Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Another day at the river, 07/03/11
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Annie and Brandon drove up for a quick visit. It was so nice to see them. We missed seeing Denny, Annie's oldest son. I will be going down to CA for a reunion in late August, so will see him then. During this visit, we also had at Gloria and Allen's, Mike's daughter Requel. The best part was that all of us seemed to be in good health for a nice visit and outing. I am the oldest, then Gloria and the baby is Annie.
It is exciting that this month I have not had to spend time in chemo, and afterwards not feeling well. I still have issues, but they are getting better as each day goes by. My chemo brain is still here... I say and do things that I wish later I had not. But... time heals that issue. I also still have frustrating moments when attempting simple tasks that I have done many times before. That is especially true with computer and technical issues.
I am taking my nutrient supplements again. I could not take any of those during chemo. As the doctor said, I am not "out of the woods" yet, but downgraded to "watch and wait" before further treatment. Basically, he is watching for growths. Since CLL is slow growing, I am counting on a long time before new mass' grow.
Energy and desire to multi task is still in the healing process... wish it would get a move on!
The chia seed is still helping me with my diabetic numbers, so I am continuing with insulin in the morning and evening and not the three shots before each meal. That is good. But... summer is here and so difficult to maintain order on my diet. I strive for 100%, but am pleased with myself when I can be sure to accomplish 75 - 90%. Some days, I am really good and make 100%, while others I just have to have an extra bite of the tiny portion control of watermelon, or a spoon of ice cream, and my worst... popcorn. It cannot be in the house, I have no control! I have bought boxes of popcorn, and thrown away parts of it to put controls on myself. No, not just throwing it into the garbage can... cutting it open and pouring out the contents. When a craving hits, I am not above crawling into the dumpster. I am, at heart, a carb junkie!
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| My sister Annie, came up with her son from Santa Rosa, CA. We took them to the Columbia River. It was the Fourth of July week and wanted to do something fun. |
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| The three sisters, together! Gloria, Annie, Marie |
Annie and Brandon drove up for a quick visit. It was so nice to see them. We missed seeing Denny, Annie's oldest son. I will be going down to CA for a reunion in late August, so will see him then. During this visit, we also had at Gloria and Allen's, Mike's daughter Requel. The best part was that all of us seemed to be in good health for a nice visit and outing. I am the oldest, then Gloria and the baby is Annie.
It is exciting that this month I have not had to spend time in chemo, and afterwards not feeling well. I still have issues, but they are getting better as each day goes by. My chemo brain is still here... I say and do things that I wish later I had not. But... time heals that issue. I also still have frustrating moments when attempting simple tasks that I have done many times before. That is especially true with computer and technical issues.
I am taking my nutrient supplements again. I could not take any of those during chemo. As the doctor said, I am not "out of the woods" yet, but downgraded to "watch and wait" before further treatment. Basically, he is watching for growths. Since CLL is slow growing, I am counting on a long time before new mass' grow.
Energy and desire to multi task is still in the healing process... wish it would get a move on!
The chia seed is still helping me with my diabetic numbers, so I am continuing with insulin in the morning and evening and not the three shots before each meal. That is good. But... summer is here and so difficult to maintain order on my diet. I strive for 100%, but am pleased with myself when I can be sure to accomplish 75 - 90%. Some days, I am really good and make 100%, while others I just have to have an extra bite of the tiny portion control of watermelon, or a spoon of ice cream, and my worst... popcorn. It cannot be in the house, I have no control! I have bought boxes of popcorn, and thrown away parts of it to put controls on myself. No, not just throwing it into the garbage can... cutting it open and pouring out the contents. When a craving hits, I am not above crawling into the dumpster. I am, at heart, a carb junkie!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29...
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| Going to the Columbia River, at Vantage, WA yesterday. Requel says... "Are we there yet?" |
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| Looking at the river from where we are at... It was a nice day, relaxing and nice to get out. Glad that I am feeling better and can enjoy outings again! |
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| Oh look! Grandma Gloria found pollywogs! She was the champion at catching them when we were kids. The only reason Grandma is in the water here is because this shallow area is warm! |
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| Grandpa Allen back at the picnic site. It is safer there for him... we women can be daring, or mean... Face it, he is afraid of us getting him with the cold Columbia River water! We couldn't convince him we would never to that.... |
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| It is so good to feel good enough to go on outings! I waded in the water, yeah it was cold... but fun. Except for when I gracefully fell down, with my sweet sister behind me... watching. She says she grabbed my blouse, did I hear a chuckle when she said that? Hmmmmmmm |
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| Hey buddy! Are you checking out my legs? |
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
June, 2011 blood test results...
