Yesterday, one of my new students "found" me on the Internet and was SO excited to show everyone my picture from when I was young... She found the "headshot" from Batboy, that was from about 8 years ago. The picture is the one on the main page of this blog. One of the other kids (who should receive extra credit) said I look better now. This new student also found this blog and I think that as a 5th grader it was "too much reading." Oh well...
I had two doctor's appointments yesterday. First, I saw Dr. Markowitz, my Oncologist, who I hadn't seen since about this time last year. I have since gained almost 20 pounds! I have to lose it. Not only is the extra weight unsightly, uncomfortable and unhealthy, it may cause the cancer to re-occur. Medication, menopause, whatever, this cannot continue. Today begins the BIG CHANGE. No more junk, or fast food. No more cokes during the week - I'll allow one per day on the weekend - I know I have to be able to stick to it!!! I know myself and I know I LOVE my Coca Cola. I will make ahead breakfast and lunch to take with me to school... Now, I intend to make these meals as tasty and gourmet as possible so I won't feel deprived, but I will know what is in them and be sure of the nutrition and calories. Dr. Markowitz also said that I should start doing some weight training especially with my right arm! He said the latest studies on lymphodema have indicated that weight training and exercise are actually good for me and will, done correctly, reduce the likelihood of lymphodema. I am all for this, and will do some research on the subject. Otherwise, everything looks good and I'm healing well. I do have a few odd places where I'm tender - partly because I'm starting to get feeling back.
Second appointment was with Dr. Siller, an orthopedic surgeon. He said that my ankle and knee are healing well and I should continue to exercise them. Walking is the answer. If I have pain, pull back. Continue to wear the braces as long as I have pain and he envisions that I will be better in 6-9 weeks. This is good news. He didn't want to see me again. He said that unless something gets worse, I shouldn't need to come back.
Turns out that right after I left L.A. my sister, Becka, decided that my crutches were so fashionable she needed her own. She has sprained her ankle pretty badly and is maneuvering the stairs in her house on her butt... I KNOW that I am a role model, but this is ridiculous. I hope she heals quickly, since her life is very busy (she is a definite type A)and she is in the process of doing job interviews.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
New year, old me
Had a great time in LA playing with my nieces and hanging with family. Jade (8 year old niece) kept asking "What do you want to do?" Often the answer was: "Exactly what I'm doing now, visiting with people I love!" Somehow this wasn't totally satisfying her... We did do other things: went to Getty Villa, made videos, decorated my luggage, made smencils (smelly pencils), danced, read, ate, drank, practiced knitting and telling time, visited with old friends and sang. The only way it could have been better is if Chris had been there.
I managed to hurt myself a bit too much over the holiday. I cut my finger pretty badly before I left. Not bad enough for stitches, but bad. I lost a filling. And THEN I fell down the stairs at Becka's and sprained my ankle and knee. Yeah, I know... I am now in the too familiar state of quasi-invalid. I hate it. The knee and ankle a getting better every day. I now can move my knee pretty normally (although it does hurt) and the ankle isn't really swollen anymore. Maybe subconciously I wasn't getting enough attention??
I managed to hurt myself a bit too much over the holiday. I cut my finger pretty badly before I left. Not bad enough for stitches, but bad. I lost a filling. And THEN I fell down the stairs at Becka's and sprained my ankle and knee. Yeah, I know... I am now in the too familiar state of quasi-invalid. I hate it. The knee and ankle a getting better every day. I now can move my knee pretty normally (although it does hurt) and the ankle isn't really swollen anymore. Maybe subconciously I wasn't getting enough attention??
Sunday, December 20, 2009
I'm still here
Went to the doctor, Dr. Hatch, last week and she said that I shouldn't be surprised that I'm gaining weight. It seems that the medicine I'm on (Arimidex) causes most people to gain 10% of their body weight!!! Add to that the fact that I'm now in menopause because of the hysterectomy, and I'm going to gain weight. I am so NOT happy about this. I actually have been more active lately and haven't changed my eating habits... Boy, does this suck. Also, I just found out that my Arimidex is $400 a month. Wow, glad I have insurance.
I'm in the middle of doing laundry and packing for my trip to LA. My sister is hosting Christmas this year. I wish Chris was able to go also, but he has a big test coming up... My brother is flying in to LA soon and Mum is already there. I can't wait to see the girls, Sage and Jade, since it has been so long. Last time I was there was at least 2 years ago... Maybe I'm calculating wrong?
