tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330625462024-03-19T01:57:26.139-07:00ONE HAPPY FOOLOn 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.comBlogger1741125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-89498490522958302902013-12-02T11:45:00.003-08:002013-12-02T11:45:52.070-08:00This is Steve speaking for Barbara who died on September 19 after a 12 year struggle with cancer. Thank all of you who faithfully followed her BLOG and supported her through her struggle these past years. She appreciated all of you so much. Blessings to you all.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-87648073875527384852013-08-14T22:48:00.001-07:002013-08-14T22:48:53.067-07:00Move along little doggie, move alongThis evening was the 4th in a row that I was able to walk with Steve and the dogs one-half mile. I used my 4-wheeled walker. We window shopped all around the Plaza, sat down and nattered a bit, then drove back home. I understand that it's a paltry distance - especially since I had slept so much during the day - but it's a massive effort for me. It helps to take 2mL of morphine before we leave and the same when we return to make it possible because I hurt <i>everywhere.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
What scares me most is getting an infection, falling again or not being able to continue working at Juvenile Hall. Steve is going to work with me when we start up again, hopefully later in August. It's been quite a long leave of absence.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-31069419994533972162013-08-11T23:47:00.000-07:002013-08-11T23:47:18.481-07:00Living upwardI didn't expect to do it, but I actually walked my second half-mile with Steve tonight - and Brix and Demi. I can push my walker with both hands now so I feel more stable in spite of the horrendous pathologic fracture of my left humerus. I don't get tired at that distance, but if I did I could turn the walker around (we call it Mom's stroller) because there's comfortable seating on the opposite side.<br />
<br />
I'm either getting stronger (from the 14th blood transfusion, or the chemotherapy or simply from walking more. It's only my arm that hurts - badly - but morphine helps. Also, I had radiation to that area right after the fracture, so it's fairly dead to pain.<br />
<br />
Number One son landed his first real legal job. He passed and was admitted to the bar a month ago and now he's clerk to the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. I guess if you want a legal career there's no harm in beginning at the top. We're all feeling very proud. It's just about the only suit and tie job on Oahu, everyone else wears aloha shirts. Me, I wear crops.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-78912845531401347362013-08-10T23:17:00.001-07:002013-08-10T23:17:14.123-07:00Small is goodI walked with Steve and two dogs this evening - around The Plaza (1/2 mile) - and found it easy. Demi was clearly on duty -turning back toward me every few paces to be sure I was safe and forever in her gaze. I don't think I'll ever get past the fear of falling after that humongous humerus fracture on April 12. It will never heal, but some of the nerve damage in my fingers has receded.<br />
<br />
Pain control has been excellent, finally, and I'm grateful. It was non-stop since October 2011 until now.<br />
I can finally take two showers a day - independently - one of life's secret joys.<br />
<br />
Steve prefers that I not attend church because I have virtually no immune system in the event that I bump into a germ I haven't met before. That doesn't bother me, I've always appreciated a rather small life.<br />
<br />
So tomorrow I have the day off, so to speak.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-51667819710094410052013-08-06T21:05:00.000-07:002013-08-06T21:05:10.506-07:00Hanging on to hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl1MFV7gDeqeLujCzqqQkUCthoWWopzh2BVLxDvkrtcglq4s5rcJWMxlEIgceX6iQU03AouQ4_-PULrlpLFPJz31RUNG7KHd70KhQEYCwofEZw8-b0Fuh7BLTP7qehePn9v5G/s1600/get-attachment-12.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl1MFV7gDeqeLujCzqqQkUCthoWWopzh2BVLxDvkrtcglq4s5rcJWMxlEIgceX6iQU03AouQ4_-PULrlpLFPJz31RUNG7KHd70KhQEYCwofEZw8-b0Fuh7BLTP7qehePn9v5G/s320/get-attachment-12.aspx.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div>
