Friday, April 26, 2024

     Rain last night. This morning the clouds clear and the sun shines on the glittering plants.

     I am meeting with the oncologist today.  I have a list of the side effects from the six weeks of chemotherapy. Mostly it is a sense of increased weakness, skin issues, and sore joints. Nothing that needs any medications or treatments. Maybe it is age related, maybe treatment related. During treatment I couldn’t read my weekly New Yorker nor could I drive. I am doing both now.

     An old philosopher friend came to talk with me.  His question is, what is it to live well.  Can we even describe it. The two questions I have are what do you not like about your life now and what do you like in your life now. We talk for an hour and could have talked for much longer.

     I am rereading Jonathan Reisman, MD’s book THE UNSEEN BODY, a doctor’s journey through the hidden wonders of human anatomy. It is still an inspiring book for me.

 

Thursday, April 25, 2024

     I start reading earlier blog posts from 6 years ago. Umm still interesting. I wonder how long I can keep writing.

     Dreary day, overcast, damp.  I water the front garden and sprinkle some fertilizer on the plants. The soil is dry and rain is not expected. I am surprised how sore my legs become as I stand there holding the water hose. The flowering bushes delight me.

     I finish reading the book about hospital administration. Not a great book but I did learn new things about hospitals. And now I am in the middle of the first MURDERBOT diaries. I have reserved two more in this series at the library.

    I am restless as the neighbor’s work crew continue their 15 month odyssey improving their home. 6 trucks park on the street and in my yard. Huge heavy trucks bring their fresh cement to the site. Constructions sounds fill my house.  I keep checking my mailbox.  Is it still standing.  Yep.  It has been knocked over twice. And I suspect my mail has been taken at least once.

 

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

      I meet with my primary care physician for 15 minutes every couple of months. My goal is to have him know me and recognize me as I go through the maze of cancer treatments.  He reminds me that I am a strong woman and I am the one who makes the treatment decisions. He spotted my cancer at my first appointment three years ago, and arranged for immediate care with a competent urologist. Tuesday, I meet with him for my 15 minutes of encouragement. He definitely knows me now.

     I finally start reading Martha Wells wildly popular book ALL SYSTEMS RED, THE MURDERBOT DIARIES. A short sci fi book, the first of a series. Yes I am intrigued and will continue.

    More coverage and commentary on TV of the Trump trials. I am faithful follower of this “no one is above the law” spectacle.

     An old friend comes by to show me a quilt from the Quilt Guild. This quilt is wildly colorful with a variety of styles and patterns. I can’t stop smiling as she shows it to me.  My hands are healing from the side effects of the immunotherapy treatments, and maybe I can start working on my quilt again.