1708

End of the year--and the Rzzz is sleepy. I napped some this morning--and nodded off while sitting here in the living room while looking through some news stories on the web. Haven't had my usual latte as the day progressed--may go and get one.

Tomorrow begins the new year--2018. There will be the flood of birthdays that happen around the beginning of each year--plus the various holidays and events. Right now I'm happy that 2017 is ending--and that a new year begins and hopefully is less out of sync for me.

The table-top air hockey game is perfect for my grandson--he looks like he is going to be a natural in any sports/competitions he undertakes. His eye/hand coordination is already superb--and he's not yet 2 years old.

Got a note from one of the men's group--it's been a while since we have touched base. He's now retired--and staying busy exploring various waterways, hunting, remodeling, and such. His note  triggered a reply from one of the other men--and a reply from me.

He mentions looking into possibly getting together--that would be nice. I could meet with them just about anywhere--since I'm mobile and I have a trustworthy vehicle.

I had an intense dream last night--which I don't recall right now. But I know that it was intense and involved having to confront others--I had to do so to make some activities that we were doing come out correctly.

1709

I spent a lot of time in 2017 going to a Rock Steady Boxing class... RSB is an intense exercise class designed around people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease... The coaches are certified by the RSB headquarters in Indiana and the gyms with RSB certified coaches now number over 400 around the world... The classes go for 1.5 hours and include check-in, stretching, warm up movements, physical/cognitive/agility and strength work, boxing (speed bags, heavy bags, and paddle/body armor practice), cool down, and closure rituals... In 2017, I completed about 200 RSB classes (about 4 per week)... I also did about 200 line dance classes (about 4 per week)... I had two sessions of bodywork each month...

In September, I did an intensive PD movement training called BIG... I worked  with a physical therapist 4 times a week for a month... There was also some daily homework which kept me busy even on the days without classes... I am in good physical shape... And my PD is only slightly progressed... I was diagnosed 12 years ago and I'm still driving, moving, not falling, or showing the usual PD symptoms.

I went in for a wellness exam in September as I was finishing up the BIG training... and the PCP looked at me and noted that I had lump on the right side of my neck... I had not noticed that there was a lump... There were no sensations or activity in that area that let me know anything was amiss... He said I should get an ultrasound... I did that and was told that I had large mass in my neck...

That finding triggered a series of tests--blood, lump biopsy, CT scan, PET scan, and a bone marrow biopsy... all of these tests were done to determine if the lump was benign or not, and if not, what was the problem... The diagnosis is that it is not benign and requires treatment... It is a form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma... There are many different kinds of NHL... I have the most common form and it responds well to treatment... I am scheduled to begin antibody and chemo sessions on 1/9/2018... The treatments will involve 4 visits over 4 weeks... and then some wait-and-see period and further testings to see if the meds are working...

There is no pain or sensations which is why I didn't even notice that a lump had formed... Thank goodness for medical insurance--my 2017 total medical bills are out of sight if I didn't have coverage...

Other than all that, that's how my 2017 went... I have had a great time with SH's son, Birch... He'll be two in March, but is doing things way beyond his age... He is a born mimic and will repeat anything he is shown... 

All for now... May everyone have a great 2018...  

1710

Bright and sunny day--as the days march on to the end of the year. BH is going for a haircut--and I'll be here in case the grandson wakes up early from his midday nap.

I went out for a latte this morning--and local SB's is out of eggnog. My favorite Xmas drink is a green tea latte--made with eggnog. But they have run short of that treat--and the plain green tea latte doesn't taste as rich.

When I awoke and went to get a latte--I felt OK. I was a bit foggy--but overall felt like I had slept well and was doing good. After drinking a latte and eating a breakfast sandwich--I feel really foggy and ready to crash. It's about time for my midday medications--and I'm starting to think that my meds are wearing off sooner. I originally took dosages 3x a day every 8 hours--that's now 4x a day every 6 hours or so. I guess I've been lucky compared to others--many who take multiple doses on a more frequent schedule.

