Just like any other summer...camping with Jamie and John is always a great time. Well, and we always love to see Shorty too! We've camped, travelled, hiked and co-habitated with them enough that we are a great team in any situation, but especially on the road. It was a pleasure to lunch with them at their trailer Saturday, have such efficient help with organizing and "tidying up" around camp, and cook breakfast under the trees with Jamie on Sunday morning. An enjoyable and relaxing weekend at Tolt MacDonald campground, and we look forward to hiking later in the season!Monday, July 30, 2007
Campin' Out
Just like any other summer...camping with Jamie and John is always a great time. Well, and we always love to see Shorty too! We've camped, travelled, hiked and co-habitated with them enough that we are a great team in any situation, but especially on the road. It was a pleasure to lunch with them at their trailer Saturday, have such efficient help with organizing and "tidying up" around camp, and cook breakfast under the trees with Jamie on Sunday morning. An enjoyable and relaxing weekend at Tolt MacDonald campground, and we look forward to hiking later in the season!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Little Tidbits
So we are getting ready for a first of the season camping trip to celebrate Madeline Wood's second birthday. We are making it a longer weekend by camping Friday night as well as the planned Saturday night festivities.
I've been battling joint pain for the last couple of days. It's to be expected with the double dose of blood cell boosters I got this past chemo round. My friendly personal pharmacist counselled me as to what I could take and how much. After trying to control the pain on two advil every six hours and constant soaks in the tub...I knew there had to be another remedy. Take more advil and closer together. So far so good. I got a few hours of sleep last night without the aching. Hopefully tonight will be better. I'm hoping this is gone before camping, as the tub in the trailer is a wee bit small for soaking(not to mention the hot water doesn't last too long.)
I've ordered a swimsuit online in the hopes I might take up lap swimming again. My sister and Katelyn have been swimming every morning at the Valley Athletic club. Maybe I should join. Maybe just feeling of weightlessness will help with some of the issues. Funny thing is, walking when my joints ache actually helps too. You would think it would be the opposite.
I'm becoming a morning person I think. This morning as I was up at five, John and I decided to go out to breakfast. We ventured to Shari's. We were the youngest couple in the establishment. The waitress was friendly, the food was good, and she didn't mind me doing laps while I waited for breakfast to be served. There are some benefits to sleeplessness.
I've been battling joint pain for the last couple of days. It's to be expected with the double dose of blood cell boosters I got this past chemo round. My friendly personal pharmacist counselled me as to what I could take and how much. After trying to control the pain on two advil every six hours and constant soaks in the tub...I knew there had to be another remedy. Take more advil and closer together. So far so good. I got a few hours of sleep last night without the aching. Hopefully tonight will be better. I'm hoping this is gone before camping, as the tub in the trailer is a wee bit small for soaking(not to mention the hot water doesn't last too long.)
I've ordered a swimsuit online in the hopes I might take up lap swimming again. My sister and Katelyn have been swimming every morning at the Valley Athletic club. Maybe I should join. Maybe just feeling of weightlessness will help with some of the issues. Funny thing is, walking when my joints ache actually helps too. You would think it would be the opposite.
I'm becoming a morning person I think. This morning as I was up at five, John and I decided to go out to breakfast. We ventured to Shari's. We were the youngest couple in the establishment. The waitress was friendly, the food was good, and she didn't mind me doing laps while I waited for breakfast to be served. There are some benefits to sleeplessness.
Friday, July 20, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Narrows Bridge Walk
Today we braved the crowds and set forth and conquered the New Narrows Bridge. I had heard you could walk across the bridge today and decided it was one of my goals. John, Anne, Wilson and I waited for the shuttle at TCC and rode to the bridge. There were lots of people and a suspicious package when we arrived at the top of Jackson street where the bus dropped us off. We walked down the hill and were finally allowed to start the trek across the span. It was pretty neat. Some people know that my Great Grandfather was an electrician on Galloping Gertie and the Narrows bridge and was one of the first to walk across the top catwalk, so I felt it was something I wanted to be able to say I did...on the bridge deck of course.
The walk was great. I always seem to get a side ache on my left side when I walk and I developed one on the way to the Gig Harbor side, but it soon went away. The crowds were thick, so we weren't able to walk very fast, which was probably a good thing for me. We made it to the GH side and turned around to walk back. Just about to the end we ran into Becky, Dawson, Claudia and Claudia's husband and got to chat before we decided not to brave the shuttle line and walk all the way back to TCC by foot. John kept asking me if I could make it and I surprised myself by saying I could. I felt great! Just hungry. We picked up lunch at MSM deli, which was delicious, and ate back at Anne's house.
