Still making progress

Waited till this morning to get the test results and my now favorite CEA number.  I thought last time that Dan was expecting I might be ready to plateau but fortunately my CEA went from 109 to 86--so I get to keep doing this chemo thing.  Funny what you end up being happy about.   I had been targeting 45 in my head so will keep that imagery going this week.  Anyone who wants to help--think 45.  I know I can think 0 but I am taking it in small steps.  I told Dan last week that I at least wanted to break 100.  CEA measures the amount of protein given off by cancer cells.  Less protein, less cells--Things keep moving in the right direction. Go minions go, they do good work.

Had a weepy morning--anticipation or tired or just because.  Kirsty, today's nurse told me stories about her puppies to get me going and lunch helped.  After 7 visits I finally discovered warm water in the lobby so I can still drink after the cold sensitivity chemo, that is a big help.  We started late today.  I guess on regular days I am too tired to be upset and just sleep walk into getting going on the chemo.  The day of chemo is not so bad, one of the drugs starts making me feel that something is coming into my body but not in the same way that the take home chemo does.  I think the anticipation is more about that part of the chemo then the in clinic time.  It is a two day out of body experience in your body,  steady and constant and you just have to wait it out.  Thursday night we are going to a Janis Joplin play at the Ordway.  Distractions are good.

Last week was hard-our friend Kim Koeppen's husband, Steve, passed away. Kim was my rock at Hamline and was always good for conversation, good perspective, great ideas and a good laugh every now and again.  We still get together for coffee on a semi regular basis and I look forward to those times.  She stopped by on Monday and we talked about Steve, cancer, which took Steve, futures, teaching, Salli, her 13 year old, and things that can make you laugh.  Sometimes life just doesn't seem fair.   It was nice to connect with several Hamline colleagues at the funeral--it is a good group of people.

So many of you have probably noticed that there is no hair color yet, Sue is sure about the idea and I have not gone to any shops with the advice I received from many of you.  My hairs are choosing to grow at different speeds, so I do have one hair that is about 2 inches long.  Some have suggested a bow and I have considered a haircut, but to date no action has been taken.

Scott and I finished a puzzle before he went and I have not done any since.  We have pulled out all our boxes with travel souvenirs, itineraries, postcards, money and have been sorting out the things to toss and things to save.  Fun memories, and once sorted we will look through each trip and enjoy the memories more thoroughly.  The kitchen counter is covered....Our other house project was to go through books, at least 10 boxes have made their way out the door so far with more yet to come.

After chemo--so I get attached to my ball and we collect our supplies which make it look like we planned to stay a month. We closed the place down so the clinic gates were down and we had to find the back entrance. I decide to walk to the car instead of getting picked up...unprepared, mittens are in my pocket so not on my hands so that I can cover my face.  Cold sensitivity on the nose--feels like I walked through a spider web, just on my nose and it does not rub off.  Hand warmer and mittens on my nose in the car bring things back to normal.  Home to the couch with Jessie, mac and cheese for dinner, watch a few tv shows and off to bed.  Rousing evening at the Albrecht-Desmond household.  Fitbit showed 729 steps at home after chemo, did not think to walk in the morning with my extra time.

We kept busy over the last two weeks.  Zootopia was fun and a good distraction from last chemo, another women's bball game, unfortunately they lost, but Rachel Banham made first team all american, took several walks outside on warmer days, tried to see My Name Is Doris but it was sold out so we went shopping at fleet farm and Costco.  After wearing the same two pairs of jeans for 7 months I added a new pair of levis to my collection of jeans that fit and found a pair of capris and a nice t-shirt.

On the  social scene I unfortunately missed a lunch with Tamara since I was not feeling well.  Sue went to the restaurant to let her know and they had a nice visit.  I am glad they finally got to meet and next time Tamara will come here so we can share travel stories--our travels and hers to Japan where she goes often.  We got together with Lois, Jan, Betty and Kathleen, folks we have known for 30+ years.  I taught with Betty at Burnsville and would not have survived those early years with out her guidance, smile and encouragement that we were on the right path. It was wonderful to catch up and just chat and eat the evening away.  I met Anne Bartel for lunch, one of my first practicum teachers when I was studying at the U--so another 30+ year connection--another good time of eating and chatting, we wave at basketball games but don't get to talk often.  We went with Barbara Brooks to dinner and then to "They called her Captain"  a one woman show about her mother's history in the Army, here and abroad.    Her mom is now 95 and sat in front of us at the show, a very sweet story and show.  And for Easter we went to Darin and Mark's, with Kim and Lin, Pat, and Dan and Pat.  Nice gathering of friends and family and delicious food with the ham provided by a pig from Darin's sister.s farm.

