DD1 thinks all I do is knit on that April [Austermann Step #10 - Melba] sock. But, that's because that's all she sees me doing. Up until yesterday I was napping more than not, but from DD1's perspective my days have gone like this:
7:30 a.m. - Mom's up. In the recliner. Knitting on that sock. [DD1 leaves for coffee shop day job.]
Later in afternoon - [DD1 returns from day job] Mom's up. In the recliner. Knitting on that sock.
An hour later - [As DD1 leaves for evening job at very nice Italian restaurant] Mom's up. In the recliner. Knitting on that sock.
Hours later [DD1 returns from Italian restaurant.] Mom's in bed. There's that sock, yarn & knitting needles on the table beside the recliner. She must have knit all evening.
From my perspective, the past five or six days have gone like this:
Knit a few rows. Lay it down. Take a pain pill with a big glass of water. Knit a few rows. Hoist myself out of the recliner and head to the loo. Back in the recliner. Knit a few rows. Sleep for an hour or two. Knit a few rows. Take a pain pill with a big glass of water. Knit a few rows. Doze off for ten minutes. Hear DD1 putting key in door. Pick up my knitting. Knit a few rows. Decide I need to head to the loo....
You get the idea.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Will I Glow in the Dark?
DD3 went with me today to the consultation with Dr. J, the radiation oncologist. We were both very impressed with Dr. J. She's very friendly, but professional, and speaks "Midwestern." [I'll have to admit, I was concerned that there might be a language problem before I met her. But, no worries. If she wasn't born in the USA, she's lived here most of her life.]
My cancer was at Stage 2 Level 2. Dr. J. explained that for some patients, their cancer & risk factors do not warrant radiation. For others, she strongly recommends it. However, for me...I'm on that "fence" area. She spent quite a long time explaining what if we do, what if we don't, complications & risks for either way, etc. And then, basically, said that it was my call. I really didn't have to think about it. Even though my "chances of survival" are at 88% without radiation, I opted to get that extra 8-10% reassurance and agreed to go for it.
I *thought* my surgeon had said that I'd probably start radiation in a "few weeks." But, Dr. J. said that we'll wait till I'm completely healed - and after I've had my 6 week check up. So, I'll meet with her again on April 24th. There will be two preliminary appointments to get me measured and my belly tattooed and get my coordinates into the computer. [I was thinking I'd like butterflies, but DD1 said the tattoos will be dots.] Once radiation begins, I'll have 28 sessions, one each Monday through Friday till done. I'll be able to work, at least part time, during my treatments, although Dr. J. said that the last week might be a bit rough and to consider taking that week off work.
As you can tell [being that I'm sitting at the computer], I'm feeling a lot better than I was a week ago! Still tire easily, still need pain meds, but I can manage at home on my own OK while DD1 is at work.
Thanks for your prayers and concern, I really appreciate it.
My cancer was at Stage 2 Level 2. Dr. J. explained that for some patients, their cancer & risk factors do not warrant radiation. For others, she strongly recommends it. However, for me...I'm on that "fence" area. She spent quite a long time explaining what if we do, what if we don't, complications & risks for either way, etc. And then, basically, said that it was my call. I really didn't have to think about it. Even though my "chances of survival" are at 88% without radiation, I opted to get that extra 8-10% reassurance and agreed to go for it.
I *thought* my surgeon had said that I'd probably start radiation in a "few weeks." But, Dr. J. said that we'll wait till I'm completely healed - and after I've had my 6 week check up. So, I'll meet with her again on April 24th. There will be two preliminary appointments to get me measured and my belly tattooed and get my coordinates into the computer. [I was thinking I'd like butterflies, but DD1 said the tattoos will be dots.] Once radiation begins, I'll have 28 sessions, one each Monday through Friday till done. I'll be able to work, at least part time, during my treatments, although Dr. J. said that the last week might be a bit rough and to consider taking that week off work.
As you can tell [being that I'm sitting at the computer], I'm feeling a lot better than I was a week ago! Still tire easily, still need pain meds, but I can manage at home on my own OK while DD1 is at work.
Thanks for your prayers and concern, I really appreciate it.