It's not finished. But don't you remember the potholders you wove when you were about six years old? Now, over 60 years later, weaving with one broken humerus is much more difficult - and more painful. I can pull two loops through and then the pain is so high I have to stop for the day. It used to take me 20 minutes to complete the entire project, but this one is taking weeks.<br />
<br />
I had a fever all day today - not high, but concerning given last week's sepsis. Face it, I'm an invalid! I saw the oncologist this morning who let me proceed with chemotherapy (Halaven). I begged since the last response was so favorable and gave me real hope.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-83902601645152308532013-08-03T22:47:00.000-07:002013-08-03T22:47:31.588-07:00You better believe it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYFSCgwujXp6BW35lVVpfp-DhkTMRDSlpvu6TdmtKgTzFYHf64ZlrBvClc1j3ibXi5X-Fle7PKYGW3-7X5778OWcjZRDlEHlY39qIhWFSaPalLiiQnifYC-DSBPCFuTK55NB7/s1600/41XjtacNsAL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYFSCgwujXp6BW35lVVpfp-DhkTMRDSlpvu6TdmtKgTzFYHf64ZlrBvClc1j3ibXi5X-Fle7PKYGW3-7X5778OWcjZRDlEHlY39qIhWFSaPalLiiQnifYC-DSBPCFuTK55NB7/s200/41XjtacNsAL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My ankles rolled back this morning. Because I was attached to the telemeter four days and also receiving various IV fluids, I wasn't allowed to walk much and my legs filled with almost 30 extra pounds of fluids. It's unpleasant to stump around on thick log legs.<br />
<br />
The first five pounds disappeared during the night and I expect the rest to flow off within a week - especially if I keep walking. It was a big deal to identify shapes and feel bone!<br />
<br />
These constant hospital admissions are wearing me down - especially the ones that involve 'round the clock heart monitoring, roommates, an alarmed bed, etc. This last four-day stint was more grueling than the 34 days I stayed there in December and January.<br />
<br />
Today I pretended I was normal and acted accordingly. I wore jeans (that no longer fit) ate real food, read a New York Times best seller and mostly stayed out of bed.<br />
<br />
My best moment was seeing Steve arrive to drive me home.<br />
<br />
<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-31925876179485922982013-08-02T18:55:00.001-07:002013-08-02T18:55:46.059-07:00Home again, home againA text from Steve: "Brix is here on the bed and I told him that mom would be home tomorrow and as soon as he heard 'mom' his head came up immediately and he looked at me expectantly."<br />
<br />
So I did come home today and am blessedly glad to be in my own home. Brix has welcomed me with doggy hugs and kisses and seems content to have me back. His tail (crash, crash) thumps whenever I say his name (thump, thump). We're all together again.<br />
<br />
My lab numbers continue to improve - higher or lower, whatever they are supposed to do. Everyone assumes I am dying - I do too, but am trying to refuse. It's August now and I've had what, 3, 4? hospitalizations so for in 2013. It's been a frustrating and painful year so far. I'm gonna do my best to get some fun and good times out of the last half.<br />
<br />
The manager of the hospital just happened to be strolling around and stopped in my room. "Has everything been OK? Is staff answering the call light in a timely way?" "It's not been a problem," I said, "if I have to wait too long I just put my feet on the floor, the alarm goes off and they come running." He burst out laughing. Most problems can be solved.<br />
<br />
Oh, I am so happy to be home.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-91186509855989697342013-08-01T23:45:00.000-07:002013-08-01T23:45:04.307-07:00On the mend, hopefullySo I'm sitting here, both sleepy and bored, while I receive more blood. I think this is the 13th unit I've received since December. Staff took me off isolation status when a final test cleared me and moved in a very deaf elder. Staff has to yell to be heard. But the good news is that I will probably go home tomorrow. I am more than ready.<br />
<br />
