Oakland...check!

Just an update on my Oakland trip.  I made it!  I think this is a huge accomplishment considering my current mobility/energy situation.  My flight left at 8:30 am.  I got home at 10:00 pm.  A super long day.  But I made it through the airport, walked to lunch, met the client and was sharp as a tack if I say so myself.  I also ate dinner in the airport with 2 of the VPs from my client team.  The client loved our overall ideas and want help but they want more time to review our proposal.  Then we swing into action!  Depending what they decide, this will be a long project with the biggest project deliverable in March and then more in June.

I parked at the airport at 6:10.  For some reason, I usually put makeup on in the car.  When I am on a business trip, I usually do the full enchilada with eyeshadow and all.  So I hurried and did that in my rear view mirror in the dark and headed into the airport.  Through the day I did check the mirror for hair issues and to reapply lipstick.  I washed my hand about a zillion times.  But when I got home and really looked in mirror, I was horrified.  My eyeshadow was so DARK.  I'm sure part of the issue is that I don't wear it often but it was dark.  All I could think about was the Ellen/Covergirl ad that was run recently.  Here is below for reference.

I know it wasn't quite that bad but it felt like it.

Today I woke up and my calves are DYING.  My body is tired.  I am moving beyond slow.  Remember the Carol Burnett show and the Tim Conway skit where he was the old guy and walked super slow?  Yeah...that is me...almost.  In case you forgot, here is a link to a video.  Classic.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOwmSbD20aQ

I had to go into the office today.  It is our benefits fair so I get a free flu shot and get a health screening for free.  Not that I need to hear I am fat and out of shape though...but we get a discount on our health insurance premium if we do it.  So I went and heard I am overweight, have too much fat to muscle ratio (or overall really) and that my glucose is a little high.  The good news is my cholesterol was low although they suggested I eat more fish (I don't eat fish).  Blood pressure was excellent.  My triglycerides are 1/2 what they were last year which is good.  So I will get my glucose checked again soon.  They said because I had a late dinner that could have impacted it.  I also had a frozen lime bar before bed.  I will also work to get back to the gym so my heart is strong and healthy and I'm doing the best I can do.  I just gotta get rid of all this cold/cough/pneumonia crap first.  I'm ready though.

Next business trip is in November to Texas.  We will see if I can make it.

Is it Fall??

I finally ran out of Raspberry pump  soap in the kitchen.  I went to my soap supply cabinet and pulled out a soap....Spicy Cinnamon Pumpkin.  Each time I wash my hands, I smell pumpkin pie.  It was colder last week so it made sense at the time but today is 88 degrees and the pumpkin smells...out of place.  As much as I am anxious to have the hot summer gone, I'm not sure I am ready for Fall. 

You probably know I am a planner so I've already started my Christmas projects.  And I found myself out shopping yesterday for a hot deal on a Woolrich blanket (didn't like the pattern so I didn't get one) but the store was already decked out for Christmas.  There were two table areas with the Summer stuff strewn all over in a very unflattering manner.  Plus summer was all 90% off.  But guys, it is still almost 90 degrees!  As I was walking around in my mind turned to the thoughts of winter and snow shoveling.  UGH.

So while I was out, I drove past 2 condo communities I've sort of kept my eye on.  One was Brickyard condos.  I've always liked these condos and have actually looked at the two story condos in the past but obviously, this isn't an option any longer due to the stairs.  They do have main level condos with a little one car garage which I find very appealing.  Each has a patio entrance and green area around.  There are ponds and ducks.  These are old condos and a little "worse for wear" but the Sugarhouse location is great.  The thing I didn't realize is many of the main level condos have stairs getting to them from the parking...and the garbage was far.  I don't want to load my garbage in the car to get rid of it.  Maybe I could get a golf cart? (Not a Jazzy though...a golf cart)  Another is close to Grandma and Grandpa's place on Forest View.  They are actually on 2700 South above 900 East.  The Greystone condos also  have main level condos.  They have 1 and 2 bedroom condos which is perfect for me.  There is green space but it is more in the middle of the complex.  The condos are kind of a 4 plex with the entrances down an outdoor hall of sort.  And there are upstairs condos too  so you have someone on top of you.  I did see online that they do not allow pets.  If that is the case, it is out. And there were carports that were across the roadway.  Not as attractive as a garage but doable.  It was probably the time of day I drove through but in 3 cases, I saw elderly people just standing there looking sad...or one was even hanging out her window like she was waiting for something...what I am not sure.  I guess I would have to get used to living with older people if I am needing a community on one level.  Not something I have thought about before.