Chris is on his way home from Alaska, where he fell and hurt his wrist. He'll need an xray when he gets home. We hope it isn't broken. His "walking on ice" technique is a little rusty.
I'm in the middle of doing laundry and packing for my trip to LA. My sister is hosting Christmas this year. I wish Chris was able to go also, but he has a big test coming up... My brother is flying in to LA soon and Mum is already there. I can't wait to see the girls, Sage and Jade, since it has been so long. Last time I was there was at least 2 years ago... Maybe I'm calculating wrong?
Chris is on his way home from Alaska, where he fell and hurt his wrist. He'll need an xray when he gets home. We hope it isn't broken. His "walking on ice" technique is a little rusty.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Creeping up on the holidays
It is getting closer, no matter what I do about it.
My Theatre Arts students are doing a production of The Sneeches on December 18th. What that really means is I am doing a production and as usual, have to make sure everything happens. Costumes, direction, set, rehearsals... I was wise in that I am narrator, so they have very few lines to memorize.
Next week my 7th graders have to take a writing benchmark and I'm trying to prep them for it.
Just realized that I have done no shopping or preparation of any kind. Thank goodness Becka is able to make the flight reservation for me - yeah, I called her TODAY. I'm a professional caliber procrastinator. I am going to LA to spend Christmas and New Years with my sister, Becka and her family (James, Sage, and Jade.) I really look forward to seeing the girls, it has been a long time.
Chris has interviews this week within driving distance, so he doesn't have to fly. He is happy about that. Next week he is off to Alaska! Wish I could go, because I'd love to see Alaska, but I can't leave work for the last few days before Christmas break... It's actually in my contract!
My Theatre Arts students are doing a production of The Sneeches on December 18th. What that really means is I am doing a production and as usual, have to make sure everything happens. Costumes, direction, set, rehearsals... I was wise in that I am narrator, so they have very few lines to memorize.
Next week my 7th graders have to take a writing benchmark and I'm trying to prep them for it.
Just realized that I have done no shopping or preparation of any kind. Thank goodness Becka is able to make the flight reservation for me - yeah, I called her TODAY. I'm a professional caliber procrastinator. I am going to LA to spend Christmas and New Years with my sister, Becka and her family (James, Sage, and Jade.) I really look forward to seeing the girls, it has been a long time.
Chris has interviews this week within driving distance, so he doesn't have to fly. He is happy about that. Next week he is off to Alaska! Wish I could go, because I'd love to see Alaska, but I can't leave work for the last few days before Christmas break... It's actually in my contract!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
AARRGGH
I'm at work/school right now and really frustrated! My lesson plan and preparation was for us to spend our computer lab time working in an on-line learning program that the school district uses. We can't log on!! Tap dancing ensues. I have directed my students to a learning activity website, but I can't monitor them or pull grades for their work today, so it is pretty much a wasted day. AARRGGHH! Of course our tech services people can only be contacted via an on-line program and that seems to not be working either... Good thing I was observed earlier today. Except, maybe my excellent tap dancing would have earned me points...
Chris is in Florida and says that his residents dinner last night was lame. For some reason they had it at one of those Japanese steakhouses, where they do all the fancy knife skills and cook at the table, so it was difficult to talk about anything. Also, Chris says, there were at least 3 people there that shouldn't have been (they were roommates or friends of residents) and had just been brought along for the free meal. Useless. The point is to talk with people in the program to find out more about it. Not to some one's roommate about their travels. Tonight he goes to Clearwater, which is close to where my mom lives. She is going with him to the dinner - that is OK. It makes sense for spouses and parents to attend these dinners! I think Chris wanted her to go to the interview day as well, but I don't think she is up for it.
Still have the tiniest bit of a toothache. I also got bitten on my right arm somehow, a bunch of times by something, a mosquito? I have about 8 bites and my arm is hurting a bit. I am supposed to be cautious about any injury to my arm from bites to burns to scrapes, because it can trigger Lymphedema. I hope, hope, hope that this is not the start of some Lymphodema in my arm. I spent a little time doing the exercises and a little arm massage yesterday and I hope I am just imagining a little hardness in the upper arm. Boy would that suck! I am willing myself not to scratch!!!
