Ann Baxa pointed out that I have been slacking on the blog lately. I don't have a great excuse.
What is New:
I am home again this weekend, but I'm planning on hitchhiking with a couple of Market to Market Relay teams on Saturday.
Michelle Paxton and I are going to be interviewed tomorrow at 9:15am at MoPac for a Market to Market story. Michelle's team is called "I Can. I Will!" Michelle, Courtney Mann, and I also did some major editing on a reporter's story about the history behind the "I Can. I Will!" I'm not sure what time the news report will be on, but it will be on the 10/11 news...I would assume tomorrow (Friday) at 6 or 10. I'll try to send another post with the exact time.
I have a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday, October 6th. The results will take a week (they will make sure that there are no cancer cells and that everything is good with the transplant)...once the results are in, we can go HOME! We could walk out of the apartment by October 12 or 13. I'm escaping early (100 days would have taken me to the end of October).
Rosetta Stone Level 2 is making me think harder...no more easy present tense.
I have been continuing to walk, and I haven't converted to running yet. I have until track season to be a "real" runner.
We've met friends for lunch, had dinner at Jill's, and I've tolerated watching Dancing with the Stars.
I've decided that I will be even more bored when I"m home by myself through December.
Don't forget to check out the 10/11 news report!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Playing the Pickle to Annoy the Neighbors
After picking up Jill and Derek from the airport, we packed up our stuff and blew out of the apartment. On the way home, we stopped at St. E's so I could give Melissa her baby gift (on her first day back at work). I like dropping by St. E's when I don't have to get treatment. Brian and I made filets for dinner, and then we just spent time relaxing and bothering the cats.
Jane Holt met me Saturday morning for a walk. The East cross country kids ran from the same place, but it seemed like it took them a long time to pass us.
Since Brian was going to the football game, I needed a babysitter. I got to spend some quality time with Liz and Mattie. We went to Mattie's soccer game (she's an awesome soccer player) and we tried not to turn into ice cubes. Apparently, chili was the choice food for football parties, as Liz grabbed the very last can of chili beans at HyVee on the way home. When she had the can in her hands, another woman asked if that was the last can. Luckily, a tug-of-war match did not occur. We spent our afternoon watching the football game and eating chili, cinnamon rolls, and cheese. Mattie (who is 8-years-old) gave me a fabulous foot and hand massage, and she did a great job painting my toe nails with embellishments.
Mom came over Sunday morning while Brian went to church. We were intending on walking at that time, but it was raining. We ended up walking later after Brian and I went to The Lincoln Running Company to see Ann and to pick up Brian's new running shoes. Mom and I did a destination walk to HyVee to pick up a prescription. We also found ourselves in the Birkenstock store and Moose's Tooth.
After dinner at my mom and dad's, Mom and I left for the apartment in Omaha. It is depressing to get into the car to head back here. Despite paying almost $900 a month in rent, this place is dirty and smelly (and not from our doing).
Monday morning we had an early doctor appointment. I was tired, so I decided to lay down on the couch for our hour wait between lab work and the actual appointment. I was even given a pillow. The doctor said that I was still doing well, and I didn't have any signs of Host V. Graft Disease. Generally, the steroids have been keeping me buzzing all day, but my doctor has cut down the dosage. Amazingly, I actually took a nap...
We went for a walk on the bike trail in the afternoon. All of a sudden, we were surrounded by a huge group of middle school cross country kids. Two boys flew up the hill. As a cross country coach, I am nervous about where they will be going to high school. The kids were from the Buffett magnet school.
Kara (Heimann) Smith came over for a gourmet meal--Mom made salmon (unfortunately, this doesn't not help with the stench in the apartment).
This morning we went on a shorter walk; my legs are feeling a little fatigued. Nothing too interesting happened--I finished a book and cursed at my failed writing attempts at Spanish (I eventually got it right).
Mom just went outside (because our slamming door/chain smoker neighbors were out on their deck) to play the Yodeling Pickle. Actually, she played the pickle three times, just to make sure they heard it. It was embarrassing.
