to everyone who responded to the riddle. It really had us laughing, and if you have more ideas, please continue to post. We will check in to see if any new ideas come up. Bravo. Your suggestions, like all of the ideas and poetry and gems posted earlier, are *really* amazing. Thank you.
We went for my blood work and meeting with the oncologist today. It was a long wait, we left here a little after 9:00 and arrived home after 3:00. My oncologist was so far behind that we saw someone else in the practice and I liked him very much. I felt that he really tried to answer our questions and he was very pleased with my progress. As Catherine pointed out after the appointment, you know you are doing well when they are that playful with you. If things aren't going well, on the other hand, doctors are very "kind." He talked about some of their recent publications on my chemo protocol, and it's quite clear he's not only happy for me, but also happy for his research profile. I'm good with that. Make me a happy stat.
Before he did the exam, he asked me to find the tumor. It's hard for me to identify its boundaries because it's all embedded within the dense tissue. The only way I can describe their technique is that it's similar to opening up a hood of a car. You know when you feel underneath the hood for the latch? That's it. I feel his fingertips and then whammo! he gets his nails under it. It hasn't shrunk much, but he said that some of that could now be scar tissue, so it's harder to know what's cancer and what's not. Same under the arm. Ultimately they won't know until surgery, but at least it's not getting bigger, and, with luck, more of that tissue will simply be benign.
While we were waiting for blood work, we wandered around the library/bookstore on the main floor of the hospital. One of the featured books is that depicted above: Chemotherapy and Radiation for Dummies. I particularly like the calm hands on the cover. If I had the energy, I'd do like Rick Mercer - you know at the end of his show when he posts a picture and then invites viewers to manipulate the image into something funny? My chemo book would feature a slightly more white-knuckled model with ridged nails.
Hmmm...and perhaps we should place a small white rope around her wrists?
Kip
is there anything you would like me to draw?
ReplyDeletep.s. how come my name wont show up?
when i write something
ReplyDeleteHi Felix,
ReplyDeleteOnly the username shows up when we contribute. I was wondering who "lapoubelle" was! It's great to see you on the blog. And as for what to draw, it's only if you feel inspired by something you might be willing to let us see too. We would love to see your talented work if that ever works for you.
thanks and take care,
Kip
"think of all the possibilities Piglet before settling down to enjoy yourself"
ReplyDelete-eeyore-
A rope! a rope! My kingdom for a rope!
contemplating possibilities becomes a slippery slope.
Macrame a hair piece,
but how to hold it here?
or tying knots to count the days
til your blood work's free and clear.
put the ends into your nose
until musty smells are gone
or do cats cradle with the people
passing by your lawn
you could tie it to your tree
and swing with wild abandon
but when you let go just be sure
to watch out where you're landing.
As a string to hold your beads
they show that you've been brave.
A surf board tether in case you fall
when you catch the wave?
A lariat to lasso things
and bring you down the moon
That's all I have for now I guess
I hope to see you soon.
Re: the calm hands...Maybe the caregiver is just examining the unexpected effects of the human growth hormone on the patient's feet!
ReplyDeleteVery happy that you had a 'playful' appointment yesterday. In an email, Jules referred to the second last chemo round-doesn't that sound inspiring? I hope tomorrow goes smoothly, and as usual, I'll be keeping the three of you in my thoughts.
Love K