On 06/23, I went to pick up my latest blood test results. Wow! It was great to see that my kidney function was greater than >60. The number range for normal function is greater than >60. This is the first time since last year that my numbers have been normal. Also, my WBC and RBC (white and red blood cell count) are now in the normal range. All of these months with my numbers being abnormal, this is just wonderful news.
June 27, I made another trip into Kennewick. My tooth/teeth are still in pain. Found that my teeth which are soft anyway, are somewhat brittle from the chemo. I clinch my teeth... yeah, I cracked three molars. They are now in the process of being repaired, but the expense! It seems that I need to win the lotto to be financially free again. Ha ha.
Driving back to Royal City yesterday I really thought about all I have to be thankful for. In those thoughts were my surroundings. As on past trips, I have tried to appreciate what I am able to view, experience, and appreciate. This time I noticed the acres and acres of lush green fields, filled with mint, hay, alfalfa, baby corn coming up, yellow mustard, orchards of fruit trees, fields of berries, and feed lots filled with cows. Every since I found out that I have cancer, appreciation of the world I am in has been important. The fact I have my eyesight, can drive, can smell and hear... all becomes valuable. It may sound sappy as I tell about my trips and all that I experience, but... think about not being healthy enough to be out and about. I do not take the health I have for granted.
Passing the auction yard on Hwy 395 was a sad representation of the poor economic times we are in now. The property was filled to the brim with farm equipment, as well as vehicles both business and private. Most of the time these are for sale due to repossession, foreclosure, loss of farm or property. It was so sad to see all of these items, knowing that they represented so many business' , individuals and families.
Ah, but there is the rest of the story. As I approached Hwy 26 on my trip to Royal City there was a lot of dust in the air. Road construction! (Of course I just washed the car) Earlier in the trip I figured that I didn't need to make a potty stop, as the road construction should be finished for the day at 6:30 p.m. With that in mind I continued on, figuring I would make it home in time for my business. Wrong! Don't ever assume. Road crew still working, holding up traffic every so often, took what seems "forever" to get down the highway to Royal City. You just don't do that to a 62 year old woman. Maybe the female astronaut who wore adult pamper's a few years ago had a good idea, ha ha.
June 27, I made another trip into Kennewick. My tooth/teeth are still in pain. Found that my teeth which are soft anyway, are somewhat brittle from the chemo. I clinch my teeth... yeah, I cracked three molars. They are now in the process of being repaired, but the expense! It seems that I need to win the lotto to be financially free again. Ha ha.
Driving back to Royal City yesterday I really thought about all I have to be thankful for. In those thoughts were my surroundings. As on past trips, I have tried to appreciate what I am able to view, experience, and appreciate. This time I noticed the acres and acres of lush green fields, filled with mint, hay, alfalfa, baby corn coming up, yellow mustard, orchards of fruit trees, fields of berries, and feed lots filled with cows. Every since I found out that I have cancer, appreciation of the world I am in has been important. The fact I have my eyesight, can drive, can smell and hear... all becomes valuable. It may sound sappy as I tell about my trips and all that I experience, but... think about not being healthy enough to be out and about. I do not take the health I have for granted.
Passing the auction yard on Hwy 395 was a sad representation of the poor economic times we are in now. The property was filled to the brim with farm equipment, as well as vehicles both business and private. Most of the time these are for sale due to repossession, foreclosure, loss of farm or property. It was so sad to see all of these items, knowing that they represented so many business' , individuals and families.
Ah, but there is the rest of the story. As I approached Hwy 26 on my trip to Royal City there was a lot of dust in the air. Road construction! (Of course I just washed the car) Earlier in the trip I figured that I didn't need to make a potty stop, as the road construction should be finished for the day at 6:30 p.m. With that in mind I continued on, figuring I would make it home in time for my business. Wrong! Don't ever assume. Road crew still working, holding up traffic every so often, took what seems "forever" to get down the highway to Royal City. You just don't do that to a 62 year old woman. Maybe the female astronaut who wore adult pamper's a few years ago had a good idea, ha ha.