John also got his new Cannondale bicycle today. We had forgotten about Olde Towne Cycles in Olde Towne Tacoma. The guys there were very knowledgeable and fitted John with his new mountain bike. They are opening a new store in Olympia, so he will be able to take advantage of their service plan as well. He's like a kid in a candy store...so excited. The first thing he wanted to do was read his manual, so he will be ready to take it on the trails. Hopefully this will keep his mind off Diesel trucks for a while.
The walk was great. I always seem to get a side ache on my left side when I walk and I developed one on the way to the Gig Harbor side, but it soon went away. The crowds were thick, so we weren't able to walk very fast, which was probably a good thing for me. We made it to the GH side and turned around to walk back. Just about to the end we ran into Becky, Dawson, Claudia and Claudia's husband and got to chat before we decided not to brave the shuttle line and walk all the way back to TCC by foot. John kept asking me if I could make it and I surprised myself by saying I could. I felt great! Just hungry. We picked up lunch at MSM deli, which was delicious, and ate back at Anne's house.John also got his new Cannondale bicycle today. We had forgotten about Olde Towne Cycles in Olde Towne Tacoma. The guys there were very knowledgeable and fitted John with his new mountain bike. They are opening a new store in Olympia, so he will be able to take advantage of their service plan as well. He's like a kid in a candy store...so excited. The first thing he wanted to do was read his manual, so he will be ready to take it on the trails. Hopefully this will keep his mind off Diesel trucks for a while.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Getting Easier
Well as far as chemo goes things do seem to be getting easier. I haven't had as much nausea this time, perhaps from the bright instruction from Dan to get the meds on board sooner rather than later when I'm starting to feel bad. Seemed to do the trick. Now if I could just get the achy joints to follow suit. Ibuprofen is allowed this time around and does seem to help. Tylenol Pm is still a go to for bedtime.
I met a gal in my neighborhood who's name is Laura and she is going thru breast cancer treatments as we speak. She is very nice and upbeat, amazing because she gets chemo every Wednesday, despite having two children ages 3 and 8months. She got diagnosed in December. She is a trooper that's for sure. Had a nice chat and hope to have more with her. Like me she is 34 years old as well. She taught me how to tye my new scarves..they have insect repellent built in...for me who gets buggy.
John and the boys put down a bunch of new sod in our yard. With this hot weather, we have to water, water, water like crazy, which means Shorty goes crazy too. He loves the sprinklers and has a great time chasing the streams of water whenever he can. He gets pretty worked up, so I have to get him back in the basement for rest periods.
I have been venturing out a little in the car too. I went to Starbucks this morning for a tasty treat. We even went to a restaurant last night for dinner...El Sarape..very good hit the spot. I've also been trying to do chores like laundry and dishes, so John doesn't have to worry about those as well as the other stuff he has going on in is head like trail bikes and diesel trucks.
Hope all is well with everyone reading! I thank you all for your posts and encouragement..it's the first thing I do when I wake up..check the blog!! Thanks again
I met a gal in my neighborhood who's name is Laura and she is going thru breast cancer treatments as we speak. She is very nice and upbeat, amazing because she gets chemo every Wednesday, despite having two children ages 3 and 8months. She got diagnosed in December. She is a trooper that's for sure. Had a nice chat and hope to have more with her. Like me she is 34 years old as well. She taught me how to tye my new scarves..they have insect repellent built in...for me who gets buggy.
John and the boys put down a bunch of new sod in our yard. With this hot weather, we have to water, water, water like crazy, which means Shorty goes crazy too. He loves the sprinklers and has a great time chasing the streams of water whenever he can. He gets pretty worked up, so I have to get him back in the basement for rest periods.
I have been venturing out a little in the car too. I went to Starbucks this morning for a tasty treat. We even went to a restaurant last night for dinner...El Sarape..very good hit the spot. I've also been trying to do chores like laundry and dishes, so John doesn't have to worry about those as well as the other stuff he has going on in is head like trail bikes and diesel trucks.
Hope all is well with everyone reading! I thank you all for your posts and encouragement..it's the first thing I do when I wake up..check the blog!! Thanks again
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Phenomenal Woman
Sundays have usually been one of the roughest days for Jamie following chemo, but today she was feelin' groovy—as you can see. She and Erik enjoyed charming each other and hanging out in the sunshine when we visited this afternoon.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Chemo #3
Chemo session #3 is almost over. With surgery weeks behind, the power port installed and a couple of trips under our belt, things seem to go pretty smoothly. Jamie was a bit nervous about her first conscious port access this AM (the access last time was done right after the install when she was still under anesthesia), but she had her lidocaine on 30 minutes prior and the needle went in with no pain. Our able technician Reggie had her vials filled and things rapped up in just minutes.
