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