Good Riddance 2014

Not much going on here. I wish I could go out and do stuff with my sister, but I can't. So we are planning meals and hanging out. She has work to do on the computer, so maybe not bored yet. Maybe.

We made a chili and chocolate cake.

I could have done without 2014. Well... The second half. First half was good.

Here's hoping 2015 will be a healthy one for all of us!

Cheers!

Clinic Day

Today was a long clinic. I am most grateful to Mary for the ride, plateletes donation, and Costco run for dog food. And the company.  Plateletes were desperately needed. They only had 2 units for the day and had to get them from somewhere else.  We were running low on dog food too. Phew! Saved again.

My numbers are as follow:

WBC 5.2, HCT 25.9, plateletes 140, ANC 3.99, CRE 1.3, mag 1.4

Creatinine is slightly up, but kind of normal for me and the prograf I am taking. Magnesium is fine, so none needed. The big news is the HCT or red blood. It finally dropped below an acceptable level, and I needed a unit of whole blood.

It took a while to do the type and cross check.  The results are interesting. My blood type has changed over to my brother's blood type, A negative. Something must be going right.  No one is concerned with the downturn in numbers, and the nurse, pa, and doctor assured me not to worry.  There is nothing I can do to boost them, anyway. Just takes time.  It still stole the wind from my sails. Yesterday was such a good day. Today: tired and bummed.

But just in time, I got a pick me up.  Linda C dropped by for a visit and brought a gift today. It is full of special meaning items to ensure a good start to the new year: black eyed peas, greens, chocolate, and a pair of party tiaras. Thank you, Linda!

A pair of tiaras will be well used since my sister is in town.  She will be here through Friday and we will celebrate the New Year. Low key, of course.  The neighbors are having a party, but there is no way I can attend. It's public and I am still on restriction. Kent and Melissa can go, I will wait at home.

It was a long day, and exhausting. But nothing compared to driving down from St. Louis and getting traffic north of Atlanta extending all the way to the house.

I think it will be an early night.

More Energy Today

I think that was not decaf coffee. I had a nice burst of energy and able to get some things done.

Lunch was tacos.  Kent abandoned me for lunch with the boys, but we had a delicious dinner together with the Hamiltons. Thank you!

Big deal today is to drink water. It's always a big deal, but especially since tomorrow is clinic. They draw blood and check my numbers. Kidney function is critical, and I know they don't like the prograf, so drinking a lot helps. (Not alcohol. I am still not having any.)

It's still wet out there, so the dogs get to spend some good time inside.

I can't move.  Luckily, The Chew was on. It's a TV show I enjoy.

I had a couple of guests today. Darlene did SAMs shopping for me, and Linda did Walmart shopping for me. Thank you both!  Chris and Tamera stopped by for a quick hello, and Aaron and Penny (the dog) also made an appearance.  I am very thankful for little visits. It makes me feel normal. 

Long Day For Kent

Kent flew last night and was supposed to be home in the morning. He just landed at 7 pm.

Last night, there was a possible air duct leak and he had to land short in Dallas instead of Monroe, LA. The crew and passengers waited for the plane to get fixed. They got to Monroe at 3 am. The plane was broken again. So, Kent and the crew got legal rest and waited for the plane to be fixed again. Finally fixed correctly, they headed back. Phew.

Me and the dogs hung out and had a low key day.  Again. It was warm, but misty all day, and the ground was soaked. Wet puppy paws each outing, so we had minimal outings.

AnnieBaNannie and Dexter did play a bit. They are so cute.

I don't think about it much, but I am getting hair. (No time is spent in front of the mirror.) I can feel some bumps where little baby hairs are about to pop through. How long will it take to grow a bob? I don't want short hair. I want long hair. I guess this is another exercise in patience. Great. <<sarcasm

Saturday

There were plenty of planes to see flying today. It was supposed to be rainy, but it turned out nice. Dexter was not allowed to be out on his own because he has a hurt paw, but AnnieBug and Chip were out barking and being generally crazy all day.

Tomorrow we should get the rain. That always makes it boring for the dogs. They get Barry and stir crazy. Tomorrow should be fun. Maybe they will play with each other.

I think a big pot of soup is in order. I will make my famous Thai Coconut Chicken soup tomorrow.  I mean famous since I got published in a flyer insert in a utility bill a few years ago. My 15 minutes of fame. (But they got my name wrong.) I think it's also on one of the cooking websites like allrecipes.

