Some Nice Surprises

I arrived to both appointments early, as usual. Mr. B., the nutritionist, who got me through losing over 70 pounds, weighed me in and SURPRISE! I was down 2 pounds! Lovely! We looked back on my records and realized that it had been eight years since I lost the weight. He shook my hand and said, "Congratulations! You are not going to ever regain it" I told him that I still want to check-in with him a couple times a year, just to keep me honest.

We also discussed the diet issues in relation to the diagnoses of gout and coronary artery disease. He said that my diet is good but I need to end my love affair with meats like sausages, bacon, salami. You get the idea. He said to pull back a bit on turkey but salmon was great. Chicken and even certain cuts of meat for fine at the amounts that I am eating them. He gave me confidence that it will be a do-able adjustment to protect my heart.

Flying out of his building, I hopped in the car and made my way past many famous landmarks, in which I am still in awe. No traffic and I was appreciating every minute. I arrived at another campus of my university hospital but I had two hours to kill. I grabbed some coffee and a phone and talked with Michael. I wandered around, went by Dr. K.'s office where I discovered she will be returning on Tuesday from a long vacation then I finally made my way to the Rheumatology Clinic where I was welcomed. It was lovely. The doctor was on time. Very precise. Not a lot of wasted words. She asked a lot of questions then examined me. Gout. She didn't think so. She thinks I might have pseudo gout or maybe my prednisone and azathoriprine may be masking a bigger issue. The surprise? She said that this bump on my finger is actually a cyst and suggested that I have the dermatologist remove it! YES! PLEASE! (After I got home, I wrote an email to Dr. F. with a photo to ask if she could cut it out for me.)

After an exam, the clinic doctor ordered blood work then I had X-rays taken of my feet and my right hand. Done. Once all the material are available, she will review everything and contact me with the next steps.

I am in really good hands.

ps Still so looking forward to Saturday.

Need a Referral

Diving home from grocery shopping yesterday, it was all I could do not to fall asleep. Rolled down the windows, turned up the radio and sang. Within minutes of being home, groceries were put away and I fell onto the little reclining love seat and slept for over an hour. Then, I was off to Safeway to complete the week's food needs and I was feeling better.

It was worrisome. I emailed Dr. K. and received an immediate reply that she was gone but would reply when she returns. Usually, it states a date but, there was no date and that made me a bit nervous.

So, before my rheumatology appointment today, I am going to run up to her clinic and ask when she I will be returning. If it is not soon, I will ask to speak with the clinic's nurse for advice. I may even ask if another doctor could review my chart and the latest CT reports regarding "moderate coronary artery disease" and write the referral. 

We are so looking forward to the weekend. Will explain tomorrow.

And the news is...

It was a good news/bad news day yesterday. The good news was that I had a ball at the retina doctor's but it took over an hour to finally have all the photos taken and the meeting with the doctor. Within that hour, I chatted with a lovely older woman who was born and raised in New Orleans. We talked food! Then, while waiting for a photo of my eye, I chatted with a major restaurant chef and we talked about...food! After he was called away, I chatted to with two women and we chatted about our eyes then we talked about food! What a lot of fun!

The really good news was that the doctor said the bleeding inside my eye was gone. The blood clots? Gone. He wanted to see me in December just to be sure but that was news I needed to hear.

After a Costco run, I went to the hospital lobby to meet everyone before our class and learned that Barry had been sent home last Thursday due to his heart issues. They wouldn't let him exercise. I wasn't feeling great, I think from the horrible lunch with mom where I got a bit of food poisoning. Things were just off. I began the workout. Treadmill? Done. Arm bike and wall pulleys? Done. The bike? That was the bad news.

I struggled from the start. Five minutes in, I knew I was not going to be able to finish my normal time on the bike as I was short of breath and profusely sweating. Calling Maddison to check my vitals, she immediately told me to stop. My heart rate was 130. That was very high for me. I had to sit, drink water and wait for it to come down.

Did this have to do with my coronary artery disease? I am thinking that it does. Never happened before.

Today, after food shopping, I will send Dr. K. a note asking if I need to see a cardiologist. Tomorrow, I will be meeting with my favorite nutritionist at dawn followed by the first rheumatology clinic appointment on a different campus.

The fun never ends!

Blood Clots

Mom and I walked our legs off yesterday. Shopping malls are not totally dead. The one we went to was packed, even though it was a Monday morning! She was shocked that each space in the mall had a great tenant plus there were pop ups down the middle of all the large aisles. Things were humming. She loved the Japanese dollar store and bought a few items.

