I went to MSKCC for blood work today and to get my port implantation and treatment schedule. My port will be implanted on an outpatient basis on Thursday, January 10 at MSKCC. It's the old routine of not knowing what time the procedure will be done until the evening prior, but I'll be in and out the same day.
My treatment schedule, assuming I have no problems tolerating Gemcitabine, will be as follows: January 18: have blood drawn and meet with the oncologist; after blood tests are complete, have treatment over 90 minutes; get a band-aid and go to the office. This should take about four hours. January 25: have blood drawn; after blood tests are complete, have treatment over 90 minutes; get my band-aid and go to work. This should take about three hours. February 1: off. This is considered one cycle, and Dr. Keohan's nurse, Kelly, estimates I will have about three cycles before the next scan is done to see what progress I've made.
This weekend will be busy with final wrapping and some house cleaning, which hasn't be done since before vacation. We plan to catch up with friends over the next several days and will spend Christmas day mainly at home, hopefully watching movies and relaxing. My mom will arrive on the 29th or 30th and spend New Year's Eve with us. I'm not looking forward to giving her this news, but didn't want to do it unless she was going to be with us for a few days. Wish me luck.
We are sending out our warmest wishes (along with a big hug) for a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Cruise photo album
As promised, here is a link to my photo album from our Quest cruise. I hope you enjoy it.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561823227DhUMeb?vhost=good-times
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561823227DhUMeb?vhost=good-times
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Time flies...
I can't believe I haven't posted since October 19. Where has the time gone? And how did it get to be mid-December???
We had a wonderful time on Azamara's Quest, a 695-passenger ship owned by Royal Caribbean/Celebrity. We visited many islands that were new to us including St. Vincent, Tobago, Virgin Gorda, Grand Turk, and St. John. We went to the beach in four ports, went snorkeling in three and met some wonderful people onboard. We had some complaints about the management of the ship services, but overall it's tough to complain when you are swimming in the blue sea and dining under the stars in late November/early December while it's snowing at home. The new underwater housing for my digital camera worked very well except that I couldn't see the screen underwater when it was cloudy, so I just shot picture after picture. I actually captured some fish on film using that method! When I finally upload the photos to my online album, I'll post the link here for those who may be interested.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, Dr. Keohan was concerned about some of the growing nodules in my lungs and sent me a month early for a chest CT scan. Unfortunately, several of the nodules have grown to larger than 1 cm and I have an increasing number bilaterally (in both lungs). She now believes they are metastases and has recommended that I begin chemo treatment with a single agent called gemcitabine. It is a treatment that would allow me to continue my quality of life for the most part, with the severest side effects being thinning (vs. loss) of hair, flu-like symptoms for 24 hours following treatment, and mild nausea and vomiting. She hopes that will result in shrinkage or stabilization of the mets. If not, she will then add another agent, and the full range of side effects associated with chemotherapy will be unavoidable.
From what I've read thus far, surgery remains the only way to "cure" LMS and any mets. Chemo is an attempt to stablize the cancer or put it into remission. Should the tumors grow, at some point we will attempt to remove them surgically if possible. Right now, she is most concerned with allowing me to maintain my quality of life (as are we) as long as possible.
I had hoped to avoid this scenario until after the holidays, but reality is what it is and I must deal with it. The plan is to have a port implanted in my chest sometime in the next three weeks so the treatments can be administered through it rather than through an IV in my arm. As soon as that is finished, I will begin a three-week cycle: one 90-minute treatment once a week for two weeks followed by one week off. After two months or so, I will have another chest CT scan to check my progress. CT scans of my abdomen and pelvis will now be done in six-month intervals (which is about on schedule since my scans began in January 2006 and the standard is every three months for two years, every six months for three and then annually).
I don't want to look too far forward and try to provide a timetable or a prognosis at this time. We will begin with the gemcitabine treatment and go from there. I'll be certain to post here when I start and how things go. As always, I thank all of you for your support and your good thoughts. Just knowing that I have such wonderful friends makes this easier to bear. I would make one request: when you have a moment in the coming months, please check in on Ed. This is very difficult for him and he sometimes gets lost in the background. If you want to send him a note and don't have his e-mail address, just drop me a line and I'll send it on.
I'm sending all of you our warmest wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2008.
