Penguins
Friday, October 27, 2023 – Sunday, October 29, 2023
Penguins are such cute creatures. I was looking forward to seeing them in their natural habitat, but before we could see them we had to have a day of transition from Puerto Natales, Chile, to our small expedition cruise ship, the Ventus Australis, in Punta Arenas, Chile. We stopped at a ship museum on the way and explored a full size replica of the Victoria, the ship Ferdinand Magellan and his team used to circumvent the globe (the first to do so) in the early 1500’s.
The procedure to board the Ventus Australis was easy. Once aboard, we explored the comfortable ship and attended a “Welcome Aboard” party which also included safety instructions. There are 92 passengers on board and 64 crew. We soon discovered that the bar and snack area are open from 8 am to midnight and, best of all, it is free. Our meals are scrumptious and are accompanied with appropriate wines. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for me, my doctors have me off all alcoholic drinks. Those who know me, know I do not really drink liquor anyway. During the night, the ship docked in the beautiful Ainsworth Bay with mountains encircling us. We saw no one else in the bay.
Arising the next morning, October 28, we saw snow-covered mountains on each side of the Magellan Straits on which we cruised. It is as if we could reach out and touch them. Right after lunch, we arrived at the Tucker Islets. Here, we boarded zodiacs. We learned the “cha, cha, cha” boarding technique–one foot on the top boarding ladder, moving the other foot forward onto the wide rubber top of the zodiac while grasping an arm hold with the attendant, then moving the ladder foot down onto the zodiac’s wooden platform. Speeding in the zodiac to the Tucker Islets, I was getting sprayed with water since I was in the front. Soon, we began to see the prized Magellan Penguins on one of the islets (small island).
Right now only males are on the Islets preparing the nests for the mating season soon to begin. The females are still swimming and are located somewhere off the coast of Argentina. All the penguins winter (during our summer) near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As we zodiacked from islet to islet, we saw more and more penguins. The islets are a preserved area, so we could not set foot on them; the penguins were only a few feet away. They are not afraid of humans. The Tucker Islets are a bird preserve and we saw colonies of both Imperial Cormorants (they look like penguins but can fly) and Magellan Cormorants who nest in the cliff sides.
We learned two non-native invasive species were threatening Patagonia, especially the birds. Beaver and mink are destroying the ecosystem. At the present time, no control method has been found. The evening had a very informative presentation on glaciers.
The next day was dedicated to visiting and viewing glaciers. Patagonia has the greatest contraction of ice after Antarctica and the Arctic. While spring here, it has been snowing on and off. Beautiful. Kathy stayed in while I braved the elements to stand close up to the Glacier Pia.
It was cold and snowing and the Beagle Channel in which we cruised was filled with ice. The zodiac popped up and down with the waves as the driver tried to miss large chunks of floating ice. Pia Glacier is noted for the constant rumbling and thunderous sounds it makes as the ice moves to the Channel. It is one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers. It also calves often and I was fortunate to see that happen twice. The first calving caused a large wave. As we turned to walk back to the zodiac, it began to sleet. Driven by the wind, it stung as it hit the face. Once back on the ship, I was thankful I had braved the elements and happy to take a hot shower.
I didn’t have long because we were soon cruising through the famed Glacier Alley where six glaciers move down the mountains into the Beagle Channel. So large, most are named after countries–Germany, France, Italy, and Holland. The Channel is narrow and snow-capped mountains reach skyward; however, all the glaciers are on the same side. As Kathy and I sat in a lounge at the rear of the ship, a waiter brought us snacks and drinks. After a while, I realized the snacks and drinks matched the glaciers outside–beer and pretzels for Germany, champagne and cheese for France, pizza and wine for Italy, etc. Snow was falling outside. I picked this lounge because right outside was an observation deck where I could easily take photographs. The cruise was magical, the glaciers as impressive as beautiful.
