What an interesting week.
Primarily, what an interesting Tuesday.
My blood numbers were all exceptional. They were the best in quite a while. The research manager was ecstatic.
Then I had my petscan. What is involved in a petscan?
They start an IV in your arm and take some blood to test your blood sugar level. The technician Andrea was the best one that I have had. She was assisted by Brianna, a student. My blood sugar was in very good shape (94).
Next, they insert a concoction in your arm that, I presume is basically a sugar solution of some kind. Then you wait for an hour to circulate. I get to watch television for an hour. (I also read a little)
Then comes the test, you lie down on this big, relatively noisy contraption with your arms above your head while it moves you up and down taking pictures, measuring now much of the solution is "uptaked." After 24 minutes, you are glad to hear the door open, signalling that the technician is coming in to extricate you. This task was given to Brianna. I made my usual request for a CD and the report from the doctor looking at the pictures.
I went off to have a late lunch and came back to receive both the report and the CD. The two areas in my lymph nodes had decreased in size significantly (more than 50%.) Once again, the research manager was ecstatic and so was I.
I still have fluid floating around from the surgery, which has prompted the research manager to institute a "no salt" campaign to reduce the salt.
Today, on my way to the club, I called her and when she answered, asked her to hold a minute and pretended to order two hot dogs. When she asked what I had eaten at the club, I told her that I thought that chocolate cake was the best low salt option. Her leg is getting longer and longer as I do this kind of kidding often.
So, now we are getting ready for the slight eventuality that Hurricane Dorian comes our way. I will get to play tennis tomorrow, however.
There's always something.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Finding Lost Days and Lost Pounds
This past week began as a disaster. You probably know that I consume a large number of pills, including some while I am away from home. I carry those pills in a pill box for the the specific day of the week. I discovered that my Wednesday box was missing and no amount of searching allowed me to find it. Then just in time for today, I spotted it in my car. It had fallen down below the driver's seat. What a relief. Life can go on. Not everyone can find a day that they feel they have lost.
Oh, yes, I had my blood letting yesterday and the numbers were all decent. I would like my white blood cell numbers to be a little higher, but they passed the grade. They also weigh you and take your blood pressure. They want my weight to be maintained and the research manager would like it to be lower. When I jumped on the scale, I held on to a bar on the wall, thus lowering my weight by about 20 pounds. But they caught me and my actual weight reflected a gain of the few pounds that I had lost the week before. Of course, I have Bob for a few days, but I have been feeling remarkably good. I also found out that I will have a petscan next Tuesday. So keep you fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes crossed.
The big news of the week is that I have played tennis on three days, despite rain many mornings.It feels good to be back out on the court. I need to gain my speed back though. On Monday morning, when I walked onto the court, a statuesque woman who was walking her dog stopped to watch (I presume me.) She eventually went on, but came back by for another look. I am not sure, but I think she later jogged by. If she had asked, I would have given her an autograph. I am better at that than I am at tennis at this time because I have had some practice at it with my book.
The research manager is not happy with my watching TV while in bed, saying that the flashes of light are not good for my sleep. I replied that I wanted to share life experience with her. I told her that I could drink coffee (if I drank it) or coke or diet coke at 11 pm and be asleep at 11:05. I don't think that she saw the significance or relevance of that factoid, but we both had a good laugh at my wonky creativity.
Parting Facts:
1. America Says has replaced Cash Cab as my quiz show of choice. It is on earlier.
2. When I was a kid, I had trouble swallowing one "horse" pill. I can now do four at a time, but more than that is not possible yet.
3. I have a joke about a brick ( a different one than my sister-in-law told me). If you see me, ask me about it. If you are my sister-in-law, you can call me as I will not be in Seattle any time soon.
4. Some people have been reviewing my book on Amazon. If you are so inclined to follow suit, I would appreciate it.
Thanks for your continued interest, prayers and support.