Nurse Dan has become an old friend, and we constantly find our “tool talk” interrupted by Jamie’s need for chemo. A both outgoing and attentive nurse, he is always trying to take over my duties. If he would just focus on giving drugs and taking vital signs, I can handle the hospitality service myself.
Jamie gets stronger and more independent by the day. This session she is getting up by herself and taking her IV pole with her to the restroom without my aid. She even sent me to Starbucks down on Eastlake this morning once her IV got underway.
At home, we are becoming more and more active, and I often come home at lunch to find her finishing up the dishes, laundry or the bills and ready for lunch and our walk. Our walking route is getting longer every time, as I am excited to explore the new trails in the neighborhood with her and Shorty. Hopefully she will be strong enough, and receive approval from Dr. Goff to do a short hike in August or September as long as she carries very little load.
Her weight was up a couple of pounds this week, showing that my diligence and our friends and family’s cooking is working. I have been forced to return to my Weight Watcher’s fundamentals and combined with some exercise should be able to reverse the effects of all the cookies and trips to Big Tom’s drive in.
This afternoon we are off to Kirkland, with a brief stop by a bicycle shop. Another testament to her strength, Jamie patiently sat at REI for over an hour while I test road a few mountain bikes. Hoping this will distract me from diesel pick ups for a while (which apparently all of my cool friends now have), she has been encouraging me to shop and agreed that such a purchase will improve both my physical and mental health.
We are also hoping to bring the rabbits home this week, bringing our daily life even closer to normal. Being home this summer has not been all bad though, we are enjoying our yard, picnic table and new BBQ. The grass in our expanded yard has grown in and gives Shorty extra room to play, if only he would learn to come back when called.
Nurse Dan has become an old friend, and we constantly find our “tool talk” interrupted by Jamie’s need for chemo. A both outgoing and attentive nurse, he is always trying to take over my duties. If he would just focus on giving drugs and taking vital signs, I can handle the hospitality service myself.
Jamie gets stronger and more independent by the day. This session she is getting up by herself and taking her IV pole with her to the restroom without my aid. She even sent me to Starbucks down on Eastlake this morning once her IV got underway.
At home, we are becoming more and more active, and I often come home at lunch to find her finishing up the dishes, laundry or the bills and ready for lunch and our walk. Our walking route is getting longer every time, as I am excited to explore the new trails in the neighborhood with her and Shorty. Hopefully she will be strong enough, and receive approval from Dr. Goff to do a short hike in August or September as long as she carries very little load.
Her weight was up a couple of pounds this week, showing that my diligence and our friends and family’s cooking is working. I have been forced to return to my Weight Watcher’s fundamentals and combined with some exercise should be able to reverse the effects of all the cookies and trips to Big Tom’s drive in.
This afternoon we are off to Kirkland, with a brief stop by a bicycle shop. Another testament to her strength, Jamie patiently sat at REI for over an hour while I test road a few mountain bikes. Hoping this will distract me from diesel pick ups for a while (which apparently all of my cool friends now have), she has been encouraging me to shop and agreed that such a purchase will improve both my physical and mental health.
We are also hoping to bring the rabbits home this week, bringing our daily life even closer to normal. Being home this summer has not been all bad though, we are enjoying our yard, picnic table and new BBQ. The grass in our expanded yard has grown in and gives Shorty extra room to play, if only he would learn to come back when called.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
A Tidbit of An Update...
Had a lovely gab session on the phone with Jamie today—quick update for the blogaddicts:
- First, she sounds great and is feeling really, really good!
- She drove herself in to work yesterday and enjoyed it.
- She's loving the 5-minute showers and easy care of her new 'do.
- They're spraying for ants again today (they've returned).
- She's been enjoying walks all over the neighborhood with her sister.
- And, she's pouring over her Australia travel books and scheming up some good adventures!
- Oh, and Dr. Goff was quoted in the July issue of Oprah magazine (pg. 122) in a brief article about understanding the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Baldy
Well it's official. I am losing my hair in a huge way. John is taking me tonight to get it shaved. It hurts as it's falling out, so I think it will be for the best.
I think I am pretty much over the chemo downslide. I have been up since 12am this morning, despite having taken two sleeping pills, with one short hour long nap between 5am and 6am. I'm not sure how many times one person can watch Pride and Prejudice, but I think I may be setting a record. It's usually my go to movie to put me right to sleep, but for some reason, it's not working.