I am STILL working hard to get over my pneumonia.  The Prednisone did help some but my ears do still plug.  I am still on antibiotics (7 weeks).  Plus Philip brought home another cold on Tuesday that I caught so I feel like I am starting over.  I'm not sure I have the ummph to be sick longer.  It has left me feeling crappy and a little depressed about the whole thing.  I'm so tired of not feeling good and having no energy.  I'm using Zicam and hoping it doesn't really take hold but I'm back to a sore throat and cough.

To boot, I am headed out on a day trip  on Monday to Oakland for work.  I'm flying out in the morning and coming home late at night.  It is going to be a long day and I hope my body will hold out for me.  We are delivering a large project proposal we want to do next year.  There are several new players I would be working with and felt it would be good to meet them in person.  I am really hoping I won't have to keep traveling...but I do know I have a business trip to Texas in November already.  Two weeks ago, I tearfully (out of frustration mostly) told my boss that I need a job that doesn't travel so much. Mainly I wanted to know if he is willing to not make me travel so much or if I need to start finding a new job.  He actually thought I wanted to travel all the time....Duh!  So now, I have to tell him each time we have a trip that I just can't make it.  That is just too hard.  My old boss took care of that for me and just told me I didn't need to go. When I needed to go, she would tell me.  It is so tough for me to admit I have limitations and can't do everything I wish I still could.  It is like a slap in my face every time.

This week, my online scrapbook group has been having a crop.  "Crop" means you are challenged/inspired to create different scrapbook pages.  Each day they post a new theme for the day.  These ladies are crazy talented and do beautiful work.  My scrapbook style is very....1980s and simple so I've always been shy to share it but this group seems more open to different styles and it wouldn't hurt me to "raise the bar" a little.  The bad news is my scrap room is in the basement and I just don't like going down there much.  I thought I could motivate myself to do it anyway but I have yet to do it.  I swear I MUST go down today and get started.  I have 6 layouts to do to catch up with the group.  Although I am scrapbooking with Nola in November, I have tons of pages to do this year so it would be good to do some besides at Nola's.  There is no way I can get them all done with Nola.  If I can't make myself use my room downstairs, I need to start thinking about another idea for it.  Course, I swear I'm only scrapping until Philip is out of High School so I don't have that much longer. 

Philip has offered to move to the basement and let me move my stuff to his room but I'm afraid I will never see him if he is in the basement.  I know eventually he is going to go but I don't think we need to rush it.  Plus the alarm would be tricky since there isn't a control pad in the basement.  I think there would be a tendency to pig out the basement too.  Philip is getting more independent and makes it clear it is time for me to find something else to do with myself and my time than be all his business.  I know this is part of him growing up but it is tough as a Mom to hear and feel the separation.  I'm working on it though.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend and you are finding the joys of the season were you are.

Philip is an Eagle Scout!

As you know, I've fought like hell to get Philip's Eagle Scout application passed off.  I feel it has been an uphill battle and no one is going to make it easy.  In fact, the board at the church shows there are only 2 Eagle Scouts since 2009!!!!!  But much to my surprise, we had a "Board of Review" meeting Sunday evening.  I finally got to meet all those men I've been pushing for 2 years.  I admit, it was kind of embarrassing because one of them, I was not very nice too.

They interviewed us together, then me, then Philip.  Then they talked (5 of them) and then called us in again.  They approved him.  They said some wonderful things about Philip which made me a very proud Mom.  I was overwhelmed with pride and relief that it was finally coming together.  So much so I got all teary eyed and just couldn't control myself well.  But we made it.

