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

https://www.etsy.com/people/GreenTreeJewelry

  

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.







Back to the Future ~ Aug 18, 2013

In my February 9, 2010 post called Wild Blue Yonder, I retold a story from one of my journals. In May, 1970 I packed up my pup Charis and headed off on an month long adventure. No promises to keep, no particular place to be. North was the general direction. Should I turn right or left was my morning mantra.

I found myself in British Columbia headed east on the Trans-Canadian Highway. At Yoho National Park I met Robert Glendenning and James Johnson. We spent a couple of weeks exploring British Columbia and Alberta together.

Camped at the base of Mt. Edith Cavell

 

Jasper, Alberta

 

A year or so ago I received a phone call from a gentleman asking if I was "the girl in the green VW bus with the black puppy he'd travelled around Canada with in 19 ought 70 something". It was Robert. Come to find he's lived in Petaluma for years.

 

Flash forward 43 years. I received a message that Robert and James wanted to meet for lunch at Sushi Hana in Sebastopol. Turns out we live within a 100 miles of each other. We had a great meal, caught up on our lives and swapped stories about our trip. Funny how you forget some things and remember other things differently.

 

James and Robert

 

“For my part,

I travel not to go anywhere,

but to go.

 I travel for travel’s sake.

The great affair is to move.”

 

Robert Louis Stevenson

The Boys of Summer ~ August 7, 2013

Today we made our first trip to AT&T Park to see the Giants. The game wasn't until 7:15 but we took off from home around 2pm so we could amble down the back roads of Sonoma and Marin and pick up Hwy 101 near Corte Madera. There was traffic once we got on the freeway, but all in all it was pretty easy to get there and parking was right across the street.

 

We watch the games on TV all the time but nothing prepares you for actually being there: the view from the promenade, the sounds, the sun on your back, the food aromas wafting along the walkways. People get all keyed up in traffic and their everyday lives and worries. The minute they walk into the Willie Mays entrance at the stadium you see the weights drop away, scowls turn smiles, inward to outward, silence to chatter. Grown ups out of their boxes, children in their element.

 

We were way early so we checked out where our seats were located. Our friend at Jeff's 4X4 gave us two of his season tickets: awesome seats about 25 rows back and just to the right of home plate. Oh Baby!

Stadium food is not health food, it's a day off from being good kids. It was hard to decide, but we settled on garlic fries, a brisket sandwich and a coke. Brown rice and salads for the rest of the week to recover our dignity.

Time for a few laps around the Promenade to check out the vendors and the view during batting practice. We have a Kaiser iPhone app called Everybody Walk that lets us track time and mileage with a map. Two laps around the promenade was a little under a mile. We were leaning on the railing looking down to where the ferry parks and checking out boats and kayakers. All of a sudden we hear the crack of a bat and someone yells "heads up".

A fly ball arced over our heads and plopped in the water about 15 ft. from the pier. A kayaker was stroking hard to get to it, but a man on the pier cast a small, weighted dip net out beyond the ball and gathered it in. My understanding is that he's there all the time, but the fans never get tired of the competition.

Before we left home we'd been briefed about dressing for night ball, what you could bring in and where to park. Right nice to have someone blaze the proverbial trail for you. We brought water and snacks, cushions and extra shirts. Plenty warm for evening fog and a breeze.

We've heard Kruk and Kuip talk about the seagulls during broadcasts but never really understood their comments until we experienced ritual. Unfortunately the Giants lost their grip in the 8th. A number of fans left and we started seeing seagulls circling the park and perching on the roof line like ornaments. In the 9th more fans left and the number of seagulls doubled. When the game was over we walked up the stairs to the landing and looked back. We were astounded to see hundreds of gulls on the field and in the bleachers. It appears they are the first wave of the cleanup crew. Humans are a messy bunch and sea gulls are opportunists ~ a match made in heaven!

