Winter Returns

The snowflakes were flying almost all day in Bozeman; the wet, slushy kind. John and I decided we can't pass up fresh powder, and are going to Big Sky to ski tomorrow. I also have a college friend visiting from New York, so I'll get to see him as well. It should be a great day!

Lou Ann

Spring is coming

It really felt like winter was taking a back seat to spring yesterday. Friend Diane and I took a stroll around my neighborhood, and it felt warm, although the thermometer said only 48 degrees. Then we spotted a small cluster of crocus near a mailbox. I could hardly believe it! Then I remembered the crocus in Bellevue (WA) probably bloomed almost 2 months ago. Spring comes so much more slowly here. You really have to be patient.

I spent another hour or so sitting in the sun, reading "A Reliable Wife". Interesting book. Anyways, as I was sitting there, I heard the unmistakable sounds of a Sandhill Crane and a Red-winged Blackbird. It made me feel good to hear them calling. Another sure sign of spring. It's coming. I just have to be patient.

Lou Ann

Maintaining

It's been 3 days since my treatment, and I've been feeling kind of nauseated today. But I have medication to help with that. I managed to go to the post office, recycling and video store. So far, no body or muscle aches, which is good. The acupuncturist that I go to each week worked on that side-effect in particular this past Wednesday, so I'm hoping for some relief.

I just talked to my dad, and he's fighting a cold that my mom gave him. I told him they both have to get well before they come to see my in April! It'll be good to have my family here.

Lou Ann

PS I watched the Huskies slip away from a victory against W. Virginia last night. Too bad they didn't shoot the ball better. I guess now I'll root for Kansas State.

Chemo #3

I had my 3rd chemotherapy treatment today, which went fine. l also met with the radiation oncologist to talk about what's coming up next in my treatment schedule. I'll be starting radiation treatments 3 weeks after the last chemo (April 13), so that will be May 3rd. I'll have to go in 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) with weekends off, for a total of 33 treatments. So I hope to be done by the third week in June. The only side-effects of radiation is fatigue, which gets worse as you go, plus some skin irritation. But I can handle that! So I'm now 3/4 of the way done with the chemo. The next one is the last!

Tomorrow is another acupuncture session, followed by a trip to the Cancer Center for the much-dreaded Neulasta injection. I have to take the good with the bad, I guess.

Thanks to you all for the great comments! I really enjoy reading them. Keep 'em coming.

Lou Ann

Road Trip

John and I took my wig for a spin yesterday with a road trip to Butte. The purpose of the trip was to shop for furniture (we didn't find anything we liked). After shopping, we went on an auto tour around historic Walkerville, plus drive-by's of our old Butte lodgings. Things looked the same, only a little more worn. It's been 23 years since we lived in Butte. John also grabbed the opportunity to stop at Nancy's Pasty Shop to pick up a half-dozen to bring home. We split one for dinner, delicious! On our way home we went on the backroads, where I finally saw a pair of bluebirds! Spring is now officially here.

Lou Ann

A New "Do"

Once again I have hair! I went in for a wig fitting yesterday, and I think overall it looks pretty good. I wonder if it will stay on in a stiff wind? At any rate, it looks better than my bald pate.

Lou Ann

Visitors!

We've had John's sister Nikki and husband Paul here visiting yesterday and today, and have enjoyed two delicious dinners together (courtesy of John). Tonight's feast was corned beef and cabbage, and I added some homemade biscuits. We enjoyed every bite. Tomorrow they head back towards Plentywood, MT. If you don't know where Plentywood is, it's in the northeastern-most corner of the state, not quite in North Dakota and not quite in Canada. Tomorrow afternoon, my good friend Christy is flying in from Bellevue. She's staying over the weekend, and I can't wait to see her. This week is going fast!

Today I double-dipped and followed up my weekly acupuncture with a very relaxing massage. I think the acupuncture is helping with my energy level and the headaches, too.

More to follow later.

