A blustery winter day

The temperature is in the teens - before the wind chill factor. The wind is fierce. I went out with Shelly for lunch - she drove - and declined to get out again.

I don't know what we'll do Christmas Day - it depends on the weather. If my mother won't get out, I'll take stuff over to her place then go to Joe's myself later.

Tomorrow, I'm baking pumpkin pies. With heavy cream, not evaporated milk. Have to patch up one of the pie shells. I hope the pie shells taste ok, as they use vegetable oil, not lard or Crisco.

Got Joe his Boston fern. A really big one. And a large poinsettia for my mother. Checks to Annie and Jessica and Katie. Used the wrong zip code for Annie, but she got mine. Now, if she will only get the check I sent from my mother. When I copied the zip code into my address book, the pen skipped on the loop in the 9, so I thought it was a 1. Had it right on the notepad, but apparently checked the wrong one.

Haven't been to church in ages, so have been playing Christmas carols on the organ. Hope that does it.

Christmas shopping

All I have left to get is a Boston fern for Joe. Baker Floral is trying to order one for me. All Mother wanted was a poinsetta, so got her a real nice one at Baker Floral. Cost a lot more than one from Wal Mart, but it's a lot nicer, too. Have left it covered up so Boots doesn't get into it. Will take it over tomorrow.

Sent checks to Jessica & Annie & Katie. Got a copy of a picture of Jess when she was 10 and sent it to Steve.

Jessica is getting a second horse - Calabar - a former race horse with Thoroughbred hooves. She says he and Lena are both brats, which is what she likes.

Winter

Winter has arrived. It gets down in the teens overnight and stays in the 20's during the day. There is some snow on the ground with more expected today. I didn't get plowed out until Monday afternoon as there was ice as well.

Everyone in California laughs, of course, but they are getting heavy rains, which can be dangerous.
Tomorrow, I am taking my mother for a hair appointment after my hair cut. Saturday, we are scheduled at Marjorie's Tea House for lunch with friends celebrating birthdays and Christmas. Mother's sidewalk and driveway have not been shoveled, so getting her to the car is a problem.

So much for the start of winter.

Digital camera

My Canon PowerShot arrived by UPS Wednesday. Pam and I got the batteries installed and the picture clip, and I took a couple of pictures of her, but still have no idea how to use the camera. Joe is supposed to help sometime today.

Once again, my blogspot went off the short list on Mozilla, which aggravates me to no end. I guess I'll have to add to the blog every couple of days.

Yesterday I substituted at John Adams Middle School, but it was easy. A student teacher in many of the classes. All were co-taught. Monday I will only be there in the afternoon, for another teacher, but the one with a student teacher.

Have yet to find a time for an interview for the new December Home of the Month. Hope to get that straighted out today. May have to cancel more appointments.

That's the news.

Blog address keeps going off list

I'm not quite sure what is happening with my brief list of web sites and blog sites, but mine keeps going off and I have to type it in again. Jessica's stays on.

Jessica pretty well has me convinced to use some birthday money on a digital camera. Will have to ask how that would work out with the Globe Gazette.

Did an interview today at La' James College for an article that will come out Dec. 2. They teach cosmetology, massage therapy, esthetics, and nails. Took some pictures, and on the way home realized I had not put down the last name of the instructor in the pictures. So called and got her and got the info.

Mother took a tumble yesterday while she was hanging onto my right arm. Fortunately, a kid came along and helped her finish getting to her feet, as I couldn't have lifted her. She wasn't hurt, just shook up.

Furnace acted up and had to call Mike of Brass Heating and Plumbing in Rudd. Practically called him out of bed, as it was really cold in here. He got here around 8:30 and fixed it and then ordered the part to have in his truck.

See my therapist at 2:00. Not exactly an award-winning day.

Writing Exercises

Just got off a long article for the November Home of the Month. Worked on the notes yesterday, did draft today, edited it, then sent it off by email. Called the home's owner a couple of times over details. Think I covered the house pretty well.

Have two assignments due Thursday for writing class. Have an idea for one. Not sure how I'll tackle the other.

Counsin Jim-- and the email he forwards--can get downright obnoxious. Haven't figured out what to do with him again. Fortunately, we never get off on those subjects when we talk on the phone.

Cousin Jim's wife, Joyce, may look up Great Aunt Audrey at the Taylor County Museum and the Bedford library. Hope she finds some stuff. Then there's the possibility of checking at the court house for transcripts of the trial.