Chris is in Florida and says that his residents dinner last night was lame. For some reason they had it at one of those Japanese steakhouses, where they do all the fancy knife skills and cook at the table, so it was difficult to talk about anything. Also, Chris says, there were at least 3 people there that shouldn't have been (they were roommates or friends of residents) and had just been brought along for the free meal. Useless. The point is to talk with people in the program to find out more about it. Not to some one's roommate about their travels. Tonight he goes to Clearwater, which is close to where my mom lives. She is going with him to the dinner - that is OK. It makes sense for spouses and parents to attend these dinners! I think Chris wanted her to go to the interview day as well, but I don't think she is up for it.
Still have the tiniest bit of a toothache. I also got bitten on my right arm somehow, a bunch of times by something, a mosquito? I have about 8 bites and my arm is hurting a bit. I am supposed to be cautious about any injury to my arm from bites to burns to scrapes, because it can trigger Lymphedema. I hope, hope, hope that this is not the start of some Lymphodema in my arm. I spent a little time doing the exercises and a little arm massage yesterday and I hope I am just imagining a little hardness in the upper arm. Boy would that suck! I am willing myself not to scratch!!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
El Paso
Spent the last week in El Paso. I went to have Patrick (my brother in law)take a look at my teeth. I was dreading the checkup because chemo does a number on your teeth. Turns out that it was both better and worse than I expected.
I arrived on Sunday and Patrick picked me up at the airport. I hung out with the family that evening and had a great time. The twins are so big! This is their senior year and they are applying for schools. Andrew is a giant! I determined that it had been almost 3 years since I've been in El Paso. Thought it was more like 1 1/2. Patrick and Lauren have done some remodelling and the house looks great. Melissa has grown into a beautiful young lady and Walter is a great kid. We had dinner together and watched a movie.
The next day I went with Patrick in to his office and had my xrays done and teeth cleaned. The news was pretty good - two cavities and a cracked tooth that really didn't need anything done, but we were going to be proactive. Hoppy (uncle in law?)was at the office for some work and we went to lunch at Chico's. Love Chico's!! Can't go to El Paso and not hit Chico's. In the afternoon I had my teeth filled and we went back to Patrick's house. We had pizza and watched some Gilmore Girls. I now have to find the series...
The next morning we went back to the office to do the crown (that's what we decided to do about the cracked tooth) and I was hoping to be done after lunch so I could go and hang with Danny and Lisa for a couple of days. No, it was not to be. Patrick tried every which way to numb me and it wouldn't take. Turns out the reason it wouldn't numb is that I had some issues and would need a root canal. Short version: Spent all day in the chair and had no fun at all. Lauren had accidentally cut her finger and we all (the whole family) were planning to go to lunch at a Korean place. I couldn't really enjoy... I was finally numb and had a hard time eating.
That evening I went over to stay with Danny and Lisa and had an amazing time. We watched a lot of movies and just hung out. I really miss having them close by. Wednesday was my birthday and we spent it watching movies (I haven't seen LOTS of movies and needed to catch up) and eating Indian food. It was great. I accidentally bought a ticket for my return flight on Thanksgiving day, so we were trying to figure out what to do about that... Turns out I decided to "miss" my flight so I could spend Thanksgiving in El Paso. We went to Leah and Tom's house and had a wonderful time. We had lots of food and fun and I felt like one of the family. We also played Rock Band and I sang. Leah was so complimentary - she loves to hear me sing. It felt good to stretch those muscles. The only drawback was that my tooth was hurting. Good thing I had brought pain pills. Later that night my tooth was throbbing and I had taken all the pain pills I could, so I had to put ice on my jaw. Things were not looking good. Good thing I had not gone home...
The next morning, Friday, I decided that I should talk to Patrick about my tooth pain before I tried to reschedule my flight. This was a good idea! Patrick went out of his way to see me, adjust my bite, prescibe some meds (antibiotic and analgesic) and get rid of my pain. Thank you Patrick!!! Later that day, we went back to Leah's for round 4 & 5 of the food orgy. It was great. I have rediscovered Brussels Sprouts! We watched Gladiator, which I hadn't seen. I scheduled my return for the next day. Later back to Danny and Lisa's to put Phoebe to bed (she's adorable!) and watch Coraline. Came back to Galveston on Saturday.
Teeth are fine. I'm taking the Ibuprofen and antibiotics.
Had to do an on-line component of a teacher training thing today, but otherwise it has been laziness. Chris and I finally watched the first few episodes of Glee!