Patagonia Splendor
Wednesday and Thursday, October 25 & 26, 2023
We left El Calafate, Argentina, on Wednesday, October 25, on a five hour journey to Puerto Natales, Chile. As our bus traversed the Andean steppes (high plains) we made a halfway stop at a 73,000 acre (not a misprint) Estancia (ranch). The owner and his wife greeted us and the “gaucho” gave us a history of the ranch. His young great grandfather from Scotland, in the 1860’s, accidentally got on the wrong ship. He thought he was going to the Caribbean, but instead ended up in Argentina. He was industrious and was able to procure this huge acreage. Today, the Estancia has 3,000 sheep. The owner demonstrated his border collies bringing in a flock of sheep from far afield–really interesting as he only used whistles from his mouth to direct the border collies. This puts a whole new meaning to the phrase, “Whistle while you work!”
Then he sheered a ewe in the sheering barn with the wool being all in one piece. Spreading out the wool on a rack he began to separate the wool into various portions based on the quality of the wool. It was all so very interesting and we were happy to eat the grilled lamb we were served in the beautiful home in which the owner lived.
From the Estancia we headed to the Chilean border. After the cold dry scrub brush steppes of Argentina’s Patagonia, Chile’s steppes were on lower elevations and nearer the Pacific and thus much greener because of the higher amounts of rain. We arrived in Puerto Natales in late afternoon and had a casual evening. Our beautiful eco-hotel has an unusual design with grass roofs. Our rooms are uber comfortable.
Puerto Natales is situated between between the Andes and the Pacific and is the gateway to the National Park Torres Del Paine. Our two hour drive to the park was stunningly beautiful and once in the park we were overwhelmed with the white peaks on every side and around every turn. Waterfalls, streams, rivers, blue lakes, mountain flowers and forested trees were everywhere! It is spring here and spring snows left a fresh covering. It reached 42F today and at times was windy; however, the bright sunshine kept us comfortable. Andean condors, the largest flying bird (wing span 10 feet), often flew over head. Andean geese, ducks with white heads and flamingos loved the lakes. Guanacos, similar to a llama, run wild by the millions in Patagonia. We saw many. We had an outdoor picnic beside an immensely blue lake under towering jagged peaks covered in snow. Unforgettable! We drove back to Puerto Natales on a different route that was as beautiful as the drive to the park!
Our evening meal was at the hotel and the menu was amazing. Choices between octopus to eel and many other exotic foods in between for appetizers and mains served with choices of Chilean wines made for a delightful evening, and the dessert options were wonderful as well. Tomorrow, we leave to travel deeper into Patagonia and to board our small cruise ship which will get us to more amazing sights ending at the very tip of South America known as “the end of the earth.” We will be in “no man’s land,” no phones or internet, so I won’t post for awhile. Blessings to all!
Majesty in Glacial Ice
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
We left Buenos Aires on October 23, Monday, flying to El Calafate, Argentina, the gateway to Patagonia’s National Capital of the Glaciers. We drove to an outlook over the high plains of the Andes and caught sight of many birds. I never would have thought that flamingos would appear in the Andes. But there they were! Ibis, black and white swans, and Andean geese abound here as well. It is cool to cold here with brisk winds. Being spring, the trees and flowers are budded out and flowering. Our group settled in at our mountain retreat and shared a wonderful evening meal together. I ordered the mountain trout and Kathy ordered the lamb stew. Both were great selections.
The next morning we left for the National Park of the Glaciers. The drive was phenomenal. First, we drove alongside the powder blue Lake Argentina, the largest in Argentina. In front of the lake were highland plains with bush vegetation, some flowering out with yellow blossoms and various grasses waving in the wind. Across the lake were the Andes, snow-covered and looming higher and higher as we went along.
As we ascended, the plains turned into forests with pine and other native trees. Streams flowed down the side of the hills fueled by the snow above. After about 15 miles, we were zig-zagging upward into the Andes. As we approached the glacier Perito Moreno, the sights were amazing as the ice field with great expanse lay out before us. The ice field was nestled between high mountain peaks. On one mountain, a waterfall cascaded downward. Kathy and I had opted for a small boat to take us close to the glacier where it flowed into a huge river bay. We were happy that we had. The boat pulled so close that the blue of the ice was almost overwhelming. Kathy saw one calving of the ice into the water. Andean condors flew overhead. The boat turned parallel to the glacier and very slowly moved along the three mile wall of ice which is 560 feet thick. It was simply astounding! Vivid blues shown brightly and reflected on the clear white ice. Our national park guide told us there is no pollution in water or air in Patagonia. Thankfully, when I dangled Kathy over the side of the boat to scoop up some glacial ice, I didn’t drop her–so there is still no pollution.
