1676

Well Drip #4 is done--and the lump seems less lumpy but not gone. The doctor said let's meet in 4 weeks and get a PET scan done before we meet so that he can see if anything has moved or not. I'm doing a couple of things that is touted to help the immune system--I've ordered a supply of Proteolytic Enzymes. They are not that expensive ($20 for month's supply)--and I've found and am drinking some alkaline water. It looks like water--with dirt in it which makes it black. In fact, the drink is called BLK●. It does have an additive that contains a horde of trace minerals and metals--items that have been left out of or that are missing from foods and liquids.

The enzymes are said to help boost the immune system--and all come from plants or fungi. The formulation in the ones I ordered--work on several domains. One domain involves how the enzymes help destroy cancer cells--which is my major reason for getting and trying a sample. I just want to see if I can boost the process that the drip sessions initiated--boost and augment the cleaning of my system.

I spent most of today focused on making progress on the medical intake pages--I did make progress but it was still slow going (or rather I am slow going). Aside from exercise and dancing--it was the most focused activity I've done in a long time.

My energy levels seem to be going up--credit to the drip sessions.

1678-1677

I pulled a MD yesterday--fell asleep right after dinner. I woke up and the clock said--7:30! I thought I had slept through the night--and that it was morning. I almost leapt out of bed--I had Drip #4 at 8am. I took a few breaths to get ready to dash to the clinic--and then I realized I had just nodded off after dinner. Whew! What a shift of thoughts--and actions!

Did Drip #4 today--and it went well. Doctor said we would let things cook for the next 4 weeks--then do another PET scan and see what we can see. The lump is noticeably smaller today--both before and after the treatment. Looks promising--but no cigar just yet.

I asked the doctor about proteolytic enzymes--he sort of waved them away when I told him they were supplements. He didn't discourage me from using them--sort of said a no comment.

I ran across some mention of alkaline waters--and found them at Raley's Market. A bit expensive--but I only plan to drink one per day. Supposed to help make the system less vulnerable to inflammations, helps with hydration, and so on. Another supplement--with little downside issues to give it a try.

Will give things a rest tonight--let the infusion juices do their work. Don't have things planned for the morrow--will do a RSB session on Thursday. Then onward and onward--spiraling away, away, away!

1680-1679

Did an RSB class yesterday--and lots of computer stuff. I wanted to scan in some blank medical forms--and get them changed into PDF files that can be edited directly. I also wanted to get another flash drive--so I could have a backup of certain files not just in the cloud. With lots of restarts, I made it through this crazy task--and also did a good RSB in the morning.

The computer work only emphasizes how much my brain is not doing anymore--I went through a wacky set of dances to finally get my TurboTax up and running. I got lost in a password maze which I have created and cannot remember easily. Anyway, I muddled through and got some things done--there's more to do of course.

I had a series of dreams over the past few nights--very realistic about things and people that I know (or once had known). One dream involved my daughter's son--and my granddaughter's best friend who has an inoperable brain tumor. The two boys were with me about to go on a camping trip--it was a wilderness trek which was pretty advanced for the two boys. When I came to the meeting place--I was told that I had to go back for something or someone. I asked what about the two boys--and was told that I could go back and the boys would stay in the camp. I expressed my concern that they didn't know anyone there--and to leave them overnight in a strange place was not going to happen. I was told that that was the decision that had been made--and I would follow it. I told everyone to kiss off--and I got the two boys and left to go back home.

A second dream had me in a boat--with the two boys. We were paddling across a body of water--and there were other kids in the water trying to capsize the boat. At one point, I was fighting off the boarders--and I swung hard and hit one of them. I awoke as I lashed out--and nearly fell out of the bed.

A third dream had me visiting a place where I used to live--in Palo Alto. The place had changed a lot--but also was still quite the same. I was with a few people I had known before--including one lady friend. We walked around the area--and settled in an open air cafe where we used to gather. Some confusion arose as to where we were going to meet some others--I ended up sitting by myself in the cafe--with all of the serving staff slowly getting more and more rowdy. I felt uncomfortable--and got up and left even though I knew I'd not meet the others.

I'm sort of muddy today--feeling thick and heavy. It's really quiet here today--BH is at work, MD is sleeping away the hours, daughter is also resting, while grandson hasn't been heard much, yet. The weather is beautiful--almost like a sprint day with bright skies and warm sun.

I do an RSB session tomorrow--and Drip #4 on Tuesday. Then comes the branching point--as to what to do next with the NHL. I think the lump as shrunk some--but not as much as I had hoped.

I'm drinking a V8 as I post--hoping that a bit of caffeine will wake me up. We shall see--said the blind man.

