Monday, October 29, 2007
Back in The Saddle
Well, I have gone back to work. Only it's with John at Tectonix. His bookkeeper left, so I have officially taken over the duties. I've worked a couple of days before chemo and today after chemo and I'm getting the hang of it. I think it is a great stress reliever that I am there and he can keep a watch over me and me over him (hehehe) We'll see how we do in the long run. My Mom and Dad have been able to do it all these years, so far so good for us!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Happy Friday!
Talked to Jamie this afternoon, and she's feeling a little better after IP treatment #3 than she did post treatment #2. She even went out to lunch with her parents today. And, she's got her niece Katelyn's birthday party this weekend, so thinks she'll even be up for a little partying by then. Yippee! Wheeee!!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
3 down (almost)
Yesterday’s tenuous start, ended well with a pseudo surprise party prepared by my Mom, Sharon and Anne. Of course the men folk came too, like a horse follows the feed wagon. Wilson shocked everyone and flattered me, by calling out and bounding into my lap as he entered the room. He did as well as any toddler could be expected as I understand his desire to pull on Jamie’s tubes and press the IV pump button.
Last night’s entrée was Vietnamese sandwiches from the famed Seattle Deli, along egg rolls and spring rolls and other unidentified but tasty treats. For dessert we baited Jamie to the basement cafeteria with the most flamboyant and delicious cupcakes from Trophy in Wallingford. Of course there was a backup carrot cake as well, just to ensure that there was enough for the whole hospital.
There were leftover cupcakes as well, and after Jamie selected her favorites to be saved for later, I offered the balance to a couple sitting off in the corner of the dinning area. She was a striking woman with a heavy colonial Africa accent while he was a very dorky, white wall haircut, heavy cell phone user who I had earlier encountered in the family lounge with their stroller bound child. As I offered the cupcakes, he still jabbering on the phone, she took control of the box, slapping his hand and saying none for him. At first I thought her actions jovial, but her stare quickly confirmed her conviction. As I backed away saying “that is between you two”, she began to indulge herself in the first cupcake with a very eerie smile.
I donated the carrot cake to a group best described as a clan which has been encamped in the 7SE lobby since our arrival. Mothers, sons, husbands, grandmothers and infants all mingling about in a mass of toys, Doritos and cellular phones. The most junior of the tribe is confined to a baby walker and literally spends hours banging on some sort of flashing, Old MacDonald blaring toy, while the men antagonize the older children and the mothers holler at both of them. They are sort of a NASCAR sort of crowd, baseball caps, goatees and a few tattoos.
When I offered the cake to them, one of the men earnestly thanked me and vigorously shook my hand. The matriarch was equally grateful and informed me that I was only looking at a fraction of their group and that the entire portion would be rapidly dispersed and devoured.
When I was awoke at midnight by night shift nurse when she came in to do her start of shift stats and medication, I slipped grumpily out of the room to hydrate a cup-o-noodles I purchased earlier from the late night snack cart. When I passed through the lobby, the group was still there, a sea of white hospital linen lumps, sprawled out on all available chairs, couches and for the lower ranking members, the floor. A few of the men were conspicuous by their absence, but latter encountered in the stair, probably returning from their routine jaunts to the smoking area.
Although I have mocked both these groups, in writing and in spoken word, such comments are mostly in jest. Albeit outwardly annoying, I have spent enough time here at 7SE to know their purpose. Someone in their family is dying. You can readily tell the difference between the groups here to celebrate like our guests yesterday and those here to witness death. Those here to celebrate are upbeat, organized and come bearing balloons, gifts and favorite foods.
The death watch is a more ad hoc gathering, engaged in an instinctual self deprivation with no bearing in time or space. Change the costume, language and geography and this ritual would probably be the same in any part of the world. Death as one of the most basic components of the cycle of life draws people together in a primalistic way that transcends individual character.
I am eternally grateful to still be part of the healing group. During Dr. Goff’s early morning rounds we discussed several subjects including Jamie’s interest in a Stanford study on preventing re occurrence of ovarian cancer (see the link on Jamie’s prior post). Dr. Goff in her open minded way gave us good instruction on how to find out more about this study and others, but also cautioned us to make sure Jamie qualified as many require that you currently have cancer or your cancer is reoccurring. She was quite emphatic that Jamie is considered in remission based on her normal CA-125 levels and CAT scans results.