In fact, right about now it's nearly time for my midday dose--I took a dose when I awoke around 6am. So it's about time to do the noontime items--and perhaps a caffeine drink to help make it through the afternoon.

Will probably eat a late lunch--since I just had a breakfast sandwich.

Awaiting a call from the doctors--about the start of treatments and other fun things. I'll call them if I don't hear from anyone by 1pm.

1711

Foggy day in RZ town--sometimes I'm up and sometimes I'm down. I went to RSB this morning--but I awoke around 4am and didn't really get back to sleep. I napped after eating lunch when I got home--but only for about an hour. I've been hacking my way through the afternoon--doing mostly cleanup of papers which the new year will supersede.

Didn't hear from the medical people today--but did get access to the site that I had registered on that is keeping info on bitcoins and associated technologies. Still looks like a Ponzi scheme--but a lot of people have made a pile of money.

I was winded and tired during the RSB sessions today--also was feeling a lot of weakness in my lower back. Doing heavy ball slams feels good--except for the pressure in the lower back.

Went to bed early last night--almost right after dinner. Watched the final episode of The Crown--the end of the 2nd season. Most likely they have a 3rd season in production--otherwise they are only about half way through her life. The whole layout of events surrounding Diana's death--is still not covered as well as the current activities of her children.

No RSB planned for tomorrow--will do some stretching and such to see if I can loosen whatever is going on in my lower back.

1712

Resting day--everything seems like it's on hold. No communications from the site where I signed up for a newsletter--and couldn't log into the site. No word from the medical people--about the start of treatments. Learning to use my Fire tablet--as I discovered the UI is similar to my phone.

Otherwise a slow day--that's slowing down even more as the day expires. I'll head for an RSB class in the morning--and see if I can chase down the faulty site and hear something from the doctors.

Not much else going on--BH tamed the faulty toilet. He spent most of yesterday drying the floor in MD's bathroom--where the toilet overflowed and soaked everything.

Only a few more days until the end of 2017--and the kickstart of 2018.

I'll shave and shower tonight--once MD is up from her afternoon siesta.

Maybe I'll get a chance to give a late present to the grandson--a strange basketball toy where someone wears the hoop and presumably gets the paddle-tennis balls thrown at them. We'll see what happens--once he's up from his afternoon nap. I think I hear him--he may be on the move.

1713

'Tis the day after Xmas--and the toilet in MD's bathroom is overflowing. The tank filling hardware malfunctioned--and the water overflowed the tank and drowned the carpet. BH was pissed that she didn't come tell him what was happening--she apparently started calling her daughter who lives an hour away. The toilet was flooding real time--not a time to phone a remote person who could do nothing to help.

But the good news is that Xmas is over--and despite the toilet overflowing things are moving into a less chaotic mode.

I went to RSB this morning--we had 8 people show up. I thought there would be more--trying to work off some of the Xmas feast day calories. It felt good to exercise--and to pound the big bags.

I called the medical offices and talked with one of the coordinators--about what am I scheduled for in terms of treatments and when are they supposed to happen. It sounds like my paperwork got delayed--because of the holidaze. Toilet overflows--while paperwork underflows.

I was thinking about going to RSB tomorrow--but as the evening goes by I think I'll rest instead. SD, MD's youngest, was here for several dayz--and went back to his place today. While he's here, we share a bathroom--and he mows through the food supplies in the kitchen.

The old year winds down--and the new year comes our way. May it be a good year for everyone--and that the chaos in the government subsides and become productive.

1714

Xmas day--and the living is queasy. Lots of activity today--starting early this morning and on until now (7pm). This morning we opened presents from Santa Claus--and then packed up and went to BH's sister's for the feast. They had put together a Mexican-styled banquet--enchiladas, tacos, all kinds of meat, beans, a dozen side dishes, rice, and a pile of desserts.