Once off the boat, we bused up to an area above the glacier in the mountains and hiked on a wonderful metal walkway on stilts that took us to fabulous lookouts above the glacier. This day has left indelible memories in the mind. God’s handiwork leaves one humble to see such beauty.
Beautiful Buenos Aires
It is said by locals that an Argentinian is an Italian who speaks Spanish. That is because of the preponderance of the citizenry who have an Italian background. Spain and Germany have also contributed their fair share of immigrants. Kathy and I ate one of the best–maybe the best–Italian meals we have ever eaten in Buenos Aires. That is saying a lot since we have eaten Italian all over Italy.
We flew from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, mid-morning on Thursday, October 19. Rio is so naturally blessed and situated beautifully between the mountains, jungle and ocean. I wondered what Buenos Aires would be like. I knew the city was dubbed the Paris of South America. We quickly saw why. Beautiful French influenced and Art Deco buildings, huge parks and large fountains and statuary graced tree-lined streets and avenues. We were impressed! We learned about the “golden age” from the mid-1800’s through the early 1900’s when Argentina was one of the wealthiest countries in the world due to its mineral and agricultural exports to Europe. Industrial output followed as Argentina supplied South America with all types of products.
Our first two days were spent in the quiet, tree-lined haven of the Palermo district. Since it is spring here, the trees are budding out and the flower-laden trees are in full bloom. Reds, pinks, purples and yellows rained down on us as the flowers dropped. It was very relaxing walking and exploring. Kathy had rented an apartment and it was very nice. We purchased some food from a Jumbo supermarket. The store was large and immaculate and the stacks were all below eye level with perfectly-arranged produce. I saw not one can or product out of place. We rented an Uber to take us to our Sofitel hotel in the Recoleta district for the next two days. This district houses the old town from the “golden age.” It is very beautiful! The “Pink Palace” is now the residence of the President and it sits in a large city square. Impressive French style architecture stretches from it in every direction. Our tour to Patagonia started here with tours of the city being the first order of business.
Our Collette tour is a small group tour and we met our tour companions with a meal created for us by a private chef. It was delicious as the main course featured Argentinian steak. Appropriate Argentinian wine accompanied each course. Our tour companions are delightful folks! The next morning, we toured the famous Recoleta cemetery filled with Argentina’s greats and wealthy, including Eva Peron of “Evita” fame. She is still adored by most but sometimes hated in the country. Elaborate above ground mausoleums line cobbled lanes. Amazing. The colorful neighborhood of La Boca was fun. Once a shanty town, it was turned into shops and eateries housed in corrugated and brightly painted buildings. Music abounded at every turn. We were amazed at the new town across the river. Once the harbor and warehouse area (now moved) it was completely razed in the 1980’s. Now, stunning skyscrapers and tall apartment buildings are set among parks and upscale shopping areas along the river. No box type buildings here as stylish buildings with interesting architectural detail catch the eye. Both Kathy and I were unexpectedly in awe. It was a grand day in a beautiful city.
The Joys of Lollygagging
Growing up, productivity was valued and emphasized. The phrase, “Stop lollygagging,” was used when expectations were not met. As a retired adult, I rather enjoy lollygagging! Today was a lollygag day.
We had planned it that way. Because of my multiple myeloma and our uncertainty of how I would respond to extensive travel, we planned some slower paced days on purpose. We slept later and still made the breakfast at the hotel which is part of the room price. It is a very good breakfast with made to order eggs and a wonderful selection of other buffet foods that appeal to worldwide traveler preferences. As we have come to expect, the smartly tailored wait staff is very friendly and prompt.
The morning was spent on the beautiful rooftop spa/lounge/pool area where the views are 360 degrees. With a slight breeze and gorgeous views of the ocean and mountainous jungles, it was a perfect time to sit back, take in the view, breathe deeply and relax. By noon I was ready for a nap which turned out to be almost four hours in length. To be honest, the plane ride to Rio was tough on my body. Recoup has been steady, but slow. I needed today.