1682-1681

It was a hectic week--PD support group (Monday), Drip #3 (Tuesday), Dental Hygiene (Wednesday), RSB (Thursday), and meet with neurologist (Friday). The topper was today--not being able to find a parking spot at the medical clinic. Drove around the place for 20 minutes--was late for the session with the neurologist. I was stressed and distracted when I finally got a space--and went to the office.

The long time between RSB sessions was not helpful--I did a session last Saturday and one on Thursday. The four or five day hiatus off not hitting the bag--too long of a break. Have to look at going to evening classes when I have too long of a break between sessions--or doing some equivalent workout.

Also have to get back to dancing--that activity is the bridge between exercise worlds. Dance and the world dances with you--stop and the world stops too.

Had one of the FIT-Eats meals for lunch--the Sweet Thai Shrimp. Spicy--and eaten cold like a salad. Was tasty but not all that exciting--their meat and potatoes style servings still get my top votes. Have a lemon chicken for dinner (if I feel like eating something hearty)--cooked with scallions, Brussels sprouts and parsnips. Good meal--does good things to the spirit.

1684

Did Drip #3 yesterday--and cruised through a dental hygiene today. Plus did a lot of organizing how to get to my medical data--stuff that's online that I need to make hard copies of for all of the doctors on my team(s).

Good news from the hygiene--my gums were in better shape. Had #8 pockets go to #3--for example. The cleaning, X-ray, and exam ate up the morning--but by grinding through I was able to pull some medical info together and get it printed.

It's getting late--and I'm heading for the bed. Have a RSB session in the morrow--plus a few errands and getting some more of the med-data pulled together. I see the oncologist on Friday--and I want to get him updated on what's happened since I saw him last. It's a long story--but it has to be told.

1685

Did Drip #3 today--went smoothly and for some reason fairly quickly. They did not give me an iron infusion--which they did do in earlier sessions. One more session to go (I think)--and then probably a wait and see period.

The lump seems smaller today--it feels like it has shrunk some but not completely. It was a long day--up at 6 or earlier--and it will be so at 7 tomorrow. Doing a dental hygiene tomorrow--RSB on Thursday and meet with neurologist on Friday.

Daughter got bad news today--her friend's son, who is about 10, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. That means they will have to go at it with chemo and radiation--that's going to be a tough way to go. He is a good friend of my granddaughter--not something another 10 year old should have to deal with.

I spent part of the afternoon attempting to revise my medication list--for some reason I couldn't download it from the pharmacy and put it in printable form. I had done it before--but nothing worked today. Or rather I didn't work today--it was frustrating and anxiety producing.

Son-in-law cooked a great, delicious meal tonight--comfort food (ribs, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, garlic bread, and a sauce). It really hit the spot--I was hungry even though I had eaten well in the afternoon.

Full right now--and drowsy. Shaved and showered--and hitting the bed at about what is becoming my magic time (about 10:15 or so each night).

1686

Having an unusual slow day--started with getting up and out to the PD support group meeting. I was running late--and downed a protein drink thinking it would bridge the meeting until I got back home. I went logy in the meeting--antsy and logy. I felt dull and dense--and I could barely follow the Ayurveda talk that was given.

When the presentation was over--we went around the table sharing where each of us were with PD et al. I felt jumbled and just wanted to get out of there--and get something to eat. I went home and cooked the other Fit Food item I had bought on Saturday--expressly for lunch/dinner today.

Tomorrow I have Drip #3--and I wanted to eat well before doing #3. I did eat well--and the dish was great. But I went to bed right after--and nodded out for several hours. I got up about 4pm--and did a run to the store and SBs for a latte.

It's now 5pm--and I'll do a light dinner with fruit. Then take a shower--I'll have an early start tomorrow when I head for the #3 session and grab some breakfast before I head that way.

The weather is wonky--wet and cold. The worst part of the winter months--before spring arrives.

I got a package of medical forms from the gastro-people--in prep for my 3/6 visit. Lots of forms--with lots of details and multi-page fill-in-the-blank medical history. Not what I feel like dealing with today--or any day perhaps. But I will complete them--it's the path to clarity and energy.

Have a dental appointment on Wed (early)--RSB on Thursday (also early) and Neurologist on Friday (not early). Busy medical week--everyday devoted to some aspect of my illnesses. Bummersville--and beyond!

1687

Odd day--feeling jumbled and random. Did some inventorying of cash flow items--and made a list of what gets paid when and with what. Items are either paid for with a check--or by credit card either automatically or by going online. The key data that was discovered--monthly cash spending exceeds monthly cash income by about $600 (or about $7,200 per year). My draw of RMD funds is around $5,260--or a shortfall $1,950. The shortfall has been increasing--medical, dental, and misc expenditures have been increasing--not subsiding.