Monday, March 12, 2007
I'm Back - sorta
Surgery went fine. I felt great on post-op Day 2, so was sent home. Post-op Day 3 was awful. Finally back to feeling almost as good as Day 2 [when I was still under the influence of heavy-duty meds.]
Been spending a lot of time sleeping - and knitting a few rows at a time. I've turned the heel on the first April sock. These will be April socks, too, and not a second pair of March socks. I'm not THAT peppy yet.
Get the staples & stitches out later today. Seeing an oncologist about radiation on Wednesday. I've heard from 8-10 women who've had the same thing "years ago" and are doing just fine. So, I'm very confident about my recovery.
Today will be my first day out & about and I'm SO happy that it's Spring-ish!
Been spending a lot of time sleeping - and knitting a few rows at a time. I've turned the heel on the first April sock. These will be April socks, too, and not a second pair of March socks. I'm not THAT peppy yet.
Get the staples & stitches out later today. Seeing an oncologist about radiation on Wednesday. I've heard from 8-10 women who've had the same thing "years ago" and are doing just fine. So, I'm very confident about my recovery.
Today will be my first day out & about and I'm SO happy that it's Spring-ish!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Tying Up Loose Ends
I'll be gone for a while. Having surgery later this a.m. [uterine cancer] and will be in the hospital "three or four days." I'll get back to the computer ASAP!
Loose ends:
Loose ends:
- Packed yesterday, repacked this morning.
- Checked my several email accounts [but not the one for work.]
- Cleared out my "nest" - the area around the recliner [which I do usually every day anyway, but last night I just went to bed. Had to put away all those pointy little sticks that seem to intrgue Buster to no end.]
- Knit 2" on my April Socks - finally using the Austermann Step #10 and Michelle's Basic Socks pattern [k4,p1 leg] - taking with me.
Monday, March 5, 2007
March Socks DONE
Yippee! They're done! They fit nicely, but can't show that since I can't get my foot up on the scanner! :-) Socks are now residing in the overnight bag, but in a day or two they will be keeping my feet nice & toasty.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
STR
I've yet to knit with Socks That Rock, but I'm going to use "STR" as my theme for the next 5 months. See That Rock in the image at the top of my blog? My goal will be to climb to it. I've done it once. I'm planning a trip out there in Aug/Sept and I want to climb up there again. It's not Mountain Climbing, just a good steep hike. I'm going to See That Rock up close and personal. Yes, I am.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
March [Bed] Socks Update
Just remember - these are for ME - to wear in bed or under a blanket on the recliner. Yarn: From the Stash, see March 1st post. Hoping I don't run out of the navy before I finish Sock #2 -- thus the stripes. I see I *could* have [should have, perhaps, but see first sentence above] continued the tan on the heel turn. Oh, well, what the he--.
I'm moving into my difficult patient phase and practicing an irritable attitude. [My coping strategy.] Trying to think positive about the Sunday & Monday preparations - clear liquids both days, 3 doses of magnesium citrate, and that bedtime treat on Monday.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Medical Research
This one gives a good overview: http://www.gyncancer.com/uterus.html
This one from the Mayo Clinic is more specifically for endometrial cancer, which is probably the one, but we'll know for sure in a week: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometrial-cancer/DS00306
Other reading suggests that there's a mutation connection - the same alleles that mutate in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome. Eh? So the family colon cancer tendency could be manifesting itself as uterine cancer? I'll have to pass this one by my niece who's studied genetics.
This one from the Mayo Clinic is more specifically for endometrial cancer, which is probably the one, but we'll know for sure in a week: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometrial-cancer/DS00306
Other reading suggests that there's a mutation connection - the same alleles that mutate in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome. Eh? So the family colon cancer tendency could be manifesting itself as uterine cancer? I'll have to pass this one by my niece who's studied genetics.
March Sock Report
Decided to quit wishing I had a second pair of bed socks and do something about it. So this pair will be my official SAM3 March Socks - and I have a good start on them.March Bed Socks details:
For: Me
Yarn: from the stash, Red Heart sport weight, in navy blue and that light brown or tan or whatever it is that I've been trying to use up for several months.
