After all the doom & gloom of last night's blog, I thought I should write about some good news I got today. I had to drive in to Sacramento this morning to get my blood checked for the anticoagulant I'm taking for my blood clot. They had me giving myself shots of a fast-acting blood thinner as well as taking Cumadin pills, which take a couple weeks to reach their full effectivness. I found out this morning that my blood levels have reached where they should be, so no more shots, yay!!! You should see my belly! That's where I had to give myself the shots & it's covered in quarter sized bruises. They don't hurt, it just looks super creepy :)
It was also nice today to get to drive myself to Sacramento. My mom has been amazing and has basically been my chauffer, to and from all of my appointments, and has not complained for a second! I wanted to give her a day off today so I drove myself with no problems, though my leg started swelling a little, so I probably won't do it too often.
On that note, after reading over my last post, I realized that I had neglected to acknowledge how remarkable my parents are. They have been going through this physical & emotional roller coaster with me and we have laughed and cried together and they have been nothing but stellar friends, companions and care-givers for me. My dad is furiously making plans to finish our basement so that I will have my own little apartment down there and my mom makes and serves me most of our meals, gossips, shops & watches TV with me and takes care of Horch and my 2 kitties (yes, they have inherited all 3 of my pets). All of our lives are wrapped up in this, and they have not complained once (at least not to me!). I'm so friggin spoiled! I just needed to put that out there :)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
My, How Time Flies...
Ok, so I think that it is well established that I am not the most consistent blogger. I really am sorry about that, considering most of my blogs involve my dealings with cancer. I imagine that those of you who don't talk to me regularly wonder if I'm not blogging because I've lost my fight. Luckily, that is not the case. As I've said before, I'll try to be better at it :)
So what have I been up to the last nearly 3 months that has kept me from blogging? To be honest, I don't really have a great answer. A couple lame excuses...
1) Moving was incredibly stressful on me. I've never felt so helpless and useless in my life. My main packing day before the moving van and my very awesome dad and brothers-in-law came to move everything for me, my mom came to help me pack up the last of my stuff. After getting super frustrated and exhausted because I couldn't move around or carry anything, I had a major breakdown & my mom called my sister to come help us, from 2 hours away. Dena rushed over and totally saved the day. From that point on, all I could really do was watch everyone else do everything for me, of course on the hottest day of the year. My brother-in-law, Ken's brother Randy is REALLY allergic to cats, dogs and dust. Of course, under everything that was moved in my apartment was enough cat hair, dog hair and dust to stuff a mattress, comforter and 2 oversized pillows. By the time we finally got to Fiddletown & they unloaded everything, Randy's poor eyes were swollen shut & I think all of his body fluids were flowing out his nose. And he didn't complain once! I truly have the best team on my side & I'll never be able to pay them back for the hell they went through that day.
2) Going up & down stairs is pretty hard for me now, especially with anything in my hands. When I first moved to FT, I had taken my computer downstairs, where my files are, to pay my bills and I left it down there. As incredibly sad as it sounds, it sat down there for about 2 weeks because I didn't have the energy/will to actually go down & get it & I was still trying to be defiantly independent so I didn't want to ask Mom or Dad to get it for me. I just was in anti-computer mode for a while & didn't even check my email. I think I definitely went through some depression my first few weeks living here. Not because it isn't a wonderful, peaceful place to convalesce, but because I really felt like I was encroaching on my parents' retirement dream and that I had to become dependent on them. I felt that it was not fair that they should have to help me out so much and that they deserved to have a break after working and raising kids all their lives. Of course, I still feel that way, but I've come to terms with the fact that we don't have a choice & I think we've found a nice comfort with each other where they allow me all the private time I need in my bedroom & we all enjoy each other's company when we're together. Now I can't imagine living by myself anymore in my dark little apartment. This is really where I need to be, for me and for them :)
The reason I am finally blogging again is that the last couple weeks have been very crazy and I have some kind of bummer news to write about (plus I finally got the stupid computer up into my bedroom). I had an MRI, the 2nd one I've had since I started Avastin, on December 1st. I didn't get a call from my oncologist until almost a week later and it turns out that, unfortunately, Avastin doesn't seem to be working anymore either and my tumor has grown slightly. This was pretty much the end of the road in terms of conventional, FDA approved, treatments for brain tumors, but I have already seen the neuro-oncology specialist, Dr. Prados, at UCSF, and he is working feverishly with my Kaiser doctor, Dr. Grennan, to get the tests and referrals and medical records he needs to enroll me in a couple clinical trials. The first one we're going to try is a phase 2 trial and it requires that patients have no more than 3 recurrences of their disease. Since I am on my 3rd, this is the only time I can do this trial. If I tried something else first and it didn't work, I would no longer be eligible for this one. If this one doesn't work, there is a 2nd trial that they are already trying to approve me for, that will take patients in any stage of disease.