I am also in the mood for chili or casseroles.  My appetite is back.  Now I have to put on weight. I am at 110, and should be 120+.  So we are not too far off.  Mostly lost muscle mass, so the bike is my goal every day. While I watch tv. 

I still struggle being cooped up all day everyday, but it's getting easier.  I am on day 71, so that helps. The fact is one more month and we have day 100 and all its trials. Then we taper off all then drugs, then I will feel normal.

How fun.  16 candles is on tv.

Goodnight.

Fail

It's not that hard. My sole job is to take my pills. I forgot them today when we left for clinic.  I took them late. I hate being late. I just completely forgot both my pill case and the bag of bottles. Very frustrating. Now evening pills will be pushed back, and back on schedule tomorrow.  I hope.

I downloaded an iBook today, and read almost half in one sitting. I would rather have a paper book to read, but I had nothing with me. I didn't feel like sleeping today, and the TV didn't work. Kent was gone donating plateletes until noon. Success! The sad part is he didn't finish his movie. So sad. 

I had my inhalation treatment to prevent pneumonia. It went pretty quickly, then we were on our way home.  Of course, everyone was on their way home. We had to take the back way home which added another 15 minutes to the drive. Much better than being parked in I-75 for 2 hours.

Kent went off to work tonight, so it's just me and 3 lazy dogs.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all.  We had a good day. Hope the same for you.

I got a lot done, and Kent even got a few things done in the hangar and the office.  It was a sunny, warm, lovely day.

Tonight we will find a movie to watch and snuggle up with the dogs. They played this morning and was a welcome surprise. Annie and Dexter acted like puppies for about an hour. Chip was mostly the fun police, so he got to be held a lot. He did like that.

I continue to be the same health wise. For that I am thankful. It could be a lot worse.

Tomorrow is clinic and it will be kind of a long day. Kent will take me in and try to donate plateletes.  He hasn't had a problem before, so we expect no problem tomorrow.

6 Month Mark

Today marks 6 months since I was first admitted to the hospital. I was in pretty bad shape. But within 24 hours I felt much better. Within a few days I felt almost normal.  I remember the first two days were packed full of "clinical goals" like scans, PICC line, etc. Never a dull moment. I felt like a lab rat.

It's amazing looking back what I have been through. Some things are more traumatic than others. Standing and getting irradiated for 8 sessions, no big deal. Getting prepped for the central catheter placement and having a hose poked up my nose, big deal. Ok... It was in 1/8th of an inch, but that was weird being laid out on a table prepped for surgery.  The lack of control was really present.  Surreal.

Now I find that since I am over the hump and feeling normal, I really don't want to talk about my ailments. I take my pills, I stay isolated, I follow orders,  but I don't want to talk about being sick. I would rather not think about it. I would rather it be gone. I am very impatient.

So, I will blog faithfully, and share with you still, but this is the only time I will dwell in the sickness. The other time I will ignore it and find something else to distract me.  I'm sure it will only be another 6 months and I can get back to "real" life. Whatever that will be.

We are very thankful to all who have supported us so far. A big thank you to Darlene and Carrie for sending over their traditional lasagna and home made bread. It was delicious.

Merry Christmas Eve

Clinic Day

Dec 23... 2 days till Christmas.

Today at clinic was shorter than expected. I thought I had a respiratory treatment, but I didn't. We have it scheduled it for Friday.

So I gave the regular labs, prograf level, and some extra research vials and a pee test.  

Mom gave plateletes. This is her 3rd time in 6 months. She earned the sticker.

Numbers are good for having 3 days off. Red blood cells came up on their own, so no blood infusion needed. (It was really close but holding steady for days and days). 

My test came back. This one tells how well the transplant is working. One indicator is still holding at 100%, and the other is up a little at 76%.  Up is good.  I am disappointed it isn't better, but I will take up.  Being patient is not easy. Not at all.

I am officially down to 2 appointments per week. I think it's going to be Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. We will see. Not this week, of course.

That's all the news.

More Hanging

Dec 22

Tonight we have thunderstorms. AnnieBug is not amused. The others don't care.

Today I finished my filing duties and put the diningroom back to normal.

Lots of resting was done too.

We made sugared cranberries for snacking.  

They are.... Ok.  Not sweet, but not tart either. Just in between.  For dinner, Mom made chuck roast, mashed potatoes, and corn. Yum. She is trying to fatten me up.

That's really it for the whole day. Tomorrow is an early clinic.  Let's hope the weather and traffic cooperates.

Just Hanging

It's another cold and dreary day. It definitely looks like winter. Thursday we should have sun and 60. That will be a welcome change.