The application will now go back with the approval to the Utah Counsel and then it goes to the National Counsel.  After it is reviewed by both and approved (they said it is always approved 99% of the time), we will get a postcard in the mail to go purchase Philip's Eagle badge and pins.  They said the effective date will be the date of our meeting which is 9/15/13.   They highly recommend we have an Eagle ceremony.  At first, Philip wasn't interested but he has changed his mind.  I think it is important too.  It is a huge  milestone that took lots of work to get there.  Ryan, Philip, and I will come up with something!  Of course, photos will be provided then.

Meeting with Dr. C - the Radiologist

Yesterday, I saw Dr. C, my radiologist.  He came in and was all funny and smiling.  He said he knows he has to come in and look me in the eye.  Caught me off guard and I asked him why....he said because that is where my tumor was.   Hahahaha.  I finally got him trained!!!

He said when he saw in my chart I had a new lump, he expected to come in with a big dangler lump. I laughed and laughed because I always tell people I would never let that happen....and he knows that.

Well I was quick to point out my new lump.  But the day before, it seemed a little smaller.  But I showed him the lump.  He felt around and said he really wasn't concerned at all.  He said he doesn't feel anything that would make him think we were pending treatment soon.  In fact, he said he was so happy and "overwhelmed" with my response to the radiation results.  He did confirm where they radiated.  It was my entire eyebrow...in fact, probably above it about 1/4" or so and clear down to my lashes with my eye closed.  Over to the tear duct by my nose and out to the outer edge.  Yep...sounds like he took care of the entire area.

He went ahead and had me cancel my follow up appointment in Mid-October.  He said I should follow up with Dr. Litton who will send me back down when/if necessary.  He said this just all really confirms that my cancer is responding well to minimum treatment.  He couldn't have been more thrilled.  He said it should continue to shrink for another 2-3 months.  He was glad I came in and let him see it though.

So I guess I am done again and not going to worry about it again until it dangles.

Just a weekly update - Part 2

Who knew I had anything left to say after my long update yesterday!  What a yacker!

I mentioned in my post yesterday, going to my favorite ENT, Dr. S.  I saw him today.  He actually sent me for a hearing test and ear drum check.  He has an audiologist in his office and a sound proof booth!  My ear drums were just fine.  They did the hearing test.  I could tell I was missing stuff in my right ear and sure enough I was.  But overall my hearing was okay.  He said if I wanted a hearing aid, we could but it wasn't necessary yet.  Ya think?  I'm not here for a hearing aid...although I suspect they are in my future.  What they did find is there wasn't pressure in my ears like I thought which meant there was "gunk" in the Eustachian tubes.  So we decided to do a 6 day taper of Prednisone....well actually Medrol which I understand is easier on the body than Prednisone.  Dr. S felt this was just the ticket to get rid of the plugged feeling.  He also gave me the clear to travel to Oakland for work in 1.5 weeks.

I've not seen Dr. S since June and before my radiation.  So he was fascinated in my eyebrow and how it is doing.  He was thrilled I didn't have any vision implications but I didn't have to tell him about the new lump.  He found it himself.  I explained our (Dr. L and my) plan to see the radiologist and then have it removed if we aren't going to do radiation.  He said he would be happy to remove it for me if it comes to that.  I couldn't help but ask about his daughter, Jen who does my face stuff.  Last I saw her in June, she was concerned she had cancer.  She was trying to get pregnant and kept finding problems.  He let me know today she did not have cancer and in fact, was pregnant!  Still in the risk window but they are very pleased and hopeful that it will be a healthy pregnancy.  I'm so happy for her.

And after waking up rubbing my eyebrow all night, I decided to make an appt with Dr. C (radiologist).  I called this morning and they were so sorry they couldn't get me in today (I didn't want to go in today).  But I have an appointment next week.  So we will see what he says then.

