We had about four beautiful warm days. Both husband and I got outside doing various seasonal chores. I was slowly and carefully cleaning up perennial beds by cutting down dried plants, trimming shrubs and dumping the material in the burn barrel. I used the sitting / kneeling seat that husband made me for Christmas and took frequent breaks and managed to avoid any back problems.
I’ve done some half days of occasional teaching and have a couple of full days coming up this week. I’m enjoying these days.
I have been dealing with wrapping my brain around the follow up medication I am to be on following my breast cancer. You think you’re done, but you’re not really done. The list of side effects is extensive. Many of them I’m not experiencing thank goodness, but a couple of them I am. Today I tried to call the oncologist’s office and realized that their automated phone system does not work and you are just on a loop of the same recording. Remember the days when you called a number and a person answered? Long gone. Anyway I chose a different option and left a message with someone that I really wasn’t intending to speak to and I let them know that their system wasn’t working. Who knows if I’ll even get a call back.
On a different note, we are now revisiting winter with cold temperatures, rain and possibly snow but it likely won’t last long. I’m going to go out to pick up a few groceries and am planning on making Italian chop sub sandwiches tonight for supper which I’m sure husband and son will like. You chop together iceberg lettuce, red onion, salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, etc and load it up on a thick submarine bun ( some may call it a hoagie). Something different than my usual rotation of suppers.
I’m not in a reading mode these days, don’t know why not, but I have two books beside my bed that I’ve renewed from the library because I won’t accept defeat and still think I may end up reading them! On the “ watching “ front, I’m so happy that new episodes of Call the Midwife are on now. And last night, despite our best wishes, they did NOT find the treasure on Oak Island! Ha ha!
Do you put some sort of dressing on that sandwich? Sounds like something I would try but I'd want to add mayo or mustard or something?
ReplyDeleteWe have the same weather as you it sounds like. A few flurries today after 80F weather on Friday/Saturday!...
Yes, some versions call for Italian dressing and others show oil, red wine vinegar and other seasonings.
DeleteSounds like you're back in the swing of things and that's good! Please tell me that the Oak Island reality series is FINALLY over. I can't believe how long it's been running. If there ever was any treasure on Oak Island, it would have been found eons ago, simply EONS.
ReplyDeleteNope, not done yet. We record it every Sunday night and joke that this will be the week!!
DeleteSo sorry to learn of your struggles. New meds can mess with your whole system. Migraines have led me down some meds struggles. Glad you have returned. Winter to spring, back to winter, a nasty cycle. Here in Riverside co. CA, we have taken that back and forth as well. It was 80 deg, for a few days, and then it was back to 60s.
ReplyDeleteNasty migraines! My mother used to be plagued with them. I hope there are more choices in pain relief now.
ReplyDeleteIt make such a difference when you can talk to a human being..pirate is so fortunate in that, especially in our doctor who listens and doesn't talk at you but to and with you. She is also willing to have a phone convo to reassure pirate, even if awaited results are not in yet.
ReplyDeleteHang on in there xx
Wow, she sounds like a great doctor! I’m envious.
DeleteSometimes I just keep hitting the 0 button. Occasionally I actually get to a human. I am so very tired of "Please listen carefully as our options have changed". No they haven't! I can only imagine how trying it must be for you, especially when you are having side effects and need advice.
ReplyDeleteThe sandwiches sound delicious, and thoughtful. I am happy to hear that you are able to get back to some of the things you enjoy doing.
We just finished up supper and the subs were quite good with enough. “ filling “ left over for son’s lunch tomorrow.
DeleteHugs to you sweet girl. I remember when my daughter went thru breast cancer and the chemos and such. It's tiring and worrisome. Praying you can get the meds you need when you need them too. Yikes , go nuts trying to phone places. It's like they think we have all day to be on the phone. I miss that wonderful human connection. We had pretty days that were warm and now into our second cold day..tomorrow should be a bit better. Crazy weather patterns now. Blessings, take care, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteActually, I did get a call back from a wonderful nurse who eased my mind and even gave me an extension number to use the next time to bypass all that phone foolishness. I didn’t have to have chemo, just radiation so I’m thankful for that, Susie!