I arrived on Sunday and Patrick picked me up at the airport. I hung out with the family that evening and had a great time. The twins are so big! This is their senior year and they are applying for schools. Andrew is a giant! I determined that it had been almost 3 years since I've been in El Paso. Thought it was more like 1 1/2. Patrick and Lauren have done some remodelling and the house looks great. Melissa has grown into a beautiful young lady and Walter is a great kid. We had dinner together and watched a movie.
The next day I went with Patrick in to his office and had my xrays done and teeth cleaned. The news was pretty good - two cavities and a cracked tooth that really didn't need anything done, but we were going to be proactive. Hoppy (uncle in law?)was at the office for some work and we went to lunch at Chico's. Love Chico's!! Can't go to El Paso and not hit Chico's. In the afternoon I had my teeth filled and we went back to Patrick's house. We had pizza and watched some Gilmore Girls. I now have to find the series...
The next morning we went back to the office to do the crown (that's what we decided to do about the cracked tooth) and I was hoping to be done after lunch so I could go and hang with Danny and Lisa for a couple of days. No, it was not to be. Patrick tried every which way to numb me and it wouldn't take. Turns out the reason it wouldn't numb is that I had some issues and would need a root canal. Short version: Spent all day in the chair and had no fun at all. Lauren had accidentally cut her finger and we all (the whole family) were planning to go to lunch at a Korean place. I couldn't really enjoy... I was finally numb and had a hard time eating.
That evening I went over to stay with Danny and Lisa and had an amazing time. We watched a lot of movies and just hung out. I really miss having them close by. Wednesday was my birthday and we spent it watching movies (I haven't seen LOTS of movies and needed to catch up) and eating Indian food. It was great. I accidentally bought a ticket for my return flight on Thanksgiving day, so we were trying to figure out what to do about that... Turns out I decided to "miss" my flight so I could spend Thanksgiving in El Paso. We went to Leah and Tom's house and had a wonderful time. We had lots of food and fun and I felt like one of the family. We also played Rock Band and I sang. Leah was so complimentary - she loves to hear me sing. It felt good to stretch those muscles. The only drawback was that my tooth was hurting. Good thing I had brought pain pills. Later that night my tooth was throbbing and I had taken all the pain pills I could, so I had to put ice on my jaw. Things were not looking good. Good thing I had not gone home...
The next morning, Friday, I decided that I should talk to Patrick about my tooth pain before I tried to reschedule my flight. This was a good idea! Patrick went out of his way to see me, adjust my bite, prescibe some meds (antibiotic and analgesic) and get rid of my pain. Thank you Patrick!!! Later that day, we went back to Leah's for round 4 & 5 of the food orgy. It was great. I have rediscovered Brussels Sprouts! We watched Gladiator, which I hadn't seen. I scheduled my return for the next day. Later back to Danny and Lisa's to put Phoebe to bed (she's adorable!) and watch Coraline. Came back to Galveston on Saturday.
Teeth are fine. I'm taking the Ibuprofen and antibiotics.
Had to do an on-line component of a teacher training thing today, but otherwise it has been laziness. Chris and I finally watched the first few episodes of Glee!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thanksgiving
Going to El Paso tomorrow! I am excited to see old friends and family. Patrick has agreed to do some dental work on me...
I am so thankful for...
Chris
Chris
Chris
a job I love
a healthy(ish) body
a future
my mom -who saw me through the worst, and is always there
Carolyn and Pat -who took me in, cared for and nurtured me, and shared soup
Steve -who did more than I could expect
Mary -who sent care packages, love and prayers
Joel -who sent support, love and funny comments
family
my friends (they are the family you choose for yourself)
Drs. Hatch, Sylva, Arristea, Basille...
nurses (chemo and other) who made it a little easier
Haas
massages (Merry and Katrina)
the radiation techs
Brandon, David, and Sherman (last year at work would have been unbearable without you)
audio books
I am so thankful for...
Chris
Chris
Chris
a job I love
a healthy(ish) body
a future
my mom -who saw me through the worst, and is always there
Carolyn and Pat -who took me in, cared for and nurtured me, and shared soup
Steve -who did more than I could expect
Mary -who sent care packages, love and prayers
Joel -who sent support, love and funny comments
family
my friends (they are the family you choose for yourself)
Drs. Hatch, Sylva, Arristea, Basille...
nurses (chemo and other) who made it a little easier
Haas
massages (Merry and Katrina)
the radiation techs
Brandon, David, and Sherman (last year at work would have been unbearable without you)
audio books
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