Dr. Goff also emphasized that Jamie’s current IP regiment is considered a “bonus” and that she has fulfilled the standard treatment protocol. Not meaning to diminish the value of the treatment, she just wanted to re assure Jamie that the six sessions were an ideal do objective and that if the side effects became unbearable, she could opt out without remorse. This is not a new subject for Jamie and me, but as usual she faces the challenge with strength and resolve to do them all.
Today is progressing well, as Christie has returned to be our chemo. Making up for lost time with her charm and professional efficiency, I now write as we are in the timed flipping phase, Jamie once again taken on a supertanker worth of fluid to her abdomen. As I tilt the bed first to the head down position, Jamie once again pushes herself further and tauntingly instructs me to keep going past her original limit of ten to the bed’s full limit of twelve degrees inclination.
Tonight’s after party is being catered by the Lucero’s at our favorite post chemo hangout, the Silver Cloud University District. As we continually push the hotel staff’s patience I only hope that the leftovers from Vince’s cooking will be enough to bribe them as our party size will nearly double and is now demanding use of the pool. Poor Madeline has been subjected to watching other children frolic in the pool from the confines of the adjacent dining area. Tonight we will go all out, justifying our behavior because we have stayed at the hotel many times, but never utilized the pool.
Last night’s entrée was Vietnamese sandwiches from the famed Seattle Deli, along egg rolls and spring rolls and other unidentified but tasty treats. For dessert we baited Jamie to the basement cafeteria with the most flamboyant and delicious cupcakes from Trophy in Wallingford. Of course there was a backup carrot cake as well, just to ensure that there was enough for the whole hospital.
There were leftover cupcakes as well, and after Jamie selected her favorites to be saved for later, I offered the balance to a couple sitting off in the corner of the dinning area. She was a striking woman with a heavy colonial Africa accent while he was a very dorky, white wall haircut, heavy cell phone user who I had earlier encountered in the family lounge with their stroller bound child. As I offered the cupcakes, he still jabbering on the phone, she took control of the box, slapping his hand and saying none for him. At first I thought her actions jovial, but her stare quickly confirmed her conviction. As I backed away saying “that is between you two”, she began to indulge herself in the first cupcake with a very eerie smile.
I donated the carrot cake to a group best described as a clan which has been encamped in the 7SE lobby since our arrival. Mothers, sons, husbands, grandmothers and infants all mingling about in a mass of toys, Doritos and cellular phones. The most junior of the tribe is confined to a baby walker and literally spends hours banging on some sort of flashing, Old MacDonald blaring toy, while the men antagonize the older children and the mothers holler at both of them. They are sort of a NASCAR sort of crowd, baseball caps, goatees and a few tattoos.
When I offered the cake to them, one of the men earnestly thanked me and vigorously shook my hand. The matriarch was equally grateful and informed me that I was only looking at a fraction of their group and that the entire portion would be rapidly dispersed and devoured.
When I was awoke at midnight by night shift nurse when she came in to do her start of shift stats and medication, I slipped grumpily out of the room to hydrate a cup-o-noodles I purchased earlier from the late night snack cart. When I passed through the lobby, the group was still there, a sea of white hospital linen lumps, sprawled out on all available chairs, couches and for the lower ranking members, the floor. A few of the men were conspicuous by their absence, but latter encountered in the stair, probably returning from their routine jaunts to the smoking area.
Although I have mocked both these groups, in writing and in spoken word, such comments are mostly in jest. Albeit outwardly annoying, I have spent enough time here at 7SE to know their purpose. Someone in their family is dying. You can readily tell the difference between the groups here to celebrate like our guests yesterday and those here to witness death. Those here to celebrate are upbeat, organized and come bearing balloons, gifts and favorite foods.
The death watch is a more ad hoc gathering, engaged in an instinctual self deprivation with no bearing in time or space. Change the costume, language and geography and this ritual would probably be the same in any part of the world. Death as one of the most basic components of the cycle of life draws people together in a primalistic way that transcends individual character.
