sjgcbm's Cancer Blog

July 4, 2008

July 4 Update and random thoughts

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So I took myself off Thalidomide earlier this week because the neuropathy had spread which scared the heck out of me and I knew I couldn’t drive like that, or even hold a pencil to write. Doctor has approved the move (who knows what would have happened if he had not).

I am transitioning from stage one treatment (chemo) done very close to home in the “chemo” division” of the practice, to the “stem cell transplant division” of the practice a bit of distance away. My last appointment with the team I have been working with since April is this coming Tuesday.

First major appoitnment (2.5 hours) with the transplant folks is on July 9. Life will surely change when that process starts. I am guessing the thalidomide issue will end up being tranferred too. But for the next week or so, no more Thalidomide!

After fighting a lack of appetite and not really eating anything but dairy for quite a few days (meaning minimal meat protein) a friend had us to dinner last night and I found I could tolerate buffalo! I ate a whole hamburger! Since red meat has been off my plate for quite some time, and white meats have to be gently seasoned, this adds a nice choice. Has anyone else found this to be true? Am thinking of trying elk – nt easily found here on the East Coast – but have heard it is very mild and great eating. Sounds like it might be worth a 10 minute web search :-)

Remember, please that my firend Pam who posted the “unicorn” comment is a medical librarian (and her meyloma blog is still posted below. I am a health educator by training and have worked in medical associations since the 90’s. There is no doubt I have access to medical information through my career and training – way more than if I was still working at the adoption agency or teaching sociology (early career jobs).

Sometimes that does not make my oncology team particularly happy. I ask way too many questions and know way too much about the medical care delivery system.

But it also means that the doctors I work closely with (on my job) have mostly stepped up to the plate. I am in an incredibly lucky position not to have to worry about my job, and to have the support of both the staff and the Board of Directors. On days when I have not been able to work full time I remind myself of that. And when I can’t find naswers on the web I have back up from a few friends who are doctors who have offered to do that for me. I haven’t needed to ask yet, but I really appreciate knowing I can.

So now I am off to have a morning cup of tea – still not able to enjoy coffee anymore, although I am going to try to drink it cold over the weekend to see if that helps :-)

I did spend a few minutes this morning deleting early postings by me (and comments from others). Just trying to keep the blog a little cleaner (or perhaps just a contimuation of cleaning my office email inbox?).

Enjoy the 4th everyone. It is my favorite holiday here in Washington DC, where I am reminding on a daily basis (my commute takes me right past the Lincoln Monument) how lucky I am that my great-grandparents came to this wonderful country where the family at first struggled, but has thrived and survived. God Bless America and God Bless all of us.

Posted on July 4, 2008 at 6:09:25 AM by Sarajane Garten ( July 4 Update and random thoughts, 4 comments)

I have a friend tha is helping the
doctors take care her. And yes, she says they are a little
behind on what is going on LOL. Any way have a good
4th.

Posted on July 4, 2008 at 9:59:59 AM by karlak

I am sure I bugged the doctors with all my questions. I felt I had the right to know what was going on with my body.
Have a great day…..
Hugs,
Joyce

Posted on July 4, 2008 at 1:32:15 PM by joyce

SJ…hope the 4th was good for you & Catherine. I am a firm believer that you cannot ever ask too many questions, especially where your health (or that of someone you love) is concerned…so ASK AWAY HONEY :-)

Hugs,
...Sari

Posted on July 5, 2008 at 8:56:28 AM by sari

Hi Sarajane:

I hope you were able to celebrate w/ Catherine since this is your favorite holiday! We were at Jackie & Sally’s traditional 4th of July pool party – and actually in the pool for quite a while before the weather turned grey and wet. Then checked out a new restaurant (at least new to us!) in town called “Vegetate”. We picked the right day; it was nice and quiet, I suppose everybody else was on the Mall.

I just read that you had asked for food delivery once or twice a week, back in June. I could cook something on Sundays (as you know I love cooking since I don’t have to do it every day), and drop it off on Monday on my way from work. Is this still something you’d find helpful?

With moving to the transplant center during the day that may change but I suppose you’d still want some food at the house? And, of course, we can always adjust.

Let me know, and if you want me to cook let me also know the details as to what and what not.

Much love, Elke.

Posted on July 5, 2008 at 11:49:06 AM by Elke (unverified)