Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Dinner with Gyorgyi

Sunday I drove out to White Gate and caught a nice bass. I then drove around and ended right back at the White Gate bridge and caught a big Bluegill. I then decided to check out Wolfe Creek and drove out the Wilderness road all the way to 77 but Wolfe was too high to fish so that was a mistake. I did get a nice 35 minute bike ride at VT. Monday night I attended the Holy Spirit Group at Saint Mary’s. It took place at 7 and there was a racial mixture, and they sang a number of songs from a spiritual songbook. Several people spoke up about their illnesses or the illnesses of friends and I was perfectly quiet, since I was there just to feel things out. A young woman, Jen Jordan, prayed for me after things finished, and offered to go over some of the Bible with her, a very kind offer since I am not getting that much of it. We ended around 9 so I went over to China Inn to have a restaurant meal for a change. I had done my knee exercises earlier and played 10 holes of golf but when I got home I was too tired to do my biking. Tuesday may have been the worst day of my recovery. The problem is with the railroad and after I met the surveyors while I was going to make a few phone calls, I really panicked. They said that the railroad is very hard to work with and that the railroad is trying to get rid of my type of crossing. I took 2.5 of valium then called Darbi and she wasn’t very comforting, saying that the railroad wants proof that my only way into my property is through the easement and they would much prefer a deeded right of way where I owned the property. Terrible thought filled me of the deal falling through, and of the Sissons also not wanting to buy it and I have no idea what I would do. A total financial nightmare if I wouldn’t be able to eventually sell the hollow for at least 150K. I just may have to stay in the hollow for a long time (interesting, since my original goal before I got sick was to try to stay till I was 70). I decided to drive out to White Gate and fish, really just to kill some time and I ended up taking another 2.5 of the Valium because I was so upset. This stress can’t be helping my recovery. I did set up my next appointment with Dr. Trivedi and she should set up my next chemo. I also got a call from Rob for a walk and that helped. He is doing really well and is getting married in a couple of weeks to Becky in a family wedding up in Shenadoah. He thought my health was doing pretty well (we walked about halfway up the Tom’s Creek Trail, and that my financial situation was going to work out better than expected. Wednesday started pretty well, as I got out of bed around 7:30 and took the tractor down to the orchard road and was able to use the scraper blade to even out enough of the still somewhat muddy road to get the lawn tractor up to the house and cut the grass by the house and the cabin. I called Mike and Andy to update them so there is no big rush for either of them to fix it immediately. I came home and did my knee exercises, then, because I couldn’t nap, I went out and greased the tractor, which was something that needed to be done. I thought of cutting some of the trees blocking my gravel piles but that will probably wait till tomorrow. After washing the dishes, and then finally being able to take a nap, I got up and played some piano, showered and shaved for tonight’s dinner with Gyorgyi, and then headed out, indecisive as exactly what to do (my calf is still troubling me a bit so I was thinking I should ride in the Perry Street garage, which is perfectly flat) but then I decided that since I had time I would have my bloodwork done, and Valarie was going to be in until 4:30 I ran over to Walmart to get my medication, then headed to Rob’s for bloodwork. Valarie was terrific as usual and we chatted some after. Gyorgyi postponed our dinner until 5:30 so I really had time to take a quick ride nearby but the weather looked somewhat threatening so I decided to finish up my blog at Our Daily Bread and post that.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

A good Saturday where I will attend Mass

Thursday after my second chemo was not too bad. I got up early and drove to the orchard to do some trimming (the ruts are pretty wet so I am not sure I will be able to get the lawn tractor through) and then I ran the lawn tractor for 20 minutes and cut about half the orchard. I then drove back and took out the chainsaw and cut the saplings that were next to the greenhouse. I was able to do my knee exercises and then was went into town and played 9 holes of golf and found out from Joe that yes indeed I was still a member and that I had 9 rounds left, which was a pleasant surprise. I ended up heading home in time for my porch prayers and songs and trying out the meditation Claire Hall wrote out for me. I think it helped. I did my biking at home along with my weights and yoga. Friday was a more interesting day in that I did my knee exercises and then decided to head into town to ride my bike. I ended up parking by the duck pond and I rode on the long straight road toward Smithfield 4 times and then drove over along the golf course to where the frats are. I then went up a slight incline a number of times and that got my breathing going a bit. After that I decided to drive home and on the way I called Mike Young, who had checked in earlier to see how I was doing, and I told him about the rut situation and said he would take a look on Monday. Then Dougie called and we had a nice conversation and there is still a possibility he may purchase the hollow but that would be at a lower price than the contract I have but I may have to do it. I got home and did my prayers and songs and then practiced my piano, exchanging one of the easier songs for a harder one. I did my weights and yoga and that felt good. Saturday started out very well and I wonder if it was because the only thing I took was synthroid before my hike to the first stump at about 8. I had to push a little to get going but not as bad as some days when it is so hard to get moving. I walked straight to the first stump, rested a few minutes, had some water and then I walked all the way back to the house without one stop (usually I have to stop and lean on my walking stick at least three or four times and my breathing is somewhat labored so that was very comforting. I hope it means that I am getting a little better and not just that I avoided the effect of the morning drugs. After the hike, I was able to do the complete set of knee exercises (I had thought after the morning walk I would need a nap) and I then I did nap until almost 11. My plan was to play golf and then go biking after but when I looked at the weather I saw that thunderstorms were coming in a 4 so I shaved and showed pretty quickly and got out to the course by 1 and played 18 half holes ending up 2 over bogey golf. Not my best day but the course was pretty wide open and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I then headed to Radford for a very quick nap in my truck and then up to my office for a blog catchup. In a few minutes I will head to 5 o’clock mass at St. Mary’s.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Second treatment 2/3s Done