And everything is going to get tighter as I continue to encounter costly expenses--occasioned by my growing older and needing more things.

In the process of pulling this data together--I discovered that I had not recorded how to get online to pay my Medicare fees. It took me several hours to unravel how to log onto the payment site--which I have now recorded how to access and pay that monthly fee. It was a dumb thing to do--spend a lot of time figuring out the procedure but not recording it. My short term memory does not hold such detail well--so I spend time recreating details that I have totally forgotten.

No RSB tomorrow--going to the PD support group meeting. Then it will be a R&R period before the Tuesday Drip #3 session--and hopefully some additional evidence that the procedure is creating positive results.

My IRA assets have not shrunk much over the past 5 years--they have been holding close to steady. But they are not enough to withstand a major cash requirement--caused by some catastrophic events. I can examine my spending--and curb some of the more unneeded activities. There is the possibility of me finding some kind of work--but my medical profile makes that look unlikely. I could hit a jackpot--but chasing that alternative is a risky way to go.

I grow old--I grow old. Shell I wear the bottom of my trousers rolled?

1688

Up early and made it to RSB--was running late so didn't stop for my regular bagel and smoothie. Stopped on the way home--picked up some meals from Fit Foods. Day went by with me reading a lot about the medication prescribed in the NHL treatments--and looking up its costs. Each drip session uses about $6,000 worth of medication--the manufacturing/testing/shipment cost of a dose is about $300. The manufacturer charges the doctor/clinic/hospital around $3,500 per dose--and they in turn charge the patient around $6,000 per dose.

There is a version of the medication that can be administered subcutaneously--which reduces the 3 to 5 hour drip session to a few minutes. The catch is that is cannot be used for the initial treatment--because of the various effects which can manifest when a patient first encounters the drug. The lengthy infusion session protects those patients that have reactions--the attendants can observe the reactions taking place and administer antidotes. Of course, this more efficient version costs more--about $8,000 per dose but it saves a substantial amount of attendant time.

There are some resources that help patients with the cost of the expensive medications--but I don't think I meet the eligibility requirements. Will check that out when I do Drip #3 next week--if I am eligible the application for reimbursement can be done within 120 days of the treatment.

The mysteries of modern medicine--and the incredible amount of money involved. The medication that I'm getting is one of the biggest selling products on the market. It's the fifth high-selling medical product in the world--it accounts for $7.1 billion per year.

1689

Went to bed early last night--and awoke late but was up and down through the night. I finally fell into a deep sleep around 6am--and didn't get up until 9 or so. Day went by in a haze--it was a beautiful day, sunny and bright. I thought about going for a walk--but didn't do so.

I felt drowsy all day--couldn't bring myself to focus and get anything done. I just felt like hibernating--getting under the covers and enjoying the warmth.

Have an RSB class tomorrow--then a rest on Sunday and a full week coming up. PD support group on Monday, drip#3 on Tuesday, dentist on Wednesday, RSB on Thursday, and neurologist on Friday (and so it goes).

Picked up some ribs and rosemary potatoes for dinner--had a couple of Frapaccinos today and a protein rich lunch. But I've been craving ribs--and there they were in the deli today. My appetite seems to be increasing--and I'm craving certain foods (and not sweets).

So it goes--so it flows. Just keep dancing--on your toes!

1690

Slept erratically last night--and over slept this morning. Was late for RBS--mostly because I awoke late and thought it was Saturday. RBS starts at 9am on Saturday--it was 8:45 on the clock so I almost turned over and punted the class. Then I realized it was not Saturday--and if I pushed it I could be just slightly late for class. So I got up and got going--and made it just a little late.

Class felt good--despite my jumbled activities. I came home and fixed some lunch--and spent the afternoon not doing much of anything. Now it's almost time for dinner--I just went to the grocery and picked up a flatbread veggie snack bread--which will be dinner.

I probably should have napped this afternoon--but I didn't and so may hit the pillow early.

Nothing scheduled for the morrow--rest and repair. The Tuesday's treatment didn't shrink the lump more--it sort of has hit a plateau with all that. The first shrinking came a week after the treatment--it's only been a few days since the 2nd one. So, will be patient--and think good thoughts about it going away.

I saw the dog lady today at SB'a--she is really in pain. She had been to her chiropractor--and he told her to go to her medical person and perhaps get an MRI. Wish her well--no fun to be in chronic pain!

1691

Feeling a little wonky today--did not sleep restfully last night. Awoke several times from 4am on--and then nodded off later in the morning. Nothing major though--related to the NHL treatment. Same with Drip 2 as with Drip 1--nothing remarkable (good news)!

