Hair and more

Hi All,
It's been a pretty darn good two weeks. I'm doing even better than I did in my first session.
I've hit the probiotics hard this time and have avoided mouth sores, sore throat and other uncomfortable reproductive and digestive tract problems.  I bought some Colon Health from Costco that have "billions" of whatever those good little bugs are that need to live in our tracts. They're working well . I've slacked up on rinsing my mouth with salt water ever time I eat, with no consequences. Life is more normal...

Last weekend I had a bug or pushed my body a little too much.  Betsey and I walked on Saturday afternoon on the golf course in the wind for a long time (she said we walked four miles). Sunday morning I woke with a fever and was content to sleep most of the day except when I was watching TV (not like me at all). By Monday afternoon the temp was gone and I was beginning to feel more like my usual self. Tuesday brought back my energy and stamina. It was another good week. I am so very grateful...

My tests have shown an elevation of liver enzymes.  This past Thursday I had an ultrasound of my abdomen and repeated the liver tests.  I'll meet with Dr. Jasti on Monday (tomorrow) to go over the test results. I'm scheduled for my next treatment on Tuesday of this week. I've decided that I'll postpone my next treatment until my liver enzymes return to normal.   I'm not willing to risk liver damage from chemotherapy at this time. I keep reminding myself that this is preventive treatment that I'm undertaking.

The Neulasta shot that I get the day after treatment is working well. My white count was high the first week and stayed within the normal range the following two weeks. That's great news and probably one reason why I'm feeling so well. Also, I've included lots of protein in my meals (fish, chicken and a big steak) and have kept my hemoglobin well within the normal range.

No such thing as a BAD HAIR DAY!
A couple weeks ago I lost about 20/30% of my hair in the area where a man would wear a yarmulke (yamaka) cap on the top/back (crown) of his head. We think it's because the cold caps were too cold on my part-line and cowlick areas where there was no hair to protect my scalp from frostbite. This second session we used gauze to protect my skull and all seems well.

Anyway, I cannot see the area, so I'm okay with it. The front, sides and bottom back of my hair are completely intact; however, there is a lot of gray hair under the streaks of color.  Because my hair follicles are weak, I do not use a blow dryer, curler or straightener.  I gently wash my hair only a couple times a week (it's dry from the chemo) and use no styling gel or hairspray.  So, it's pretty much "wash and wear".  I had my hair cut short so it would be easier to take care of. As a result, I look different. My hair has a natural wave to it and the gray makes it look much lighter in color.

Hey, as I said above, "There's no such thing as a BAD HAIR DAY!"  As long as I HAVE hair,  "It's a GOOD HAIR DAY!"  I'm taken by how easy it is to change my attitude to what's happening in my life.

When I talked with friends who lost their hair, many said, "With no hair, when I looked at myself in the mirror, I looked sick -- ill, meaning that I look like someone who is dying." I could identify with their thoughts.

Another friend said that she thought it would not be difficult to lose her hair and that it would be fun to try out different wigs. That might be true, except I know I wouldn't be wearing a wig to bed at night and when I got up to use the bathroom and saw myself in the mirror, I could easily see myself as ill -- not as the healthy person that I am. Also, wearing a wig or hat all the time could get to be "old stuff" for me very quickly, especially when the warm weather comes (yes, it's going to come to Michigan!).  As it is, I don't like anything tight on my head for any length of time.  I'm so very grateful to have my hair -- no matter how it looks!

With the chemo that I'm taking, the hair loss would take place every treatment--usually near the end of the three week cycle.  The follicles would be damaged, so new hair growth would take place a couple months after all treatments have ended.  With six treatments, that could mean early June before my hair STARTED to grow back -- that's a very long time.  Healthy hair grows about 1/2 inch per month.  At that rate, it would be well into Fall before I'd be starting to have a hair style. In the meantime, I'm a happy camper with hair on my head!!!  A friend, Nance, is going to join Don and Cathy at my next session to learn how to do the cold caps in case one of them is ill and not able to help.

I'm touched by so many incidences that take place in my life.  Just when my hair was coming out in huge amounts, I remembered Christina (my hairdresser) telling me about a store that carried hair pieces/wigs that she stopped at before coming to work that day.

