Catching Up

I guess it's been a few days since I've posted, so it's time to catch up.

We had a nice trip to Billings, and visit with John's family. Other than being rather lopsided, my chocolate cake was delicious, and a big hit with John's niece, Amy. We brought half of it home and I've been grazing on it. The rest needs to go in the freezer!

Today, I went in for my radiation planning session. The nurse marked me up with a Sharpie and then scanned me with a CT scanner. This will help line up the radiation equipment with the area to be treated. I start treatments next Tuesday.

Yesterday, I took two bird feeders out to the Churchill rest home, and hung one up for one of the residents. This very sweet lady is bedridden, and one of the few things that gives her pleasure is to watch the birds outside her window. She had her field guide and we talked about what birds she might be seeing. I was glad that I could do this small thing and bring some happiness to her life. It is so easy to become focused on your own problems, but then you realize that there are so many others that are much worse off than you. It was a good reality check.

Lou Ann

Hittin' the Bluebird Trail

I don't know if I've mentioned it here, but I monitor over 50 mountain bluebird nest boxes northwest of Bozeman. In bluebird lingo, we call it a "trail". Anyway, nesting season is upon us, so yesterday I went with my mentor, Mary, to do some repair and relocation of boxes on another trail. It was a glorious morning to be out with lots of birdsong in the air.

We found many of the boxes already had the beginnings of a grass nest. One box had a complete nest with one cold bluebird egg in it. This tells you that the female has just started laying eggs and hasn't begun to incubate them yet. I got a surprise when I opened the top of one box and found a female bluebird inside, sitting on a nest. Mary picked her up and saw that she already had a band on her left leg. We wrote down the number to look up where and when we had banded her. Mary placed her gently back on the nest (there were no eggs yet). It's likely that we had interrupted her as she was getting ready to lay her first egg. How rude! Bluebirds don't complain, however, and she likely got right back to business.

Tomorrow, John and I head to Billings to meet up with his sister, husband, and niece Amy to celebrate her birthday. Today, I'm going to make her a chocolate birthday cake to take over. Life is good.

Lou Ann

Desperate for spring color

I was so desperate for some spring flowers around the house, that John took me to the garden store, and I picked out a flat of pansies, which I promptly planted in one of my oak barrels. Whew! that's better. I know that they will probably freeze, since it's only mid-April, but for now they are providing much-needed color.

I'm now 6 days from my last treatment, and hoping to start feeling better soon.

Lou Ann

Chemo #4 - The Last One!

My chemo treatment went just fine yesterday. I met beforehand with my oncologist and we discussed my follow-up appointments, etc. Since I've been having bone pain with the Neulasta shot, he ordered a lesser dosage for today. Yeah!

As I was finishing up with the infusion, several of the staff members gathered around and sang me their special "chemo send-off" song, along with a balloon and signed card. It brought tears to my eyes. They are a special group of people, and the care I've received there has been the best.

I also went for another acupuncture session afterwards. She focused on helping me with the nausea which I will start having later today and tomorrow. The less anti-nausea medication I have to take, the better.

The best part .... that part of my treatment is behind me now.

Lou Ann

Lamb Season

I had a really nice day yesterday. I hiked with the BWAG's in the morning. I could really feel how out of shape I was, but it was good to be out and in the company of my girlfriends. It's so incredible how much love and support I get from all of them. They have made such a difference in how I've gotten through the treatment so far.

After hiking, I went out to visit with my friend Gretchen and see all her new lambs. We had a good talk, and of course the lambs were so cute. Another rite of spring.

Last night, I went to the monthly Audubon meeting, which featured an interesting talk on the life of the Yellowstone bison. It was also great to see all of my friends there.

Well, today I get my 4th and final chemotherapy treatment. It's a day to celebrate. I'll post again later to let you know how I'm doing.

Lou Ann

Spring Weather!

The weather is never boring here in Bozeman. Yesterday it reached a balmy 63 degrees! Then about 4 p.m. a dark cloud appeared on the horizon. My dad commented that it looked like a tornado. Within minutes, it was blowing 40 mph and snowing hard. The temperature had dropped to freezing. Lots of tree limbs were broken and several stop signs blown down, among other things. We had planned to take Mom and Dad to the MSU Spring Rodeo, but decided to stay warm and dry at home. A good decision, I think.

BTW, I've had such a good visit with my folks. We've just been hanging out together everyday. I took them to my acupuncture appointment on Wednesday, and they got to see the nice facility at the Cancer Support Community. Yesterday, we took a nostalgia tour of Big Sky. My parents have an incredible memory for people and events. Today, I put them on the plane to Seattle. I hope the flight isn't too bumpy!

Lou Ann

Another Ski Day!

John and I had so much fun skiing last Wednesday, we decided to go again yesterday. The conditions were a bit different. It was snowing and it was cold, but the skiing was excellent. I quit at lunchtime, and Diane and I sat by the fire at the Huntley Lodge. I really felt good, but I'm glad I quit early.

Today, Mom and Dad arrive from Seattle for a visit. Right now it's snowing hard, so I hope their flight isn't delayed. We have a winter storm watch through tomorrow. It will be good to see them and have a few days' visit.

Lou Ann

Powder Skiing

What more could a girl ask for? Sunny blue skies, fresh powder snow, husband and friends to ski with .... I had such a great day. Judging by the stiffness this morning, I might have possibly overdone it just a teensy bit. But it's a good feeling. I'll really appreciate the massage I'm having this afternoon!

Lou Ann