De-Liver Me Tour ~ Fashionista Update ~ June 15, 2015

O'Dark Thirty: We left home at 5:45 am to get to UCSF by 7:30. Time to take care of some unfinished business. There is a small residual hepatocellular carcinoma near one of my existing tumors, Audrey or Carmine that needs to be decommissioned with another TACE. 

Live Entertainment: After registering, you change into a fetching ensemble of mismatched pants, gown, robe and slipper socks and then get to park your butt in the waiting room until called. It's a chuckle for all patients, no matter how nervous they might be about what's ahead. This of course is my 7th rodeo so I'm leading the pack vamping it up for photos.

 

The Nerve Center: Next stop is the six bed nerve center where nurses are prepping patients for procedures or taking care of patients just returning from said procedures: resting up until they're released or moved to rooms. It's a fine tuned operation of controlled chaos with a team of nurses who keep the impossible moving smoothly. They all love what they do and it shows.

Chaos

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Stumping the Professionals: Sometimes things don't go as planned. I spent 3 hours in the procedure room with the resident intern, my doctor and then the head of the Interventional Radiology Department. They were a determined trio, but the location of the small tumor prevented them from reaching their destination to do the TACE. Time was called and I returned to the "nerve center" where I started out this morning. Standard protocol is that you have to spend 6 hours flat on your back to make sure the incision in in your groin doesn't bleed. Once given some pain medication for my shoulder (often a side effect of liver exploration) I could relax and take it all in. It was at times noisy, entertaining, poignant and uplifting. They finally let me up to dress around 5 pm so I could be released.

Rod's Story: For Rod the whole day was a waiting game. He did get a three mile walk in, treated himself to a good lunch, took a nap, did some reading and listened the Giants game. Trooper Boy. 

Lost in Translation: When he returned at 5:15 to pick me up he told the front desk that he knew where I was (he'd met with my doctor and seen me when I came back from the procedure). However, the reception desk's records said I'd been moved up to the new overnight accommodations on the sixth floor. They weren't about to let him wander down the hall until they'd confirmed my whereabouts. He said the supervisor was getting really frustrated because no one was answering upstairs and some of numbers on their call sheet were incorrect. Amused at the confusion he just kept quiet and watched it play out until one of the recovery room nurses came down the hall to fetch him. A small comedy of errors that I reckon has been set straight by now. 

Never leave the City during the Commute: We get on the road about 5:45 never the time to be heading north out of San Francisco. It was a freaking zoo, I cannot believe humans do this everyday. After almost getting caught up in a potential accident we got smart and stopped at the Wild Fox Restaurant near Novato for a bite to eat and watch the beginning of the NBA playoffs. By the time we hit the road again, there was no traffic and we were home in time for the second half of the game to watch the Warriors spank the Cavaliers. 

Plan B: Acronym of the Day: My docs decided that Plan B would be Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy or SBRT. There are two facilities that provide the service, Kaiser South San Francisco and UCSF. My docs at UCSF want me to continue to be treated there and are already working with my local Kaiser to get the approvals. We have plans for August in Canada and I want to get this party started.

I'm just learning about the treatment but it means that a specially designed coordinate-system is used for the detecting the exact location of the tumor in the liver and it's then treated with a limited but highly precise single dose of radiation. Non invasive, few side effects. More on this as I get better informed. 

Post Script: We got home to find a small bag hanging on the front door. In it was ceramic spirit bear made by my neighbor Khysie. There are no words for the circle of friends who surround and support us. He resides in a special place to watch over us.

De-Liver Me Tour ~ The Fog is Lifting ~ May 17, 2015

The State of Kerfuffle has started to sort itself out. I will be able to have my next TACE done at Interventional Radiology at UCSF. It appears one of my hepatocellular carcinomas, Audrey or Carmine, has attempted a breakout and we need to shut down the escape route. This will be TACE number seven, which also happens to be my favorite number. I've never really looked up its attributes but decided to do a little research.

Morning Fog

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In numerology the #7 is the seeker and not just a lucky number: spiritual, intelligent, focused, intuitive, persevering, contemplative and gracious. In other disciplines #7 represents a natural healer, psychic abilities, inner peace, endurance, wisdom, ability to bear hardships, independent, quick-wit, non-conformist, and writer. I may know her. The number seven is lucky for Cancer and Pisces. Couldn't help but see the irony in this one: I'm a Pisces.