Mom made some great cranberry bread for breakfast. Lunch was leftover potato soup. Dinner was chicken and chickpeas. Of course snacks were peppered throughout the day (thank you for the cookies, Mary!)

Other than eating, nothing else was accomplished. Tomorrow is one more day off, then clinic.

The dogs are a little stir crazy, but adapting.

Just a little needy.

I am stir crazy too. I wish I were gardening, or thrifting, or walking 9 dogs. Heck, you know I wish I were traveling, that's a given. But just a few more...

Today is day 65, I think. On or about Day 100 is a big one.  (Depending on how my progress goes.) Lots more tests, and I should get my central line out. Then I can take real showers again, and be warm doing it. Taking a hose and washing spot by spot stinks. 

Two weeks after day 100 we get more test results. That will be a meeting with the doctor again. 

So at least there's something to look forward to.

Nothing Much

Mom got out and did some shopping. I took a walk. It's colder out there than it looks. The rest of the day I made up for it... Just relaxing.

I don't have lots to do around here, and I can't get into big projects because they take up too much energy. I am still not 100%, but feeling pretty good.

Since Mom is here, she is cooking like a fiend.  Dinner was yummy potato soup. I would make that again. (But no need to since there are lots of leftovers.)

Kent learned a new song. O Little Town of Bethlehem. Moms choice.

Flu Season

Mom is in town. Even she has to wear a mask at clinic. Ha ha. Welcome to my world.

Today's clinic was good. Only fluids needed, and it took forever. We were in traffic (Friday afternoon, last school day before the holiday, last shopping weekend...). It took 2 hours to get home.  Mom was a trooper. It was so late, it was dark outside.

Next clinic is Tuesday morning. I know what that means: prograf level check, and respiratory therapy afterwards. I get to breathe in nasty stuff that will keep me from getting one type of pneumonia.  At least this time I know I need premeds so I don't have an attack. I am told it's a simulated asthma attack. Great.

All in all, that's the news.

Did A Lot

It was a productive day. Lots of computer work. Best part is I got my heated mattress pad on the bed. My legs will be so happy sleeping.

Someone asked me today if I was going back to work when well. Uh.... Yah.  I miss it. She was wondering if I was used to this lifestyle. Well, lifestyle really isn't what I have. I am a caged bird. No fun. I don't want this when well. I want to fly! Go, see, do. Maybe spend the winter bidding Phoenix trips.  Wonder if those citrus trees are ripe with fruit??

Kent and I are skipping Christmas around here. I think I will call a do-over in the spring when I can put some thought and energy into the gifts. I know what I want to do....

Energy. I have some. It's amazing what eating will do. Today's menu was takeout Shane's chicken and fried okra. (What? It's a vegetable).  I tried to nap, but just couldn't. Tonight will be good sleeping.

Clinic tomorrow. 1 pm.  We will embrace the new time since it is a sign of being over the hump. I really need my cre to be low and my mag to be high. Paws crossed.

Hump Day

Ok. So clinic at 1pm wasn't terrible. It was quieter and nice.

My labs look good, I only needed 1.5 ltr of fluids. Don and Linda hardly had time at their appointment before coming to retrieve me.

Don is line free. I am just a bit jealous. About 38 more days for me.  Then my line will come out. (Or so I hear.). Day 100 is going to be huge.

Then two weeks later we sit with the doc for another full assessment.

I keep thinking I turned the corner and am feeling better, but we are now going to say I am over the hump.

Short blog because Kent needs the iPad. All is calm, all is bright.

Ribs

It was a pretty good day. Nice weather, good dogs, short nap.  Tomorrow I have clinic at 1pm. Who knows how that will go. They close at 5:30.

Tomorrow I ride with Don and Linda. Don goes in to get his PICC line out. That is amazing news. Almost 6 months later he is infection free from falling from the tree.  He still has rehab and maybe some plates to put in, but that will be handled later.  I am so glad for them.

Linda cooked dinner for us tonight: ribs, garlic bread, corn, mashed taters, and pumpkin pie.  Just delightful.  While it was cooking, she cleaned up. Thank you, Linda! Ptreety home and Delish food.

I am stuffed.

Day 60

Dr. Morris said I look good for day 60. The only gripe is my kidneys do not like to prograf. Today's number was even higher at 1.6. Now I will get 2ltrs of fluids and continue to drink more and more at home. No, we cannot stop prograf.

We sent away for the chimerism test that will measure how the donated cells are engrafting. Results will be back in a week.

