puzzles and beading and quilting, oh, my!
Margaret's visit was a pleasure. As you may have read, she was the one we brainstormed to invite to stay with me while Don went on his meditation retreat in Minnesota. Margaret left a few hours ago, and Don is due back tonight, and I feel very well-loved and cared-for. Margaret brought materials to begin work on one of her gorgeous art quilts, and I began work on a beading project, and we spent a lot of time on a jigsaw puzzle I had in progress. We also swam together (we made it most of the short way across Lake Wingra and back on Wednesday!) and talked and ate. I managed to do quite a bit of work while she was here too, since I had some energy and a lot of our meals were being provided, and Margaret was taking care of everything else that needed doing, and then some!!! (she even cleaned the raccoon poop off the back porch -- a rather icky perennial problem that I've completely let slide this season).
Today I'm really fatigued -- which is similar to past weeks, when the effects of the chemo seem to get worse as the week goes by -- but I also have a new perspective on it. On the day of my last treatment this past Tuesday, my white blood cell count was fine as a result of the subcutaneous shots I'm now administering at home 3 days every week to stimulate my bone marrow. However, my red cell count has continued to drop, and they said it was at the border of where they would recommend I receive a pint or two of blood. It was news to me that a transfusion might be a possibility, and when my oncologist suggested we could wait until next week and see how I'm doing, I readily agreed. Today though I'm thinking maybe it would have been good to get one this week! I’m a little scared since this is yet another new medical procedure for me, and not completely without risk, but overall I'm relieved to hear there is something they can do about this level of fatigue, and that I don't have to just tolerate it getting gradually worse for the remaining 8 weeks of chemo.
Comments (7)
What a blessing to have spent these days with you! Call (or text) me anytime and we'll see how to make it work again! :-)
I am so grateful to Margaret for all that she has brought to your life this week....including her own pleasure in being able to spend that time playing with you. Such joy to see you both together and to hear about the fun you've been having. I hope that Don had a good retreat, too. Becca, if your blood levels also mean low iron, have I told you about Blood Builder? (forgive me if I have!) It works really well to help the body to absorb the iron, which also helps us to have more energy, etc. I get it at either Willy St. Coop or at Community Pharmacy. Looking forward to seeing your beading and to maybe being able to touch in when I bring food in a week....though I have now been forewarned that you might be tired on Fridays. After next week maybe I'll be able to hang out with you while you are receiving your treatment or just because.... I'll be more free again then. Love you! Celeste
Hi Becca. I just want to chime and let youknow that I am reading each post, tracking along your amazing journey/ordeal, and sending you great compassion and light. Love, Bev
Thank you for continuing to share your walk. Bless your heart. I am strengthened (and challenged) in mine by the courage and patience of your show in yours.
HI Becca, thank you so much for sharing your 'experiential learning' as you go thru this journey. I am super impressed with your physical and emotional strength as you go thru the fatigue, pain, and fear of cancer treatment. I enjoy reading your posts, and I think of you often. Warmest regards- Anne
In Hebrew there's an expression, "rosh shakeyt", which literally means "quiet head", but idiomatically means "peace of mind". It's wonderful that you have so many people in your life who can enter and help you in many different ways, allowing you to relax, exercise, rest, work, or simply have company, giving you the peace of mind, space, and support to carry on with your day in whatever way you feel is best at that moment. On a lighter note, I like the head covering, and would be happy to adopt it when you're healthy and no longer need it. ;-) Also, (on the subject of Hebrew expressions with the word "head"/"rosh") technically speaking, "tichel" is a Yiddish word for scarf, whereas "kisui rosh" is Hebrew for "head covering".
Becca, I wish you peace and joy as you continue your journey, kudos to Margaret for being such a supportive and caring friend.