Healing Dream

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Time Out ~ Before the return trip to UCSF we're taking one of our infamous "Do We Turn Right or Left" road trips. We're taking off May 26th, the 34th (3+4=7) anniversary of our meeting at the Fort Ross Volunteer Fire Department Picnic in Cazadero, and will return around June 12th. The only promises to keep are a visit to my 96 year old Aunt in Durham May 26-27 and to be in Canby, OR by June 5-6 to visit family and celebrate our grand niece's graduation.

One stop we want to make on the way north is Oregon Caves National Monument near Cave Junction. The last time we were there in 1998 Rod couldn't explore the caves because he was using a cane. We did however spend an eventful night in the haunted suite on the 3rd floor of the Chateau. Looking forward to another experience and a hike in the caverns. 

Vintage Travel Poster 

Found on Pinterest

Otherwise we are playing it pretty much by ear. Rod wants to do some fishing so that may include the Trinity, Klammath and Smith Rivers.  We have friends to see in Hillsboro and time to toddle south down the Oregon and California coast on the way home. If it's warm enough in Gold Beach we'll do Jerry's Jet Boat trip up the Rogue River to Agnes for the day. An adventure not to be missed.

Hillsboro Heaven

Back to Reality ~ My TACE appointment at UCSF is June 16-17. Our friends Alice and John have graciously offered to let Rod stay in their guest room while I enjoy another overnight at the infamous UCSF Recovery Spa: bad food, a slamming door, alarms and a cranky ice machine. However, the doctors, nurses and staff are the best. A couple of weeks recovery and I should be ready for the Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast That Lasts All Day gathering at our place. More from the road once we return.

Top of the Sixth ~ Life Takes a 180 or Maybe Not ~ Sept 9, 2014

Sorry about the dearth of updates on the the De-Liver Me tour. I was shocked to see my last update was Top of the Fifth dated June 8th. Most of June we were on the Great Northwest Tour, but July and August, that's another story. I didn't feel much like writing and I wanted to wait until I had the whole story before I committed anything to paper. Call it the Summer Smack Down, Sparing with Ali or Who Wrote this Script Anyway? 

July 8th ~ TACE #5  I won't say it was the Comedy of Errors, but the day's journey left me scratching my head more than a few times. This wasn't my first Hospital Rodeo, so to speak, but a new patient going through this procedure for the first time might have been taken aback. 

Cowboy Kitty

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When you change from street clothes to hospital gear you get a stylish set that includes a mismatched set of draw string pants, a top and a light robe. Part of the fashion package should include a pair of skid proof socks. They were out of hospital issue so I had to walk around in my own socks. Good thing I didn't wear sandals that day. 

I walked down to the procedure room with my nurse and hopped up on the table. Oh darn, the mechanical and modified computer interface isn't working.  I'm listening to the two guys, squatting under the table, discussing options. Might have to change rooms, but they're pretty sure they can get it fixed. Seriously? Kudos to said geek squad they got things up and running in no time. 

The nurse who is setting up for the procedure and a soon to be sterile environment was grousing to someone in the background that the supplies hadn't been restocked. The person who usually takes care of these details is on vacation. Really, no one to fill in? This so instills confidence. 

The procedure goes well and I'm moved to the outpatient recovery dorm. I'm at the opposite end of the room from the feral ice machine and the self closing door that slams. There is a goddess after all, or so I thought. About 4 am a woman arrives from the Emergency Room, she too has been sentenced to an overnight for observation and is in the bed next to me. As she's being set up with monitoring equipment all possible alarms are going off. The irony of a poster on the wall that says "Shhhh, Healing in Progress" is not lost on any of the other inmates, I mean patients.

Not whining just observations, I can find humor and silver linings in most every situation. The staff, doctors and nurses are outstanding: efficient, friendly and supportive. It just seems like they are sometimes working in less than optimum conditions.  It was just one of those days, no harm no foul and some blog fodder to boot. 

I left UCSF on the 9th feeling a little under the weather, but that's nothing unusual. These treatments are all in my best interests, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. It only took me a couple of weeks to recover and I'm thinking I'm a pretty tough cookie. 

One Tough Cookie

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July 31st ~ I had a follow up MRI scan and that revealed "numerous additional foci of enhancement". In English that means nine, yes nine, little points of light that may be additional hepatocellular carcinomas. Shit oh dear, not what I wanted to hear. 