Tomorrow we have lunch plans at Taste with Mom's friend, and Thursday we intend on leaving for Lincoln after my two doctor appointments. I am hoping to stay in Lincoln from Thursday evening to Sunday.
The only other interesting detail is that I booked frequent flier mile tickets to Ireland next July. I'm not going to get ahead of myself and book anything else (it was too sad to cancel all of my China reservations). I figured Ireland and Scotland were going to be pretty "safe" countries for someone coming off a stem cell transplant. I had to use more miles than I wanted to, but on the international flight we are sitting in business class and on the domestic flights we are lounging in first class.
Adios. Hoping for an early release from prison.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Weekend of Freedom
While this nerd could spend an infinite time in the apartment reading and studying, my mom needed to escape the apartment yesterday. I can hang out here okay, as long as I get my walk outside in the morning (today we walked from Jill's house to Standing Bear Lake). So to burn some time, we went what we've termed "boredom shopping" at Village Pointe. Wednesday is big discount day, and Mom and I found some good 40% off deals.
Today the weather was definitely fall-like and we completed our walk out at Standing Bear Lake. I decided that I would try "running" again. The verb I should really use is "jog," but I did jog about 3/4 of a mile with just a few brief pauses at the end of the walk. My form is still ridiculous and I can tell that I have no running muscles, but I have a long time until track season to be a "runner" again.
We had a 11:30 appointment at UNMC--I got another model patient report and a pass home for the weekend. Brian and I will come back tomorrow afternoon after we pick Jill and Derek up from the airport. My doctor said that if things continue to look this good, that she will schedule the bone marrow biopsy in three weeks (to verify that there are no cancer cells). The results could take up to a week, but that could get me home by October 13th instead of October 31st. I hope to get out of here early, so I'll keep my rigorous exercise schedule and healthy eating (thanks, Mom). I still won't get to drive until I am completely off my immune suppressant drug, so I'll be bumming rides from many of you. Despite having a normal range white count, this drug helps with the transplant, but also makes germs cackle and laugh as they attack me. The good thing is that some people have to get weaned off of eight pills, and because I don't need a large dose, I only have to take one a day. As a previous germphobe, I can't believe my hands haven't cracked off from excessive washing and using hand sanitizer.
This afternoon my People to People travel friends came over. Jess Jolkowski and Patti Glasrud came over for a while, and then Mom and I met John Krajewski for dinner at the Wave Bistro. The Asian fusion food there was terrific, and actually Mom, John, and I all ordered the same Thai chicken mango dish. Currently, Brian is on his way up to relieve Mom of her sitter duties.
I can't wait to do my own laundry and hang out with my cats. Watching my cats via computer isn't quite the same.
I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. I am going to!
Today the weather was definitely fall-like and we completed our walk out at Standing Bear Lake. I decided that I would try "running" again. The verb I should really use is "jog," but I did jog about 3/4 of a mile with just a few brief pauses at the end of the walk. My form is still ridiculous and I can tell that I have no running muscles, but I have a long time until track season to be a "runner" again.
We had a 11:30 appointment at UNMC--I got another model patient report and a pass home for the weekend. Brian and I will come back tomorrow afternoon after we pick Jill and Derek up from the airport. My doctor said that if things continue to look this good, that she will schedule the bone marrow biopsy in three weeks (to verify that there are no cancer cells). The results could take up to a week, but that could get me home by October 13th instead of October 31st. I hope to get out of here early, so I'll keep my rigorous exercise schedule and healthy eating (thanks, Mom). I still won't get to drive until I am completely off my immune suppressant drug, so I'll be bumming rides from many of you. Despite having a normal range white count, this drug helps with the transplant, but also makes germs cackle and laugh as they attack me. The good thing is that some people have to get weaned off of eight pills, and because I don't need a large dose, I only have to take one a day. As a previous germphobe, I can't believe my hands haven't cracked off from excessive washing and using hand sanitizer.
This afternoon my People to People travel friends came over. Jess Jolkowski and Patti Glasrud came over for a while, and then Mom and I met John Krajewski for dinner at the Wave Bistro. The Asian fusion food there was terrific, and actually Mom, John, and I all ordered the same Thai chicken mango dish. Currently, Brian is on his way up to relieve Mom of her sitter duties.