Anne visited yesterday, brought me so cute sun hats and lunch. We went for a healthy walk around the neighborhood, I can't believe how tired I get. It is nice to get out. John took me to the wetlands park in our neighborhood today, and we met a neighbor who is working on their old house, by way of Shorty running away. Kenny came over in the afternoon and I did one work thing. Best to ease into working again I guess.
Matthew, Lisa, Kelson, and Mackenzie Mills came over for an afternoon, early evening visit and made a delicious dinner. Homemade mash potatoes are the best at 3am!! It was great to see everyone and have a little visit. We even got to eat dessert on the new picnic table assembled by John and Pete on Sunday (the frame was courtesy of Joel and Katrina).
I think I am pretty much over the chemo downslide. I have been up since 12am this morning, despite having taken two sleeping pills, with one short hour long nap between 5am and 6am. I'm not sure how many times one person can watch Pride and Prejudice, but I think I may be setting a record. It's usually my go to movie to put me right to sleep, but for some reason, it's not working.
Anne visited yesterday, brought me so cute sun hats and lunch. We went for a healthy walk around the neighborhood, I can't believe how tired I get. It is nice to get out. John took me to the wetlands park in our neighborhood today, and we met a neighbor who is working on their old house, by way of Shorty running away. Kenny came over in the afternoon and I did one work thing. Best to ease into working again I guess.
Matthew, Lisa, Kelson, and Mackenzie Mills came over for an afternoon, early evening visit and made a delicious dinner. Homemade mash potatoes are the best at 3am!! It was great to see everyone and have a little visit. We even got to eat dessert on the new picnic table assembled by John and Pete on Sunday (the frame was courtesy of Joel and Katrina).
Monday, June 25, 2007
Post Chemo Update
Just a quick update post chemo. Things are progressing as many said they would. I am losing my hair in smallish clumps, not really noticable, but none the less it is falling out. I am still a bit on the chemo downhill, with Sunday being my worst day so far. Pretty much had to lay around and moan for that one. Today has been slightly better, but the muscle aches I could do without.
Don and Judy Mills visited today and brought tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. It was very nice to visit and kind of them to bring me provisions! They brought us tales of all the happenings on Vaughn bay. It was fun to catch up. Tomorrow we will meet with the younger Mills clan on their way back from the ocean. Can't wait.
Thanks to all who comment. I love reading and re-reading to lift my spirits. I love you all
Don and Judy Mills visited today and brought tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. It was very nice to visit and kind of them to bring me provisions! They brought us tales of all the happenings on Vaughn bay. It was fun to catch up. Tomorrow we will meet with the younger Mills clan on their way back from the ocean. Can't wait.
Thanks to all who comment. I love reading and re-reading to lift my spirits. I love you all
Friday, June 22, 2007
Ported
We seem to be settling into our routine. It is surprising how such adverse circumstances become normalized and you just sort of meld them into your life. We already are scheduling both our personal and professional lives using the term “chemo week” and “non chemo week”.
So here we are, it is chemo week and we left with our full outfit about noon yesterday for Seattle. First a blood draw at the lab on floor (1) and then up to the 3rd for our bi weekly consult. The nurse practitioner had a spill while jogging that AM, but our regular RN Heidi filled in.
I always enjoy our visits with Heidi, she has a warm, chatty personality that seems to make you comfortable while still making sure the appointment is productive and not over length. Estrogen was a major topic, both for Jamie’s health as well as my sanity. We will be making some adjustments, switching from the patch (which I call the “crazy patch”) to daily pill form. All of our other concerns were swiftly addressed as well, and we left with a cadre of instructions and a list of other medications to pick up the following day.
The Silver Cloud has become our hotel of choice, as they have properties close to both UWMC and the SCCA on Eastlake. We arrived a little after 3 pm, to find the lobby in a bit of chaos as the reception staff was trying to check in a herd of touristy looking types while coping with a cleaning staff that was behind schedule.
I waited in line patiently, and when I finally made my way to the front, I began to carefully relay my concerns about my reservation.
Three nights ago I had called the reservation hotline armed with my Silver Rewards Card to cash in my bonus points for a free room. Despite her cordial manners, the woman on the other end was unable to confirm that I had enough points. Disappointed, but tamed by my caner spouse experience, I figured I could reconcile this later and asked for a room at the SCCA or UWMC rate. She said this offer was “closed” and that I could not get a discounted booking. Undaunted, I accepted the standard rate and jotted down my confirmation number.