August 5th ~ TACE#6  The plan was to be very aggressive with these newcomers. At the time I wasn't sure how that would translate, but all I can say is No Shit Sherlock, it's taken me five weeks to recover. One of the recurrent and amusing side effects of the TACE treatments is that you suddenly have the attention span of a six year old and reading or writing aren't really an option. However, a three week regimen of sleeping and of daytime television will force you out of the barcalounger and on with life, no matter how much it hurts. It was definitely time to cowboy up, dust myself off and move on. In case you didn't know were fans of Professional Bull Riding.

Bull Rider
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The UCSF Tumor Board recommended follow up CT scan in early September. There was a concern that these were new tumors and if so there was a chance I would no longer be eligible to be on the transplant list. They coded me as "pink" for the month of August, which meant was that if a liver offer came up I would not be eligible. As hard as that sounds they must weigh the benefits and risks and my number is only at a 33, not yet high enough to qualify. I have the most common blood type "O" and transplant numbers often need to be between 35 and 38 before you're at the top of the list.

I was supposed to start Hep C medication in late August. Since the Code Pink took me out of the running for a month I asked my doc if I could delay the Hep C meds until late September. That would give me time to recover from TACE #6 and get in a few adventures while I was feeling good. She said absolutely. Ah, a breather and further evidence that (1) it never hurts to ask and (2) always be your own advocate.  

September 3rd ~ The follow up CT scan and THE WAIT until the 9th when the Tumor Board meets. 

September 9th ~ Got a phone call from my doc in the late afternoon. The CT was clear, no evidence of my posse of lights. I'm to have another CT scan in December. She said she hoped I would have my liver transplant by then. Yeah Team! It could be mid December if the numbers work out. If that's the case I'm thinking Trisha's birthday on December 15th. I'm just going to put that out there and see what happens. 

Jump for Joy

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What's next:

Time Out ~  Three days at Emandal Farm outside of Willits for Not Just Cowboy Poetry and the annual Apple Pie Smackdown (must taste many pies and vote on winner) and then to the family cabin at Stinson Beach for a few days. More on these adventures to come.

Clear the Decks ~ Once I have the transplant I'll be on immunosuppressents for life. The things that now wouldn't normally be of concern now because of my healthy immune system will become an issue. Our carpets are 40 years old and the linoleum we installed in 19 ought 90 needs to be buried. In late September we move everything out of the house for a few days while a local company installs the flooring. We box up the books and small stuff they move the big stuff. My first major post TACE workout and maybe a good time to thin out our stuff. 

Getting back to normal ~  The hard part of the TACEs and recovery is being so out of shape. I'm back at my high school weight, which is fine with me, but my muscles are following me around like pets instead of actually working with me. Back to walking 1-2 miles a day, but need to look into creating some upper body strength over the next few months. Damn, it's the no excuses tour!

On the medical side ~ In early October I'll start the new drug regimen of Ribivarin and Sovaldi to make the Hepatitis C virus undetectable in my blood. This will continue until the transplant so that the new liver won't have to contend with the virus. 

Food for Thought ~ I've learned a lot about myself and those around me: family, friends, doctors, nurses, acquaintances and even strangers with whom I've had brief conversations. All have had something positive to share including prayers. Though I am not a religious person I truly believe the universe watches over me. 

Top of the Fifth ~ June 08, 2014

Wild Pitch ~ Ah, the battle of the titans: Best Laid Plans vs. The Monkey Wrench Gang. We thought we might have most of June and July to hit the road, but avast mateys we've hit a wee snag.

Snagged

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Razzafratz ~ On May 28th I had my quarterly CT scan to check on resident tumors, Audrey and Carmine. Well, it seems Audrey found a way to escape her chemotherapeutic bondage wrap, picture muffin top over the bikini bottom. There is an area about .50 cm wide (that's about a 20th of an inch) that is lighting up on the scan. My doc called after talking to UCSF Interventional Radiology. The spot is easy to reach and the recommendation is that I return for another TACE. My appointment date is June 27th. Not at all happy about this development but it is what it is and keeping my tumors in check until Fall surgery date is a priority. 

Hot off the Press ~ I met with the Hepatitis C Clinical Pharmacist on June 6th to get more information about the drug therapy I'll be starting sometime in August. It is a combo of Ribivarin and Sofosbuvir (now known as Sovaldi, the new warm and fuzzy name that patients can spell and pronounce). There is a good chance this dynamic duo can rid my system of Hep C before the transplant, but until we find out how I tolerate the medications we'll probably stay close to home. The other good news is that my insurance will cover the costs other than my normal copays. This is a huge load off our minds. 