We went to a new fish place for lunch and it was awful. Mom's bowl arrived barely warmed, including the rice. Not a good sign. She complained and they replaced it with a new bowl, also warm. She took it home. Mine was fine, though also warm but it was a shrimp taco. I began to worry later that maybe the shrimp had not been totally cooked, something that would cause a problem for me. I did okay. Rather disappointing.

This morning, I am seeing the retina specialist regarding the blood clots inside of my eye. They are still there. It should be interesting to see what he thinks is the possible cause of this problem. Then, a Costco run before rehab class.

Slower Week

Last week was rough so this week should be a lot easier. I only have three medical appointments! The one I am most anticipating is Thursday's first appointment with the rheumatology clinic to take a look at my finger. Yes, I have been diagnosed with gout on my finger.

Yesterday, I fell asleep after breakfast until around 11 when Natalie awakened me with a message. She was going to be in town to pick up some jewelry and wanted to meet for lunch. Yikes! I had to dress quickly and she arrived with just minutes to spare. I offered to cook Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas using my low carb tortillas since she couldn't stay long. Faster than a restaurant! We had a good chat, a nice lunch and she took off before the tourist traffic was heading back over the pass.

I just can't stay awake. By 6:00, I was asleep again and slept the night away.

Mom and I are together today. She is having computer issues - at 90 years old! - and needs my help. I want to run her up to a mall in the North where I found the discount Japanese store that I think she would like. There are lots of places for lunch there so we will be on an adventure.

No Worries

I am trying not to worry about the coronary artery disease notice on my CT Scan results until I have a conversation with Dr. K. The worst thing we have done is mention it to others. One friend has been in contact to tell me all the tests I will need to take in great detail and new medications for acid reflux as my Prilosec is not any good. It was feeling very overwhelming and very depressing until I realized that I have not even spoken to a doctor yet. I need the facts of my specific case as it relates to my lung disease and future lung transplants. This friend cannot see thorough that lens.

Deep breath.

We really had a lot of fun playing at the famous mansions at an open sessions with other musicians Thursday evening. Last night, we played at a Wine & Cheese store on our Main Street. It was packed! There is a Wine Bar in the bottom half of the store, which was full, and people were dropping in and buying a lot of fun wine related goods. Their food stuffs are amazing and hot sellers as well. We had a good two hours but I have to say I was fading the last half hour. Our lead singer was not present so it was all instrumental. It was fine, people were up dancing and clapping along with the music.

Today is a day off for us. No plans. A recording of the F1 race from SPA (Belgian Grand Prix) is on right now, rather boring race except for the first 30-seconds. It is cloudy and cool outside. We will see where today takes us.

One Last Test Result

...and one last test result: the sonogram of my belly and arteries in my liver:

FINDINGS:

Liver: Decreased, mildly echogenic liver. Homogeneous echotexture. Smooth surface contour. Right hepatic lobe measures 13.1 cm. No suspicious lesions identified.

Spleen: Normal, measuring 11.9 cm.

Gallbladder: Nontender, nondistended. No evidence of cholelithiasis. No gallbladder wall thickening. Bile ducts: Common duct measures 2 mm. No biliary duct dilation.

Kidneys: Right kidney measures 10.7 cm. Left kidney measures 11.4 cm. No hydronephrosis, nephrolithiasis, or suspicious lesions identified.

Pancreas: Obscured

Aorta: Visualized distal aorta unremarkable.

Inferior vena cava: Visualized distal IVC unremarkable.

Main portal vein diameter: 9 mm

 

Doppler findings:

 

Portal veins: Patent, hepatopedal, with normal phasicity.

Hepatic arteries: Visualized hepatic arteries patent, with normal spectral waveforms. Left hepatic artery not seen.

Hepatic veins: Patent, with normal phasicity.

Inferior vena cava: Patent, with normal phasicity.

 

IMPRESSION:

 

1. Subjectively, there is decrease in echogenicity which may suggest some improvement in persistent hepatic steatosis. No sonographic evidence of cirrhosis. No suspicious liver lesions. Normal visualized hepatic vasculature.

 

2. Otherwise unremarkable abdominal ultrasound.

 

My favorite part is just above: Nothing to see here. Great! So, my liver is better and everything else looked good.

After all the tests, the good news is that the aerobika is working so there is no longer air being trapped in my lungs, which could collect bacteria causing bronchitis or pneumonia. The BAD NEWS is that I am going to become good friends with yet another doctor, a cardiologist. Apparently, I have moderate calcification in my heart arteries. Stints in my future.