Well about half way through relaying this to the very patient counter staff at the Hotel in person, one of the previously mentioned tourist herd walked up and said “can I interrupt, I just have a quick question?”. Before I could even think, little alone say “f%$& you, how about I just kick you in the balls instead”. He began rambling on about since they were waiting would it be faster if unloaded his luggage onto a cart and brought his luggage into the lobby and then went up the elevator from the lobby, or should he just wait until the room was ready, gather a cart and use the elevator tower in the parking garage. Sensing my disgust (probably the death stare I was giving this guy) the counterwoman tried to be brief and said he could bring his stuff into the lobby if he wished, that two of his rooms just came available, to which he replied something like “that seems like a lot of bother I think I will just wait in the lobby for the rooms all to be ready”.
Now that I rightfully had this woman’s attention again, she confirmed that I only had 400 points showing in the computer and that neither of the discounted rates I requested were available. She did however offer me the corporate rate, which seemed satisfactory and began to assign me a standard king room. As she did so she said that it would not be, ready for an hour (due to the delays described above), which I responded to her with “when is check in?”. She confirmed what I already knew which was that check in was after 3 pm and it was nearly 3:45 now. Unwilling to wait the estimated hour, citing my wife’s need to lie down and rest, she offered me a double queen room (apparently an upgrade) at the same rate.
I accepted room 511 which had an excellent view of Lake Union. Our neighbors Joan and Leo had recently recounted their past stay at the same hotel for a previous 4th of July. Certainly with the view and the spaciousness of room, it would be an ideal spot to view Seattle’s firework display.
With dinner on our minds, I got our luggage in order and left Jamie to seek some take out. I drove around the end of the lake, spotting nothing of interest, so I turned around in the Kenmore air parking lot and headed back towards the SCCA. After wandering a couple of blocks I recalled an Irish pub I had seen on a past trip to the neighborhood, scrolled through the addresses stored on the truck’s navigation and found the entry that had originally guided me to that same block some weeks before.
I parked at the curb and walked into the pub, taking the first available stool at the bar. Thinking I was trying something new, I scanned the happy hour menu, only to find that it was in fact the original Paddy Coynes, the clone of which I had visited in Tacoma with my sister and Dave just a few months prior.
I placed my order, along with a pint to kill the time and started the typically chatter with the bartender. “Where are you from?” I asked. “Ireland” he replied. “No shit?” I said. I suppose he probably gets this a lot, but I expected a more specific answer, which I eventually got. “County Atrium, where they shoot and blow each other up”. That over with we discussed his most recent trip to Hawaii and his experience diving in the shark cage. Although extremely susceptible to sunburn (he described his head feeling like it was on fire most of the time despite spf 50 sunblock), this particular Irishman has a fascination with sharks and now plans to visit South Africa and / or Australia where he can repeat the experience with great whites.
We left the sharks to discuss his choice of Seattle which eventually lead to his complaints about house prices. I said he should come to Olympia and open a pub down there, where I promised to be his best customer. He said that it would take $300k to start such a venture, to which I responded with some brief math on mean house price in Seattle vs. Olympia, and how with the same $ he could probably afford both for the same net sum in Olympia. Either lost by or uninterested in my scheme, conversation turned to a recent “encounter” with a young woman from Olympia to which I inquired if she shaved her legs. Thinking that this would really narrow the field to just a handful of candidates, he replied with “yes, but not her moustache”.
I returned to the room with a loaf of soda bread, salad and a Shepard’s pie. Although the pub’s conversation was superb, the pie was not and was soon rejected by Jamie. So back on the road again to fulfill her request for much simpler fair, cheeseburger, onion rings and chocolate shake. I had spotted a typical drive-in along Eastlake during our hospital stay, but it was closed, probably for Memorial weekend. Well this time they were open, and I was not disappointed. Dinging interior with quirky cartoons on the wall, accommodating but stoned looking staff, and good greasy food.
Stomachs full, we lounged around watching HGTV and other reality TV shows. I went down to the workout room about 9 to try to burn off some of the grease. I returned to the room to find Jamie still watching shows about stupid people, so I took a shower and prepared for bed. Jamie was restless through the night despite trying a sleeping pill for the first time. Although assured that Friday’s port install would be a breeze, she was still anxious. I slept well slept for a few hours and arose early without an alarm to ensure timely arrival for our 7 am appointment at SCCA radiology.
Our guide for this leg of the journey was Pat, an excellent nurse who gave us a complete (and very accurate) run down of the morning’s procedures. When we mentioned being from Olympia and in the construction industry, she said that her brother was a contractor and of course I recognized him as a Tectonix customer. Although I did my best to like Pat, she was not as accommodating as the infusion staff. In her post Op instructions, she was quite clear that Jamie should not make any important decisions or sign any documents for the rest of the day, explicitly including new diesel pick ups.