It was a good afternoon--I'm stuffed to the gills and a bit woozy from the long day and no naps.

Tomorrow I'm heading to the RSB class--to work off some of the mound of food I consumed today. I am gorged right now--and happy to have had such a good day but also happy that it's over. I have to get going on the NHL ailment that I've been diagnosed with--and get treatments underway.

My ex came by this morning--and took MD and SD to lunch. She then came to the dinner--and hung out (her spouse didn't come for some reason).

Well it's almost a new year--glad this one is ending. I felt from the start that this year was somehow off kilter--2017 just didn't seem out of sync for some reason. 2018 looks and scans better--as we move on to 2020, the year of clarity.

Ho, ho, ho--and Merry Xmas to all and to all a good night!

1717-1715

Somehow I managed to not make a post for the last few daze--and that's what it was. Friday I wrapped items for the big gift day--Saturday I went to RSB session. It was cold as could be when I left early in the morn--but we warmed up after a short bit (there were 8 people who showed up).

So I made it to RSB on Thursday and Saturday--will not do next class until Tuesday (the day after the big gifting day). Although because of the various schedules--we opened most of the grandkid's gifts today (this morning).

Had a big Chinese dinner last night--MD and her son, SD, shared a host of dishes with me. The daughter et al were at a pre-holiday event--as they are tonight. We (all) are heading over to BH's sister tomorrow--for the final feasting (a Mexican-themed holiday dinner). There will be a day of gifting on the big day tomorrow--with items brought by tonight by the famous sleigh driver.

I got an Amazon Fire during today's gifting activities--something I had been thinking about getting. Of course, I spent a fair amount of time today--learning how to use the device. Now that I've been trained on my new phone--it was easier to get the Fire started. Just had to rub a few electrons together--and kindle the emerging flame.

So now I've got three devices to watch movies on Netflix--a phone, a laptop, and a fiery tablet. Oh boy--oh joy!

1718

RSB today--it went so quickly. Felt good to exercise and move--but I'm dragging since I came back from class. Starting to feel a bit more chill--but I'm not 100%.

Just had a break--the grandson awoke and wanted to play (eat, nap). BH is cooking up a lot of bottles of various gifts for the holidays--place smells like a vinegar factory.

I just did a grocery run for him--picked up several items that he needed for his dinner/projects.

So, I didn't nap this afternoon--and am feeling draggy now. Hoping that dinner (a bowl of rice/chicken) will wake me up--or something will do so.

Just remembered that I need to take my medications for the afternoon--will do so and then do dinner.

Can't think of anything else to say right now--so off I go into the evening and the night.

Happy Winter Solstice--longest night tonight. May the dreams be healing--may the night be bright.

1719

I didn't get up this morning--just rolled over and fell back asleep. Could have gotten up and went to RSB class--but didn't.

No calls yet from the doctors--regarding a start date for treatments. I got what looked like an authorization letter yesterday--approving something that deals with the oncologist. I assume that it's a go for the activity--just a question of when.

Picked up some stocking stuffers for the kids--and for me too. Lots of things at the dollar store--especially things that have built-in batteries which makes for good deals for a dollar. Also have a horde of items without batteries--that are clever and fun (like the Styrofoam glider).

I plan on heading out to RSB class tomorrow--and will do Saturday for sure. Not sure about Friday--will decide that tomorrow evening. No class on Xmas day (Monday)--so I could do with more exercise since I missed both Monday/Tuesday of this week.

Right now, I'm logy and buzzed out--like I haven't awakened yet today (although today is almost done). I had a few bites of chicken and some ribs for a late lunch--not sure what I want for dinner. Not all that hungry--but craving things!

Ever since I started dealing with the lump in my neck--I've been dragging around. I can't seem to get motivated about anything--I've just felt tired and foggy. I know part of this is learning about the lump--and what it portends. Also part is wanting it to just go away--to not be real. PD is enough to deal with--I can't get excited about adding NHL to the list (and possible other issues). I just want to be healthy--and not be dealing with just but illness issues each waking day.

