Almost done!

What a crazy week it's been. Tuesday started with an appointment with Dr. "Gout" who pronounced me in excellent health as far as he's concerned (except for that cancer thing...). Then it was off to the dentist for a cleaning after a year and a half wait. When I tried to get my teeth cleaned last year, the oncologist wanted bloodwork within 3 days of my visit, which is a pain since the office is a 45-minute drive away. This year, my white cell and baby white cell counts have been so good that I asked the oncologist if I could PLEASE have my teeth cleaned without the need for bloodwork, and he gave me the thumbs up. I had to go on a waiting list, of course, because everyone and their sister had made appointments for the summer, but I got the first cancellation of my time home. I'm pleased to report that my gums are in excellent shape and I have no cavities.

Wednesday morning went off without a hitch once I found out the nurse could access my port for the IV. I spent more time answering medical questions and have my vital signs taken than I did in the room! The procedure was over in 5 minutes and the doctor said everything looked good. He took some samples to biopsy and I'll have those results next week. He suggested that I see a pulmonary specialist, which is what my oncologist had suggested as well, so I guess that's our next step. I also discovered that I was talking with him and the nurses before I was fully conscious. Ed told me all about the discussions I had, and I don't remember a thing about them. It's a little scary and interesting to wrap your mind around the idea that you could have your eyes open and have a rational conversation without being conscious of doing so. I told Ed the point at which I recall being awake, and that was 15 minutes after I "woke up." At least I didn't embarass myself!

Yesterday was s l o w. According to the nurses, the doctors were very busy and weren't releasing orders for medications. I waited at least 35 minutes to have my blood drawn and it was an hour and 10 minutes before I received my Zometa infusion. I asked the doctor, when he stopped in, to release my Gemzar orders ahead of time so I don't have to wait so long today. I hope he listened. My blood counts were down, with the hemoglobin just squeaking by again at 10. Laura is thwarted once again in her attempts to give me a shot. Guess she'll have to wait a little longer.

So today is treatment and then I'm taking two weeks off. Ed's birthday is the 2nd and we have a long July 4th weekend, and I didn't want to be feeling tired and miserable for his birthday. With any luck we'll have good weather, spend some time with friends, and just relax. Maybe I'll even get in the pool. After all, the temperatures are finally supposed to reach 80 next week. Looks like summer weather might arrive with the summer solstice.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Happy Father's Day to all our dads!!!