The good news of the week: oncologist office called...my CT scan shows no sign of cancer. There is a small lymph node in my abdomen they are keeping watch on, but so far all is good!!
The not so good news of the week: sometimes it's hard to be an adult and make decisions that may have long term effect...although as I say no decision is a decision itself. Any way, long story short. As I've said before prednisone is a wonder drug, but I can't stay on it forever. It helped tremendously, but the long term effects of staying on it means other issues will arise. The tests completed last week show I do have a compromised inflammatory system which is causing the pain/stiffness of joints. The Dr asked can I live with the pain? Interesting question when I am feeling quite good. My choices: stay on high dosage of prednisone or stop immunotherapy (and choose right then). We agreed to slowly cut back over the next few weeks on prednisone until I am on the lowest possible dosage to function with pain/stiffness. This way I can continue the immunotherapy hopefully until years end. In the meantime, I'm working on eating anti-inflammatory foods and continuing with pt.
Enough of health discussion - focus on the blessings. I was very social this past week with something going on almost every day. I had a wonderful few hours with a friend/colleague/coach which included catching up on many topics and a fantastic lunch. It was good to see her and experience the bells and whistles of her Tesla. I also had dinner with a few of my dear friends as we celebrated belated birthdays and caught up. I stopped by to visit the couple I usually travel to NYC with as I was in their area. I had my 11th treatment and was very social with the nurse (I usually listen to a life story or two when I'm there). As I said...social week with a few deep naps as needed.
Our dryer finally got fixed on Friday so let the laundry begin...LOL! It must have been going downhill for a while because suddenly towels and sheets are done in one cycle.
.This past week I finished reading: "THE STORYTELLER" by Jodi Piccoult - She knows how to write a story which spans generations and surrounds thought provoking moral dilemma questions. It's deep and moving. Also, " AN EGGNOG TO DIE FOR" by Amy Pershing - Book 2 of the Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series. It's humorous and a quick read.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
July 30
Father-in-Law Day
International Day of Friendship
National Cheesecake Day
Paperback Book Day
July 31
Mutt’s Day
National Avocado Day
National Watermelon Day
August Monthly Celebrations
- Admit You’re Happy Month
- Family Fun Month
- Dog Days of Summer – July 3 – August 11
- Golf Month
- Happiness Happens Month
- International Pirate Month
- National Catfish Month
- National Eye Exam Month
- Peach Month
- Picnic Month
- Romance Awareness Month
- Water Quality Month
- International Clown Week – always August 1-7
- Week 1 National Simplify your Life Week
- Second Week National Smile Week
- Week 3 Friendship Week
- Week 4 Be Kind to Humankind Wee
August 1
Mountain Climbing Day
National Girlfriends Day
National Mahjong Day
Raspberry Cream Pie Day
August 2
Find a Four Leaf Clover Day
National Coloring Book Day
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 3
Grab Some Nuts Day
National Watermelon Day
August 4
International Beer Day – First Friday in August
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
National Water Balloon Day
U.S. Coast Guard Day
August 5
Campfire Day – First Saturday in August
International Hangover Day – the day after International Beer Day
Mustard Day first Saturday
National Clown Day – Saturday during International Clown Week
National Oyster Day
Sandcastle Day – first Saturday of the Month
Underwear Day
Work Like a Dog Day
I'm leaving it here this morning. The sky is lighter and dawn is here...hmmm back to bed or start the day...I guess that's the next major decision. I hope you have a good week where you are. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." - Helen Keller
"Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge." - Plato