That's mainly the news for today.

Katie

My granddaughter will be 17 November 24. When Jessica and Ed divorced, Ed used my diagnosis against Jessica. Tammy, his second and third wife, was a pathological liar and psychotic to boot and did a masterful job of fooling the counselor. Ed got custody and later on Jessica had to run up a large legal bill to get the visitation straightened out.

Now Katie is ready to move in with Jessica and Ed is destroying his relationship with Katie, which leaves Katie heartbroken and Jessica heartbroken for her. He and Dayna, his fourth wife, refuse to acknowledge how intelligent and responsible Katie is and even think they should dictate what she does when she's with Jessica.

There's nothing I can do except be there for Jessica. I will get a letter off to Katie soon, but I don't know what to say to her.

Getting back to my blog

I didn't realize it had been so long since I last posted. That blog was about a friend with breast cancer. She's had more complications than I had, but is doing well now. She sees the surgeon tomorrow and will find out about lymph nodes on left side.

As for me, I have several articles to do for the Globe Gazette. So I will be busy with that. Have one drafted - the October Home of the Month - three to do for 30 under 40 about people who are contributing greatly to their communities - and one that a business man called me about this morning.

Found out that my editor was originally from Oskaloosa and knows Curt and Shirley. Curt was the first teacher to tell her she writes well. Have to get that off to Shirley.

Have a lot of research to do about a Medicare supplement. Social Security. SHIIP. DHS. It has me worried, but Harry said it's 99% sure that Blue Cross will have an open enrollment period. AARP has plans with United Health Care that don't require medical history, but do require info on health plans used in the last 60 days.

A Friend Has Breast Cancer

A friend who helped me through surgery and recovery has recently been diagnosed with cancer in both breasts. At first, it sounded as if her situation with cancer was better than mine, but they kept finding more, so it is about the same. Lymph node affected on left side. Mine was discovered on right after surgery, hers was discovered before surgery. She will meet with surgeon today.

I am rereading information I was given in order to help her and her family. Plan to go to hospital for her surgery, if only for a little while, to be there for her family. Then will visit her when she gets home. I have two camisoles and will give them to her for her use so she can wash them and not be stuck with wearing the same one all the time for weeks.

She is a nurse, so is more familiar with the medical system at Mercy. Of course, by now, I'm pretty familiar with it as well.

Yesterday, I knew the news wasn't good when her sister left me messages twice without leaving information about this series of biopsies. So I was pretty anxious about getting the information.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Have just reread The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and it is as timely as it was in the 1960's. The life as a child with the murder of his father and the institutionalizing of his mother, leaving him and his siblings at the mercy of the state. One insurance company - his father had two policies, one small - saying his father had committed suicide. The larger policy would have kept the family off welfare.

The life hustling on the streets, the burglary that put him in prison -- longer sentence because he was involved with a white woman. And then the conversion to The Nation of Islam, led by Elijah Muhammed. The work in the fields gathering converts to The Nation of Islam, the eventual betrayal by Elijah Muhammed, the trip to Mecca, another trip to the Mideast, and then the assassination. Leaving his wife, Betty Shabazz, four daughters, and a fifth daughter on the way. I'm not sure how his widow supported the family, other than from proceeds from the book. Decades later, Betty died from burns in a fire set in her apartment by a grandson.

He met Maya Angelou in Ghana. She then planned to come back to the U.S. and work with Malcolm X, but he was assassinated before she could work for him. The same with Dr. Martin Luther King a few years later.

I always preferred Malcolm X to Dr. King, even though both were needed in the Civil Rights movement, because Malcolm X was so blunt and direct.

Writing more

Have lots of articles to do this month for the Globe Gazette. But think the advertorial won't go far, as the deadline for ads is tomorrow, and I've only had four articles referred to me so far. One with a chiropractor who has a new baby boy, and is a bit scattered these days. Also have to have advertiser proof the article before submitting it. Three in. Waiting until Tuesday to contact the chiropractor again. At any rate, if the advertorial doesn't go, I assume the articles will go in one way or another, like they did the last time there was an advertising section that didn't sell enough ads.

Boots has turned into a real pain when I'm on the phone or have company. With company here, he won't leave me alone and is on my lap crabbing at me when I'm not petting him. With the phone, in the living room, he's on my lap. In the bedroom, he's beside me meowing. You'd think the poor creature never gets any attention or goodies in his food bowl.