Gift highlights:  a minion ball that laughs when you bounce it and digital singing birds that can sing solo or in a trio and have songs that can be dow
nloaded--there is an app for that.

 Backyard turkey doing a bit of a mating dance, a sure sign of spring.

My doc says I am doing well, I tell him I have a lot of support.

Scott is here this week so he has accompanied me to chemo.  He is reading the paper and I am obviously writing the blog.  We just talked about how grateful we are that I can tolerate this chemo so well and that I can continue to get it as it continues to do it's thing.  My CEA number when down again and that keeps everyone happy.  I asked about how we decide how many more chemo sessions there are and Dr Dan said that at some point the numbers will plateau and then we would consider stopping.  This is number 2 of my anticipated last 4-6 sessions.  I asked about even doing 8 but I think he suspects a plateau will happen before that.  My understanding is that 8 would be the limit.  Everyone is still surprised as how well I tolerate the chemo, I just keep being very thankful.

The Gopher women basketball team is playing in the NIT tournament tonight so we are all headed there for evening entertainment.  I with chemo in tow and a little tiredness from the day.  But it should be fun and I can sleep late tomorrow morning.  Scott found that Rachel Banham, our star is #10 on the NCAA all time scoring record so depending on how many games we play in the NIT she should be moving up that list.  She has been fun to watch this year and we are hoping for a good game tonight. Post Game: Gophers won and it was the Rachel Banham show with Rachel scoring 48 points. Sunday is the next game. She is now the 6th all time NCAA woman's scorer, having passed Maya Moore, Cheryl Miller, Elena Delle Done, Chamique Holdsclaw.

Had a good two weeks.  I am off Metformin pills (taking another pill and insulin instead) for my diabetes and my stomach ailments were less severe throughout the two weeks.  I occasionally think it is funny that I had to get cancer to learn how to spell diarrhea--there is always something new to learn....We are still trying to navigate how to make plans during the first week when my mind is willing to be out and about and my body is stuck like glue to the couch.  Sue is good about being sure we get out and do something, even if just a spin around the grocery store.  Good weather is helping make outings easier and we enjoy Thursday through Tuesday which are near normal days, with a few tired moments or a nap.

So I have a head full of peach fuzz as I like to call it.  I am anxious to dye it pink or blue but as I float that idea I am getting consensus that I may end up with pink or blue dyed skin.  Not the look I am going for.  Does anyone know of a non-permanent idea and/or one that will not turn my head colors.  I may be out of luck but I think, "What's the use of having peach fuzz if no one can see it?"  Sue tells me to let go of the idea and unless someone has a solution for me I will do so....

I got some new hats this week--winter caps from the Daytona Bike Week and cool winter hats with blue tooth speakers in them courtesy of Leonard and Dorothy.  I may try the blue tooth today, keep my head warm and listen to music and sleep all at once.  Sounds like good after lunch behavior.  Edie sent a puzzle book which is a nice distraction.  I finished my pencil jig-saw puzzle and waited for Scott to come before starting another.  We are doing one from Zion National Park.  I collect pins and puzzles when we go to parks.

We have reserved 3 nights at Yosemite in May, a few weeks after the 6th chemo session.  Our friends Deb and Jim will join us.  We are trying to figure out what else to do between there and San Fran for a few more days to make it about a week long trip.  We will fly in and out of SF and drive to Yosemite and where ever else we pick--suggestions?  And the big news, we are booking a trip to Japan.  We found an Africa trip that was oh so tempting, a repeat of 2014 trip and we almost set on that.  We both hesitated and asked Dr Dan.  He said either trip was fine we just needed to have access to reasonable health care if needed.  So we could get that in either place but it just feels easier in Japan.  We found an itinerary we like with Alexander and Roberts with a group size of 16.  https://www.alexanderroberts.com/destination/asia/from-japans-inland-sea-to-the-alps-(1).aspx
I am getting more and more excited about it now that the decision is made and we can be anticipating the trip.  I would not have imagined this past October that we would be planning another trip and it does not escape me that it is 4 months away and I am confident that we will be able to go.  And grateful.