Felt wonky but energetic--kept feeling like I was on a roller coaster. Up and down--and all around. Thinking felt clearer--or at lest I thought it was. I did a few errands--picked up medication, tried to pay my co-pay for treatments (no-one there could take my money), set up appointment with internist for colonoscopy (he isn't available until March 6). Noted that all three of the doctors I'm seeing are on the same floor in the building--down the hall from each other (the PCP is across the street).

As I was leaving the building, I was on an elevator with a man who was telling his wife that he wanted a burger for lunch--that comment triggered the fact that I was late for lunch and now I wanted a burger. I went to the Habit burger place--where they serve burgers on a lettuce bun (wrap). It was delicious--I did no fries or soda (just water).

I came home and rested for a while--but did not nap. I went online--and paid some bills. Went to SB's for latte--bumped into the dog lady. She was limping badly--she has a kinky hip problem. I looked up the phone number for the lady who does my bodywork(SMc)--and gave it to the dog lady (Tricia). Felt good to persevere--and get the number online and write it down for her. I get that she's a very unique person--but aren't we all?

Not very hungry--so am debating about dinner. May do a light one--fruit and cheese (same as last night except for the cornbread that I had from the son-in-law's Tuesday night dinner.

RSB tomorrow--and hopefully all will be well. Until the morrow--may I sleep a goodly sleep!

1692

Here are summary of the first two drip sessions... They collapse the intervening week into two snapshots... More daily detail appears in the daily posts...

*********

Here is a chronicle of the first two sessions in what I call the Drip Room--9 people in recliners with drips attached... So far so good--as the following describes... I still intend to get back to dancing... Looking like it will be in February... 

Drip Room #1 (1/9/2018)

Yesterday went really smoothly... It was a pain in the butt to sit for 4 to 5 hours but the infusions produced no issues... I came away feeling energetic and pumped to be doing the treatment versus all of the probing and upfront analytical work that we had done... I was given a dose of rituximab (Rituxan) which is an immunotherapy material that turns looking for and destroying damaged cells into a PacMan game... It is selective regarding which cells it marks as targets thus not causing damage to other cells... Even today, I couldn't tell that I had  been given anything... I got a little more tired than normal after lunch--but a couple of hours nap rebalanced everything...I was also given an iron infusion since my blood work indicated that I was slightly anemic...

Will do three more sessions over the next three weeks... and then will plan out any next steps... If the lump reduces 50% in size with the initial 4 sessions, the probability of complete remission is very high... Based on some clinical studies, this magnitude of reduction is highly possible...

Thanx to a friend's suggestion about contacting a social worker to get resource information... The guy who spoke with me pulled together the kind of support resources that I was trying to find... He also took me through the many resources that are available in the medical complex where the doctors and labs are located... The facility is only a couple of miles from my house... And there are many Starbucks in the area...

Tomorrow I'll hit the punching bags and see if the treatment has any effect on my RSB activities... I'll be glad when I can get back to dancing--I had to sidetrack that part of my program to deal with my introduction to the mysteries of NHL and its associated intrusions...

The grandson is going through his "before bedtime" laps around house--while practicing his vocalizations which are growing in volume with each passing day... He's going to be a loud one--in fact he already is...

Drip Room #2 (1/16/2018)

Drip #1 officially ended and Drip # 2 started today... The period of Drip #1 is in my recently acquired medical terminology, unremarkable--nothing happened (that's good news)... Nothing happened except that I bumped into my oncologist while they were seating me for the second drip and he noticed that the mass was reduced--almost to the point of disappearance! He was surprised... The medical assistant said she's seen it happen... If this continues the possible outcome is for the mass to completely disappear during the treatments... Some of the trials allude to such a possibility... and underpins an outcome where remission doesn't take place...

So I had another uneventful stay in the recliner for about 5 hours... Received a bag of the immunological potion... and a smaller bag of iron booster... They also gave me some Tylenol, some steroid, and a dose of benadryl at the start of the session... These items help the potion work better in various ways--and not trigger some of the possible side effects...

Today was an interesting group day in the Drip Room... There were nine patients and several caregivers... There were newbies like myself--and some who have been dealing with much bigger issues for a much longer time... There was one man who has been battling the illness for 25 years--remarkable spirit who has been there, done it all, and survived... There was another man who has a wild collection of cancer variations... He discovered, to everyone's sadness, that his federal forms for reimbursement had not been filed--and that it will take a while for them to be filed, processed and for him to collect and funding... He was quite upset and angry--and the turmoil between him and staff tsunami-d throughout the facility... Each person/family/caregivers have a riveting story of how they came to be in that room today--and then the next group of 9 take over the afternoon...