Paul called and then later I got ahold of Annie, who insists I should get an older dog that is well trained and take it on walks. No dog, thank you. Even though I do indeed need to walk a lot more. Talked to Pat and Matt.

Have to take the car in for a check on the water coming from the vents on the passenger side. Right now, I don't have time to have it in the shop for two or three days, if that's what it would take. Just want to have Brad take a look at it and come up with what will be involved fixing it. That's the side that blows in dust, too, so maybe it's just the vents fouling up.

Boots was not amused

Yesterday, some friends came over in the afternoon and brought along their 9-week-old Bichon Frise puppy, who weights maybe three or four pounds. She was in a large carrier. Mostly she stayed in her carrier, but she was out to be cuddled a bit.

Boots stayed in the living room the whole time the puppy was here. Usually, he goes back and forth to the bedroom. Not this time. He never took his eyes off the puppy, or the carrier when she was in it.

I've often said to Mary Ann that we should get Callie together with Boots. Callie is a Llaso Apso. Now I'm having second thoughts, although I still think it would be a riot. An actual riot and a riot of fun.

Boots Holds Down The Fort

Lately, Boots has been taking his after-food snoozes underneath the end table that has the CD player and CD's on it. It's right by the front door. Have no idea why he's decided to switch from the bed to the door. He still wanders into the bedroom once or twice during the night. Then switches from one side to the other so I'm facing him whenever I turn over. During the day, he holds down the fort whileI'm gone. When he sleeps by the door, he can always be right there when I get back.

Katie has her drivers license and a 1992 Chevy Blazer, that looks to be in good condition. Now she has to work to pay for gas. She's working for her dad some and also has worked for a friend of Jessica's. Mainly, she just wants some freedom now. In California, she can't have other teenagers with her in the car unless there's also an adult. Seems like a good idea. She's also learning how to drive the Ford F150 while pulling the horse trailer. Quite a feat for a new driver.

Good news

Wednesday, Dr. McKone was very, very positive that I will not have a reoccurrence of breast cancer. He is a radiation oncologist. Radiation burns have healed nicely, but still need moisturizer. This is such a relief. The comment came about when I was telling him what Dr. Bate had said about not taking Tamoxifen as it wouldn't do much to decrease risk and that I could take it if a reoccurrence did occur.

Have passed the word on to friends and family.

No more problems since TIA. Will ask Dr. White about switching to cumidin. Simply can't afford Plavix. These are for thinning the blood.

Boots climbs aboard

Got home from my mother's after doing her laundry, and Boots met me at the door, circling around his food tray. That meant he wanted some chicken. So I got it out and sliced off a bit, and then cut it up into small pieces. Then I checked my messages on the phone message machine.

Dr. White had left a message with the triage nurse that I'm to keep wearing compression stockings until my next appointment with him, which is in mid-July. Guess I'll buy another pair at the pharmacy so I have one pair to wash and one to wear.

Tomorrow I'll work on my article on the Shopko remodeling and get it sent in. Sunday, taking my mother out to eat. She wants to do this every Sunday, and it makes a nice break.

She said we'd work out the expense of medications next year. I have to talk to DHS about how the Medicaid for Employed Persons with a Disability will end come December. Not sure I trust Tara to know what she's doing, but that's just the way it goes. Will call in for an appointment so I can finally meet her. Also have to get Medigap insurance when MEPD ends.

The expense of all of this is making me anxious, so I need to calm down about it. Something will work out. The blood thinner - Plavix - costs $138 a month. Plus all the others. Can pay for it myself and not run it through insurance, according to pharmacist. Will get costs of all medications from pharmacy to make sure I'm under the $2,450 that triggers paying for all medications myself until it reaches $5,000. OK for 2007, because of MEPD.

Well, that's enough stewing. Am mainly pissed off about the TIA. I don't like thinking about all the things that are wrong, as I don't like to think of myself as having poor health.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Wednesday night, Joe called me around 8:30 and maybe five minutes after we started talking I was garbling everything I said. When I tried to write down words, I garbled them as well. We talked for awhile and I managed to express my dismay, and we decided I should call the Emergency Room. I asked for the doctor on call from Family Residency and after a brief wait, Dr. Young came on the line. She said I should get to the ER for an evaluation. So I called Joe back and he said he would come get me. Then I called Annie and left a message and then called Jessica at her home phone and talked to Steve. I also called my mother.

