They didn't stop bugging me the whole night. Blood draws, vital signs monitoring and respiratory therapy. They have to do what they have to do! But I did tell the respiratory therapist to bugger off and come back later. Well, not quite that rude but I thought 3am was a tad early for respiratory therapy considering I was still breathing.
Diana arrived in the morning to hang out with me. We both had a good morning nap as both of us had a shitty sleep the night before. She did not have a good sleep night as Max was throwing a wobbly because of the storms that were passing through Baltimore. It was a major drool event for him. Poor bugger.
The blood work came back just fine. No infections. The only thing that was somewhat low was my white blood count. This is what makes you very susceptible to infections. But from the time I checked in I was put on two IV antibiotics. So this was not a big concern. The CT scan results finally came back and Dr. Erlich came in to give us all the latest and greatest news. After reviewing all the tests and scans he did not believe that what showed up on the x-ray was another tumor. Whew. He also ruled out bacterial pneumonia and told us that the most likely culprit was still the radiation pneumonitis. I know this sounds strange but we would have been relieved to have been told it was only pneumonia. So it was even better to hear that it was once again the radiation pneumonitis. I am not trivializing the radiation pneumonitis but it seemed like the better option to the two previously mentioned possibilities.
They have put me back on the steroids and I am currently on IV steroids and antibiotics. When I am discharged I will continue the steroid tablets but will ween off them at a much slower rate. The steroids really seemed to help last time as I was feeling great right up until a few days after I quit them. Bulk up - here I come. Step aside AAAhhhnold. I think I'm ready to govern Kaalifornya.
Di and I shared a nice (brought in) Chinese dinner supplemented by the hospital vegetable lasagna (for Di). We then watched a Chris Rock special on HBO. Crude but quite funny. Oh yea, Mike visited in the afternoon and brought me some biltong and sourfigs to snack on. He was quite proud of himself as he dove here in a pretty heavy rain shower.
Carpe Diem.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Guess where I am
In Hospital!!!
I was admitted yesterday after my appointment with Dr. Erlich. He had them do a chest xray on me and saw what he considered to be a pretty bad pneumonia on my right lung. Yes, the naughty cancer lung! I was admitted in the afternoon and by evening I was already sick of the food. Fortunately, they stopped me from eating or drinking as I had to have a CT scan later in the evening. Oh yea, they took the obligatory 4 gallons of blood and piss for testing and checked my vitals every 14 seconds. Welcome to the world of hospitals.
Diana came to visit in the evening and she brought a whole bunch of food and snacks. For later of course. I had the scan done about 9pm (pretty quick) and then had to wait for "transportation" back to the room. So what did I do? Waited til 9:30pm and then took my IV pole, and with Diana in tow, buggered off to the room. I was hungry and I wanted to watch the debate. When we got to the room the nurse just laughed and asked where the transportation bed was. I told her that I couldn't wait any longer and that Diana made me leave the transportation bed in the parking lot as she was angry about the wait as well. You know that I'm kidding about the bed in the parking lot. Right? The rest is very true. Diana was shocked and amazed at my chutzpah and guttsyness.
We watched the debate together and I ate like 3 pigs. Diana was afraid to get her hands anywhere close to my mouth. More tomorrow.
Carpe Diem.
I was admitted yesterday after my appointment with Dr. Erlich. He had them do a chest xray on me and saw what he considered to be a pretty bad pneumonia on my right lung. Yes, the naughty cancer lung! I was admitted in the afternoon and by evening I was already sick of the food. Fortunately, they stopped me from eating or drinking as I had to have a CT scan later in the evening. Oh yea, they took the obligatory 4 gallons of blood and piss for testing and checked my vitals every 14 seconds. Welcome to the world of hospitals.
Diana came to visit in the evening and she brought a whole bunch of food and snacks. For later of course. I had the scan done about 9pm (pretty quick) and then had to wait for "transportation" back to the room. So what did I do? Waited til 9:30pm and then took my IV pole, and with Diana in tow, buggered off to the room. I was hungry and I wanted to watch the debate. When we got to the room the nurse just laughed and asked where the transportation bed was. I told her that I couldn't wait any longer and that Diana made me leave the transportation bed in the parking lot as she was angry about the wait as well. You know that I'm kidding about the bed in the parking lot. Right? The rest is very true. Diana was shocked and amazed at my chutzpah and guttsyness.