The morning was horrific. I was told to start walking, and when I did, everything fell out, that's all I can say. I was mortified beyond the beyond. Later I found out that I hadn't received Ativan and started going off the rails from the sudden withdrawal. I also was on a much higher dose of morphine and started having auditory hallucinations. I swore I heard Steve talking to a nurse about Demi, when they were still miles away. I started calming as soon as Demi arrived - I think of her as my PTSD dog - and the medication arrived too. Steve helped me take a shower.<br />
<br />
It will be quieter at home - if I can just get there. One of the IV lines will be removed later tonight. When I start walking I will lose several pounds of water weight and begin feeling closer to normal. This visit has been on a different unit and more difficult for me to manage. I don't identify with inactive elders and would prefer to have much more privacy. I like to chat with the younger nurses and aides.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, I really will be in my own bed tomorrow night - if Brix will share. He perks up when I talk to him on the phone - and I'm hoping his depression will lift if we have some time together. His eyes are woefully sad each time I have to leave him. He is much more sensitive than either Demi or Parisse and has obviously developed a close bond with me, especially.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-31450747638154696332013-07-31T22:50:00.000-07:002013-07-31T22:50:44.574-07:00Now what?So, I was home from the hospital for a few days and back again - good thing too because this time I was septic and staff couldn't move fast enough to run several antibiotics simultaneously. I feel better now but no one's talking about shipping me home.<br />
<br />
Steve says Brix is totally bereft and sleeps with his head on my pillow. The testing is getting more difficult. This afternoon I had two hours testing for oxygen, another CT scan, etc. What's next?Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-25828607214774847222013-07-26T19:14:00.001-07:002013-07-26T19:14:07.306-07:00Here I areI've been away from most of my online friends since July 18. Eventually I needed hospital care and there was no argument there. On Day 2 (last Tuesday)<br />
<br />
I was so mentally confused that I believed I was at a summer camp. When I asked for more pain medicine I was refused. I was angry with my nurse who couldn't get me to understand her perspective. Then I was angry with the staff for alarming the bed so I couldn't get up - exactly what I planned to do because I had a small bottle of morphine stuffed away.<br />
<br />
Then I was angry that I hadn't dosed myself on the way to the Emergency Department, hadn't brought others meds that I take routinely, then I started to wonder who, exactly, was in charge of my care (irresponsibility I had been able to overlook).<br />
<br />
Now I was just stuck. Who, if anyone, was overlooking my medical care? who was paying for my care? with a cell-phone packed away in the purse I couldn't touch, how could I reach Steve?<br />
<br />
I went from anxiety to anger, then panic to rage.<br />
<br />
I will probably go home tomorrow - if the fever stays down and the white cells continues to recede. Lucidity is normal, speech and brain functions have also improved to what seems normal to me. Steve and I notice regained skills each day.<br />
<br />
So I should be back on my merry way tomorrow................... and writing to you almost daily.<br />
<br />
Steve was so funny this morning. "I've learned so much about the female anatomy this week - what<br />
"wings" and "no wings" means -- and who wants this information? How does one apply it to a leaking partner?<br />
<br />
See you tomorrow, I say precariously..............................<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-1437007822150016642013-07-18T22:22:00.001-07:002013-07-18T22:22:57.421-07:00Strong fingersDo you remember when you were fix or six years old and learning how to weave loops into pot-holders? It was my first and greatest of the kids' crafts.<br />
<br />
Now it's all come back to haunt me. The fingers on my left had are in genuine pain, a leftover from the shoulder mash. I've been offered some finger exercises to practice and, I'm finding that weaving for my kitchen works well too! I feel like a little kid sitting in front of the TV surrounded by loops, in and out, in and out.<br />