When I got to the Mercy Medical Center ER, I had trouble verbalizing, or even thinking of the name, when the nurse held up a piece of paper. When I first went into the emergency room, I had trouble reading some sentences and naming pictures. Eventually, I managed to complete the task flawlessly.

I had an IV shunt put in my right ankle and three tubes of blood withdrawn. I also had a CT scan to look for bleeding in the brain. Joe came back while I was in that ER room. Somewhere along the line the tech said it's a free country and we have the right to make choices. I said something to the effect of that right was being eroded by Republicans. When a nurse asked me who is the President of the United States, I glared at her and didn't name the SOB. She figured by that I knew his name.

I didn't want to be admitted to the hospital, but was told that would mean I would be characterized as AMA (Against Medical Advice). I am familiar with the term. So I went ahead and was admitted, but the process wasn't completed until 1:30 a.m. Joe had talked to Jessica, and she said to call her when I could, but that was too late. Also, Joe had to go out and buy a $5 phone card. I still have the card because I didn't need it. Annie and Jessica both called me the next morning, after getting my hospital phone number from my mother. I was released around 2:30 p.m. My mother and a friend of hers were coming to get me. When Agnes arrived, she suggested having a nurse call in the prescription for a blood thinner (Plavix), and the nurse did that for me. Then, forgetting my nurse had said I had to have a staff member walk out with me, Agnes and I went to the Cancer Center entry way, where my mother was waiting in the car. Annie called me at home that night. And pointed out I wasn't telling her all of the times I had an episode before things finally cleared up. I did finally get a shower and a shampoo early in the afternoon. Should I ever again have to head to the ER, I'm going to make sure I have my makeup with me.

Boots was relieved to see me when I got home around 3:30. (Had to stop for the prescription.)

I hadn't slept at the hospital Wednesday night because I was wide awake when the paper work was finally finished. So I fell asleep Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. and slept until my mother called me at 6:15 this morning.

Got to the grocery store and also to the bank and to the vet for dry food for Boots. His dry food averages out to $12 per month.

It was really fortunate that Joe happened to call me Wednesday night. Otherwise, I might never have figured out something was wrong.

Wherein Boots Outdoes Himself

Boots really likes Pam and does his best to be the sole center of attention when she's here. Pam and I walked around the court and then watched Casablanca. Boots proceded to check out Pam's giant purse then checked out Pam. He spent most of the time trying to climb all over me, meowing when I quit petting him. He wasn't fond of being combed. Once in awhile, he would lie down on the rug to snooze. Most of the time, though, he was making sure I was paying attention to him and Pam was paying attention to him.

When I went in the bedroom, he started out on the bed, then switched to the floor in front of the blue trunk. Where he is now.

Four treatments

I have four radiation treatments left. I will be through Thursday. I see the medical oncologist, Dr. Bate, on Thursday, June 14, to see about tamoxifen and what signs I have to look for in terms of a reoccurrence of cancer.

Have had a good talk with Annie today. Jessica returned a call last Sunday. I feel good about both of them. \

My granddaughter, Katie, got her driver's license last Thursday. Jessica says she does well on the freeway. Got her a congratulations card and will get it off tomorrow.

Charles called me yesterday. He is good to keep in touch. He was outraged that Berkeley had had a jazz festival with no African-American musicians. He's right.

Nate also called. He was at his folks' house. He seems to be doing ok at the residential facility in New Hampton. Bobbi is still his case manager. She is really good.

Have had three articles published this week - one last Sunday (Sallee's), one Friday (June Home of the Month) and one today (Suzie Q). I should get one or two more this month.

Had lunch with Joe. Dutch. Then went over to my mother's and got her garbage out. I told her she needs to walk outside. I will go along with her. At first, she didn't think she could or would do it, as she won't take her walker outside. Vanity will be her undoing. She is nowhere near as weak as she thinks she is, but she will be if she doesn't get around more.

It has been awhile since I have written in my blog. Must do better, as it is good therapy.

Starting radiation

Like I am with bipolar disorder, I'm getting tired of talking about breast cancer. Saw my therapist this afternoon and as I was leaving she asked if I missed my breasts. I thought a bit and then said I do. Hadn't really thought of it in that way before.