I realise that I'm kinda working on borrowed time at this point, but I haven't given up yet. I've had lots of frank and open discussions with my parents about the coming months or, hopefully, years and my pending death. Amazingly, I think it has helped bring us some peace. After many tears, we're able to discuss what my final wishes are without sobbing. We've been going through this for 9 years now and my doctors think I'm a miracle. The other day, a nurse at UCSF saw that I was diagnosed in 2002 and she almost fell out of her chair. Apparently they rarely see brain tumor patients who live as long, and as well, as I have. Under the circumstances, I think we're doing really well and we're able to have fun and keep laughing through it all :)
On top of everything, on Friday I found out that I have a blood clot in my left leg, yay! So now I get to give myself injections of blood thinning medicine for a couple more days & get my blood checked every couple days, which requires an hour long drive into Sacramento. Luckily I had all day today to sit on my butt and finally do some emailing and blogging! My plans for the night are to continue my doctor ordered laziness by crocheting and watching some tube. It's kinda nice to be a little old lady at 35 without having the years of getting old to make me all mean and nasty.
I'm sorry to inundate you all with kinda crappy news, and just before the holidays. Just know that I am happy and really looking forward to spending some nice time with my family over Christmas. I'm baking cookies and bread on Saturday with my mom and Erin & am actually more in the holiday spirit than I have been in a long time :)
I hope you all are doing well and, though my intention is to write again before Christmas, I am going to wish you all a Merry Christmas now, since we all know my track record!
Hugs & Kisses,
Laurie
So what have I been up to the last nearly 3 months that has kept me from blogging? To be honest, I don't really have a great answer. A couple lame excuses...
1) Moving was incredibly stressful on me. I've never felt so helpless and useless in my life. My main packing day before the moving van and my very awesome dad and brothers-in-law came to move everything for me, my mom came to help me pack up the last of my stuff. After getting super frustrated and exhausted because I couldn't move around or carry anything, I had a major breakdown & my mom called my sister to come help us, from 2 hours away. Dena rushed over and totally saved the day. From that point on, all I could really do was watch everyone else do everything for me, of course on the hottest day of the year. My brother-in-law, Ken's brother Randy is REALLY allergic to cats, dogs and dust. Of course, under everything that was moved in my apartment was enough cat hair, dog hair and dust to stuff a mattress, comforter and 2 oversized pillows. By the time we finally got to Fiddletown & they unloaded everything, Randy's poor eyes were swollen shut & I think all of his body fluids were flowing out his nose. And he didn't complain once! I truly have the best team on my side & I'll never be able to pay them back for the hell they went through that day.