I am eternally grateful to still be part of the healing group. During Dr. Goff’s early morning rounds we discussed several subjects including Jamie’s interest in a Stanford study on preventing re occurrence of ovarian cancer (see the link on Jamie’s prior post). Dr. Goff in her open minded way gave us good instruction on how to find out more about this study and others, but also cautioned us to make sure Jamie qualified as many require that you currently have cancer or your cancer is reoccurring. She was quite emphatic that Jamie is considered in remission based on her normal CA-125 levels and CAT scans results.
Dr. Goff also emphasized that Jamie’s current IP regiment is considered a “bonus” and that she has fulfilled the standard treatment protocol. Not meaning to diminish the value of the treatment, she just wanted to re assure Jamie that the six sessions were an ideal do objective and that if the side effects became unbearable, she could opt out without remorse. This is not a new subject for Jamie and me, but as usual she faces the challenge with strength and resolve to do them all.
Today is progressing well, as Christie has returned to be our chemo. Making up for lost time with her charm and professional efficiency, I now write as we are in the timed flipping phase, Jamie once again taken on a supertanker worth of fluid to her abdomen. As I tilt the bed first to the head down position, Jamie once again pushes herself further and tauntingly instructs me to keep going past her original limit of ten to the bed’s full limit of twelve degrees inclination.
Tonight’s after party is being catered by the Lucero’s at our favorite post chemo hangout, the Silver Cloud University District. As we continually push the hotel staff’s patience I only hope that the leftovers from Vince’s cooking will be enough to bribe them as our party size will nearly double and is now demanding use of the pool. Poor Madeline has been subjected to watching other children frolic in the pool from the confines of the adjacent dining area. Tonight we will go all out, justifying our behavior because we have stayed at the hotel many times, but never utilized the pool.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Post B Day
Once again Katrina came through on the birthday plans for Jamie. As most of you know, she is the super duper best friend who has not missed a single year for longer than I have been around. Even when I tried to swoop Jamie out of the country, Katria hunted us down in the Irish countryside.
Last night after the girls returned from their massages, Joel and Katrina treated us to an excellent dinner at the Trellis in downtown Kirkland. The menu was excellent, Jamie had the salmon, while the rest of us went with varied selections of beef. Katrina selected what the waiter described as being the "butcher's cut", apparently significant because there is only one of these per cow. Joel and I speculated as to what exclusive anatomical component it might be, but no matter where our imaginations might lead us, in the end the bite I tried was delicious. Dessert was fabulous as well, each of us selecting our own platter of treats and then mixing and matching between the four.
Also thanks to Grammy and Ukki (that's Finnish for grandpa) for babysitting. Not that we mind the kids at dinner, it is just that Joel and I are enough for Jamie and Katrina to manage in such atmosphere. But we did our best, I always used my silverware, Joel didn’t lick his dessert plate and nobody drank straight from the bottle.
We came home to find Madeline running about unclothed but happy and so enjoyed second dessert of fruit tart with Doris and Vessa as well.
We slept well in the rec room and awoke to a quiet house. Joel, attempting to detain me, had locked the gate between the house and garage, forcing me to tiptoe around the yard, past his bedroom window and out the side yard. After several trips without any sign of his clan, I thought I was in the clear. Then I remembered leaving my cell and Jamie’s purse in the living room. I silently opened the door to the kitchen, and then winced when the floor squeaked when I stepped inside. I listened for a cry from Erik or rustlings from the kids’ room, but still silent, so I daintily crept across the linoleum into the front room. As I glanced about for our belongings, I switched on the floor lamp and was startled by the mechanical sound of some Halloween trinket growling. But still the Woods slept and I exited undetected.
We breakfasted at a nearby Starbucks and of coursed enjoyed an easy commute via 520 to the hospital. Jamie was a bit glum, anticipating the after effects of chemo, but she perked up when Dr. Allison said that her peer resident Dr. Liz was on duty in maternity and would try to drop by for a visit. Although doctors are not supposed to have favorites, as we all know, Jamie’s charms are difficult to resist.