The late afternoon was spent along the beach, mainly walking on the beautiful promenade that runs along side Copacabana Beach. Street sellers and beachside bars and restaurants line the way. Many were playing sand volleyball, and musicians sang in Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. Thankfully, the promenade was not overly crowded so we could take it all in and enjoy a leisurely stroll. As evening fell, we found an appealing outdoor restaurant and enjoyed a delightful time eating traditional Brazilian style shrimp and black bean stew with rice (with raisins and ham), home fried pork rinds and steamed spinach. Tasty and not hot spicy. The meal with drinks was about $18.
Tipping is light in Brazil–many do not. We have not found a place to add a tip to a bill and, when asked, are met with stares. However, I do tip anyway in U.S. dollars ($5=25 Brazilian reals). I will not undertip those who serve. I believe we have been extremely blessed to travel, and it is the Godly thing to pass those blessings along. “Obrigado” (thank you in Portugese) is always said graciously accompanied with a firm handshake. Awesome!
Rio: God Built Between the Jungle, Mountain, and Sea
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Rio was much more beautiful than I imagined. From the heights of the numerous hills one could see sparkling azure blue waters with waves lapping the white sand shores. And those mountainous hills that framed every view and dotted the ocean for miles–captivating! The jungle was evident on most drives in the city. It stretched beyond with a canopy of old growth and flowering trees. We felt blessed to be in this atmosphere.
We were struck with the formality we encountered. Rio has this Carnival reputation and I am sure it is well deserved; however, it has another side. We found formal greetings; formal service; formal instructions; formal dress (except along the beach). First class in most every way. Our hotel is located on Copacabana Beach and the surrounding area is appealing. One can walk from Copacabana Beach to Ipanema Beach (“Tall and tanned, and young and lovely–The girl from Ipanema goes walking and when she passes, each one she passes goes: Ah!”) along a tiled promenade. I surmised that a number of young ladies were going for the Ipanema look!
Our flight was uneventful and ten hours in length. We were tired upon arrival and our hotel was ready for us and gave us our room at 10 AM–quick nap and then exploration and meal. We are very impressed with the meals we have eaten thus far…lots of luscious fruit.
After a wonderful and long night of sleep, we arose excited for a wonderful day. We were not disappointed. Christ the Redeemer, towering over the city, and Rio’s landmark was inspirational and beautiful. Our small tour bus wound around the hills and through the jungle to the top of the mountain where we took several escalators to reach the statue. I can see why it is one of the world’s modern seven wonders. Not only is the statue of Jesus imposing, the views from the top are incredible. The city spread out below us and the deep blue waters stretched out over the horizon. Sugar Loaf Mountain near the yacht harbor was particularly handsome from this vantage point.
Back in the city, Maracana Stadium is huge (175,000 paid fans) and is one of the sport world’s sacred grounds having hosted two World Cups and home to the Brazilian Soccer Team–they still smart from their loss to Germany several years ago. The new cathedral in Rio is very modern with towering stained glass reaching ever upward. The Selaron Staircase is both amusingly colorful and energetic. The artist who created the multilevel stairs used tiles procured from around the world and the entire area is alive with activity. It was a grand day!
4.5 Million and Counting
I am now on a two month countdown to my stem cell transplant. My stem cell harvest at the Transplant Center, Methodist—Houston Medical Center, was a success. Kathy stayed at the Marriott across from Methodist while I was hospitalized for the procedure. I’ll be honest, while not painful, it was not my cup of tea, since it felt invasive. The catheter placed in my leg/groin was something I wanted to pull out soon after the surgery was completed. I needed this done since my arm veins were not sufficient for the procedure, and the femoral artery was the only option left.