2) Going up & down stairs is pretty hard for me now, especially with anything in my hands. When I first moved to FT, I had taken my computer downstairs, where my files are, to pay my bills and I left it down there. As incredibly sad as it sounds, it sat down there for about 2 weeks because I didn't have the energy/will to actually go down & get it & I was still trying to be defiantly independent so I didn't want to ask Mom or Dad to get it for me. I just was in anti-computer mode for a while & didn't even check my email. I think I definitely went through some depression my first few weeks living here. Not because it isn't a wonderful, peaceful place to convalesce, but because I really felt like I was encroaching on my parents' retirement dream and that I had to become dependent on them. I felt that it was not fair that they should have to help me out so much and that they deserved to have a break after working and raising kids all their lives. Of course, I still feel that way, but I've come to terms with the fact that we don't have a choice & I think we've found a nice comfort with each other where they allow me all the private time I need in my bedroom & we all enjoy each other's company when we're together. Now I can't imagine living by myself anymore in my dark little apartment. This is really where I need to be, for me and for them :)
The reason I am finally blogging again is that the last couple weeks have been very crazy and I have some kind of bummer news to write about (plus I finally got the stupid computer up into my bedroom). I had an MRI, the 2nd one I've had since I started Avastin, on December 1st. I didn't get a call from my oncologist until almost a week later and it turns out that, unfortunately, Avastin doesn't seem to be working anymore either and my tumor has grown slightly. This was pretty much the end of the road in terms of conventional, FDA approved, treatments for brain tumors, but I have already seen the neuro-oncology specialist, Dr. Prados, at UCSF, and he is working feverishly with my Kaiser doctor, Dr. Grennan, to get the tests and referrals and medical records he needs to enroll me in a couple clinical trials. The first one we're going to try is a phase 2 trial and it requires that patients have no more than 3 recurrences of their disease. Since I am on my 3rd, this is the only time I can do this trial. If I tried something else first and it didn't work, I would no longer be eligible for this one. If this one doesn't work, there is a 2nd trial that they are already trying to approve me for, that will take patients in any stage of disease.
I realise that I'm kinda working on borrowed time at this point, but I haven't given up yet. I've had lots of frank and open discussions with my parents about the coming months or, hopefully, years and my pending death. Amazingly, I think it has helped bring us some peace. After many tears, we're able to discuss what my final wishes are without sobbing. We've been going through this for 9 years now and my doctors think I'm a miracle. The other day, a nurse at UCSF saw that I was diagnosed in 2002 and she almost fell out of her chair. Apparently they rarely see brain tumor patients who live as long, and as well, as I have. Under the circumstances, I think we're doing really well and we're able to have fun and keep laughing through it all :)
On top of everything, on Friday I found out that I have a blood clot in my left leg, yay! So now I get to give myself injections of blood thinning medicine for a couple more days & get my blood checked every couple days, which requires an hour long drive into Sacramento. Luckily I had all day today to sit on my butt and finally do some emailing and blogging! My plans for the night are to continue my doctor ordered laziness by crocheting and watching some tube. It's kinda nice to be a little old lady at 35 without having the years of getting old to make me all mean and nasty.
I'm sorry to inundate you all with kinda crappy news, and just before the holidays. Just know that I am happy and really looking forward to spending some nice time with my family over Christmas. I'm baking cookies and bread on Saturday with my mom and Erin & am actually more in the holiday spirit than I have been in a long time :)
I hope you all are doing well and, though my intention is to write again before Christmas, I am going to wish you all a Merry Christmas now, since we all know my track record!
Hugs & Kisses,
Laurie
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Great Cane Caper is solved!
OMG! I just had to write a quick post...
So my friend Kari asked me if I had received her housewarming gift yet, and I remembered that I had a note in my mailbox saying that I had a package at my apartment office. This morning I finally picked it up and she had found me the most badass cane with a dragon head and ruby red eyes! Though the coolest part... wait for it... is a real dagger hidden in the handle! We decided that it is going to save me both from falling over and from fighting off the Fiddletown Ninjas :)
Thanks a million Kari! Your concern for my safety and style are truly heartwarming!
xoxo,
Laurie, the Badass
So my friend Kari asked me if I had received her housewarming gift yet, and I remembered that I had a note in my mailbox saying that I had a package at my apartment office. This morning I finally picked it up and she had found me the most badass cane with a dragon head and ruby red eyes! Though the coolest part... wait for it... is a real dagger hidden in the handle! We decided that it is going to save me both from falling over and from fighting off the Fiddletown Ninjas :)
Thanks a million Kari! Your concern for my safety and style are truly heartwarming!
xoxo,
Laurie, the Badass
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
What a friggin roller coaster this life is!
Hi everyone!
I'm going to apologize upfront for all of the exclamation points and smiley faces that will likely be in this posting.