I did 5 of the boxing sessions (RSB) over the past week... and carefully watched my nutrition... and slept a fair amount...

So I begin week two of the adventure--and look for the story of the disappearing mass to continue... 

1693

Quiet MLK day here and about--cool weather so RSB class was good with heating things up. Not a very big Monday class--usually over 20 people but today we only had about 15. The new assistant coach, the kick boxer lady (Caitlyn, who also plays football and does other exercise things) led us in a warm up game--that got the heart rate going. She's a strong lady--even though she appears to be light and slight. Wrong person to pick on--should someone make the mistake of thinking she is frail.

I stopped on the way back at the Fit Foods place--and discovered that they discount meals that are coming up on their use-by dates. They do a 20% discount--which means I can get a large-portion meal for the same price as a regular-portion item. Good deal all around--of the two meals I purchased I had one for lunch. It was a tasty chicken dish--with lots of healthy components. No doubt I'll be dropping by there more often--it's right on my way home from RSB.

Have an NHL session tomorrow morning--several hours in the recliner. I think the first round has had some results (shrinking of lump)--and very little side effects. Hopefully the next rounds will be similar--assuming they give me more of the same. If they switch medications--all bets will be off especially if they put a chemo into mix. But it will be what it will be--and what's being done is the best thing for all concerned (me in particular).

Somehow it's 5pm already--where has the day gone? Gone to history every one--and further than we thought. Will be up early in the morrow--for my trek to the local infusion plant.

1694

MLK day minus one--still don't know if we have an RSB class in the morrow. Have been vegging all day--have gone out for a latte and did a small lunch. Had the flank steak dinner from the Fit Foods people--it is very good. Have saved half for dinner--that and the rest of the grapes.

Just heard MD use my toilet--wonder why? Is hers plugged again--or not working properly? Hope that is not the case--cleaning up is such a pain.

Will do laundry later today--and shave, shower and such. Planning on an RSB tomorrow--hope so since I'm not doing much today and it sucks.

Well wishes can be aardvarks--MD is having some problems with her toilet. It needs to be replaced--she noticed paper coming back into the bowl. She dumped some Drano into the bowl--and then knocked on my door. Seems that she was excavating the toilet paper that was flowing back into the bowl--and putting Drano on top of it all. At least she asked for help--before doing something that would create a bigger problem.

I learned that there is only one Drano product that should be used to try and unclog things--Drano Max Build Up Remover. And even it won't unplug all blockages--using a snake or pressure system may be the only way to go.

The ultimate solution to this crappy problem is replacement of the toilet--which is a costly way to go but may be the only thing that is going to work. BD will be asked to look at the problem--which I'm sure he will be thrilled to have to deal with after working almost non-stop for 48 hours.

I drank a V8 Fusion--and can feel the flattening effect this drink has on the wound-up, anxiety-driven sensations that I experience when I'm low on fuel. Keeping my stomach happy--seems to help me balance out the peaks and valleys of medications, movements, and interactions. Happy MLK day--and many more to all concerned.

1695

Awoke early and drifted back to sleep--but made it to RSB class. Small group--only 7 people. It was cold this morning--and still chilly even though the temperature is not all that low. The dampness in the air magnifies the coldness--making it feel colder than it is.

We had a good workout--either I'm getting used to the workouts or they are not as intense  as they once were. I prefer to think that it's acclimation--and an increase in strength/stamina from the many workouts.

Hawaii thought it was gone this morning--false alarm that indicated a missile was headed their way. Emergency systems went into operation--and people were notified to shelter. False alarm--but scary given the state of things and POTUS.

I stopped on the way home from RSB--and picked up two Fit Meals from the place that provides the meals and delivers them. They maintain a local office--where I can walking and pick up a few meals to eat at home. I tried their Spanish style cod--very good. Delivered on a bed of garbanzo beans--and floating in a tomato-y sauce with a mix of chopped peppers and onions.

I also picked up a flank steak dish--with a portion of grilled vegetables. Will have that tomorrow--tonight I will do a light dinner of roasted chicken and Asian fried rice.

Had a horchata latte this afternoon--and downing a V8 energy drink even as I post. Nothing on the agenda for tomorrow--will do an RSB on MLK's day. I'm feeling a bit tired this afternoon--we'll see if the V8 pumps things up. If not then it's early to bed--put the pillow under my head.

1696

One lane on Hazel this weekend--and the traffic will be stalled. It's the wind down of Phase 2 of the project--which will take the rest of the year (2018) to complete. Phase 3 will start in 2019--and who knows how long that will take.

Meanwhile, Trump is demeaning other countries--calling them shit hole nations. The ultimate negotiator runs at the mouth--and never stops it seems.

