Big Tests

A whole lot of tests today.  These are in preparation for transplant.

Since I don't have my picc line, I got stuck in the arm. They have a cool contraption that allows the needle to stay in your arm, and there is a flex line and quick connector to draw blood.  Which is good. Guess how many vials they took.

Numbers today were slightly down. I was told to take one Neupogen dose. I wish I would have gotten a claritan in me. That is supposed to help ward off bone pain. I also forgot to premedicate with Tramadol. It's just one dose. What could possibly go wrong?!

After the blood draw came the bone marrow biopsy. Nothing to fear but fear itself.

No pain, except the lidocaine prick.  It's just the thought of what's going on. Yuck. Good news is they got the marrow sample and some fluid. This was my 4th biopsy, and the first time they were able to obtain a fluid sample. I will take that as a good sign. The nurse asked if I wanted to see it. Uh... No. Gross! My job is to be a good patient and not fight the procedures. That's as far as I go. There is absolutely no reason to learn more about it. That's their job.

I was then visited by a coordinator and the psychologist. Basically they wanted to know I had support 24/7 at home after the transplant. Check.

Here is my support system! A few of my neighbors got together and took this photo to show their support. Amazing. Humbling. Awesome! I am so lucky to live here with hundreds of best friends. They had done this without me knowing and I found this photo hanging in my house when I got home today. Thank you, neighbors!

After the biopsy, it was off to a CT scan of my head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. This took the longest since I had to drink 900ml of contrast. Well... 600 then wait, then 300 more.  It was lemony and not bad.

I also had injected contrast. That was very weird. It was administered automatically by the machine. I could feel a warm sensation when it went in. I was amazed at how quickly it moved throughout the body. Even my butt cheeks felt warm. (I know, too much information!)

Then I was supposed to meet with Alicia with Blood Services. I was running late and missed her. So I threw down a can of soup and off to my next appt.

I got an Echo and EKG. I nearly fell asleep on the bed. I don't "do" mornings well. Kent got in late last night so my sleep was interrupted. 

That was the last one and it all went quickly.  I was done by 3pm and Buffy gave me a ride home. Thanks again!

The best news is my appointment for tomorrow is cancelled. Dr. Morris decided since I just had a lumbar puncture with chemo, I do not need one at this point.  I won't get my hopes up this time. I know it can change. I just might need another at some point, just not tomorrow. (Unless they call me and change it.) Flexibility is the key.

Going, going... Hair nearly gone.

I had a helpful lady give me the number of her wig shop. I have 3 wigs and many head covers already. I just don't get dressed up for clinic. It's all business there. I'm supposed to be bald.

That's all the news that's fit to blog. Next appointment is Monday. What trouble can I get into? 🐶

Dodo Bird

I forgot 3 other neighbors I saw on my walk yesterday. In case you 3 are reading this, I want to be sure you know I love you and blame it on chemo brain. (Anybody buying that excuse? Me neither.) so "Hi" to Linda, Barbara and Joe!

I had a nice visit with Beverly, Jeanne, and Desi. It's amazing how normal I feel, and I hope it shows.

Desi was adopted by Jeanne, Dave and Fletch. Both Fletch and Desi are Sheltie Rescue of GA alumni. Lucky, lucky dogs!

Tomorrow is the last day of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you all for your continued support. You may now hang up your orange and put on your pink!

On the board in Atlanta Blood Services are tags from platelete donors this month. It's hard to see in the photo, but my name appears at least 9 times. (I win!) Thank you for donating!

Well.... Not too much to talk about. I am really enjoying life without a picc line, good numbers and loads of energy. Next chemo/radiation isn't until the 13 th, so I expect to feel good until then. Yay !!

Another Sunless Day

I don't know how those who live in the northwest cope. Kent says it's settled: We are not moving there. Now I understand why he is so cuckoo when the sun comes out, since it is a rare occasion in Seattle. But I will make it through today snuggled up in my Doghair and Chas flannel with my Dexter.

Annie is close, but not as needy as Dex this morning.

Kent is taking his simulator test tonight, and another tomorrow night.  Every 9 months he gets every emergency thrown at him to be sure he knows how to handle it if it does happen. If it happens on the way to Albany, GA or Shreveport, LA. Those are the only cities he flies to. He likes to stay close to home.

I got a bill from the insurance company. It is due upon receipt. I had better pay it quickly!

Ridiculous, huh? I almost feel like wasting a stamp and mailing a $0 check in. My intent would be to give the person on the other end a laugh. But just in case they have no sense of humor, I will refrain. I will have many opportunities to mail them real checks.

New nail color. (Thanks, BB!) The bottle says changes color in the sun. Can't wait to try that out!