So here we are; me in my sleeper chair and Jamie watching the TLC channel. Our nurse today is Katherine, obviously seasoned at her trade, but also disappointingly disparaging about travel to Australia. Apparently she feels that the culture there is chauvinistic, describing it as ”a man’s country”. So I ask what is the problem with that? They have giant cans of beer their don’t they?
Today we are visibly short of staff, so I will forgo the debate and be extra co-operative. I saw the poker faced but efficient Amy on duty, but none of the other regulars are here. Christie of course is most conspicuous by her absence, as apparently there is no one here who has experience with Jamie’s new fangled Power Port. Now before the nail biting begins, be assured that they have plenty of experience on models of similar function but different name, and all have just been trained on the specifics. So with a little guidance from Jamie and the training I received from Dr. Hickman himself, we have the situation under control. We rejected the first needle they brought in, as Jamie did not recognize the color. So after confirming the necessary specifications, we sent Katherine to procure the next size up.
Probably of little consequence, as the black 22 ga. needle will likely deliver the agonizingly (psychologically, not physically) slow 20 hour taxol drip, but why mess with success, we will wait for the yellow 20 ga. We literally have all day.
If there is one lesson I can share, it is that to make the best of any health care, the patient and their family must be control. I will never slight the competence or dedication of the staff here, but still you in the end are responsible for your own care. Last visit Jamie was given her first dexamethazone (a steroid used for nausea control) via IV instead of the pill form she had used before. The results were unpleasant and by voicing her opinion openly and repeatedly we can ensure that such discomforts won’t re occur. The staff are happy to oblige, and there is not a hint of resentment or consequence by mentioning it to every nurse, doctor and resident we encounter. I am certain that a satisfied patient and spouse are far easier to care for. Plus it gives you something to do besides watch 600 lb tattooed midgets give birth while remodeling their home on cable TV.
Last night after the girls returned from their massages, Joel and Katrina treated us to an excellent dinner at the Trellis in downtown Kirkland. The menu was excellent, Jamie had the salmon, while the rest of us went with varied selections of beef. Katrina selected what the waiter described as being the "butcher's cut", apparently significant because there is only one of these per cow. Joel and I speculated as to what exclusive anatomical component it might be, but no matter where our imaginations might lead us, in the end the bite I tried was delicious. Dessert was fabulous as well, each of us selecting our own platter of treats and then mixing and matching between the four.
Also thanks to Grammy and Ukki (that's Finnish for grandpa) for babysitting. Not that we mind the kids at dinner, it is just that Joel and I are enough for Jamie and Katrina to manage in such atmosphere. But we did our best, I always used my silverware, Joel didn’t lick his dessert plate and nobody drank straight from the bottle.
We came home to find Madeline running about unclothed but happy and so enjoyed second dessert of fruit tart with Doris and Vessa as well.
We slept well in the rec room and awoke to a quiet house. Joel, attempting to detain me, had locked the gate between the house and garage, forcing me to tiptoe around the yard, past his bedroom window and out the side yard. After several trips without any sign of his clan, I thought I was in the clear. Then I remembered leaving my cell and Jamie’s purse in the living room. I silently opened the door to the kitchen, and then winced when the floor squeaked when I stepped inside. I listened for a cry from Erik or rustlings from the kids’ room, but still silent, so I daintily crept across the linoleum into the front room. As I glanced about for our belongings, I switched on the floor lamp and was startled by the mechanical sound of some Halloween trinket growling. But still the Woods slept and I exited undetected.
We breakfasted at a nearby Starbucks and of coursed enjoyed an easy commute via 520 to the hospital. Jamie was a bit glum, anticipating the after effects of chemo, but she perked up when Dr. Allison said that her peer resident Dr. Liz was on duty in maternity and would try to drop by for a visit. Although doctors are not supposed to have favorites, as we all know, Jamie’s charms are difficult to resist.
So here we are; me in my sleeper chair and Jamie watching the TLC channel. Our nurse today is Katherine, obviously seasoned at her trade, but also disappointingly disparaging about travel to Australia. Apparently she feels that the culture there is chauvinistic, describing it as ”a man’s country”. So I ask what is the problem with that? They have giant cans of beer their don’t they?