It was Valentine's Day and Don and I had to go to our credit union which is only a couple miles from the store, so we stopped by. The store is called, Hair Secret at Universal Mall (12 Mile and Dequindre inside of the Cinemark theater).  It's an incredible store filled with wigs (cranial prosthesis), extension hair, hair pieces, hair care products and accessories -- more than I could have ever imagined in one store. Their prices were reasonable and their selection incredible. I purchased a human hairpiece that fits on the crown of my head. It's very comfortable to wear and looks really good. The young gal was extremely helpful, caring and knew her products. As I looked in the mirror and saw myself looking even better than before I started treatments, I cried tears of joy! I was touched with how every time something challenging comes up during treatment, a solution follows quickly. I'm humbled and in awe...

My new hairpiece is something that I might continue to use in the future when my hair returns. I only use it when I'm going somewhere special (like last night when the kids and we were together celebrating Jeff and Cathy's birthdays).  Otherwise, I'm very comfortable being out with my own hair.

Dry Ice

When we do the Cold Caps during my therapy, we fill two coolers with dry ice and then put the eight caps that are in plastic boxes in the coolers to take them down to -30C. At the end of the day, we have most of the dry ice (about 60 pounds) left over.  Does anyone know of a school or any place else that could use this dry ice? It seems a waste to let it evaporate each month. Dry ice can be dangerous if not handled properly. It's imperative that if someone wants to use the dry ice that they be knowledgeable about it's use. Contact me if you have a use for the dry ice.

I know for many in Michigan our February snowfall has made commuting difficult especially during rush hours. For Don it's brought more exercise and muscles (shoveling). Since I'm pretty much homebound, it's brought a beauty to the outdoors that I enjoy; although, it was a real treat to get a glimpse of our green grass last weekend.  Stay healthy, stay warm, enjoy, laugh and love.    warm regards,  Joey/Josetta

Session 2: Day 6

Cleaning for a Reason:
Hi all, 
A BIG thanks to all of you that sent the info for "Cleaning for a Reason".  I've gotten at least twenty emails. "Cleaning for a Reason" is a non-profit organization that cleans homes of women receiving chemotherapy. Just before my surgery I asked friends if they knew anyone that I could hire to help me out while I was recuperating.  An AAUW buddy said that she thought her neighbor, Patti, would be perfect. She was right.  Patti started the day of my surgery and has been helping us every other week since then.  Little did I know that I'd need her for so long. She's a wonderful gal that I'm glad to have in my life.

"Cleaning for a Reason" performs their cleaning service once every four weeks for four consecutive months at no charge.  Companies donate their time to do this. Although there are thousands of professional cleaning services throughout the United States and Canada donating their time to those in need, not all areas are represented.  I checked and Rochester Hills has three businesses contributing to this worthy cause.  

It takes some effort to get registered, especially if the client doesn't feel well.  To register, the cancer patient has to sign in at the website just after noon, Central time, Monday thru Friday.  They accept a maximum of fifty applications each day nationwide. It takes a couple of weeks to process the application and there is a note that says that most of their maid service partners are full.

So, if you know someone in need, it would be best to help them sign up for the service. I appreciate your caring and wanting to help--and very thankful that I'm without the need.

Oh, what a beautiful morning; Oh, what a beautiful day; I've got a beautiful feeling, Everything's going my way!

It was an incredibly wonderful day today in Rochester Hills--sunny and warm (for February). The sky was blue, the birds were singing, the snow was mounded on the river and hills, couldn't ask for more.  I'm feeling pretty much normal. Saturday was a good day, too.  Friday afternoon I was a little tired after being out and about doing some chores. I laid down from 4:00m -7:00pm watched TV and slept intermittently. I'm learning how to slow down and take it easy...  In the evening I felt better; like I was over the hump.

I'm so grateful that I'm able to eat whatever I desire with no nausea or funny taste to my food. I seem to have my energy back and no aches or pains or flu-like symptoms many have to endure. My intestinal and reproductive systems seem to be doing well (I changed to some high-end probiotics this session taking them at breakfast and dinner) and no mouth sores either. I'm believing that all is well.