Tuesday was very stressful with the home inspector coming out with Darbi at 9:30 and then Laura showing up around 10 with her contractor friend Matt who is going to try to figure building the bridge. He seemed nice enough but seemed to hint that the bridge might be harder and more costly to construct, which was unnerving to me. I answered lots of questions and I just hope it passes the inspection (supposedly I will only have to pay an extra thousand so that I could afford). David sent up some herbal aids for my lupus but I want to talk to Trivedi before I take any. After they left I took a long nap and since it was rainy I decided to stay at home. I did drive down to the pasture and changed my reservation at Hethwood to 2 bedroom apartment so thes second bedroom will serve as a study and for more storage since the 1 bedroom has almost no closet space and I measured out my rooms against the 1 bedroom and it will be very tight to fit much in that apartment. It will cost an extra 110 a month and if it is a real disaster I can always move to a smaller, cheaper place. Then I called Darbi about the change in date (august 15 instead of 11) and she told me that unless the railroad fairly quickly agrees to fix the right of way, then Laura’s mother will not put up the money for the hollow. Talk about unsettling. I went back to the house in a pretty good panic and took 2.5 mg of valium to calm a bit and I think it helped. I did my biking but no weights or yoga and then did my talking to jesus and my singing, watched the Cavaliers come back and beat the Celtics, so they are now up 3-1. I went to bed around 11:20. I slept poorly (as expected) and finally got up around 5:20, and struggled to get going, having a cup of tea and showering and dressing. I felt wobbly even though I had only take my synthroid, but I eventually go going around 6:30 and after checking in with the hospital took the rest of my morning meds with a couple of breakfast burritos and a couple of sips of coffee. I got to the ER around 7:30, took my valium and then went in to register. They took me to my room rather quickly and my main nurse Sandra got the IV in with a little work. She made sure she had a good vein and she got the IV in the first time, always a plus. She has treated me very well. Claire Hall came to visit me at 1 and stayed almost to 3 so that really helped. We talked about my problems with my health, selling the hollow, moving and she was very comforting. She gave me a calming meditation to practice and I tried it out after she left and it seemed to go very well. The test will be when I get anxious at home. I hope it will relieve some of the anxiety just so I can get through each day. It is a little after 4 so I have been here 8 hours and I know I have to stay at least 4 more before they can give me the final IV dose. That means I should be home by 9:30, no great problem.