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| Cranky women alert... Where's the porta potty guys? You know we are going to be asked! |
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday 06/20/11... Great News!
Today was hot for a change, no wind, and tomorrow it is offiicially summer (06/21).
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It is also a time to remember mom, Josephine Alice (Hopper) Roach... June 21st was/is her birthday. In memory of mom I will quote, "This is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24. Every, and I mean every morning she would loudly knock on the bedroom door that all of us kids shared and repeat this verse. It was her way of waking us up.
Today I had an appointment with my Oncologist. Good News! The MRI scan results were reviewed by my doctor, and two in-house radiologists. These three have reviewed and discussed my case from the beginning. All seem to be in agreement the right kidney scan shows NO active cancer. The scan does have scar tissue which appears in the picture. This information, along with a prior MRI scan showing the right renal artery free of active cancer too, is wonderful news. Both growths now inactive! Whoo hoo.
No, I am not free, but there are no active growths that we know of. The doctor wants to do a MRI scan every three months for a while. He says it is possible that I may go a long time before chemo treatment is needed again. At $37,000.00 each treatment, it is a good thing to be done.
It has been almost a month since my last chemo. I am looking forward to my body healing, as well as my other health issues improving. The biggest ongoing problem I have had is with my diabetes. Without the regular infusion of chemo steroids, I invision my glucose numbers going down. Yes! I hope the amount of insulin needed will go down too. Right now, even with the Chia seeds (which are continuing to work for me) it is, 50 units Humulin N in the morning and again at night. It is better than that plus Humulin R, before each meal too. Is is greedy for me to want better results, less insulin? Maybe I could go back to the oral medication (Metformin) I took before all of this CLL/chemo. One can hope. Also, how long does it take to say goodbye to "chemo brain?"
The sun / Son is smiling on a new day
Today I had an appointment with my Oncologist. Good News! The MRI scan results were reviewed by my doctor, and two in-house radiologists. These three have reviewed and discussed my case from the beginning. All seem to be in agreement the right kidney scan shows NO active cancer. The scan does have scar tissue which appears in the picture. This information, along with a prior MRI scan showing the right renal artery free of active cancer too, is wonderful news. Both growths now inactive! Whoo hoo.
No, I am not free, but there are no active growths that we know of. The doctor wants to do a MRI scan every three months for a while. He says it is possible that I may go a long time before chemo treatment is needed again. At $37,000.00 each treatment, it is a good thing to be done.
It has been almost a month since my last chemo. I am looking forward to my body healing, as well as my other health issues improving. The biggest ongoing problem I have had is with my diabetes. Without the regular infusion of chemo steroids, I invision my glucose numbers going down. Yes! I hope the amount of insulin needed will go down too. Right now, even with the Chia seeds (which are continuing to work for me) it is, 50 units Humulin N in the morning and again at night. It is better than that plus Humulin R, before each meal too. Is is greedy for me to want better results, less insulin? Maybe I could go back to the oral medication (Metformin) I took before all of this CLL/chemo. One can hope. Also, how long does it take to say goodbye to "chemo brain?"
Tonight I have so much to be thankful for... and I am.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, 06/13
Up early and going to Kennewick for a MRI/contrast scan. I am so sore and drug out from the yard sale my sister and I had this weekend. Did I make a bunch of money? Well, comparing it to zero the amount was better than nothing if I hadn’t done the sale. Every little bit helps, and this week it was a "little" bit of money. You never know, sometimes it can be $100.00 or more.
The rain has really helped everything grow, including the weeds. But, the new growth is so welcome and wonderful to look at. Flowers are blooming, seedlings are coming up, berries are beginning to develop. Fresh cut grass smells so good, along with the clean air after a rain. Then the sun comes out and gives us a treat. I enjoy the wonders and beauty of it all.
In addition to going in for the MRI today, I went into Urgent Care. My primary doctor was full, and since I was already in Kennewick... ran over to Urgent Care to be seen. I would have put it off, but my sister, Gloria, is persistent. Glad she was... it seems I have an infection in my sinus’. And I thought it was allergies or asthma. From my low WBC, and all symptoms, the infection has been around for a couple of months or more. My Oncologist had my lungs x-ray a couple of months ago due to the cough, but said there was nothing. My primary doctor has listened to my lungs and said they were good. Neither considered it was an infection dripping down, rather than a problem coming up from the lungs. I am on medicine for that, hopefully the coughing, slight temp which keeps me worn down, etc. will go away now.
