Password joy

Man nothing makes you feel dumber than trying to recover the password for a google account.

At least it's reset, and I hope this doesn't happen again soon. How else can I update the Dogpatch?

The latest chemo update from 2/26 is I got both infusions which is good, but my blood needs to be transfused as its level was 8.1 which we had planned an "in case"  appointment for Monday.

I'm not having an easy time sleeping and am feeling anxious about not saddling Ki with all my gear. He's keeping my first100% custom guitar as he bought the neck as a Christmas gift, and it's my fave instrument. Eventually I'll be liberating quite a bit of gear...of course most of what I have has been modified somewhat. There are a few other instruments with plans for family. My hope is to recover my left hand ability, but that needs work.

Weight is still a struggle but at least it's been stable.

Still my fave.

When You get the Full Meal Deal

A week ago (Friday 2/1) I was just underneath on all the key blood tests to be able to get both chemos. I needed blood, but I wasn't too low to have get it Emergency Room style. (Close, but I'd also slept poorly the 2 nights prior.)

Yay for living on the edge. As its roughly 4 1/2 hrs to transfuse, getting a berth scheduled for the usual 2 bag fill up can be hard to find (we'd anticipated this and booked the last Monday the week prior.) 

As for my blood level, it almost made me feel like going into the ER on Sunday, but was saved by those magical crunch berries and some nice steak later. I splurged on some green tea Haagan Daas ice cream too.

Yesterday I went in for my weekly blood tests and everything was within range so both Abraxane and Carbo Taxol were transfused. The weekly liter of saline was infused while waiting for the lab results. 

The new Oncology transfusion building is really great looking, and has increased rooms treatment rooms as well as quite a good number of 1-2 patient bay window slots, but only 2 new nurses coming on, so if you know any good hem/onc nurses looking for a gig I hear Corvallis Good Sam is looking...

I still often think of the days working at Musician's Friend and the solid vendor community who helped with my growth and awareness of the industry. It inspires me to be positive, as does my hubby Ki.

Just One Chemo Last Friday

So my last treatment was only the Abraxane, as the results from my tests for getting Carbo Taxol were just close, but not quire where they need to be. 

Abraxane - yes

Carbo Taxol - no

Also my blood/hematocrit level was 8.9, which means I'll be transfused with 2 bags of blood, but that won't happen until Monday next week. I go in on Friday to see the usual stuff, and hopefully be able to get both chemos.

Other than that, I plan to try light exercise but only when Ki is home.  Light meaning trying 1lb and crawling around (which is not much fun) and doing leg lifts by the sink. 

Not much entertainment as of late, but I'm working on the blog to update my experiences more often.

Both Chemo Drugs and 2 Bags of Type O

If you've been with me during a blood transfusion you might remember my preferred flavor as type O positive. I was sitting at 8.9 for my blood counts last Friday, and anytime my blood dips below 9, I have to be transfused with two bags of blood (most non-anemic people's blood count is higher than 12. This isn't rule as far as I know, but it's more of a normal person's low level) 

For a more clear message/update - last Friday I was able to get both Chemo drugs, but had to schedule an appointment for Monday (yesterday) for blood.  My chemos are helping to keep it tough for both red and white blood cells.  The Abraxane seems to be easier on blood counts than the Carbo.  Of course you Gotta love the finish of O positive 🙂. At least I think I do 🤔.

Ki and I met with Dr McGregor after (this was a normal appointment.) during this meeting we set plans for a scan in early March. 

In general, I've been dealing with fatigue and the struggle to put on some weight.  Today's lunch features a frozen dinner called a Mexican Feast... I'll be adding some sour cream and Cholula hot sauce with lime - my favorite hot sauce. My palate for mildly spices is returning (not as much as in the past, but I'm digging the return to at least some spice.)

And since dark chocolate has been discussed here as of late. I have to show this super cool box of dark chocolate by origin and cacao %. One of many super cool gifts, she and our mom gave to me and Ki for Christmas.