That's what I want--Is that what I'm going to get? Probably not--I'll get what I get and have to deal with it.

1720

Missed RSB class this morning--I flipped over and went back to sleep. I just finished a breakfast sandwich, a latte, a couple of cookies, and a V8 Fusion--trying to bump myself awake. Not sure how well I'm doing--keep nodding off even while I'm trying to become awake.

I went through my holiday gifts--inserted batteries and made sure of what's in the various boxes. Still have wrapping/decorating to do--but I'm going to go the simple route. Use simple boxes with one bow--and other shortcuts to creating packaging that gets destroyed in the opening processes.

I picked up some prescriptions--a costly process. For some reason I don't seem to have hit the catastrophic level of co-pays--I'm still racking up big ticket fees for some (ostensibly) generic drugs. And I know I've got several other items that I will have to order--over the next few weeks. It's been a costly year--I know that I spent more than in any previous year even without going over the numbers.

Plus my dental costs were out of the park as well--and I'm still not through with that activity.

The SS bump of $20/month is not going to help me restore my financial levels--it will just buy me a latte a week for the coming year.

Tonight is family dinner night--if not I will continue to make my rice in a bowl concoction. It's a filling and tasty dinner make-do--can be done quickly and as much as I want to munch. But I'm sure BH is planning a family meal--it is Tuesday and that's the rule.

1721

Went to PD support group today--fairly good crowd given it's about to be a holiday week. Most everyone said what they had planned for the holidays--I told them about my lump and the diagnosis and treatment. Several people there had done the procedure that I'll be doing--they said it worked for them and wasn't too difficult.

Nearly everyone brought some goodies to share--lots of sugar in lots of things. The food at the RSB celebration Saturday involved a lot of sugar-laced dishes--and lots of chocolate.

Doing a RSB class tomorrow--missed doing one today in order to go to support group. Will keep going with RSB--even when I start treatments. The workout with RSB is exhausting--but purging as well.

Suddenly feel like I'm getting sleepy--like I just want to get horizontal. I napped this afternoon--for several hours after eating some lunch. Had a big dinner--turkey, potatoes, and stuffing. Shared it with MD--she probably didn't eat much but it was twice more than I could eat.

Jingle bells, jingle bells--jingle all the way!

1723-1722

Had RSB holiday party yesterday--after going to RSB morning class. Small group made it to class--larger group maddest to party. Made for a long day--had to get up around 7am in order to make the class. There was a ton of food brought for the party--a lot of desserts. Pizza was the key food--coach/owner brought in pizza for all to share. At the end, I was asked to lead a line dance--did OK with no prep and such. She wants to add dance to the program's activities--maybe can do so once I get through my NHL adventure.

Xmas is just a week away--going to be a busy few week's until the New Year.

Haven't heard from the medical people about starting the NHL treatments--assume I'll hear from them this coming week. Not an ideal time to start such activities--but if not now, when?

Need to start wrapping holiday gifts--don't want to wait until next weekend to do that. Will be enough going on--without adding to the chaos.

I drifted though all of today--slept in late and did not do much once I awoke. Tonight is laundry night--and tomorrow no RSB since I'll be going to the PD support group. Daze without end--ends without daze. All fits together--forms a cruel maze.

1724

Just downed some lunch--and suddenly feel drowsy and wanting to go to sleep. Nothing really planned for today--could go back to sleep but will not. Waiting for several things today--call from Rx about starting the NHL treatments and delivery of gifts from Amazon.

I remember dreaming last night--and yelling out in my dream and possibly actually yelling out. Whichever it was I came slightly awake--and I knew that I had been yelling.