We had a good two weeks:  Jerusalem at the Science Museum in IMAX.  Beautiful scenery and story through the eyes/lives of three young woman.  And we learned some new info, which is now forgotten.  Glad we went.  We took the cast and crew of the Allergist's Wife (the play we produced) some wine to say thank you.  It was great fun to see them and to tell them how much we marveled at the transformation from the first reading to the show.  Hugs all around and a few pictures and they were off to prep for the show.  We stayed to see the first act again and enjoy all the laughs and somehow or other heard a few new lines, can't figure that out...We enjoyed dinner before this with Phyllis and Mary Margaret.  Always good to see them and catch up on family, doings at MM's work and of course to do a little political conversation.  Fun night. Had some hints of Spring, pulled out a few chairs on the deck and though you can't see her, Jessie cat loves to hang out there with us--it was70 degrees!

Sunday we saw Gypsy at Theater Latte Da, another local theater with outstanding performances.  The role of Rose, the mom,  was played by an incredible actress very well suited to the role, her voice filled the theater.  We went to see "The Lady in the Van" with Maggie Smith.  Great movie.  Our friend Sylvia recommended it and boy was she right.  Also attended a members only night for the Lynx, toured the practice facilities and locker in the new Mayo Clinic sports center.  Cheryl Reeve, the coach, spoke about the team, the future, the players new and old.  She always talks about them working as a team and the culture of the team that new players want to join and work hard to do so.
Nancy had lunch with Mark from Hamline and he invited Veena along so it was a great catch up time.  Errands, continued paperwork and purging on the other days.  We always appreciate the 3-4 non tired days that come pre chemo.

I have discovered that harder then the chemo day, which is long and boring, is the chemo home infusion.  It makes eating tasteless and just makes my body feel funny for two days as more chemicals drip in.  I go in Friday afternoon to get it disconnected from my port and then I crash.  And I receive my very special $6000 injection--Neulasta to boost my immune system and helps to reduce the risk of infection.  Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the cost.  You can see ads for it on tv, but they don't mention the cost.

Special treat this week was the arrival of a "Super Luke" jar.  When he was 6 and and diagnosed with leukemia he took to drawing and they transferred a drawing to a jar.  He recently celebrated his last chemo, is cancer free and has been one of my inspirations since my journey began.  The jar is going to be my Random Acts of kindness jar.  I will either fill it with names and draw one, or pick a name and write it down to put in the jar once I send an email or make a call or...

 




Chemo day seems to be a good day to write so look for  an update in two weeks... Happy St Patrick's day.

Let's do the Happy Dance!!

Found out on Friday that my scan was improved but did not know till today what that meant:  No new tumor spots and the tumors that are then are shrinking. AND the tumor marker that was going down went down again from 160 to 116.  Yea!!  see me dancing in my chemo bed??!!  

So I have four treatments under my belt and he would like to to 4-6 more, normal course is up to 12 but they stop before that, not sure what all the determining factors are except tolerance.  He said after the last chemo we take monthly blood tests and scans every two months to see what is going on.  If it holds at bay for a good amount of time we can try chemo again when the tumors start to grow again.  I  The longer the better since it means the first round of chemo really worked well and might do so again.  Shorter means we would look at something else cause the cancer was probably still growing.  I asked about trials and other options and making contacts now.  He said it is too early and the next best thing will be different by the time I need it.

We talked about trips to AZ and Yosemite, he said go anytime now.  After the last chemo he said 6 weeks and then plan a real trip, now we just need to figure out where to go....

This is almost too much for me to take in.

Last week I wrote about chemo getting harder.  It is helpful to know that even as it is hard it is working.  That will help this week.  Waiting for the CT test and results was hard last week.  The rest of the times when I am not waiting for scans I just keep thinking about the minions doing their work and now Kung Fu Panda gets involved sometimes--it all becomes routine, finding out if it is working or not sets off anticipation emotions and those can be all over the map.  Here is what I wrote earlier.