I had an MRI last week to determine if my new treatments with Avastin are having any effect on my tumor and the results far exceeded my expectations :) I was hoping that the treatments would stop the rapid growth of my tumor, but had prepared myself for it to have little effect. Instead, I got an amazing voicemail message from my doctor Friday night saying that he was away at a conference, but he had gotten the test results and it said that it "showed improvement." He didn't go into any further detail, but that definitely got me super excited and allowed my parents and me to look forward to our appointment with the doctor today rather than dread it, not knowing what to expect.
The report is all written in doctor talk, but I can pick out some parts of it that I figure are good news: "The anterior posterior dimension... now measures approximately 30mm as compared to 53mm on prior MRI obtained in 7/21/10. The right parietal lobe no longer shows signal abnormality." I don't know about you, but something in that sounds pretty good to me :) "...degree of enhancement [has] markedly decreased since the last MRI." The doctor explained to us that what this means is that the brighter the tumor shows up on the MRI, the more activity it has in it. So this is saying that the tumor is less bright, therefore has less activity than before, therefore hopefully we're kicking its butt!
The one issue I have with the report is where it says, "Brain volume loss is noted." Hmmm, thanks guys, so you're shrinking my tumor, and my brain as well... fantastic! My doctor explained that brain shrinkage is normal as we age, but come on, in 6 weeks?!?! Really???
I also had my 4th treatment of Avastin today which went just fine, just like the others. I'm still trying to get used to my new brace. I'm walking a lot better with it, but I'm still pretty clumsy. I can tell I'm already losing muscle mass in that leg, but I'm hoping the physical therapist will give me some exercises to help me get stronger when I see her next week.
This weekend I looked for a cool cane in a few antique stores, but haven't found the right one yet. I've got a couple leads on some stores that may have the right one though, so I'll keep you updated on the Great Cane Caper :)
This Saturday I'm going to have a garage sale at my friends, Supriya and Jeremy's house, hopefully selling a ton of the junk I've collected over the years. Between the garage sale and donations, I'm trying to get rid of about 50% of my stuff so I won't have too much to move to Fiddletown on Sunday. It actually feels really good to go against my hoarding tendencies and simplify my life. I'm getting rid of 20 pairs of pants and probably about the same number of pairs of shoes. It's very liberating! I've already taken down most of my pictures and filled in the holes. I think this is the most prepared I've ever been to move. I'm nervous about moving to Fiddletown, I think for obvious reasons, but I'm also really excited about it. I love hanging out with my parents and every time I visit them, I always wish I didn't have to leave, and now I won't have to :) I think as long as I am able to keep myself busy, volunteering, visiting friends and working on rehabbing my leg, it'll be a great move for me. I plan on working on a few hobbies, helping my dad finish the room downstairs and perfecting a few cookie recipes to maybe start selling.
I have been reading the book, Johnny Got His Gun, about a soldier in WWI who had both of his arms and legs amputed, was left deaf from an explosion near him and had most of his face torn off leaving him blind and without a lower jaw or nose. It's really putting things into perspective for me... ok, I guess it could be worse :) I've been living with a brain tumor for nearly 9 years! I've had VERY few side effects from my treatments and VERY few physical complications from it. Until recently, I was working full-time and living independently. I have the world's most amazing family and friends and doctors and I really couldn't feel more loved and taken-care-of than I have been. I know I'm getting all mushy, but this has been a really great day and I've had a very fortunate life so far.
Ok, it is way past my bedtime and I need to read some more of my book so my brain quits shrinking. Hugs and kisses to you all!
Laurie ;-)
I'm going to apologize upfront for all of the exclamation points and smiley faces that will likely be in this posting.
I had an MRI last week to determine if my new treatments with Avastin are having any effect on my tumor and the results far exceeded my expectations :) I was hoping that the treatments would stop the rapid growth of my tumor, but had prepared myself for it to have little effect. Instead, I got an amazing voicemail message from my doctor Friday night saying that he was away at a conference, but he had gotten the test results and it said that it "showed improvement." He didn't go into any further detail, but that definitely got me super excited and allowed my parents and me to look forward to our appointment with the doctor today rather than dread it, not knowing what to expect.