We had a wonderful time on Azamara's Quest, a 695-passenger ship owned by Royal Caribbean/Celebrity. We visited many islands that were new to us including St. Vincent, Tobago, Virgin Gorda, Grand Turk, and St. John. We went to the beach in four ports, went snorkeling in three and met some wonderful people onboard. We had some complaints about the management of the ship services, but overall it's tough to complain when you are swimming in the blue sea and dining under the stars in late November/early December while it's snowing at home. The new underwater housing for my digital camera worked very well except that I couldn't see the screen underwater when it was cloudy, so I just shot picture after picture. I actually captured some fish on film using that method! When I finally upload the photos to my online album, I'll post the link here for those who may be interested.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, Dr. Keohan was concerned about some of the growing nodules in my lungs and sent me a month early for a chest CT scan. Unfortunately, several of the nodules have grown to larger than 1 cm and I have an increasing number bilaterally (in both lungs). She now believes they are metastases and has recommended that I begin chemo treatment with a single agent called gemcitabine. It is a treatment that would allow me to continue my quality of life for the most part, with the severest side effects being thinning (vs. loss) of hair, flu-like symptoms for 24 hours following treatment, and mild nausea and vomiting. She hopes that will result in shrinkage or stabilization of the mets. If not, she will then add another agent, and the full range of side effects associated with chemotherapy will be unavoidable.
From what I've read thus far, surgery remains the only way to "cure" LMS and any mets. Chemo is an attempt to stablize the cancer or put it into remission. Should the tumors grow, at some point we will attempt to remove them surgically if possible. Right now, she is most concerned with allowing me to maintain my quality of life (as are we) as long as possible.
I had hoped to avoid this scenario until after the holidays, but reality is what it is and I must deal with it. The plan is to have a port implanted in my chest sometime in the next three weeks so the treatments can be administered through it rather than through an IV in my arm. As soon as that is finished, I will begin a three-week cycle: one 90-minute treatment once a week for two weeks followed by one week off. After two months or so, I will have another chest CT scan to check my progress. CT scans of my abdomen and pelvis will now be done in six-month intervals (which is about on schedule since my scans began in January 2006 and the standard is every three months for two years, every six months for three and then annually).
I don't want to look too far forward and try to provide a timetable or a prognosis at this time. We will begin with the gemcitabine treatment and go from there. I'll be certain to post here when I start and how things go. As always, I thank all of you for your support and your good thoughts. Just knowing that I have such wonderful friends makes this easier to bear. I would make one request: when you have a moment in the coming months, please check in on Ed. This is very difficult for him and he sometimes gets lost in the background. If you want to send him a note and don't have his e-mail address, just drop me a line and I'll send it on.
I'm sending all of you our warmest wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2008.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Memories
For several years, I had been creating a collection of photo collages and hanging them in the stairway between the first and second floor. When we had our mattress replaced a few years ago, we had to take everything off the walls in order to get the mattress up the stairs (it's a tight squeeze with a 90 degree turn). Since then, the wall needed repainting but other chores were higher on the priority list. While Mom and I were cruising, however, Ed repainted the walls and ever since I've been updating the existing collages and making new ones.
This process has led me to multiple reviews of my many photos albums, and hence has led me to think a lot about all of our friends. I know that many of you occasionally follow this blog, and I wanted to take advantage of that fact to let you know how dear you are. I wish I had the time to write each and every one of you to let you know how much you mean to me and how often I remember the fun times we've shared. There is so much happiness and joy in the photos I've been looking at, as well as so much discovery of new people and places. I am truly blessed in many ways, and you add so much pleasure to my life. Thank you. I'm looking forward to many more years of new adventures and quiet moments together.
(and I promise to write you soon!)
This process has led me to multiple reviews of my many photos albums, and hence has led me to think a lot about all of our friends. I know that many of you occasionally follow this blog, and I wanted to take advantage of that fact to let you know how dear you are. I wish I had the time to write each and every one of you to let you know how much you mean to me and how often I remember the fun times we've shared. There is so much happiness and joy in the photos I've been looking at, as well as so much discovery of new people and places. I am truly blessed in many ways, and you add so much pleasure to my life. Thank you. I'm looking forward to many more years of new adventures and quiet moments together.
(and I promise to write you soon!)