Michael and I had a very honest conversation yesterday as I wanted him to understand the bigger issues of all of these reports. Everything is stable except the moderate coronary heart disease. It is something that could cause a sudden heart attack. Boom. Done. I told him if that happened, I was aware it was a possibility. He is having a hard time with that as he is ready for the big push for new lungs. It may never get to that. But what we both found interesting is that it explains why I have not been feeling well the past three months. I was expecting a downturn yet all the pulmonary tests were stable. My low blood pressure, exhaustion, increased shortness of breath all point to the problem with my heart. 

My plan? The next appointment with Dr. K. is in two weeks and I am sure she will submit a referral to one of the top cardiologists at the university hospital. That's one of the things I love about her, she sends me to the best doctors.

Tests, Tests and More Tests

Well, that was fun. It was a long day yesterday. Leaving home at 6:15, I was in the lab waiting for my liver blood tests by 7:10 when there was a blip. The person doing the paperwork before the testing called in sick so we were all waiting for the substitute to arrive. She got the process moving quickly and I even got the results of the tests within the hour. The results were excellent.

I walked across the street to the hospital gift shop to get a magazine as I was going to need something to do between appointments. Back to the clinics, I made my way down to the CT Scan area. It was there where I met a woman from the ILD Support Group who was dealing with another major issue other than her lung disease. She was never one to open up but I guess she really needed to talk. I hope I helped her by listening.

The CT Scan was to check the progress of the disease. Here is the report:

FINDINGS:

 

LUNGS:

Unchanged extensive upper lobe predominant and basilar irregular interseptal lobular thickening with traction bronchiectasis and groundglass opacities. Air trapping was not definitely seen on this exam but was visualized on prior exam.

 

PLEURA:

Normal.

 

MEDIASTINUM:

No lymphadenopathy.

 

HEART/GREAT VESSELS:

Normal for age.

 

CORONARY ARTERIES:

Moderate coronary artery calcification.

 

BONES/SOFT TISSUES:

No suspicious lesions.

 

VISIBLE ABDOMEN:

Limited noncontrast evaluation of the upper abdomen is normal.

 

IMPRESSION:

 

1. Unchanged extensive upper lobe predominant and bibasilar irregular interseptal lobular thickening with traction bronchiectasis and groundglass opacities compatible with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

 

2. No suspicious pulmonary nodules.

 

Coronary artery calcium is present (as described above) and correlates with coronary artery disease. In the absence of known coronary disease, standard clinical evaluation of cardiovascular disease risk may be considered (see references cited above).

 

Yikes! Coronary Heart Disease. It will have to be repaired before I can continue in the Lung Transplant program. But, I feel good about the disappearance of trapped air as I think the Aerobika took care of it!

I had some time so I went by a sitting area, plugged it my phone and was enjoying my magazine when a little lady sat down beside me and asked for my help. She was questioning the sales tax from the gift store. She was from sales tax-free Oregon but I think it was just a way to make contact with a human. It was a rather sad tale. Her son had picked her up from the airport earlier then dropped her off at the hospital, where there were bathrooms and lots of restaurants so he could go to work for the day. Weird. I felt sorry for her but after twenty-minutes, I excused myself for the next test.

Thirteen floors up the elevator to the Pulmonary Function Lab, I chatted with Andrea at the desk, whom I have know for years. The testing was with an experienced tech who made it quick and easy. Here are the results:

Spirometry - Forced Vital Capacity - 1.43 or 47% of predicted

Diffusing Capacity adjusted for hemoglobin - 11.43 or 47% of predicted

It was pretty close to the last tests and not the downturn I was expecting.

LUNCH! I was hungry but it had to be quick. The sonogram of my belly was next!

Back across the street, the sonogram was a lot more work than I remembered. It involved a lot of holding my breath for longer than I could! It was hard! I should have brought my oxygen with me and will so if I ever need another one - helpful hint! This test looked at the arteries inside my liver, my bladder, kidneys, pancreas, stomach...you get the idea. It took just over an hour for the test and have not received the results yet.

I arrived home at 3:00 totally exhausted. Promptly falling asleep on the couch at 6:00, I actually climbing into bed at 7:00. Today is going to be a challenge. Jeannie is not going to rehab so neither am I! There is an outside gig with the Irish Fiddling group from 6-8 this evening at a fabulous mansion know for their gardens tucked away in an area known for horses. It is opened to the public and they are offering this special treat of evening music during the summer. After running some errands this morning, I am planning a nap before we drive over the pass at 4:30. It is going to be a long day since I have not fully recovered from yesterday.