I can't wait to do my own laundry and hang out with my cats. Watching my cats via computer isn't quite the same.
I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. I am going to!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Mom Walked with a Bag of Poo
Why is it that some dog owners are willing to pick up and bag their waste, but then decide to chuck it by the side of the trail? Mom decided to collect trash this morning on our return jaunt to the apartment. For 10 minutes, all I could think about was that she was carrying a sack of poop in a plastic cup.
My doctor report yesterday was good, as usual, and the slight cold that I picked up seems to be clearing up. I am hoping to get a pass from my doctor to come home this weekend again.
After the doctor visit, we went to Cabela's to pick up the jacket Mom ordered. I may have been to Cabela's in Kearney a long time ago, but I was a little shocked by the "gun check in station" at the front door. Mom and I didn't have to stop there because we're not packing. We both ended up getting the same North Face shirt--Mom bought it for me, so I now have a gag order and can't mock her for copying me.
Other than my father getting his first hole-in-one this morning, playing golf in Kansas City, nothing exciting has happened today. I think our fun outing will be to go to the grocery store this afternoon...
My doctor report yesterday was good, as usual, and the slight cold that I picked up seems to be clearing up. I am hoping to get a pass from my doctor to come home this weekend again.
After the doctor visit, we went to Cabela's to pick up the jacket Mom ordered. I may have been to Cabela's in Kearney a long time ago, but I was a little shocked by the "gun check in station" at the front door. Mom and I didn't have to stop there because we're not packing. We both ended up getting the same North Face shirt--Mom bought it for me, so I now have a gag order and can't mock her for copying me.
Other than my father getting his first hole-in-one this morning, playing golf in Kansas City, nothing exciting has happened today. I think our fun outing will be to go to the grocery store this afternoon...
Saturday, September 10, 2011
NWU Alumni Run 2011
Kudos to those alumni who braved the torture and ran the 5K race. It would have taken me a good 50 minutes to walk it. Thanks, Steph, for making it easy to distinguish alumni from current runner with the florescent "I can. I will." jerseys.
A Relaxing Weekend at Home
Okay, so I have been lazy on my blog postings this week. I've had a busy schedule...
Wednesday Mom and I went to Jill and Derek's house (they are in Hawaii). There is a good hilly bike trail, a couple of minutes from her house, that leads out to Standing Bear Lake. It was a beautiful day, and I felt like I was playing hooky. Mom intended to mow their lawn right afterward, but the grass was too wet. We came back later in the afternoon...I sat on the couch reading a great book (I Am a Man": Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice) while my mom said she did "the hardest thing since we climbed Machu Picchu." Jill and Derek's lawn mower is my parents' old mower and it has some serious issues. I believe Mom said it was like mowing with a Volkswagon Bug.
Thursday we had an early morning doctor appointment, and my goal was to ask my doctor to come home Saturday night. My nurse case manager told me that we could just go home tonight, but Brian and Dad were already coming up this evening, and East had a cross country meet at Walnut Grove in Millard on Friday. I didn't want to drive back up to Omaha to go. Steph Randall and Bridget Easley came up for lunch. They both dressed like movie stars in gorgeous dresses. I thought I looked nice, since I wasn't wearing my standard gray t-shirt uniform. We ate at 7M Grill. I am starting to get really jealous of people eating (bacteria-laden) salads. Steph and Bridget came back to our apartment for a while, where we held them captive until about 3:30.
All week I had been blowing my nose more, but I chalked it up to allergies. However, after my doctor appointment, it started to manifest into more cold-like symptoms. This fact troubled me because I had just been given a pass home, and I am on immune suppressant drugs. I called my case manager and still got the okay, as long as (sorry) my snot doesn't change colors or I don't cough up anything...