Monday, May 22, 2017

the hollow sale is moving along

Saturday was an okay day as I got a bike ride on the Huckleberry for 25 minutes, then headed over to Dr. Pouvey’s office to have my eyes examined. When he found out I had Lupus and that I was on a lot of prednisone, he told me that it wouldn’t make any sense to get new glasses now since my eyesight would change once I got off the prednisone. He told me to come back in August and he told his son Ben (Raechel’s old boyfriend), not to charge me, which was very nice. I took a nap on the way to St. Mary’s and then got there early and a couple of women explained how the book for the mass works and that make things a lot easier to follow. I also spoke to Mary of the Holy Spirit group and she invited me to come to their Monday meetings at 7 and I said I would try. I also bought a small crucifix to put around my neck and that seemed a good thing to do. Then I had a good Mass and communion and knew where I was most of the time and sang several of the songs. Then a quick stop at Kroger’s and home for the night, first doing my six piano songs and then my porch time with Jesus and singing my holy songs. I have been eating fresh salad from the greenhouse almost every day and the peas have been coming in for a few weeks so I am eating a few of those each day. Sunday started out okay as I fixed the road to the orchard, having dug it out with the tractor to get rid of the bad ruts which almost trapped my lawn tractor and then today putting down a load of 357 to stabilize it. The day turned a bit when I got a message from Darbi that the termite / septic / spring testing guy is coming tomorrow at 8:30 and that the home inspection is going to be on Tuesday at 9 and that Laura will be there. This panicked me even thought I know it has to happen and I can only hope for the best. I decided to head out because staying at home didn’t seem much of an option so I headed to the pasture and briefly talked with Darbi and she seemed to think to everything was going well and that Laura preferred to stay in the cabin until I leave on the 11th. That will certainly make things easier for me. I dropped off my recycling and decided to see if I could play a few holes of golf so I headed to the Meadows and ended up playing 18 short holes, then finding out from Randy that I am not considered a non member and that was a surprise and may cost me 600 dollars. I decided to take 2.5 mg of Valium and then I drove to McDonald’s, had a Southwest salad, and took a needed nap. I was thinking of going to Tech to ride my bike, but instead I drove home to watch the end of the golf tournament and get another quick nap. I am very anxious and still very scary this deal is going to fall apart or cost me many thousands of dollars to make it work. I am glad I did my blog since I do still think writing is therapeutic. Monday has worked out pretty well. Darbi and the Brad from all pest came out at about 9 and Brad passed the termite inspection (although I may have to spend 250 for spraying for the carpenter bees). He checked the cistern and may have to shock it once he gets the test results back but that should be minor. I assume he passed the septic also. Tomorrow is the home inspection and I don’t see any big problems with that. Darbi said Laura would like to close as soon as possible and that is fine with me. One big stress off my back. I took a brief nap after they left and then headed in for my bloodwork. I stopped for a Southwest salad at Mc Donald’s and then drove to the hospital. They were pretty quick and the woman did a good job and it didn’t hurt much. Then it was off to my office to lie down for a few minutes so I would be rested for my dinner with my kayak friend. I confirmed that my second chemo is on Wednesday and I will be glad when that is over.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Trying to Take care of Things

Wednesday turned out to be an okay day. I had decided that I really needed a break from staying home so I got ready to head out for a trip, putting my bike back on my truck. I drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 100 (incredible views and one of my favorite biking spots) and I was able to ride for 30 minutes. My neck felt a bit strained but it was nice to be able to get to the Parkway and then to ride my bike again. After that I took a nap and then I was going to try to play golf at Olde Monterey but the fellow there said it was getting crowded so I called the Meadows and they have the Moose Lodge people there so I headed out to Auburn Hills and played 6 holes before I got tired and needed to rest in my truck for a few minutes, then I played 6 more after my break. I used my hybrid and my 5 iron and I played better than last time. I started most holes at the 125 mark and that made it much more comfortable. I did a couple from 200 and I ended with with some 4s, 5s, and 6s. I drove home after stopping at Kroger and then was able to do my porch prayers and my singing before watching the Cavs crush the Celtics. Thursday turned out to be a go into town day because I decided I really needed to get a new phone (especially since it wasn’t going to cost as much as I thought). I got to Cellular Sales before lunch and Neal, the salesman, was very good, setting up the phone, my music, my contacts, my internet, and synching the phone with my truck. It ended up costing me 300 dollars but I think I really needed to have a completely working phone. I drove to RU and the fellow there set up my email and also my google maps. I then took a brief nap in my office, and then emailed my kayak friend about dinner on Monday and I took care of a few office things and my blog. I also set up an appointment with Dr. Pouvey on Saturday at one to get my eyes checked out and that way I can go to the 5 pm Mass. I also had a nice chant with Holly about the spiritual stuff and she was very comforting. She is a good woman. I also talked to Rob and he didn’t think the stuff David was mentioning would help much but he said it was okay to take some B-12.