Today we are visibly short of staff, so I will forgo the debate and be extra co-operative. I saw the poker faced but efficient Amy on duty, but none of the other regulars are here. Christie of course is most conspicuous by her absence, as apparently there is no one here who has experience with Jamie’s new fangled Power Port. Now before the nail biting begins, be assured that they have plenty of experience on models of similar function but different name, and all have just been trained on the specifics. So with a little guidance from Jamie and the training I received from Dr. Hickman himself, we have the situation under control. We rejected the first needle they brought in, as Jamie did not recognize the color. So after confirming the necessary specifications, we sent Katherine to procure the next size up.
Probably of little consequence, as the black 22 ga. needle will likely deliver the agonizingly (psychologically, not physically) slow 20 hour taxol drip, but why mess with success, we will wait for the yellow 20 ga. We literally have all day.
If there is one lesson I can share, it is that to make the best of any health care, the patient and their family must be control. I will never slight the competence or dedication of the staff here, but still you in the end are responsible for your own care. Last visit Jamie was given her first dexamethazone (a steroid used for nausea control) via IV instead of the pill form she had used before. The results were unpleasant and by voicing her opinion openly and repeatedly we can ensure that such discomforts won’t re occur. The staff are happy to oblige, and there is not a hint of resentment or consequence by mentioning it to every nurse, doctor and resident we encounter. I am certain that a satisfied patient and spouse are far easier to care for. Plus it gives you something to do besides watch 600 lb tattooed midgets give birth while remodeling their home on cable TV.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Happy Birthday to Jamie!
Happy Birthday Jamie!! Wishing you a glorious day, and a year of adventure, much joy, lots of love and continually improving good health! (A massage, and a great dinner at a fabulous new restaurant is in her very near future, so she's going to have a great start.)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Crazy Fun Adventures
John and I have had a couple adventures in the last couple of days. We decided to go camping last weekend and travelled out to Westport Friday night. The weather turned out to be wonderful and the cranberry festival was going on. John went for a couple of really long bike rides and we quickly toured the cranberry festival. We had a peaceful, restful time.
Over the weekend, a tractor and trailer was stolen from the lumberyard in Olympia. John and I were on our way to dinner last night with Pete and Sharon, when John spotted a cargo trailer load of truck parts that looked suspiciously like the parts off the truck that was stolen. So, we began to follow the truck down I-5, while talking to the county sheriff. We followed the truck towards Bucoda, when the truck suddenly turned into a driveway. Being the cautious guy that John is, we turned around and waited for the cops. The whole time our adrenaline was going crazy. I keep telling John, get closer, don't lose them. He keeps saying we should turn around and stop following...it was exciting. The cops showed up rather quickly and checked out the load. The guy had some story about having the parts in storage...blah, blah. I still think they were the parts, but the cops took pictures and checked out his story. It still remains to be seen, but they could be the parts. It was some of the most excitement we've had in a long time...it was like being a detective. The best part was that Pete and Sharon were willing to wait for us to have dinner, even though we were over and hour late. Thanks guys.
Other good news, I got the results from my last blood draw and my CA-125 was back down to 12. I was rather surprised, because they had prepared me for it to go up (it did go up to 17 after the first IP round). IP is really rough, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. It takes about a week and a half to start to feel human again. I have a large stock of anti-nausea meds and I used them all this last time. I've been swimming again too, it's such a relaxing activity for me, as well as beneficial exercise.
For those of you who are interested, I saw this blip on King5 about a treatment for ovarian cancer survivors. I am going to ask Dr. Goff about it this weekend and am interested in becoming part of the study if she thinks it's a good idea. I'm young and willing to try anything!!
http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=182538
Over the weekend, a tractor and trailer was stolen from the lumberyard in Olympia. John and I were on our way to dinner last night with Pete and Sharon, when John spotted a cargo trailer load of truck parts that looked suspiciously like the parts off the truck that was stolen. So, we began to follow the truck down I-5, while talking to the county sheriff. We followed the truck towards Bucoda, when the truck suddenly turned into a driveway. Being the cautious guy that John is, we turned around and waited for the cops. The whole time our adrenaline was going crazy. I keep telling John, get closer, don't lose them. He keeps saying we should turn around and stop following...it was exciting. The cops showed up rather quickly and checked out the load. The guy had some story about having the parts in storage...blah, blah. I still think they were the parts, but the cops took pictures and checked out his story. It still remains to be seen, but they could be the parts. It was some of the most excitement we've had in a long time...it was like being a detective. The best part was that Pete and Sharon were willing to wait for us to have dinner, even though we were over and hour late. Thanks guys.