We watched the debate together and I ate like 3 pigs. Diana was afraid to get her hands anywhere close to my mouth. More tomorrow.
Carpe Diem.
Going to see Dr. Erlich
Sorry all. I know I have been tardy in updating the blog. It's been a slow week as far as "exciting" news is concerned. I have been feeling like crap. This has been going on since last Wednesday and doesn't seem to have improved. I have been in touch with Dr. Erlich every day and I am on a bunch of different meds to get all this under control. Today I am actually going in to see him.
The radiation pneumonitis is playing havoc with my lungs and subsequently my breathing and coughing. The fall allergies have not helped the situation. Hopefully we will get this round of "nonsense" sorted out!
Carpe Diem.
The radiation pneumonitis is playing havoc with my lungs and subsequently my breathing and coughing. The fall allergies have not helped the situation. Hopefully we will get this round of "nonsense" sorted out!
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Weekend Update
Very little went on this weekend. Lots of rest trying to shake this bug or whatever I have. This is a bad time of year for my allergies as well. So I know that they are also contributing to this mess! We will talk to Dr. Erlich on Monday and see what else he wants to do.
The only saving grace this weekend was watching Man U play Chelsea in the English Premier League. Great game until Chelsea tied it up. The final score was 1-1.
Carpe Diem.
The only saving grace this weekend was watching Man U play Chelsea in the English Premier League. Great game until Chelsea tied it up. The final score was 1-1.
Carpe Diem.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Friday and homeward bound
After a really great couple of days with the family in the Hampton's it was time to go home. I really wasn't feeling great with the cough, the headaches and the general fatigue but I new it was a short flight home to Baltimore. So I sucked it up and got on the flight. It was easy and quick. Just like flying to Zim.....ha, ha.
I had to make a quick flower stop on the way home as it was Diana's birthday. Roses were in order. I got nice red ones from me and pink ones from Russ, Phil and my Mom. We had a nice dinner together (curried chicken) that Diana made and even Chef Mike (from Suskin's Hell's kitchen) was impressed. It was an early night and boy did I need the rest.
On a side note, this cartoon sums up why Tsvangirai signed the Zim deal.
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A visit to Montauk
Another day and even more sunshine! Usual great breakfast and a lie at the pool! Oren, Ilan and Carolina went off to the beach and when they returned we all drove off to Montauk and had fish and chips for lunch at Gosmans. The view was beautiful and the ocean looked rough and wild! After lunch a visit to the lighthouse and a walk up the spiral staircase and I was not even out of breath! I did,however, have a nagging headache which developed throughout the day and the coughing doesn't help...it actually makes it worse. I did try and ease the cough with cough syrup but I do think that it's because I'm now off all steroids and I need to try and manage my lungs and deal with the cough. We will speak to the 'team' and see what the recipe going forward is...the flight home tomorrow isn't too long so no worries there!
Anyway we climbed up the lighthouse and then headed back to East Hampton where we all swam,jacuzzied and relaxed. I had a little sleep and Ilan prepared the barbie...turf today!
Oren and Rus went on a pie search. The Hampton's are really famous for their pies and we had to have one...they came back with TWO. Rhubarb and three berries!
The barbecued meat was excellent and the meal was wonderful. I really was feeling under par but I still ate! Rus and I had our pie on the bed watching telly...eating famous pie while we watched the world in meltdown!!
Earlier night than usual and hopefully wake up feeling a little better!
Carpe Diem.
'
Anyway we climbed up the lighthouse and then headed back to East Hampton where we all swam,jacuzzied and relaxed. I had a little sleep and Ilan prepared the barbie...turf today!
Oren and Rus went on a pie search. The Hampton's are really famous for their pies and we had to have one...they came back with TWO. Rhubarb and three berries!
The barbecued meat was excellent and the meal was wonderful. I really was feeling under par but I still ate! Rus and I had our pie on the bed watching telly...eating famous pie while we watched the world in meltdown!!
