Work Tomorrow!

Can I just say that I am actually a bit scared of going back to work?  It's been five months this time.  I don't even know if I'll remember how to do stuff!  Ok, that's the Queen of Neuroses coming out of the basement... hold on, let me lasso her and drag her back down there.

Ok, so... going back to work tomorrow.  It really should not be an ordeal.  I have to go in to Medical first thing, and present them with my oncologist's list of no-no's.  For instance, because we're a manufacturing site, one of the fields on the form is what you can do with your hands; vibration, grasping, repetitive movement.  He's said no to vibration and grasping because of the Hand-Foot syndrome from the Xeloda.  I told him repetitive movement could be interpreted as using the keyboard, which I do and have no problem doing, so that has no restrictions.

The interesting part is that most of the restrictions on the form are due to my lung disease, and not necessarily the cancer.  But the problem is that the cancer makes the lung disease more difficult to deal with.  Still, I haven't had a full-up PFT in years, so I'm not sure if the last few asthma exacerbations have given me a decline in lung function.  It's hard for me to remember that it's classified as COPD exacerbation, now. :)  Things like stairs, walking... very challenging combined with the COPD and the cancer's debilitating effects.  I get tired. ;)

I changed my phlebotomy appointment to 12:30 PM, so I can at least spend some time in the plant, trying to figure things out.  But truly, I'm very happy to be getting some productive normalcy back into my life.  If I can't do this, then I will have to accept that I need to go on disability, but I am fighting that every step of the way.

Must have everything prepared before I go to bed this evening; it will make the morning so much easier.  Clothes assembled, accessories figured out, grab a Glucerna to take for breakfast, get morning meds ready, and probably, I'll need a hat.  Nancy gave me a trim yesterday so that at least I will be presentable sans headwear... not looking so much like Alfalfa from Our Gang. ;)  Oh, better find my traveling coffee mug!

The Weather Channel says it will be 76 tomorrow, but the morning will be chilly, and the scooter trip from my parking space over to medical will be nippy, so a hat is probably a very good idea.

Well, that's it for this post.  Have a lovely Sunday, and make sure when someone does something you appreciate, you let them know how much.

Done in by Prednisone

Well, I am home early, and very discouraged.  As I mentioned earlier, prednisone screws with your glucose, and thus, no PET for me today.  My glucose was at 228.

I was psyched up to do it, dammit.  Oh well.

So, I am stopping the pred as of now; the lungs seem to be doing OK anyway.  They said track my glucose for three days, four times a day and when it's under control again, call 'em up.

Must avoid those carbs, too.  No toast.  I'm going to lose weight again.  But we can't do the scan over 200... it's just that I am not supposed to lose weight.  Oy vey.

Ok, so we'll work on this.  And we'll get the scan.  Minor set-back. 

Chemo 3, Radiation 11

About to go have some breakfast before the marathon chemo session.  I'm taking my Glucerna bars with me in hopes of getting some actual nutrition today.  I can't believe today will be my 11th radiation.  Wow.

Happy veterans' Day to all our brave souls who serve or have served our wonderful country.  I have two veterans in my household, and sometimes I think those that have worked in service of a .... service... should be included. ;)

Ok, more later from Ironwood.

Curative Powers of Tortilla Soup

Happy Monday Morning.  I'm thrilled we had trick-or-treaters last night!  I didn't get to see or interact, because I have to avoid children, but my sisters said we had more this year than we have ever had.

Jane made an awesome batch of Chicken Tortilla Soup for dinner last night, and I had a nice-sized bowl.  It may not be physically curative, but it sure does make me FEEL better. I just checked my weight, and decided I'd better go swill another Ensure. :P

My Glucerna should be here today.  I ordered a case from amazon.com, because the price was right, and no shipping or taxes to pay.  Although, if it's considered a food item, it's not taxed, yet, I think.  But it might be considered a dietary supplement.  I don't know.

Oh yes, just one chemo round in, and um.... I do have some side effects.  Let's just not go into what they are.  Ugh, my tummy.  The onc nurse told me to make sure I drank lots of fluids to get the chemo to process out as quickly as possible, and so drinking I am.

It's weird not being at work, virtually.  I did call my minion, Travis, who is now taking up my slack.  He's fantastic; very adaptable, very smart, and gives me great tips on video games to try.

I think I'm going to go lie down for a bit.  Later!