After Pat’s review and a couple of attempts at installing IV’s we met the famous Dr. Hickman. He is the primary installer of ports her at the SCCA, so such devices are commonly known around here as a “Hickman”. He began repeating the basics of the port devices and their use with both of us, and then as they completed the IV, he went into greater depth of detail with me on its use and maintenance, ensuring that if the need came outside of the SCCA, I would be able to supervise its access and use. If we travel at all, we will also be issued a couple of spare needles as outlying hospitals may not have them in stock.
For those unfamiliar with this device, it is about the diameter of a quarter and 3/8” tall, with a long tail which is the catheter. It is installed on the chest below the collar bone, but above the breast tissue just beneath the surface. The catheter is routed up towards the next where it travels down the jugular and into the first heart chamber. They select this route because it exits into a high volume of blood ensuring almost instant dilution, thus minimizing the toxic effects of the chemo drugs. The device has a life span of several years and in Jamie’s case her model is compatible for use with any IV fluid including that used for CT scans.
The port access itself is compressed, self healing siliconized rubber. The access needle is a non coring type, with a slight hook to it. As Dr. Hickman demonstrated for me, you simply locate the port center beneath the skin with your fingers and push the needle through the skin into the port until you feel the needle hit the back side of the port. If needed, the area can be numbed a few minutes beforehand with topical anesthetic.
The installation procedure is fairly straightforward with Dr. Hickman selecting his route beforehand using an ultrasound (which he again demonstrated for me). It is all done under local anesthetic along with sedation, much like wisdom tooth removal. Jamie was in and out in under an hour.
After the procedure, Dr. Hickman guided me through the haul into one of the labs where he showed me her chest x-ray. You could clearly see the port outline in the picture as well as the catheter. He also pointed out an obvious gas bubble in intestine and suggested I burp her as soon as possible.
When I met up with her in recovery, Jamie was happily sipping on cans of juice and eating Lorna Dune cookies while chatting with Pat. A bit dizzy still, Pat supplied a wheel chair so we could return to the dressing room.
With an access needle still attached, the whole outfit quadruples in size, as the needle and short tube are covered by a large dressing with a clear window through it. It was obvious that the geometry was not favorable for wearing a bra, so Jamie decided to go Olympia Co-op style for the infusion appointment. This now obvious issue fully explains why I see so many women around here wearing low cut shirts. Who knew that cancer would be so sexy. I will be sure to get Jamie properly outfitted with an assortment of tube tops.
With my laptop and Jamie’s comfort basket already in hand, Pat graciously helped us up to the 5th floor for infusion. After a brief wait we were called to berth 12, not quite as private as room 23, but definitely larger and thus more comfortable.
As promised, Dan is our chemo nurse again, and even though we are on just our second visit, he and I got Jamie settled and things rolling like a well orchestrated ballet. While he handles the medical stuff, I went to the nutrition station and got lunch rolling, pillows out and slippers on her feet.
It’s about 1 o’clock and we are through with the primer drugs and into the Taxol. We have both lunched and Jamie is resting comfortably and looking a bit sleepy. Once all the set up is done, the actual infusion time is quite peaceful and relaxing, giving me time catch up on email, type this and let Jamie catch up on her fashion and decorating tips via the TLC and HGTV networks.
Once we wrap things up here, our routine is east on 520 to Kirkland, apparently one of the only uncongested routes out of the city on Friday afternoon, for relaxation and dinner with the Woods. Once our bellies are full and Jamie is rested we will hit the interstate late evening, hopefully with little or no traffic to slow us down.
I think I have failed to mention that my cookies did arrive from NJ more than a week ago. They scored as follows;
Presentation = 10
Form = 10
Taste = 10
Another fine job Ali, your skills have only improved with age. However there was no bill of lading in the box, how am I going to verify my shipment AJ?
So here we are, it is chemo week and we left with our full outfit about noon yesterday for Seattle. First a blood draw at the lab on floor (1) and then up to the 3rd for our bi weekly consult. The nurse practitioner had a spill while jogging that AM, but our regular RN Heidi filled in.
I always enjoy our visits with Heidi, she has a warm, chatty personality that seems to make you comfortable while still making sure the appointment is productive and not over length. Estrogen was a major topic, both for Jamie’s health as well as my sanity. We will be making some adjustments, switching from the patch (which I call the “crazy patch”) to daily pill form. All of our other concerns were swiftly addressed as well, and we left with a cadre of instructions and a list of other medications to pick up the following day.
The Silver Cloud has become our hotel of choice, as they have properties close to both UWMC and the SCCA on Eastlake. We arrived a little after 3 pm, to find the lobby in a bit of chaos as the reception staff was trying to check in a herd of touristy looking types while coping with a cleaning staff that was behind schedule.
