Last week the "something else" was a minor surgery to put a stent in my kidney. It turns out there is a stenosis in my kidney which contributes to my ongoing issue with high blood pressure. (I currently take five medications for it daily). I was somewhat awake for the procedure but it was relatively painless and as always, I had a caring group of nurses and a wonderful doctor. I had to spend the night because of my age which I welcomed. I was ready to go home Saturday morning. These is some discomfort when I try to stand but otherwise, the healing is happening. My blood pressure has gone down which is a good thing. The bad thing is I can't play pickleball for a week. So I am looking forward to Friday.
The good news is that my CA 125 numbers keep going down. The last reading was 110 and I hope it will continue to drop. Next Monday I get my blood work done which gives me that news and Wednesday I will have my 17th chemo. I have always assumed I would be on chemo for the rest of my life - but who knows?
And so it is the side effects that are causing problems more than the cancer itself. I now slather my feet with Voltaren which really has helped with the neuropathy/arthritis in my feet. Sometimes I think one of the miracles in my life is that I am still ABLE to play pickleball.
And then there are the usual issues of aging. I am finally going to get hearing aids. I find I am constantly asking: what did you say? and of course the TV has to be pretty loud for me. That is another problem that is being solved.
My minister gave her latest sermon on gratitude and always I try to remember the myriad blessings of my life. We had a family party to celebrate Marnie's new job at "Smash Court" , is a game place and a restaurant. I got to play shuffleboard with John and watch my kids and grandkids play and talk and be together. This is always going to be at the top of any bucket list I might have.
We have a beautiful fall and I am blessed to wake up every morning to a view of Hoover Reservoir and the changing trees.
Most especially I reflect on the goodness of the caregivers - the nurses, technicians and doctors who are taking care of me. I actually look forward to the chemo in one sense, because I get to be with these wonderful people.
So, there is always something else that can challenge me, but mostly my life is filled with joy and goodness.