Friday, October 12, 2007
October update
As I posted last time, I was scheduled for my CT scans and appointment with Dr. Healey on the 1st. Dr. Healey continues to be pleased with his work, and I don't have to see him again for six months.
I saw Dr. Keohan this morning. Unfortunately, while one nodule in my right lung has "disappeared," there is a new 9 mm nodule at the top of my right lung, the remaining two have grown by another mm to 6 mm, and now there are two 4 mm nodules in my left lung. It's impossible to say that any of these are "new" as a nodule must be 3-4 mm before it shows up on scans. (Also, anything under 1.5 cm cannot be identified via scans.) While Dr. Keohan remains positive, she is concerned enough to schedule a chest only CT scan for December -- two months rather than the usual three -- to keep a closer eye on any potential growth. She reassured me that she has at least two patients who have had nodules growing over a period of 12-22 months and do not need any treatment at this point.
I had purposely scheduled my scans for early October so the holidays would be over before I had to have my next set of scans, but that is not to be. We will be away for a few weeks after Thanksgiving, so my chest CT scan is scheduled for December 10 and I see her on the 14th. I should be back here before then, but will definitely post an update after I see her again.
I saw Dr. Keohan this morning. Unfortunately, while one nodule in my right lung has "disappeared," there is a new 9 mm nodule at the top of my right lung, the remaining two have grown by another mm to 6 mm, and now there are two 4 mm nodules in my left lung. It's impossible to say that any of these are "new" as a nodule must be 3-4 mm before it shows up on scans. (Also, anything under 1.5 cm cannot be identified via scans.) While Dr. Keohan remains positive, she is concerned enough to schedule a chest only CT scan for December -- two months rather than the usual three -- to keep a closer eye on any potential growth. She reassured me that she has at least two patients who have had nodules growing over a period of 12-22 months and do not need any treatment at this point.
I had purposely scheduled my scans for early October so the holidays would be over before I had to have my next set of scans, but that is not to be. We will be away for a few weeks after Thanksgiving, so my chest CT scan is scheduled for December 10 and I see her on the 14th. I should be back here before then, but will definitely post an update after I see her again.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Lovely Alaska
We returned from our Alaskan adventure on the 15th and I've been busy working on our photos and video ever since. We had fun and the weather was fabulous. I was anticipating rain, but we had sunny (or partly sunny) skies every day except one, and our days in Skagway and Hubbard Glacier were phenomenal. I'm including a link to my Webshots album so you can see for yourself the blue skies and beautiful scenery we enjoyed.
Mom and I both survived our first "girls only" vacation with our relationship intact. I hovered too much while trying to make certain she was getting the most out of our vacation, and she didn't speak up when she needed a rest, but I think we both learned a lot from the experience. Mom enjoyed eating wild blueberries and seeing "Alaska cotton" in Hoonah, watching Hubbard Glacier calve, shopping in Skagway, and spending time with the dogs in Juneau. We had wonderful tablemates (two couples from Canada) and Mom enjoyed chatting with them and sharing her daily adventures. We met nice people from all over the world -- although most passengers seemed to hail from Canada -- and it was a wonderful time overall.
Since then I've been doing research for our upcoming Caribbean cruise on the smallest ship we've ever sailed: Azamara Quest, a former Renaissance cruises ship now owned by Celebrity (Azamara is its new subsidiary). The maximum passenger count is 710, which is much lower than the typical 2,000-2,500 passenger ships we're used to. We're visiting many new ports, so it's been an adventure just attemting to locate private tours, but I think we've got it almost narrowed down. Packing for that won't begin until early November.
In the meantime, tomorrow morning is my CT scan, followed by x-rays of my ankle and a follow-up visit with Dr. Healey. My appointment with the oncologist isn't until the 12th, so unless I receive a copy of the radiologist's report before then, I won't have any news until after the 12th. We'll be dining on McDonald's tonight. I was determined to stop eating there, but the fries are really salty and the combination of fries and a cheeseburger prior to my last scans seemed to really help keep my veins plump. Just goes to show what a daily diet full of salt can do to your body. Since it's only once every three months (next year it goes to every six), I'm not going to obsess about it. Keep your fingers crossed that I have continued good luck with the IV needle!
