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Journal Note: January
11, 2007
Just a note to let you all know that I saw the doctor
again today as scheduled, and that after weighing all
the tests, exam, etc., he pronounced me fit enough to
continue with my chemo treatment (Yayyy!), so I had that
done today, which was a relief.
He also said that he thought that the resumption of
coughing blood that I’ve had this past week was probably
not due to increased tumor activity, but that more
likely with all the coughing from bronchitis that I had
injured something down in my lung area that was causing
it, it happened just too quickly. I also asked him
about fluid on the lung, and if there was any a week ago
when I had my last X-Ray (I forgot to ask last week),
and he said only a minimal amount. So, things are
looking up again, and my roller coaster is coming out of
the downward spin, and beginning to climb again!
I do feel quite a bit better after taking antibiotics,
and while coughing is still a problem and will be for
some weeks (I’ve always done that with bronchitis, even
as a child), I feel stronger, and with the Lord’s help
my spirits are improving.
Jim and I are deep into trying to take care of a lot of
things that simply got left when we moved, because I
became ill so quickly afterward, so our home will look
better, feel better, and function much better. It is
actually probably best that more wasn’t done at that
time, because Jim hates doing things twice, and there is
much that we thought would be best this way or that, and
it hasn’t worked out well because of something we either
didn’t know, or didn’t think to consider. So, a lot of
it only has to be done once, instead of all of it being
done twice.
We have a lot of painting coming up in the next few
months, but with the ceilings we have in the bedrooms
and living room, Jim will be spared that, which is
really a bonus, considering how high they are, and would
be quite difficult to paint. Painting is not one of his
favorite things, and while I don’t mind painting, I
can’t do it now. However, with the new low or “no” VOC
(Volatile Organic Compound) paints that are completely
non-toxic, I think we’ll be able to paint without having
to wait until summer at least in parts of the house,
which will give us a jump on things.
We’ve already begun to make some changes, and are trying
to focus on plans for the rest to get things moving
along, so things will get really busy now for awhile as
we transition from the quiet of the past couple of
months. After our busy summer it was kind of nice to
take a rest, but it’s time to get moving forward again,
and we’re headed in that direction.
We drove home tonight under clear skies, after a very
cold day for this area, and there was some ice and snow
coming over the summit, but slow driving worked fine,
and as we turned onto Highway 96 to head home we were
greeted by the first real snowfall I’ve ever seen in
that area (only because I don’t get out much). It was
only half an inch or so, but was beautiful, quiet, and
we only met a car or two all along the way. There was
snow on the road for about 15 miles, but it was in the
low 20’s at about 8 pm, and although it didn’t warm up
much, there was no further ice or snow, and the road was
clear the rest of the way home. A beautiful night’s
drive after a long, long day. We arrived home about 9
pm, and had spent most of the trip talking about changes
we’re considering at home. It’s now midnight and Jim
just went to bed. I will not sleep much tonight, even
though I only had 2 hours sleep last night due to the
steroid I take, but will try to rest soon, too.
I will return to the doctor three weeks from today, back
on my regular schedule.
Jim did some grocery shopping after our appointments, as
we didn’t quite finish last week, and there are some new
dishes I want to try, in an effort to “up” my good
protein with more Salmon and other fish and poultry
dishes mostly, and other new dishes of good nutritional
value that are very important for me to have right now
as I’m focusing on trying to improve my immune system
function, so I don’t get sick again. I will have to try
to keep a balance of keeping moving as much as possible,
but not overdoing to the point of defeating that
balance, or I’ll get ill again. I find that when my
appetite flags, or it is difficult to eat because things
taste like cardboard, a sweet sauce, or a hint of sweet
or tangy taste helps, so I’m going to focus on those
things right now to see how well it works.
I’m looking forward to getting a lot of things done
tomorrow (I always plan too much, of course), my last
day to take the steroid this round, since I need to
“make hay while the sun shines,” so to speak; when it
wears off the side effects rush in, and I crashed pretty
hard the last two times. We’re going to move the living
room around (again) and I’m going to try to get my guest
room ready soon to put my treadmill up in there,
although I probably won’t be in shape to use it for a
few weeks yet. Have to walk before I can walk faster,
you know…
It seems everywhere I look I see something I want to do,
and a number of times I’ve said “As I look over this
way…” and Jim says, “Well, then don’t look over that
way!” Now he is getting down to saying, “I could poke
out your eyes if it’s a problem, you know…”
It’s all in fun, and that’s a good sign.
Love to all of you,
Marcie and Jim
On the Klamath River
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