The report is all written in doctor talk, but I can pick out some parts of it that I figure are good news: "The anterior posterior dimension... now measures approximately 30mm as compared to 53mm on prior MRI obtained in 7/21/10. The right parietal lobe no longer shows signal abnormality." I don't know about you, but something in that sounds pretty good to me :) "...degree of enhancement [has] markedly decreased since the last MRI." The doctor explained to us that what this means is that the brighter the tumor shows up on the MRI, the more activity it has in it. So this is saying that the tumor is less bright, therefore has less activity than before, therefore hopefully we're kicking its butt!
The one issue I have with the report is where it says, "Brain volume loss is noted." Hmmm, thanks guys, so you're shrinking my tumor, and my brain as well... fantastic! My doctor explained that brain shrinkage is normal as we age, but come on, in 6 weeks?!?! Really???
I also had my 4th treatment of Avastin today which went just fine, just like the others. I'm still trying to get used to my new brace. I'm walking a lot better with it, but I'm still pretty clumsy. I can tell I'm already losing muscle mass in that leg, but I'm hoping the physical therapist will give me some exercises to help me get stronger when I see her next week.
This weekend I looked for a cool cane in a few antique stores, but haven't found the right one yet. I've got a couple leads on some stores that may have the right one though, so I'll keep you updated on the Great Cane Caper :)
This Saturday I'm going to have a garage sale at my friends, Supriya and Jeremy's house, hopefully selling a ton of the junk I've collected over the years. Between the garage sale and donations, I'm trying to get rid of about 50% of my stuff so I won't have too much to move to Fiddletown on Sunday. It actually feels really good to go against my hoarding tendencies and simplify my life. I'm getting rid of 20 pairs of pants and probably about the same number of pairs of shoes. It's very liberating! I've already taken down most of my pictures and filled in the holes. I think this is the most prepared I've ever been to move. I'm nervous about moving to Fiddletown, I think for obvious reasons, but I'm also really excited about it. I love hanging out with my parents and every time I visit them, I always wish I didn't have to leave, and now I won't have to :) I think as long as I am able to keep myself busy, volunteering, visiting friends and working on rehabbing my leg, it'll be a great move for me. I plan on working on a few hobbies, helping my dad finish the room downstairs and perfecting a few cookie recipes to maybe start selling.
I have been reading the book, Johnny Got His Gun, about a soldier in WWI who had both of his arms and legs amputed, was left deaf from an explosion near him and had most of his face torn off leaving him blind and without a lower jaw or nose. It's really putting things into perspective for me... ok, I guess it could be worse :) I've been living with a brain tumor for nearly 9 years! I've had VERY few side effects from my treatments and VERY few physical complications from it. Until recently, I was working full-time and living independently. I have the world's most amazing family and friends and doctors and I really couldn't feel more loved and taken-care-of than I have been. I know I'm getting all mushy, but this has been a really great day and I've had a very fortunate life so far.
Ok, it is way past my bedtime and I need to read some more of my book so my brain quits shrinking. Hugs and kisses to you all!
Laurie ;-)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Little Nugget
Ok, so I just remembered a funny story that I think most of you will get a kick out of...
I went to my friend Barbara's wedding shower last weekend. Barbara and most of her friends are volleyball players, as in, played in college & still play, really good volleyball players. So Barbara is the shortest of them, at 5'10"! I kinda forgot about this at the shower cuz we were all sitting, eating and playing wedding shower games. Well, the team that I was on for one of the games wanted to take a picture with Barbara, so we all stood up and I felt like an elf in the land of giants! There were 4 amazingly tall, beautiful women surrounding my 5'2" ass! I looked like their mascot :)
I was on my way home from the shower & talking to my sister on the phone about it and I told her my Short Laurie story (because she can totally relate... she's the tall one in our family at 5'3"). For those of you who know who Chelsea Handler is, she's a comedian and has her own show with a "little person" as her side kick named Chuy, but she lovingly refers to him as her "Little Nugget". So Dena said that I was Barbara's Little Nugget. Thanks Sis! Love ya too :)
I went to my friend Barbara's wedding shower last weekend. Barbara and most of her friends are volleyball players, as in, played in college & still play, really good volleyball players. So Barbara is the shortest of them, at 5'10"! I kinda forgot about this at the shower cuz we were all sitting, eating and playing wedding shower games. Well, the team that I was on for one of the games wanted to take a picture with Barbara, so we all stood up and I felt like an elf in the land of giants! There were 4 amazingly tall, beautiful women surrounding my 5'2" ass! I looked like their mascot :)
I was on my way home from the shower & talking to my sister on the phone about it and I told her my Short Laurie story (because she can totally relate... she's the tall one in our family at 5'3"). For those of you who know who Chelsea Handler is, she's a comedian and has her own show with a "little person" as her side kick named Chuy, but she lovingly refers to him as her "Little Nugget". So Dena said that I was Barbara's Little Nugget. Thanks Sis! Love ya too :)
New Wheels :)
I finally saw a physical therapist yesterday and she confirmed what I pretty much had already figured out... my left foot is mostly useless at this point. Walking has become REALLY hard lately and it's been keeping me from doing a lot of things that I normally wouldn't think twice about. The other day I was SLOWLY making my way to my car in the Costco parking lot and this cart-getter-boy offered to carry me to my car :) How cute is that? Anyway, that should give you an idea how very obvious my disability is now (not to mention what a hottie I've managed to stay throughout this whole ordeal, lol!)