<br />
I'll show you my work when I finish something.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-4480076295589576492013-07-15T22:02:00.002-07:002013-07-16T13:11:27.907-07:00Mid-summer in northern Calif<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCUcMKT-qU-of6-WqgRjP1lJYlvZc2IdiZLBwtyNK0kewWs1Q8ZTTTCviAPzXlYz7CBbK8-LVMIejUbASZ-XwX14YVyAYTTyGIwe5NjZmou7CM07zxCdr6UADqt_Oeu7WXiqT/s1600/get-attachment-11.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCUcMKT-qU-of6-WqgRjP1lJYlvZc2IdiZLBwtyNK0kewWs1Q8ZTTTCviAPzXlYz7CBbK8-LVMIejUbASZ-XwX14YVyAYTTyGIwe5NjZmou7CM07zxCdr6UADqt_Oeu7WXiqT/s400/get-attachment-11.aspx.jpeg" width="297" /></a></div>
I was trying to show off my new "stroller," which I really enjoy, but the angle is, well, not so great. Instead, you can see my broken arm sling, a distracted Brix and how size 10 is better than last fall's size 18. (I guess even cancer offers <i>some</i> gifts!)<br />
<br />
We were stopping for a brief break on my first walk around the block in quite a while. What I like about this walker is that, if I get tired, I can sit down (comfortably) and rest a bit. (Cosco's $100). I can also stow a lot of baggage under the seat and in the back back-pack.<br />
<br />
At any rate, I'm feeling much better, am thrilled that my numbers dropped (133 to 99) and I'm on my way to normal - below 39.<br />
<br />
Next time I'll open my eyes.<br />
<br />
Note: agapanthus is everywhere!<!--39--><!--39--><!--39--><!--39-->Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-68061311583757677392013-07-11T10:47:00.000-07:002013-07-11T10:47:01.432-07:00Good, good, goodTuesday's news from the oncologist was great - my chemotherapy dropped 41 points - that means the new treatment is working. Unfortunately I can never remember its name! But any high number that goes down is good news. There are side effects - memory loss for one.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-22119550414108895532013-07-08T23:30:00.000-07:002013-07-11T09:19:50.024-07:00Among the livingThis was an easy day -- one blood draw followed by a visit to the oncologist. My fingers still feel mashed, but it's getting better.<br />
<br />
Last night, in a poignant moment, Oldest Daughter asked me, Mom, is there anyone who counts you in the land of the living? I couldn't think of anyone, I keep getting hints that I'm on my way out.<br />
<br />
Mom, do you count yourself as being in the land of the living? Yes. Mom, I count you among the living. You should be living and acting with the living, others can be with the dying.<br />
<br />
So, that gave my a new burst of energy and I was up most of the day.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-8848141717155910612013-07-07T22:44:00.000-07:002013-07-14T15:45:31.777-07:00Dog days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcO1z5bcyRD3izfehABuktscCTH5IGmQEjo5w84qU0v2pe592D7D5Qw0fg9EvjJ7FyK2x4yIrWcYgpjDO8iq0M1W32JCohVPX_b2tQvOCzsM9Jb0CuxUEl-oESS_u2IQ2imgu/s1600/Naked+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcO1z5bcyRD3izfehABuktscCTH5IGmQEjo5w84qU0v2pe592D7D5Qw0fg9EvjJ7FyK2x4yIrWcYgpjDO8iq0M1W32JCohVPX_b2tQvOCzsM9Jb0CuxUEl-oESS_u2IQ2imgu/s320/Naked+dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This photo - from FaceBook - reminds me of Brix, but even he isn't quite <i>this</i> lazy. Forgive me, but I couldn't resist peeking from yesterday's offerings.<br />
<br />
I've been feeling much better lately, only my left-hand fingers feel scrunched and painful.<br />
<br />
Oldest daughter brought over her two boys the last two weekends so there's been a greater sense of extended family. The youngest is begging me to reopen Nana's Art Camp. I reminded him that I can't drive or even run, but if he doesn't mind hanging out under the air conditioning, I can suggest all sorts of crafty projects to keep us both busy until the fall semester cranks up again.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-74259731342767148622013-06-29T22:42:00.001-07:002013-06-29T22:42:15.206-07:00Weedology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVB7j5QpVxocFsM1Wf3wwK0ltSfFSvWT_wbUYDahRnmBR1UyBYfZLZL_zNRcaz_DWxn41pTwoIg1EURQfxQBjyqY-9gmmx7q3E_-jOdMUdRaPlh6Y8aemHP0UNnwjsUxhyNXY/s1600/get-attachment-9.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVB7j5QpVxocFsM1Wf3wwK0ltSfFSvWT_wbUYDahRnmBR1UyBYfZLZL_zNRcaz_DWxn41pTwoIg1EURQfxQBjyqY-9gmmx7q3E_-jOdMUdRaPlh6Y8aemHP0UNnwjsUxhyNXY/s400/get-attachment-9.aspx.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div>
