My LMS adventure

I live in a community that allows up to 2 cats or dogs (or one of each) under 35 pounds. I had a cat let him in and out, when I was very sick, I missed letting him in when he wanted in…. he wandered off, was captured by a sweet little old lady (or the animal control, but I watched their website, my cat never appeared). I have terminal uterine leiomyosarcoma. I feel good right now, I’m on a maintenance dose of chemotherapy. It will work (per the clinical trials) about 6 to 9 months. Then I’ve got clinical trials as a possibility.-- let’s say 6 months. My roommate is wanting a dog… a fairly big dog… bumping the 35 pound limit. I’ve been looking at Craigslist, the Humane Society and several rescues. If I got a dachshund, my mother would take it after I am gone. If I got a bigger dog (or even a Fox Terrier, which I’ve owned before) The best animal for me is not the best animal for roommate. I've got friends, etc. who might take a small dog, or if the dog is elderly, it may pass bef...

I don't talk about this much -- just to the right person at the right time. Lately, I've been thinking about my life... and an important part of it. I've been sober since September 28, 1983. Here's a list of what I've accomplished stone cold sober.... I've had a child out of wedlock (with an uninvolved partner) I've raised that child, Got a Bachelor's Degree Worked in a health care setting at the Director level Opened a new hospital with an amazing team of professionals, Liquidated my assets and moved to a retirement park. Have been diagnosed and treated for uLMS, so far: 3 types of chemo, radiation, and disability retirement. So many of these could make someone drink alcohol. I've made it through this. If you want to stay sober in crazy circumstances, you can do it!!

Okay, CT results from last Thursday. SMALLER.... all the lesions are about half to a quarter of the size they were. The liver lesion is dead, and slowly being carted off by my body's trash system. The spinal vertebra shows no growth; the adrenal is smaller (first time!!) and the lung lesions are shrinking. SMALLER. Other good things? I found the clothes basket with the missing underwear which now doesn't fit because of my 40 pound weight loss. No, I wouldn't recommend this diet. Another good thing? I had the energy to look for and find the laundry basket. -- I've got my appetite (and hair) back with this maintenance treatment of Yondelis. Ah, I'm pulling out the tape measure, and then ordering my fav underwear from Hanes.com. Heck, I may even order some yoga pants since all I have are black.....and too big (fortunately they have drawstrings....so they fit any weight.)

Roommate and I have decided the house repair priorities. This has been a 6 month discussion.... focusing on visible/pretty and invisible/practical. We'll be getting the house painted. Now I need to decide on a color. That's the pretty option. The invisible option is replacing the water pipes and vapor barrier. I'm now living in a manufactured house.... cheap, but reliable shelter. I've learned a lot about the differences between manufactured and 'stick built' aka real houses. Vapor barrier: Another difference between stick and manufactured housing. Attached to the bottom frame of the house is a plastic or canvas or Tyveck sheet, which keeps dust and dampness out. Over time, it disintegrates.... and when you take pictures under the house (you don't think I crawl under there, do you?) You can see the shredded (it's 30 years old, even if it wasn't exposed to the Florida sun, it has seen hot days.) Painting Interior walls: There are "ba...

Two years past diagnosis and initial treatment. Third round of Yondelis finished yesterday. Feeling good. I was able to feel the large liver tumor, there's little there (including no pain). I've got a CT scheduled to find out if the liver tumor is going/going/gone. I've been very weak. Recently my resting heart rate, after walking a few feet, was 129. Not good. I need to move around, so I keep healthy. I've been walking with a cane, walker and (at the hospital) wheelchair. Nesting: I've been nesting.. curling onto the couch, playing on the computer, knitting, sleeping, watching TV, eating and drinking. This has been BAD for me. SO I'm now standing up on a regular basis.... I am at least staying awake during the day.... so I am sleeping through the night. I'm realizing that eating is huge. When I eat breakfast, I can move through the day... My reserves are down that far. I've lost a total of 45 pounds in two years. Twice I've los...