The good news is that the physical therapist hooked me up with a brace that has me up and running (figuratively speaking) again :) It is a single piece of hard plastic that runs from the ball of my foot, up the back of my ankle and almost up to the back of my knee where it has a velcro strap that goes around my calf. It really helps me keep my ankle flexed and toes up so that they aren't dragging anymore. I actually went for a little walk around my apartment complex last night and am practicing how to walk normally again. After 2 months of limping, my hips don't know what the heck is going on! I think after a little more practice I should be walking like a big girl again :)
So I have tickets to watch the Giants beat the Dodgers tonight, and I was very tempted to cancel on my friends I'm going with because there's so much walking involved in going to a game, but I think I can do it now :) With my new wheels, I feel a lot more confident about getting around!
I'll try to write again later this week, but if not I will definitely post after my appointment next Monday with my oncologist when I'll be getting the results of the MRI I had 2 days ago. This is my first MRI since starting on my new medication, and it will pretty much let us know if the medication is working or if we'll have to move on to plan... what are we on now... D? E? Keep your fingers crossed for me... I'm pretty scared about this one.
Hugs & kisses to you all :)
Laurie
The good news is that the physical therapist hooked me up with a brace that has me up and running (figuratively speaking) again :) It is a single piece of hard plastic that runs from the ball of my foot, up the back of my ankle and almost up to the back of my knee where it has a velcro strap that goes around my calf. It really helps me keep my ankle flexed and toes up so that they aren't dragging anymore. I actually went for a little walk around my apartment complex last night and am practicing how to walk normally again. After 2 months of limping, my hips don't know what the heck is going on! I think after a little more practice I should be walking like a big girl again :)
So I have tickets to watch the Giants beat the Dodgers tonight, and I was very tempted to cancel on my friends I'm going with because there's so much walking involved in going to a game, but I think I can do it now :) With my new wheels, I feel a lot more confident about getting around!
I'll try to write again later this week, but if not I will definitely post after my appointment next Monday with my oncologist when I'll be getting the results of the MRI I had 2 days ago. This is my first MRI since starting on my new medication, and it will pretty much let us know if the medication is working or if we'll have to move on to plan... what are we on now... D? E? Keep your fingers crossed for me... I'm pretty scared about this one.
Hugs & kisses to you all :)
Laurie
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Happy Labor Day :)
Hi Everyone!