Yesterday a friend stopped over to gift us with this dragonfly that responds to the light of the sun during the night. Lovely, yes?<br />
<br />
It was back in the high 90s again this afternoon, the dragon-flies soaking up the sun. Later it cycled all over again for our evening's entertainment.<br />
<br />
We drove over to Rohnert Park to visit my new favorite enhanced chocolatier. I learned that I can grow up to 30 plants if I paste a laminated copy of the recommendation signed by my doctor. I can do that, it grows like a weed.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-38119089394393087702013-06-28T21:46:00.001-07:002013-06-28T21:46:46.422-07:00The sweetest old lady dog...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCP7BgbOr0wTgRDLp5mBtiRSc86ELed8s58Qtojr43xecSodjgUxylxM-p9cgbqatQv62ANO2l8bbm0ELhCZ3TfDqbZej6D50xrMgV_EbKKKedqNntgU6Dslr2-SLJS4nJ2Klm/s1600/1014278_10200727876493478_1990987971_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCP7BgbOr0wTgRDLp5mBtiRSc86ELed8s58Qtojr43xecSodjgUxylxM-p9cgbqatQv62ANO2l8bbm0ELhCZ3TfDqbZej6D50xrMgV_EbKKKedqNntgU6Dslr2-SLJS4nJ2Klm/s400/1014278_10200727876493478_1990987971_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
There's nothing sweeter than an old-lady fresh from her bath. Demi is almost nine years now and enjoys her bath, almost weekly.<br />
<br />
Temps were in the 90ºs this afternoon; more expected tomorrow.<br />
<br />
The week has been up and down, topsy-turvy. We continue with our scheduled medical appointments - one today, two yesterday. I'm looking forward to the weekend - nothing is scheduled. YES!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-48097334714042881062013-06-21T21:57:00.003-07:002013-06-21T21:57:53.950-07:00I'm nobody, who are you? So I saw the orthopedist this morning. He recommended another <b>month</b> of slings to keep things steady. I don't know what I'd do without my Kindle to read my way through boredom.<br />
<br />
I've also set up five knitting/cross-stitch projects, but I really need my left arm more than I thought I would. I'm hoping each day I'll get stronger.<br />
<br />
Two girls from Old Miss stopped by this afternoon. One is a neighbor down the street and the other, from Virginia, will be her new roommate next September.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-20704266043046164252013-06-19T22:48:00.000-07:002013-06-19T22:48:09.440-07:00Tired of it allI am so very, very tired of this broken arm, slings and casts, etc. I really need the use of my left arm so I can knit and cross-stitch, etc., but it isn't happening. I take so much morphine and medical marijuana (legal in California) to keep pain under control. Tomorrow I see the bone guys.<br />
<br />
The wind has been blowing - hard - for about five days. I can hear creaks in the roof, a bit eerie, to be sure.<br />
<br />
Oldest Daughter brought over her boys on Sunday so we finally celebrated Christmas and exchanged gifts. Maybe that means I can draw and paint again - something I haven't done since last October. That used to be the main purpose of blogging.<br />
<br />
Aside from all that, I actually feel well, just a tad frustrated.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-33898437404461836972013-06-13T22:35:00.002-07:002013-06-13T22:35:54.491-07:00Reason for hope?I may have confused some of you with my last post. Rascal was born a few houses away and came over to visit. Her current family is a volunteer breeder for Canine Companions for Independence. After eight weeks the newly whelped move on to a volunteer puppy raiser for about 16 months, after which they stay on campus to work 6-9 months with the professional trainers.<br />
<br />