I waited in line patiently, and when I finally made my way to the front, I began to carefully relay my concerns about my reservation.
Three nights ago I had called the reservation hotline armed with my Silver Rewards Card to cash in my bonus points for a free room. Despite her cordial manners, the woman on the other end was unable to confirm that I had enough points. Disappointed, but tamed by my caner spouse experience, I figured I could reconcile this later and asked for a room at the SCCA or UWMC rate. She said this offer was “closed” and that I could not get a discounted booking. Undaunted, I accepted the standard rate and jotted down my confirmation number.
Well about half way through relaying this to the very patient counter staff at the Hotel in person, one of the previously mentioned tourist herd walked up and said “can I interrupt, I just have a quick question?”. Before I could even think, little alone say “f%$& you, how about I just kick you in the balls instead”. He began rambling on about since they were waiting would it be faster if unloaded his luggage onto a cart and brought his luggage into the lobby and then went up the elevator from the lobby, or should he just wait until the room was ready, gather a cart and use the elevator tower in the parking garage. Sensing my disgust (probably the death stare I was giving this guy) the counterwoman tried to be brief and said he could bring his stuff into the lobby if he wished, that two of his rooms just came available, to which he replied something like “that seems like a lot of bother I think I will just wait in the lobby for the rooms all to be ready”.
Now that I rightfully had this woman’s attention again, she confirmed that I only had 400 points showing in the computer and that neither of the discounted rates I requested were available. She did however offer me the corporate rate, which seemed satisfactory and began to assign me a standard king room. As she did so she said that it would not be, ready for an hour (due to the delays described above), which I responded to her with “when is check in?”. She confirmed what I already knew which was that check in was after 3 pm and it was nearly 3:45 now. Unwilling to wait the estimated hour, citing my wife’s need to lie down and rest, she offered me a double queen room (apparently an upgrade) at the same rate.
I accepted room 511 which had an excellent view of Lake Union. Our neighbors Joan and Leo had recently recounted their past stay at the same hotel for a previous 4th of July. Certainly with the view and the spaciousness of room, it would be an ideal spot to view Seattle’s firework display.
With dinner on our minds, I got our luggage in order and left Jamie to seek some take out. I drove around the end of the lake, spotting nothing of interest, so I turned around in the Kenmore air parking lot and headed back towards the SCCA. After wandering a couple of blocks I recalled an Irish pub I had seen on a past trip to the neighborhood, scrolled through the addresses stored on the truck’s navigation and found the entry that had originally guided me to that same block some weeks before.
I parked at the curb and walked into the pub, taking the first available stool at the bar. Thinking I was trying something new, I scanned the happy hour menu, only to find that it was in fact the original Paddy Coynes, the clone of which I had visited in Tacoma with my sister and Dave just a few months prior.
I placed my order, along with a pint to kill the time and started the typically chatter with the bartender. “Where are you from?” I asked. “Ireland” he replied. “No shit?” I said. I suppose he probably gets this a lot, but I expected a more specific answer, which I eventually got. “County Atrium, where they shoot and blow each other up”. That over with we discussed his most recent trip to Hawaii and his experience diving in the shark cage. Although extremely susceptible to sunburn (he described his head feeling like it was on fire most of the time despite spf 50 sunblock), this particular Irishman has a fascination with sharks and now plans to visit South Africa and / or Australia where he can repeat the experience with great whites.
We left the sharks to discuss his choice of Seattle which eventually lead to his complaints about house prices. I said he should come to Olympia and open a pub down there, where I promised to be his best customer. He said that it would take $300k to start such a venture, to which I responded with some brief math on mean house price in Seattle vs. Olympia, and how with the same $ he could probably afford both for the same net sum in Olympia. Either lost by or uninterested in my scheme, conversation turned to a recent “encounter” with a young woman from Olympia to which I inquired if she shaved her legs. Thinking that this would really narrow the field to just a handful of candidates, he replied with “yes, but not her moustache”.
I returned to the room with a loaf of soda bread, salad and a Shepard’s pie. Although the pub’s conversation was superb, the pie was not and was soon rejected by Jamie. So back on the road again to fulfill her request for much simpler fair, cheeseburger, onion rings and chocolate shake. I had spotted a typical drive-in along Eastlake during our hospital stay, but it was closed, probably for Memorial weekend. Well this time they were open, and I was not disappointed. Dinging interior with quirky cartoons on the wall, accommodating but stoned looking staff, and good greasy food.