 

Parking $30

Got have Hats $64

Food $35

Gift of Admission ~ Priceless

 

Thank you Jeff and Kathy for the tickets, the tutorial, and a grand adventure. 



Over the Back Fence IV ~ Aug 8, 3013

 Boogie Nights 

 

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.





Over the Back Fence III ~ Aug 4, 2013

 

Her name may be Sorbet

 

Over the Back Fence II ~ Aug 2, 2013

Let me introduce you to Calvin Headlamp. He's as big as a dinner plate and when he comes to visit he gets his own vase.

 

Over the Back Fence I ~ July 29, 2013

 

Album of the Heart ~ June 18, 1880

To a Friend

When years have passed away

And change is brought to thee,

I'd have this slight memorial claim

A single thought for me,

And as you glance this album o'er

Where fond thoughts are enshrined,

Let memory's voice in whisper low,

Speak to thee of friends and time.

Your Friend

Ella E. Burnett

San Juan, Cal.

 

The lithograph is from the Album of the Heart. The actual title is "Bridal Wreath" but I saw two friends, old and young, sharing some moments in time. The beauty of art is that it is always open to interpretation. I researched the poem and could find no reference to an author other than Ella. 

More Homework ~ July 15, 2013

The morning of the 11th dawned with one message "make it up as you go". A few errands out of the way and off we went. First stop was Salvation Army thrift store complex on Lytton Springs just north of Healdsburg. It's one of our favorite haunts.

We found a couple of giant woks that will translate well into great container gardens for our growing family of succulents. We also discovered 20 bins of books next to the checkout kiosk. At bin 18 I uncovered a paperback called "Crazy, Sexy, Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr with a forward from Cheryl Crow. I read the first pages standing in the morning sun and started laughing out loud. This book definitely needed to be in my library.

Kris was diagnosed with a rare vascular cancer called epithelioid hemangio-endothelioma (EHE for short). Though our diagnoses were very different we both had the same reaction on being told we had cancer: Holy Shit! 

She documented her journey with humor and a no nonsense approach of taking charge that rang true with me. She reinforced a lot of what I was already doing: writing, creating art, taking notes and questioning authority. The book is a great road map for all glorious Cancer Babes. It opened my eyes to what more I could be doing. After all we are warriors and it's time to start training.

• Shake my ass
• Create a cancer posse ~ more on this later
• Rethink my diet ~ can you spell China Study?
• Drink more water
• Stretch more ~ Yoga
• List of 10 things you've always wanted to do ~ no jumping out of a plane isn't one of them

The body heals eight times faster with exercise: it floods the body with oxygen, helps rid it of toxins, and releases endorphins to make you feel good. What's not to like? Walking 6-8 miles a week is a start. Now it's time to start shaking my ass with abandon to one song a day on the radio. As serendipity would have this morning's random choice on XM radio was John Mellencamp's Paper in Fire. We open the doors and cranked it up.

http://youtu.be/myo9wXrNUP4

Album of the Heart ~ May 21, 1880

 

On the broad highway of action

Friends of worth are far and few

So when one has proved his friendship

Cling to him who clings to you

Lines to a Friend, Eva Wheaton, Soquel, California

Many of the entries in Great Grandmother Flora's Album of the Heart are not original writings, but rather excerpts from poems and songs. Here is the original poem:

Cling to Those Who Cling to You  

There are many friends of summer

Who are kind while flowers bloom

But when winter chills the blossoms

They depart with the perfume

On the broad highway of action

Friends of worth are far and few

So when one has proved his friendship

Cling to him who clings to you

 

Do not harshly judge your brother

Do not deem his life untrue

If he makes no great pretensions

Deeds are great though words are few

Those who stand amid the tempest

Firm as when the skies are blue

Will be friends while life endureth

Cling to those who cling to you

 

When you see a worthy brother

Buffeting the stormy main

Lend a helping hand fraternal

Till he reach the shore again

Don't desert the old and tried friend

When misfortune comes in view

For he then needs friendship's comforts

Cling to those who cling to you

 

Spring Dresses and Hats

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What I find interesting is that ownership of the poem is attributed to a number of authors. And, it's been printed in an interesting array of books and journals. Eva's entry was dated May of 1880 so the earlier citation seems the most reasonable.