I made a late start today--stayed in bed until it was almost noon. Finally got up and out--grabbed a sandwich and a latte. Came back and zoned out for several hours--until I woke up and made another latte run and picked up the mail.

Turned out that the SB card I had my credit card issue as an award--was in the mail and not in the mail thief's pocket. I transferred  the award card to my SB gold card--which took me much longer than I thought it would take. I should know by now that doing that transfer takes a while--the UI for doing it is not ask that clear. But I got it done--and it was a perfect time to get it.

It was good timing in that I got a heads up from the medical group that my co-pay is going to be large for the work being done now--quite large! So large, in fact that I went on my IRA account--and pulled my 2018 MRD out. The MRD will just about cover the co-pay--at least for what's being done now. The co-pay will just about max my out-of-pocket amount--and eliminate any further co-pays, hopefully.

I'm feeling somewhat raw and tired today--will do an RSB tomorrow and maybe on Monday. Then it's back to the recliner for the 2nd infusion on Tuesday--and the big co-pay. Merry onward--and off we go!

1697

RSB today--and it felt really good. I didn't notice any effects of the NHL treatment--nothing specific has shown up so far. I didn't sleep all that well last night--I was up and down a lot to pee. I don't know if the medication and more urination are related--it could be that I've been drinking more liquids as per the treatment instructions. In any case, I'll see what I can do to sleep better (or more)--need that sleep no matter what.

Afternoon went on its foggy way--I think I may have nodded off at some point. But I was awakened by what I thought was someone saying my name--turned out that wasn't the case. I must have been dreaming or such--in fact, I've had a couple of very explicit dreams over the past few weeks. They all seemed to involve some kind of project--where I was part of one team that was doing the planning and work. The heads of the various projects were several women--there were the designer/builders (which team I was on, and a group of executives who were dealing with the financing and oversight.

I just experienced another foggy way--I just zoned out on one of the slot machine games. The only thing that made me break my focus on the game--I had the urge to go pee.

It's getting about time to fix a bite of dinner--and then shower and shave (and change the bed linens) prior to bedding down for the night.

Nothing specific planned for tomorrow--need to chase down a SB's card that I had sent to me from BOFA by redeeming some of my points. The person who broke into our mailboxes may be enjoying some free java--while I get to chase down a replacement.

1698

Yesterday went really smoothly... It was a pain in the butt to sit for 4 to 5 hours but the infusions produced no issues... I came away feeling energetic and pumped to be doing the treatment versus all of the probing and upfront analytical work that we had done... I was given a dose of rituximab (Rituxan) which is an immunotherapy material that turns looking for and destroying damaged cells into a PacMan game... It is selective regarding which cells it marks as targets thus not causing damage to other cells... Even today, I couldn't tell that I had  been given anything... I got a little more tired than normal after lunch--but a couple of hours nap rebalanced everything...I was also given an iron infusion since my blood work indicated that I was slightly anemic...

Will do three more sessions over the next three weeks... and then will plan out any next steps... If the lump reduces 50% in size with the initial 4 sessions, the probability of complete remission is very high... Based on some clinical studies, this magnitude of reduction is highly possible...

Thanx to the social worker who got me some resource information... The guy who spoke with me pulled together the kind of support resources that I was trying to find... He also took me through the many resources that are available in the medical complex where the doctors and labs are located... The facility is only a couple of miles from my house... And there are many Starbucks in the area...

Tomorrow I'll hit the punching bags and see if the treatment has any effect on my RSB activities... I'll be glad when I can get back to dancing--I had to sidetrack that part of my program to deal with my introduction to the mysteries of NHL and its associated intrusions...

The grandson is going through his "before bedtime" laps around house--while practicing his vocalizations which are growing in volume with each passing day... He's going to be a loud one--in fact he already is...

1699

Started treatment regime today--and it took all morning and into the lunch hour. Wasn't much to do but sit back in a recliner chair--and watch the s-l-o-w drip of the medication followed by a bag of iron-laced solution. There was a woman there that I just figured out where I had seen her--she works at the dollar store in the shopping center. Small world--and yet so big!

There was about nine of us in the chairs--each with our own special cocktail dripping into our veins. Depressing situation in that you can hear everyone's conditions--like the guy who has to come everyday because he has multiple tumors in his brain. Several people had permanent shunts for getting their dosages--since they come so frequently.

Just went into a fog--as dinner was being prepared. I'm still feeling OK--starting to feel a little tired. Have nothing planned for tomorrow--can sleep in if need be. I'm feeling clear--as if my windshield has been purged and I'm seeing everything in brightness and light.

BH is turning into a very verbal kid--a loud verbal kid.