Today Betsey and I walked the trail. It felt sooooo goooood to be out of doors. It was around 45 degrees and the air felt balmy on my face. I'd have walked more than our two miles but Betsey needed to get back to a social commitment. I was looking for something to do outdoors just to stay outside.  I am so very grateful that I can continue many of my regular activities that don't involve being with people. I'm not willing to gather with groups, especially in close proximity of a home, because of the risk of infection. I'll have blood work on Thursday that will let me know whether my immune system is compromised.  Our friends in Arizona and Florida have been challenged with coughs, colds and the flu and have needed meds. I think, until now, it's been too cold for bugs to live in Michigan. At least I haven't heard of many that have been ill.  The warmer weather could change that.

I'm especially thankful for the internet. It's my umbilical cord to the world. Even though I've pretty much eliminated all meetings and get togethers, I'm not feeling alone or lonely.  Everyday there are several email messages in my mailbox with words of encouragement and news of what's happening in your lives. I get a warm feeling inside and am energized by your kind and hopeful words. Added to your messages was a phone call from Sophie yesterday.  Jeff was visiting her for the weekend. She's doing great. Life is so very good!

I'm off all meds as of Friday evening. I was given my main anti-nausea (antiemetic) drug this time via my port (infusion) before receiving my chemotherapy. The drug is called Emend. It's an incredible drug that is working full force for me. I also take steroids the day before, the day of and the day after treatment to counteract the possibility of an allergic reaction to the chemo. There are side effects -- I get ravenously hungry, hold fluids (look like the Michelin Man) and have an incredible amount of energy to get things done. I'm confident that this time I've skipped the 'let down' that can take place after stopping the drug.

This session I've been able to sleep well every night. I changed to camomile tea (in a thermos) during the night. It worked well and I was able to fall asleep shortly after using the bathroom and having a drink. A friend commented, "I don't like camomile tea." It's amazing to me what I can like if it helps me accomplish something important to me--like getting a good night's sleep!

It's been exciting for me to watch all the wonderful things happening in our world. I've been commenting for a few years that I believe that there is a huge undercurrent of people who have the same basic yearning for freedom, for human self-respect, for a home in which they can live and raise their family, the desire to have access to a good education, health care and food.  Of late, I'm seeing people in our country and around the world making a strong stand for these things (with women being as prominent as men). I'm hoping and desiring that soon, we will reach the 'tipping point," that key moment of crystallization that unifies isolated events into a significant trend. I'm exhilarated by the thought that the spread of this social trend will cross a threshold and start to spread like wildfire.
May you have all that you desire in life and desire all that you have in your life.  Happy Valentine's Day! Loads of love and hugs,  Joey/Josetta

Session 2, Day 2

Day 2:  Wednesday, February 9, 2011:

Before kneading, inside of hat

Happy Patient

Wow, I'm feeling quite well. I got a very good night's sleep. Yesterday, I had my second chemo treatment. All went well.  Cathy put both Don and I to work on preparing and changing the cold caps. They're changed every 30 minutes starting an hour before my chemo starts, continue during chemo (a couple of hours) and then four more hours afterwards (at home).

Cathy had full control of timing (a big job) telling Don when to take the caps out of the coolers that were filled with dry ice, checking for temperature and then telling Don where to kneed the gel to warm it up. She made sure we were changing caps at the right time...and the biggest job, she put my cap on so it fit perfectly. Of course, she jumped in to help during much of the stages.  I didn't do much at the Cancer Center because I was 'hooked up'.  At home, though, I was able to help so she could do her work (she brought her computer).  We finished around 7:00pm.  So in between she was able to solve a bunch of problems going on at work that only she could do.

I'm on steroids the day before chemo, the day of and the day after. They provide a lot of energy so I'm able to get more done because I'm sure they hide my tiredness.  The reason for the steroids is to prevent an allergy reaction to the Taxotere drug that they're giving me. Today's my last day on the steriods.

Had a good day today, I got my Neulasta shot that will boost my bones to produce white cells that the chemotherapy has damaged.  Last months it worked well.  I'm expecting the same this month. I thought it also made my bones work hard to produce red blood cells as well as platelets. I'm disappoint that it doesn't.

It was a good day. We had a wonderful dinner, no nausea and a desire to eat. Hope you're all doing well, too.