Yesterday I did I some filing: squat, stand, repeat. I went really slowly, but at the end got a little dizzy.  This morning my blood pressure was low (85/68) and my heart rate was high (145). I rested a while and it came back normal. They I was given a walk test to check the oxygen level. 99% at rest, and 99 after walking. No problems.

I just need to eat and drink well. My PA, Maria asked if Mom was in town. I said not yet. Next week. Apparently that's the only caregiver she trusts. I am on the eating stimulant, but it really hasn't taken hold yet. Nothing sounds good yet. I am sick of soup and oatmeal.  The new neighborhood Browns made beef stew. That was good. Thank you for sending a portion my way. It was big enough for two portions for me.

I am sick of my tiny stomach. It shrank. I just have to take lots of little meals.

Hair progress

None.  But eyebrows are coming back.

Better Day

It's always good to be home. Although I was chilled last night and today, it was a lovely day about 60 degrees and sunny. We had some nice outside time including frisbee time.

I ate well and tried to drink well. Last nights gut I didn't stop drinking early enough and had to go several times during the night.  Amazingly enough, I still felt rested. But it was. Really hard to get out of a warm bed in to a cold shower. I hate showering.  And taking pills.

I felt more energetic today.  Baby steps.  I got some bills filed, but that really took a lot of effort.   Back to resting.

Kent left for work so now I am at the mercy of sappy Sunday night movies. Oh boy.

Goodnight.

Quiet, please

Clinic is my time to rest. Apparently, it's my neighbor's time to take phone calls. It's so annoying. It's even worse when his wife is here, which was not today. Why does he always sit next to me?  Today I was treated to a live FaceTime of his son's basketball game, complete with commentary. Oh joy.

Oh well. I napped at home.

I took some of the appetite stimulant this morning. I guess if I have it, I should try it.  I am eating more bread. Too bad I can't have beer too. That would add pounds.  I weigh 110, and holding steady. No one here is  worried.

Labs came back fine again.  They are holding steady.

It's cold here at night. Flannel sheets, and a 3 dog night.

Just another day

No sickness today.  That's good. I am trying to keep something in me so maybe that will help.

I haven't tried the appetite stimulant yet.  I guess I am hesitant to take another drug. But I have been eating so that's good.

This helps. Home made Rosemary bread with sea salt.  Thanks, Curt and Darlene. I thinks it's best warm with a little butter, but plain off the loaf is perfect, too.  Maybe one more slice before bed.

I got to sit outside for a bit. It wasn't too cold, and it was sunny too.

Lastly, now that the dogs are pretty, they have on their Christmas bling. Thanks, Bev, for the home made bandannas.

Slow Day

It was a clinic day. Buffy brought me in, and Darlene picked me up.

All I got was saline.  CRE was still 1.3, and the rest of the numbers are slightly up.

The bad news is I got sick this afternoon. Only bile. I guess I need to eat more.

I was prescribed an appetite stimulant today.  I will start it tomorrow, just to be sure it stays down.

But so far this evening dinner and lunch stayed.

So, sorry it's going to be a short blog, but you know why.

Eerily Quiet

All 3 dogs went to the spa today. Except for Chris in the hangar, I was 100% alone today. Very weird. 

In case you don't know about my favorite vet office, I will tell you about Southside Animal Care in Griffin, GA. They are the most kind and knowledgeable group of friends and the only ones I would trust my dogs' and foster dogs' care. They do grooming and boarding as well as veterinary care.  They are the best.

The dogs returned gorgeous and ready to play. Then we all had a nice nap.

That was it for the day.

Changes

Clinic day. Pretty outside, but cold.

I took a short nap, but the neighbor is chatty. I am only got 1.5 ltr of fluid today, so I done by noon.  No mag.

My numbers are slightly down, but nothing to panic about.  We got standard bloodwork sent off,  then added a CMV and prograf test.  Next week is another chimerism test to see how the engraphment is going. Let's hope for 100/100. Last time was 70/100.

My schedule has changed to m,w,f. I am trying hard to keep my 7 am slot to ride in with Buffy. They really want to move me. I don't wanna!!!

Then I was seen by the doc, and he put me back on every other day. You know, after I changed the sign up sheet for drivers. I think malus go out, so sorry to my drivers for the confusion.

All is well. As always,, hoping for good sleep. 

Can't Move

From 1-3 pm is my tv time.  I watch the Chew and then Rachael Ray. Rarely do I get to sit still and watch them.

But today was a good day. Except for making lunch, I did get to sit and watch. Chip was on my feet, so I couldn't move without disturbing him.