• Utah Magazine, The Home Journal of the People, Volume 3, Oct 1869 ~ poem attributed to Dexter Smith
• Standard Book of Song for Temperance Meetings and Home Use, National Temperance Publication Depot, London, Editor T. Bowick, 1878 ~ poem attributed to D. Smith
• Poems for Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, editor W.J. Slater, 1898 ~ Poem attributed to D.M.G.
• Historical Sketches of the Royal Highlanders, author Reverend J.B. Sharp, Volume 1, 1901 ~ poem attributed to or "clipped by" Della Rohrer
• The Railroad Telegrapher, Volume 31, Part 2, published by the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Jul 1914 ~ poem attributed to Harold C. Keyes
• Boilermaker's Journal, Volume 27, Jan 1915 ~ Poem attributed to Harold C. Keyes

Though the poem was written in the 19th Century, the message is as timeless today as it was then. Flora and Eva were in their early twenties at the time and may have known each other since childhood.

Album of the heart ~ October of 1873

Power and wealth and fame

Are but as weeds upon Life's troubled tide;

Give me but these, a spirit's tempest-tried

A brow unshrinking, and a soul of flame,

The joy of conscious worth, 

It's courage and it's pride!

This entry in Flora's Album of the Heart was by one of her school teachers, Mrs. Ida Sutherland. With some research I found the lines were excerpted from a poem by Robert T. Conrad called the Pride of Worth, cited in an article in Graham's Monthly Magazine, Volume 25, Philadelphia, June 1844, No. 6.

Robert T. Conrad

 

He was a man of many facets: attorney, judge, editor, poet, and playwright. He was elected the first mayor of Philadelphia in 1844. In 1852 he published a volume entitled Aylmere, or the Bondman of Kent, and other Poems, the principal poems being “The Sons of the Wilderness,” a meditative poem on the wrongs and misfortunes of the North American Indians. 

Doors are to be opened, lands are to be explored; destinations are but second fiddle to the journey. Talk to your elders and celebrate your history, you never know what you'll find along the way. 



Turn Left Go West ~ July 02, 2013

This morning was day seven of the heat wave that has been squatting on California. The only place to be has been indoors with the fans cranked up. However, by now we're both chomping at the bit for some exercise.

Bit by Bit

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Rod suggests the coast and walk on the beach. I worked in Bodega Bay for 33 years and one thing for sure if it's between April and August it's going to be windy and cold. Never ones to shrink from a shear possibility we throw layers and a picnic in the car, turn left and go west. It was 85 degrees when we departed Sebastopol at 11am.

First stop is Doran Beach. With our Sonoma County Park Pass we got to pull out of a long line and go right in. Well it was simply stunning, clear, 64 degrees and barely a breeze. Picnic on a beachside bench and then a 2 mile walk down to the Jetty and back.

Sand trees.

Jetty Boy 

About 1:30 we left Doran and headed north to Wright's Beach. In the mid 1970's friends lived in 3 cabins down by the old cypress at the south end of the beach. They were rented with the understanding they would one day be torn down. It was a sad day when it finally happened but there are tales that will never be forgotten.

One afternoon, when the tide was fairly low, several of us walked to a spot between these two rocks to watch the wave action. To our amazement a whale came up between them and looked right at us. We stood in stunned silence for a second or two. Too bad it was in the days before cell phones.

Death Rock, Wright's Beach

Rod took this picture of me to prove I was, in fact, in shirt sleeves, in July, in Bodega Bay.

North again and then east on Hwy 116 for the trip home. We stopped in Duncan's Mills for ice cream. It was 88 by the time we got to Forestville. Closer to Sebastopol we noticed wind in the trees. By the time we got home it was 72 and the wind was clocking 20 miles an hour. The natural air conditioner that graces us most summers was finally back. I got to sleep under a blanket last night.