Friday we went to the East cross country meet, and I had to go out there early with Brian to set up the tents. Finally, we decided to set up our tents near the starting line; it turned out to be a dangerous location. I sat on a bench reading "Kabul Beauty School," while three or four ginormous walnuts nearly missed hitting my head. A few seconds later, a massive walnut tree branch plummeted from the sky, nearly hitting the Southwest team--all the girls screamed. Courtney and Cody Mann came out with their 9-month-old, Alexis, and we watched the meet together. Okay, we actually left before the boys' race, used the non-stinky bathrooms at Culver's, and committed to malts before dinner. Court and Cody fed Brian and me spaghetti and garlic bread, and then we gathered up our things from our apartment.
Today was the NWU Alumni Invite, so Brian and I went out to Pioneers to watch the race. I continue to be amazed by my friends. Steph had made alumni jerseys that say "I can. I will. NWU Alum." Ann copied my "I can. I will." speech and handed it out. Ted emphasized that I was present at the meet. I definitely felt loved.
Julie Harder is my babysitter this evening for the football game. She had to come at 4, since Brian, Joe, and my parents went to a tailgate. We are currently enjoying our time talking, working (Jules on grad work and I'm on the blog), and eating Indian food. I think the football game is on the TV.
Tomorrow's plan: walk with Mom and hang out with the kitties. I will ride back up to Omaha tomorrow night with my mom.
I'm in Level 2 of Rosetta Stone...I'm starting to think (simply) in Spanish.
Adios.
Wednesday Mom and I went to Jill and Derek's house (they are in Hawaii). There is a good hilly bike trail, a couple of minutes from her house, that leads out to Standing Bear Lake. It was a beautiful day, and I felt like I was playing hooky. Mom intended to mow their lawn right afterward, but the grass was too wet. We came back later in the afternoon...I sat on the couch reading a great book (I Am a Man": Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice) while my mom said she did "the hardest thing since we climbed Machu Picchu." Jill and Derek's lawn mower is my parents' old mower and it has some serious issues. I believe Mom said it was like mowing with a Volkswagon Bug.
Thursday we had an early morning doctor appointment, and my goal was to ask my doctor to come home Saturday night. My nurse case manager told me that we could just go home tonight, but Brian and Dad were already coming up this evening, and East had a cross country meet at Walnut Grove in Millard on Friday. I didn't want to drive back up to Omaha to go. Steph Randall and Bridget Easley came up for lunch. They both dressed like movie stars in gorgeous dresses. I thought I looked nice, since I wasn't wearing my standard gray t-shirt uniform. We ate at 7M Grill. I am starting to get really jealous of people eating (bacteria-laden) salads. Steph and Bridget came back to our apartment for a while, where we held them captive until about 3:30.
All week I had been blowing my nose more, but I chalked it up to allergies. However, after my doctor appointment, it started to manifest into more cold-like symptoms. This fact troubled me because I had just been given a pass home, and I am on immune suppressant drugs. I called my case manager and still got the okay, as long as (sorry) my snot doesn't change colors or I don't cough up anything...
Friday we went to the East cross country meet, and I had to go out there early with Brian to set up the tents. Finally, we decided to set up our tents near the starting line; it turned out to be a dangerous location. I sat on a bench reading "Kabul Beauty School," while three or four ginormous walnuts nearly missed hitting my head. A few seconds later, a massive walnut tree branch plummeted from the sky, nearly hitting the Southwest team--all the girls screamed. Courtney and Cody Mann came out with their 9-month-old, Alexis, and we watched the meet together. Okay, we actually left before the boys' race, used the non-stinky bathrooms at Culver's, and committed to malts before dinner. Court and Cody fed Brian and me spaghetti and garlic bread, and then we gathered up our things from our apartment.
Today was the NWU Alumni Invite, so Brian and I went out to Pioneers to watch the race. I continue to be amazed by my friends. Steph had made alumni jerseys that say "I can. I will. NWU Alum." Ann copied my "I can. I will." speech and handed it out. Ted emphasized that I was present at the meet. I definitely felt loved.
Julie Harder is my babysitter this evening for the football game. She had to come at 4, since Brian, Joe, and my parents went to a tailgate. We are currently enjoying our time talking, working (Jules on grad work and I'm on the blog), and eating Indian food. I think the football game is on the TV.