Webshots album: http://community.webshots.com/album/560786570mUrzzY
Mom and I both survived our first "girls only" vacation with our relationship intact. I hovered too much while trying to make certain she was getting the most out of our vacation, and she didn't speak up when she needed a rest, but I think we both learned a lot from the experience. Mom enjoyed eating wild blueberries and seeing "Alaska cotton" in Hoonah, watching Hubbard Glacier calve, shopping in Skagway, and spending time with the dogs in Juneau. We had wonderful tablemates (two couples from Canada) and Mom enjoyed chatting with them and sharing her daily adventures. We met nice people from all over the world -- although most passengers seemed to hail from Canada -- and it was a wonderful time overall.
Since then I've been doing research for our upcoming Caribbean cruise on the smallest ship we've ever sailed: Azamara Quest, a former Renaissance cruises ship now owned by Celebrity (Azamara is its new subsidiary). The maximum passenger count is 710, which is much lower than the typical 2,000-2,500 passenger ships we're used to. We're visiting many new ports, so it's been an adventure just attemting to locate private tours, but I think we've got it almost narrowed down. Packing for that won't begin until early November.
In the meantime, tomorrow morning is my CT scan, followed by x-rays of my ankle and a follow-up visit with Dr. Healey. My appointment with the oncologist isn't until the 12th, so unless I receive a copy of the radiologist's report before then, I won't have any news until after the 12th. We'll be dining on McDonald's tonight. I was determined to stop eating there, but the fries are really salty and the combination of fries and a cheeseburger prior to my last scans seemed to really help keep my veins plump. Just goes to show what a daily diet full of salt can do to your body. Since it's only once every three months (next year it goes to every six), I'm not going to obsess about it. Keep your fingers crossed that I have continued good luck with the IV needle!
Webshots album: http://community.webshots.com/album/560786570mUrzzY
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Is this really August?
First, I don't know what the weather has been like in your neck of the woods this past week, but here it's been raining and downright chilly. I'm talking about nights when you don't even have the windows open, let alone the air conditioning on. Ed actually slept under a blanket last night in addition to the coverlet. We are expecting the weather to improve over the next few days. In fact, from a high of 62 yesterday, we are supposed to see the 90s on Saturday. Global warming is here, folks.
Second, where did the summer go? I haven't kept up with any of my correspondence, including posting here. I was responsible for relocating the company office, so that kept me hopping during July and early August. Ed was a big help in getting things taken down in one office and reinstalled in the new one. The place looks great and my boss seems quite pleased with the results. With any luck, I'll never have to do that again!
No health news to report. I pushed the timetable for my next scans off by a few weeks because of an upcoming trip and so that I can be scanned again in January rather than December. I do not want to be scanned before the holidays.
I'm busy making lists and packing for the "Girls Go Wild" cruise -- actually it's the "Mom and Me" cruise, but I need a splashier title. We're headed for Vancouver after Labor Day where we will spend two nights before we board Serenade of the Seas and visit Alaska for 7 nights. I've got some activities planned for Mom and I'll be bringing the video camera. Once I figure out how to upload video to YouTube, watch out for the link to some interesting stuff (I hope). We're both really excited about the trip. I hope Mom enjoys the beauty of Alaska as much as Ed and I did on our first cruise.
Speaking of cruises, if any of you are interested in joining us on one, I'm hosting a cruise on Liberty of the Seas (one of Royal Caribbean's latest megaships) on November 8, 2008. The cruise must be booked through CruCon, an online travel agency, if you would like to receive a $100 per cabin onboard credit. The prices are reasonable and we have a fun group going so far. The ship is really big, but there is so much to do, I'm not sure we'll even get off at all the ports. I can provide you with all the information you need, so e-mail me for the details.
I'll report back following our Alaska trip. In the meantime, enjoy the remainder of the summer!
Second, where did the summer go? I haven't kept up with any of my correspondence, including posting here. I was responsible for relocating the company office, so that kept me hopping during July and early August. Ed was a big help in getting things taken down in one office and reinstalled in the new one. The place looks great and my boss seems quite pleased with the results. With any luck, I'll never have to do that again!
No health news to report. I pushed the timetable for my next scans off by a few weeks because of an upcoming trip and so that I can be scanned again in January rather than December. I do not want to be scanned before the holidays.