We're Outta Here (Thank you Duane Kuiper) ~ We have a window of opportunity the next few weeks before the proverbial shit hits the fan so we be outta here.  On Wednesday we're taking off on one of our infamous Shall We Turn Right or Left Tours: back roads and blue highways. We'll probably be off the grid for most of the time, but will take good notes and lots of photos so stay tuned. 

De-Liver Me ~ The Update ~ May 27, 2014

Off to the City to meet with the Viral Hepatitis Team at UCSF. We have an opportunity, not available until last Fall,  to rid my system of the Hep C virus. The new drug combo of Ribivarin and Sovaldi (formerly the unpronounceable Sofosbuvir) will be the key. The goal is to have the virus undetectable in my blood for the four weeks prior to surgery. 

It's difficult to predict the exact date of a transplant, but based on the quarterly award of points (April number at 31, end of July to 33, end of October to 34) I should be near the top of the list in October. One needs to remember the "top of the list" may vary with the number of organs available at any given time. With that in mind they want me to start me on a 2-3 month course of this drug combo in August. The potential side effects are mild by most accounts: fatigue, headache, nausea, rash, insomnia and irritability. I just spoke with an acquaintance who experienced non of the "potentials" during treatment so I'll run with that. 

Speaking of irritability, we attended a class In October to prepare us for what to expect from the time we get the phone call to head for UCSF because a liver is waiting until we return home after surgery. After the transplant I will be on immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of my life. There will be no convincing my body that the new liver belongs there. The list of "potential side effects" reads like menopause on steroids: mood changes, irritability, acne, increased facial hair growth, increased appetite, decreased metabolic rate, and hallucinations to name a few. Oh Baby! I did waltz though menopause with one night sweat so maybe I can do it again.

Lennie the Lion Tamer

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That night I had a dream that woke me up laughing. There was an old fashioned jail house door in place of my bedroom door, the kind with the pass through to set a plate on at meal time. Rod had leather gauntlets on both hands, my breakfast plate in one hand, and a whip in the other "Get Back" he said "I have your breakfast". I must have been in a mood!

We are hopeful I can be off the proverbial leash in June and July so we can take a road trip or two. Stay tuned.

The North Bay Full Circle Tour ~ April 07, 2014

Today we head to San Francisco and UCSF for my quarterly appointment with Dr. Price. First stop is San Anselmo to meet up with my old friend Tony Houston. He's loaning us his Tam High (Class of 1963) letterman sweater so Rod can wear it in the Apple Blossom Parade. We are in the Sebastopol Area Senior Center contingent: knew the time would come when we'd qualify! We'll be cruising down Main Street Saturday morning in a 1967 red Camero rag top. Oh baby! 

We head across the Golden Gate and down through the Presidio. Realizing we're going to be way early we decide on a spontaneous visit to the Legion of Honor. Unfortunately it's closed but a stroll around the grounds is a no brainer. It's 72 degrees, sunny, no wind, and not even a ripple on the ocean. The absence of wind in April is a highly unlikely scenario in the Bay Area.

We always take Irving Street to the parking garage at UCSF and every time we must drive past this little brick service station, no doubt abandoned for years. I've fallen in love with it and want to bring it home. The possibilities are endless: workshop, outside kitchen, studio, office, a shady place to sit outside. 

We arrive early and the doc is able to see us at 1:30. This is a routine quarterly pow-wow, update and check up. In late April I'll be awarded 2 points to the MELD score bringing my number up to a 31. In late May I meet with the Viral Hepatitis team at UCSF before starting a 2-3 month regimen of Ribivarin and Sofosbuvir to rid my system of the Hep-C virus and have my quarterly CT Scan to check on my resident hepatic tumors Audrey II and Carmine. 

We're out of the City and ahead of the traffic by 2:30 and decide on the back way home via Tam Valley and Mt. Tamalpais. There is virtually no one in the parking lot at the top so we pretty much have the mountain to ourselves for a quiet walk. It's really hazy, but the views, as always, are breathtaking. 