Needles: four - because I don't have a fifth - aluminum [cor, they're cold], size 4
Pattern: generic top down, short cuff, CO 56; k2,p2 rib on cuff/leg and instep; stockinette soles; sl1,k1 type of heel flap.
Because I'm not sure how long the navy blue will last, I'm considering working several tan rounds: a tan row, 2 navy rows, a tan row, 3 navy rows...or something like that. And finish with the toes in tan.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Mother's mother's mother's...
[Genealogy content]
On Jan 15, 2007, I did a brief post about the yDNA project that my brother participated in. The yDNA is for the male line [father's father's father's....] I've been thinking about having my DNA checked - the mitrochondrial DNA is for maternal ancestry. The test does not tell who you ancestor was but give clues as to where your [my] maternal ancestry fits into the deep or very old genetic lines.
I know who my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother was: Lucinda W. Cook. I know Lucinda was born in Pennsylvania in 1805. She married Moses Cochran in Mercer Co. PA in 1826. [He was about 18 years older and a widower. Don't know if he had children with his first wife.] Lucinda and Moses had, at least, 8 children and I know what happened to a few of them. Lucinda & Moses lived in Mercer Co. PA until at least 1855 [when he submitted a War of 1812 pension application.]
They were living in Henry Co., MO, at the time of the 1860 census. Then, according to more pension applications, Lucinda & Moses lived in Adams Co., IA. By 1877, they had moved with their oldest [known] son, Frank, to Madison Co., NE. Moses died there in 1878 at the age of 92. Lucinda died in Madison Co., NE, in 1883 at 78 years of age.
A few years ago, my DD3 & I met my sister and Mother in Madison Co. and we found Lucinda W. Cook & Moses Cochran's gravesites. That was before I'd heard about genealogical DNA, but I still felt a connection to Lucinda when I was standing at her grave - my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother.
What I don't know is: who was Lucinda W. Cook's mother [and father] [and what does the "W" stand for?]
I've started a list of things to do, send for, research, etc. for genealogy...all things that I haven't had time to do. I'm going to have time in the near future and I bet I won't want to be knitting ALL the time. That minor procedure I had last week has turned into a major procedure scheduled for next week and I'll have at least six weeks off work. I'm lining up projects:
On Jan 15, 2007, I did a brief post about the yDNA project that my brother participated in. The yDNA is for the male line [father's father's father's....] I've been thinking about having my DNA checked - the mitrochondrial DNA is for maternal ancestry. The test does not tell who you ancestor was but give clues as to where your [my] maternal ancestry fits into the deep or very old genetic lines.
I know who my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother was: Lucinda W. Cook. I know Lucinda was born in Pennsylvania in 1805. She married Moses Cochran in Mercer Co. PA in 1826. [He was about 18 years older and a widower. Don't know if he had children with his first wife.] Lucinda and Moses had, at least, 8 children and I know what happened to a few of them. Lucinda & Moses lived in Mercer Co. PA until at least 1855 [when he submitted a War of 1812 pension application.]
They were living in Henry Co., MO, at the time of the 1860 census. Then, according to more pension applications, Lucinda & Moses lived in Adams Co., IA. By 1877, they had moved with their oldest [known] son, Frank, to Madison Co., NE. Moses died there in 1878 at the age of 92. Lucinda died in Madison Co., NE, in 1883 at 78 years of age.
A few years ago, my DD3 & I met my sister and Mother in Madison Co. and we found Lucinda W. Cook & Moses Cochran's gravesites. That was before I'd heard about genealogical DNA, but I still felt a connection to Lucinda when I was standing at her grave - my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother.
What I don't know is: who was Lucinda W. Cook's mother [and father] [and what does the "W" stand for?]
I've started a list of things to do, send for, research, etc. for genealogy...all things that I haven't had time to do. I'm going to have time in the near future and I bet I won't want to be knitting ALL the time. That minor procedure I had last week has turned into a major procedure scheduled for next week and I'll have at least six weeks off work. I'm lining up projects:
- knit socks, I have enough sock yarn for 4 pairs
- crochet camouflage blankets for Sport & Buster
- organize all my photos from the past three years
- work on transfering data from my old genealogy database to my new one - and cleaning up the info, adding citations, etc.
