A Reminder
This weekend has been very nice, as my father and step mother were visiting. My father still requires oxygen to help him breath (unless his portable oxygen tank stops working — then he can get by without it). He was in good spirits, but it was hard this morning listening to him trying to catch his breath after walking from the restaurant to the car. I would have felt better if the regulator on his oxygen tank worked. Of course, my step mother really enjoyed spending time with the kids (swimming with the kids, reading stories to my daughter, playing badminton and throwing the Frisbee with my younger son, and just talking with my older son).
For those of you who haven’t seen my father, here’s a picture of my Dad and me outside my house. Alternatively, MaryBeth also took a picture of my Dad and me inside; notice that we are both pretty damn cool looking with our sunglasses and our hats. (My hat is a ‘chemo cap’ knitted for me by a friend of mine – Karen Duktig. In fact, Karen knitted several caps which I modeled at TumorPalooza — pictures of which are forthcoming shortly.)
As for the reminder, after breakfast this morning, I began feeling nauseous. The nausea continued to get worse throughout the day, reminding me that even though I may no longer have toxic chemicals coursing through my bloodstream, I still have cancer and certain foods just don’t agree with me. My stomach settled down after a dose of compazine and a couple of Bitters & Coke (and no food since 11a).
At the suggestion of several friends, MaryBeth and I got a babysitter and went out in an attempt to enjoy ourselves before stress levels (potentially) increase with the onslaught of upcoming doctor’s visits. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend “The Dark Knight!” As best as I can tell, it is an accurate representation of the original “feel” of the “Batman” comic books. While certainly dark, the movie was entertaining.
Tomorrow is the big day. All prayers, positive energy, and other invocations of higher powers accepted. Here’s hoping that we get good news tomorrow.
Merle
Hi Merle,
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I just found out about your illness. I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. You sound as if you are quite strong in the face of all of this, but I know how frightening such an illness can be for a family. Please know that I am here for you and/or MaryBeth. I will sign up for Hamburger Helpers shortly.
I am sending you and your family positive thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Anita McLees (from the not-so-good-old-days of PERB