Monday, May 15, 2017

good day bad day

Friday I was able to trim the road a bit, bring up the fresh gas for the lawn mower, do my knee exercises, do my 20 minutes of biking, water the greenhouse and pick a nice salad from it. I decided because of the rainy weather to not go into town and that worked out okay, a bit boring but I got some piano playing done (and with only a couple of days back, I am getting better). I also read a lot of Nostromo, more of the Gospel of Matthew, and a little more of the Iliad. I went out on the porch around 8 and did my talking with Jesus and then sang my four holy songs. My voice is awful and I struggle remembering the lyrics (since I am sick and on a lot of heavy duty drugs, I am not going to worry too much about that stuff). My stuff is meant to praise Jesus and I guess he understands. I watched an exciting game between the Celtics and the Wizards and though it looked like the Celtics were going to win rather easily, the Wizards pulled it out at the end and there will be a game seven. I did my weights and yoga during the game to keep my muscle tone as good as I can. I had to go to bed around 11 so I would be able to get up at 5:15 to go to Maddie’s graduation. Saturday was a tough morning. Even with the 2.5 mg Valium, I didn’t sleep very well and it was hard to get going at 5:15. I was a little worried about my GI problems but I made it to Panera by 7, where the Gallos picked me up and Cathy left Maddie and Lou with me at Squires and then we waited for the ceremony to start at 8:30. Maddie won the non-fiction creative writing award and none of the speakers spoke too long so we were done by ten. They dropped me off and I got a bit to eat then took a well needed nap in my truck. At the ceremony, my camera phone stopped working (it was blurry) so I stopped at Verison and found I have no insurance on it and that the update won’t be until September. A new one now would cost S400. Then I headed to my office for new checks and some bank statements so I can try to balance my checking. I made a mess of it yesterday. I am planning to go to the 5 pm mass at Saint Mary’s, which I did and I did get comfort out of it. Sunday was first time in a long time that I actually felt energetic. I trimmed the orchard road some, walked up to the orchard, ran the lawn tractor to keep the mice from nesting, drove back to the house and did a lot of straightening up, did my stationary biking, , my knee exercises, my weights and yoga, played five piano songs, did a couple of washes, spent the last 45 minutes sitting on the porch trying to talk to Jesus (still struggling with that) and singing my songs, “Amazing Grace,” Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore,” Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands,” and “When the Saints Come Marching in.” My voice is getting stronger but I don’t think Jesus cares much about my voice, just the sincere praise. Monday was a sluggish morning but I forced myself to walk to the second stump and getting back wasn’t too bad. I was doing my knee exercises when Darbi showed up with Randi Lemmon, the appraiser and it sounds like the appraisal should be okay. I did my stationary biking but that was a push and then it was time to head in for bloodwork. That went well, and then I drove to my office where I had to take a good one hour nap and had a tough time getting up. After a cup of tea, I revived a little and I was able to email Kate, check my mail, and do my blog.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Made a Reservation at Hethwood

On Thursday I was pretty tired but I did my knee exercises, and then drove in the get my blood work done so I could get the anemia shot on Tuesday. Valarie was very good and we had a nice chat about her family. I then talked to Rob about my thumbnail falling off and he just said to keep it exposed to the air. The worse news was that despise him telling me that there was a good chance that I would feel better after two weeks following the treatment, that he thought I would really see results after the third treatment, which would be late June. After that news I headed to meet Darbi and even though I went to the bathroom before she got there, I had a really bad accident by the time I got to the bathroom a second time and what a mess and cleanup I had. I almost started crying. I wonder if the valium caused it that I took for the blood test. I signed the contract, got a turkey sandwich at Arby’s and drove straight home to take care of things instead of going to Walmart for supplies. On Friday Darbi was scheduled to come out to visit with David and Laura and didn’t get there till almost 1:30. We chatted briefly and they still seem to really want the hollow at the reduced price and the concessions I made. We are planning to meet with the Sissons on Wednesday and if they allow David and Laura to use their road for a year, the deal will probably go through. They really would be a perfect couple for the hollow. I did my knee exercises and 20 minutes of biking. Then I drove into Cburg and since my stomach feel okay I decided to get a salad and soup at Panera before heading to Walmart. Hope this works after yesterday’s accident. Saturday I decided to stay at home and eventually watch the Kentucky Derby (both my horses lost) and I did my exercising and a walk, along with weights and yoga. But at about 8 my GI system exploded again and for two hours I couldn’t stop. It was awful. When it finally stopped, I was exhausted but at least I could rest a little. On Sunday morning I checked my Saturday messages and Rob wanted me to call and he wanted me to go to the ER, and that was a big struggle but I got there with my stuff in case they wanted me to stay but after sticking doing bloodwork and sticking me with an IV and hydrating me, they released me around 2 and I went home. Chris and Danny did a great job cutting the grass and trimming the orchard road. I was too tired to do any exercises but I did watch the Cavaliers sweep the Raptors. Monday I felt a bit stronger and I did my knee exercises and 25 minutes of stationary biking. I drove to see Rob and he thought I either had a virus or it was the effects of the Cytoxan but thought the main hit was over. I then had my tire replaced at Toyota. Tuesday was hard to get up but I finally did, doing most of my leg exercises and then 25 minutes of biking before getting ready to head to get my anemia shot at Dr. Trivedi’s. I almost didn’t get it because I had forgotten to take some of my blood pressure meds but after a half hour my blood pressure went down and I got the shot. I am still scheduled for the 24th for my second treatment and time keeps creeping forward. I am planning to head to the 6:30 Mass at St. Mary’s. There were only a few people at mass but I had communion and I did feel good that I went. Wednesday was the meeting with Darbi, Laura and David and Danny Sisson agreed to let them use their road for an extended period, so it looks like the deal should go through and what a relief that would be. I did drive into town to pick up the meds I have run out of but Walmart didn’t have them in but they did give me a two day supply. Darbi gave me some very good chicken soup and that was kind of her. I drove home and made an odd dinner of Darbi’s chicken soup and I made up a plate of sliced potatoes that I microwaved for almost 20 minutes. They were okay. When I move I am going to learn how to cook simple healthy dishes. I watched some of the Boston / Washington game but Boston was much too good. I didn’t see much from the anemia shot yet but not sure how fast it’s supposed to work. Thursday I met Lonnie East at the gate and we drove to my gate and delivered the tractor. I drove it up to shed and then walked down, which wasn’t too much of a stress. I drove home and watered the greenhouse, then took a nap. I got up and made myself a cup of tea and did my knee exercises and started my biking but when I checked the weather after 5 is supposed to be awful. I freshened up and and then headed to Hethwood and signed my reservation for an apartment in Stroubles Run for 335. It is 1039 a month but it is right off the Huckleberry Trail and there is a handicapped spot right in front. It has a balcony in front and the surroundings seem nice. The big problem is that I won’t be able to get in until August 11. At least I am assured a place by mid-August, and by then my health situation should be much clearer with having finished 4 Cytoxan treatments and off the prednisone. I treated myself to a sandwich at Panera and after I post my blog I will probably head home to avoid the storm. My energy level felt better today.