Earlier night than usual and hopefully wake up feeling a little better!
Carpe Diem.
'
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Beach and barbie day
We all awoke to a glorious day and a warm pool with the hot jacuzzi gently humming away! This is definitely the way to live! A huge breakfast followed and please note that it is imperative that I note my eating habits because they are so different and it is wonderful to be enjoying food again. I am not allowed to have grapefruit because apparently it interferes with the medication but nothing else is barred and believe me nothing is! I don't have much taste for alcohol but not sure I ever did!??
Anyway, we jacuzzied and then Russ and I decided to do a little gardening! The two neat freaks could not stand the encroachment of weeds on the path so we gardened! Also rearranged the furniture on the deck and generally made the place ours!
Lunch was the rest of the contents of the fridge and then we went to the beach driving round Lily Pond Road which is unbelievable! We were literally blown away by the beautiful homes and manicured gardens.
We played a sort of cricket/baseball on the beach and just enjoyed the laziness of the day. The season here is over and all the beach was empty and so beautiful,clean and quiet.
We decided to barbecue for dinner and what a feast! Actually we bought enough food for two barbies. It was the surf tonight and it's the turf tomorrow. Ilan was the master chef and the menu consisted of shrimp, snapper, sea bass and lobster accompanied by corn and salad! Perfect!
Icecream and popcorn to follow with a movie (The Cleaner with Samuel L. Jackson)......are you jealous yet!
Diana called with a message from Dr. Erlich. The blood work looked fine and I can stop taking the potassium supplement. He is also giving me something else for the cough. Not steroids!
Wait until tomorrow......
Carpe Diem.
Anyway, we jacuzzied and then Russ and I decided to do a little gardening! The two neat freaks could not stand the encroachment of weeds on the path so we gardened! Also rearranged the furniture on the deck and generally made the place ours!
Lunch was the rest of the contents of the fridge and then we went to the beach driving round Lily Pond Road which is unbelievable! We were literally blown away by the beautiful homes and manicured gardens.
We played a sort of cricket/baseball on the beach and just enjoyed the laziness of the day. The season here is over and all the beach was empty and so beautiful,clean and quiet.
We decided to barbecue for dinner and what a feast! Actually we bought enough food for two barbies. It was the surf tonight and it's the turf tomorrow. Ilan was the master chef and the menu consisted of shrimp, snapper, sea bass and lobster accompanied by corn and salad! Perfect!
Icecream and popcorn to follow with a movie (The Cleaner with Samuel L. Jackson)......are you jealous yet!
Diana called with a message from Dr. Erlich. The blood work looked fine and I can stop taking the potassium supplement. He is also giving me something else for the cough. Not steroids!
Wait until tomorrow......
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Where in the world is Carmen "Adrian" Sandiego
Well, in the East Hampton's (on Long Island) of course. I flew into Islip airport from Baltimore. Quick easy flight. Russ and Phil picked me up but what a schlep. It was about and hour from the rental house. Oh well.
We arrived at the house and how great it is! A beautiful pool outside and a really hot jacuzzi! Just the place to relax with my sisters and Gerry,Oren,Ilan and Carolina! Unfortunately the weather wasn't great so we lazed around and then took a drive so they could give me a little orientation of this amazing area. East Hampton is truly gorgeous and once you've seen it you realise why the rich and famous flock! That's me!!!
It was so excellent of Phil to drag her busy body three hours on a bus to be with us and it's always sad when she leaves but work she must....need one of us to be planning the next trips! Not really Philly! We wish you could have stayed longer!! We then started the mission to have dinner and we were all starving! I am actually constantly hungry now and it is really strange for my sisters who still have the habit of feeding me! They were so surprised to see me actually going to the fridge and constantly grazing on my own!Anyway, we had such difficulty finding a restaurant as most are closed on a Tuesday night! How odd!! Must be a Hampton thing...But Nicholls was open and we had an great meal!
I slept upstairs with Oren who actually snores so well done to me for bringing ear plugs! And I woke at 7.30!!!!
Carpe Diem.