" Either chemo is getting harder or I just don't remember what it is like from one time to the next.  I do remember last time wondering if I would be out of the funk by the time my family came so maybe it was hard then too.  I like to think that I have a good week to come, Wednesday to Wednesday but this time is pushing new limits, we will see how today goes.

I want to tell my doc that now I look like someone on Folfirinox, losing weight, diarrhea, and vomiting.  Whatever chemo symptom honeymoon I was on, it is now over.  It makes is harder to do my three jobs, drink water, eat, exercise.  But I am trying to do what I can each day and Sue is working hard to keep me on track with all three.  "

By Thursday I was feeling better and had several good days before returning today.  As the next chemo rounds are this hard--which in the scheme of things is not so bad, or harder I will look to the kids I know and others doing similar work.  Super Luke and Avery, two kids both fighting cancer and doing it with great determination.  Our great-nephew Gabrielle who from his time of his birth has been fighting lissencephaly, a rare brain disease.  And a shout out to Steve (not a kid) at Mayo--get those electrolytes in order.  And as a reminder of life, we welcome Takunda's new baby brother Tenaka.

For fun:  We got to see our play.  What a treat especially to be at the first reading and then see the characters and relationships come to life.  The play was transformed by the performances and set/costume design.  Hats off the the fine cast and crew.

SCADUSCH.  We went to see Kung Fu Panda 3.  A little different quality than the play.  Fun none the less and a good counter to the week I was having.  I can still see him striking a pose to fight, it is a good one and comes in handy every so often.  And then Eddie the Eagle--looking for upbeat, not cinematic excellence.  What fun and a feel good movie as was needed.  Still on the list--the Revenent, Room, Brooklyn and The Lady in the Van.  Which reminds me--Downton Abbey ends this week-what a bummer.

An art show at the Landscape Arboretum was a nice way to get out for the evening, the orchids in the lobby were gorgeous.  Bought one outside decoration for our patio table, a stained glass flower.  Stopped at Eden Prairie Mall to shop at Von Mauer--a nice alternative to Nordstroms and Macys.
Breakfast with Deb and Jim--great to see them but wish it were on their boat in Florida instead.  Sue and Mary went to the MN vs #5 Ohio State women's basketball game--overtime win.  Sad lose to Maryland but looking forward to the Big 10 tourney this weekend.

Other than that we continue our purges, one shelf, drawer or cabinet at a time. Feels good to do it but it is a long road. Nancy has a puzzle going, it is all pencils lined up in rows from top to bottom.  And we are working with Darin and Mark on plans to remodel the guest bathroom.  They will do the demolition while we are away on a short trip.  Scott comes for the next round of chemo for a week--he is now retired so can come anytime.  He is trying to come here once a month and we love having him here. And I am lucky to continue getting new gifts--a Nancy drew book cover puzzle, to go with a purse I had, and a Georgetown hat.  I get a little grief for it being from Georgetown but it is the school of Mr Cal Rohde, swimmer extraordinaire and so I am proud to wear it.

Gotta go now, have to start planning our next big traveling journey...it will show up in the blog.

Hip Hip Hooray, It's Chemo day

We found out yesterday that my cancer marker is going down.  It is currently lower than ever.  It measures a protien made by cancer cells so my understanding is that it going down means that the number of those cancer cells is going down.  Way to go Army of Minions fighting my cancer!! And also the doc and nurses and prayers and wishes from everywhere!

We have upped the ante of being here for the day and now come with a rolling suitcase.  We can never figure out what we are going to want to do or eat so we just bring everything, including Sue's pillows.  Rita was willing to pose for a picture today, she has been my chemo nurse for the last three times and keeps me going with her great sense of humor.  I had low blood pressure this morning so they are pumping me with fluids.  I have 3 jobs, eating, drinking and exercising.  I lost 5 pounds so this next week I have to drink and eat even more....and I can't eat ice cream because of my cold sensitivity, maybe chocolate.

Had a fantastic weekend with my family--a weekend of hugs, laughs, talk, tears, smiles, games, puzzles, coloring, watching soccer games on TV and cold weather.  We had a great group of people together who enjoy being together.

Groups began arriving Friday afternoon, Casey (nephew) and Jess (his wife) from Seattle.  Next Scott and Debbie (Brother and sister in law), Will and Drew, their other two sons.  Jamie (niece), her husband Tim and two boys, Brien and Jason from West Chester PA arrived next and then Scott (nephew) and fiancee Leslie arrived from West Chester PA.