Trail around the top ~ looking west

Indian Paintbrush

CA Poppies - Looking down toward Bolinas

Douglas Iris

We drop off the west side of the mountain at Bolinas and head up Hwy 1 for home, stopping in Tomales for a bite to eat and a camera stroll. Check out the "saddle bags" on this honey bee. Fortunately he's built like a C-130 and doesn't need a lot of room to take off.

We covered three counties today ~ saw Mt. Tam from San Francisco and San Francisco from Mt. Tam. The world is dressed in spring green and wildflowers. Small waterfalls sing on the wooded roadsides on both sides of the mountain. It's one of those magical days we often share. 

De-Liver Me ~ March 20, 2014

It's occurred to me I'm seriously overdue with an update on the Liver Times. To set the stage, there is a scene in the movie "Dave" with a docent leading a tour through the White House. She's walking backwards, motioning with her hands like she's directing a plane on the tarmac, and repeating the phrase "we're walking, we're walking". The segue mantra here is "we're waiting, we're waiting" but I know a lot more now than I did six months ago.

Bridging Therapy ~ The four TACE (transarterial chemoembolization) treatments done last summer have accomplished their goal. December and February CT scans show that my tumors, Audrey II and Carmine, are stable and not growing. 

Something new on the Horizon ~ The long term effects of Hepatitis C and hemachromatosis are the likely cause of the hepatocellular carcinomas. I have an appointment in late May with the Viral Hepatitis Clinic at UCSF to get information on a 1-2 month regimen of the new drug combo of Ribivarin and Sofosbuvir. It's been effective in making the Hep-C viral load undetectable in the blood. The longer it is suppressed the less likely it is to return after transplant. Treatments will start this summer.

The Waiting Game ~ The transplant list is a numbers game, played by the book, and driven by something called a MELD score: an acronym for Model for End-stage Liver Disease (most transplant patients would really like to see a name change). A combination of three blood tests are done quarterly and then points are added to your existing MELD score. 

Patiently Waiting

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My actual MELD is a 6, but with the diagnosis of cancer it was automatically kick started to a 22 in April 2013. Quoth my transplant nurse: "Your liver is functioning fine, you just have a couple of F#%*?$G tumors." My current score is a 29. I'll earn 2 more points in May, 2 in August and 1 in October which will bring me to 34. You normally reach the top of the transplant list when your numbers reach the mid 30's, but the number may vary, up or down, depending on availability of organs. 

The Irony of It All ~ Iron overload girl is now anemic with a ferritin level of 14. No one has been able to figure out why. My gastroenterologist had suggested taking ferrous gluconate, but the ingredients read like car wax and cleaning products so I declined that dance partner. My UCSF doc suggested only a low dose supplement so I'm taking all natural Floradix. The drug regimen mentioned above to deal with the Hep C will also lower ferritin levels so it's important for me to stay on top of this.

Warrior Angel and Eagle Mount

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Challenges ~ We all face challenges of one kind or another. The key is to embrace them with grace, humor and a warrior attitude. Choose to be fearless, be your own advocate, and question authority. Don't waste any hour of a day and keep your creative side engaged at all times. 

"Challenges make you discover 

things about yourself 

that you never really knew". 

Cecily Tyson

Top of the Fourth ~ August 30, 2013

We drove down to SF the morning of the 20th for my TACE procedure rather than going down the night before. Let's face it SF is a noisy place, especially when the only night sounds you're used to are crickets and the occasional owl. We left about 5:15am and got to UCSF with time to spare. Rod headed home that afternoon and came back late the next morning to pick me up. TACE IV is in the books. This one was to take care of the small spot that had been seen on CT Scan in December. They weren't sure it was a tumor but were going to treat it as one. 

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I had no idea where this little gremlin was located but when the pain medication began to wear off I had a general idea. I love elephants and all I could think of was a little circus elephant doing a handstand in the middle of my chest. It's taken me 10 days to get back to almost normal. I'm still getting a residual twitch every once in while, but have started walking again.

Devine Jubilee

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The great news is that this was my last TACE, at least for the time being. We'll meet with my doctor in November. The earliest I can expect to reach the top of the liver transplant list is September 2014. As long as my liver continues to function well and Audrey II remains in check it's okay to wait.

However, if the tumor continues to grow, TACE's are not the solution. My doc
has asked us to consider a "non-ideal liver" so that I don't have to wait so long for a transplant. If I opt into the program and don't feel ready to take a higher risk at the time, I can decide to wait for another liver. Doing so will not affect my status on the waiting list. The risks and benefits of this decision may change over time if my liver gets sicker.



