As promised

This morning I got back from Ping Pong in time to see Pat off to bridge. She got back from bridge in time to me off to the wine club. As she is feeling better without wine, she had decided to rest instead of going. When I got back she gave her OK to the pictures I had taken of her. So as promised here they are. The blog only allows 150 pixels for pictures so there is not a lot of detail. She really looks much better than these morsels show. If you email me I'll send you pictures with more pixels.

make-up class

It is me again--
Sid out playing bridge--evening to myself--to watch all of the shows that I tape that he just sighs and thinks are stupid. I like them--they are fun.
You all know about the trauma of the haircut--- if my hair would remain like this-- It's not bad--a wee bit short but dramatic--really think---no such luck ---more is sure to go--Picture will be sent tomorrow-- I don't know how to download.
Today I went to a makeup class sponsered by the American Cancer Society--- didn't learn much--- but I did meet some really nice gals--and picked up some tips on where to go for headgear and how to put on my eyebrows when they are gone--never had to wear pencil--also false eyelashes--maybe I will finally have long thick lashes.
Sid has been driving me crazy about exposure to people in case they are sick--and don't know it. So I called the dr. and asked the nurse about the gym, playing bridge, movies, restaurants etc. She as much as said "you got to live--" if you stay isolated you will go looney and that is worse--just use common sense. A neighbor who is being treated for breast cancer is going on a trip to Germany in the middle of chemo--that may be a bit much. Tomorrow I will play bridge with my usual bridge partner--- I warned her that my chemo brain might kick in and I will do stupid things--- she is a good sport--as long as we don't come in last. I do hope that I can concentrate--It will be good for me to try and use my brain.
Will write again soon---Sid I am sure will keep you posted.
I still have an appetite--I will have to watch the chocolate chip cookies
To all of you mothers Happy Mother's Day.
Pat

The mission for the day was Pat's haircut - she had decided to cut it shorter before it all fell out. When I got back from ping-pong, Pat donned the hat be had purchased previously in Laguna beach, and we went to the salon/barber together. Understandably, it was a bit traumatic for Pat, but the lady was sweet and did a nice job. Pat smiled at the result and was pleased with it, as were we all. That done, and the hat once more in place, we went to Bagel and Brew for lunch. Although not feeling badly, Pat felt like taking it easy today, so we lounged in the back. It is truly lovely out and we read and did puzzles. I haven't been able to find my camera, but I'll set out on that chore soon and will post a picture of Pat and her new do.

Mission Aborted

We got up this morning raring to go. Unfortunately we got to UCI only to find out that the chemo session had been aborted. Pat's red blood cell count had not recovered sufficiently to permit the next treatment. For the moment the 2 week/3week cycle issue has become moot. If the red blood cell count recovers more quickly after the treatment next Monday, we'll be trying for the 2 week cycle again.

On with our lives - we're changing clothes and are headed out for a walk. Then it's lunch someplace out of doors - it is a beautiful day.

Friday Pat went to the Arts Alive exhibit in San Diego with the “girls” from the philharmonic group and was joined by our daughter-in-law Julie. Need I mention that the afternoon started with a nice lunch? It was a lovely day and they all had a great time. It was then home for a glass of wine and dinner. On Saturday Pat felt as if she had been invaded by “chemo brain”. You feel loopy and not in complete control of your actions. She had enough of her brain left to eliminate ambien at bedtime and the glass of wine before dinner. Voila, Sunday morning chemo brain was gone! We did our usual Sunday Morning walk and breakfast at Bagel and Brew. The brew is coffee, not beer. The rest of the day has been spent getting ready for the beginning of the second treatment cycle. The only down moment of the day came when Pat noticed the first signs of falling hair. A couple of deep breaths and it was back to work getting ready.

Good Days

Well Tuesday came to pass pretty much as expected. We got to the museum around 12:30 and immediately joined the museum to take advantage of the offer of free tickets to both the Renoir and American Stories exhibits. Then ,off to the Cafe for a quick sandwich. Our next stop was the American Stories exhibit. Although we enjoyed seeing some old friends and "meeting" a number of painters with which we were not acquainted, but who were quite good, it was probably a tactical mistake as we both ran out of gas before we ran out of paintings. But we persevered to the end, kept going by decision to stop for coffee and a brownie. That stop, a very leisurely one, got us to the Renoir, where a film of him painting in his later years, gave us the energy to make it through the exhibit and for Pat to find something in the museum shop. We had not been aware of just how crippled Renoir was with arthritis during the latter years of his painting. From there it was off to Century City where the the Beckers let us rest with wine and cheese before the four of took off for Factor's where Pat did get, and enjoy, her pastrami sandwich. Pat had a problem finishing the monstrous sandwich which she resolved by taking home a quarter of it.

Wednesday it was off to the wig lady, where Pat tried all sorts of wigs and alternatives to them. She pretty much decided on what she would do if and when her hair fell out. There is a 5% chance that it might not. Pat will tell you more about that when she has to do something about it.

Today Pat ran up to the hospital to have her blood drawn for testing. It is the prelude to each of her treatment sessions. On the way back she stopped at Costco, getting home about 5 minutes late for a 1:15 date to be picked by friends with whom we went to observe a master class conducted by Menahem Pressler at UCI. The rest of the pastrami sandwich, eaten in the car on the way to UCI, was her lunch, After the fascinating class, it was out for Chinese food and home not too long ago. Pat has already retired and I'm on my way there now, hoping that fatigue has not left this post incoherent.

Still going strong

Hi All--
today is another good day---taking the opportunity to go to LA for the Renoir exhibit it will be nice to look at beautiful paintings---and then out for dinner with some friends. I opted for a deli--will eat Pastrami while I still feel like it.
We will see what next Monday brings--- doing what I can to stay focused--and not dwell on what might be. Thanks for all of the sharings---it is so nice to know there are so many in my camp. Will write again soon.
Love the comments and e-mails
Pat