I'm busy making lists and packing for the "Girls Go Wild" cruise -- actually it's the "Mom and Me" cruise, but I need a splashier title. We're headed for Vancouver after Labor Day where we will spend two nights before we board Serenade of the Seas and visit Alaska for 7 nights. I've got some activities planned for Mom and I'll be bringing the video camera. Once I figure out how to upload video to YouTube, watch out for the link to some interesting stuff (I hope). We're both really excited about the trip. I hope Mom enjoys the beauty of Alaska as much as Ed and I did on our first cruise.
Speaking of cruises, if any of you are interested in joining us on one, I'm hosting a cruise on Liberty of the Seas (one of Royal Caribbean's latest megaships) on November 8, 2008. The cruise must be booked through CruCon, an online travel agency, if you would like to receive a $100 per cabin onboard credit. The prices are reasonable and we have a fun group going so far. The ship is really big, but there is so much to do, I'm not sure we'll even get off at all the ports. I can provide you with all the information you need, so e-mail me for the details.
I'll report back following our Alaska trip. In the meantime, enjoy the remainder of the summer!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Promised update
I have not personally seen the reports (already called the radiology center and yelled at them), but both the MRI and CT scan are unchanged according to the doctors. My oncologist still has "some anxiety" about the nodules in my right lung, but they remain subcentimeter so she will simply continue to watch them. My next appointments are in early October. I did not want to worry about scans and doctors before my cruise with Mom in September.
We are looking forward to a visit from our friends from Michigan sometime next month, and we have lots of folks to get over to the house for food and some next-to-the-pool relaxation. The National Weather Service is predicting a hotter than normal summer here in the Northeast. As long as we don't suffer any blackouts, that's okay with me.
My vegetable garden is growing in leaps and bounds. Already have some decent sized tomatoes on the vines. The zucchini and cucumber plants haven't taken off yet, but I think I have some jalapenos starting to grow. Can't wait for some homemade salsa!
Happy Summer everyone! Hope it's sunny and full of fun!
We are looking forward to a visit from our friends from Michigan sometime next month, and we have lots of folks to get over to the house for food and some next-to-the-pool relaxation. The National Weather Service is predicting a hotter than normal summer here in the Northeast. As long as we don't suffer any blackouts, that's okay with me.
My vegetable garden is growing in leaps and bounds. Already have some decent sized tomatoes on the vines. The zucchini and cucumber plants haven't taken off yet, but I think I have some jalapenos starting to grow. Can't wait for some homemade salsa!
Happy Summer everyone! Hope it's sunny and full of fun!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Time flies when you're having fun...
Our cruise on Liberty of the Seas was terrific. Beautiful ship, terrific layout, lots of activities, very comfy bedding, nice docor, and delicious cookies! We enjoyed it so much I'm organizing a group cruise on November 8, 2008. If you would like to sail with us or get pricing information (cabin rates are very reasonable right now plus you get a $100 per cabin onboard credit), please send me an e-mail! Right now our good friends the Lofthouses and the Chings are joining us, but I always believe the more the merrier!
Speaking of the Chings, we just returned from five days in Las Vegas and this lovely couple, whom we met on Infinity in November 2006, flew out to join us for 2-1/2 days. We had a fabulous time -- visited many of the casinos, ate and drank our way up and down the strip, saw Cirque du Soleil's Ka (different than a show like Mystere but terrific in its own way), relaxed by Bellagio's pool, and did some shopping. In fact, if you join us on Liberty, you'll see the new formal night gown Ed and the Chings voted I take home. We did everything but gamble, but who needs to do that with so many other things to keep us busy??
On the health front, I had my six-month MRI yesterday morning. Thinking "fat veins" may or may not have contributed to a very easy needle stick, and the test went smoothly. I'll get the results mailed to me later this week and will see the surgeon on Monday, a few hours after my three-month CT scan. Everyone who knows me knows how I dread that test, mainly because of the IV needle. I'm going to try the "fat vein" mantra for that test, too, although the technicians have been so good, I shouldn't really bother to worry about the stick. They have gotten the IV in on the first shot every time, and I never have a bruise. I'll see the oncologist on the 22nd to get those results. Fingers crossed everyone!
After a two-year hiatus, I've planted a vegetable garden again. Nothing fancy, five types of tomatoes, two peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and green beans (if they germinate). I find I missed having a garden more than I realized, although if the local groundhogs get to my plants, that opinion may change.