Yesterday night I was sitting on the couch fussing over my new cable machine and the DVR when Philip send me a name of a song to listen too.  We have grown apart in our music preferences.  He likes "Screamo" now which is probably worse to me than even country!  But he told me to pull up "Second and Sebring ACOUSTIC version.  I was a little reluctant but when I did, I was overwhelmed with feelings.  I asked Philip if that was a song from him to me and he shyly said yes.  It was written from one of the musicians from "Of Mice and Men" whose mother's died when he was young.  I cannot tell you how it filled my heart and soul to receive something so meaningful and special from my dear sweet (but totally a teen) son.  Here are the lyrics.  If you are interested in hearing it sung (non screamo style), I included a link to the You Tube video. 

"Second & Sebring"
I believe it's time for me to be famous,
And out of place.
I believe it's time for me to move forward,
When I break through.
This time I'll, make you,
Proud to see me over, come on daylight.
Proud of, who you raised.
Your shelter, your peacefulness.
So this time I'll make you proud.
Proud of, who you raised up.
You know that I will,
Always be here 'til the end.

Come back so I can say thank you for this,
Home cooked meals and a place to rest,
My troubled head when you're away,
I've passed the test, I've earned an A,
Not just in school, but in life,
You'll always be right by my side.
To help me show, hope to all,
That are lost and sick in this dying world.
I'll use the love you left behind,
I'll change their minds, I'll change their minds.

I hope, I hope you smile,
When you look down on me.
I hope you smile.

This can't, we won't know.
I hope that I make you proud.

This is not what it is, only baby scars.
I need your love like a boy needs his mother's side.

This is not what it is, only baby scars.
I need your love like a boy needs his mother's side.

This is not what it is, only baby scars.
I need your love like a boy needs his mother's side, yeah.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2frgyKOs48

Of course I was touched and always incredibly proud of Philip.  Thanks Philip for such a sweet sentiment.  Words don't express what this means to me.   Come over here and let's cuddle like we did when you were 2 in the rocking chair.

During our text talk, we talked about pride.  Why is it some people can't say the "P" word?  It is such a simple word.  There is nothing wrong with being proud.  Sometimes just hearing someone is proud of us means the world to us.  I'm going to keep "noodling" over this word.

Philip is out at Saltair to a "Screamo" concert this evening.  He is driving his friends out there.  Actually the concert friends are 2 cute girls from school.  They both have boyfriends but they are great friends to Philip.  As a Mom, I worry.  Saltair has a reputation of being a little rough.  It is also stormy and it is a ways away.  Logically I know he will be fine but inside, I'll be glad when he gets home tonight.

Just a weekly update

Today is 9/11.  I have to admit I feel some strange connection to NYC and Boston.  Maybe it is my work.  Maybe it is the number of times I've visited both cities.  I think the whole country was stopped in their tracks on 9/11/01.  I remember after it all, I felt like Americans put their differences aside and were supporting each other like I've never experienced.  I remember hearing so many people that got married within a year.  And how many babies were born 9 months later.  The tragedy that day is just simply overwhelming....even 12 years later.  I admit I eat up all the TV shows about 9/11.  I have this thirst to know it...feel it.  What would I have done if I was in those buildings.  What would I have done if I was in NYC that day.  At the time, we had lots of people traveling from work.  Because the flights were all cancelled, we had people stuck all over the country with no way to get anywhere.  I remember thinking it was pretty special when people hooked up and rented cars driving co-workers across the country to get home.  One group were good friends of mine.  There was a group of them that lived in California but they were stuck in Minnesota and surrounding areas.  Ted rented a car in Minnesota and picked up people as he drove across the country.  They drove almost around the clock to get home as quick as they could.  I miss those "neighborly" days.