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.

On Being an Advocate ~ June 21, 2013

One thing this little excursion into the health care system has taught me is that it's critical to be your own advocate. Kaiser and UCSF are world class institutions but that doesn't mean that things can't get lost in translation, transition, or Timbuktu. I have an awesome medical team, but regardless of the expertise represented, you need to find your voice and speak up. Telling me no or I don't know is not an option.

We Can Do It

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It's akin to herding cats or cattle, to make sure everyone is on the same page, headed in the same direction. As Will Rogers once said "If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there".

Long Shot

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So whether you're looking after yourself, a friend, or family take the bull by the horns, do some research and educate yourself. If you're not satisfied with an answer take it up the chain of command. 

What I find most amusing is that the watchwords and catch phrases of my youth have come full circle and make as much sense now as they did then: assume nothing, ask questions, take notes, question authority, be a squeaky wheel and persevere. Who knew?

The Art of Giving and Other Thoughts ~ June 17, 2013

In Fall of 2009 I did a three part series called the Art of Giving. In the last few days readers have checked out one of the posts. I realized, after a quick glance, that the links no longer exist so I took a few minutes to update the trio. This of course got me to thinking and I've decided to expand on the series, to give my readers some ideas and food for thought for the coming seasons.

 

Inspire Me

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A lot has changed for me in the last four years and that in turn has changed my perspective, the lens through which I see the world. All of it has been documented in my blog but the gist of it is: don't waste time on the unimportant shit, appreciate the little things, choose your attitude, and cherish your friends.

 

Friendship is Wealth

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Now go play outside. Unplug from all things electronic and share yourself with the world, one on one. We're off for a picnic and a walk in the park.





Album of the Heart ~ Dec 26, 1873

 

An Epic

Pleasant Recollections

 

Oh! Flora,

Do you remember the evening,

When we departed for Mirasole's Academy?

Be when it may, it has found a place

Where precious things can ne'r erase

Mine that deep fathomless spot I claim

Flora in that ever thine abode you may maintain.

 

Tell the world that night can ne'r be recalled!

Me in heart does awaken such a truth

Shall we enjoy many eve in happy calm.

I can not doubt that the stars proclaim all in sooth.

Wait and we will more good things disclose

For all you will believe, being of such reality,

Thee no other shall find there, much enclosed;

Do say yes! when you hear of so a faithful immortality!

 

I believe you can not doubt in your heart;

Will all be mine if you so pleasant words still define;

Be what they will they came to pass and not to part

Thine such real thoughts truly have great incline.

 

And when we at tea did depart home ward bound,

That moment filled us with many sweet recollections of the past;

Forever shall in our future life such pleasant thoughts still resound

Too great is our life after experience of such a cast!

 

Good Flora:
Yours forever:

Charles W. Lieb
Friday Evening, December 26, 1873

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

According to the Online Archives of California (OAC) Mirasole's Academy was in San Francisco, circa 1870's. My friend Margo Metegrano found a reference under California Business Ephemera that it may have been a dance school.

The lithograph is from the Album of the Heart. The accompanying quote "Catch the white-handed nymph in shady places. To woo sweet kisses from averted faces" is from the poem "Sleep and Poetry" by John Keats, where he talks of the gods Flora and Pan. What I find truly interesting is that Flora was but 14 years old in 1873.


Rolling Thunder Review ~ June 10, 2013

The weatherman said something about chance of thunderstorms and maybe a little rain. It was cloudy and windy when we took off for a walk late Sunday afternoon. We laughed about timing and figured if anything happened it would be just after we got home. Well, not exactly.

About 1:20am this morning a blinding flash and loudest thunder I ever heard sat me straight up in bed. These light shows are pretty rare around here and aren't to be missed, so we put on robes and toddled out onto the covered porch. Another great reason to have a pair of oak rockers!

