Post #58: Improvement!

Greetings all!

Today (Saturday) Anita is feeling much improved over yesterday, particularly comparing how she felt at the same time yesterday! She continues to be tired, have shortness of breath and some dizziness, particularly when bending over, but all in all, each day has seen steady improvement.

She believes that she may have a stubborn little area of growth on her left-side ribcage area under her arm. Periodically, when she moves her left arm in a certain manner, but more frequently when she least expects it, she gets a sharp nerve-like pain - like "OUCH!" But luckily it is a fleeting pain that goes away quickly. She is going to ask the onocologist about this when next they meet.

Friday she had her weekly blood work done. The blood people alternate doing one big test and one smaller one from week-to-week. Yesterday she had the smaller one. Going into the lab building she had to stop and take a rest, but she went to the lab reception desk herself to sign in. In the past, John has usually signed in for her as she did not have the stamina or energy to go do that.

Following the blood test they went out for breakfast. She was really looking forward to a big eggs Benedict feast! Wouldn't you know it? It was awful! The dish had the worst gravy on it with an olive on top of all things! To add insult to injury it came with your choice of hash browns or fruit. Anita opted for the fruit which turned out to be bulk cantalope. Well, needless to say, they won't be back to that restaurant anytime soon!

Meanwhile, John has been out shopping for lots of books, so they're reading up a storm at home. That is, when they have a moment between jumping up to find out what the dog's gotten himself into next! Sometimes their timing has been rotten - like letting the dog out into the yard just as the sprinklers are going off! Tristan loves it of course - lots of mud to play in! But of course that means another bath! Well, he'll get his come-uppance. Tuesday is vet day! Time for a distemper shot and some deworming. He is apparently growing like a weed and developing his adult coloration. Now if his behavior would only catch up with his coloration!

Next Friday August 10th will be three weeks from Anita's last chemo treatment. She announced to me today that: "Next week is going to be my rambunctious week! On Wednesday we're going to take a big ride somewhere - hopefully to San Diego where we can take the dog to the beach!" But if that destination turns out to be a bit too ambitious, then they will probably drive up to Idlewyld (may have spelled that wrong) to a favorite restaurant. In any event, she has stated emphatically that: "Monday, it's [feeling lousy] going to be gone! I'm getting out of this and am going to feel better!"

Now that's the ticket!

Melissa