Session One: Week 3

Day 22:  Monday, February 8, 2011:
I've had a busy week and a very good week. I walked after the snowstorm and loved it.  We walk on the trails and the trails aren't plowed so it takes a lot of work to pick up our feet and trudge through the snow. Betsey complained the whole time saying that it was too much like work. It was beautiful (that she admitted). For those who don't know Betsey, she's going to be 85 in a week.  We haven't walked as much as usual (every other day, usually four miles) since my surgery in early November. Mostly because of time conflicts with doctor appointments and the holidays.  I thought maybe Betsey was slowing down from not walking as often.  My friend said, "She's almost 85!!! and she's out there walking a mile or two when the rest of us are doing nothing!!!"  Okay, I can accept that except that when she was 84, she trudged through the snow...without complaining.  I love our walks and talks together. I know she'll change her attitude and will love walking in the snow again.

I saw my doctor on Tuesday and pretty much all my blood tests were in the normal range and all side effects from meds and chemo gone.  My white count was good which is why I'm probably feeling so well. (Thanks to Amgen who produces Neulasta--the company my niece works for.)  Also, it means that my next session will be a 'go'.  (If my counts are down, the therapy is postponed).

I'm all set for my next chemotherapy on Tuesday (tomorrow) at the Karmanos-Crittenton Cancer Center in Rochester, just north of M-59 and east of Crooks.  Cathy and Don will help me do the Cold Caps again.  The word is that by Day 20, the hair is gone.  I'm on Day 22 and have 99% of my hair.  I've had some thinning these past couple of days, but nothing more than a few hairs on the comb or on my hands when I run them through my hair.

We went shopping today and stocked up on supplies.  This time I bought foods with spices and flavor.  I hesitated doing that before my first session because I was told I'd probably prefer bland foods.  I'm planning on feeling the same this session as last.  I enjoyed Mideastern, Italian and Mexican foods...delicious!  The more the flavor, the more enjoyable it was for me.

I've been wanting to get out of doors and shovel.  My doctor who 'installed' my mediport said, "No shoveling or washing windows for six weeks!"  It's because she attached the port to my muscle and the repetitive motion could break it loose. It's not six weeks so I listened to her advice and didn't help Don.  Donny came over for the big storm and used his snowblower to clear the driveway and walkway.  He's a thoughtful kid and always there to help when needed.

I've enjoyed the Master's Class Series (Diane Sawyer, Maya Angelou, Jay-Z and Oprah) on Oprah Winfrey's new OWN network.  Ask Oprah All Stars with Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and Suze Orman were pure entertainment and learning opportunities. Find her station and give it a try. On Comcast it's channel 2 and for High Definition (HD) it's 67.

I hope all is well with all of you.  I know some of you are facing much greater health challenges than I am.  I'm with you surrounding you with prayers, healing energy and love and wanting the very best for you. I know that some of you are facing economic and personal challenges. Remember, they're all temporary. Vision how you would like your life to be; feel the joy, peace, abundance and good health.  See yourself doing what your heart desires.  I believe it will happen. We attract more of what we think and what we feel.  Think thoughts that bring you joy, peace and abundance--and they will be yours.  Laugh, love and enjoy!  
warm regards and lots of love and hugs,  Joey/Josetta


Day 15: Monday, January 31, 2011:
Pure Luxury:
There are a few things that I possess that are pure luxury in my everyday life.  One is a small oscillating ceramic heater that I purchased early this season to use in our bathroom.  I turn it on just before I'm going to shower.  It warms our bathroom so that I don't have to come out of the shower shivering. I love it!

Another is an electric mattress pad that we got for our bed a few years ago after hearing my brother talk about his. I turn it on to preheat about ten minutes before I plan on getting into bed.  I turn it off before getting into my lovely warm bed. Oh, what a true pleasure.  Our thermostat goes to a lower temperature around 11:30.  Because I often stay up longer, by the time I'm ready for bed, the house is cold as well as me being cold.  It's a true delight to warm my feet and body and quickly fall asleep.

I'm feeling great, enjoying eating whatever I desire, having the energy to live life and keeping in touch with friends and family. Thanks for all of your support; it's very effective and helpful to me.