I made a trip to TJ's--lots of people there probably shopping for incidental gift items. They carry lots of candies, baked goods, and such in addition to their fresh and frozen goods--I'm starting to look at that place as a good source of light meal items as I begin the NHL treatments.

There was one guy zooming around the place--and talking out loud about how many people were shopping. I just tuned him out--there was something hostile and aggressive about the man and I just ignored him.

It's noon--and time for me to take my midday dosages. Think I will down them with a V8 Fusion and see if that wakes me up a bit--otherwise will nap for a short while as the caffeine makes it through my system and tickles my brain cells.

1725

Did an RSB session this morning--and it felt good. I didn't get an afternoon nap though--and I'm feeling sort of flaky right now. I had a bowl of Asian rice and vegetables--stocked with some BBQ rib bites for lunch but nothing since then except a V8 drink. I did have a smoothie and a bagel on the way to class this morning--but I'm feeling wonky right now and it's like I'm craving food. Think I'll stop and snack--just to bridge the next 30 minutes before it's dinner time.

There had a few pretzel w/ peanut butter snacks--love that taste. Still feeling wonky--but also feeling like I'll turn around now. Don't have anything planned for tomorrow--except get info on when the treatment starts and what to do.

Saturday there is holiday party after the morning RSB session--and there will be a hoard of people there. I'll have to make sure I eat and drink enough to make it through the morning and party--and can always just go home if I have to do so.

I watched a Netflix movie last night--Handsome. It was a dumb film--I'm surprised that I sat though it all. It was mildly humorous--but not all that funny.

It's getting close to dinner time--and I'm eager to put together some bites (as the grandson would say).

And then it may be early to bed--or not as the case may be.

1727-1726

Met with the oncologist yesterday (skipped doing an RSB class)--and confirmed a diagnosis of a type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma (or in med-speak: Dx--NHL/FL). The good news is that it's the most common lymphoma and can be treated with good results--the bad news is that it's a lymphoma (a cancer) that can be treated with a combination of antibody and chemo therapies which are not all that pleasant.

The treatments are done once a week--for a period of four weeks. Then, at some point, tests are reworked-- to determine if the treatments have been effective. FL is described as an indolent type of cancer--as opposed to one that is aggressive. The treatments involve delivery by taking some of the components orally--and some by infusion (IV). One of the medications (the antibody) is expensive--it's a tier 5, requires prior authorization, but is in the formulary for my insurance.

True to form, the medications have unpronounceable names--and will add to my daily pill intake which is 11 now and will go to something like 14-15 per day. In fact, it's almost time for my afternoon quota--which reminds me that it's almost the end of the year. I think I'm in the catastrophe category at this time of year--and should load up on my prescriptions since my co-pays drop to 5% or less.

Will do an RSB session tomorrow--today without any exercise feels like I'm swimming through mud.

Yesterday, as I was taking the elevator up to the doctor's office--a man got on and he was shaking and wobbling around with heavy dyskinesia. I asked if he had PD--and told him that I too had the illness. He asked what I did to help moderate my symptoms--and I showed him the RSB magazine which I happened to be carrying. He wrote down the info on the RSB gym--and indicated that he would be checking it out. I noted as we talked how still I was relative to what he was experiencing--and how lucky I've been and still am.

1728

RSB class was big and kept us moving--along with brain-busters while we exercised. On this coming Saturday the gym is having a holiday celebration--with a class in the morning. That set of events should make for a big class--way beyond our regular 6-7 people. And lots of tasty foods--lots, and lots, and lots!

I had a latte and breakfast sandwich from SB's on the way to class--and I had a V8 Fusion and some lasagna for lunch. I took a short nap after doing lunch--and am deciding which way to go for dinner (may just do fruit and may not). Today was a trial run to see what could happen tomorrow--have RSB and breakfast, lunch and V8 Fusion, do a short nap and be awake and clear for my 2:30 appointment with the oncologist. Then the real work begins--once a plan is in place for the NHL. Will need to put together a plan that covers three major exercise/activity areas--NHL, PD, plus a most likely shift in my nutrition regime. On the exercise front I'll continue to do RSB, restart some dancing--and go for some regular daily movements in addition.