I have to get a copy of my birth certificate made for my apartment application. While doing this, I will be making a copy for something I never thought would happen during my lifetime. Several states have passed laws, as well a counties within states... regarding proof of citizenship. With all of the security problems in the country right now, I understand the laws, but it is so sad to think we (America) has come to this. I also understand that officers must ask everyone for the same information, or else they will be charged with profiling! The new laws being passed, state by state, allow an officer to ask for proof of citizenship "when" contacted for other reasons. So, if I go on a trip and a county in the state I visit has this law... and I am asked for proof...where are the authorities going to place me if I don’t have it? Hmmmmmmmm
Thursday, 06/16
Still have not heard anything from my Oncologist regarding the MRI/contrast scan. Part of "wait and watch" I guess.
Okay, I am going to admit this only one time, but in hindsight I have to laugh at what my sister and I almost did. Do you remember this past week, in the news, there was information about a solar storm? Gloria looked it up, and came to me a bit worried. We talked about the results of a solar storm and what was rumored it could do to electronic stuff. So, (mainly Gloria, ha ha) and I thought that maybe we should cover our computer towers and my lap top ... etc. with aluminum foil. We were going to ask the advice of our children, but figured that they would just add this to the information file to have us committed (ha ha), so didn’t call. Also, we did not use up the foil supply covering the electronic equipment. Gloria and I decided to take a risk and not be made fun of if all turned out okay, and if not, well..... and, no we are not making paperclip necklaces to protect us either, we are not that bad off. Really!
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| Gloria taking the money... |
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| Me, Marie... putting stuff out. |
The rain has really helped everything grow, including the weeds. But, the new growth is so welcome and wonderful to look at. Flowers are blooming, seedlings are coming up, berries are beginning to develop. Fresh cut grass smells so good, along with the clean air after a rain. Then the sun comes out and gives us a treat. I enjoy the wonders and beauty of it all.
In addition to going in for the MRI today, I went into Urgent Care. My primary doctor was full, and since I was already in Kennewick... ran over to Urgent Care to be seen. I would have put it off, but my sister, Gloria, is persistent. Glad she was... it seems I have an infection in my sinus’. And I thought it was allergies or asthma. From my low WBC, and all symptoms, the infection has been around for a couple of months or more. My Oncologist had my lungs x-ray a couple of months ago due to the cough, but said there was nothing. My primary doctor has listened to my lungs and said they were good. Neither considered it was an infection dripping down, rather than a problem coming up from the lungs. I am on medicine for that, hopefully the coughing, slight temp which keeps me worn down, etc. will go away now.
I have to get a copy of my birth certificate made for my apartment application. While doing this, I will be making a copy for something I never thought would happen during my lifetime. Several states have passed laws, as well a counties within states... regarding proof of citizenship. With all of the security problems in the country right now, I understand the laws, but it is so sad to think we (America) has come to this. I also understand that officers must ask everyone for the same information, or else they will be charged with profiling! The new laws being passed, state by state, allow an officer to ask for proof of citizenship "when" contacted for other reasons. So, if I go on a trip and a county in the state I visit has this law... and I am asked for proof...where are the authorities going to place me if I don’t have it? Hmmmmmmmm
Thursday, 06/16
Still have not heard anything from my Oncologist regarding the MRI/contrast scan. Part of "wait and watch" I guess.
Okay, I am going to admit this only one time, but in hindsight I have to laugh at what my sister and I almost did. Do you remember this past week, in the news, there was information about a solar storm? Gloria looked it up, and came to me a bit worried. We talked about the results of a solar storm and what was rumored it could do to electronic stuff. So, (mainly Gloria, ha ha) and I thought that maybe we should cover our computer towers and my lap top ... etc. with aluminum foil. We were going to ask the advice of our children, but figured that they would just add this to the information file to have us committed (ha ha), so didn’t call. Also, we did not use up the foil supply covering the electronic equipment. Gloria and I decided to take a risk and not be made fun of if all turned out okay, and if not, well..... and, no we are not making paperclip necklaces to protect us either, we are not that bad off. Really!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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