The young technicians at the Cancer Center are really great. They answer questions as we go along and are very exacting and efficient at their work. With going to and fro and changing twice around a 15-minute appointment, it takes a 45 minute to an hour chunk out of my late afternoon. Appointment is at 3:30. People keep telling me I will get really tired, but the technicians said that usually doesn't apply with breast cancer treatment. (Others have said otherwise.) They said it would be more like feeling lazy. Well, I feel lazy a lot of times, so I'll just have to get off my butt, as I want to continue writing articles for the Globe Gazette.

This was my first week of radiation - 5 treatments. Scheduled for 28 treatments over 5 1/2 weeks. Put on Aloe Vera gel morning and evening. Hope it works and I don't get a bad burn.

Real Estate Extra came out today. The article was quite long and was featured on six pages. So I will get copies of that section next week to send to folks. Also 11 x 12 manila envelopes. Roberta wants to see an article and I haven't sent any to Queen for quite awhile, if I have since I started back with free lance work. Not sure.

Interviewed Jim and Leona Sallee this morning. Spent about an hour at it and think I got some good quotes and interesting information. Sallee's is a sports bar. And there I was - not much of a drinker because I can't handle much alcohol and not much of a sports-minded person, either. Did ok, though, and think I got a good picture or two.

Been Away For Awhile

I haven't posted since April 11. Not sure what I've been up to about it. Start radiation Monday. 28 treatments, 5 1/2 weeks. Plan to go later in afternoon so I am free for articles for the Globe Gazette and other appointments.

I thought childbirth eliminated modesty. Now, I'm exposed from the waist up for the world to see, incision scar and all.

The "poofs" ride up with the sports bra. And I forgot to call the prosthetics office, as I can now get a prosthesis and a bra for it. Plan to buy a second bra. At home, I frequently remove the "poofs" because they're uncomfortable.

I think my mother is having trouble with depression, and a no-nonsense friend of hers agrees with me. Talked this over with a friend who's a retired psychiatrist. He says one of my main problems is expecting too much of myself. I did tell my mother I think she's depressed, and maybe gave her something to think about. She says she will feel better once I have started radiation. My diagnosis has been hard on her. But she doesn't seem to catch on that it's very hard for me.

This is life-altering, and I can't help but wonder how much time I have left to accomplish something. Not sure what I want to accomplish, but I want my life to count for something, not coming off as a "blob" on earth.

Jessica and Annie keep me going. Have also returned to writing articles for the newspaper. My editor says article for Real Estate Extra is good. I've never done anything like it, so I am glad to hear her report. Have worked up notes for another article and will post it via email tomorrow and get film in

This is a lonely road, even though I have friends and family being very supportive. My mother helps me out financially but, as usual, she's not any help emotionally. Then I feel guilty because of the financial help.

Plan to get credit card bill mostly paid off by December. Will have less to work with next year as MEPD ends when I turn 65 (in December). That means I will be paying the Medicare premium, have a $250 deductible for prescriptions on Plan D, and will be paying for Plan D as well as a Medigap policy. With my health problems, can't afford to be without supplement to Medicare.

Dealing with cancer frequently overwhelms me. So I escape into reading. Fortunately, I also have friends who laugh with me.

Can't think of anything else right now.

A Scary Place To Be

In the last few days, my emotional numbness has worn off and I faced the thought that breast cancer is scary. It definitely is scary. The thought of my own mortality is looming over me. What do I want to do? I want to make some small difference as I go on with my life. It used to be that I wanted to make a big difference, but I got past that a couple of years ago.

The incisions feel funny. Annie says they will feel funny for a year. They are tight and they pull on my chest. Annie told me about an aid I can get at Target that will help the scarring.

I have had the computer on for over an hour trying to get a message screened. I forwarded "Sailor's New Friend" to Mary Ann and Janell. Had to wait until the message was FINALLY screened before I could get onto the Internet.

My friends have helped me through the stage of realizing the danger with my mind, but not letting it get to me emotionally. Now the numbness has worn off, but I am doing ok with it.

The Daily Drizzle

Judy came this morning. Changed dressing. Stripped tube. Had a few good laughs.

Have the Discovery Channel on. Crabs. Breaking glasses with singing notes. Etc.

Sandy called. She had a really explosive day at Community Kitchen and had to get really tough with a couple of customers. I called her back about Rosie's really dumb Guest Editorial today.

