Dissipate -- Word for the Day -- Sunday, July 13, 2008

Dissipate
DEFINITION: (verb) to spread out or scatter.

Wasn't a busy weekend, but now it has come and gone. We can't really plan anything because of our daily trips to UAMS, but it is better than the two trips a day in the past. Which brings me always back to KJ's sermon a couple of months ago on "Why Count Your Blessings When You Can Complain?"

The Infusion Center waiting area has been almost empty the last week. Seems our chemo group has dissipated. We are only seeing two or three from our original group. We are not even seeing the newbys that were starting when we began the collection process. We think it may have something to do with the July 4th holiday and maybe everyone will be back from a break this week.

I see tiredness in the eyes of our friends. Their attitudes are high with encouragement for each other. We are sharing stories of how far we have come and what we have been through. We are also sharing stories of what the next steps are. I also see tiredness in the caregivers eyes. I feel it in my own. I continue to have the same headache I had last week, but Chemo Sabe has had one, also. It might be pressure from the heat with the possibility of rain.

The hiccups dissipated last evening with the disconnect of the bag yesterday. AND, the boar hog snoring is gone. We both feel since the RN told us the hiccup prescription was a muscle relaxer that it totally relaxed his throat and he could not control the constant, unfamiliar snoring. What a pain in the..... Well, we are glad they are gone.

I did get out a little on Friday and do some shopping at Garden Ridge. Ladies, they are having a 50% off sale on patio items. I bought more patio cushions and I picked up two ceramic pots that are so big I could totally sit down in them. They weight about 35/40 lb. each.

I went on over to Sam's to do what I call our every three month shopping. When I see the receipt, that is what I try to convince myself when the total is three times more than I expected. I had all the back seats collapsed in the Tahoe and had things hanging off the sides of the seats. I REALLY had to get that stuff unloaded before Chemo Sabe got home. I should have eaten before I left so I wouldn't have bought so much! ha.

Well, he didn't kill me over the weekend. You say, "Why?" Because he hasn't read the last blog. ha I will have to admit since the steroid is dissipating out of his system, he was a little crabby yesterday. I just reminded myself how I was when I went through menopause and think of him in the same way.

WBC dropped to 3.5 yesterday. It wouldn't surprise me if he will be in the 2.0 or below tomorrow. He was quiet run down today and hasn't been up much except to go back to UAMS. We both came home and had popcorn for supper and crashed on the couch. He came upstairs about 8:30 and has been in bed since. I really don't see him going to work tomorrow, but he does have some appointments scheduled.

I took my new camera into the Infusion area yesterday and made some very good photos of our MM friends. I had a chemo brain fart and made post cards with their individual photo on the front and ours on the back. On their side they can update us on their progress when they go home and just put a stamp on it and mail it. Our address and photo is on the mailer side. Gosh, sometimes I just amaze myself about my brilliance... ha

Lovenox was discontinued today (blood thinner). The grow factor began today and will last each day until the WBC goes down. We believe that will be the deciding factor for the induction. Hope it doesn't end up last time and that patients talk in the Infusion waiting and make our own decision to go. Our schedule sheet has lab and shots all the way up to July 31. Right into another holiday.

Hmmmmmm..... that may be the very reason we haven't seen our other group. They were probably told we were trouble makers and should steer clear of us!!! ha.

We can't ride right now, except for a couple of hours. We can't do the same things we did before. I did get to talk to Sissy (remember my friend that had the kidney/pancreas transplant in 2000). We spoke for over an hour. She reads the blog each day and that helps her feel less guilty when she doesn't have time to call. She gets to read about it.

I have a 40 yr reunion coming up in two weeks. I have passed the deadline to send in my money, but I know they would let me pay at the door. I just hate to take the chance without knowing if Chemo Sabe cannot go with me.

Well, Kids, I feel my eyes getting droopy and my mind is dissipating. It is off to work tomorrow and see how strong Chemo Sabe may be. Our appointments in the afternoon are so much better than the early mornings. We are so much more fortunate than Rog and Ruthie; and Billy and Sherry, in that we can come back to our own home and crash. Of course, we have the house work, yard work, laundry, grocery shopping and regular stuff as a regular household. We get to see the kids all week and our pets. I guess we are the lucky ones out of our group.

Please pray for our friends this week. Billy was receiving blood as we left today. Roger is still on his bag. Chemo Sabe will be getting the growth factor this week. We all want to go out to dinner, but we gotta wait on the guys to see if they will be dissipated.

It was nice to see everyone. We are praying for you all.

Love and good night --- Pepper