Knitting to classical music [update]
I mentioned this topic in January 9th and 15th posts. I have several dozen classical cds, but I also listen to a local classical music only FM station. But, the tower crashed to the ground this weekend when two of the guy-wires snapped. Too much ice and wind. No estimate when they will be back in operation. But, at least I have my cds!
The Grand Dogs
Hmmm...I'm feeling like I need to keep up with the bloggers.... Lots of people with lots of photos of their cats and/or dogs. Don't have any. (-: My houseplants are SO well behaved - I can leave them unattended for DAYS at a time :-)
But, DD3's boyfriend & family have 3 Schnauzers, so here's a photo of two of them. 
Sunday, February 25, 2007
February Socks DONE!
I actually finished them yesterday afternoon (2/24). Still no digital camera so here is a scan of the pair - and the little bit of leftover yarn!
Yarn: Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Flathead Cherry on size 2 dpns. Pattern (free) from poshyarns.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wasted days and a night
I had Great and Wonderful plans to get A LOT of knitting done yesterday and today. So far (3:25 p.m.) I've only done a few rows. I had a minor procedure done yesterday under anesthesia. It was scheduled for Noon. I got there early (with an empty stomach as ordered.) It didn't take long to get all the paper work done. I was taken to the surgery room, changed into a gown and with 25 minutes to go before the DR was to arrive, I thought I could knit.
I only got a row or two done when the anesthethist (spelling?) came in and put in an IV - in the bend of my elbow. No more knitting. So I laid there on the gurney, staring at the lights, and listening to the radio. I guess I could have asked them to change the station. But thought that maybe it was the Dr.'s favorite type of music and I'd better leave it alone. Noon came and went and about 12:45 p.m. someone came in to say that the Dr. was running late, still in surgery, and it might be another hour yet. So they turned the lights down. I forgot to ask about the radio. Oh, well. By that time I was sure I'd set a record for the consecutive number of minutes I've listened to Country music and I might as well build on the record....
Coming out of anesthesia was rough. The nurses wouldn't let me sleep, so I puked. They wanted me to sit up, but my head hurt. I kept asking for 10 more minutes. (Maybe I only asked twice.) They called my DD1 to come to take me home. ARGH. Couldn't keep anything down all afternoon & evening. Slept most of the time. Woke up about 3:45 a.m. and had a cup of weak tension tamer tea and three small soda cracker squares. Slept in the recliner till DD1 got up to go to work. Had a small bowl of oatmeal and tea. Slept a couple hours more. Had some chicken noodle soup and then slept till 2:30 p.m.
I feel like I'm recovering from the flu. Think I'll go make some Yorkshire Tea (but weaker than normal) and get to knitting. Only a week left in the month ... gotta finish my February socks!
I only got a row or two done when the anesthethist (spelling?) came in and put in an IV - in the bend of my elbow. No more knitting. So I laid there on the gurney, staring at the lights, and listening to the radio. I guess I could have asked them to change the station. But thought that maybe it was the Dr.'s favorite type of music and I'd better leave it alone. Noon came and went and about 12:45 p.m. someone came in to say that the Dr. was running late, still in surgery, and it might be another hour yet. So they turned the lights down. I forgot to ask about the radio. Oh, well. By that time I was sure I'd set a record for the consecutive number of minutes I've listened to Country music and I might as well build on the record....
Coming out of anesthesia was rough. The nurses wouldn't let me sleep, so I puked. They wanted me to sit up, but my head hurt. I kept asking for 10 more minutes. (Maybe I only asked twice.) They called my DD1 to come to take me home. ARGH. Couldn't keep anything down all afternoon & evening. Slept most of the time. Woke up about 3:45 a.m. and had a cup of weak tension tamer tea and three small soda cracker squares. Slept in the recliner till DD1 got up to go to work. Had a small bowl of oatmeal and tea. Slept a couple hours more. Had some chicken noodle soup and then slept till 2:30 p.m.
I feel like I'm recovering from the flu. Think I'll go make some Yorkshire Tea (but weaker than normal) and get to knitting. Only a week left in the month ... gotta finish my February socks!
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