The weather has been lovely. It was quite hot at the end of May, but the past two days have been around 80. The pool is open and the water is crystal clear. Maybe I'll actually get in it this weekend.
I'll be back in a week or two with an update on my tests. Until then, enjoy the remaining days of Spring wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Speaking of the Chings, we just returned from five days in Las Vegas and this lovely couple, whom we met on Infinity in November 2006, flew out to join us for 2-1/2 days. We had a fabulous time -- visited many of the casinos, ate and drank our way up and down the strip, saw Cirque du Soleil's Ka (different than a show like Mystere but terrific in its own way), relaxed by Bellagio's pool, and did some shopping. In fact, if you join us on Liberty, you'll see the new formal night gown Ed and the Chings voted I take home. We did everything but gamble, but who needs to do that with so many other things to keep us busy??
On the health front, I had my six-month MRI yesterday morning. Thinking "fat veins" may or may not have contributed to a very easy needle stick, and the test went smoothly. I'll get the results mailed to me later this week and will see the surgeon on Monday, a few hours after my three-month CT scan. Everyone who knows me knows how I dread that test, mainly because of the IV needle. I'm going to try the "fat vein" mantra for that test, too, although the technicians have been so good, I shouldn't really bother to worry about the stick. They have gotten the IV in on the first shot every time, and I never have a bruise. I'll see the oncologist on the 22nd to get those results. Fingers crossed everyone!
After a two-year hiatus, I've planted a vegetable garden again. Nothing fancy, five types of tomatoes, two peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and green beans (if they germinate). I find I missed having a garden more than I realized, although if the local groundhogs get to my plants, that opinion may change.
The weather has been lovely. It was quite hot at the end of May, but the past two days have been around 80. The pool is open and the water is crystal clear. Maybe I'll actually get in it this weekend.
I'll be back in a week or two with an update on my tests. Until then, enjoy the remaining days of Spring wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Friday, May 04, 2007
The best things in life are free!
The only thing better than a free cruise, according to our travel agent, is a free cruise that includes an open bar. On Monday, Ed and I will test that theory when we board Liberty of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship and the sister of the world's largest cruiseship, Freedom of the Seas. We were invited to join a group of people on one of the pre-inaugural cruises out of Bayonne, NJ, which makes traveling to this cruise our easiest yet! (Of course, this is the least amount of stuff I have to bring on a cruise, so it's a bit ironic.) We are looking forward to our two-night cruise to nowhere beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Monday and returning to Bayonne on Wednesday morning. We will have a chance to tour the ship, including seeing the different cabins (I hope) and watching some braves souls try out the Flowrider -- the onboard surfing area. With any luck, they will offer one of their ice shows, which is amazing to see, and I'm sure the passengers will provide plenty of entertainment.
This is a huge ship, and it will be interesting to see the layout and how it differs from Adventure of the Seas, part of what was the largest class of ship Royal Caribbean sailed. All of Royal Caribbean's ships will be dwarfed when the Genesis class is launched in the fall of 2009. As a comparison, Adventure of the Seas (the only Voyager class ship we sailed) holds 3,114 passengers, Freedom and Liberty hold 3,634, and the Genesis ships will hold 5,400. WOW! That may be a bit too big for us, but if they offer us another free cruise, I'd be willing to try it (hint, hint).
After we disembark, the ship will head down the coast to Miami, where another series of pre-inaugural cruises will take place before she begins her inaugural sailing to the Caribbean on May 19.
So bon voyage to us and I'll post a report when we return. With any luck, I'll be able to tear Ed away from the Ben & Jerry's stand to check out the rest of the ship. If anyone needs me, I'll be in the wine bar. :)
This is a huge ship, and it will be interesting to see the layout and how it differs from Adventure of the Seas, part of what was the largest class of ship Royal Caribbean sailed. All of Royal Caribbean's ships will be dwarfed when the Genesis class is launched in the fall of 2009. As a comparison, Adventure of the Seas (the only Voyager class ship we sailed) holds 3,114 passengers, Freedom and Liberty hold 3,634, and the Genesis ships will hold 5,400. WOW! That may be a bit too big for us, but if they offer us another free cruise, I'd be willing to try it (hint, hint).
After we disembark, the ship will head down the coast to Miami, where another series of pre-inaugural cruises will take place before she begins her inaugural sailing to the Caribbean on May 19.
