I MADE IT!!!!

Don't be looking for me on the curb somewhere - I made it all the way around the block (even though it was a bit further than I remembered). I waited for Clif to come home so that I would have an escort - glad I did because it was nice to have someone to lean on! It was pretty warm out there, but I did it.

I also took my third dose of the first round of the chemo pill with no incident. Two more to go and then I'm off for 23 days. 

Today the goal is to get the return date on my FMLA changed. Originally, it was set for 6/1, but I've decided to add two more weeks on so that I will be really ready to go back. Guess I'd better get on that - but I'll be back soon.

xxxgbg

Thought You'd Want To Know ...

... I had night two of the chemo pill and all is well. I must be tolerating them just fine and that's good news. In fact, it's all pretty much good news these days.

My goal today (I've already had my morning pep talk from "Dallas") is a walk around the block. I promise to let you know how it goes - otherwise, you might think that I'm out there sitting on a curb somewhere. So, look to hear from me later today when I'm back in from the heat.

Best to all - xxxgbg

A Spoonful of Sugar

Seems that this is all it takes - a spoonful of sugar will help the medicine go down!

Last night I had my first dose of the chemo, which was preceded by a pill that had to be dissolved in my mouth. Other than a kind of nasty fake grape flavor, it was not so bad. Thirty minutes after that one, I took the chemo pill (actually, there were three of them) and then went to bed.

I woke up feeling just fine so I am 1 night down with 4 to go in this round. Keep your fingers crossed that it continues to be this easy. Personally, I'm counting on it!

That's it for now - xxx The Brainiac

P.S. I regret ever mentioning healthy eating and walking in my last post - who am I kidding!!!

Start Spreadin' the News!

I finally heard the news today - and the news is GOOD!

It took my pathology report forever to come back, but we were pleased with what we heard today. First of all, as I told you earlier, the surgeon was able to get about 85% of the tumor. He stopped when he got to a point where he felt that if he went further, he might hit up on something that might change my personality - and we certainly don't want that!

The tumor has been identified as a grade 3 anaplastic oligodendroglima - something that is about in the middle of good and bad. In addition, the reports show that I have something else that I can't remember - I only remember the letters "p" and "q" - and this is a good thing because past studies have shown that those with these indicators respond better to treatment.

The next good thing is that the best way - at least initially - is to treat this with an oral chemo pill (Temodar) They say that there are few side effects and that this should be pretty easy for me to handle. I will take a pill five days in a row and then be off for 23 days, then five more pills, off again, etc. for a year - or maybe two. Every three or six months or so, in between the chemo doses, they will do an MRI to check things out. Hope is that we will begin to see some shrinkage of the remaining 15% of the tumor within about six months. Since this is a very slow grower, that seems to be the standard.

I have been "ordered" to begin exercising - use it or lose it, they say - and walking is the way to start. The doctor says that 45 minutes of real walking is the way to go - a little sweat never hurt anyone. 

In addition, I am supposed to begin to watch what I eat - plainer, fresher food is on the menu. Of course, this doctor has never experienced all the great food that I've been enjoying from all of you great cooks or he might reconsider! Anyway, I'm going to work on it. 

The chemo starts on Tuesday - seems weird to finally be moving on with things. After talking to the doctor, I've also decided to extend my leave for two weeks to give me some time to build my energy up. All of this sounds like positive moves forward and forward is where I want to go. 

When I've absorbed more of what I heard today, I'll let you know. In the meantime, we can all be happy - today was full of good news!!!

Happy Memorial Day - xxx - the Brainiac

Second Time's a Charm!

Two outings in a row - I'm working on stamina and enjoying a few taste treats, too.

It's time, I believe, to see how I do in the outside world. Yesterday I ventured out to Tiny Boxwoods (yum) and then wandered through the attached nursery for a few moments. It was a gorgeous day and a fun one to be out and about on with my good friend Sunny. Today, I was off to Lupe's for my favorite enchiladas (yum again!) with Laura who is out on vacation. We had a great time and I'm still full.

Now, I'm waiting for a special dinner delivery from Robin (oh, boy - just arrived: shrimp, feta, kalamata olives and who knows what else - plus cherry crisp with vanilla ice cream) and then empanadas from Wendy a little later this evening. We are well taken care of in the food department!

Clif has two jobs - he keeps the medicine organized and also the food - I know exactly what is on what shelf in the frig. Nice to have someone responsible for those things.

Tomorrow is another big day. Sara Kate is coming in and going with us to a doctor's appointment. She has a two page list of questions to ask the doctor - should be an interesting afternoon. There's another appointment on 6/4 and Brian will be with us for that one. I'll let you know what we find out - at least it will be a different subject from food.

Hope you're all well and happy - I send you my best - xxxgbg

Walk On the Wild Side!

Well, not today, but tomorrow! With the help  of my friend Sunny, I have an adventure planned. We're going to Tiny Boxwoods for lunch and then to the Menil Museum for a quick visit. The theory is that I'd best start moving if I really expect to be able to go back to work on 6/1.

Thinking about it, I would agree - so, with about 10 days left to me, I'm heading out to see what I can do on my own two feet. ALERT ALERT ALERT to those of you who have been applying the pressure - I am getting out of the house. I must say, I'm somewhat dubious about it, but I am on the move. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today, I am enjoying a last bit of vegetation - and, let me tell you, it is wonderful! I woke up feeling well - always a good sign - and found an offer for a spaghetti dinner in my e-mails. Yum - thanks, DeDe! Then I found Sunny's adventure plan and it sounds like I'm going to be moving about whether I like it or not. I've decided that I like it :)

I'll send a full report tomorrow - should be a great day!

Hugs to all - the Brainiac

I Feel Good!!!

Maybe today's the day? 

I really am feeling good so I'm looking forward to a great day. My friend Sunny is coming for lunch and I know that will be fun - something new to talk about! I was really tired yesterday - so I followed the advice of many and just rested most of the day. Maybe that's why I feel so much better? Anyway, I do - and I'm going back to wash my hair (weird to be able to do that) and put on a clean outfit. I'm even going to wear my contacts and I have only done that two other times since the surgery. A little makeup sounds nice - I'll just be all spiffed up (Sara Kate - are you reading this? I told you I was going to feel better!).

I am very jealous of Sara Kate and Ryan who are visiting Braden and Maren in Seattle - SK reported that their day went from rainy to gorgeous in Friday Harbor. It sounded like they were having a wonderful time. On Saturday, they're all going to the Red Sox/Mariners game - wish I could be there!

Report is that the pathology is finally back. We have postponed the doctor's appt. until next Friday so that Sara Kate can be there - she and her brothers have compiled a long list of questions and she is first up to try to get answers. Brian and Tiffany will be in Iowa for a visit with her grandmother so they will miss this appt., but I'll be sure to confirm them for the next. Once I hear what the news is on all of this, I'll let you guys know, too.

It's almost 9:30 a.m. - time for me to get busy before Sunny comes. Hope you all have a great day - and a great weekend, too -

xxx - the Brainiac!