Oh, yes, I had my blood letting yesterday and the numbers were all decent. I would like my white blood cell numbers to be a little higher, but they passed the grade. They also weigh you and take your blood pressure. They want my weight to be maintained and the research manager would like it to be lower. When I jumped on the scale, I held on to a bar on the wall, thus lowering my weight by about 20 pounds. But they caught me and my actual weight reflected a gain of the few pounds that I had lost the week before. Of course, I have Bob for a few days, but I have been feeling remarkably good. I also found out that I will have a petscan next Tuesday. So keep you fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes crossed.
The big news of the week is that I have played tennis on three days, despite rain many mornings.It feels good to be back out on the court. I need to gain my speed back though. On Monday morning, when I walked onto the court, a statuesque woman who was walking her dog stopped to watch (I presume me.) She eventually went on, but came back by for another look. I am not sure, but I think she later jogged by. If she had asked, I would have given her an autograph. I am better at that than I am at tennis at this time because I have had some practice at it with my book.
The research manager is not happy with my watching TV while in bed, saying that the flashes of light are not good for my sleep. I replied that I wanted to share life experience with her. I told her that I could drink coffee (if I drank it) or coke or diet coke at 11 pm and be asleep at 11:05. I don't think that she saw the significance or relevance of that factoid, but we both had a good laugh at my wonky creativity.
Parting Facts:
1. America Says has replaced Cash Cab as my quiz show of choice. It is on earlier.
2. When I was a kid, I had trouble swallowing one "horse" pill. I can now do four at a time, but more than that is not possible yet.
3. I have a joke about a brick ( a different one than my sister-in-law told me). If you see me, ask me about it. If you are my sister-in-law, you can call me as I will not be in Seattle any time soon.
4. Some people have been reviewing my book on Amazon. If you are so inclined to follow suit, I would appreciate it.
Thanks for your continued interest, prayers and support.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
High blood pressure (not mine)
This has been a decent week.
My Tuesday blood numbers were decent, except that my white blood cells were low. The doctor authorized two shots of neupogen which will bring them back up and everything should be fine by next week.
I was getting my blood drawn yesterday when a woman walked in. They always weigh you (down 4 pounds for me) and take your blood pressure ( mine was decent). However, this woman had very high blood pressure ( something like 192/96) and she was surprised it was so high. I told her it was likely because I had never been in the room with her previously. I am not sure what she thought (well, I do, she thought that I was crazy!), but she did sit one seat away from me in the treatment room.
Why was I in the treatment room? Two reasons. The first was to get my neupogen shot and the second was to have the nurse look at one of the fingers on my right hand. It had formed a blister. The research manager wanted to make sure that it was not mersa ( I guess it is actually spelled MRSA!). However, when I told the nurse that I had played tennis the day before for the first time in ages, she said that was the likely cause. A little antibiotic and all is better. I will play tennis again tomorrow, weather permitting.
There seems to be growing interest in my book. If you have read it, would you consider reviewing it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble? You can also buy it there. Thanks.
My Tuesday blood numbers were decent, except that my white blood cells were low. The doctor authorized two shots of neupogen which will bring them back up and everything should be fine by next week.
I was getting my blood drawn yesterday when a woman walked in. They always weigh you (down 4 pounds for me) and take your blood pressure ( mine was decent). However, this woman had very high blood pressure ( something like 192/96) and she was surprised it was so high. I told her it was likely because I had never been in the room with her previously. I am not sure what she thought (well, I do, she thought that I was crazy!), but she did sit one seat away from me in the treatment room.
Why was I in the treatment room? Two reasons. The first was to get my neupogen shot and the second was to have the nurse look at one of the fingers on my right hand. It had formed a blister. The research manager wanted to make sure that it was not mersa ( I guess it is actually spelled MRSA!). However, when I told the nurse that I had played tennis the day before for the first time in ages, she said that was the likely cause. A little antibiotic and all is better. I will play tennis again tomorrow, weather permitting.
There seems to be growing interest in my book. If you have read it, would you consider reviewing it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble? You can also buy it there. Thanks.
