mean. I'm finally in style!

I'll end on that note.

Nighty night....stay warm everyone!

The last time Sandy was on vacation, she spent it running back and forth to visit me in the hospital. Today she spent it taking me to see the nurse and then to the hospital for x-rays.

I called the nurse in Rhode Island (again) this AM...they called right back because I threw in there the info about my lung. She told me to go to the ER...which I said I would do...but later thought about it and decided it was overkill. She also told me that I wasn't taking enough Immodium...so I have to increase that.

Instead of going to the ER (in Providence), I called my nurse practitioner at Dr. Galan's and asked if I could come in there. They called me right back and gave me a mid afternoon appointment.

It turns out that Kathleen (my nurse) used to work in ocology before she came to Dr. Galan's...so she really knows what she's talking about. She told Sandy that from now on, if we have questions and think we should go to the ER...call her first.

She listened to my lung and definitely heard the "catch" at the bottom. She checked my abdomen. I critiqued her exam...and she told me I knew too much for my own good.

She sent me to the hospital for a stat chest x-ray and told me she would call me. We went over to Backus and got that done...then went to Stop and Shop to get hand sanitizer and more Immodium. Then we went to Pagoda and picked up supper, including egg drop soup and plain white rice for me.

Oh...when I went to the doctor's and to the hospital...I was good and wore a face mask...to protect myself as today is one of the days when I am most vulnerable. We were really trying to avoid any outside contact, but it couldn't be avoided.

So...I was quite the sight, with my mask and my hat covering my bald-headedness. But I was safe! I even used hand sanitizer after the x-ray people had me sign their papers with one of their community pens. I couldn't help but notice that the countertop there was filthy! I'm sure they clean it every night..but by later afternoon, it's grey with dirt. So, I used the sanitizer. I'm trying to get into these new habits!

Speaking of my bald-headedness...I can spot white fuzz sprouting on the top of my head. Either my hair is coming back in white/blond like it was when I was a child...or I'm going white like my Nana Miller and Grandma Leavestrom...which is something I have always hoped for!

One can always hope....

Oh....Kathleen just called back...just as I was sure she wouldn't...she says I have made "tremendous progress" in reducing the amount of fluid in my left lung. There is still some way at the bottom. I told her that this was a new sensation...but maybe the fluid is starting to swirl around the drain like the sink does as the water is running low....she agreed that maybe it is..and that is what I am feeling. Nothing to worry about...just the news I wanted to get!

To coin a phrase....Life is Good. I am cleared to go to Maine on Friday..unless Dr. Lachance says otherwise.

Sunday

Quiet day. Sandy took the dogs to her Mom's to run around, while Sandy taught Jean how to use her new laptop that we got her for Christmas. I stayed home and put away the Santa collection we have. Then I got tired, went back to bed and just laid there, watching a great show about Marines being taught survival skills.

Linda Blake called from Florida and we had a nice chat. They are hoping to get out on the water soon, are waiting to have a new enclosure installed on the boat.

Sandy made me leftover turkey, gravy and stuffing from Thanksgiving, along with a sweet potato. I ate just about the whole thing! For dessert, snickerdoodles that Jean sent up. She spoils me so!

After dinner Sandy finished putting away all the decorations and the tree. She just has to take down the outside lights.

Then we played nine holes of the new Tiger Woods video game Sandy got me for Christmas. I was Jon Daly and she was Tiger...we played even.

That effort got me a little tired...shows you how much I have to go when I get back on my feet!

So that brings me to here...where I'm typing away and then I will shut this thing down and go up to bed. I might see if Sandy wants to watch that show I recorded up there about the Scandinavian coastline...I want her to see some of the places I saw when I went to Sweden.

Tomorrow I call the doctor about the runs and the lung.

Nighty night!

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!

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!

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!