Raynaud's?

Groceries are in the house, Shrimp Deviled Eggs are made for days of breakfasts and a fantastic dinner of Sicilian Lamb by Guy Fieri was last night. It was a productive day. Before shopping, I did buy a small Meyer Lemon plant, wrote a card and dropped it off on the front door step of Natalie's new house. They loved it and it will remind them of all the lemonade we had using my lemons through the years.

William. I am a bit worried about our son. He is on the final leg of a two-year tour and in Malaysia today. With the recent massive earthquakes in the area, I will be watching the news like a hawk until he leaves the area.

I am suddenly feeling better, the pain in my body has subsided, I seem to have better balance, my toes are not as numb and I swear I am thinking clearer. It all, except for the brain stuff, seems to be in a cycle. My bet it that I will be diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome and maybe gout, though I think that would be odd. Many people who have Raynaud's also have a mixed connective-disease and often have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. I think I might be one of those. We will see after my rheumatology clinic appointment next week.

Party #2

I am recovering today from the big 90th birthday weekend. Mom phoned yesterday to thank me for all that I had done and for the speech I gave on Saturday. Her Birthday Party #2 was so satisfying and just perfect. We arrived very early and her friend Pat helped me move tables, set the tables and came up with great ideas. She was rather brilliant and worked her butt off.

By the time everyone began to arrive at 3:00, Lee was playing the new piano outside the room in the lobby, people were singing along and tapping their feet while surrounding the piano. They then made their way into the room where they were greeted with the table with the photo boards. Everyone lingered and listened to mom's stories about her family. People were fascinated. They would then turn to the tables where the cupcakes were on display. We encouraged people to try a couple! They were absolutely delicious. There were also coffee and soft drinks available.

People sat around and chatted then I made my speech. First, I thanked specific people for their help and introduced my sister. I then explained about how I had asked mom what she wanted for her party. "You are her present. She feels so at home here yet I realized that a home is not about the windows or the wood siding, it is about the people.You make her feel at home here and we want to thank you for being so kind to our mom." Then, we sang the famous song, she blew out the candle and they all stayed another hour listening to Lee play 1940s music on an old upright piano in the party room! It sounded great and wasn't too loud.

We all went back to mom's apartment and talked about the party for another hour! We even ate cupcakes! Mom had been on her feet during the entire party and she was exhausted. On Sunday, she never left her place, which is rare for her!

Sunday morning, Lee and Jeff came over the pass to join us for a fantastic breakfast at the little airport before they headed home. Michael and I drove back over the pass to see Natalie, Ethan, Winnie and Oliver's new house! They got the keys on Friday and were in pretty good shape! It was gorgeous and had a pool just step outside their back gate. Paradise. Winnie was so very happy to have her first bedroom to herself. She had been sharing with Oliver - she is going into 6th grade. It was time.

Today, I am going to drop off a Meyers Lemon bush for their vegetable garden. They already have a small lime bush and a ton of vegetables. Once, Winnie told me that when she grew up, she was always going to have a Meyers Lemon bush to remind her of her time making lemonade with me. She loved the smell, too! So, I will surprise them. Afterward, it is grocery shopping time again. Back to life.

Party #1 Wrap-up

Mom's first 90th birthday party was wonderful. There was only one glitch and it was something I had no control over! Someone was sitting in the booth had we requested. No problem, we were early. We were told they were finished. Then, she went to the restroom, returned and they talked together well after the bill had been paid. An older couple. I had to kind of smile and thought. "Isn't it sweet that they still want to linger to talk with each other?" But, I wanted to place the Godiva Chocolate boxes and origami cranes on the table before mom's friends arrived. Finally, they left in time as mom's friends were a bit late due to a traffic accident.

It all worked out just fine.

Lily and her husband arrived, it was the first time we had all met. She and mom were both volunteering at the library where they met and became good friends. They go to lunch together and that makes me very happy. Mom has a good friend. Her husband loves cars so he and Michael talked non-stop. Both were very happy.

The service was outstanding, the food was delicious and the conversation never paused. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Mom felt loved and special.

Photos? I forgot to take some of the whole group, just the table. Dumb.

The six dozen custom cupcakes are due to arrive this morning and we will drive over the pass, pick up the flowers and set up the room for Party #2 where mom lives. My sister Lee and Jeff will be there and she is going to play their new grand piano in the lobby, which will drift into the party room.