Boots continues to go up the steps for his food, wander around Mother's ankles, talk to her, and purr. He doesn't do that for me!!

Plan to get rid of this right tube Friday. Don't need antibiotics with it out. Have to remember to take drainage sheet to Dr. Jay. Shelly will take me.

Tomorrow see Dr. Bate, Medical Oncologist, and Dr. McKone, Radiation Oncologist. Should know treatment plan then. Have to take forms to Dr. Bate as well as Medicare Plan D Formulary for estrogen blocker. Bob will take me. Sent him email and also left message about the DVD he left for me at St. John's, which Wendy keeps forgetting.

This is getting old really fast.

Lethargy on a Tuesday

Woke up feeling sad, and still don't feel much energy. Watched the Discovery channel while keeping my elbows elevated on a pillow. Talked to Donna at Housing and she talked about her experience with a contained breast cancer. Queen and Annie called. Annie is after my butt over my eating habits. Talked to Joe briefly. He is supposed to call back. I'm not sure when he'll be working at his part-time kitchen job at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, but I don't expect it to last long, as they never do. Have yet to get cleaned up for the day. Once again, Boots wrapped himself around Grandma's legs when he left the basement for his breakfast.

Boots purrs for Grandma

Yesterday, Boots left the basement for his kitchen food, wraped himself around Grandma's ankles, and purred. I wonder if he will be speaking to me when I can finally go retrieve him.

It is lonesome without my kitty. I didn't realize how much of my time he takes.

Yesterday and today are boring. Nurse comes at 12:30 p.m. Mediacom comes between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to install basic cable. I will be glad when I can get back out and track down some articles for the newspaper. This is enough to put a person to sleep during the day.

Talked to Jane P. She and Annie have exchanged email. Jane's daughter has a dog that is very sick. A Lab, I think, and only 6 years old. Jane and Gene leave tomorrow for Minneapolis and then on to Florida for a week. I will settle for getting out of the house. My plan is to get rid of the tube Friday. I don't know what the doctors' plans will be.

Had message on cell phone from Charles, but can't reach him now. Have tried last two days.
Shelly worked History Day Saturday and was sick with sinus infection. She feels better today but I reminded her the sinuses are close to the brain and so not to be messed with when they get infected.

Sunday Doldrums

It is in the 70's today, so spring is definitely here. There's a tornado watch or warning until 10 p.m. Pam will let me know if there's a need to go to the club house.

Joe came over and stayed and visited. He took the garbage out for me. Annie called early afternoon. Jessica called after 6 p.m. They took Lena out trail riding, which Lena enjoyed. She was ok about her new trailer, too. Annie had a salsa class with a performance test and a written test.

Watched NCAA tournament games. I was rather stuck with it as I was keeping my elbows elevated for 45-minute stretches.

Will find out treatment options Thursday and Friday. Figuring on $8 a pill for estrogen block plus chemo and radiation. Will do whatever I have to do.

Still haven't located Shelly for the weekend. I thought she had her kids yesterday, but I'm not sure. Maybe she has homework and work for the class she teaches.

Second surgery

I had a second surgery Monday, March 19, to remove lymph nodes in right side. Have had lots of help from friends and family. Linda arrived Saturday, March 10, and left Sunday, March 18. Annie arrived Sunday, March 18, and was with me at the hospital on the 19th. Vicki provided transportation from and to the Minneapolis airport for both of them. They just barely made Annie's flight back to San Francisco, thanks to the weather and traffic.

Everyone has been good to call and send flowers and food. Today, the Home Health Nurse is late because of an emergency with another client. I have not stripped the tubes as I am waiting for a professional to do that. Mother will be here at 1:00 p.m.

I can sleep on my left side, which helps me snooze off quite well. Have only the one tube on the right side. That side is more sore than the left side. The right side has been a pain ever since the cancer was diagnosed, with two more spots and then the one lymph node out of four in the right breast tissue. This will mean chemo. Plus radiation, I guess. John Edwards' wife has had a reoccurrence of breast cancer from an episode in 2004. They are going on with the campaign.

See medical oncologist and radiation oncologist next Thursday, March 29. See the surgeon Friday, March 30. Will know more then. Have an email into the nurse case manager about it.

Will get back to the nurse in radiology who wants to be kept informed.

