You will see that its Wednesday and I'm not in the hospital. My treatment was postponed until Friday, because the remodel on the oncology floor wasn't finished as of yesterday. (I think its because they realized there was a holiday this week... and didn't want to staff for it, but I tend to think in paranoia at times...)
I still had a doctor's appointment and labs at 8:00 am on Tuesday, because he needed to see me and discuss the treatment before I go in. After all the rigamarole about home treatment vs. inpatient treatment, they are actually giving me a dosage that is for inpatient-only (150 millicuries). So all the discussions with the nurses etc. were wasted breath and worry for naught. See, that is the frustrating part of this thing, or maybe its just me. It seems like since I started going to the cancer center and getting ready for treatment, its been a big run-around. I know its probably my attitude more than any lack of knowledge on their part, because I'm frustrated about the waiting and testing and can't do anything about it. And that breaks my own personal rule, which is "if you can't do something to change it right now, then it is not your problem to fix". So there you have it, I've been letting it get to me, even though I know better.
Did I mention that I will be in the hospital until Monday? And that I can't take anything with me? Actually, what the nurse told me was that "everything that goes into the treatment room will have to stay when you're discharged" because it becomes radioactive and must be disposed of accordingly. I can bring paperback books and magazines, travel-sized personal grooming items, and old clothing like socks and undies that I would not mind throwing away. I can wear the hospital gowns and footcovers. So I guess I'll pack an old toothbrush and socks and take a pile of magazines and a couple of paperback books. I'm glad I hadn't downloaded the games I play from the internet! (Yahoo games - Bookworm and Bejeweled) I had also thought I might organize my embroidery design files and work on digital pictures, but that won't happen since the laptop isn't going with me on this trip.
I did something yesterday that I haven't done in a LONG time. I bought fabric. Back in the summer, Moda introduced a line called "Chez Moi" that was so yummy and beautiful I could barely stand to not buy it. Since I couldn't think of something to make from that collection, I held off, knowing that if I changed my mind I'd probably have difficulty finding it. (why is that? used to be, you'd see fabrics from a collection for a year or so, and now - poof! - they are gone within a couple of months. I think the manufacturers don't print the quantities of yardage as in the past, and when its gone, its history.) Anyway, I did find a couple patterns a few days ago that were screaming "Chez Moi!" so I got on the internet and started searching. Yay! I found some at several different places, including one that still had the FQ bundles. I also found yardage of the brown tone-on-tone that worked so well with the collection for sashing. And I found some yardage on sale at another site! So I think I've ordered enough to make a quilt and a pair of matching pillowcases, and possibly have enough left for a third project, such as a neckroll pillow or a bag.
Do you ever face that dilemma? You fall in love with a fabric collection and regret not snapping it up when its widely available? I don't often want to make a quilt from a coordinated collection, as I really prefer scrappy quilts, but once in awhile a collection does speak to me. And its not just the decision to buy a FQ bundle - you have to commit to yardage for borders and/or sashing for an unknown project (or decide that you will use Moda Marbles or muslin or Amish Black for needed yardage when you actually get around to making something...) So, what do y'all do?
And of course, the weather.... our beautiful warm sunny days are over for awhile. We had our first major cold front move in this morning; its in the 40s and windy, with snow predicted Thursday and Friday. (I might as well be in the hospital - its going to be a crappy weekend) How come the 40s were refreshing in Alaska in September and are just darned cold now? Partly, its the wind. And partly, its the record-setting 80's from yesterday that make it seem so wrong.
I want to thank y'all for the continuing posts and e-mails of encouragement. It really makes my day when I hear from y'all. (((hugs))) Thank you, and happy Thanksgiving.
I think 40s are nicer here because it's a dryer climate.
I hope your treatments go smoothly. I'd take crossword, sudoku, & cryptoqoute puzzles to do if I had to toss them out at discharge. You may end up too tired to do much more than watch tv. Good luck gal, I'll keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Deb Hardman | November 24, 2007 at 02:52 AM
I wanted to stop by and say hello, since you were nice enough to stop by my blog. It looks like this would be a good time to wish you the best as far as your hospital stay, as well!
Anecdotally speaking, I have a relative who went through this type of treatment recently and has come through it quite well, so I will be sending happy, optimistic thoughts your way. And, hmmm. Diverting things to take with you that you wouldn't mind leaving ... too bad the old Weekly World News is now out of business! The mere sight of a Bat Boy/Space Alien photo would take care of your rebellious organ without the need of radiation, methinks.
Posted by: Tanya Brown | November 22, 2007 at 11:26 PM
Hi Scoob!! Thinking of you on Thanksgiving, and sending lots of hugs and smoochies!!
~~Sam
Posted by: PeeWee | November 22, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Jeri, saying a special prayer for you. And thank you for your kind comments on my quilting efforts on Jerry's quilt. I have lots of improvement to make but I really like the Handi Quilter and of course, it all takes practice. Hoping you are CURED soon!
Posted by: The Carolina Quilter | November 22, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Happy Thanksgiving Jeri, hugs to you too!
Posted by: Rian | November 22, 2007 at 12:41 AM
This is the first time I've visited your blog. I got here through someone else's blog, although I no longer remember who's. I just want to add my support to you for your upcoming treatment. Reading your blog shows what a great attitude you have towards life, frustrations, and happiness. Keep strong.
Posted by: Morah | November 22, 2007 at 12:21 AM