I hope it all goes as well as Party #1. Fingers crossed.

Birthday Celebration #1

I was dragging all day after our Irish Fiddling gig on Wednesday evening and fell asleep on the couch last night around 7PM until Michael walked me to bed. Sleeping well the rest of the night, I am ready for my mom's 90th birthday TODAY! We are meeting her friend and her husband for lunch on the Avenue. The origami cranes are ready. The Godiva Chocolates are ready. I promise to take photos.

Rehab class yesterday? I must add that it was excellent and my saturation numbers were really good! 96% on the bike! Very unusual! Feeling strong going into the birthday weekend.

With all the upcoming parties, we have been very careful watching our calories so we can have a cupcake tomorrow and I am going to have a forkful of Michael's dessert at today's luncheon. Last night's dinner was a new low carb recipe, so simple and so very delicious and so good for those of us on prednisone. We just can't processes anything into sugars well. Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry (so pretty I snapped a photo) and the recipe is HERE .

This morning, we are moving slowly, will take showers and head to mom's. I can't believe she is 90-years old. She is still totally independent and mentally fit. She lives each day to the max and has not slowed down. I am still learning so many life lessons just watching her negotiate this time of her life.

Lots of Smiles Last Night

It was so satisfying. We set up in the lobby of the new Mid-Century Modern-style library and played good Irish music, which made people bounce and tap their feet and smile. My bass loved the lobby and Michael told us we could be heard out in the parking lot! Great acoustics! Since this is a little town, I saw people stroll by who I hadn't seen in almost two decades! Some were still around when we finished so I was able to connect. It is always a pleasure to learn what William's schoolmates are doing in their adult lives.

Earlier in the day, I was able to do yard work for the first time in awhile. It felt great but I was only able to do about 90-minutes. I didn't want to weed or use my hands as they usually cramp afterward and I had the gig later.

All in all it was a satisfying day.

Today, Jeannie and I will be headed to the rehab class and an early bedtime for me. I couldn't sleep last night. I think it was due to the high of a great gig and an exciting Giants ball game. Finally, I moved to the couch but it still took time to settle in. I am going to be exhausted.

Our focus is on Friday and Saturday and the final push of things to do before mom's 90th birthday parties. An exciting weekend ahead.

Spinning

Since driving Jeannie to rehab class for the past year and a half, I have not been able to run errands or do anything else on the other side of the pass on rehab days. I knew that going into carpooling would change my routine but I really wanted to offer her relief from the horrible diesel driven mini-bus. It has been a pleasure carpooling with her. Yesterday, I took advantage of her only carpooling on Thursdays to meet up with my friend Lois for coffee and a peak at her new car.

Lois is my friend I met in the other rehab. As a cancer survivor, she went through the whole chemo/radiation routine but, when given the okay from her doctors, she attacked the cancer from returning with a diet and exercise routine. When we met, she was working out everyday for 3-4 hours on all the machines cranked up to their highest levels. Amazing.

She was a biologist, one smart cookie but what bonded us was music. She sang with a major university chorus and, in fact, we realized we had performed together!

Her husband, Peter died last year and she really needed a dependable car. She talked about her choices with Michael and finally bought it: a very cute BRX Suburu sports car. It was the cutest, rare color! A light blue!

We met and she took me for a spin. She was in love! I swear she was also 20 years younger while driving it! After a bit of lunch together, I hung out and met up with my rehab classmates.

Today, I am going to do some trimming in the front yard before the Irish Fiddling gig this evening. The Library opening begins at 6:30 and we are playing the first hour. Should be fun!

Stiff

Everything went off with no problems yesterday. We bought the five boxes of Godiva Chocolates as party favors for mom's birthday luncheon on Friday. I will now slip one origami crane under the ribbons and have them ready to place on the table, along with the 10 origami cranes, before everyone arrives at the restaurant. I then ordered a dozen red and white roses for the Saturday party at her complex.

After a quick lunch, we picked up mom's replacement sunglasses and her repaired hearing aid at Costco. We hit the appointment time and even dealt with the worst parking lot ever. We felt we worked hard!

This morning, I am meeting my biologist friend Lois for coffee at a place across the street from the rehab class. She bought a new car, her first time buying a car on her own as her husband died last year. I can't wait to see it!

I am looking forward to my upcoming appointment with the rheumatology clinic. The stiffness in both knees has become more intense and I am afraid the diagnosis of "gout" is really true. Gout is considered a type of arthritis. It is still a puzzlement to me that I don't have high uric acid levels, usual for people suffering from gout.