Nancy, Scott W, Sue, Jay, Brien, Jamie and Tim

Saturday was Mall of America day for the under 50 crowd and Debbie.  She represented the rest of us over 60.  Some rides and shopping but unfortunately a busy busy day at the mall and lines were long. The very cold weather outside might have had something to do with it.  Home in time to help with the turkey dinner which the boys announced was just like Thanksgiving.  Sunday was game day, puzzle day and coloring book day.  Everyone got into it and just enjoyed hanging around moving from activity to another and one conversation to another.  Casey and Jess had to go back Sunday so we sent them off and missed having them around for the evening.  Scott and Debbie left early Monday with Jamie, Tim and the boys not far behind.  Scott W. and Leslie stayed till Tuesday.  They headed off to REI and the Mall for the afternoon and then joined us at the Gopher Women's basketball game that night.  Started out bad for the gophers and I was worried they would not even be able to make it a good game, not only did they do that, but they caught up and won with the buzzer beater.  Great fun was had by all.

We stopped at the Mall to walk after dropping Scott and Leslie at the airport.  We tried to go to the movies but finally admitted to ourselves that we were beat--naps and TV time in the office were totally in order.

Last week was lunch week--Monday we ate at our "go to" Newport restaurant down the hill with Gerrie, Tuesday we met Lisa and Diane and thoroughly enjoyed the Woodbury Cafe which is a nice new find.  Wednesday Suzi Hagen and Mary Pickard met us the "Day by Day Cafe"  an old favorite in St Paul.  Nice meals and good visits with friends on all three days.  And of course there was a basketball game--we won 101-73, quite a score for a college game!  We had hoped to go to Tech week for the MJTC play but the cold weather kept Nancy inside.  We have not heard about opening weekend but hope it went well and we are looking forward to seeing the play later in the week.  This weekend we see Gypsy at Theater Latte Da, another of our favorite local theater groups.

Typing from my chemo bed so it's time to succumb to drowsiness.  Please know that overall I feeling quite good and plan to keep it that way.  Sending hugs to everyone.

Life is a wild ride.  Enjoy!

Leslie, Scott W., Debbie Back Row

Jess, Casey, Drew and Will

Life is getting pretty routine, with a few quirks along the way.  Chemo makes for strange eating habits.  The other morning it was mac and cheese with hot chocolate for breakfast.  I could probably go on a mac and cheese diet for a while but am trying to get a variety of foods in.  I can eat something at lunchtime and at dinner it doesn't taste good, same happens with drinks.  It is all weird.  Mac and cheese for lunch today-worked perfectly.

We went to a basketball game the other night with Mary and Co, the night after chemo so my cold sensitivity was high.  Sue dropped me off and picked me up as close as possible to the door but by the time I got to the car the cold had gotten into my eyes.  We spent the car ride home thinking of ways to keep my eyes covered.  Ski mask, scuba mask, swim goggles.  We kept coming back to the scuba mask and periodically scuba sound effects could be heard from the back seat.   Lots of good laughter.

Friends Nancy and Liz came out from Connecticut for a few days.  Nancy is a colon cancer survivor so they know the drill.  They were anxious to have a walleye dinner so we went to Tavern on Grand for dinner.  We left them home on chemo day and around 11:00 got a text--"we found the other candy and cookie drawer!"  They seemed to do fine on their own.  The big snow came on Tuesday, Sue and I tried to go to a doc and lab appointment but  turned around and went to the lab close to home and talked to the doc by phone--she was sitting in the dark at her clinic where the power was out--good thing we didn't try to get there.  We had planned to go to the movies but rented the Bridge of Spies instead and had a cozy night in.  It was a nice visit and they were very comfortable being here and going with the flow and non flow of chemo days.  Thanks for good company, conversation,
laughs and hugs.

Sue says the big world news this week is Brett Farve getting into the hall of fame.  Superbowl Sunday is upon us.  We have a neighborhood open house this afternoon to say goodbye to neighbors moving to Denver.  Then Mary and Co will come over for stir fry and Superbowl watching.  Snow may be on it's way, we will wait to see.