I don't think I'm getting any reactions to today's infusions--will see how I sleep after being infused.

The oncologist prompted me to get in touch with the gastrointestinal people--about scheduling a colonoscopy or such because of the PET scam results and the leaky cecum. More medical moments--fewer dances. But I need to bite the bullet and get it done--take a look and see what I need to see.

1700

Did an RSB class this rainy day--there was a speech pathologist who joined in so that we made a lot of noise while punching the bags. I had a smoothie and breakfast sandwich before class--and a chicken salad and latte for lunch. Will have a bowl of salmon and Japanese fried rice for dinner--so my digestion will be on track for tomorrow's adventure. Will stop and grab a smoothie and a bagel on the way to the lab--have to be there at 8am.

It's cold and rainy--the worse that it gets in terms of winter here. The dampness makes it feel more chilly than it actually is--just have to wrap in an extra layer to help keep warm.

Grandson is feeling better--he's had a rough few weeks but seems to be a getting back to health.

I watched him last night while his parents went to dinner--he slept right through my time with him. He awoke about the time they returned--and about the time my dinners were delivered by the Forklifters. The meals were tasty and fresh--but they are a bit pricey compared to the ones we got for MD, seemed a bit smaller, and were not as interesting as MD's. I'll have to try MD's versions--and see how they compare.

The big plus for the Forklifters were their ostensible pick up location--which turned out to be an error on the website. They had a location listed that was in the neighborhood--turns out the pickup location is quite far away.

But the basic idea is interesting--since I don't cook any more. Having healthy and not too costly dinners delivered seems like a good thing to do.

1701

The grandson is ill--he's not been well for about a week. I'm sitting with him tonight--while his parents go to a dinner to announce their next child. Yep, she's pregnant--and due in August.

My day has been a scramble--lots of motion but little done. I spent a lot of time trying to find salt tablets--all of the pharmacies either were out of them or they had never heard of such a thing. When I finally came home--I went online and immediately found all kinds of tablets available to be sent directly to me. In fact, I ordered from Walgreens--which allowed me to use my bonus points and pay almost nothing for tablets and delivery.

I'll do an RSB class tomorrow--the POW involves martial arts and the practice thereof. Should be interesting--but not exactly like boxing.

I'm awaiting the delivery of some dinners from the Forklifters--custom-made healthy dinners delivered to the door. There was the mix up about where the meals were to be picked up--but hopefully the boxing coach (who is a part owner in the business) will unravel things and bring me two dinners sometime this evening.

I had planned on picking up the dinners--and having one tonight and one tomorrow night. Sort of priming my stomach pump--to get ready for the treatment that I'll begin on Tuesday. The best laid plans--and so, and so.

I am doing my laundry--or rather the machines are doing it. Thank goodness for the machines--even though they may be taking over our lives.

1702

RSB early in the day--then nap and rest the afternoon away. My nap lasted over several hours--I just had a bit of lunch and went to sleep almost when I hit the bed.

I come away from the RSB sessions feeling like I've run out of gas--since I've known about the NHL issue I've felt tired and depleted. I may have felt this way when I was first diagnosed with PD--but I think I ignored it and just slept a lot. Now, I'm trying to maintain the activities that were giving me energy--but it's not working.

And I'm stressing over the upcoming treatments--I don't fully know all that is to happen. I'm also not going out of my way to learn more--a part of me is denying what is happening. I have thoughts of magical results--magical happenings that will restore order and continuity.

I just had my 2nd latte for today--and it's not making a dent in my fog. I don't want to down a V8 this late in the day--especially not after two lattes. I don't have anything planned tomorrow--so I can sleep in. I've got some prep work to do before my Tuesday adventure--and I should do that tomorrow.

That grandson is looking haggard--he's been fighting off a cold or such for over a week.

I feel like he looks--or he looks like I feel. Blended, mended, and upended--that's how the garden grows.

1703

It's been raining some over the past few days--today I was walking in the sunshine and felt drops of rain hitting me. I think my mother used to have a saying that went with such an event--the devil was beating his wife.

I slept in today--and napped some in the afternoon. I'll go to an RSB class in the morrow--and then rest again on Sunday.

I picked up a Powerball lottery ticket--for tomorrow's draw of over $500M. Here's to luck coming my way--the MegaMillion draw is tonight--and it's almost $500M as well. Wouldn't it be a trip if the same person won both--now that would be very low probably event even for a lottery drawing.

My daughter just announced that she and BH are pregnant--baby due in August. That will be number three for them--will be a lot of work but I guess they are ready for it.