I was lucky.  I wasn't traveling on 9/11.  But I did travel to Puerto Rico in November that year.  Everyone was still hyper sensitive at that time.  They took anything I had that was remotely sharp including my nail clippers.  We weren't allowed to bring any food or water on the flight.  We also couldn't bring any carry on except a purse and it had to go overhead so there was nothing to do.  They were very strict when you could get out of your seat to go to the bathroom and you could not line up.   It was really the first time I had experienced what we now know as TSA...but it was still a very rough process.  After going through the initial security, you were checked again at the entrance to the jetway.  All purses were gone through again.  Everyone was patted down.  I was really surprised at the armed guards through the airports.  Lots has changed since then and I would like to think TSA is better at their job now.  I've never begrudged the crazy things we have to do to travel....hopefully safer.

Today I was at Paradise Bakery waiting for Trudy to clean for me.  I just can't stand to see her before or after she cleans my filth so I always leave right before she comes.  I often go to Paradise because I love their salads and cookies but they also have free Wi-Fi which seems to work with my work VPN (security system).  I was sitting there savoring my favorite menu items, I noticed a very pretty woman, man, and assuming their daughter who was about 2 or 3.  The Mom was all done up.  Nice makeup, hair super shiny and styled in a cute side bun.  Husband look like he was taking a lunch break from work.  The little girl has a cute side braid and a cute outfit.  The little girl sat by Mom with Dad across the table.  This girl was cute as cute but she wasn't interested in eating nor sitting still.  She wiggled and ducked under the table.  Kicked the center pole of the table.  Stood backwards on the bench seat staring at the strangers trying to eat their lunch.  Kids always seem to look at me too.  For some reason, they usually stare.  I've taken 2 approaches to this.  1)  Smile and wave and play peek a boo if appropriate.  2) Make a really scary psycho face and stick out  my tongue.  I honestly don't know what makes me pick one over the other but I really try to choose option 1 over option 2.  Well this little girl got option 1 but she didn't care.  As cute as she was, she was a....bugger....or is that a booger!  haha.  What really caught me is the husband didn't do one darn thing to help keep the little girl stay in line.  The Mom looked almost exasperated trying to control the daughter.  One question I often ask is WHY didn't they bring something for the girl to do?  I never went anywhere without stuff for Philip to do when he was young (Philip used to tell me that grown ups chit chat too much).  Mom also ate much of the little girl's lunch in addition to her own.  I am positive lots of Moms do this to avoid waste and try to keep the peace with the hubby.  But this Mom was not thin.  Chunky actually and potentially could have been mistaken for a being pregnant again.  Why does the Husband think he doesn't have to do shit?  Why can he enjoy his lunch while his wife is stressed and working as hard as she could to keep that little girl calm and behaving?  You know he is going to get on his wife one day for being "fat".  Or is this the way families are and the woman has the carry the burden in the relationship so her husband remains happy and stress free?  If I was a betting woman, I would guess she is a stay at home mom and was so happy to come meet "Daddy" for lunch.  Well Dad is a big fat pig!  I guess that is why I am not married.

Today I got up so excited to watch the 9/11 stuff on TV.  Well the TV just wouldn't turn on.  So I called my cable company between meetings.  After 45 minutes, they told me I had to take my cable box to the store to get a new one.  Dammit!  This would be my 3rd box in 6 weeks.  Shouldn't be a big deal but we are HEAVY DVR users.  Last time I had to replace my box, I made a list of all the shows we watch to set them up to record again.  Wouldn't you know, I tossed it just last weekend when I cleaned up...because I had just finished finding all my shows I needed.  So since the display wouldn't even turn on before I had to take out the old box, I am forced find my shows the hard way.  I hate to admit, I think we have about 40 shows through the year that we watch and record.  That is kind of embarrassing.