One of the RSB coaches also prepares nutritional meals--and delivers them to people's homes. I will look at his menus--to help set up a nutritional base for any food changes I'm going to have to make.

But one thing at a time--I was starting to feel the overwhelm of so much that will need to be done. I'm looking for a NHL support group--in addition to attending the PF group.

FedEx, USPS, DHL and the packages are starting to materialize--Ho, ho, ho!

1729

Sleepy today--I am that I am. Went to bed early last night--but was up/down throughout. It's now about 2pm--and I'm still trying to awaken. I've been out for some errands and a latte--and took a small nap when I returned. But I'm logy and slow--drinking a V8 as I post with the goal of feeling more awake as the day proceeds and winds down.

My being just doesn't want to accept what the doctors are about to reveal--I want it just go away and never be. I feel like having PD is all I can handle--adding another layer of doctors, medications, processes, and activities leaves me numb. Numb and feeling paralyzed--with a low reservoir of energy and stamina to call into play.

I'll do an RSB session tomorrow and Tuesday (hopefully)--before meeting with the doctor on Tuesday afternoon. If needed, I'll punt on the Tuesday morning RSB session--I need to be awake and clear on Tuesday afternoon. An afternoon that will affect the rest of my life--A wave of ennui spills over me even as I think about it all. I want to run--but there's no place to run to, no place to go that will avoid the reality of what is happening.

So I drink my V8--and await for my mind and body to awaken and shake off the ennui. To give me a short spell of clearness and wakefulness--so I can do my laundry and do a bit of something before the day rolls to an end and the morrow comes. Or not--as the case may be!

1730

RSB this morning--felt good to hit the bags (and do lots of movement). There were just 7 of us in the class--we're the Saturday RSB hardcore punchers. Next week's Saturday class will probably be crowded--there is a holiday celebration after the class with lots of food and people.

I came home from RSB today somewhat tired--I ate a small bit of food and napped for a while. When I got up I downed a V8 Fusion--and that picked up my energy somewhat. Went shopping for MD and for me as well--I must be hungry since I bought several food items (more than my usual amounts).

Got notices from the online places to which I have ordered holiday gifts--that process is so smooth and easy. It makes it a no-brainer ordering online--versus dealing with the big box stores. My holiday list is quite small this year--I went for simple items that were not too expensive or elaborate.

I spent some time yesterday deciphering the elements that appear on the blood panels that were requested--there are lots of data requested. Many of the elements I've never heard of--so I gave myself a tutorial by looking items up on Google. Having the lab printouts makes it fairly easy to get the definition of each element--while sitting on a printout page. And with the highlight feature to pick up a word or phrase--requires no typing.

1731

Up in the (early)morning--out on the (non) job. Not working like the devil--and I don't get no pay.

Slept on and off last night--having trouble getting into focus today. Went to the grocery store for MD--and found someone's credit card in the parking lot. The credit union for the card is located in the shopping center where I found the card--I dropped it off there and hopefully made someone happy.

Got a call from the medical clinic while I was shopping--awaiting a call back to see what they want. It sounds like the billing department--and I still want to clarify what's happening at next week's appointment.

I just had some late brunch/lunch--and I'm feeling like fuzzy and tired. Having a V8 Fusion--see if it wakes me up. Miss the exercise of the RSB class--can do some at home. Easy solution--just have to do it.

Watched an interesting film last night--The Journey. About the way the peace was made between England, Ireland, the IRA and all concerned--the core of what happened involved two key leaders. They had to ride together to get to the airport--and that time together opened them up to working together rather against each other. There was a cast of good actors--and a clever way the opportunity was created for the two men to build a bridge that would work for all concerned.