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Busy Week
This past week has been fairly busy.
Let's start with the medical side of things.
Last Thursday, I had an ultrasound to make sure that I did not have a blood clot in my right leg. I was greeted by a man who said he was "Brian By the Way." I have noted that several of the "By the Way" family work up at Morton Plant. The must have a special in with the personnel department up there.
The ultrasound went well (no clot). When I called the research manager to tell her I was finished, she asked me how the sonogram went. I told her that I was having twins.
I am back to having far infrared saunas, When I was finished last Thursday at 4:00, the receptionist was not there. So I left a note telling her that if three women arrived at 4:45 asking for me to tell them that I would be back shortly. Unfortunately, the owner found the note first and called me to ask what the three women wanted. I am not sure she understood that it was just a joke.
Yesterday, I was back for more chemo. That went well and I find that I am dealing with Bob better than I used to. My blood numbers were a little down in a few areas, particularly white blood cells, but all was livable. I mentioned that I sometimes get tired and while the nurse practitioner said that was normal, she ordered a few tests of things like iron. The results were normal.
Today, I went to the surgeon as a second follow up from my hernia surgery. He identified that I have some fluid build up, but indicated that as far as he was concerned, I could undertake any activity that I wanted. So, look out tennis players, a new old guy will be appearing on the courts.
Of course, things were also busy as we geared up for the Book Launch party last Saturday. We had about 75 guests and several helped with preparations to make the party a success. At least, I enjoyed it, but I think others did also.
Several people bought a book. I am waiting for the publisher's publicity team to get a press release out. That will trigger more activity in terms of promoting the book.
Meanwhile, you can order the book on line through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If you go this route and are able to review it, that would be great.
This is all very exciting.
Activity at the bridge club is as busy as ever as we plan for the upcoming winter season.
Life may be busy, but it is good.
Let's start with the medical side of things.
Last Thursday, I had an ultrasound to make sure that I did not have a blood clot in my right leg. I was greeted by a man who said he was "Brian By the Way." I have noted that several of the "By the Way" family work up at Morton Plant. The must have a special in with the personnel department up there.
The ultrasound went well (no clot). When I called the research manager to tell her I was finished, she asked me how the sonogram went. I told her that I was having twins.
I am back to having far infrared saunas, When I was finished last Thursday at 4:00, the receptionist was not there. So I left a note telling her that if three women arrived at 4:45 asking for me to tell them that I would be back shortly. Unfortunately, the owner found the note first and called me to ask what the three women wanted. I am not sure she understood that it was just a joke.
Yesterday, I was back for more chemo. That went well and I find that I am dealing with Bob better than I used to. My blood numbers were a little down in a few areas, particularly white blood cells, but all was livable. I mentioned that I sometimes get tired and while the nurse practitioner said that was normal, she ordered a few tests of things like iron. The results were normal.
Today, I went to the surgeon as a second follow up from my hernia surgery. He identified that I have some fluid build up, but indicated that as far as he was concerned, I could undertake any activity that I wanted. So, look out tennis players, a new old guy will be appearing on the courts.
Of course, things were also busy as we geared up for the Book Launch party last Saturday. We had about 75 guests and several helped with preparations to make the party a success. At least, I enjoyed it, but I think others did also.
Several people bought a book. I am waiting for the publisher's publicity team to get a press release out. That will trigger more activity in terms of promoting the book.
Meanwhile, you can order the book on line through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If you go this route and are able to review it, that would be great.
This is all very exciting.
Activity at the bridge club is as busy as ever as we plan for the upcoming winter season.
Life may be busy, but it is good.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Good News, Bad News, Good News
The good news is that most of my blood numbers were good yesterday.
The bad news is that my platelets were down fairly significantly.
But, that may actually be good news. As things have developed, I have acquired some bumps on my right leg. When we discussed them at the cancer center yesterday, we acknowledged that I had a similar dilemma some time back. At that time, I was sent to the hospital for an ultrasound to make sure that it was not any kind of blood clot. It turned out to be varicose veins. So, predictably, I am going to have an ultrasound tomorrow just to be safe again. But it is good to keep the platelets down if I have a blood clot.