Well when you check into the cable store, you go to the kiosk and get on the electronic list of customers.  I actually don't mind this because then you can relax and just wait for your name to be called instead of standing in line.  But it was crowded.  They were on number 138 and I was number 147 and there was only 1 person doing equipment exchanges.  After I checked in, about 20 more people came in.  It was standing room only at this point...and running out of standing room.   Well I waited patiently and tried to amuse myself.  They finally called my name.  I had to cross the store so I picked up my purse and my cable box and started to make my way across the room when I saw a guy jump up and take my spot!  Seriously?  I went up there and interrupted him.  At first I said "Excuse me, this is my slot".  He looked at my like I spoke Yiddish.  I then said "Is your name Redmond?"  He finally said "No.  I thought they called Brandon."  Serious?  That isn't even close.  My ears are plugged and they don't sound remotely the same even with plugged ears.  Nevermind the 40" screen showing my name in red.  Bastard was trying to steal my slot!  Well luckily he moved out of the way.  I told the lady that I waited patiently and wasn't about to give up my slot.  I did come home with a new box, remote, and HDMI cable.  I got everything hooked up which is a huge deal because of the way it is set up in the entertainment center.   I basically have to take it all apart and string it front to back and up and down. Now I am just waiting for the guide to update so I can start finding my shows.  I'll be gumpy if I miss anything.  I know I had 4-5 tonight but I can only find 3.  Maybe it is time to reduce my TV addiction.

Today I am feeling a little better with my pneumonia but I still struggle with my stamina.  I quit taking my narcotic cough syrup 2 nights ago.  The first night was okay although I couldn't sleep well.  Last night, I kept waking up coughing so I went and got another bottle of cough syrup.  I hate to keep taking narcotics.  It's been 4 weeks and I think that is too long to be on narcotics but I don't want to backslide on me getting better.  My ears are still plugged.  It is enough to make me really pissy.  But I have an appointment tomorrow (Thursday) at noon with my favorite ENT, Dr. S.  Unfortunately, I also get the opportunity to show him my new lump and talk about the fact that he might need to remove it down the road.  Since he is a plastic surgeon too, he is my "go to" guy for my weird lumps that are visable.

Speaking of cancer...I'm pissy I have a new lump in my eyebrow.  I'll spare you the stream of swear words that go through my mind when I think about it.  But I am not happy with the seemingly steady stream of eyebrow lumps.  Bastards.  My mind is now trying to decide if I should wait for my appointment in Mid-October with my Radiologist or do I call before?  Dr. L said it was too early to do anything but Dr. C told me to come in soon if "the lump got bigger".  Well what about a new lump?  I usually get some sort of clarity that hits me at some point letting me know the right decision.  It hasn't hit me yet....which usually means I just can't stand to deal with it yet....unless it starts bugging me....then I will find the umph to do something about it.

Philip is doing awesome.  I signed him up for a Continuing Education class.  He started his class yesterday.  He has been wanting to do a pottery class for awhile.  They had a wheel thrown pottery class so I tossed him in it.  He came home covered in clay.  Much to my surprise, they put them on the wheel the first day.  He made a cup.  He is pretty excited about the class but he is by far the youngest person in the class of 20.  I really wanted to take the class too (I took a pottery class in high school and loved it) but it didn't take long for me to realize I wouldn't be able to do it physically anymore.  I hate that.  Bastard Myositis.  Robbing me of opportunities of joy.  (Thus the extensive TV viewing.)

If I remember right,, the clay pretty much washes out easy except from white.
 I don't think I will wash these with my clothes.

This week, we started having cooler weather and some rain.  It is clear that has been a little change in the season and I can sense Fall is just around the corner.  Leaves aren't changing yet but I bet it will be just a few weeks.  Today at Paradise, they had super soft ginger cookies which they only have in the Fall.  They are my favorite and it was like a taste of Fall.  I wouldn't be surprised if I closed my eyes and did a soft moan at my first bite.  At Costco, they had their huge Fall Mums out.  Looked like they just recently came in as they were still wrapped in plastic.  I usually buy some to replace my sad looking geraniums from the Spring.  But as I looked at them, I decided this year I have no interest in watering the mums and to just put my pots away when I am sick of the geraniums.  You know you hit a new low when your summer planters have plastic flowers in them because you kept forgetting to water in July and they quit blooming.  But from afar, they look pretty full.  I think I'm turning into one of those weird neighbors with cheap plastic flowers in the yard instead of real ones.  They are low maintenance!  Maybe I need to find some plastic figurines at the dollar store to go with my flowers!  haha

So that is my update.  Sorry for swearing but I've decided Bastards is almost a common name and very much expresses my feelings in a non-accusatory way.  I hope you aren't offended.  So you will see everything is good with me overall....gripes and all.