Tomorrow's plan: walk with Mom and hang out with the kitties. I will ride back up to Omaha tomorrow night with my mom.
I'm in Level 2 of Rosetta Stone...I'm starting to think (simply) in Spanish.
Adios.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Perhaps Kat is Right...
"You have a giraffe growing out of your neck...are you sure the doctor was right about that perfect check-up?" -Kat
Chalk one up for an original Host Vs. Graft Disease symptom. I can now reach the tall branches.
Chalk one up for an original Host Vs. Graft Disease symptom. I can now reach the tall branches.
Gloating on a Perfect Day
After my 8:30 doctor appointment (again, great results), we chose a new venue for our hour walk: The Henry Doorly Zoo. That's right. While you all were working, we were hiking up the hills looking at exotic animals...on the best weather day of the year. I'm pretty sure I saw my cat, Toonces, in one of the cages.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Vacation to Lincoln
Friday morning Brian and I went for an hour walk at Standing Bear Lake, and then we threw my bucket of drugs in the car and headed for Lincoln.
Duke greeted me at the door, but I had to go searching for Toonces. He was cowering behind the couch in the basement and had to sniff my hand to confirm who I was. It was very clear that he was still holding a grudge. I tried to explain that I hadn't been on vacation, but I'm not sure how well I communicated with a cat.
It was nice to spend the afternoon doing my own laundry and "shopping" for new clothes in my own closet. I didn't know I would need a plethora of running clothes. All of a sudden, I had several new bags packed, but now I won't have to wear a gray t-shirt and khaki shorts everyday (this has been my standard uniform since March).
At 3:00, Brian and I went up to school (I have permission to be in the building after school hours), so he could go to cross country practice and Julie could drive me to Granite City. I got to see several teachers and office staff, and it felt nice to be back in my "home." No kid likes getting sent to the principal or associate principal's office, but I enjoyed my time there.
Since I knew I was back on a Friday, I had orchestrated a Granite City excursion. I received some birthday cards and gifts (the chocolate and Twizzlers came in handy for the football game, since there were no snacks in our house). I reluctantly drank my raspberry lemonade (I did have two sips of Jane's IPA...and it tasted good--the new German in me really wanted a beer). I figure when you take 27-30 pills a day--and some that are to protect your liver and kidneys--that I probably don't need to consume any alcohol. A table of 21 can get pretty loud, and everyone seemed to talk over each other. I started to notice that my throat was getting hoarse, just like on the first day of school. I haven't had to talk loud at all for months... I got to see Jane Holt, Jim Rosenberger, Sally Hunt, Kim Wright, J.J. Dugdale, Bill Dimon, Laurie Fraser, Kandi Griess, Anna Runge, Laura Runge, Colleen Ogden, Anne Nichols, Shelly Dowding, Chuck Morgan, Marti Mueting, Pam Hovorka, Rob Ogden, Julie Harder, Jim Elsener, Ann Baxa, and John Strain (who can always sniff out a good party).
Colleen and Rob took me over to the Booster Blitz event at East. I found more friends to talk to, and got to see Wendy and Janet. Lots of students and parents came up to me to see how I was doing. People are surprised that I don't look like I'm falling apart. If I could teach in a bubble, like the Bubble Boy on Seinfeld, I would have no problems doing my job at this point.
Brian and I ran home for a little while before the East-Kearney football game, and then we met Joe at Seacrest. I watched zero football, but I got to see more East teachers and students, so it was a good social event...until it started lightning. We were only 20 minutes into the game, and we had to escort everyone out of the stands (they were told to go to their cars or into the stadium's restrooms). Brian and I made it to the truck before the torrential downpour, and it took us 25 minutes to drive home in the rain.
It was nice to sleep in my own bed with my cats...
Saturday was the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite. It felt so normal driving out to Pioneer to a cross country meet. Despite the intermittent light rain, it was a great day out at the park. The East girls' won the meet. Since I had been out at the park for a while, I wanted to leave right after the boys' race, and then I realized I can't drive. Wendy offered to take me home, and then I realized that she would have to "babysit" me until Brian returned from the meet. Luckily, I have a lot of people who are willing to keep an eye on me.