I had been told that it could take up to three days of five hour daily sessions to collect enough stem cells for the transplant. I was prepared from that possibility. My first session was in the late morning after the catheter had been placed and stitched in my leg. I had a private nurse who stayed with me the entire time. The lead doctor of the unit fully explained to me what would happen during the stem cell harvest. Lying flat on my back, they hooked me up to the fancy, high tech machine through which my blood would flow and the stem cells would be removed. Tubing on the exit side of the machine brought the cleaned blood back into my body. I noticed my nurse who was monitoring the tech screens was very busy. Later, a man appeared also working on the machine. About one and a half hours into the procedure a main doctor from the hospital and the head of technology appeared at my bedside and informed me the, obviously, very expensive machine had a technology failure! A new machine was going to be brought in, and I would be disconnected from the defective machine and reconnected to the new one. The stem cells already collected would need to be discarded! Apologies were profuse and sincere. My nurse was more than solicitous. So, the five hour session turned into seven hours. The good news—in spite of the lost stem cells, they still gathered enough for the stem cell transplant! All praise to God! The average gathered for a transplant is 3 million cells. My blood yielded 4.5 million! After a night in the hospital for monitoring, I was released and got home earlier than anticipated.
I now have a two month break to recoup strength. I will take drugs, oral and infusion, to keep the multiple myeloma in check until mid October. I will be drug free for our trip to Patagonia. I now begin light exercise at The Club at Bonterra exercise facility, as well as walking. In mid October Kathy and I are able to go on our planned Patagonia adventure. I look forward to the spring time weather while there and the refreshing air of the Andes. My body will be, God willing, refreshed and strengthened for the grueling stem cell transplant process beginning in early November.
For the blessings of this multiple myeloma journey from my diagnosis to the immunomonoclonal targeted therapy to the stem cell harvest, I praise God with this doxology that ends the New Testament book of Philippians: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Praise Report: My blood yielded a healthy amount of usable stem cells for the coming transplant; they are now safely frozen and stored.
Prayer Request: For my body to regain the strength and stamina necessary for the stem cell transplant procedure in November.
Let the Good Times Roll
Sunday evening, August 20, 2023
This past Thursday I received a call from Houston Methodist Transplant Center telling me they wanted to begin the process for my stem cell harvest asap. Well, “Sure!” So, all of the sudden, it was/is full steam ahead! I thought that should I be approved for stem cell transplant, nothing would transpire until late September. Since my transplant and multiple myeloma doctor team meeting is scheduled this Tuesday, downtown Houston, I figured I would be told then whether or not I qualified for a stem cell transplant. I guess I qualify since I have a fully scheduled plan to move forward. That should be verified this Tuesday. Here is my next two weeks’ adventure into unknown territory for me:
- Monday, August 21 – Blood work at Conroe HCA Cancer Center
- Tuesday, August 22 – Appointment with Dr. Carrum, head of the Transplant Center, and doctor team specialists at Houston Methodist Hospital, to learn results of the battery of tests taken early this month and to receive training for what awaits us as patient (me) and caregiver (Kathy)
- Wednesday, August 23 – All-day infusion at Conroe HCA Cancer Center; provide lunch for twenty-four medical staff as my gift to those who have been helping me since I began cancer treatment in April of this year. They are excited, as am I.
- Thursday, August 24 – Morning appointment with primary care physician in Magnolia; afternoon, settle in for the next two days at the Houston Marriott Medical Center
- Friday, August 25 – The first injection is given that will remove my stem cells from the bone marrow and introduce them into the blood stream. Kathy and I will be trained to continue this process.
- Saturday, August 26 – Kathy and I must successfully demonstrate skill at giving the injections. We return home to carry on the process ourselves.
- Sunday, August 27 – We independently carry on the process for which we were trained. The injections are to be given for five days before the harvest. The injections encourage the stem cells to grow faster and move from the bone marrow into the blood stream.
- Monday, August 28 – Friday, September 1 – We return to Houston Methodist Hospital and stay at the Marriott Medical Center. I undergo surgery to place ports into the femoral arteries of both legs for the purpose of stem cell harvesting, and I may be hospitalized. The harvesting of my stem cells begins. Tubing will carry the blood to a special machine that will separate the stem cells from the rest of the blood, which is then returned to my body during the same procedure. Each harvest session is six hours in length and it can take one to three days to retrieve enough stem cells. The harvested stem cells will be filtered, stored in a special solution in bags, and then frozen for use at a later time when the marrow will be thawed and re-entered into my blood, traveling to the bone marrow where they will engraft and begin to make new, normal blood cells.