I hope you all had a nice, relaxing Labor Day weekend :) I went to Fiddletown (big surprise) for a couple nights and enjoyed the slightly cooler weather than we've been having in Sac and the amazingly beautiful nights. Horch (my adorable dog for those of you not familiar with him) absolutely loves it up there. It's just about the only place I'll let him off a leash so he gets to go hunting out piles of deer poop to feast on. I try to discourage it, but apparently it's a real delicacy. I've heard that it is a favorite appetizer from many other dog owners. A few weeks ago I had Horch shaved so that his hair is really short now and he looks like a little puppy. I'll post a picture soon, but I don't have one right now... my camera's not working :(
I had my 3rd treatment of Avastin today. Everything went just fine again. I'm not real fond of the IV's, but I guess I can put up with it if this stuff is working. Speaking of that, I have an MRI scheduled for next Monday and an appointment with my doctor for the following Monday, 9/20 to get the results of the MRI to see if it has had any affect on my tumor. I'm super crazy nervous about it, but I'm trying not to worry about it and just keeping myself busy. My leg hasn't gotten any better, but it also hasn't gotten any worse. My oncologist just referred me to the physical therapy department so they can hopefully get me some kind of brace and teach me some exercises to keep my leg as strong as possible. I'm SUPER clumsy and kinda look drunk when I walk, but I think a brace that can help me flex my foot would really help my stumbling. I'm also thinking about getting a pimped out cane to make me more stable... something Snoop Dogg style with a cool brass handle and maybe a snake design carved into the shaft. On second thought, since I'm moving to Fiddletown, maybe it would be more appropriate if I whittled it myself while smoking a corn cob pipe .
Quick update on the boys, Mason & Skyler. They are now moved into their apartment in Davis and are trying to get used to the overwhelming amount of homework that comes along with college. We never made it past the fried eggs in terms of cooking lessons, but I kinda invited myself over this Thursday to finally make that curry dish with them. I'm pretty sure Mason will like it, he loves Indian food, but I'm not sure about Skyler, I'm thinking he's not super fond of veggies... I guess we'll find out! Apparently Mason has already been practicing some cooking on his own and it sounds like he's determined to become a great cook. He just needs a few pointers, but he's a very willing student. I'm so proud of him!
Ok, once again, it's past my bedtime. Horch is already snoring, so that usually let's me know that it's time to turn the lights off.
Hugs & kisses to everyone!
Laurie
I hope you all had a nice, relaxing Labor Day weekend :) I went to Fiddletown (big surprise) for a couple nights and enjoyed the slightly cooler weather than we've been having in Sac and the amazingly beautiful nights. Horch (my adorable dog for those of you not familiar with him) absolutely loves it up there. It's just about the only place I'll let him off a leash so he gets to go hunting out piles of deer poop to feast on. I try to discourage it, but apparently it's a real delicacy. I've heard that it is a favorite appetizer from many other dog owners. A few weeks ago I had Horch shaved so that his hair is really short now and he looks like a little puppy. I'll post a picture soon, but I don't have one right now... my camera's not working :(
I had my 3rd treatment of Avastin today. Everything went just fine again. I'm not real fond of the IV's, but I guess I can put up with it if this stuff is working. Speaking of that, I have an MRI scheduled for next Monday and an appointment with my doctor for the following Monday, 9/20 to get the results of the MRI to see if it has had any affect on my tumor. I'm super crazy nervous about it, but I'm trying not to worry about it and just keeping myself busy. My leg hasn't gotten any better, but it also hasn't gotten any worse. My oncologist just referred me to the physical therapy department so they can hopefully get me some kind of brace and teach me some exercises to keep my leg as strong as possible. I'm SUPER clumsy and kinda look drunk when I walk, but I think a brace that can help me flex my foot would really help my stumbling. I'm also thinking about getting a pimped out cane to make me more stable... something Snoop Dogg style with a cool brass handle and maybe a snake design carved into the shaft. On second thought, since I'm moving to Fiddletown, maybe it would be more appropriate if I whittled it myself while smoking a corn cob pipe .
Quick update on the boys, Mason & Skyler. They are now moved into their apartment in Davis and are trying to get used to the overwhelming amount of homework that comes along with college. We never made it past the fried eggs in terms of cooking lessons, but I kinda invited myself over this Thursday to finally make that curry dish with them. I'm pretty sure Mason will like it, he loves Indian food, but I'm not sure about Skyler, I'm thinking he's not super fond of veggies... I guess we'll find out! Apparently Mason has already been practicing some cooking on his own and it sounds like he's determined to become a great cook. He just needs a few pointers, but he's a very willing student. I'm so proud of him!
Ok, once again, it's past my bedtime. Horch is already snoring, so that usually let's me know that it's time to turn the lights off.
Hugs & kisses to everyone!
Laurie
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