DeleteI also am happy to have CTM back and am watching Marie Antionette at 10:00 on PBS. It is such a great insight into that period of French history.
ReplyDeleteOhhh I’ll have to check that out. How have I not seen that on PBS?
DeleteI am glad you got to speak to somebody about your medication/health concerns. Speaking to a real person is always reassuring. Our weather has been extreme too. 90 degrees F one day and 50 a few days later.
ReplyDeleteIt was reassuring and she even emailed me some extra info. I love a good nurse!
DeleteHow nice to know a new season of Call the Midwife is available. No one I've recommended it to is disappointed!
ReplyDeleteI love it and have rewatched some of the older episodes.
DeleteCall the Midwife is wonderful. I am now watching All Creatures Great and Small and loving it.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy.
God bless.
I love that programme as well! The new ones as well as the old series.
DeleteFor a reading fan not to love reading as much is a pity. I used to love reading books and long journal articles.. now I rarely have the patience to read more than newspaper articles *sad sigh*
ReplyDeleteI don’t know why I’m in a non- reading phase. Maybe it’s because I’ve read all the latest books of my favourite authors already and these books are unfamiliar authors. Don’t know.?
DeleteWhat a perfect Christmas gift you husband made for you - he knows you well. At this time of year I know I should pace myself with the spring garden clean up, but I always do to much & my shoulders scream at me later. How frustrating not to be able to get through to a person to discuss your medication concerns. As we both have discussed, our weary medical system is on a thread. I must admit I am starting to wonder if some of it isn't just tempers flaring with "I'll show you Mr Ford" & if an undercurrent of work to rule isn't at play. There's a new Dr Ruth Galloway due sometime this month - I cannot wait.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a call back from the doctor's office, and you get some relief from the side effects.
ReplyDeleteWe've not had the warm weather you have, but it does feel like we've gone through false spring with some decent weather. Possibly 25-45 cms of snow expected tomorrow across Southern Saskatchewan. I can tell you, I'm not looking forward to that.
I call it "Spummer" and we're having it too -- 70s last week, below freezing this morning and snow. Not a lot but enough to remind one not to be complacent! Your sandwich combo sounds really wonderful. Not so wonderful, your side effects. I feel your frustration at the automated lines. All you want to do is talk to a person. I wish they had a dedicated email nurse who could answer simple questions (this is normal, try taking this to relieve that, or "We'll see you in the office.) UGH. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI do remember the days when people picked up the phone and talked to customers. Sometimes I get a company that does that now, though too many have press this and that to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteSorry you're not done with the meds and this journey just yet. Sending well wishes and huggs - Ivy.
Spring then winter then spring! Very Canadian. I've been so busy lately that I'm struggling to read at night. I read about a page and fall asleep with book in hand, reading light on and glasses on my face. Thankfully, my husband takes care of all that when he comes to bed! LOL
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get a call back from your Doctor and that the side effects are mild or temporary. So happy to hear you are out and about, living your life.
ReplyDeleteThe subs sound amazing to me!
I am glad to read your news and happy too to read the Love in the comments
ReplyDeleteA real person answering at a doctor's office? Been a while since I experienced that! I hope they call you back. We have that same weather Jenn. At least it's keeping the black flies away! ☺
ReplyDeleteMy wife finished her breast cancer treatment about 1 year ago and she has so many side effects from her various medications. She seems to never have a day without some type of pain or other issues from the meds. I feel for you for sure. Cancer is one of those things, as my wife says, that keeps on giving.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting. I’m hoping that I can define myself with all the other parts of my life and not let this define me. I hope your wife is also able to have contentment and great experiences that have absolutely nothing to do with breast cancer!
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