Plan to do an RSB session tomorrow--rest on Sunday and back to the circus on Monday. Will decide on Tuesday morning if I do an RSB session that day--or not what with the doctor's appointment on Tuesday afternoon. Same O--Same O. Drain O--Drain O.

1732

Pearl Harbor Day--MD didn't recall that it was here. She is nearly as old as the oldest survivor--who is 104 or 105. He is a survivor from the collection of people who were in the military at that time--MD didn't join the Waves until several years after Pearl Harbor was bombed. But she was on the island--and experienced what went on during that time.

I went to RSB session this morning--and I felt really good going there and back. After eating some lunch I felt a bit logy--and napped for an hour or so.

When I got up, I went online and completed the bulk of my XMAS shopping--thank you Amazon. I didn't get many things--I went more for humorous, practical, or fun things.

I went to bed early last night--and slept fairly well although I was up for a bathroom run several times. Looks like tonight is an early night as well--and I don't have anything really planned for tomorrow. I told MD that I would shop for her groceries tomorrow--A, her caregiver, is out this whole week. It's no problem for one of us to do her shopping--but she won't ask. She just goes along with whatever she has on her shelves--which is fairly random and diverse. She only starts to really get anxious about her supplies when she runs out of ice cream--which is her main dietary item along with cookies and such.

Long day--early night. Roses are red, pickles are green--I'm a Rock Steady, Punching Machine. Rock Steady--Rock Steady!

1733

PET scan was not all that difficult--just being still for nearly two hours was the only challenge. They started off by giving an IV--containing an isotope of Boron. One hour was spent absorbing that material--and giving it time to spread throughout my body. The second hour put me in the PET scanner--where not moving was imperative. The PET scanner can't keep track of a moving target--non movement is required.

That scan concludes the series of tests and scans--now comes the analysis of it all. And a session with Dr. C next week--to unravel what the tests/scans seem to indicate. I don't anticipate whatever is concluded is going to be fun--the whole series of tests/scans seem to indicate otherwise since they were asked for. If there was noting in the earlier tests/scans--then the subsequent actions would not have been asked for. I still hold out a faint hope that the symptoms will just go away--and the body will heal itself spontaneously. That would allow for a wait and see approach--but is unlikely to occur.

This whole series of medical interventions has put me through a crash course--a course about what the medical system does and how it operates. It has been eye-opening--not pleasant but clearly painted.

Right now, I continue to feel like I'm don't have enough energy--and I can't seem to get enough rest to put my energy back on track. I feel like someone let the air out of my balloon--out of my core being that was fighting back on the PD front. The addition of the NHL coming on stream--seems to drain my energy pot as I attempt to balance between the two.

Plan on going to RSB tomorrow--and through the weekend right up to the meeting with Dr. C. And do some Xmas shopping--on Amazon! So be it!

1734

Now I know what a bone marrow biopsy is like--and it ain't all fun and roses. I did it with just a local--but the local didn't totally mask the deep work that the biopsy needle had to do. One more procedure tomorrow--a PET scan. Then it will be meeting with the physician--to summarize the findings and make a plan for the next steps.

I was at the lab at 7am--groggy but there. However, I spent the first hour doing intake with a nurse--it was an hour before I was put on the CAT scanner. And I had to lay face down in an uncomfortable position--while they did the alignment and procedure. It was a long two hours overall--and I was not ready to head to my RSB class although I could have made it there on time. I elected to head home--and get a SB's latte and breakfast sandwich on the way.

Good choice--I just zoned out for several hours and am feeling better now. Just got the reminder call for tomorrow's adventure--which promises to be another 2+ hours of being still.

If I'm reading all the lab work analysis correctly--I've got the most common form of this disease. One that is usually slow to develop--and can be successfully treated. But there are many subtleties involved--and even the best of all treatment plans are still fraught with lots of scary promises.