Other good news, I got the results from my last blood draw and my CA-125 was back down to 12. I was rather surprised, because they had prepared me for it to go up (it did go up to 17 after the first IP round). IP is really rough, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. It takes about a week and a half to start to feel human again. I have a large stock of anti-nausea meds and I used them all this last time. I've been swimming again too, it's such a relaxing activity for me, as well as beneficial exercise.
For those of you who are interested, I saw this blip on King5 about a treatment for ovarian cancer survivors. I am going to ask Dr. Goff about it this weekend and am interested in becoming part of the study if she thinks it's a good idea. I'm young and willing to try anything!!
http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=182538
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Just The Girls
I finally found it! I love this photo. Just the girls hanging out on a day trip to Sedona, AZ in October 2004. The guys were hunting in Montana and Jamie & I were enjoying the 90+ degree weather for a week at her parents' place in Arizona. We explored, shopped, swam, got massages, etc.—girl stuff. Fitting that I found this today since Jamie was witness to my photo sorting when she made a pitstop here on her way home.After her morning blood draw at the SCCA today, Jamie came by for lunch and a visit. Lunch, catching up, fun—as usual. She's doing well today, and (as always) looks great. Oh! Her eyebrows and lashes are already growing back, and a little peach-fuzz on top of her head too. It's very blond... maybe it'll be gloriously curly and blond. That would be cool. She's hoping for curls.
This time after IP chemo (#2) was harder than the first session. More aches, and the joint pain was back again which moving helps, but then she tires herself out with the remedy of walking. But, swimming has helped and she's gone in to work to keep busy too. John's (as usual) busy too, and they're finishing up the basement as well, and both looking forward to some R&R together this weekend. Hmm... that's all I know for an update, everything else is just two gals catching up on an ordinary day in October. Sedona, Seattle—besides the weather, it's all the same when you're hanging out with your best girlfriend...
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Two-out-of-Six Down!
Here's a down n' dirty update for the faithful readers... Yesterday, Jamie completed IP Chemo #2 (out of six total). She has IP every three weeks, so will finish up at the end of the year. So far, she's doing great with IP, although she says that it does take about 2 weeks to feel back to normal again after a treatment, then she has one good week before heading up to the UW again. IP #3 will be October 21st—the day after her 35th birthday.
We had dinner last night with Jamie and John at the Silver Cloud and Jamie was in good spirits. A little sleepy, and she reported feeling full (obviously a little uncomfortable, since she has 3 extra liters of fluid in her abdomen after treatment), but she did enjoy our Whole Foods picnic, and was her usual upbeat & positive self.
Other than that, she's been swimming, walking, and even working a little when she's not driving up to Seattle for physical therapy for lymph edema, or blood draws (that I hear are much more pleasant through her port than by the conventional needle-in-vein method they could do in Olympia). She even popped in for lunch at our house a couple weeks ago when she was up at the SCCA for PT on her first solo trip up without John!
**A note about Comments—all comments that you post are automatically sent via email to Jamie, no matter who posts an update on the blog (me, John or Jamie).
We had dinner last night with Jamie and John at the Silver Cloud and Jamie was in good spirits. A little sleepy, and she reported feeling full (obviously a little uncomfortable, since she has 3 extra liters of fluid in her abdomen after treatment), but she did enjoy our Whole Foods picnic, and was her usual upbeat & positive self.
Other than that, she's been swimming, walking, and even working a little when she's not driving up to Seattle for physical therapy for lymph edema, or blood draws (that I hear are much more pleasant through her port than by the conventional needle-in-vein method they could do in Olympia). She even popped in for lunch at our house a couple weeks ago when she was up at the SCCA for PT on her first solo trip up without John!
**A note about Comments—all comments that you post are automatically sent via email to Jamie, no matter who posts an update on the blog (me, John or Jamie).
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