Same Old, Same Old

Nothing much has changed here. My eyes are slowly returning to normal, but I’m still having problems focusing in low light, on screens/books, and if something is back-lit.  I have a neuro ophthalmology appointment on Wednesday… But my oncologist has outlawed me from driving, indefinitely.

Boo. Hiss.

I don’t have an infusion this week, so I’m looking forward to not getting stabbed in the chest for another week. Though after the 2 cavities I had filled on Monday, I’d rather have my port accessed any day. [I'm So glad I had chemo last time, since it likely did nothing but make me vomit and destroy my enamel].

The radiation fatigue is still holding on pretty strongly. I need at least one nap every day to function. The kitties have really been enjoying the naps, since they get to cuddle on the couch with me.

N. had to shave my head again tonight. I had this crazy Friar Tuck look going on. I’d say 80% of my head is bald or balding. My sister also had to wax the sides of my face today. I’m pretty furry anyway – Germany & the Czech Republic should really give the women in my family a hair removal stipend – and then the devil steroids made my hair grow like crazy. Fun.

Fight like hell.

KJ Gets Cooked Low & Slow

Yesterday was my first infusion of Avastin. Besides it taking Pharmacy an hour to formulate the drug and get it to me, the infusion was cake. I had to get labs drawn to start the day; I’m glad I didn’t have to do much pleading to get her to just put in an IV and draw off that. One stick day – FTW! [It’s sad when I have to measure a good day by how many times I got stabbed.] I needed an IV because my port isn’t ready for use yet, but it will be by the next time I get an infusion. Once Pharmacy finally got the drug to me, it was smooth sailing. I was able to be in my own little bay, lay on a bed with a warm blanket, and take a nap while the Avastin was pumped in. Piece of cake!

Today I got to take off my bandages from the port placement. Hurray for a normal shower this afternoon! [And holy bruises – yeesh!]

This evening begins my radiation treatments. The last time I saw my radiation oncologist, he confirmed that cooking me low and slow won’t change the radiation nausea or fatigue. I actually have good anti-nausea meds this time, though. The Zofran is ready to go before I get radiated tonight. My appointments won’t always be in the evening, but it was the only space available since it was a quick decision to change my treatment timetable. I’m hopeful that I won’t be as sick this time. I will be the queen of naps. That’s okay, though; the boy kitty and I have our afternoon couch nap routine down.

Let’s burn the Bitch to the ground! Fight like Hell.

[I'm terrible at selfies]

One Month

Today marks one month since the Big Ass Brain Surgery. It has been such a whirlwind, and it doesn’t seem like that much time has passed. My eyes have steadily improved since surgery, but they aren’t back to normal yet. My depth perception is still off, and I’m still restricted from driving.  

I have an MRI on Thursday to make a map for radiation. I also have appointments with my oncologist and radiation oncologist that day. We should find out if I’m going to be doing chemo along with radiation on Thursday, too. I believe that I will start radiation next Monday; i will be radiated Monday through Friday with Saturday and Sunday off [same as last time].

Fight like hell.

Badgers and the Best Time of the Year

I have been waiting far too long for this day — Badger Game Day!

In a normal world, N. and I would be in Texas right now, getting ready to watch the badgers take on Alabama. It’s a good thing that we decided not to go, given the situation. We’ll just have to go to Lambeau next year for the LSU game. We have a score to settle from Houston last year — Tiger bait, my ass.  

I’ll be cheering extra loudly from our couch tonight, wearing full game day garb. Also, I have all of my phalanges crossed that sunshine has gotten over his case of the yips this year. C'mon, we need a quarterback ... 

Tonight’s game means that it’s only one week until the first home game. There’s a certain magic surrounding Camp Randall on Game Day. I get goosebumps every time the badgers run out of the tunnel to “Where the Streets Have No Name” [and I really dislike U2]. I’m extra pumped for this season, as well, since our season tickets were upgraded to row 18. It’s going to be a fantastic year.

Thankfully, I get weekends off from radiation, so I should be able to stay awake for the games ;) It’s a bummer that I’ll be getting radiated for a large part of my favorite time of the year, but at least I’ll have things that I love to distract me [and my oncologist promised to medicate correctly so that I won't be so miserable this go 'round]. 

Come to me, button up flannels and crisp weather [where I'm not such a sweaty kid]. Put all of the apple things in and around my mouth. pumpkin things — get in mah bellay. And if you ruin the pumpkin things with chocolate, I.will.cut.you. 

Ahhh, Fall. You complete me. 


Beat 'Bama. Go Badgers!

Fight like hell.