Futher Recovery

Yesterday, ran a temperature of about 2 degrees. Had no appetite or energy. Feel better this morning. Janell called yesterday evening. Chris K will be here Friday. Shirley called. Jane P was over with food and for a chat. Sandy called. Tried to call Chris L. about her situation with cancer, but she wasn't home.

Am getting royally tired of medical procedures, and I'm no way near through. Did clean up and get dressed when I got up. Didn't sit around in jammies very long. The Home Health Care nurse will be here soon.

Started reading The Kite Runner, which Linda brought for me. Can't figure out how to do underlining on the address bar.

Nose is healing up from tumble. And put in "poofs" today. Must be a sign that I'm feeling better. Still cough some. Temperature getting back to normal.

Boy, this is dumb. A regular "organ recital."

Tripping over my nose

I couldn't get back to sleep, so got up at 5 a.m.and cleaned up. Then wandered into living room in the dark so as not to wake Linda when I retrieved the newspaper. However, as I approached the door, I apparently tripped over Linda's suitcase and landed on my right knee and my nose. Could feel the blood dripping out of my nose. First nosebleed I've ever had. The right knee was sore but not bloodied. My glasses were intact. So Linda got toilet paper and I got a paper towel. Took awhile for the bleeding to stop. Then was in the bathroom and noticed in the mirror that the bridge of my nose was bloodied. Got antibiotic gel and put it on then put on bandaid. Glasses feel a bit loose but are basically ok. Retrieved the flashlight from the phone corner in the kitchen. Read the newspaper. Took antibiotic and other meds. Went out and started the car, as the battery was drained yesterday and had to have a jump start. Knew car was ok when interior lights came on when I opened the driver's door. Nurse from Mercy Home Health Care will be here at 8:30 a.m.
Drainage from right tube is minimal. Hope left tube gets better the next few days so tubes can be removed when I see Dr. Jay Friday. Now, Linda helps with them, and it would take quite a bit of twisting for me to take care of them by myself. Can't drive for two weeks. Bummer. Will not mention Charles' last name again, as Google picks it up every time his name is mentioned on the Internet.

After surgery

Everything went well with the surgery Thursday, March 8, and the surgeon was pleased with the results when he met with Mother and Agnes Lewis, Jane Papouchis, and Sandy Funk. The lymph nodes were fine. Will know more when pathology report arrives towad the end of this week. Friday morning, the first thing I did was put on my makeup. Same has been true ever since.

Got lots of nice flowers and also got a stuffed calico puppy from Jessica and Annie. They have been good to call. Shelly Schmit brought me home Saturday, March 10, and stayed with me until Linda and Vicki arrived some time around 5 p.m. Shelly left lots of food. Linda has been keeping me on my toes with exercises. Also feeding me and doing the dishes. I could get used to this!

Shirley called me at the hospital, as did Charles Derden, Queen, and Linda. Yesterday (Sunday) the phone rang lots of times.

A nurse from Mercy Home Health Care will be here around 9 a.m. Another nurse came yesterday. They strip the tubing, empty the bulbs, and record the amount. Evenings, I do that for myself with some help from Linda.

My editor, Jane Reynolds, is coming at 9:30 a.m. with food. I feel especially blessed with friends at this time in my life. Everyone has been so good and thoughtful. Had another article in the business section yesterday. I'm not supposed to drive for two weeks, so don't know when I will get out to get other articles. But, as Tom Thoma of the Globe Gazette said, "...and kick that cancer in the butt." Will do.

Was stiff and sore this morning, so took two Tylenol. Had a pain killer after surgery and then some Tylenol for a headache. This is the first I've taken even Tylenol since then. Really don't have any pain. Discomfort, yes, but not pain.

Comparing notes with Shirley

Shirley and I have been friends since first grade, although we did have a time of it when we roomed together our freshman year in college. Now we are comparing notes on modesty during medical procedures as well as her playing the organ for Lent activities in a low stress setting and me playing simple stuff on my Baldwin organ. She has news of her mother getting to go home from a nursing home after a fall - no broken bones - so I have been relaying information to my mother.

There's a lot of stuff we haven't known about each other for quite some time, so it is good to be filling in the gaps.

Waking Up Scared

I woke up around 6:30 a.m. feeling scared about the breast cancer surgery and the aftermath. After I got up, took anti-depressant, etc., began to feel better. Still, it is a frightening perspective. And I won't know until I wake up from surgery what has happened, since the lymph nodes will tell the tale. I'm afraid I won't be able to do simple things until the tubes have been removed. And don't know what I will do once Linda goes back to Berkeley.