Let's go outside!

My cats are declawed so they NEVER go outside.  If fact, I brought Sissy outside on the deck once.  You would think I dunked her in water.  She couldn't wait to go back inside.  I've never had the opportunity to put them in the grass.  I bet they would hate it.  They don't understand why anyone would go outside.  When the neighborhood kitties come to the deck doors, they look at them and wonder why they are outside (I'm assuming).  Well except Baby feels threatened and will pull out her best "bad ass" to scare them away....they aren't.  Sometimes Baby will thump the glass on the doors.  That does scare them.

When I go outside, Sissy gets nervous.  When I come back in, she always greets me with a concerned look and needs to sniff me to make sure I am okay.  I always assure her with a pet.

Well this morning was actually not too hot.  When it is like that, I open the window by their condo in the dining room.  I announce "Let's go outside!  Wanna go outside?"  They get so excited and both jump to the condo.  They each take a bucket in the condo and stretch their noses as close as they can to the screen.  It is the cutest thing ever.  They love to lay in the sunshine every day but having the window open is a whole other treat.  I tried really hard to get a photo but they are super shy about it.  Here is the best I could do.  This is Sissy and she is acting coy about it.  I'll leave the windows open until it is just too hot to leave it open any longer.  I hope we can make it a few hours today because they love it so much.

I love that they can be so happy with something so simple.  It reminds me it really is the simple things in life that can be so filling.

Damn BBs

So things are hanging in there.  I STILL have this pneumonia.  I went to see my GP again yesterday.  He advised me to stay on the antibiotics until I was better.  He was at a loss about my plugged ear.  His only suggestion was to sleep upright so they can drain.  He did basically say he is unsure next steps besides to send me to an ENT in 10-14 days if I am not better.  Good thing I have a favorite ENT, Dr. S.

With my ears plugged so long, they said they are concerned about permanent damage that requires surgery.  Honestly, tubes in my ears would be a huge relief at this point.  I'm going to not wait 10 days and get on Dr. S calendar.  It usually takes a week or 2 to get in anyway.

The other disappointing news is that over the last weekend, I woke up itching my right eyebrow.  In my drug induced haze, I felt like my eyebrow felt "thick".  In the morning, I tried some more.  It is certainly thick and there is a "bead" again in a new spot.  At least I thought it was a new spot.  It is about 1/2 inch closer to my nose from my previous eyebrow lump.  So I got into Dr. L today to have it checked.  He agreed it was new.  But he also said it is too small to do anything about or to guess what it is going to do.  It could be inflammation but with the bead, he was pretty skeptical about that idea.  So my next steps are to keep an eye on it (pardon the pun).  If it grows, he suggests I see Dr. C, the radiologist again to see what he thinks.  He wondered if it might be residual from the last radiation.  If Dr. C is okay to do some more radiation, we will.  If Dr. C isn't too sure or hesitant, Dr. L suggested I get a biopsy.  He is curious to see what this lump would say as far as staging.    Could be chemo....maybe not.  If I keep growing lumps, we will need to talk about chemo anyway. 

I did ask him about my trip to see Nola I bought my ticket for on Halloween.  He said Halloween is his birthday so he would rather not treat before then too.  Haha.  He felt pretty confident I will be able to travel.

So as I walked out, I was telling Dr. L how my father was a hunter and we used to have to pick BB shot out of our pheasant at dinner.  He laughed and knew exactly what I was talking about.  I can't help but feel these beads in my eyebrow are just like BBs.

And as I was about to leave the office, I saw my Polymyositis friend, Dana.  She is getting ready to treat her ovarian cancer they found in July.  She was exploring radiation!  So we caught up a little bit and I shared how easy radiation was for me.  I'm happy she is going to my cancer center for her treatment because I think they are the best there is.  It sure is a small world isn't it?

That's my update.  Not great news but nothing to panic about.  :-)