Last night I ordered two meals from the Forklifters service--to try them out and see what they produce. Unfortunately, my daughter didn't tell me they were planning on a birth announcement dinner--and that I was to babysit the grandson. I'm supposed to pick up the Forklifter dinners around the time they were planning to leave for the announcement dinner--we'll figure it out. I could have the dinners delivered, but not until the next day--which was not my plan.

Day seems to be going slowly..it's actually going as it goes but my sensors are off.

1704

Had an RSB class today--a goodly crowd  of 9 people. I felt good--but still a little tired.

I came home and picked up a latte for lunch (had a smoothie and bagel before class)--had some rice and chicken for lunch. I'm ready to crash for a while--or not if the latte kicks in and I wake up.

It's later in the afternoon--and I'm starting to feel awake. The lunch and latte seemed to have kicked in--and after nodding off a few times I'm now feeling like I'm out of the drowsy mode I was in.

The grandson seems to be better--he grew real quiet when he was feeling poorly on Tuesday night. He's been really talkative today--back to his old self and making a lot of vocalizations.

I'm stiff and creaky even after doing a RSB session--or because of doing one. My legs and hips are tight and achy--and the festinating seems to be more pronounced. I flashed on what it's going to be like to have to spend so much effort and time dealing with medical stuff--instead of being productive and engaged with life's many fun things. There is always a lot of talk about quality of life--which is difficult to ascertain when so much attention is focused on the illness-related elements.

1705

Very quiet day--BH, the grandson, was ill last night and probably had a quiet day today. Sky is gloomy grey and cloudy--I managed to get out and get a hair cut. Plus did a little shopping for MD and myself--nothing major, just picked up some groceries.

I spent a fair amount of the day reading about diets--and what to eat with something like NHL. The Mediterranean diet seems the way to go--fish, veggies, fruits, low to no sugars, protein, fiber and such. Sugars and similar items tend to fuel any immune system disorders--so are to be avoided.

I had a latte today (a daily drink that I'll probably have to fore go)--and a V8 energy drink. But right now (at the ending of the day) I'm not feeling clear--and am drowsy and feeling like I'm wanting to sleep.

Got a note from RB, one of the men's group, who has battled a cancer--he had a lot of good thoughts regarding what I'll have to encounter. He's been there--and done that so he's a good resource. I'm still searching for a local support group--I think it would be helpful to touch base with people who have been through this challenge. Unlike the PD support information which is well known and compact--the NHL support activities are not as organized or easy to find. But there must be something around this area--I know there are plenty of people who have had treatments.

Will do an RSB session tomorrow--and one on Saturday. Feels good to have gotten a hair cut today--like I'm getting ready for a battle. Which I most likely am--but have no clue just how much of one it will be. It will be whatever it will be--no more and no less.

1706

Did a RSB class today--it's been three days since I last exercised. I moved well today--but my stamina was not as present as I would like it to be. I zoned out when I got home--had a bite to eat but will chow down more at dinner.

I grabbed a latte on the way home--but I think I'll have to do an energy drink anyway. I'm feeling some wear off of my meds--the energy drinks help extend the meds effects. I can't help but think about what the new meds that I take next week will do--or not do as the case may be.

It was good to do an RSB session today--except for my stamina being low. I would like to do more each day--but I'll probably not try and make it to class tomorrow. Will rest and restore--and go to Thursday's class.

MD went to the doctor's today--and got a reading from her new heart doctor but nothing to do specifically. She was told she had a pinched nerve in her back--but nothing about what to do about it. I can try and get her to go to the woman that was doing my bodywork--but A, MD's caregiver, will have to do the bulk of the work to get her to a few sessions. Get her to test it out--and see what happens.

For that matter--I need to get back to having some bodywork done every couple of weeks. I could shop around--and find someone less expensive. Or I could just bite the bullet--and get back on S's schedule.

I think A is coming tomorrow--to do the routine things she does for MD. I can mention the possibility of A getting MD to try out a couple of S's sessions--and go from there.

1707

First day of 2018--and it's a bright and shiny day. I'm trying to wake up--but I'm feeling drowsy and only lightly motivated. It's quiet here right now--the family are out and about except for MD and BH who are both way asleep.

BH did two big nights at the place where he works--it was a big holiday weekend and was worth his while to take a double stint. He just has to sleep it off today--and then back to regular activities tomorrow.

I realized last night that thee might bean RSB class today--but got no response to an email I sent asking if that was a possibility. So, I guess there was no classes today--but will resume tomorrow.

I think the family has returned--I just had a bowl of lunch (ribs and rice).  I'm debating whether or not to down a energy drink--to push me through the afternoon. I'll shower and shave whenever MD gets up for her afternoon repast--that will help wake me up or put me to sleep. We shall see--what we will see.