Well, the best-laid plans and all of that.
On Thursday, I went in for what I thought would be my fourth cyberknife treatment to the sacrum, only to be told that the staff had been trying to reach me by phone to tell me not to come in, because the machine was down.
Now, this kind of thing doesn't upset me--it can't upset you if you are going to survive cancer treatment. Flexibility is key here--so I just turned around and came home, with a stop by the bookstore for some "comfort reading," because I was feeling rather punk.
Things got worse the following day, Friday, and I ended up taking a rest day, all tucked up in my comfy bed with the flannel sheets and LOTS of pillows. Cyberknife Guy had warned me that the treatments could cause problems with my bladder or bowel or both, and that's what happened. Incredible diarrhea, lasting all day long.
My bladder, however, seems unaffected.
So I had my dog, and the kittens, which I let into my room to play while Connie was outside, and several good books. Also some foods I could eat--homemade blueberry scones left over from the day before, an omelette I made with vegetables from my garden, and lots of liquids. I was pretty dehydrated, but I think I caught up by evening.
Comfort Reading
When I feel sick, I like to reread books that I've read and loved in the past. This time is was two Dorothy Sayer novels, "Gaudy Night" and "Busman's Honeymoon," both of which I consider among her best. Wimsey and Harriet Vane get married in "Busman's Honeymoon," and Sayer manages to let the reader know that they have a fantastic sex life without ever giving a graphic detail--I love that.
Having come of age in the days when "bodice rippers" were dominating the best-seller lists, I appreciate a little restraint.
In addition to Sayer, I bought another book in the Alexander McCall Smith "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series. This one is "The Miracle at Speedy Motors." I'll be reading this today, once I finish up with my gardening projects in the back yard.
I haven't figured out yet why I like Smith's books so much, except that he has a gentleness to his story telling that I appreciate. And he is a fantastic story-teller. I also like his Edinburgh series--those make me want to go to that city and just stay for a month, walking the streets, listening to the voices, and admiring the stones in the ancient buildings.
Maybe I could arrange a house-swap with someone who lives there?
Pain
One piece of good news: My pain is fading. The rib still hurts, because it hasn't been treated yet, but the pain in my sacrum is definitely going away.
The thing about pain is that it is exhausting. I get tired so fast on a day that I'm in pain. And then as a result of that, I feel clumsy and stupid ... I trip over my own feet, or my cane if I'm using it, and I drop things, which I hate more than anything. And I can't get words to come out of my mouth in the right order.
But that is all better today, and I'm going to take it fairly easy today and tomorrow. I do have an appointment with Cyberknife Guy on Monday, and I have a few questions for him.
Re: Kitten photos. Some readers have asked for more photos of the kittens, but I'm having camera problems. In the meantime, here's one close-up of Mugi-cha, the kitten I plan to keep. She's named for the Japanese cold tea, which she was drinking out of a glass in my room yesterday. Click on the image for a larger view.
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@ Jeanne Sather 2010.