Test of Strength

Back in Seattle. I decided to once again test the strength of our marriage and not heed Jamie’s warnings to make a reservation at the Silver Cloud well in advance. Who would of thought that I wouldn’t be able to simply call up the night before and get a room. It is only July, and I am trying to get a room at a value priced waterfront hotel with a pool in Downtown Seattle.

So the Marriot it was. No free breakfast, no free parking. I did get a SCCA rate though. I am getting good at prodding the reservation clerk for a better rate. And cancer has obviously given Jamie the same new perspective and patience it has given me. Only a very mild scolding followed by a brief critique and comparison to the Silver Cloud. Just enough to prompt me to get that reservation for our next visit set up today.

With Jamie’s strength growing every day, we find our trips to Seattle include a little more fun and leisure each time. Last night Katrina and Joel introduced us to the Kangaroo and Kiwi, a public house on Aurora. Great little joint with a barmaid imported from Down Under along with lots of AUS/NZ beers and menu. The girls had chips and Aussie pie, while Joel and I were a bit adventurous and let our hostess select. So it was pizza and wings for us.

Now those that know Jamie and I well, are probably looking quizzical right now, as they are aware of our shared distaste for chicken on the bone. But even a short trip to SE Asia will cure you of any apprehensions you may harbor about food texture. So with a pint or two down already, I had BBQ sauce on my chin and was happily sucking the meat and skin off the wings, mostly because I am almost certain that this is in fact chicken.

As the evening wore on, several other patrons began setting up for beer pong, a game where you try to toss a ping pong ball into an array of beer cups set up in front of your opponent. It is one of those drinking games where who is truly the loser and the winner is a subject of much debate, because if your opponent makes his target, you must drink. For me the only downside would be an adversary that was a poor shot and took several tries as they cycle through the same three balls each, giving them only a quick dip in a bin of water after they hit floor.

The crowd was very congenial (or perhaps ignored me) as my in questioning soon turned into satirical commentary as I asked “why don’t you they fill the cups up further” or “real men would use whiskey (which would be more sanitary as well)”.

We left shortly thereafter on our own accord and unharmed as well, both Joel and I thankful to have our wives as our designated drivers. After dinner I presented Joel with his M&M bar shirt, a gift from my mother. Knowing just his size and fashion taste, I am sure Joel will get good wear out of it. I have one as well, and thus we will have to be a bit careful. Despite our bond as hunting partners, dressing in unison is a little bit too much and outside the circle of those familiar with Butte may be misinterpreted.

It is now a bit passed noon and thus we are through more than half of today’s session. Jamie is watching “Dream Girls” on her portable DVD, thankfully with headphones on, while I catch up on this and other computer related chores. First set of lab reports for today’s blood draw have all come back good, with just a small drop (30% compared to 33%) red blood cell count, initiating a simple Darepoetin injection for a boost (like some pro athletes have been busted for according to nurse Dan). CA-125 values are plummeting as well, but in this case it is a good thing. Pre surgery levels exceeded 4,000, but after the July 6th labs we had 51. We are still waiting on this morning’s results, but seem to be getting much closer of the desired “norm” of 25.

Jamie looks as strong and beautiful as ever. During our consult yesterday, we got the go for increased activity such as yoga and swimming, with approval for some hiking if she feels up to it in the future. Carrying a pack is an issue because the shoulder straps can conflict with the catheter on the power port, but our Nurse Practitioner, Barb Silko, is an active woman herself and thus able to offer some practical advice on pack types as well.
This is great news for both of us, as we are eager to return to as much normalcy as possible and enjoy the rest of the summer. I even brought up the subject of bicycling, approved if Jamie feels able, and am certain I will enjoy my new bicycle even more if Jamie is riding alongside me.