Other news today: walkie! For the first time since June (at least) we went for a nice walk. It was a full one evidenced by the neighbors we saw: Smarts, Tonellis, Ellises, Glovers.

Dexter and Annie had a great walk until we got attacked by a ferocious dog! We could have died!  Ok.... That's what Annie thought. What really happened was the world's cutest 15 month old King Charles Spaniel tried to say hi to Annie. That spooked her and she ran. And Cody ran after her. And they continued running and Kim had to go after them. Oh boy. Annie! Seriously? Yup. She went home, as expected. We were 6 houses away. She was met by our neighbor, Carol, who let her in the yard. Thank you! When we got home, Annie was at the fence barking at us to hurry in.  Silly girl.

Tomorrow will be another day off. Lots to do. Starting with a good read. (Thanks, Carol!)

Remind me to call Buffy tomorrow and ask for a ride in on Tuesday! 😉 🚖

Goodnight!

PS more icky wx tomorrow with rain. But the weekend should be good for my visitors!

Fly In Day

My community is centered around a grass runway. Twice a year we have a fly in and lunch. Although I still cannot be around crowds, I was able to listen to the activity on a had held radio and see the planes from my covered porch.

It's no "K Lin" photography, but you get the idea.

I barely sat down all day. I feel great and stayed busy doing stuff. I am not happy with my inability to draw straight lines, so I didn't finish my pillows. Kent said he would help.

I did get my junk drawer organized and made cupcakes.

I also made a little Fall arrangement.

Lastly, I am so glad to have the PICC line out.  This is what is left. One little hole. I still shudder t the thought of how it went in, and how it was taken out. Gross.

We are had dinner with the Hamiltons. With no picC line, I even got to dance!

It's almost like normal life.

Yay!

Scary Surprise!

Great day at clinic, but I will tell you about my scary surprise first. I was so shocked to find a fun pair of scarecrows sitting guard when I got home. Who did it? No clue.

But then I figured it out. It had to have been someone who was here recently and saw my sad empty planters. Someone close. Someone Southern and sweet.  Thank you, Jennifer!

I also received Disk 2 from the Byrds. Another mix of happy songs. Thank you. It makes the 2 hour round trip drive to the hospital or clinic go by quicker.

And then there are the gifts that keep giving. I am actually scared to open this gift. Long story short, paybacks are a b!+€#.

Chas and Bill sent a lovely gift drenched in glitter. I braved the card and read it. Lovely. Thank you. Did you know glitter multiplies? I just haven't worked up the courage to unwrap the rest. When I say "drenched in glitter," I mean it. I was laughing so hard. I could just hear Rebecca yelling at Bill, "That's enough! Oh no! Don't!" But it was too late, their daughter's crafting supplies were raided and I am now in possession of the best collection of sparkles the world has ever seen. Makes me happy.

Clinic news was huge today. First of all it only took 2 hours. I got good numbers and have 3 days off in a row.  IN A ROW! I slipped down on the white blood cell counts, and am now slightly neutropenic. They say fluctuations are normal. I am still disappointed they aren't perfect. Oh well.

Biggest news is that my PICC line was removed today. Wow! I was not expecting that. I am not getting any more chemo for a couple of weeks, and am not expected to need fluids, blood, or plateletes. Yay! It probably is a good thing they didn't tell me today was the day. I would have been scared. Removal was no big deal. They just tied one end to a door knob and slammed the door. (Dave's joke!)

Removing the line removes the chance of infection since I won't have any openings in the skin. It also means I can take a NORMAL shower. No more giant plastic arm sleeve. Happy dance!  I can also properly throw a frisbee for Dexter. 

I do get another line October 10th. This will be a central catheter in the chest for chemo and the stem cell transplant.

So what a great big day. Lots and lots of happiness. Tomorrow will be another crafty day! Did I mention I have 3 days off?

Gloom And Doom

If you are used to stunning Fall weather in Georgia, today is nothing but gloom and doom.

Kent says it's perfect Seattle weather. Dexter says it's perfect frisbee weather.

I say it's perfect crafting weather.  I have a stockpile of material and I am trying to get some sewing projects done. This also justifies the mess in the dining room.

One little project a day is my goal. Today's was cutting out the fabric to recover my living room pillows.  I had a slight delay, otherwise I would have finished them, I am sure.

I don't know why they must lay on my fabric.

Jill and Jim came to visit today. (Thank you!) They and some other neighbors are planning a platelete donating trip on the first. That's my LP day. Yuck. 