Well that's about it for today--I'm ready for an afternoon nap and try and make a dent in my sleep records. It's a high protein diet tonight--and then no food until around noon tomorrow.

1735

Big class at RSB this morning--20+ people putting on the gloves. Morning goes by quickly with a big group--coach keeps us moving. Today we had three stations--where each group of about 7 people went to each of the stations for about 10 minutes. We began with a warm up activity--did the 3 stations, did a round of  Rolling Thunder, and ended with a cool down activity. Makes for a busy 1.5 hours--and 90 minutes of movement and aerobic exercise.

I came away feeling a little blitzed--I feel really tired by the time we complete a class. I stopped on the way home and got a green tea latte (with eggnog) which helped me pick up some.

Got a reminder call from the bone marrow nurse--she went over the checkpoints for tomorrow's biopsy. Turns out I don't have to fast--since I'm getting the biopsy without a general anesthesia. I'll be curious to see if I can just go to RSB class afterward--the procedure is scheduled for 7 am (!) and shouldn't take over an hour.

I went onto the pharmacy's website and dumped my prescription records--which worked out well. I was able to dump the records--and then edit the original into a single page with details of all the medications I am consuming. Saves a lot of time hand writing that info into every location's in-take form--and with PD my handwriting is not all that legible.

In putting together the medication list--I got a piece of data from a summary of the costs involved. According to the records--the insurance plan helped save me over $10,000 in medication costs. Says something about what the medication businesses are gouging for their products--thank goodness for insurance.

Onward and onward--and to getting a hole in my butt in the morning.

1737-1736

Had a quiet couple of days--yesterday the workout, some naps then and laundry and such today, Made it to RSB yesterday--and the workout felt good. Looking forward to tomorrow's session--will be at least one more good workout before next few days gets combined with medical stuff. Got a pedicure today--thought I should clean up my feet as much as possible for the two coming medical procedures. Felt good--my feet are not doing well for some reason.

Also did my laundry--and took a short nap in the morning.

I'm in a brain fog--don't know if it's the medications, the illnesses, both, none, something else. I'm slowly getting some things done--but I'm mostly floating along and not being very focused.

Like now--it's almost 10pm and I have only a vague sense of how I got from waking up until now. I'm sleepy--but feeling like I should do something other than just roll over and sleep erratically until the morning comes.

I stripped my bed--and put on all new linens. Seemed like the thing to do--clean up my feet, clean up my bed, do my ,laundry, and start a few other things. Think I'll read myself to sleep--not watch a movie or such. Keep the quiet going--fill the space with silence.

I just discovered that I never posted yesterday's mumbles--so they are now...

1739-1738

Got calls to schedule two procedures--PET scan and bone marrow biopsy. Got the results of my blood panel that was done--everything is within limits which I think is good news. Bone marrow biopsy is scheduled for next Tuesday (7am)--and PET scan is set for the next day (Wednesday, 9:45am). That should complete the testing--unless something shows up in the biopsy or scan. In either case, if something appears in these last two procedures--it will not be good news.

Went to RSB session yesterday--felt good to move and exert the muscles. I zoned out when I got home--and that carried over into today. Although today I intended to get any updates regarding upcoming procedures--and I got them (two mentioned above) and a dose of dread regarding where all of this is going.

I also tapped into the medical records that the oncologist's team uses for patients--another techno bobble but finally have access to stored data. This team appears to use the technology tools more than some others--the only problem is that each team (group, set of specialists) may use different software which puts the files in disparate digital drops. Have to see how to use a cloud to pipe everything into a single location--more techno bobble required.

Today, I felt like I was being doused with occasional buckets of icy water--as the reality of what I'm dealing with sinks in and reveals what I do/can do. There are so many details that need attention--both for both the long and short terms. Item #1--complete a medical directive and get it signed.

Will do an RSB session tomorrow--the early class. Could possibly make class on Tuesday--will be doing the biopsy that morning and if it's done quickly I could just motor on to class afterward.