Session One: Week 2

Day 14:  Sunday, January 30, 2011:
Another beautiful day. I must get out today for a walk. The weather is a mild 28 degrees. I'm feeling pretty normal. It feels GREAT! We enjoyed watching some of the Sunday-morning shows that we taped, skipping through the commercials.

My walking partner, Betsey, and I walked to downtown Rochester on the Clinton River Trail. We walked around town viewing all the ice sculptures for the Fire and Ice Celebration and worked our way to the Royal Park Hotel. I'm avoiding inside crowds/groups of people. As usual on a Sunday, the Royal Park restaurant was empty. Betsey had their special of ribs and coleslaw ($7) and since I'd eaten just before we started walking, I had a delicious apple dessert. We had a nice visit and then walked home. It was a beautiful walk. The sun was shining, the sky a deep blue and the snow a brilliant white. Betsey says it was 4.25 miles. I say it was more like 3 miles since we walked diagonally from Veteran's Point. I forgot to use my RunKeeper app on my iPhone. That would have ended the discussion. Whatever, it was a great walk!

I'm feeling so fortunate to be feeling so good. If I'd lost my memory, I wouldn't have a clue that I'd had chemotherapy. Thanks to all of you for your incredible support. It does make a difference.

Day 13:  Saturday, January 29, 2011:
Up around eight o'clock after eight good hours of sleep. I'm ready to "tackle the world".  I'm feeling fine--quite normal, no pain or side effects and have my usual energy. I did laundry and administrative jobs that needed doing. I was able to do some reading and catch up on some emails. I'm liking being at home and getting things done and also having leisure time. Life is good!

Days 11 & 12: Thursday & Friday, January 28, 2011:
Friday Afternoon: I enjoyed being home alone with the the house quiet and the ability to concentrate and work at something I enjoy. I spent time on my blog and a bunch of administrative things that needed doing. I'm feeling quite normal. The meds the doctor gave me took care of the few things that were getting my attention.

Now that I've mastered the iPhone app by Comcast (Xfinity), we have lots of recorded shows to view and we can zoom through the ads. Geez, it's a major improvement to TV watching.

Friday Morning: Yesterday morning I met with Leah, the social worker at my doctors office. As I expected, she was an incredible help. She's a great listener and spoke the words and info that were a great help to me. I left feeling renewed and invigorated. I wish all of you could meet her--you'd love her, too.

And, good, long-time friends (notice I didn’t say “old friends”) stopped by in the afternoon. It felt so good to be with them. They were a great help to Don and to me, too. I hooked up my laptop to our big TV and we viewed their photos from their trip to Florida--as well as other photos on Diane's thumb drive. It was just what both of us needed.

Our family situation is much better, too. All the crisis have allowed for some good communication in spite of the nasty stuff that came first. Difficult times are all opportunities for growth--we're all changing.

My doctor called yesterday evening to see how I was doing. I'm so impressed with the lady's compassion and caring. She asked about everything we'd talked about at my appointment earlier in the week -- which are all gone now. Then she said that I was at my 'lowest' point and that I'd be getting better every day. I told her if that were true, I'd be better than before I started. She got a big laugh out of my comment. I was serious. I feel fine.

Yesterday, I did computer work in the morning, cleaned up, drove to Clarkston, spent 1 1/2 hours with Leah, drove back, made about a zillion business phone calls for a couple of hours, visited with friends for several more (setting up TV/computer and all kinds of stuff), fixed a quick dinner for Don and I, talked with Cathy about a bunch of things that interest her, straightened up around here, read some and went to sleep. Probably more than most 69-year-olds are doing.

I slept well again last night (that's my pattern again) and was up around 8:00 and have been busy all morning. Can't ask for anything more.

Don and Donny went to Chuck's Jordan's memorial today. Donny was asked to be the photographer. I would have loved to attend; too many people, too many opportunities for bugs to jump on me.

Don and Donny picked up Donny's car last night. He calls it his "Ritalin" car, cause it mellows him out!

Just wanted to let you know that we're back on an even keel again. Don't stop your good thoughts for our family, though... I continue to keep all of you in my prayers and well wishes.