I always associated varicose veins with old ladies when I was younger. I guess that I will be happy to settle into the "old lady" category as it relates to this.
I am still recovering from my hernia operation. I see the doctor again next week. I am sure you will anxiously await hearing what he says.
Meanwhile, I am excited to say that not only do I have hard copies of my book, but it is also now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble et cetera. I am looking forward to celebrating at Mainlands Clubhouse 5 this Saturday from 3pm to 5pm.
Meanwhile, we carry on. This despite receiving the news that my favorite cashier at Earth Origins no longer works there. Life is tough!
The bad news is that my platelets were down fairly significantly.
But, that may actually be good news. As things have developed, I have acquired some bumps on my right leg. When we discussed them at the cancer center yesterday, we acknowledged that I had a similar dilemma some time back. At that time, I was sent to the hospital for an ultrasound to make sure that it was not any kind of blood clot. It turned out to be varicose veins. So, predictably, I am going to have an ultrasound tomorrow just to be safe again. But it is good to keep the platelets down if I have a blood clot.
I always associated varicose veins with old ladies when I was younger. I guess that I will be happy to settle into the "old lady" category as it relates to this.
I am still recovering from my hernia operation. I see the doctor again next week. I am sure you will anxiously await hearing what he says.
Meanwhile, I am excited to say that not only do I have hard copies of my book, but it is also now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble et cetera. I am looking forward to celebrating at Mainlands Clubhouse 5 this Saturday from 3pm to 5pm.
Meanwhile, we carry on. This despite receiving the news that my favorite cashier at Earth Origins no longer works there. Life is tough!
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Sweet Dreams
Well, after a period of no chemo, we are back at it.
My blood numbers were all pretty decent yesterday.
I am still healing from the double hernia surgery and I somehow twisted my right knee, which, I am sure does not result from hitting the tennis ball for 10 minutes this past Saturday.
So the bottom line is that I am feeling okay, but these ailments have some effect in slowing me up.
I think it will be another week or so before I can get back to tennis.
A few interesting things have happened in the past week. There has been a lot of lightning here and some people have been hit. The research manager said that the best thing to do if you see lightning or hear thunder is to go inside. I think the best thing to do is to find someone taller than you and stand beside them.
I went to the bank this afternoon to open a savings account and because they had not opened my checking account improperly, it took 90 minutes to get the job done. It is a reversal of what one would expect. The bank held me up!
One of the forms that I was given was a list of the people/institutions that the bank could give my personal information to and asked which ones I would allow. At the bottom of the list, I added cute blonds. I don't think that the banker noticed.
Talking of women. There is some good news. My girlfriend at the colon hydrotherapy office is back. I am glad. After a slow start, I like her and she seems to like my jokes.
And the big news is that there was a new receptionist at the cancer center, who is bright, witty and (drum roll) wears glasses. I hope she stays around. By the way, her name is Angie, the same as my youngest daughter.
I am going to bed early tonight. I have an early date tomorrow to drop off Bob. Several people at the cancer center want to purchase copies of my book. It may be a busy morning.
The research manager is tackling the TV in bed issue by purchasing a "Wholetones" sleep player which plays music to enhance your sleep. I look forward to trying it shortly.
My blood numbers were all pretty decent yesterday.
I am still healing from the double hernia surgery and I somehow twisted my right knee, which, I am sure does not result from hitting the tennis ball for 10 minutes this past Saturday.
So the bottom line is that I am feeling okay, but these ailments have some effect in slowing me up.
I think it will be another week or so before I can get back to tennis.
A few interesting things have happened in the past week. There has been a lot of lightning here and some people have been hit. The research manager said that the best thing to do if you see lightning or hear thunder is to go inside. I think the best thing to do is to find someone taller than you and stand beside them.
