Single Digits!!!!

Hello from cool, damp, breezy Hillsboro.

This past week has been a roller coaster of good and bad days.  The week's break from radiation did allow my body to recover considerably.  On the other hand, the realization that taking time off meant that I was not getting any closer to the end of my treatments  seemed to magnify the low points.  By week's end both the swelling and bleeding had subsided a great deal.  So, I went in to the lab Monday morning and, after meeting with the oncologist, decided to resume radiation.  After today, there are only eight treatments left to go!  I felt better after treatment Monday than I had in several days.  We even took a fairly long stroll that afternoon followed by a long nap.  We'll continue with the treatments as long as my body lets me, hopefully this time we can go all the way to the end.

Part of the mid-week setback was the result of receiving my hormone blocker, Eligard.  These injections are given every four months (or as an annual implant).  I received my last shot in November, before we returned to Alaska from our fall trip.  With all that has happened since then, that seems like it was ages ago.  The shot is a mixture of Lupron and a polymer which is injected into the fat layer of the stomach.  It forms a time-release capsule which is designed to meter out the drug uniformly over the four-month period.  The fresh injection dramatically increased the frequency and severity of the hot flashes and night sweats and causes a bit of a headache.  I'd almost forgotten how much fun they are. Thankfully, the rash from the hives is nearly gone, so at least that doesn't light up with the hot flashes.  The nurse who gave me the Eligard injection looked like she came out of a British World War II filmstrip.  She even wore a starched white uniform.  Looks are deceiving because she was very, very good.  These shots can be quite painful and, so far, I've had no problem at all with the injection site.  She suggested using good, old-fashioned Double Strength Gold Bond Medicated Body Lotion (the stuff in the ugly green bottle with the red cap, not the modern fancy Gold Bond varieties) for the remaining rash.  She was spot on and, after using it for just a couple of days, there is hardly any sign of rash and very little residual itching.   

On Friday morning I felt good enough that I attempted to forgo the Vicodin and just took a couple of Tylenol.  That turned out to be a big mistake, and I was miserable until I could safely take another Vicodin four hours later.  Kathy had been after me to "keep ahead of the pain", now I get it!  It is likely that I'll need to continue on the narcotics at least until the treatment is complete.  One of the biggest draw-backs of taking Vicodin is that I can't drive.  Well, I suppose I could drive, but would you want me on the same road with you?   Turn-about is fair play, and now Kathy has to listen to me telling her how to drive in the big city, on freeways, and in parking lots.  I can be quite liberal with my advise (Kathy's words).

Jeanne and Rowan

Let's see.  What else happened during this past week.  We had the townhouse cleaned, bought a bed which is scheduled to be delivered Wednesday afternoon, and set up a borrowed futon as a temporary couch.  Until time allows, the townhouse will be mainly "furnished" with Erika and Brad's cast-offs.  With some essential items we're buying, and some small appliances we already bought for our stay here, we'll manage to camp out comfortably.  We'll move over there this weekend.

Last Thursday our long-time friend (we counted 34 years), Jeanne Roth and her husband Greg, stopped in for a visit.  It was great to see them and to catch up.  Erika and Rowan joined us for lunch.  Friday was Kathy's birthday.  Erika and Brad came over and we grilled a side of coho we were saving for a special occasion.  They brought some decadent dessert treats from the New Season's Market.  This was the first seriously sweet dessert either of us have had in quite some time.

Jay and Rowan

On Saturday Jay and Susan Kittams, friends (29 yrs.) who had lived in Petersburg,  drove over from their home in Molalla.  We went to see the townhouse, stopped by to meet Rowan, and then they joined us back here for a traditional corned beef and cabbage St. Patrick's Day dinner.

Frequent visits with Erika, Brad, and Rowan, either here or at their home continue to be highlights.  Rowan is still packing on the weight and is now well over 9 pounds. He is becoming much more interactive and fun.  He sure is a snugglebug!  He doesn't seem to care who is holding him, just as long as he is being held.

Flower Petal Ground Cover

 

 

Flowering trees are in various stages of bloom all over the area.  With the cooler weather and wind, some areas of the ground are literally pink with their petals.  The later-stage rhododendrons and the azaleas are starting to bloom.  We just wish it would warm up a few degrees so that it felt more spring-like again.  On the other hand, we really can't complain, especially when we hear weather reports from our friends up north.

Sheila and Rowan

 Kathy's sister, Sheila, arrived Monday afternoon from North Carolina.  She is providing moral support and will get to experience our area until Friday.  Erika and Rowan were over for an early dinner Monday evening--grilled salmon again, king this time.  If we plan it right, we will run out of our fish just in time to return home.  All and all, life is good!

As we go through these final two weeks of treatment, your continued prayers and support for the ability to withstand the radiation are even more important to us.   We simply couldn't do it alone.

Shalom,

      Barry and Kathy

HAPPY SPRING!!