Side effects...

This was my day at the mall looking at decorations, and driving the
neighborhood streets to see the sparkle, decorations and cheer.

I am sorry that I haven't mailed out Christmas cards.  Most who know me, know that I mail out probably too many and too early.  This year I didn't. 

Also, I have been so out of it this season that I did not get special cards and gifts out either.  Please accept my apologies.  Next Christmas I hope to be in good shape.

Snow has been off and on, and has not totally melted.  We may just have a white Christmas!



My thoughts and love are still with each and everyone, wishing you not only a Merry Christmas, but a happy 2011.

Well,  I have had some fairly "new normal" days.  The side effects of my chemo treatment are still wearing on me a bit.  I seem to feel really cold in my legs and feet, and at the same time continuing to run about a degree temperature.  The fatigue I expected, don't like, but figured it would get me, headaches,  sore gland in throat, occasional blurred vision, itching.  The itching and burning is from hives that seem to want to stick around.  But, with the list of possible side effects much longer my complaints must seem silly. 

I have too much to accomplish during the day to laze around.  But finally gave it up on Wednesday and rested.   Oh yes, "patience" continues to be a work in progress. 

One of the side effects I have is a problem with is confusion and lack of focus!  A couple of examples, yesterday I went into the laundry room to find my popcorn bowl and empty drink container on a shelf.  Why did I take them in there, rather than the kitchen?  Coming back from the doctor yesterday in Othello' I pointed out a pizza business to my sister..."look, that's just like the one we went to the other day!"  Duh, she said... it was the one we went to the other day, but in my mind I was seeing the one in Quincy as the one we went to.  I am not too pleased with this development.  It too will pass, I command it!

I wanted to be able to focus on the new Chronicles of Narnia movie, so I watched the first two again.  I also looked up book reviews, movie reviews, notes from the author, etc.  I did this before watching the movies again.  Wow, there was so much I missed the first go around.  Now, I am looking for movie/book reviews to read before watching the third movie. 

On Monday, after Christmas I have another doctor appointment.  This one is with my oncologist and it will be a review of all my latest tests, including the blood tests earlier Monday morning.  I hope that all is well enough for me to be able to do chemo on schedule.  After suffering with these delightful hives, I am worried about my white cell count. 

After the doctor appointment, we (my sister, brother-in-law and I) will be going to visit my neice and her family in Battle Ground for a few days.  I really miss being the hostess of Christmas, this was my favorite time of the year. 

My ex-husband (friend) asked me if I wanted Oscar cologne for Christmas.  I told him no, as I am not liking most smells at this time.  Years ago when we divorced, I reminded him that "in the fine print" of the divorce papers was written that he must continue to buy me Oscar cologne for the rest of my life.  Of course it is not, but I do get Oscar!  He is off the hook for cologne this year.  But,  he did offer to buy me Benedryl for the hive issue.  What a guy!  I guess that is one reason he is still my friend. 

A great big hug and thank you to all of you who have been praying for my health issues.  I do not take anything for granted, and cherish each and everyone of you! 



My hair needed trimmed, so I asked my
 sister to use her Flowbee.  This hooks to
the vacuum cleaner.  You put on the attach
ments to the length wanted and suck it up!

  That is why I had to make sure Gloria understood this time to take 1/2 " off, not leave 1/2" of hair.



I kept hoping that the vacuum wouldn't
pull the remaining hair off my head too. 
Yeah, wouldn't that be a hoot.