At 1pm, when Brian and Joe were leaving for the game, Jessica and Brad Rettig came over to hang out with me. I told Jess it was going to be the worst football party ever, in terms of food. I'm not sure what Brian eats at home. The fridge contained condiments, yogurt that expired in July, and some kind of watermelon mold science experiment. They brought over Papa Murphy's pizza (with lots of good toppings) and, thankfully, we had Twizzlers and Dove chocolates.
As usual, Toonces was not impressed with other people in the house. He followed us to the basement where we watched the game, but tended to hide just out of reach under the table. He stared at Jessica for a good hour straight, and then later did a "drive-by" and rubbed his butt on their legs. My lack of arm muscle was confirmed when I later tried to carry a squirmy 20 pound cat in one arm and a glass of water down the stairs. I think I watched some of the Husker game, but mostly I think I talked Jess and Brad's ears off.
My parents came over after the game, and then we all went to Dino's for dinner. After consuming pizza and fried things all weekend, I really wanted to order a salad (but it's off limits). We went back to the house to pack up, and I had to say goodbye to my cats again. Toonces growled at me a few times--he knows what a suitcase represents. The drive back to Omaha was tedious, but at least we didn't have to fight any game traffic. I resented walking back into my apartment.
Yesterday Brian dropped me off at Jill's friend's house. I met Michele a couple of weeks ago, when she came on the walk with Jill and me. Since Jill and Derek were in Hawaii, she offered to walk with me while Brian went to church. We walked about four miles on the trail. I spent my afternoon finishing Level One of the Spanish software (except for some studio session where you have to talk to other Rosetta Stone learners) and reading while Brian worked on grading and cross country statistics.
We only walked for about 40 minutes this morning. I shouldn't even have allowed Brian to walk with me because I'm pretty sure he has a stress fracture in his foot. His foot is swollen, but selfishly, I can't go out by myself (and the treadmills at our workout center aren't great). Chris and Jerry came over this morning. My mom is coming this afternoon to release Brian from his "caretaking duties."
This week my goal is to finagle another overnight pass for Saturday night. I would like to see the NWU alumni meet, and it's a lot easier to find a babysitter for the game when I'm in Lincoln. Hopefully I will get approved!
Back to the grind tomorrow...we have an 8:30 doctor appointment.
Duke greeted me at the door, but I had to go searching for Toonces. He was cowering behind the couch in the basement and had to sniff my hand to confirm who I was. It was very clear that he was still holding a grudge. I tried to explain that I hadn't been on vacation, but I'm not sure how well I communicated with a cat.
It was nice to spend the afternoon doing my own laundry and "shopping" for new clothes in my own closet. I didn't know I would need a plethora of running clothes. All of a sudden, I had several new bags packed, but now I won't have to wear a gray t-shirt and khaki shorts everyday (this has been my standard uniform since March).
At 3:00, Brian and I went up to school (I have permission to be in the building after school hours), so he could go to cross country practice and Julie could drive me to Granite City. I got to see several teachers and office staff, and it felt nice to be back in my "home." No kid likes getting sent to the principal or associate principal's office, but I enjoyed my time there.
Since I knew I was back on a Friday, I had orchestrated a Granite City excursion. I received some birthday cards and gifts (the chocolate and Twizzlers came in handy for the football game, since there were no snacks in our house). I reluctantly drank my raspberry lemonade (I did have two sips of Jane's IPA...and it tasted good--the new German in me really wanted a beer). I figure when you take 27-30 pills a day--and some that are to protect your liver and kidneys--that I probably don't need to consume any alcohol. A table of 21 can get pretty loud, and everyone seemed to talk over each other. I started to notice that my throat was getting hoarse, just like on the first day of school. I haven't had to talk loud at all for months... I got to see Jane Holt, Jim Rosenberger, Sally Hunt, Kim Wright, J.J. Dugdale, Bill Dimon, Laurie Fraser, Kandi Griess, Anna Runge, Laura Runge, Colleen Ogden, Anne Nichols, Shelly Dowding, Chuck Morgan, Marti Mueting, Pam Hovorka, Rob Ogden, Julie Harder, Jim Elsener, Ann Baxa, and John Strain (who can always sniff out a good party).