I am feeling better today. I could have used a good long nap. I got about 30 minutes. Last night's rest was fitful, at best.

Medications are still a challenge.  I take something every 4 hours, even through the night. It's my job, I have to take them as directed.  They have all kinds of side effects, too.  Maybe tonight will be better.

Clinic with Buffy early tomorrow. We both hate mornings.

Better

Clinic today. 

Magnesium and 2 large bags of fluids. It took a long time, but luckily didn't keep Aaron waiting.

Once at home I wanted a nap.  Didn't get one, but would have liked one.  Actually, that's not true. While the clothes we're in the drier, I dozed off, 15 minutes later the timer went off. So I got my fifteen minutes of bliss.

I ate well, and feel pretty good. I hate to admit it just in case I scare it off.

The neighborhood is having a Christmas party tonight at the Gladis hangar.  No way I can be out in public. It will be 6-8 months after transplant, so Mid April at the soonest, more likely June.

Kent noticed today my left eye starts to close when I get tired.  I thought I told him that before, but maybe this was the first time he saw it.

With that oh so exciting note, I bid you goodnight. There is not much to report, thank goodness.

Day 50

I would say halfway to feeling normal. Day 100 is the end of close observation of the transplant. So day 50 has to be halfway.

By the numbers, I am on track.  Good news there. Clinic is every other day. At sometime, I should be transitioning to shorter days, so the schedule will change to afternoon appointments, probably 1-5 pm. That means Buffy and I won't be able to carpool. Bummer.

Speaking of Buffy, Happy Birthday!  Hope you had a wonderful day.

Here is a photo of Jill ( far right), and Glenda (behind her) and their prayer group.  Quite the bunch of sweet people. Thank you!!

There had been a gift that came For me. It had been in Kent's office and lost for a while.

The new afghan is from my Mom (handmade).  The pillowcase is from Dave and Jeanne. It's perfect. Suits me to a "T."

Speaking of which...

Snuggle up! It's gonna be a 3 dog night.

Clinic

This is a normal bag of saline. I got two today.

The international bag was like a hard case. Very strange.

The morning fog obscured the King and Queen buildings from my chair. Kind of strange....  It's thick.

Numbers are stabilizing. Only low on red blood cells..

I got ill today. Don't know why.

Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Normal Day

Just a quiet day at home.  Mom and Dad headed home. Well... About halfway home. They will be home tomorrow.

I picked up a little bit, and sorted some bills. Nothing new.

Tomorrow is early clinic.  They called to see if I would switch to a 1 pm appt. I said I couldn't because of my rides.  (And I didn't want to ride home in Friday traffic.). I don't think I could get all my fluids by closing time anyway.  Perhaps they will get someone who lives 15 minutes away instead of an hour away.

Kent got to say goodbye to another toy he isn't using. I am all about the sales of stuff we don't use. It's a relief.

No other news.

Exciting Day

Mom and Dad are here.  Great lunch with Daddy burgers.  

Mom cleaned and cooked dinner.  They both helped decorate the front porch and Christmas tree.

Then a lot of yard work while I rested. 

Then I had visitors and cake and gifts.  I don't want to bore you with so many photos, so just a few more....

Thank you all for celebrating with me. Have a cold one for me. Cheers!

Boring Day

Buffy brought me in for another boring day at clinic. (Thanks!) We like boring. Just got fluids and sent away.  They are low on saline, so I got the imported brand.

It's just the same but packaged differently.

My PA had reduced the magnesium pills.  She didn't want me taking 9 pills a day.  She did, however, suggest man Epsom salt bath daily to get magnesium absorbed into the skin. I guess I will try that. I have plenty of salts. Plain and pretty ones.

We had a nice day at home too.

I got three early birthday presents today.  Linda cleaned my house, Dave and Melissa gave me a blue tooth speaker and Ken called from the snowy North.

It was a big day and I think I will sleep well.

70?

What a gorgeous day. 70+ degrees and sunny, while St. Louis had a snow day. Weird.

I don't know what's up with me, but I ain't right.  I have been battling nausea.  It is almost better if I keep something in my stomach. What irony. Don't want to eat but have to soi don't throw up.

I try to get some things done, but it's slow going. I rest a lot.

Sure wish I had some help... Oh! Wait! Help is on the way.  Mom and Dad will be here Wednesday .  

I had a visitor today.  Dave came by and had a beer and Glenda's crack mix with Kent. Ok, so maybe it was Kent's visitor, really. But I was there...

Nothing more to report.  Huh... No pictures today, either.  Boring post.  Sorry!