Friday, May 5, 2017

status quo

On Thursday I was pretty tired but I did my knee exercises, and then drove in the get my blood work done so I could get the anemia shot on Tuesday. Valarie was very good and we had a nice chat about her family. I then talked to Rob about my thumbnail falling off and he just said to keep it exposed to the air. The worse news was that despise him telling me that there was a good chance that I would feel better after two weeks following the treatment, that he thought I would really see results after the third treatment, which would be late June. After that news I headed to meet Darbi and even though I went to the bathroom before she got there, I had a really bad accident by the time I got to the bathroom a second time and what a mess and cleanup I had. I almost started crying. I wonder if the valium caused it that I took for the blood test. I signed the contract, got a turkey sandwich at Arby’s and drove straight home to take care of things instead of going to Walmart for supplies. On Friday Darbi was scheduled to come out to visit with David and Laura and didn’t get there till almost 1:30. We chatted briefly and they still seem to really want the hollow at the reduced price and the concessions I made. We are planning to meet with the Sissons on Wednesday and if they allow David and Laura to use their road for a year, the deal will probably go through. They really would be a perfect couple for the hollow. I did my knee exercises and 20 minutes of biking. Then I drove into Cburg and since my stomach feel okay I decided to get a salad and soup at Panera before heading to Walmart. Hope this works after yesterday’s accident.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Still not much change

Sunday ended up being pretty productive, especially since I did a lot of stuff in my office, filing some stuff away, publishing my blog, and getting 6 books from the Modern Library Best 100 novels. I did a walk in the morning after listening to Sunday mass on TV and it talked about Jesus always being beside you so during my walk I thought a lot about that and thanked Jesus for being there. I still am struggling on how to talk to Jesus but I keep trying. I took a couple of naps in my truck and that helped me maintain a little better level of energy. I did siphon out the old gas out of the generator and replace it was treated gas so that should be good for at least six months. Monday was my visit to the dentist and getting up was hard (I was so tired) and I had a hard time walking (somewhat dizzy). It is my fifth day since the treatment so I am hoping in nine more days I start to feel better. I struggled to brush my teeth, shave and shower and then I struggle to get through both gates and I got rid of the recycling before heading to Dr. Park’s where I was an hour early but waiting in the office didn’t bother me much. Amanda was very nice to me, even putting a light blanket on me because I was cold. I then decided to treat myself to a Due South small barbeque sandwich and some sweet potato casserole and I enjoyed it even though my taste buds aren’t working very well. The mother of one of the office staff has had lupus for a long time and after a somewhat shaky start she ended up doing pretty well. I am now at Toyota getting some servicing done and then I will probably go to my office for a bit.