So bon voyage to us and I'll post a report when we return. With any luck, I'll be able to tear Ed away from the Ben & Jerry's stand to check out the rest of the ship. If anyone needs me, I'll be in the wine bar. :)
Friday, March 16, 2007
It was that time again...
Just a quick note while I eat my sandwich! I saw Dr. Healey on Monday and everything is fine. The x-rays show no changes, so I'm due for an MRI in three months.
I had my CT scans yesterday and saw Dr. Keohan this morning. No changes to the lung nodules or liver lesions, although the radiologist noted some possible lesions in my ribs and spine, in addition to ones noted several months ago in my pelvis. They are too small to identify, so we'll continue to watch them. So, overall, I'm stable and continue to be NED. Next CT scans are scheduled for June.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
I had my CT scans yesterday and saw Dr. Keohan this morning. No changes to the lung nodules or liver lesions, although the radiologist noted some possible lesions in my ribs and spine, in addition to ones noted several months ago in my pelvis. They are too small to identify, so we'll continue to watch them. So, overall, I'm stable and continue to be NED. Next CT scans are scheduled for June.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
One year later...
As unbelievable as it seems to me, tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of my fibulectomy. At this point 365 days ago, I couldn't see past my impending surgery, let alone consider where I would be a year off. Thanks to the skill and dedication of Dr. Healey, I am well enough to walk wherever I wish to go (although to date it's not farther than 1-1/2 miles at a time on the treadmill), I can wear shoes with 1-1/2 inch heels, I can walk around in slippers for an entire day without pain, I've made it through my first (minor) snowfall intact, and other than some stiffness when I'm off my feet for more than an hour or so, I walk normally. I still have pain the day after if I spend several hours cleaning, but only when I'm foolish enough not to wear an ace bandage.
Bravo and kudos, Dr. Healey.
My next scans are scheduled for mid-March and I will be seeing both Dr. Healey and Dr. Keohan the week of March 12. I will report back then if not sooner.
It's finally become very cold here, after our winter initially consisted of temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The past few mornings the temperature has been around 9 degrees when I leave the house, with highs in the upper teens. Brrrrrrrr!!!
Hope it's warmer wherever you are. Thanks again for following my saga over the past year. I truly and sincerely appreciate your friendship and support.
xx
Bravo and kudos, Dr. Healey.
My next scans are scheduled for mid-March and I will be seeing both Dr. Healey and Dr. Keohan the week of March 12. I will report back then if not sooner.
It's finally become very cold here, after our winter initially consisted of temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The past few mornings the temperature has been around 9 degrees when I leave the house, with highs in the upper teens. Brrrrrrrr!!!
Hope it's warmer wherever you are. Thanks again for following my saga over the past year. I truly and sincerely appreciate your friendship and support.
xx
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Happy New Year!
I gave up making New Year's resolutions many years ago. I don't know about you, but I never seemed to stick with them, so instead I just try to improve myself somehow. With that in mind, I've gone back to exercising. Okay, so I've only gone twice, but I'm getting myself motivated again. My first day back was Monday morning, and by Monday afternoon I could barely bend my ankle. I guess two months of just a regular routine is not enough to keep my ankle in shape. This morning I felt slightly stiff, so I went back for more. It will be interesting to see how it feels tomorrow morning.
Speaking of tomorrow morning, my boss returns from a fishing trip in Argentina tomorrow so it's back into the city for me. It's been nice working from home, especially with the 50-70 degree days we've been enjoying around here. Today the high is supposed to be 38 before it begins to climb again. We actually saw some snowflakes this morning, but they didn't last. If anyone knows where winter is, please send it this way. If I wanted this type of weather in January, I'd live in the south.
I hope all of your holidays were fun and enjoyable and that the new year has started off well.
Speaking of tomorrow morning, my boss returns from a fishing trip in Argentina tomorrow so it's back into the city for me. It's been nice working from home, especially with the 50-70 degree days we've been enjoying around here. Today the high is supposed to be 38 before it begins to climb again. We actually saw some snowflakes this morning, but they didn't last. If anyone knows where winter is, please send it this way. If I wanted this type of weather in January, I'd live in the south.
I hope all of your holidays were fun and enjoyable and that the new year has started off well.
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