Lou Ann

Eagles, Eagles Everywhere

I had another one of those special bird sightings yesterday that I want to share with you. I have a friend, Nancy, who knows a couple who own a large piece of property along the East Gallatin River. They had noted large numbers of Bald Eagles coming to roost each evening in the trees just behind their house, and invited us to come see the gathering. So last night, about an hour before sunset we drove out and saw the spectacle. There were around 20 eagles already there when we arrived. Then they just kept coming, one at a time, like planes approaching an airport. They would fly up the river, make a circle and land in one of the cottonwoods. We kept counting, and came up with at least 55 Bald Eagles, with probably more since some were out of our line of vision. As each eagle landed, they announced themselves with much eagle chatter. Most were adult birds, but there were quite a few juveniles, too. It was quite a sight, seeing 10-12 eagles in one tree, all jostling for position. I haven't seen that many eagles since the days when they used to gather in the 100's at Apgar campground in Glacier Park (to eat land-locked salmon). Pretty neat!

Lou Ann

Cabin Fever

I've really had a case of cabin fever this week. It seems like I've been stuck inside the house for days, other than a trip to the Cancer Center for a doctor's appointment. So it was really nice last night to be invited to dinner at friends John and Patti. They put on a delicious feast, and John regaled us with funny stories. It was a great evening. Then this morning I went for a long walk at Headwaters State Park with Mary and Diane. The sun was shining, the wind was calm and the rivers were sparkling. It was a good day to be out.

Lou Ann

Turning the Big 5-0

Well, the other day I was dreading arrived today, my 50th birthday! I normally love to celebrate my birthday, but not this year. There was just too much to be depressed about. My mood was pretty low this morning, but after a walk with John along the East Gallatin River, and a few birthday phone calls, I felt my spirits rise. Things can always be worse, and as my dad often reminds me, "Celebrate every birthday, because it beats the alternative". Truer words have never been spoken. So tonight I enjoyed the spicy chili and creamy cheesecake that John made at my request. I even drank a beer, the first since Super Bowl Sunday. It turned out to be a pretty good day after all.

Lou Ann

Under the Radar

I've been under the radar the past few days, so I thought I'd post an update. The side-effects from the latest chemo have been pretty similar to last time, just maybe a teensie bit worse. Muscle/body aches and extreme tiredness have kept me down since Friday, but yesterday was a little better, and I'm hoping today is even more better. It's really hard to be sick and inside when the weather outside has been so beautiful. I managed a walk around the neighborhood with friend Nancy yesterday, and just sitting on the front porch in the sun really feels good.

I watched the Oscars last night from beginning to end. The first time ever! It was mostly entertaining, and I was glad to see Jeff Bridges win his first Academy Award. He has always been a favorite actor of mine, ever since "Rancho Deluxe".

Today I look forward to a visit from BWAG friend Karen, who has made me some really nice polarfleece hats to wear. I'll be stylin'!

Lou Ann

Needles, Needles

I had my first acupuncture session today. It was a group session, starting with four of us. The acupuncturist went around to each person, going over symptoms and problems. Then she took your pulse and looked at your tongue, which gives the acupuncturist clues about your internal health. I was having some sinus pain and stuffiness, so she inserted needles on either side of my nose and one at the top of my forehead. I also had needles on both feet, legs and hands, which was for more general treatment. I laid on my chaise lounge for about 45 minutes, while she attended other patients. There were people coming and going throughout. I was very impressed by the thoroughness and cleanliness of the procedure. My energy level was better afterwards, and I'm already looking forward to session #2 next week.

Lou Ann

Chemo Treatment #2

Today's infusion went very smoothly. I went in early to have my blood work done and then met with one of the doctors and we went over the symptoms I had after the first treatment. To help with the bone pain from the booster shot I get, I was told to try taking Claritin for three days. Apparently it has some benefit, so why not give it a shot? It certaintly can't hurt.

I also signed up for a 6 week session of acupuncture, which is offered free of charge by the local cancer support community group. I hope it can help me with some of the side-effects of the drugs, and also the anxiety. My first session is tomorrow. I'll let you know how that goes.

So for now, I'm drinking lots of fluids and taking it easy. I hope to be back out on the ski track, or hiking trails by next week.

Lou Ann

PS I almost forgot! Today's therapy dog was a Keeshound by the name of Maggie. Our family had a keeshound when I was growing up in Bozeman, and they are the sweetest dogs.

PPS Having watched the Olympics over the past 16 days, I've been thinking about a trip my dad and I took to Norway in March of 2006. We went to attend the World Cup Nordic Championship, which was held in Oslo. It was the trip of a lifetime. The photo at the bottom of my blog shows my dad, myself, and our hosts, Gunnar and Lisbeth Sunde. Gunnar is my godfather and Lisbeth is my namesake. They are wonderful people.