Days 9 & 10:  Tuesday and Wednesday, January 25, 26, 2011: 
I've thought hard and long about including the following. I decided I needed to in order to tell my real experience. These past couple of days have been the toughest days that I've had in many a year...not physically, but emotionally. I realize that I'm not on this journey alone. My whole family is traveling with me even if it wasn't their choice).

For those who know me you'd likely agree that I'm the matriarch of our family or the linchpin/keystone. When Jeff was young (maybe 5, 6 or 7) a a good friend/priest joined us for dinner and asked Jeff, "Who's the boss in your family?"  Jeff quickly answered, "My Dad is the president, but...my Mom is chairman of the board."  Who knows where he learned that, but he did make us all aware of what was going on in our family.

Anyway, this past week brought some big crisis/tough challenges to family members. Unfortunately, when we're in a tough position, very often fear takes over. That's what happened to a couple family members.

Fear can show itself as--anger, withdrawal, inappropriate conflict, defensive behavior, anxiety, etc.  I think it showed itself in all of the above ways--and I seemed to be the target of the ranting. Usually, I can deflect the behavior with comforting words.  Not this time. I joined right in.  I was disappointed and completely fell apart...I guess I could say "the rock broke".  I cried, I banged a book on table several times...as hard as I could.  I withdrew.  I did my best to meditate, regroup and gain back my balance, my sense of peacefulness and my joy. Balance is the key to health in many ways.  I know that other people don't have to change for me to experience peace of mind.

I believe that love is the opposite of fear. We are all made from love--unconditional love; not the jealous, possessive kind, and I also believe that everything that isn't love is fear. I believe that if someone seems angry or jealous, or they feel guilty or they're acting judgmental, they are really just afraid of something--rejection, or loss of power/control, being abandoned, things like that."  People do awful things to each other based on past perceptions. That's why we need to let go of the past. It's easy to do if we realize that we're only hurting ourselves. When I believe that the past has no power over me, I live in the present moment.  When I'm in the present moment, I'm free of fear of the future. I don't have to be afraid of what 'I think' might happen to me and become stressed and depressed. I know that what I give my thought to is what gets bigger in my life. So, I focus my thoughts on love and give my brain a rest from scary thoughts. When I feel love in my life (internally through my God/spirit/energy who lives in me and through friends/family) I find a way to live in the flow of that love every day -- no room for fear.  In some ways it's like having heaven here on earth...

A very old book that helped me to embrace these words, is: Love is Letting Go of Fear by Gerald  (Jerry) Jampolsky, M.D.  Another book that changed my life is:  A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.

I mentioned that we are all made from love (the image and likeness of God).  "The kingdom of God is within us." Some call it an energy or the holy spirit. I believe that the essence of Jesus', Buddha's and Muhammed's message was, 'love and forgiveness'.  It's also the path to the goal of inner peace. Forgiveness means letting go of the past.  If you don't know how, "ask and you shall receive" or "knock and the door shall be opened to you".  If you aren't comfortable asking God, you can ask the universe.  Love is always there, sometimes we choose fear instead because we have a free will.  Make your choice, I choose love.

Day 9:  Tuesday, January 25, 2011, Morning:
As you might have noticed I'm having a tough time just keeping up my blog. Actually, I'm doing very very well considering what my friends before me experienced with their chemo. My challenges have been from side effects mostly from drugs. Last night I slept very well. In the meantime, other parts of my body that are affected by the chemo (fast-producing cells) are showing themselves...my mouth, throat, intestines, etc. They easily get irritated because of the lack of mucous. These are mostly controllable with vigilance. So my day seems to be spent eating as often as possible (to keep up my weight) rinsing/cleaning my mouth afterwards, taking probiotics at regular intervals, hand cream on skin, lip balm every hour and other pro-active moves (you get the idea).

I'm off all meds now (that's a full-time job managing them the first five days).

Today I met with my doctor. My white count is up so my bones are doing what they're supposed to be doing thanks to the Neulasta shot. In the meantime, she recommended that I continue to stay away from groups of people; eliminating the risk of infection. She checked me over and recommended that I take Diflucan/Fluconazole (100mg.) for a few days to reduce side effects of mouth sores and tract infections. Dr. Jasti is doing her part to help me feel good through this therapy. She also gave me some Xylocaine viscous/Lideocaine to paint onto any mouth sores. I had a few starting on my tongue--wow, it's magic in that it numbs the area and NO pain.