God willing, I will get a two month break between stem cell harvest and bone marrow/stem cell transplant. I will receive maintenance drugs to keep the multiple myeloma at bay. God willing, Kathy and I will go on a long planned trip to South America—primarily Patagonia—before stem cell transplant in November.
Praise Report: That I am able to move forward with stem cell collection.
Prayer Requests: That I might tolerate the procedures as comfortably and successfully as possible; that the stem cells collected will be abundant and healthy
Scripture Encouragement: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
PRESS ON
He was adamant that this was his SUV–not mine! Flummoxed, I stood in the sun in 100 degree heat, although I am not supposed to be in the hot sun with the drugs I am taking for the Multiple Myeloma. He held onto the door handle of the vehicle–(mine!)–and I knew better than to try to get past him. I quickly surmised that he must have some type of dementia, and I was also concerned for him being in the hot sun. He told me his wife would soon come out of the grocery store and “set me straight.” I had gone with Kathy to the grocery store on a late Sunday afternoon to get in some walking in the cool, air-conditioned setting while she shopped. When I tired, I told her I would go to our vehicle and wait. I used the phone app. to start the vehicle and turn on the AC. But the gentleman would not let me pass! Eventually, the store manager found the gentleman’s wife, and she came and whisked her husband away to their vehicle an aisle over. Frankly, I was now overly exhausted.
I have been extremely exhausted the last month. I was excited to think that I might be nearing the end of my current Multiple Myeloma treatments, and I awaited the meeting with my hematologist/oncologist to get the results of all my recent labs. When we met this past week, I had a very good report with one exception—my M-spike protein number was still too high. Bottom line: I have six more weeks of treatments. During this time I will also go to Houston Methodist Hospital in the downtown Medical Center for tests of my vital organs to see if I qualify for a stem cell transplant. Because I am nine years over the general cut off for the transplant, Medicare requires I pass these tests. My doctor and I agreed that I needed to know now if I qualify. The stem cell transplant can get the M-spike protein down to one in a million leading to minimal drug maintenance until the ‘bad’ protein elects to multiply again. If I do not qualify for the stem cell transplant, my doctors will use more drugs to work on lowering the M- protein. My doctor said he wants me to have every option available. Sounds good to me!
A bone-building drug was added to my treatment schedule two weeks ago. Medicare would not OK the drug my doctor prescribed and so a generic substitute was used. It did not work for me! My worst side effect was swollen eyes with deep socket pressure. This lasted for days. I informed my doctor and he said, “Now I have the proof I need to get the drug I prescribed approved.” Soon, with six more weeks of treatment scheduled, I will get my doctor’s preferred name brand drug.
I had informed my doctors as I began treatment that Kathy and I had a planned trip to Patagonia in South America in October. They did not forget and planned a way for us to go. Amazing, right! I told Kathy that I needed to get out in spite of my exhaustion and fatigue. So I do force myself to “up and at ’em!” Yesterday, we went for a joy ride to Galveston to celebrate our grandson’s eighth birthday, and we walked along the gulf shore for fifteen minutes. It was a very short time, but it was wonderfully refreshing!
I have nearly always had the “press on” attitude for life. It is taken from Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” While the Apostle Paul is reminding us we have a heavenly home, the ultimate prize, our earthly life is one of pressing forward until that day when we are called home. Yes, this adventure has twists and turns not in my control. Yes, some days are hard. Yes, God is always there! Yes, I (we) are called to “press on!”