Off the leash for awhile and looking forward to blue highways and camping under the stars. We're planning to take off September 25th (Happy Birthday Rod) for a couple of weeks. It's time for us to wander. We've definitely earned a time out.





A Step Forward ~ Aug 17, 2013

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, it's important to be your own advocate: to continue to ask questions, take notes, and do research. The reality is you need to watch out for your own ass.

Grinning Donkey

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On August 12th I met with my doctor at UCSF for the first time since the initial interview in early April. It was an encouraging and informative session. I did my homework beforehand and had a list of questions for her.

We were initially lead to believe that TACE (transarterial chemoembolization) treatments were to keep the tumor under a certain size so I could remain on the liver transplant list. What we found out was that the tumor was within parameters on the pre TACE CT scan and that's the measurement they go by. The TACE treatments are to exterminate the tumor. It's not a cure, but a bridging therapy to buy time until a transplant organ is available.

Singing Hallelujah

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After looking at the latest CT and MRI she was encouraged by the progress made against the tumor (Audrey II). Because the chemo is directed at a small, targeted area, there is no cumulative toxicity.

We won't know if I'll need another TACE until after the one next Tuesday, but the Doc is optimistic we can take a break and go on a maintenance schedule of monitoring every three months.

We have the Much Ado About Sebastopol Renaissance Fair on September 14-15 and then we should be able to hit the road with Ruby and the R-POD in late September. 

Amber Glass Adjustable Scale

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My liver works well, but tumors are as tenacious as junk yard dogs and will continue to try and find new sources of nourishment. The break will give us a chance to start weighing options.







Bottom of the Third ~ July 23, 2013

Could the third time be the charm? Only time will tell. We're off to SF once again and back to our little aerie on Cole Street.

Steam Punk Spiral Time Clock

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It's kind of a damp and blustery day, otherwise known as summer in the Bay Area. Our hosts gave us a suggestion for a place to eat so we took off on a late afternoon reconnaissance mission to the Haight-Ashbury to find Magnolia. Unfortunately it's crowded, loud and just pub food ~ so not what we're looking for today. We did get a mile and half walk in and enjoyed people watching, window shopping and the street art. Conclusion was that it's a perfect afternoon to be curled up with a good book.

The City from the Marin Headlands 

Decided to dine in and went next door (literally) to Say Cheese to pick up goodies for an indoor picnic. We had hot apple pie for dessert ~ brought one of Rod's to share. Oh Baby!

TACE  III went well, my usual overnight in recovery was quite comfortable except for the fact my bed was a stones throw from the ice machine and one of the self closing, I can be loud if I want to, slamming doors. Oh well, my night nurse wakes me up every two hours to check vitals so it's really a non issue.

Vintage JJ Cat Broach

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I asked the attending physician to come talk to me before I was released on the 24th. I'd had my first MRI a few days before this TACE and felt it might be a good time ask some questions about progress. A good portion of the tumor is dead, but tumors are tenacious and will try and get other arteries to feed them so they can grow and not die. Think Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors.

He said "the whole process is akin to that kid's game called Whack-a-Mole". I hadn't heard those words in 30 years. I just burst out laughing, talk about lightening a load a bit, I get it now. 

I do need to return to UCSF for TACE IV on August 20th: for a follow up look at Audrey II and to go after a small abnormality first seen in January. It may not be another tumor but it's prudent to proceed as if it was. 

Aside: So I'm at the Post Office this morning to mail a package (August 6th) and start chatting with the lady in front of me in line. There was a really large and strange piece of equipment visible through the walk up window. I said "I wondered what that is?" and she replied "Must be a Whack-a-Mole". I rest my serendipitous case! 

Things are good, I'm back in the pink once again after TACE III. We've been making apple sauce, canning pears, and gardening. I'm spending a lot of time in my studio. Not off on any camping trips yet, but we have an invitation to spend a few days at Emandal Farm outside of Willits near the end of the month and we have a date for the Giants tomorrow. Think we'll take the Ferry out of Larkspur for a new adventure.





Top of the Second ~ June 23-25, 2013

Early Sunday afternoon and off to San Francisco for TACE II and a return visit to the flat we rented in May. It turned out to be a rainy day so instead of a 2 mile walk, we spent the afternoon curled up reading with a couple of breaks for sustenance. Two doors up we discovered Say Cheese and picked up some scrumptious goodies for an indoor picnic.