Full Week Ahead

The race with the tourists was won yesterday! Smarty pants got to Trader Joe's just as it opening at 8AM and I tried to get into the butcher's right at 8:30. Oops! Not too smart after all! They don't open on Sunday until 9:00 as it is the busiest day of the week and they were working like mad to get the product into the cases. Waiting around was misery as I envisioned the tourists already flocking to the coast. I was the first customer of the day and was done within minutes. The road was busy with tourist but not stopped. I was home, all the groceries in the house and working through my list by 10:30, including a stop at Safeway. It was an indoor day and a lot of "stuff" was done.

My kitchen was rocking with a breakfast recipe of Chicken Pizza and dinner's Bacon Beef Rolls. I don't have to cook for days! Recipes HERE and HERE  Again, these are low carb recipes for those of us on prednisone.

This is a really nutty week with an Irish Fiddlers gig for the opening of the town's new library, mom's two birthday parties, coffee with my friend Lois and two days of rehab classes. Mom and I will order the flowers and pick up the party favors before her appointment with the hearing aide people at Costco this morning.

I am sleeping really well but still continue to fall asleep during the day. The thought that my blood pressure being very low might be the culprit has encourage me to drink more water than usual. It seems to help.

Dodging Tourists

I have written often about Barbara and her day care kids through the years. Well, she retired. No more kids! She has been having a ball visiting friends and her boys but yesterday I helped her plan a big trip to the Mt. Rushmore area in September.

It was fun for me to envision her and wonderful John enjoying life on the road together. Suddenly, I was feeling wanderlust again. I know I am not well enough to do another trip right now but we are thinking of a quick run to Seattle to see our son in September. 

In just over a week, I will have pulmonary functions tests and a CT Scan. It will be interesting to see if the disease has progressed since the last tests. Yesterday, I slept the morning away after sleeping well the night before. I have been needing a lot of sleep, which makes me a bit nervous. 

Today, we are out of food, the lists are made and I am planning to try to sneak over the pass early so I can get back before the tourists flock to town. It will be a race! 

Food. Michael's friend Ricky has just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at the advanced age of 70! Everything hurts. Experiencing his first run of prednisone, he is in the "Master of the Universe" stage and loving every minute of it! His doctor suggested that he try an anti-inflammatory diet so I have been helping with that. As an Italian, he is struggling. No grains, no dairy, no Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers), which translates to no pasta, no bread, no marinara sauce, no diced peppers in anything. Poor guy. I think it is the hardest diet when eating Italian or Chinese food. 

So, while I am on the road dodging tourists, my mind will wander about being on a lovely road trip with nothing on our minds but being together and watching the sunsets. 

Pulmonary vs Heart

While hanging out together before the rehab class, Barry asked if we had heart problems. Sashi said she had an enlarged heart and Janet said hers had been damaged in the massive car accident that almost killed her. I explained about how people with long-term lung disease usually have heart issues as it has suffered from the lack of oxygen, at times.

The problem is the symptom is the same, shortness of breath. Is it a pulmonary or a heart issue?

Our friend British Don thought it was pulmonary, he went to see doctors at my university hospital only to discover they felt it was a heart issue. They were correct and a couple of years later, he needed a quadruple bypass.

I asked Barry if he had any chest pains while playing tennis. He paused and said, "Well, just the other day..."

The problem, as we asked more questions, was that he had a heart test two years ago, had a stent installed and the doctor wants to do it again using the results of that test. As he had been complaining that his breathing had be going downhill for the past three months but his pulmonary function tests were slightly better, I mentioned that he should request a new heart test. An echocardiogram. A bubble test. Something. He was using an old EEG for a current problem. Yikes! I hope Barry was misunderstanding the situation and that the doctor has it under control but, Holy Cow.

Reclast

It was painless and quick. We were escorted to an area in the infusion center, vitals were checked then an line was put in my arm. The tech who gave me the Prolia shot a year ago was the same one yesterday! A musician! A jazz singer! We remembered each other.

The drug was Reclast. While we chatted with the tech for 15-minutes, it was in. Done. The only side effect I was a bit worried about was a note that after the first IV, there could be flu symptoms. Fortunately, I had no problems.

The hope is that it will help build back some bone loss from the thirteen-years of prednisone. Stop future fractures from occurring.

We had an early lunch on the Avenue, drove up our favorite street and headed home.

Housekeepers are due early this morning so I have to get up and get out of here. Jeannie and I will be headed to the rehab class for a good workout.

