Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Mark another Christmas & New Years off!

So I'm quite fortunate to be able to see 2014 and to have been able to visit with my Mom, Sister, Brother, Sister-in-law, and my 3 nieces and nephew.  I went the week prior to Christmas to South Carolina, then came back on the 22nd to be with my partner Ki.

I carted a suitcase loaded with presents for everyone, and am lucky to have a sister who works overseas and who has a bazillion frequent flier miles.  

My return home was eventful, as we just adopted a new cat (an associate of Ki's was fostering her and her sister) to give Cleopatra a friend.  And the addition is around 2 mos. old.  She's a little orange kitten we call Calpernia (or Cali P when she's rapping - Cleo's street name is C Pat).  Cali is sweet, but also a bit of a brat (she's a kitten...).  I'm glad Cleo is taking to her now, as she's such a mello cat, being stalked by a little kitty is probably not her favorite thing.

My next scan is a little over a month out.  Physically I'm walking unassisted, and driving again.  I can't jog yet nor play much music with my left hand, but I'm still working on that.  The hope is that the Yervoy will have a good and long impact (from the end of the Summer).  

I'm going to try to do some longer walking each day, and soon I'll take advantage of the free 3 mos. gym membership the physical therapy provides.  The idea is to strengthen my body while I can to help the immune system slow/stop the cancer from spreading more.

Here's our sweet bratupuss Cali sleeping on my lap.  (The shaved belly is from her spay operation at the humane society before we could take her home).


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Hanging Tough

Simple post-oncologist visit here.

We didn't scan but instead did blood lab work, and there were no changes from the last set of labs.  Dr. Wallen wasn't too worried and at first I took that as a bit of nonchalance (he has an interesting bedside manner) but then I felt that I'm a bit tougher than I'd thought, and that he felt I was doing okay (Ki agreed with my assessment).

So the bottom line for now is things haven't changed significantly, other than my being able to drive solo and walk unassisted.  My left hand is still improving, and I hope to be able to play music again.

Other news is we're getting a kitty sister for Cleopatra (she's our cat featured in other shots).