Clinic tomorrow was supposed to be at 8 am, but they called and asked me to change it to 1pm so someone can get their chemo. How could I refuse? I shouldn't need anything, so I am expecting a short one. But I am afraid it will put me and Dave in evening traffic. Bummer.

At least the weather cleared up by sunset.

Good night!

Strep Scare

It's not strep. Kent has allergies, and something has flared up and got his attention. He has a runny nose and some of the drip has irritated his throat.  He ran to the doctor after lunch and got the all clear. Whew! He actually saw the same physicians assistant that I saw early June. She took my symptoms seriously and did a full work up on me with blood work. Good thing. So, I trust her diagnosis that Kent is suffering from allergies and nothing serious.

That was our excitement for the day.

Other newsworthy events: Happy Birthday to my brother (and stem cell donor) Ed!  Also sharing this birthday is my college buddy, Chris - https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=happy+birthday+in+french+bon+anniversaire&fr=ipad&pcarrier=AT%26T&pmcc=310&pmnc=410

Although it was their birthday, we received a nice gift.  Our neighbor DW mowed our grass.  Very much appreciated, especially by Annie and Dexter.  They were getting covered by some sticky grass seeds. Ick! Toot toot to Linda for mentioning it!

I got a couple of projects done. Here is the recovered bench. Now the dogs can easily get on and off the bed without me worrying about them getting hurt.  Yes... I had a no dogs on the bed rule.  All it took was one stay away from home and Kent changed my rule. Well, if you can't beat them, join them.

 Health wise it is a good day. I had plenty of energy, obviously. I look forward to another good day tomorrow.

Flux

Today's clinic wasn't terribly short. Buffy got me to clinic at 7:19 for an 8:30 appointment. I was hoping to be taken early, but this is not weekend clinic.

When I let the dogs out at 530 am, the temperature showed 51 degrees. Brrrr...

Yes, it's long underwear weather.

At clinic, I got a bag of fluids and two units of blood. Again, my nurse and I didn't think we needed the fluids. My CRE was 1.2 (down from 1.3) which is probably due to the last chemo. I have been hanging at about 1.2, so we are not concerned.

I knew I needed blood. If I moved around a lot, my heart rate was elevated. I always felt well, but I could tell I was a bit anemic.

I spilled my big Tervis Tumbler of water all over the floor into the space of the man beside me. Oops. Embarrassing! At least it wasn't my coffee. I would have cried a little.

Comparing Sunday's numbers to today, they are not sky-rocketing up. My red and white blood cells are down little, and I am told fluctuations are normal. I am up on my ANC counts and in the normal range, so I am not neutropenic. I still will be careful and avoid crowds and remain on the special diet. 

Since my counts are up, I have 2 days off and clinic on Friday. Yay.

Found these sunglasses. Thought they were smaller. They are not.

Somebody gave me a bad haircut.

Oh well, it's not a beauty contest, it's a fight!

It's Fall, Y'all!

I heard fall officially arrives at 1029pm. I love Fall, so I have been working on a few crafty things. It helps engage my creative side without causing any stress. (Yes, my dining room is still a mess.) I guess I have accumulated a nice stash of projects to complete. Then there is Pinterest. Unlimited new ideas and projects.

Last night we had big storms come through. Annie was not happy. She has a bit of anxiety and paces which woke me up super early.

A little bird told me 3 neighbors went up to donate! Thank you, Linda, Stephanie, and Shannon!

Tonight will be early to bed and tomorrow an early to rise clinic. Buffy will pick me up at 6 am, and Kent will retrieve me after he works all night. I hope to be done so all he has to do is a drive-by.

I even got the grocery shopping done, thanks to Linda!

So today was a good day at home. Tomorrow will be a good day at clinic!

(Sorry... No fun photos today.  Too busy!)

Extra Day

I'm I thought yesterday was Sunday. I was very confused when "Weekend Edition" came on the radio this morning. But now I understand. No traffic going home from clinic!  Yay!

I love weekend clinic.  There just seems to be something about it. There are just as many patients, but we nobody was in the lobby. We were taken back as soon as we walked I the door. I was seen by my physicians assistant and nurse right away, blood chemistry came back quickly and plateletes were ordered right away. I like it.

NO MORE NEUPOGEN !!

So, when I get chemo, my blood counts drop to zero, killing the leukemia and good blood cells. I self inject Neupogen which stimulates the bone marrow to begin producing blood again. When there is overcrowding of cells, I have pain in my bones. This cycle we hit the upswing just right. My numbers today have an ANC of 2.34 (normal is 1.7-8.9) so I don't have to take my 9th injection. I also don't have to experiment with pain pills, since I have no pain! Yay!! I also can stop taking my pills for anti fungal, antibiotic, and anti whatever else.