All in all, I'd say that I'm doing GREAT! My doctor and friends have all said that my first session is pretty much a pattern of what I'll be experiencing. I'm hoping and believing that to be true. We know what's worked and where improvements can be made. Hey, the next session ought to be a breeze...

This is the first time I've ever said that I'd like to be in a warm environment this time of year. I could be out walking if that were the case, it's been just too cold for that until now. I hesitate to walk at the OPC since that could expose me to infection.

Keep the prayers and positive words/energy coming this way. I'm continuing to keep all of my family/friends in my prayers and positive thoughts (includes you). We are all connected and one; we do affect one another. Let's take advantage of that and respond in a way that we can all benefit.

Day 8: Monday, January 24, 2011, Afternoon: 
Afternoon: (In response to many who have suggested medicinal marijuana) Yes, my doctor mentioned it (evidently it comes in a pill form--or that's what I surmised). I have an appetite and am eating a lot of food almost all day and evening. It's just that the Milk of Magnesia (4th day) cleaned everything out. Also, I think with the high pulse rate that I'd been having (not today, thank goodness) revs my metabolism. Who knows. I'm enjoying eating, it just takes a lot of time/work. Everytime I finish eating something I have to brush my teeth and gargle mouthwash, salt/baking soda water and club soda...by then I'm ready to eat again.

I'm really feeling mostly pretty good, especially during the day. A little 1/2 hour nap does the trick for tiredness. I'm feeling very, very grateful--no nausea and hardly any bone aches--more like just the usual. If our weather were warmer and no snow; I'd go out for a walk. I'm feeling up to it.

My oncology doctor has been great; I can't say enough about how supportive/helpful she is and always available. Her name is Dr. Jasti. She works out of the Karmanos-Crittenton Cancer Center in Rochester. She's warm, caring and knowledgeable. Can't ask for more.

You're right, getting old is not for sissies. love, Joey

Morning: I keep promising myself that I'll update my blog--today will be the day! I want you to know I'm doing really, really well. Anyway, I'm off all meds including Aleve and Motrin which gave me incredibly ringing in my ears (I always have tinnitis). I've had fast heart rates (in the low 90's; usual for me 60's and 70's) that caused pounding in my head/body at night and I think contributed to the brain activity. Last night I slept well. I wake every couple of hours to go to the bathroom cause I'm drinking around the clock--that seems to help me. I started this journey saying I'd take "one day at a time". That's worked well. Now, I have to take "one night at a time", too.

Also, I notice I can only talk to people a couple times a day or I get a bit of a sore throat and a gravelly voice.  On the day I started chemo I had a sore throat and my white count was low (it was attributed to a viral infection).  I've been fighting the sore throat the whole time with it gradually moving to drainage probably from my sinus on my left side.

I'm reading, watching TV shows I've recorded and movies...life isn't bad. I'd love to go out walking but it's been much too cold. I did go with Don to Meijers on Saturday and walked all around the store. It felt good to do that. I wasn't exhausted when I came home although I'd napped before I went since I hadn't slept the night before.

Another Note sent on Monday: 

I slept well last night. I wake every two hours to go to the bathroom and drink 12 oz of warm tea or milk. I find that if I can continue to keep fluids going in me, I feel much better. As Gilda Radner said, "If it isn't one thing it's another...bloody nose, itchy bottom...nothing major just little challenges. At least my head/brain is feeling closer to normal and not racing. All in all, I'm feeling quite good.

Today's challenge again will be to get food in me every couple of hours...I'm continuing to lose weight--down to one pound more than when we married--which was my low weight since probably 6th or 7th grade. I realize that I am not a snack eater or a junk food eater.  That doesn't mean that I don't enjoy good dark chocolate, delicious pies or home-made (or Costco) cookies.  Usually, one cookie does it for me (unless it's those little ginger cookies).

My Dad was right when he said, "When we get older, we have to keep about 5-10 pounds in reserve in case we have a medical challenge." Heed his advice. Thanks for caring and remembering me in your prayers. hugs, Joey