The doc says I do not look like a patient on Fulfirinox.  It can be a pretty toxic chemo and I am so far being spared the worst of it.  Prickly fingers and cold sensitivity are the worst for me and steroid ups and downs are confusing.  A little more tired, but I said that last time and then recovered.  Chemo took 5 hours this time,  I slept for about 3 hours.  Sue came armed with pillows to make her chair more comfortable, I don't think it worked.  She watches videos, makes my future appointments, feeds me lunch, plays solitaire and sympathizes with me.  The doc says there is no correlation between the toxicity of the chemo side effects and it's ability to do it's work.  I am keeping all my positive forces engaged to help the chemo do it's thing.

We have a few lunches planned for this week, maybe a visit to tech week for our play--depending on the weather.  My family arrives Friday, there will be 14 of us here, only 4 will stay at the house.  Looking forward to a fun valentines day weekend.  And speaking of Valentines Day a bit early, it is a day about love.  I send you all special love--you have kept me in your thoughts and prayers, sent hugs, pictures, emails and texts. I can feel the energy of friends and family as we navigate this journey.  In return, I send you my love, hugs and good positive energy as you navigate your journey.

Busy weeks

Oh dear, it has been almost two weeks.

Saturday--I think I have been one notch more tired after my second chemo but that has not kept us from doing things.  Monday before chemo 2, Jenny Kiel, a Hamline colleague, came over to do a yoga session with both Sue and me.  She had offered to bring a pot pie and I asked for a yoga lesson instead.  She had a cancer and yoga book and we went through several poses.  It felt good and relaxing.  Lucky for me she was willing to come back again and yesterday we went through a routine which will make it easier for me to start doing yoga as one of the tools in my arsenal.  Thanks Jenny.

The first reading at MJTC was a unique experience.  After the read through the cast talked about their characters, the interactions between them and the possible meaning of the play.  The director then asked us and the other guests if we had questions or thoughts about the play and/or characters.  It will be fascinating to see what paths they take in developing the final show.  We will try to go to a tech week rehearsal--will keep you posted. Many of you may recognize Linda Kelsey from the Lou Grant TV show.  She lives here now and is playing an 80 year old mother in this play.

Chemo took six hours this time, we closed the clinic down.  I read a little, listened to music, slept, told Sue how bored I was, and watched a video on my phone.  Hopefully this week it will be closer to 5 hours than 6.  Still a long time.  The docs were happy that the first round went well with tolerable side effects.  They said that could be a determinant of what is to come.  The second round side effects were much the same.  The cold sensitivity was a bit stronger and lasted longer, also got to my lips and tongue this time.  It fades over time and is finally gone this time.  It is hard to wait between chemo sessions so I just have to keep imagining my body helping the chemo work during the in-between times. We have started taking a look at alternative treatments in case they are needed down the road.  Talked with a doc in Seattle about sending little micro beads with radiation into the blood supply of the liver tumors.  Waiting to talk to Dr Dan about it and the timing of considering alternatives.  Won't do anything until after the CT scan at the end of February to see how the current treatment is working.  Have a contact in AZ to talk to as well.

Sunday--What a difference a day makes.  Lots more energy today.  Sometimes I guess everything just needs a break--mind and body.  Yesterday when Kim and Lin came for lunch we watched a tv show and I promptly fell asleep for two hours.  They left sometime during the nap--fine hostess I turned out to be.

Had lunch at Rick and Nita's today--Chinese take out so we could all find foods that we would like to eat.  I never know from one meal to the next what is going to sound good.  Today it was shrimp and vegetables and cashew chicken, but it wasn't the kind of cashew chicken I was expecting so stuck with the shrimp.  In Myanmar Sue and I ordered cashew chicken for four days straight and every other day that we could along our trip.  We were teased about it and said we were going to write a book about cashew chicken throughout Myanmar.

Had a busy couple of weeks, Gwen was here from New Mexico to visit.  She was my vice principal when I started teaching in Burnsville.  We have been friends ever since and she has been an inspiration to me in many, many ways.  To get my PhD, to keep going in my career, to keep putting one step in front of the other when things are tough.  We had a nice relaxed visit and threw in a women's basketball game, we won, and a trip to the movies to see Spotlight.  Very good, but staggering in the extent of the child abuse and cover up in the Catholic church.  Big news, we took the Christmas tree down, organized all our decorations and went through the ornaments to decide which ones to give away next year.  Also got rid of all the empty gift boxes we have been saving, the closet has some free space now.