I did need plateletes today, but not whole blood. We got lucky there, because my type and cross was expired and it takes 4 hours for the results. We really don't want to be here that long.  I got typed today (and a swanky red arm band to go with it) so if I need blood on Tuesday we will be ready. 

More info about the red armband.  As I understand it, I am A Positive and can receive only A or O blood.  If I get something else, it would be very bad.  So, they literally take a sample of my blood and keep it in a vial. Obviously we know the type, it's the cross match we need to do.  Blood compatibility has many aspects, and is determined not only by the blood type, (O, A, B, AB), but also by blood factors, (Rh, Kell, etc.).  When they pull a unit of blood to give me, they mix it with the sample I gave to be sure it is compatible. My sample is only good for 4 days. Why? I don't know.

Plateletes don't need to be matched like whole blood. Well, not for adults.  If you donated, check your numbers. I may have gotten your plateletes!

Getting every drop!

They also hung 500ml of fluids since my creatinine levels are creeping up. Today was 1.3. That added an extra 40 minutes to the visit, but I don't mind. I would rather have happy kidneys.  My nurse says CRE is up because of the chemo, but also might be from the medications.  Tuesday's appointment will be a good indicator since I am off the meds.

Thanks for reading! Have a great night.

Nothing Yet

I am thinking I am at my low today.  My energy is just a wee bit off. On a scale of 1 to 10, I am a 7.  So I am taking it easy. Well, easy for me. Lots of couch time in between loads of laundry. Dexter was needed this morning.

It was buggy and chilly outside today, so I had to bring my coffee inside.  Unfortunately, Dexter was a bull in a china shop this morning.

There will be no crying over spilled coffee, though. I am lucky that was not a special mug. It said "my alarm clock has 4 paws and a tail."  It was cute, but not special. I got on a mug buying kick a while back. I bought every reasonably priced mug I could find. Now my cabinets are quite full.  Well, full for me.  I have friends in St. Louis who collect mugs. I think they are at a thousand. Maybe more.

Blood donation for my Mom didnt happen. Too low on iron. If you see her, please encourage her to go get a check up soon! We need an expert to check her out.

Mary did bring Teresa to donate for her first time.  Talk to her and find out how easy it is! Thank you for donating, Mary and Teresa! Thanks, for trying, Mom.

3 by 3.  My goal each day is to drink 3 glasses of water by 3pm.  Each glass is 600ml.  That keeps my on track to drink 3 more by bed time. Sometimes ... OK, all the time ... It is difficult. It is a LOT of water.  By the end of the day I have consumed 3600ml or nearly a gallon of water. I don't count tea, juice or coffee so that's bonus liquids.  Huh... I have been telling the staff I drink 3 liters, and their eyes bug out I shock. Guess I was wrong. 3 liters is a minimum.  My reasoning is two fold: kidneys like a lot of water, and I won't have to take up to a 3 hour delay at clinic.

I had a couple of visitors today. They each stayed at least 8 feet away. Dave stopped in from New Hampshire on his way to Florida. It was too brief of visit, but I couldn't risk any longer. Aaron, aka Tech Support, installed a device that boosts my wifi signal. I can now blog from the comfort of my bed. I am sure that wil come in handy during my down days. And handy tonight. Thanks, Aaron!

Clinic. I go in tomorrow at 11. Linda said she will still take me, but Don is going back in the hospital tomorrow. His hand has an infection again from his broken wrist when he fell from the tree in late June. Hang in there, Don and Linda! We are pulling for you!

It's Friday!

Happy "Talk Like A Pirate" Day !

http://www.talklikeapirate.com

Tomorrow Mom and Mary donate together and Darlene goes early in the morning. Then Mary will drop Mom at the airport.  :-(   She will be back in 2 weeks.

Mom made it to the clinic in 45 minutes today. She is driving like an Atlanta native: speeding, passing on the right, and cutting people off. I couldn't be more proud! (OK, I exaggerate a little...)

Today's labs weren't as high as I had hoped. ANC of 0.0 is rock bottom meaning I am producing no blood, and the chemo has done it's job. I got blood and plateletes Wednesday and didn't need any today.  I was close on plateletes.  (26 and they give at 20 or below.) Next appointment is Sunday.

I did get a bag of fluids today, but my nurse and I didn't think it was necessary. Oh well.. We had a new Physicians assistant so it will be a bit before we get to know her.

And because I am neutropenic, I am pretty much on house arrest until my numbers come up. Urgh. Kind of a bummer. But it's better to be safe than sorry!

Dinner was provided by Curt and Darlene. Thank you very much! I look forward to the time when we can all go out to eat. Waddaya think? Mexican!?