Colleen and Rob took me over to the Booster Blitz event at East. I found more friends to talk to, and got to see Wendy and Janet. Lots of students and parents came up to me to see how I was doing. People are surprised that I don't look like I'm falling apart. If I could teach in a bubble, like the Bubble Boy on Seinfeld, I would have no problems doing my job at this point.
Brian and I ran home for a little while before the East-Kearney football game, and then we met Joe at Seacrest. I watched zero football, but I got to see more East teachers and students, so it was a good social event...until it started lightning. We were only 20 minutes into the game, and we had to escort everyone out of the stands (they were told to go to their cars or into the stadium's restrooms). Brian and I made it to the truck before the torrential downpour, and it took us 25 minutes to drive home in the rain.
It was nice to sleep in my own bed with my cats...
Saturday was the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite. It felt so normal driving out to Pioneer to a cross country meet. Despite the intermittent light rain, it was a great day out at the park. The East girls' won the meet. Since I had been out at the park for a while, I wanted to leave right after the boys' race, and then I realized I can't drive. Wendy offered to take me home, and then I realized that she would have to "babysit" me until Brian returned from the meet. Luckily, I have a lot of people who are willing to keep an eye on me.
At 1pm, when Brian and Joe were leaving for the game, Jessica and Brad Rettig came over to hang out with me. I told Jess it was going to be the worst football party ever, in terms of food. I'm not sure what Brian eats at home. The fridge contained condiments, yogurt that expired in July, and some kind of watermelon mold science experiment. They brought over Papa Murphy's pizza (with lots of good toppings) and, thankfully, we had Twizzlers and Dove chocolates.
As usual, Toonces was not impressed with other people in the house. He followed us to the basement where we watched the game, but tended to hide just out of reach under the table. He stared at Jessica for a good hour straight, and then later did a "drive-by" and rubbed his butt on their legs. My lack of arm muscle was confirmed when I later tried to carry a squirmy 20 pound cat in one arm and a glass of water down the stairs. I think I watched some of the Husker game, but mostly I think I talked Jess and Brad's ears off.
My parents came over after the game, and then we all went to Dino's for dinner. After consuming pizza and fried things all weekend, I really wanted to order a salad (but it's off limits). We went back to the house to pack up, and I had to say goodbye to my cats again. Toonces growled at me a few times--he knows what a suitcase represents. The drive back to Omaha was tedious, but at least we didn't have to fight any game traffic. I resented walking back into my apartment.
Yesterday Brian dropped me off at Jill's friend's house. I met Michele a couple of weeks ago, when she came on the walk with Jill and me. Since Jill and Derek were in Hawaii, she offered to walk with me while Brian went to church. We walked about four miles on the trail. I spent my afternoon finishing Level One of the Spanish software (except for some studio session where you have to talk to other Rosetta Stone learners) and reading while Brian worked on grading and cross country statistics.
We only walked for about 40 minutes this morning. I shouldn't even have allowed Brian to walk with me because I'm pretty sure he has a stress fracture in his foot. His foot is swollen, but selfishly, I can't go out by myself (and the treadmills at our workout center aren't great). Chris and Jerry came over this morning. My mom is coming this afternoon to release Brian from his "caretaking duties."
This week my goal is to finagle another overnight pass for Saturday night. I would like to see the NWU alumni meet, and it's a lot easier to find a babysitter for the game when I'm in Lincoln. Hopefully I will get approved!
