It's Cancer - A quiet day

I've done as little as possible today in preparation for tomorrow's second-to-last chemo treatment. I let Rose out the door to do her business. I went to the kitchen to get water and something to eat. As a result of drinking so much water I went to the bathroom more times that I can count.

I'm not planning to watch DJT's televised address to Congress tonight. The more I see him the more he bothers me. I think he is finding out that all his promises to the American people aren't as easy to accomplish as he thought, yet he can't admit it. And don't get me started on his appointees and cabinet.

Today I'm celebrating Fat Tuesday. I'll try my best to eat every Girl Scout cookie in the house before bedtime. Can't wait to see my weight tomorrow.

It's Cancer - Sweet treats from a sweet friend

I'm going to go to the grocery store this afternoon, or at least that is my plan. I don't need any groceries, but I do need to get out of the house. I think walking in the store while holding onto cart is an excellent idea. I'll keep my purchases to a minimum since the weight I can lift is still restricted.

I'm excited about an event that MDA is presenting at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston this Thursday night. The topic is the link between lifestyle, cancer prevention and overall health. MDA will present research and recommendations for anti-cancer living, and, in collaboration with MFAH docents, they will link this lifestyle with works of art in the galleries. The only problem is that is the night of my writing class and I've missed the last two sessions because I wasn't feeling well the day after chemo. I wish I could be two places at once.

Today I'm celebrating Katy who brought a box of six pastries to the house yesterday from her favorite bakery in Galveston. I keep nibbling on them, trying to decide which one I like best. Right now there is a six-way tie.

It's Cancer - Tired today

I don't feel bad, I'm just tired. Maybe it is Rose's snoring that makes me think a nap is a good idea.

It's warm today, but tomorrow it's supposed to be colder. I told someone earlier that maybe the every-other-day change in the weather is what keeps me from getting rid of my runny nose and cough.

Today I'm celebrating Dr. Mc. She made a delicious dinner last night. She also brought home Girl Scout cookies. Perfect!

It's Cancer - Best wishes to family starting their journey

On my way through the MDA Hayes Building lobby yesterday, I heard my name called. I turned around and there was a friend from my neighborhood. After a hug and her asking how I was doing, she told me that her family had just learned that her sister has ovarian cancer.

I was sad all afternoon thinking about that family and what lays in front of them, and reflective about my own cancer journey. I can well remember what it felt like to receive my diagnosis. What fear and concern my friend's family must feel at this time. After chemo I have two more parts to my journey (surgery and radiation) so I shouldn't feel as I'm through my battle, but I do have great optimism for the future.

Today I'm celebrating the new seven-day steroid pack I started this morning. My limbs are covered with the chemo rash again. Hopefully the steroid pack will improve the ugly, itchy rash, as well as the inflection that's affecting my blood cell counts and making me tired and weak.

It's Cancer - Chemo Phase 2, Number 10 of 12

Mr. B and I got home from MDA around 8:30 p.m. Mitzie had been with me at MDA since noon for blood work, port access, appointment with oncologist, and waiting for chemo to begin. Mr. B arrived just before chemo started to relieve Mitzie.

The oncologist was one hour late for our appointment and chemo was two hours late starting. I just can't understand why these appointments are always late. I get impatient waiting, but really hate it when someone has to wait with me. Nothing is more boring and frustrating that sitting around with other sick people.

Today I'm celebrating the movie Roman Holiday. It started just when chemo began and I was able to watch the ending when we got home. I can't count the number of times I've watched the movie and I still enjoy watching it again and again.

It's Cancer - Feeling good today

I'm happy to report that three days of medication and rest can help a body feel good. I'm not taking potassium supplements, but I am eating foods and drinking juices that are rich in it. I felt so good that I met Sandy for lunch at a new Heights restaurant (Field & Tides). Then I had frozen yogurt with down-the-street neighbor Diane.

I got home to reports of shots fired at Ben Taub Hospital. HPD is conducting a secondary search of the building right now because their initial search didn't find an active shooter or gun. There are no reports of anyone being hurt. I'm so glad that I'm not in the med center today. It must be a mess there right now.

Today I'm celebrating Susan who shaved my head this afternoon. I had patches of "peach fuzz" growing that I wanted to get rid of so my hair will grow back evenly. Thanks, Susan, for the shave and scalp massage.

It's Cancer - Six hours in the ER at MDA

I woke up feeling OK on Saturday morning, but as the day went on I started experiencing some pains in the middle of my chest. That was just the beginning of my problems. I was light headed, dizzy, weak, and short of breath. My whole body was tingling. My face became very flushed. Finally I told Mr. B that I needed to go to the emergency room. I wasn't sure what was happening, but the combination of ailments was troublesome.

We went to the emergency room at MDA where I was tested for a heart attack, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu and everything else viral. When I arrived my blood pressure was sky high. I had IVs in both arms and was pumped full of morphine, antibiotics and other fluids. I'm surprised I wasn't anemic after all the blood draws. My diagnosis was a severe potassium deficiency, which fits all my symptoms and, in my case, was caused by chemo. Potassium was added to my "cocktail" mix before I was discharged home to my own bed.

Today I'm celebrating Thin Mints. Mr. B pulled some from his stash in the freezer. The frozen chocolate delights were probably the best medicine for me, at least in my mind.