Stomachs full, we lounged around watching HGTV and other reality TV shows. I went down to the workout room about 9 to try to burn off some of the grease. I returned to the room to find Jamie still watching shows about stupid people, so I took a shower and prepared for bed. Jamie was restless through the night despite trying a sleeping pill for the first time. Although assured that Friday’s port install would be a breeze, she was still anxious. I slept well slept for a few hours and arose early without an alarm to ensure timely arrival for our 7 am appointment at SCCA radiology.
Our guide for this leg of the journey was Pat, an excellent nurse who gave us a complete (and very accurate) run down of the morning’s procedures. When we mentioned being from Olympia and in the construction industry, she said that her brother was a contractor and of course I recognized him as a Tectonix customer. Although I did my best to like Pat, she was not as accommodating as the infusion staff. In her post Op instructions, she was quite clear that Jamie should not make any important decisions or sign any documents for the rest of the day, explicitly including new diesel pick ups.
After Pat’s review and a couple of attempts at installing IV’s we met the famous Dr. Hickman. He is the primary installer of ports her at the SCCA, so such devices are commonly known around here as a “Hickman”. He began repeating the basics of the port devices and their use with both of us, and then as they completed the IV, he went into greater depth of detail with me on its use and maintenance, ensuring that if the need came outside of the SCCA, I would be able to supervise its access and use. If we travel at all, we will also be issued a couple of spare needles as outlying hospitals may not have them in stock.
For those unfamiliar with this device, it is about the diameter of a quarter and 3/8” tall, with a long tail which is the catheter. It is installed on the chest below the collar bone, but above the breast tissue just beneath the surface. The catheter is routed up towards the next where it travels down the jugular and into the first heart chamber. They select this route because it exits into a high volume of blood ensuring almost instant dilution, thus minimizing the toxic effects of the chemo drugs. The device has a life span of several years and in Jamie’s case her model is compatible for use with any IV fluid including that used for CT scans.
The port access itself is compressed, self healing siliconized rubber. The access needle is a non coring type, with a slight hook to it. As Dr. Hickman demonstrated for me, you simply locate the port center beneath the skin with your fingers and push the needle through the skin into the port until you feel the needle hit the back side of the port. If needed, the area can be numbed a few minutes beforehand with topical anesthetic.
The installation procedure is fairly straightforward with Dr. Hickman selecting his route beforehand using an ultrasound (which he again demonstrated for me). It is all done under local anesthetic along with sedation, much like wisdom tooth removal. Jamie was in and out in under an hour.
After the procedure, Dr. Hickman guided me through the haul into one of the labs where he showed me her chest x-ray. You could clearly see the port outline in the picture as well as the catheter. He also pointed out an obvious gas bubble in intestine and suggested I burp her as soon as possible.
When I met up with her in recovery, Jamie was happily sipping on cans of juice and eating Lorna Dune cookies while chatting with Pat. A bit dizzy still, Pat supplied a wheel chair so we could return to the dressing room.
With an access needle still attached, the whole outfit quadruples in size, as the needle and short tube are covered by a large dressing with a clear window through it. It was obvious that the geometry was not favorable for wearing a bra, so Jamie decided to go Olympia Co-op style for the infusion appointment. This now obvious issue fully explains why I see so many women around here wearing low cut shirts. Who knew that cancer would be so sexy. I will be sure to get Jamie properly outfitted with an assortment of tube tops.
With my laptop and Jamie’s comfort basket already in hand, Pat graciously helped us up to the 5th floor for infusion. After a brief wait we were called to berth 12, not quite as private as room 23, but definitely larger and thus more comfortable.
As promised, Dan is our chemo nurse again, and even though we are on just our second visit, he and I got Jamie settled and things rolling like a well orchestrated ballet. While he handles the medical stuff, I went to the nutrition station and got lunch rolling, pillows out and slippers on her feet.
It’s about 1 o’clock and we are through with the primer drugs and into the Taxol. We have both lunched and Jamie is resting comfortably and looking a bit sleepy. Once all the set up is done, the actual infusion time is quite peaceful and relaxing, giving me time catch up on email, type this and let Jamie catch up on her fashion and decorating tips via the TLC and HGTV networks.
Once we wrap things up here, our routine is east on 520 to Kirkland, apparently one of the only uncongested routes out of the city on Friday afternoon, for relaxation and dinner with the Woods. Once our bellies are full and Jamie is rested we will hit the interstate late evening, hopefully with little or no traffic to slow us down.
I think I have failed to mention that my cookies did arrive from NJ more than a week ago. They scored as follows;
Presentation = 10
Form = 10
Taste = 10
Another fine job Ali, your skills have only improved with age. However there was no bill of lading in the box, how am I going to verify my shipment AJ?
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