Also, I am having a terrible time getting into the blog to post new items. I finally got to it, but I'm not sure how. Will post this and then try again.

Just checking

Earlier, this was unavailable. So I checked in to see if things were operating again. This is a lot of fun for me, and figuring out how to make it work is interesting. As of yet, I haven't had any comments on my blog, notwithstanding Charles Derden's plan for revenge on my censoring his humor columns. On the other hand, during the l960's, I asked Charles some incredibly stupid questions about the Civil Rights movement, which he ignored, and I've been gratified that he's still speaking to me.

Boots and his stomach

Boots is my Siamese mix cat. Or, rather, I am the person who takes care of Boots, who is exceedingly spoiled. Every once in awhile he starts spitting up for no apparent reason and has to be fed teeny meals frequently. On hand, we have baked chicken breast, Science Diet for Sensitive tum-tums, and Science Diet i/d for gastroenteritis. Yesterday, he kept everything down. Teeny meals. Today, he got more dry food, which he crunched through, and a teeny bit of baked chicken breast. So far, so good.

But back to breast cancer. The nurse case manager who is substituting for Shari Showalter this week is going to find out what is going on about the surgery. Saw Dr. Recinos, the plastic surgeon, yesterday. He called Dr. Jayawardena, the surgeon. The first report I had from Christy, from the plastic surgery office, said that Dr. Jayawardena had agreed with Dr. Recinos on a bilateral masectomy (both breasts). I was upset, as my understanding was that the medical folks in General Surgery had agreed with a masectomy for the right breast and a lumpectomy for the left breast. Dr. Jay had also recommended breast reduction in the left breast.

Got camisole with velcro closing and pockets for bulbs for tubes. It is to go under other clothing. I'm not quite sure how.

Now that I have a blog, Charles Derden is delighted to have a chance to get even with me for all the times I censored his humor column at East High in Waterloo 1964-1965. So we'll see what his comments will be.

Working with a blog

Aha! I have figured out how to get back in to post more stuff on my brand-spanking-new blog.
I am so pleased with myself.

I ended up with TheSpoiledBoots because I couldn't use my original choice because it was taken (BootHouse) and then my second choice was TheHouseOfBoots, but I got that one in and couldn't figure out how to complete getting a blog, so the next time I tried TheHouseOfBoots was already taken. So we are all stuck with TheSpoiledBoots, who will, of course, star in many posts.

Me - an hour later

The Shock Of It All

On February 6, 2007 I was told I had cancer in both breasts. What had started out as an annual mammogram had turned into a nightmare. I don't cry. Very seldom do I even tear up. I was scheduled for an MRI February 12. The report came back that there was an "enhanced" area in the right breast. Another MRI was scheduled for February 19. Then I was told there were two "enhanced" areas in the right breast. On February 20, my younger daughter's 38th birthday, the results came back with carcinoma in both "enhanced" areas. Surgery was already scheduled for March 8. With three tiny areas in the right breast, that meant a masectomy. I still wanted a lumpectomy on the left breast if that was possible. There had been no "enhanced" areas in the left breast. The medical team met that Thursday morning, February 22, and said that the masectomy and lumpectomy were approved for treatment.

My younger daughter, Annie, has called me nearly every day, and consults with a massage client of hers who is an oncologist. Jessica, my older daughter, has called four times since the original diagnosis, and regularly answers my email. This keeps me going.

I don't have a lot of close friends, but the ones I have are solid. Two will be there for me the day of my surgery. A friend of my mother, who is 91, will take my mother to the hospital late in the afternoon. A friend from Berkeley, California, will fly to Minneapolis March 10 and be met by another friend from Minneapolis. They will then drive to Mason City.

In the midst of all of this, my friend Queen called and asked for help for a presentation she was to make on blacks in music for Black History Month. So I called my friend Charles in Berkeley and hooked up the two of them. Queen sent an email saying Charles had been very helpful. It pleased me very much to hook up two of my black friends in the Bay Area in Northern California.

The shock of more areas in the right breast is tempered by the fact that the MRI caught the areas when mammogram after mammogram and ultra sound after ultra sound had not caught it. The MRI has saved my life.

As this goes on, I will write about my friends and my daughters. With a reference to the cancer, but mostly about other things. This is my way of keeping my spirits up.

Joy