Back to the grind tomorrow...we have an 8:30 doctor appointment.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Happy Birthday to Me
Yesterday Mom and I went out to Standing Bear Lake for our walk. Like everyone else, I'll be happy when there is less humidity. I can walk forever, but the humidity knocks a little more out of me. After lifting weights, I was pretty sore, so I didn't attempt any short "jogs." I hate using the word "jog" to describe what I do, but here is what happens: I go on a short run, stop to pant, and then look around to find my mom hot on my trail. My running pace is not much quicker than my walking pace. I do not expect to be running any marathons right now, but when I've been out of shape in the past, 3-4 miles was still tangible; at this point, 3-4 minutes seems a little more elusive. However, I have made a lot of progress since I have been released from the hospital, and all of my doctors have been extremely impressed with my recovery. I'm not sure I'll get to escape here very early, since my doctor is a stickler for the 100-day rule, but I'm hoping to swing some passes home on a regular basis.
My mother has been calling me a nerd. I think this is because I can do seven hours of Spanish in a row or I have my nose buried in a book. I figure I might as well get smarter here, and actually, my "chemo brain" has retreated. I spent some time writing thank you notes and I had to think really hard to write in English.
Ann Ringlein came by to see us yesterday afternoon. She brought me an awesome orange "Run" t-shirt and a frosting-coated Cookie Company cookie. My mom was happy that Ann had some new insoles--her shins hurt her walking outside, and I can't afford to lose my training partner.
I have to say I eat incredibly well up here. My mom fixes salmon with rosemary and she peels my fruit for me.
Thursday, September 1: My 34th Birthday
Since I have gone for an hour walk every day for the last nine days, I decided that we didn't need to walk today. We had to go to UNMC for a 9:10 lab draw/doctor appointment. I worked on my Spanish verbs, and the time in the waiting room went pretty quick as usual.
We had a little snafu with getting prescriptions. First of all, one of my new drugs has a 90 dollar co-pay (what a bummer...that's a new pair of shoes--hopefully, I will only need a month of that). At least I was smart enough to have the new prescriptions called out to our HyVee, since it takes about 30 minutes to get to UNMC from our apartment.
Mom and I went to Borders (the stores are closing and everything was 60-70 percent off). I found several Ireland and Scotland travel guides (next July's vacation) and some good fiction. I used my birthday coupon for Noodles at lunch, and then we headed over to Village Pointe to Fat Brain (a kids' store) and then to my "gaping chest wound" appointment.
Tonight Mom, Dad, Jill, Derek, and Brian were over for birthday dinner and apple crisp.
After our walk tomorrow (with maybe a few jogs), we are coming home. Unfortunately, it's only for about 40 hours, but I'll be making the most of it.
My mother has been calling me a nerd. I think this is because I can do seven hours of Spanish in a row or I have my nose buried in a book. I figure I might as well get smarter here, and actually, my "chemo brain" has retreated. I spent some time writing thank you notes and I had to think really hard to write in English.
Ann Ringlein came by to see us yesterday afternoon. She brought me an awesome orange "Run" t-shirt and a frosting-coated Cookie Company cookie. My mom was happy that Ann had some new insoles--her shins hurt her walking outside, and I can't afford to lose my training partner.
I have to say I eat incredibly well up here. My mom fixes salmon with rosemary and she peels my fruit for me.
Thursday, September 1: My 34th Birthday
Since I have gone for an hour walk every day for the last nine days, I decided that we didn't need to walk today. We had to go to UNMC for a 9:10 lab draw/doctor appointment. I worked on my Spanish verbs, and the time in the waiting room went pretty quick as usual.
We had a little snafu with getting prescriptions. First of all, one of my new drugs has a 90 dollar co-pay (what a bummer...that's a new pair of shoes--hopefully, I will only need a month of that). At least I was smart enough to have the new prescriptions called out to our HyVee, since it takes about 30 minutes to get to UNMC from our apartment.
Mom and I went to Borders (the stores are closing and everything was 60-70 percent off). I found several Ireland and Scotland travel guides (next July's vacation) and some good fiction. I used my birthday coupon for Noodles at lunch, and then we headed over to Village Pointe to Fat Brain (a kids' store) and then to my "gaping chest wound" appointment.
Tonight Mom, Dad, Jill, Derek, and Brian were over for birthday dinner and apple crisp.
After our walk tomorrow (with maybe a few jogs), we are coming home. Unfortunately, it's only for about 40 hours, but I'll be making the most of it.
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