First Crop Ever

Michael and I are out the door within minutes for my appointment in the city. We are going to the infusion center for an IV of a drug similar to Prolia. It's a drug to help my poor, thinning, prednisone weakened bones. I will get the actual name of the drug today.

Yesterday, we finally cut some of Michael's first crop of arugula and enjoyed it under fresh salmon for dinner. Delicious. Ron has been teaching him how to grow vegetables including tomatoes, a challenge here on the cool coast.

It is a spare the air day today due to the fires. It is even bad here, though I don't smell any smoke. Tomorrow is supposed to be even worse but I will be in the rehab class, which keeps its temperature in the low 60s and the doors are all kept shut. Hopefully, there will be no smokey smell while we try to work out.

Leg Bump

Prolia. I had one shot last year and now it has been discovered that those who received the entire 5-years run of the drug are experiencing disturbing large bone fractures. Tomorrow, I will be at my university hospital, with Michael, to sit in their infusion center and have an IV of an older drug, similar to Prolia but without the future bone fractures. I will get the name of the drug tomorrow.

We'll be in the city together...lunch! Some fun. The fires have been fierce north of us and, so far, we have escaped any of the ashes or aroma here on the coastside. But, I hear that the smoke is in the air in the city, if the winds are blowing out to the ocean. We won't be able to stay in the city if it is smokey.

I am so looking forward to my appointment with the rheumatology clinic as things are changing. Each morning, both knees are stiff and approximately once every two weeks, I need an Aleve. My first two toes of both feet are mostly numb and the knob on my finger is getting larger and harder. Like a stone. The initial diagnosis was gout (arthritis). But, I don't have high uric acid numbers nor do I eat a high fat diet. Is the cause my low thyroid numbers? We shall see.

Something also weird is in these videos. It is on my left leg and happens when I flex my foot. There is no pain so I don't think it is a blood clot.

Sunday Recipes

It was so great to spend hours together yesterday. Michael and I even enjoyed a nice lunch, which was good as I felt I had been eating too much the past three mornings with our Bacon and Egg Chili Breakfast. It was delicious, rich and very filling even when we stretched it from four servings to eight. The recipe is HERE

We were able to pick up a new modem from Comcast for mom and even set it up for her. I also was able to find a picture frame for her birthday party. Done and done. After we got home, I made deviled eggs for Michael's breakfasts and a new recipe for dinner: Vegetable, Steak and Eggs and the recipe is HERE

Our friend Jim sent a bag of the best fresh fruit home with Michael including huge, red cherries and a variety of green plums and crispy apples and a cauliflower and the most delicious peaches. Now, I am not allowed any of these fruits in my diet. It processes directly to fat as my prednisone-tired pancreas just does not work well anymore. I must admit to eating some of the cherries. They were simply amazing and I am going to take some to mom this morning, just to get them out of the house! With the peaches, I made Michael a Peach Crumble and I enjoyed a spoonful after dinner last night.

Summer fruits are probably the things I miss the most in my diet of protein and non-starchy vegetables. But, I have kept be able to keep my massive weight loss off for seven years, so far.

Fiddling

Friday night was a hoot. The Irish Fiddling group was missing its leader Leslie and one of the guitarists. Even one of the violinist's had to leave after the first hour. The gig began with just two violins and me. A challenge sound-wise. It was not the best of combinations of sound. Finally, our singer/guitarist arrived, still jet lagged from his safari in Kenya. He even had danced with the Masai! After weeks of not playing any music at all, he played and sang everything without missing a beat. It was a pleasure to hear! Then, Christy came with her violin and Irish drum and added so much more to the group. We actually were sounding pretty darn good for still missing two musicians! I must say, I slept well that night.

It has been a much needed quiet weekend. I'm heading over the pass with Michael this morning so he can work on a friend's car for an hour or so. It may be just enough time to look at shoes at DSW! We'll have lunch together before heading home.

A perfect day. Just hanging out together.

It is going to be a busy but do-able week ahead. I am going to try to begin to walk along the ocean again. I need to move more. My wrists are getting tiny but my thighs have lost definition and I don't like that! Time to turn this around.

Life and Death

As soon as we drove into the parking lot at rehab, Smitty, our favorite valet guy, opened Jeannie's door, greeted her then gave her a big "welcome back" hug. That was only the beginning. Every person who came to the lobby to wait for the class to start hugged her and said that they had missed her. She was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support.

