Chemo was actually not too bad this time. I didn't sleep all day Tuesday, though I wish I had slept more. I woke up in the morning when Emily was leaving and stayed awake for most of the day after it. Seems like the effects of the Irinotecan were less this time.
I did discover Tuesday night that I have a cold though, which really sucks. I'm staying home today and taking it easy, trying to get over it. I don't have a fever and my blood counts are okay so being sick should not be a huge deal. I'm hacking up all sorts of yellow stuff though so hopefully this gets sorted out soon.
We had a fellow come out, J.D. from T.W. Ellis Contractors, to give us a quote on putting a deck on the back of the house to fill in the abyss that is our french doors. I had absolutely no idea what the cost of putting a deck on would be, but had some numbers in my head that were "acceptable" should the numbers given to me fall within that range. J.D. was very friendly and not pushy at all, which was very nice. In case anyone is curious, a 22'x10' deck built 9' or so off the ground on our crazy hill will run you about $6,000. That's less than I figured. I think we'll have a deck installed! I almost don't want to bother calling anyone else for competing quotes, but feel as though I must.
Also this weekend I'm going to pick up an exercise set from way down in Woodbridge, VA (thanks entirely to the graciousness of Trevor, who agreed to waste half his day and use his F150 to bring it back here). It's a Smith machine, which I know lots of exercise specialists/body builder types hate because it "forces you into an unnatural movement" or something, but I've used them before and like them and you can get away with using a spotter. It also has a cable system so I can do several of my favorite exercises. Hopefully I actually use it when I'm feeling well. It's been 2 or 3 years since I actively worked out, but I'm trying to put weight back on and just eating a lot is going to cause it to come back in a way I'd prefer it not. Hopefully this way I can put some muscle back on. I'm waiting for warm weather too for biking! My legs lost a tremendous amount of muscle, probably because that's where most of my body weight was stored up. It will take a long time to be back in shape enough to not dread riding around the hills here.
I probably had more things to share with everyone reading this, but I've got a headache so I'm going to be moving along now.
Great to see another post on the Blog. We are glad that round 3 went better. Hopefully round 4 will go even better.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you have a cold. It's always something (as stated by Rosanne Rosanne O'danna from the early Saturday night live).
The deck idea sounds great. I am surprised the estimate was as low as it was. Contractors are not cheap (labor costs are high) and materials have gone up a lot. I believe it is a good deal and by all means get another or 2 estimates. But I bet you go back with this guy. Sounds like you also liked his personality. Go with your gut feeling when it comes to people.
Getting back to exercise will be a good thing for you. I believe you will find it hard though to muster the energy up to actually do much at first, but keep at it and I'm sure your body will start reacting to the positive side. Take it slow, slow, slow till you know how it will affect you. It will take time and patience to get yourself back into a steady routine. I am glad you have decided to do it though. I know noting about this exercise Smith machine (actually never heard of it).
Thanks for taking the time to keep us all up to speed on your continued journey through all this. We do appreciate it.
Take it easy for the rest of the week (Hell, tomorrow is Friday anyway TGIF!!!!).
We love you and truly believe you are quite the brave man in the way you are dealing with all this and of course Emily is quite the Woman for the way she is right by your side supporting you through this. We are soooooo glad you both were able to find each other in this crazy world. Some people go a life time and never find what you 2 have.
Stay happy together.
Love from John and Candice
Dear Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI love how you are making plans like the deck, biking again, and the exercise machine. You are proof that you can't keep a good man down.
It is a pain to get other bids for the deck, but do it anyway. You know exactly what you want, so it should be easy to compare the costs. Find out what lumber and materials each contractor plans to use. Having seen your hill, I agree that $6000 for the deck is a good deal. Construction is slow right now, and contractors are desperate for work. See what other deals you are offered, then trust your instincts about which contractor you feel you can trust. I learned that lesson the hard way.
Have you mentioned the exercise equipment to Dr. Kasamon? I'm just curious as to what his opinion is about you body building at this point in your treatment. You sound better after every chemo treatment. I thought it would get worse as it built up in your system, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. This makes me happy; as I’m sure it does you.
Well good luck with the deck. I’m looking forward to going there and walking out your French doors to enjoy the view. Are you going to let the cats out there to play? I can just see Tucker taking a running leap right off the thing.
Love,
Mom
Hey Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI'm VERY excited about your deck!! It will be like another room.........too bad you got Tucker micro chipped!!!!! Like your Mom said, he would probably fly right off!!!! Scaredy Kat will probably skulk all around and run back in the house!
Fantastic about your desire to exercise......certainly a VERY positive sign. Just take your uncle's advice and go slow.
Like everyone else I'm thrilled about your progress with the chemo.. you and Emily are so positive, and that counts for a lot.
Erin and I are so looking forward to our trip, and of course, the Sheep and Wool Festival.
Will have to take a trip to Ikea to check out the deck furniture!!!!
Lots of love and hugs to you both, Me
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Oh, I am just so excited! It sounds like everything is going well! I find it incredibly encouraging that you seem to actually be feeling a little better than when this whole mess began. I have to take that as a good sign that those icky cells are being killed off!!!! Hahahahaha!!!! (<- That's supposed to be an evil laugh sound, but I find the effect a bit diminished when written... Oh well.)
ReplyDeleteI say if you feel well enough to do ANYTHING physical you SHOULD! Screw what doctors may say, you know how your body feels:) That's just my opinion, though;) Lift some weights if it helps! Get some endorphins going. And Trevor kicks ass, that's really nice of him:)
Love ya!
Hugs,
Holly