We arrived at the house and how great it is! A beautiful pool outside and a really hot jacuzzi! Just the place to relax with my sisters and Gerry,Oren,Ilan and Carolina! Unfortunately the weather wasn't great so we lazed around and then took a drive so they could give me a little orientation of this amazing area. East Hampton is truly gorgeous and once you've seen it you realise why the rich and famous flock! That's me!!!
It was so excellent of Phil to drag her busy body three hours on a bus to be with us and it's always sad when she leaves but work she must....need one of us to be planning the next trips! Not really Philly! We wish you could have stayed longer!! We then started the mission to have dinner and we were all starving! I am actually constantly hungry now and it is really strange for my sisters who still have the habit of feeding me! They were so surprised to see me actually going to the fridge and constantly grazing on my own!Anyway, we had such difficulty finding a restaurant as most are closed on a Tuesday night! How odd!! Must be a Hampton thing...But Nicholls was open and we had an great meal!
I slept upstairs with Oren who actually snores so well done to me for bringing ear plugs! And I woke at 7.30!!!!
Carpe Diem.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Blood work day
Today I had my bi-weekly blood work done at Quest Labs. Hopefully they will get the results to Dr. Erlich fairly quickly. I'm sure everything is ok but there are a ton of things they are monitoring so it will be nice to know that all is ok. I have finished taking the Prednisone and the Nystatin and now all I'm on is the Cymbalta, Sutent and a potassium supplement. Hopefully I will be able to stop the potassium supplement if all is well with the blood work. I'm also back on a multivitamin a day and fish oil supplements for cholesterol. No, it's not that bad!
I have started doing sit-ups and push-ups and will build up slowly to other exercises. I'm still coughing a bit especially if I take a deep breath so the cardio stuff will have to wait. I have been wearing a pedometer some days and showing about 4 miles of walking etc.etc. Not too bad!
I had to drop a few things off a Sinai hospital so I decided to pay a quick visit to Mary at the infusion center. It was great to see her again. She said I looked really well and I told her I was feeling good. I weighed myself and came in at a whopping 141 lbs (64 kgs). I have put on about 10 lbs in the last short while. I'm hoping to get back to about 155 lbs of lean, not-so-mean, non-fighting machine.
Carpe Diem.
I have started doing sit-ups and push-ups and will build up slowly to other exercises. I'm still coughing a bit especially if I take a deep breath so the cardio stuff will have to wait. I have been wearing a pedometer some days and showing about 4 miles of walking etc.etc. Not too bad!
I had to drop a few things off a Sinai hospital so I decided to pay a quick visit to Mary at the infusion center. It was great to see her again. She said I looked really well and I told her I was feeling good. I weighed myself and came in at a whopping 141 lbs (64 kgs). I have put on about 10 lbs in the last short while. I'm hoping to get back to about 155 lbs of lean, not-so-mean, non-fighting machine.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Weekend Update
On Saturday morning I took Craig and Taryn to the train station for their trip back to New York. We had a good couple of days together. Before Craig left he gave me some new Zim currency. Worthless, but at least they look pretty!!!
In the evening Diana and Robyn drove to Philadelphia to watch the USA women's olympic soccer team take on Ireland in an exhibition game. Rob really enjoyed it and had a great time. Diana, on the other hand, had a good time with Rob and enjoyed the soccer but................had a tough time with those teeny-bopper fans!!! Better her than me.
Sunday morning Rob and Mike helped me get my Ipod sorted out. I got some goods songs from both of them. At lunchtime I drove Rob back to school. She had an afternoon soccer game that she was playing in and then had to referee a bunch of games til 8 PM. Back home Mike and I did what we do best. Order Chinese take out.
Carpe Diem.
In the evening Diana and Robyn drove to Philadelphia to watch the USA women's olympic soccer team take on Ireland in an exhibition game. Rob really enjoyed it and had a great time. Diana, on the other hand, had a good time with Rob and enjoyed the soccer but................had a tough time with those teeny-bopper fans!!! Better her than me.
Sunday morning Rob and Mike helped me get my Ipod sorted out. I got some goods songs from both of them. At lunchtime I drove Rob back to school. She had an afternoon soccer game that she was playing in and then had to referee a bunch of games til 8 PM. Back home Mike and I did what we do best. Order Chinese take out.
Carpe Diem.
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