Today was a quiet day, mostly spent reading. Tomorrow I see onc, always a bit nerve-wracking because he has access to numbers that don't post on my online chart. They never post the CA-15, the marker I care about most. Currently it is rising, but I have only had two of the new treatments. I am unaware of side-effects, I'm happy for that.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-28846011960851100272013-06-11T13:42:00.001-07:002013-06-11T13:42:24.267-07:00Room for one more?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhfwHJ6mku6CqnyVIwFP8JbmugAPg4Egs3MZIJWFQlTL3RQ1fplJy4ltdsxPW4c3lXsWVcQJZWl_zyZEt9p0rkdBZq6Ld1CweE2oLF-NnXrp-Z2Nbg8K2GIvzGyBYepf4kQlr/s1600/1005574_10200638473338455_388540989_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhfwHJ6mku6CqnyVIwFP8JbmugAPg4Egs3MZIJWFQlTL3RQ1fplJy4ltdsxPW4c3lXsWVcQJZWl_zyZEt9p0rkdBZq6Ld1CweE2oLF-NnXrp-Z2Nbg8K2GIvzGyBYepf4kQlr/s400/1005574_10200638473338455_388540989_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
Meet Rascal. She will soon begin training to become a fully certified service dog. Right now she is only four weeks old and still spends most of her time in the whelping pool snuggling up to her mother and five siblings.<br />
<br />
When she turns eight weeks old she will move to a household with time and interest to care for her for at least 16 months. Google <i>Canine Companions for Independence</i> for more information. I raised five (not all at once), it really is doable.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-89162689305023045732013-06-10T23:36:00.001-07:002013-06-10T23:36:34.065-07:00More malaiseI'm a bit queasy tonight, but it's not bad and I can still function. I will be so glad to have my left arm back. It throbs & aches and generally gives me grief.<br />
<br />
Steve, Demi and I were in church yesterday morning. I miss the community but do my best do be there often.<br />
<br />
Today was blood testing and tomorrow is chemo...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-37671754433257244232013-06-08T19:58:00.002-07:002013-06-08T19:58:24.575-07:00Eat & sleep <br />
I'm around, but mostly sleeping. This week I'm even eating.-BBBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-65628581854529656992013-06-06T22:38:00.000-07:002013-06-06T22:38:06.971-07:00Hot potato,cold potatoFinally a day with nothing scheduled!<br />
<br />
We shopped in Santa Rosa, read & napped. I found a new collective to join so now I'm back in medical chocolate and more comfortable.<br />
<br />
When the cast was removed I suddenly yelled out from all the pain radiating down my left pinkie finger. It hasn't quit. Instead of the damaged nerves story I was getting, I'm now wondering if it's actually broken.<br />
<br />
I seem to have received considerable benefit from yesterday's two units of blood. I think the chemo is working too because I <i>suddenly </i>feel much better.<br />
<br />
The hope is that I've reversed direction and have turned a better corner...Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33062546.post-59907642759020551092013-06-04T23:03:00.000-07:002013-06-04T23:03:44.090-07:009:15 a.m. - 6:45 pm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sSNNtPH-PQOXC9UdgIriU11w8vS2vN8lH_b5dy60clNH4uczyZR73r7QQ6r89bAP8rdUJylK1k9E-QT34f2anEk2mGYrXROnbaZ9lrPQees1xtxuXTJMinbo3zF8c3mfnGcf/s1600/get-attachment-8.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sSNNtPH-PQOXC9UdgIriU11w8vS2vN8lH_b5dy60clNH4uczyZR73r7QQ6r89bAP8rdUJylK1k9E-QT34f2anEk2mGYrXROnbaZ9lrPQees1xtxuXTJMinbo3zF8c3mfnGcf/s320/get-attachment-8.aspx.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Poor Demi sat through six of my medical appointments last week; today there were two.<br />
<br />
I was supposed to have blood drawn yesterday, but I was wretching so violently that I couldn't be a passenger in a car.<br />
<br />
So the nurses drew the blood today. The numbers were so wonky that chemotherapy was cancelled and I received two more units of blood instead.<br />
<br />
Steve pushed me into the suite at 9:15 when I was in tears and shaking so violently from cold that a registration clerk wrapped me in toasty warm blankets so I could thaw out a bit, but by evening I had had so much blood, medication and socialization that I was laughing and feeling much more myself.<br />
<br />
I have one appointment tomorrow. We're giving Demi the day off.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326362177737426232noreply@blogger.com2