Around dusk we toddled a little further up Cole Street to Zazie's for dinner. It's amazing to have so many choices within walking distance. I'm beginning to understand why some folks like living in the City.

Monday was going to start early so we hit the hay about 9:30. I don't know if I mentioned it but the flat is over a restaurant. We had expectations for a certain amount of noise at closing time but we definitely weren't expecting construction, breaking glass and furniture being moved between 10pm and 2am. So much for a good night's rest!

A little aha moment at UCSF heading up in the elevator Monday morning. A gentleman with a dolly holding 3 boxes got on the elevator and someone at the rear asked what was in the boxes. He told us two kidneys and a liver. Three people were going to get a new lease on life today.

Window Lit Flowers

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Second TACE went much better, no nausea or pain this time. At my doc's suggestion I brought my own jammies and was able to dodge a second episode of the RASH. Shoulder pain and semi-sleepless nights seem the worst of it.

The irony of hospitals is that they are supposed to be quiet. There are signs on all the doors that say "Shhh" but each one has an automatic closer that slams it shut. Go figure!

Shhh

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The recovery room is like a 16 bed dorm with curtains separating patients. There are alarms, announcements, medical staff and cleaning crews working day and night. Nurses dutifully wake you up every three hours to check on one thing or another. There are dramas and laughter, conversations in animated tones and different languages. It's like you've been dropped into parallel universe for 24 hours: educational, thought provoking and at times entertaining. Sleep is not really an option, but reading and cat napping will get you through the proverbial night.

Quimby Cat Napping

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The drive home Tuesday was delightful, the world washed from two days of rain. We got back to the cross street just below our driveway and found a fire truck parked across the road. We were told we couldn't go through because there was a tree down on Lynch Road. We told him we could see our driveway and there was no tree down between here and there. No matter, he had his orders. This doesn't make my day. We head for the grocery store to pick up some supplies and head back. There is another truck blocking the road this time. I told Rod to pull the "my wife just got out of the hospital card" and sure enough the young man let us through. Home at last.

I'll need to return to UCSF for a third TACE on July 23rd. Certainly hope that's the last one. Seems like life has been on hold since January.

The Little Things ~ May 28, 2013

I'll get to the nitty-gritty, rode hard and put away wet, rest of the story about my TACE Procedure at UCSF in my next post, but today is for celebrating simple pleasures.

Wednesday ~ May 22nd

A splendid day in SF, our airbnb flat (https://www.airbnb.com/) was off the scale. We're going to return there when I have a repeat performance at UCSF in late June. We logged 3 miles around the Cole Valley and Golden Gate Park, discovered a great Thai restaurant called Ploy II on Haight and the Ice Cream Bar across the street from our aerie. We had mint chocolate chip, but did you know there was such a flavor as roasted strawberry and goat cheese? We didn't try it, but the girls sitting next to us said it was amazing.

We spent hours in the late afternoon sun
reading on the chaise under the window

Friday and Saturday ~ May 24th and May 25th

Friday morning we busted out of UCSF and headed to familiar ground. Glad to be home but felt like refried poop. Couldn't get comfortable without anti nausea meds and Oxycodone. They say "better living through chemistry" but this took it to a whole new level. What brought me back to the living was Angel Pagan's walk off, inside the park home run, to win the Colorado game in the 10th.

Open link to watch this little miracle: http://soa.li/MERiuGU

Monday ~ May27th

New critters in the hood. Rod was sitting outside reading when a small herd of young weasels started playing tag around the greenhouse and our sheds. Neighbor Susie caught a couple of them on film.

Tuesday ~ May 28th

We had rain most of the night, a delightful surprise that settled the dust and gave all the plants a bath. Today was my first venture outside since getting home. It was warm so we had coffee and strawberry apple smoothies on the deck. I put on my sandals and toddled about the yard taking pictures. I must be on the mend.

 Potato Tree

 

 When you look out across our pasture

 freshly mown

 you understand why we call it home 

Raindrop Diamonds on Blue Spruce

Now I must pay tribute to the most caring man in the world. He's been at my side through all of this: he makes me laugh, rubs my shoulders, gives me pedicures, makes sure I take my medications, cooks amazing food, and has developed an infinite patience with his slightly cranky bride.

I am blessed beyond words. This afternoon he made a vat of beef stew and sourdough/parmesan biscuits. Be still my heart!