Nothing more to report. Still no pain and feeling strong.  

Paws crossed! Have a great night!

Doin' Good

Day off. So we had some muffins and coffee on the deck. It's gorgeous weather and perfect for decking.

Mom made cupcakes. (Thanks, Linda!)

I am on day 6 of Neupogen and so far, no pain. (Knock on wood...). I did take a tramadol before the injection, just in case. The side effect is it makes me super lazy. So I tried to nap. Dexter and Annie had other ideas.  1100 clinic tomorrow. NOT taking Neupogen until my numbers come back.

So we are making the most of Mom's visit.  There are certain things I cannot do like cleaning and gardening. Mostly be use the threat of germs and bacteria.  So, I got help. Mom cut down and saved my mammoth sunflower heads and some basil and zinnia (orange, of course) to plant next year. (Yes, Sister, some are coming your way.)

Kent even got into the action and helped recover a bench.

Wine corks to use as on the feet of the bench. Hopefully that will keep it from scratching the floor.

It is still a work in progress. Hopefully will be done tomorrow. But you know... No hurry.

Not What I Wanted

I hate it when I don't get my way. Clinic appointment was at 1:30 pm, which means we wanted to get in and out before getting trapped in traffic. That didn't work. My labs came back and I needed blood and plateletes again. We made it home in 2 hours. Ugh. That hold the record so far.

If you are thinking of donating, now would be a good time. Alicia told me they have had a rash of cancellations and no shows. No shows? Really? That's just rude.

Mom wanted to donate today, but I was hoping for a short clinic so I wouldn't let her. Oops. She made a Saturday appt before she heads back home.

Exciting, as you can see.

This is one of the nurses, Jill, getting every last drop of the plateletes.

The other thing about my bloodwork today is my numbers have not recovered enough to stop Neupogen. So far, I have had no bone pain, but I expect it soon. I am on day 5 of injections already and will do a dose at home tomorrow. That's #6. Hopefully that will be the last. I have an 1100 clinic appt on Friday. With every chemo cycle the side effects increase and the recovery time increases.

Luckily I have my brother, Ed, as a donor.  He will save me from 4 more chemo cycles by providing stem cells as a donor. It's not going to be easy, but much better in the long run.

So, clinic was necessary and I had a good time with the staff and talking with another patient or two, but I wanted to be home.  There are seeds to collect and nails to paint. (I have completely naked tips and toes and they are driving me nuts!)

But, I was stylin' today thanks to Kay's friend who hand paints surgical masks. I am a mermaid at heart. The mask is great since I have to be covered at all times when in public. Germy, germy public.

Hey, look! I still have hair, for now. The nurses noticed that it's baby fine and platinum blond. Yup. She asked if my hair was "always that blond. Or is it grey?"

Ouch. Not overall grey, thank you very much.

Or will it be when it comes back....?

Tons Done

Mom came into town. 

She is learning how to use an iPad. I am helping, but just barely since I am somewhat new, too.  But we are learning. Then tech support showed up. Thanks, Aaron!!

We did accomplish sewing today that was about half done. See? New covers for the director's chairs.

Since it's only day 1, Mom had loads of energy.  Who am I to say no to help?

The floor needs to be swiffered daily, even with only 2 dogs. Love them, wouldn't change a thing!

Medically it was another good day.  Feeling strong and normal. Even got to ride with Dave to pick up Mom. (Thanks, Dave!) then we went shopping at Sams.  I got to sit in the car, as usual, but they got what we needed.  One of these days I will actually set foot in a store. But it may be a year. Safety first!

Tomorrow is a numbers check at clinic, and day 5 of Neupogen. No bone pain yet, so hopefully the numbers are good enough that I won't have to take another dose. Paws crossed!!!

Chirp!

"Wake up! It's 2:38 AM and I need a new battery! Chirp!"

At least it didn't happen when we had company. And tell me, why batteries never die in middle of the afternoon?  Oh well..

Buffy and I had a nice ride in to clinic today. I was worried because when I woke up, we had moderate rain.  If you know anything about Atlanta's traffic, you know people go crazy with any little bit of weather.

Clinic was so busy, they didn't have room for me. It's ok, made a nice nest in a chair with a ottoman in front of the tv. I think it's warmer in the lobby, anyway.

Then things slowed WAY down. It took 2+ hours to get the bloodwork results back. Usually it only takes an hour. I needed plateletes and blood.

Then since my arm band expired we had to send out for a type and cross match. That takes 4 hours. 

But it finally all came together just as Buffy was ready to leave work. It was a long day for both of us at our jobs, but we won't complain. At least we have each other! (And XM radio!)