How far away was the lightning?  I remember counting as a kid, but wasn't sure how it translated. Guess we're never to old to learn something new. Here's the story from the National Severe Storms Laboratory.

"Lightning heats the air around it to as much as 60,000 degrees, producing sound waves by the quick expansion of the heated air. Since light travels at 186,000 miles per second, you see the lightning the instant it flashes. But sound, including thunder, travels about a mile in five seconds near the ground. If 15 seconds elapse between seeing a lightning bolt and hearing its thunder, the lightning was about three miles away".

Flashes were going off all around us. We saw no ground strikes, but close to 500 were reported. Of the 22 small fires discovered by morning, about half were in Sonoma County. Most of the activity to the north of us, around Healdsburg and Geyserville, was followed by basso profundo, the woofer is all the way up to stun, rumbles. Think about three F-15 jets taking off in the driveway next door.

The flashes overhead were followed by snappy, crisp rolls ~ a celestial bowling alley with all lanes in action. The front yard turned to daylight every 10-15 seconds. We came back inside about 2:30am when it started to quiet down, but we continued to hear rumblings until about 7am.

Check out the photos and blog by local Kent Porter from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. http://weather.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/14120/nocturnal-lightning/

 

Kent Porter

We had watched a Weather Channel special on lightning earlier in the evening so this was Science In Action for us kids. Totally amazing!

Off the Proverbial Grid ~ June 07, 2013

The actual chemoembolization or TACE procedure was the easy part. The aftermath can kind of take the wind out of your sails for a few weeks.

Pain is the most common side effect of the procedure because the blood supply to the tumor is cut off. Also, to control the potential for bleeding, I had to lay flat on my back for at least 4 hours. Due to the fact it hurt too much to move, I was basically in that position for 24 hours. Old spines speak, then scream volumes, when parked in stationary situations for inordinate amounts of time. Spines are made for movement.

Lake Dancer

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Nausea and a slight fever are to be expected. Only with you for a few days, but totally annoying. Fortunately all are readily controlled with antibiotics, anti-nausea and pain medication. And yes, Mabel, they too come with their own side effects. Oh Boy!

Why are there never any good side effects?

Just once I'd like to see a drug commercial that says

May cause extreme awesomeness.

Anonymous

The potential side effects of the procedure, listed on the UCSF and other websites, are totally generic with no hint of the possibilities. I guess they don't want to scare you. However, anyone going through chemotherapy or TACE treatments is already facing a life threatening situation. We are already warriors in our own right so I don't think a few more details are going to scare any of us. 

 

 Valkyrie

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What else can we expect besides the usual suspects? What about the vice clamped on my right shoulder the first week and the hive like rash on my back? Are there naturopathic or other remedies for some of these? It's the little things that can make a difference.

Sleep is one of the keys to healing. I've mastered the art of the cat nap and drop in my tracks whenever I feel the need.



While She Slept

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One of the most important aspects of healing is the power of positive thought. Rod is my rock and I cannot say enough about our posse of friends and neighbors. They have sent energy, humor, flowers, food and thoughts. We've partnered up with one of our neighbors to share the work and the bounty of our large vegetable garden, a win-win for both families.  

I'm back to sleeping through the night and getting stronger everyday. It's taken a couple of weeks to approach normal. I've learned to be patient with myself. The rash on my back is healing, but still looks a little like I got hit with buckshot. My doc thinks it may have been a reaction to the detergent used to wash hospital linens. On her advice I'm bringing a T-shirt and my own sheet for the next session on June 24th. We went to the movies yesterday and for a mile walk today. After two weeks of inactivity, I had to start from scratch, that's been the really hard part.

Amusing aside ~ I seem to have the attention span of a six year old. I'm hoping it's temporary.

Bright note ~ I'm at my high school cheerleading weight of 125 ~ Do you serve belts with those pants?

Once again thanks to Etsy Artisans who create the pictures that speak my words.