Last weekend we went to a small art show in Redwing--it was delightful and Sue found a bowl from our latest favorite pottery person.  Theater Latte Da, one of our other favorite local theaters, had a world premiere of Lullaby.  A well done play on the difficult topics of depression and loss.  Got gifts from Brussels and Toronto.  Thanks Melodie, Jacques, Eva and Sylvia.  You brightened my day.



Nancy Usic and Liz Wernqvist are coming to visit this week from Connecticut.  Chemo on Wednesday and not sure what else we will be doing during the week.

This is a picture of a Mongolian huntress with her golden eagle.  The movie "Eagle Huntress" was shown at Sundance and hopefully will be picked up.  I love the image and it is a reminder of our incredible trip to Mongolia.  Fly high this week.

The cancer hatter

Thursday--Scott came on Monday.  This was the first day of my after steroid crash.  It came later this time since I had extra anti nausea pills (with steroids) after Wednesday.  Dragging around in the am but energy picked up some in the afternoon only to repeat the process Tuesday.  We started a Super Girl jigsaw puzzle (thanks Debbie Spurling) so that has been a good distraction--lots of red and blue....Went to see "Joy" on Tuesday.  Better than I expected and we all ended up enjoying it.  Interesting story, but Sue says a good home rental.

Dr appointment with my primary care doctor to figure out my high blood sugar numbers.  Increase dose of some pills, off other pills, it is all a delicate balance thrown totally out of whack by chemo and steriods.  Hopeing everything starts working together soon to bring the numbers back down.  I still walk every day but it is harder to get to 10,000 steps than it had been.  My speed is down so I have to increase time and sometimes that works, other times I poop out.  Still keep going back.

Sue and I are working on overdue estate planning things, had to go downtown yesterday to sign some papers and visit a notary public.  Scott took a one hour walk outside and down to the stores in Newport, over the railroad tracks and back up.  I took a nap.  We worked on the puzzle and I am hard pressed to tell you what else we might have done--take the Christmas decorations downstairs so we can sort and put them away next week.  The tree is still up and may remain so.

Today is a slow start at home, puzzle doing and a few chores in-between.  We are going to see "The Revenant"  this afternoon in the big red reclining lounge chairs then out to dinner down the hill tonight.  Scott leaves tomorrow.  Everyday something related to cancer creeps in to slow us down or interrupt forward motion,  but we are also able to do daily chores/activities since we are flexible about when they happen.  Scott says Cancer Sucks.  There is a running consensus on that.

Got a poem from our friend Stevie Beck first thing this morning--great way to start the day and sequel to some hat pictures....

Our Nancy is one groovy cat

Everyone says she’s all that

If you ask why she’s smilin’

She’ll say, “’Cause I’m stylin’ 

In another chichi woolen hat!” 

So let winter maintain status quo

Cue the winds and bring on the snow

Nancy whoops, “Swell!

It’s cold — what the hell

I look chic in my crocheted chapeau!” 

Sunday--Flexibility--we did not go to see The Revenant.  Stomach woes prevailed just long enough to make us late.  Sue and I planned to go see Spotlight on Friday--nap instead.  But we did venture out on Saturday in the frigid weather to see a Gopher men's b-ball game and we are doing so again today for the women.  Coffee after the game yesterday with Barbara Brooks, MJTC, founder and Producing Artist Director.  Got a copy of the Allergist's Wife to read before tomorrow's read through.  Lunch before the game with Mary and Co today.

It is interesting to me the images that come to mind during guided imagery and/or just as I think about fighting cancer and the tumors.  Last night I told Sue that I have not been able to get an image of a light inside and was about to tell her that I finally had one--almost immediately she said "ET."  That was my image.  Then there is the army of cancer fighting minions who surround the tumors use minion mojo and get some help from Super Girl to melt the tumors.  Then comes the chorus of "Ding dong the witch is dead..."  My guided imagery tapes often ask me to imagine being in a beautiful place, real or imaginary.  I am grateful for the number of beautiful places that we have been and the people we have met along the way that come to mind as I muster positive energies.  My cousin Wendy created a drawing of hope based on the spirit bear totem:

And Sue has gotten one hat in the past few months and insisted that we post it as well, even after last night's game: