Phantasmagoria\fan-taz-muh-GOR-ee-uh\ , noun
Definition: A shifting series or succession of things seen or imagined, as in a dream. Any constantly changing scene.
Isn't that just a long word for "Life"? Constantly changing, a shifting series?
Labs were very good yesterday after holding off for two weeks. Some levels were extremely higher than on the last trip. High is a good sense. Last labs for Platelets were 54 and yesterday they were 100. Reminded when we were looking for very, very high platelets so ChemoSabe could have his stem cell transplant and then the other occasions were looking to get the chest port pulled after being on a chemo bag of two cocktails for four days. Ahhhh....those were the days.
WBC was a bit too low for me this time. I would like to see that at least two degrees higher. CRP was at 6.5 with the last figure at 5.6.
Rog and Ruthie met us for dinner last night. His testing began at 7:30 this morning with an MRI, PET scan and bone marrow biopsy. They are looking to go back home on Saturday. They both look GREAT. They look relaxed.
I think we are all on the downside of this MM thing now. We have settled into the saddle of realization this is a lifetime deal. We can't get out. So we have looked back, sized up the situation, accepted it and are now enjoying life again. God is in control.
The only medical deal he has right now is chiggers... Do not know where he contracted them as we didn't sit on the ground anywhere or anytime while we were out of town, but he has a good case of them, below the belt. :)
Preacher and wife (ex boss) met us for dinner also. He left here two weeks ago and seems to be settling in at the new church. We were at Bone Fish for 2-1/2 hours last evening. The meal was fabulous and then we topped it off with creme brulee...
Yesterday was the first day for Dex this week through Friday and then another four days next Tuesday. They have already kicked in. We were in bed at 10:30 and he was up at midnight. He originally wanted up at 2:30 a.m. to be in Shreveport by 7:00. He did a lot of computer work and then was on his way out the door. This was phantasmagoria in the works.
We have an overnight guest tonight so ChemoSabe will probably sit and talk like a magpie. He kept interrupting my recorded soap last night. I would just pause, listen and he would realize he was talking too much. I pushed 'play' and get settled and here he came again. I just look at him and smile and slightly roll my eyes. As you know, he is not a real big talker, but the dex brings it out of him.
Our little zebras are breeding. I have found two broken eggs in the bottom of the cage. I have read if you didn't want them breeding to take the hutch out. I took it out last year after her last clutch was nine. You know me though.... I hate to see those little things dropping and exploding in the bottom on the wire. So, I fixed up a shoe box and put some yard, cotton balls in the bottom of the cage. ChemoSabe gave me a plant for Valentine's Day with the fake grass in it, so I took some of it out and spread around in the cage. I bet I have three eggs by the time I get home today.
We now have the original parents and one child. The child is a male from the very first clutch of eight eggs. None survived from the second clutch. The daddy picks on him, but they don't seem violent, so maybe the boy can have his own girl now. I guess this breeding means Spring is truly around the corner. Another example of phantasmagoria.
I found some marble, ceramic turtles when we went to Eureka in a little rock and crystal shop on the main drag. These turtles fascinated me so I bought a few for souvenirs. Two were babies hatching out of the shell. We gave one to the motel owners and told them to us it meant a hatching of a new friendship since they gave us the winter rate and let us have full access to the motel. She is a Korean and she said a turtle gift meant a sign a prospering business. So, we did good on that one.
ChemoSabe took one to Tonto (his admin asst). And, I let Big E have his pick of the little ones that he called babies. The bodies were marble and the legs and head was green ceramic, almost like jade.
ChemoSabe accidentally jerked the sack with about six turtles in it out of the saddlebag. When we unpacked we discovered he had broken the poor leg off one of the hatchings. I glued it back and it is as good as new.
Big E called last night and told me he dropped Derek (his turtle's name) and broke his leg. He was upset because the leg fell into some gravel and he could not find it. So, I offered one of mine to him. He had taken his to school. He is so precious.
I am going to close.
Have a good day and Love -- Pepper
Chemo Sabe
- ChemoSabe
- Benton, AR, United States
- Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma-- May 2008
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sachet -- Word for the Day -- Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sachet
Definition: A small bag, case, or pad containing perfuming powder or the like, placed among handkerchiefs, etc., to impart a pleasant scent. Also, sachet powder, the powder contained in such a case.
My mother had another use for this word, Sachet and I was being smart allecky. When she would get upset with me she would tell me I was sacheting around... Being cocky.
I have had tons of 'complaints' that I have not been faithful in keeping you up-to-date on ChemoSabe. I have not written since February 1.. Well, I have no excuse except for everyday events. Work, washing, cooking, house work, babysitting, dogs, birds, riding and just plain ole being lazy.
The two week process began again today. Labs in the morning and Velcade in the afternoon on Tuesday and Friday. The last intervals were non-stop. On a three day cycle from the last steroids, he opted to go out of town on Wednesday and Thursday of that week. He began that stint by getting up at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday and got home on Thursday evening at 9:00 p.m. During that whole time he got about four hours sleep. I just don't know how he does it.
We took advantage of this last round off and headed to Eureka Springs on Friday morning and came back in on Sunday evening. Yes, we rode the bikes. The weather was a bit nippy, but it was absolutely wonderful getting away (alone). We took our time and stopped when we wanted to and found some places up there we didn't know existed in all the 23 years we have been visiting.
We found a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also has some couches, love seats and lounging areas for the coffee drinking, book reading types. It was underground, beneath Romancing the Stone. They have been there 15 years. We go in Romancing the Stone every trip... I can't believe we have missed it all these years.
There are a few business for sale and I imagined us retiring and going there to live on a summer business deal... I think we could make it. I do have to admit, though, I would miss Wal-Mart weekly trips, Penneys and just the ability to get out and do what we do in the 'big' city.
ChemoSabe has lost four pounds. I have gained 100! ha. I finally had to go out and buy bigger jeans. When you have at least 12 pair and only one fits...We have a problem. My neighbor and I have not been able to do our two mile walk because of the weather... Next my excuse will be it is too damn hot.
I had a difficult time during Valentine's Day. It was the first anniversary of my mother's death. I guess I will never look at that day in the same way again. But, it was kinda 'marked' for me anyway. I married Son's dad on Valentine's Day and our divorce was final that day, too (1968 and 1970). Short, but sweet. Well, maybe not sweet or we wouldn't be divorced.
I lost my boss on Feb. 25. I am the lone wolf in the office until about the end of April or first of May. I am loving it. I have gotten so much done. Things I have put off because my boss would interrupt me. He has gone to mend another church and I will hear from him at least every other day... After all, he has been my friend since 1997.
Back to ChemoSabe --- We are going out to dinner tonight with Ruthie and Rog from Okla. He is back for testing and treatment. I know we basically have the same schedules, but it seems like his testing is more frequent. It isn't, but it seems that way. We will also be having dinner to celebrate my 60th birthday from last week. I had asked for steak for my birthday, but ChemoSabe wanted to wait until we got back to L.R. so we wouldn't pick a bad place.
Well, Kids... I think I did a mighty fine job of sacheting around all the events since February. I have thought of some very funny stories to tell you along the way, but now I have forgotten. I will have to start jotting them down as I think of them. Just as a writer, I suppose, so I won't let my fans down in the future.
Oh, I do have one, but most of you have already heard it.
Posting a memory for you... Well, for me, but I'm sharing...
ChemoSabe continues to rise and shine at 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. A result of chemo and steroids. I usually awake to the coffee brewing at that time each morning.. Such a pleasant aroma. This morning my nostrils smelled a hint of something distasteful which was accompanied by a nerve racking noise. Hmmm.. something burning? I checked the fireplace last night. Well, it was burned toast and the fire alarm! I jumped up, grabbed my cell, ran to the top of the stairs to see him at the bottom swearing to me he didn't set the security alarm off. I called the alarm company and pointed the finger in his direction and explained he had burned the toast. When she asked if there were any other problems I told her only that it was 4:00 a.m. and my sleep was interrupted. :) I would almost be certain our neighbors weren't happy either. With that, I made him escort all four dogs out the door for a breath of fresh air.
All that and he is still my perfect man.
It seems when we set the alarm off once, then it happens at least 3-4 times in a row and then doesn't happen for months. Our alarm people just laugh..
So, there ya go... I will let you know soon how labs are going.
Good day and Love -- Pepper
Definition: A small bag, case, or pad containing perfuming powder or the like, placed among handkerchiefs, etc., to impart a pleasant scent. Also, sachet powder, the powder contained in such a case.
My mother had another use for this word, Sachet and I was being smart allecky. When she would get upset with me she would tell me I was sacheting around... Being cocky.
I have had tons of 'complaints' that I have not been faithful in keeping you up-to-date on ChemoSabe. I have not written since February 1.. Well, I have no excuse except for everyday events. Work, washing, cooking, house work, babysitting, dogs, birds, riding and just plain ole being lazy.
The two week process began again today. Labs in the morning and Velcade in the afternoon on Tuesday and Friday. The last intervals were non-stop. On a three day cycle from the last steroids, he opted to go out of town on Wednesday and Thursday of that week. He began that stint by getting up at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday and got home on Thursday evening at 9:00 p.m. During that whole time he got about four hours sleep. I just don't know how he does it.
We took advantage of this last round off and headed to Eureka Springs on Friday morning and came back in on Sunday evening. Yes, we rode the bikes. The weather was a bit nippy, but it was absolutely wonderful getting away (alone). We took our time and stopped when we wanted to and found some places up there we didn't know existed in all the 23 years we have been visiting.
We found a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also has some couches, love seats and lounging areas for the coffee drinking, book reading types. It was underground, beneath Romancing the Stone. They have been there 15 years. We go in Romancing the Stone every trip... I can't believe we have missed it all these years.
There are a few business for sale and I imagined us retiring and going there to live on a summer business deal... I think we could make it. I do have to admit, though, I would miss Wal-Mart weekly trips, Penneys and just the ability to get out and do what we do in the 'big' city.
ChemoSabe has lost four pounds. I have gained 100! ha. I finally had to go out and buy bigger jeans. When you have at least 12 pair and only one fits...We have a problem. My neighbor and I have not been able to do our two mile walk because of the weather... Next my excuse will be it is too damn hot.
I had a difficult time during Valentine's Day. It was the first anniversary of my mother's death. I guess I will never look at that day in the same way again. But, it was kinda 'marked' for me anyway. I married Son's dad on Valentine's Day and our divorce was final that day, too (1968 and 1970). Short, but sweet. Well, maybe not sweet or we wouldn't be divorced.
I lost my boss on Feb. 25. I am the lone wolf in the office until about the end of April or first of May. I am loving it. I have gotten so much done. Things I have put off because my boss would interrupt me. He has gone to mend another church and I will hear from him at least every other day... After all, he has been my friend since 1997.
Back to ChemoSabe --- We are going out to dinner tonight with Ruthie and Rog from Okla. He is back for testing and treatment. I know we basically have the same schedules, but it seems like his testing is more frequent. It isn't, but it seems that way. We will also be having dinner to celebrate my 60th birthday from last week. I had asked for steak for my birthday, but ChemoSabe wanted to wait until we got back to L.R. so we wouldn't pick a bad place.
Well, Kids... I think I did a mighty fine job of sacheting around all the events since February. I have thought of some very funny stories to tell you along the way, but now I have forgotten. I will have to start jotting them down as I think of them. Just as a writer, I suppose, so I won't let my fans down in the future.
Oh, I do have one, but most of you have already heard it.
Posting a memory for you... Well, for me, but I'm sharing...
ChemoSabe continues to rise and shine at 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. A result of chemo and steroids. I usually awake to the coffee brewing at that time each morning.. Such a pleasant aroma. This morning my nostrils smelled a hint of something distasteful which was accompanied by a nerve racking noise. Hmmm.. something burning? I checked the fireplace last night. Well, it was burned toast and the fire alarm! I jumped up, grabbed my cell, ran to the top of the stairs to see him at the bottom swearing to me he didn't set the security alarm off. I called the alarm company and pointed the finger in his direction and explained he had burned the toast. When she asked if there were any other problems I told her only that it was 4:00 a.m. and my sleep was interrupted. :) I would almost be certain our neighbors weren't happy either. With that, I made him escort all four dogs out the door for a breath of fresh air.
All that and he is still my perfect man.
It seems when we set the alarm off once, then it happens at least 3-4 times in a row and then doesn't happen for months. Our alarm people just laugh..
So, there ya go... I will let you know soon how labs are going.
Good day and Love -- Pepper
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Evanescent -- Word for the Day -- Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Evanescent
Definition: Tending to vanish like vapor
Been kinda quite this week with my man gone. I have enjoyed the silence and independence, but I don't like the silence and the independence. Doesn't make sense, does it? This trip has been the worse one, but the best one. He knows his limits and has been coming in after dinner and enjoying his quite study time. That helps me, too.
This is the last week where he will be off meds. He thinks his shots are evanescent in that he has some reactions. His face is bloated, his cheeks are splotched and his eyes have been burning and red. He claims it is because he is off the steroids. I have tried to refresh his memory that he had that problem before cancer came along. Why does he then look at me like 'don't I know that cancer is the reason for everything?'
We have talked each night. Last night for 45 min and tonight for 40. He is loving his room. He is right on the ocean and has a balcony with a small patio. He forgot and left the door open all night and slept like a baby. When he got out of the shower this morning he saw something white fly by. He went to the balcony and there sat two seagulls on the next balcony waiting for food. He figured he better shut his door.. ha
The meeting he is attending is the 2010 KickOff... and to reward for 2009. Last year he got seven awards and this year it was four... The best ones though. He loves that work and the people.
I think I saw an email already that he has work going on Saturday.
He told me a story about one of his Infusion nurses. She has a five year old grandson. He was suspended from school with a friend of his.... Mooning!!! Somehow it didn't seem to be his fault! ha
Labs went very well and the crap stayed down real good. He is still gaining more weight that we can handle, but I truly believe when we get back on those bikes we can sweat it out. I'm just sayin..
I look at him and see him asleep or working on his computer, or eating, or just sitting and daydreaming. He has changed in so many ways physically. He looks older but not haggard. Then when I look real deep I stiill see my man in there. Especially when he looks over at me and I see the twinkle in his eys.
Work, for me, has been going quite well. I feel I can finally do what I was hired to do. No hurdles. I hear a new pastor will be in in a couple of months. That will be a trying time for me, then.
Our son has been so good to us lately. With the bad weather and such. He even took time out of his Sunday, while we were in church to come over and do a big project for us. The bad part is we didn't notice it for a week. I thought ChemoSabe did it and he thought I did it... Then we looked at each other and laughed..when we realized who really did it.
We start back on the Dex and Velcade next week. I did his survey this week. You have to answer a series of questions about your sex life, can you get pregnant, have you shared your meds, blah, blah, blah. That's every month. Then when the order is ready they call you and you have to do the same survey again. BUT, they then ship it overnight next day delivery, FREE!
Boys are in the bed and I wouldn't have been up this late if ChemoSabe hadn't needed me.. So I'm headin for the hills.
Sleep Tight and Love -- Pepper
Definition: Tending to vanish like vapor
Been kinda quite this week with my man gone. I have enjoyed the silence and independence, but I don't like the silence and the independence. Doesn't make sense, does it? This trip has been the worse one, but the best one. He knows his limits and has been coming in after dinner and enjoying his quite study time. That helps me, too.
This is the last week where he will be off meds. He thinks his shots are evanescent in that he has some reactions. His face is bloated, his cheeks are splotched and his eyes have been burning and red. He claims it is because he is off the steroids. I have tried to refresh his memory that he had that problem before cancer came along. Why does he then look at me like 'don't I know that cancer is the reason for everything?'
We have talked each night. Last night for 45 min and tonight for 40. He is loving his room. He is right on the ocean and has a balcony with a small patio. He forgot and left the door open all night and slept like a baby. When he got out of the shower this morning he saw something white fly by. He went to the balcony and there sat two seagulls on the next balcony waiting for food. He figured he better shut his door.. ha
The meeting he is attending is the 2010 KickOff... and to reward for 2009. Last year he got seven awards and this year it was four... The best ones though. He loves that work and the people.
I think I saw an email already that he has work going on Saturday.
He told me a story about one of his Infusion nurses. She has a five year old grandson. He was suspended from school with a friend of his.... Mooning!!! Somehow it didn't seem to be his fault! ha
Labs went very well and the crap stayed down real good. He is still gaining more weight that we can handle, but I truly believe when we get back on those bikes we can sweat it out. I'm just sayin..
I look at him and see him asleep or working on his computer, or eating, or just sitting and daydreaming. He has changed in so many ways physically. He looks older but not haggard. Then when I look real deep I stiill see my man in there. Especially when he looks over at me and I see the twinkle in his eys.
Work, for me, has been going quite well. I feel I can finally do what I was hired to do. No hurdles. I hear a new pastor will be in in a couple of months. That will be a trying time for me, then.
Our son has been so good to us lately. With the bad weather and such. He even took time out of his Sunday, while we were in church to come over and do a big project for us. The bad part is we didn't notice it for a week. I thought ChemoSabe did it and he thought I did it... Then we looked at each other and laughed..when we realized who really did it.
We start back on the Dex and Velcade next week. I did his survey this week. You have to answer a series of questions about your sex life, can you get pregnant, have you shared your meds, blah, blah, blah. That's every month. Then when the order is ready they call you and you have to do the same survey again. BUT, they then ship it overnight next day delivery, FREE!
Boys are in the bed and I wouldn't have been up this late if ChemoSabe hadn't needed me.. So I'm headin for the hills.
Sleep Tight and Love -- Pepper
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)