it's all about the food

I am eating eating and still look emaciated. I feel better than I look, thanks goodness. I am a roaring 105 pound, and pretty much eat continuously throughout the day, and why do I look so skinny? Don't know, but I am working hard on gaining weight any way I can. Starting with my morning breakfast shake of hemp milk, ground, flax seed, omega 3 oil, ice cream (or Coconut Bliss), banana, dates, berry concentrate, greens mix, protein powder, whey powder and vitamin C goo, whew! I haven't calculated but I think that's a lot of calories.

I have a few more days of home hydration through my port and than I am free!!! I feel suspiciously good, and waiting for the other shoe to drop, maybe it won't, fingers crossed. So far I have had no nausea, no fatigue, no pain, and my digestion is working well. Yes! I can feel the tumor on my back that Dr. Tracy measured two weeks ago and it's definately getting smaller and softer.

All things considered, things are good

Becca

She's Back

Sinead O'Cohen

Cruisin'

Today on 2 North I could barely keep up with Becca as she did her ward wheelies, with bags in tow no less. That was after she wolfed down a Japanese steak lunch. I missed high tea, but I know it included stewed fruit and tapioca pudding. Man, it was like John Belushi at the Samurai Deli on SNL. What's next? "We ah here to pump... YOU up!"?

OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but all signs are good. Round 2 looks a whole lot different than Round 1. Stay tuned.

Go Celtics!

Encouraging News

After a long wait at the cancer center to see Dr. Tracy, at least it wasn't three hours like last week, I got the good news that the tumor on my back has shrunk a centimeter! YES! this is VERY good news.

Becca

chemo sucks!

This post is long overdue, I know, I have left many of you hanging, sorry. It's only been a few day since I feel that I have the energy and focus to type. With each day I have felt better since my release from the hospital on May 31st. The first few days I had extreme nausea, then unbelievable fatigue, and all the while stomach cramps and a digestive system that couldn't quite pull it together.

Now just two day before I go in for my second round I am feeling the best I have, not perfect but okay. The last few days I have taken short walks around the neighborhood, its been such beautiful weather, and the flowers are breath taking! The plan is to go into the hospital early on Wednesday and be out by Sunday. In some ways I think it will be easier this time just because I know how to "work' the system, which med to ask for and when, and certainly the transition home will be easier, I now Know that I take the nausea meds whether I feel nauseous of not, big mistake last time not staying on top of that!.

Finally, I have the best group of friends and family EVER! I have been surrounded with the most loving, informed and caring group of people and each and every one of them have gone the extra mile to help me with whatever....holding throw up buckets, driving to appointments, delivering meals, keeping me company, I could go on and on. You guys rock!

Abby is off to Camp Kesem, the "cancer" camp, this week and having the time of her life as she has for the past 2 summers, she is home on Sunday.

Visitors in the hospital are welcome, just call before you come.

xoxo,
Becca

Home Sweet Tome

Becca returned home this afternoon in way better shape than when she left six days ago. She's happy to be here! The view is even better than it is in room 2378, plus you can open the windows here. She's doing a hydration bag at night and that's it for now. The only blip is that she was sick to her stomach a couple of times this afternoon, but that may be that she just moved around more than usual. You don't have to climb stairs when you take a spin around the hospital hallway.

It's three weeks until she has to go back for chemo! And even though I'm starting to get really cozy with Becca's blog (21 posts in 17 days) — even fantasizing that this could be my big break, like a "Daily Steve" kind of deal (get it? "Daily Beast," "Daily Kos", and sorry that I had to explain that) — I'm thinking we go more with the ebb and flow and less with the blow by blow; transition it back to Becca; maybe drop in with the occasional op-ed, such as "64 Questions to Avoid Asking Your Patient... Again", "Brighten Up Your Cocktail Hour" or "Why the Warriors Never Answer the Call".

Trust me, you'll hear from me if there are special circumstances or needs. And let's hope there aren't! Meanwhile, visiting hours are now open. Keep those cards and letters coming. Come on down if you're healthy. It will bring a smile to Becca.

Love,

Steve

The Graduates

Izzy from Scripps College; Abby from Berkwood Hedge (elementary)
at Lisa and Wayne's graduation party for Ms. Is yesterday