I went to the bank this afternoon to open a savings account and because they had not opened my checking account improperly, it took 90 minutes to get the job done. It is a reversal of what one would expect. The bank held me up!
One of the forms that I was given was a list of the people/institutions that the bank could give my personal information to and asked which ones I would allow. At the bottom of the list, I added cute blonds. I don't think that the banker noticed.
Talking of women. There is some good news. My girlfriend at the colon hydrotherapy office is back. I am glad. After a slow start, I like her and she seems to like my jokes.
And the big news is that there was a new receptionist at the cancer center, who is bright, witty and (drum roll) wears glasses. I hope she stays around. By the way, her name is Angie, the same as my youngest daughter.
I am going to bed early tonight. I have an early date tomorrow to drop off Bob. Several people at the cancer center want to purchase copies of my book. It may be a busy morning.
The research manager is tackling the TV in bed issue by purchasing a "Wholetones" sleep player which plays music to enhance your sleep. I look forward to trying it shortly.
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Another close shave
In the finale of The Amazing Race, the host greets the winners by a recitation of the number of cities and days that the race encompassed.
On that note, I can say three flights, three cities, three hotels, six days. The research manager and Charlie, you have just had an amazing trip.
It was an interesting week. No blood tests. But I continue to recover from the double hernia surgery. I still feel a slight swelling and therefore, even though the doctor said I could start tennis tomorrow, I feel the need to take a few more days off and so I will.
We had a nice two days with the research manager's family on the occasion of her sister's 50th wedding anniversary and then flew to Los Angeles to drive to Hesperia to see my daughter Angela whom I had not seen for almost 4 years. I arrived to discover that she had a husband and two adorable daughters.
Well, I knew about them, I just had not met them. It was good to be there.
What did I learn from the trip? It is good to have a bad hip and back (the research manager) and to be recovering from a hernia operation (me) in that it gives you the perfect ticket for wheelchair rides. All the attendants were very helpful and you avoid long lines at the security check points.
I arrived home only to be disappointed. I received a thank you card from Morton Plant. They tend to send a card signed by all the people that look after you while you are at the hospital. I studied it closely and it seems to have been signed by everyone but Brookyn, the cute blond who prepped me with a shave. I am heart broken.
Do you think that she knows that people who are heartbroken are more susceptible to cancer? Do you think she cares? I will likely never know.
The research manager assured me that Brooklyn probably wanted to sign the card and strove to get to the hospital before they sent the card. She said it was a "close shave" but she was just a few minutes too late.
I will have to settle for that.
On that note, I can say three flights, three cities, three hotels, six days. The research manager and Charlie, you have just had an amazing trip.
It was an interesting week. No blood tests. But I continue to recover from the double hernia surgery. I still feel a slight swelling and therefore, even though the doctor said I could start tennis tomorrow, I feel the need to take a few more days off and so I will.
We had a nice two days with the research manager's family on the occasion of her sister's 50th wedding anniversary and then flew to Los Angeles to drive to Hesperia to see my daughter Angela whom I had not seen for almost 4 years. I arrived to discover that she had a husband and two adorable daughters.
Well, I knew about them, I just had not met them. It was good to be there.
What did I learn from the trip? It is good to have a bad hip and back (the research manager) and to be recovering from a hernia operation (me) in that it gives you the perfect ticket for wheelchair rides. All the attendants were very helpful and you avoid long lines at the security check points.
I arrived home only to be disappointed. I received a thank you card from Morton Plant. They tend to send a card signed by all the people that look after you while you are at the hospital. I studied it closely and it seems to have been signed by everyone but Brookyn, the cute blond who prepped me with a shave. I am heart broken.
Do you think that she knows that people who are heartbroken are more susceptible to cancer? Do you think she cares? I will likely never know.
The research manager assured me that Brooklyn probably wanted to sign the card and strove to get to the hospital before they sent the card. She said it was a "close shave" but she was just a few minutes too late.
I will have to settle for that.
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