Nearing Phase Two
I am grateful for the many people who are very caring and loving in their ongoing concern for me as I progress on my Multiple Myeloma journey. Your encouragement and prayers are foundational to my advancement as I undergo immunomonoclonal targeted therapy. It is true that I have not posted for quite some time. About six weeks ago I began to lose energy. My drug routine is the strongest one (known as the “quad” for the combination of four powerful drugs) used in treatment at this time. I have spent much time in bed or on the couch or recliner. I can sleep twelve hours through the night, get up and do a few activities and then lay on the couch and fall asleep for several hours and then sit and read and sleep some more. Early in the week the drug routine will enliven my mind but not my body. Some nights I simply cannot sleep, but my body is worn out—then, the drugs will cause my mind to almost shut down and my tired body takes over and I sleep for days. That is my weekly routine, not really changing from week to week. I did not want to report the same routine over and over again on this blog regarding my cancer journey. I thought I would be able to get out more but in reality, I have been more quarantined than ever, especially since the heat and sun do not coexist well with the drugs. I think up all kinds of activities to undertake, but my body says, “No!” I look good and feel good, except for the extreme fatigue. I have two weeks of treatment remaining and then my doctor and I will decide next steps. Everything depends on my “numbers.” Next week I will be undergoing extensive labs that will pinpoint my final numbers in detail as they dig deeply into calcium, renal, anemia and bone issues that Multiple Myeloma affects. My mid-treatment tests showed that all these numbers were heading in the right direction; God be praised!
Kathy has been an absolutely wonderful caregiver—more than I deserve! I never thought I would be so helpless and that she would need to step up to the degree to which she has. I’m still really good at seeing issues that need addressing—like every wall paint issue or items needing replacement in order to keep everything up to my undiminished exacting standards. My forward visioning gifts remain undiminished as well. I come up with all kinds of ideas for future improvements. Hence, I’ve found new friends in online ordering—buying gifts for Kathy, hiring folks to do household improvements, buying replacements for household improvements. Kathy has not cut me off, yet! She says when I am cooped up this long, I have this need to do something productive—probably true.
This brings me to the kitchen water line clog. Kathy rarely to never uses the garbage disposal, preferring to bury the food waste in the ground for environmental purposes and soil enrichment. She scolds me when I use it. So—the other day—she weakened her resolve and used it for asparagus! Yes, ASPARAGUS! Maybe celery is the only food item worse in terms of the ‘never’ put down a garbage disposal list. Of course the kitchen drain clogged. Nothing we had would budge it. I had no energy so a plumber it would be, until I thought, “What would our adult son or daughter do at their homes?… YouTube it, of course.” I did and it looked like a simple fix of disconnecting the drain pipes under the sink and removing the clog. A simple five minute fix. Kathy was gung-ho. And yes, it was as simple as that. Easy peasy! A five minute fix! I was so proud of her! Another present will be arriving in the mail. She says she doesn’t need presents; she is a caregiver out of love and expects nothing in return. I know that is true; however, this is one way I can say I notice with deep appreciation.
I use my iPods for music, especially on infusion days at the Conroe HCA Hospital Cancer Center. I listen to a variety of music and my phone music app catalogues my music and makes a list. I often fall asleep and wake to interesting music that my phone music app thinks I will like based on the music I have selected in the past. For instance, I have a long play list of Tejano music because I like Freddy Fender. As I perused my growing play list, I came upon a Bach song I had never heard before on the classics list. It is called “Come Sweet Death.” (I’m not thinking death is imminent for me because of the Multiple Myeloma, however, I also believe one should be ready at anytime for God’s homeward call.) “Come Sweet Death” is truly beautiful and I am surprised that I had never heard it before until my music app randomly picked it for me. The arrangement to which I listened is called “Bach Again.” It adds another verse at the end that is a repeat of Bach’s last verse, but sung in discordant notes that resolve in harmony at the very end. The words are “Come, sweet death; come, soothing rest; come and lead me homeward.” As I contemplated the added verse, I realized that it was completely true. Life is full of disharmony and the discordant notes sometimes play loudly. However, through Christ, the discordant notes of life are turned to complete harmony as we move toward heaven. For me, every day is a better day, regardless of the circumstances, because every day brings me closer to my/our eternity with Jesus. This YouTube link to “Come Sweet Death—Bach Again” is beautifully done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK1UO4AggUQ&list=RDMK1UO4AggUQ&start_radio=1
“Therefore, since, we are justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5: 1,3-5”
“For I am convinced that neither life nor death…nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 37,38”
Praise Report: Other than fatigue, no other side effects to treatment. Kathy’s unfailing caregiver love.
Prayer Needs: Clear thinking as I meet with my doctors for next steps.
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