She is jumping through the hoops to access the assisted suicide program here in California, which is via pills. We talked about it and she is also researching surrounding herself so the death itself would be based spiritually. Going home to heaven. These are hard conversations and I am learning a lot.

After I had my mammogram and donated four vials of blood for the Strive research program regarding breast cancer, I made my way to the rehab class. It was almost over so I didn't workout. Instead, I waited for Jeannie to finish. Our friend Janet was working out just behind me and she began to tell me a story.

We knew her husband had been having heart problems, they discovered Monday that he needed open-heart surgery. Later, he told her he was not going though with it, making the comment that he was ready to die instead. Janet started to cry while telling me the story. I spoke carefully. He was frightened. He was depressed.

Janet was just angry as she has been fighting for every single day and should have been gone long ago. I tried to change the anger into understanding. Talk to him about how important he is to their granddaughter, who they see a lot. She adores him. Talk to him about how it might feel when he is actually facing impending death that he may regret not having the surgery. Talk to him about feeling venerable and that was it was okay to be scared. Talk to him about getting all the facts from the doctor before making the decision.

She felt better with a plan of action as they meet with the doctor again this morning. I hope the anger is gone so they can talk. Really talk.

Then, last evening the doorbell rang. It was our former neighbor who moved from Leslie's house in 2000. He and his daughter traveled yesterday from Atlanta to spread his wife's ashes in the ocean across the street from us. She had died suddenly in July. She was lovely and left two children and two grandchildren. The youngest daughter was with her dad to help with the ceremony. We handed out heavy jackets, scarfs and flashlights as they expected the weather to be hot, like the rest of the state. They returned an hour later, having face-timed with the other daughter in Atlanta. The sweet Annie needed a good hug and we stood for awhile just holding each other. They thanked us and took off.

What a perfect ending to this extraordinary day.

Research

There is a new study with a goal that can determine if a woman has breast cancer with just a blood test. Many clinics across the country are involved in the study. As a person from a family where there is no cancer going back five generations, I think I need to participate. In research, sometimes it is what is NOT present that becomes the golden ticket. Maybe I can help.

Research. I am involved in many research projects. It is what I believe in.

Today, after my noon mammogram, I will run down to the lab to have blood taken for this study. From there, I will connect with Jeannie in the rehab class to see how she is doing then maybe just drive home. If she is in full workout mode, I will try to get in part of my routine.

Last evening, with some help from Michael, I finished making the large posters for mom's birthday celebration at her complex on August 18. It has been weighing on me and I didn't want it to be a last minute project. I am very pleased with the completed boards filled with photos from my mom's life and celebrating 90 years. Check it off my to-do list!

Inspiration?

It was almost enough to give me a swelled head! Several times in the past two day and in different settings, I have been told that I am an inspiration. One person didn't even know me! It was all rather embarrassing and I tried to deflect the attention back to the other people. Even when I was head of the huge program at the school, I always had the children out front, doing the work. After I left, the guy who took over craved the spotlight and it all became about him, not the kids, nor the program. I think I liked the power but didn't need the attention or applause.

When people first come to our rehab class, the head of the program used to have me talk to some, if she thought they needed me. Well, two of those woman have become such good friends who are part of the rehab class group meeting in the lobby an hour before class so we can chat. One woman even mentioned that her recent coming off of radiation therapy for breast cancer and returning to rehab was all about being together and seeing everyone. The reason for coming back to class as soon as possible.

Both of these women were unsure whether to stay and workout after the initial eight-weeks of Phase 1, which is fully covered by insurance and Medicare. Phase 2 is not. Our cost is $15.00/class and worth every penny. Scholarships are available through the hospital for those who need it.

They told me that my story about being in rehab since 2005 and working my way back from a death sentence gave them the confidence to continue, in which they are now so grateful they made that decision.

Yesterday, I paid the mortgage at my favorite bank over the pass. I had not been there for months. It was surrounded by the huge rebuilding of our major mall and one had to hike in on sidewalks surrounded by fences, dirt and loud equipment. Parking was odd but they had a nice security guard watching it all. I made a comment to him like, "Well, this is interesting!" That began about a ten-minute conversation. During it, he shared that he was taking care of his 95-year old mother, I told him about my mom then he asked about my parking in the disability spot as I looked great. I told him the short Reader's Digest version of the journey I have been on since 2002 and that I felt this illness was the work I was meant to do in this life. Before saying goodbye, he told me I was an inspiration and an angel on this earth.

I don't know about the angel thing but I do hope I give people hope, advice on how to keep moving forward and encouraging a focus on diet and exercise.