Saturday, April 20, 2013

The party continues!

Things still continue to be busy.  After the cruise, I had a few days to catch up and then Nola came into town.  During the week, I did go have my wrist checked.

I went to the TOSH center which is THE orthopedic complex.  I was suppose to see a hand and wrist specialist but I was blocked by his assistant and PA.  It only took them about 3 seconds to decide I had Tendinitis.  Honestly, I knew that too so I wasn't shocked.  The fix for that is a cortisone injection in the wrist. Alas why I hadn't gone to the doctor back in October.  I grinned (okay grimaced) and let them do it.  It was just as bad as I remembered.  My wrist continued to ache the rest the day.  He also told me to not wear the brace as it would irritate the tendon further.  He said it takes care of it 50% of the time.  It's been 1.5 weeks and I have to admit I'm feeling almost normal.  I was suppose to go back in next week for another injection unless I felt better.  I decided I did feel good enough.  My measure of success is if I can hook my bra which I could.  (Philip is very relieved he doesn't have to help anymore.)  If it flairs again, I guess I get another injection or have the option of surgery (which I don't want).

I also went to see Dr. D, my Neurologist.  She is so on top of it.  She could see my records and saw I had a PET scan.  We talked about my future medical plans and how the heck we will coordinate my medications.  Methotrexate should not be taken with Rituxan (which is part of the proposed chemo treatment) so we will need to figure something else out.  We also talked a lot about IVIg.  She is going to do more research on it.  I will ask Dr. L (oncologist) about it to see if that would be a better course.  It is HUGELY expensive....like $20,000 an infusion and I would need it at least once a month...but if it helps both diseases, that would be a good thing right?  The good news is my CK came in at 124 this month which is fantastic (been around 135 the last few months).  It is a mystery why I am so weak still but clearly I need to dedicate to the gym.  I just can't find the energy to do it yet.  I suspect the lack of energy might be related to the cancer.  I'm not usually a slug like this.  She will coordinate my medications with Dr. L when the time comes.  Otherwise, I see her in 3 months.

As I mentioned, Nola came into town.  She got in late Friday.  We jumped in the car very early Saturday and headed to Southern Utah to see the family.  Marsha and Shirley were in town.  We all wanted to spend some time with Grandma.  Grandma is doing okay for 96 and seemed very happy to see everyone.  She tends to want to stick with her routine and likes to stay in the center which was fine.  On top of the visiting, there were hikes, picnics, dinner parties, lunch outings, and lots of chatting and laughing.  It was beautiful weather which was very welcome.  I snuck in a lovely nap while the group hiked. 

John, Nola, Marsha, Mom, Grandma, Me, Shirley  (Philip is the photographer)
 
In addition to visiting Grandma and the family, during the week, we visited with Dad, Cindy, DeOna and Randy.  I'm not going to tell our secrets but there was gambling, paper choosing, pampering, and shopping involved.  We also explored eating pleasures from the 1990s (Nola's reference, not mine...but I like it).  Do you realize Training Table is still in business and hasn't changed one inch of their décor since 1990?  They sure do have great cheese fries though.  Our huge claim to fame for the week...maybe the year....is that while we were at the spa, we ran into Ann Romney!!  She was sort of naked in a bathrobe.  Nola says we were probably changing clothes at the same time but I admit I have great spa dressing room etiquette and would never look at another woman in the process of changing clothes.  My eyes are straight ahead and stare at the lockers.  Nola on the other hand, was already relaxing in the waiting area and clearly was more alert than me.  She is the one that spotted her.  Great sharp eyes Nola!  At least we know our spa is Presidential candidate spouse approved!!
 
Now everyone has gone home, Philip is at his Dads, and my house is empty.  I have to admit I've been trying to catch up on my sleep.  I did go do more meal prep at Dream Dinners today.  I'm meeting friends from high school for lunch.  Then I am relaxing.  Maybe some yard work?  But it is raining....so probably a nap and Bottles of Hope.  I have those 24 bottles to finish.  I want to take them with me to my next appointment.
 
All is good with me.  I hope things are good with you too.

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