Aaargh! The Pollen!!!!

I rarely suffered from seasonal allergies in the past, but I suppose the mets in my lung have made me more sensitive to the higher pollen counts. I don't know what it's like where you are, but the pollen here is terrible. Everything is coated with green dust, and the tree pollen remains high. The grass pollen is next, with mold coming in at low levels. Today it's raining a bit here, so with any luck, we'll get a bit of a break. My chest could use it, and so could my back.

I'm happy to report that the Lyrica seems to be making a positive difference. Although I'm still coughing quite a bit due to the pollen, I can see a difference in the "non-allergy" cough. I've been on it at a twice a day level for three days now, and I'm quite pleased so far. I tried Claritin D 12 hour to help out with the phlegmy cough, but it doesn't help me much. Will try some Zyrtek D (however it's spelled) today. I just really need something that will allow my lower back to heal. I've been taking ibuprofen every day to get a little relief, because when I cough, especially early in the day before I've stretched out, my back is extremely painful.

Dr. K's nurse sent me to a dermatologist at Sloan on Tuesday after chemo, because they decided they didn't want to give me any more antibiotics for the infection in my ring fingers. The doctor was very personable and used silver nitrate around both fingernails. My understanding (from a Google search) is that the skin that has discolored (it's black, actually) will eventually slough off, leaving healthy skin underneath. I'm to apply the silver nitrate once a week for four weeks, and I have to pick up a prescription today for a corticosteriod that I have to apply to my fingers as well. That's to reduce inflammation. We'll see how it works and how fast. I can say that after almost three days, my fingers are not any less tender nor any less red.

We just learned that our Aussie friends, who we met in 2005 on a Mediterranean cruise, visited in 2006 during the whirlwind Florida tour, and sailed with on Liberty in November 2008, are moving back to Australia. We are so sad to see them go, although I suppose now I'll have to visit Australia! I wish we could get to see them before they leave, but this chemo schedule makes it so difficult to get away. We wish them all the best. We love you guys!

Have a great weekend!