Treatments Done and Off to California
This week marked the end of the last 28 day chemo cycle. Thus, I have now officially completed all of my scheduled treatments. I can now start to celebrate a little (perhaps a bit more after the scans and meeting with the doctors in December) and focus on the recovery.
It’s been a relatively straightforward so far, with the exception of the changing weather and continued ear pressure issues. With the temperatures getting colder and humidity getting lower, it seems to have an effect on my dry mouth. I’ve felt a little drier than normal, so I’ve had to drink more liquids and take more Biotene and xylitol sprays to keep my mouth and lips from completely drying out. In fact, I still get sticky after walking a few blocks. These days, I always have a water bottle nearby. The variable hearing - ear pressure in the left, ringing in the right - continues. I’m not sure when if/when this will get resolved.
I did get a haircut for the first time in 11 weeks. It’s still growing quite slowly, but it is starting to come back. The hairstylist did a really nice job of blending the hair in the back of my head. I wonder when I’ll need to get my next haircut. I was fortunate not get any scarring or skin conditions on my head.
My hair is still thin in the back, but starting to grow back
While I don’t need to see a doctor or get treatment, it seems like I’m so used to it that I can’t stay away. I’ve had an appointment with an ophthalmologist and started acupuncture. I got an eye exam to make sure that all the radiation in my head and neck didn’t affect anything optically. Fortunately, that seems to be the case, as everything seems normal (no damage to the retina and pressure is fine) and I can still see 20/20 or 20/15 with glasses. I don’t need to wear them all the time - more when I’m driving at night or at an event where I want see things far away a little more clearly.
Many people have recommended seeing an acupuncturist, so I made an appointment and started a program. The goal is more of a longer-term energy and recovery improvement as opposed to managing an acute issue. I’ve had two weekly appointments, so perhaps a bit too early to judge the success, though I am feeling a little better. The sessions themselves are pretty relaxing. The needles have a little sensation when they go in, but then I don’t feel them. I did seem to feel a little more energy in the areas where the needles were inserted. The first session included 22 needles - each side had 3 in the ear, 4 in the hands, and 4 in the calves and foot. The second session had a few more needles, with each side having 6 in the ear, 5 in the hands and 4 in the calves and foot. After the second session, the left side ear pressure issues did get better, so that’s good.
For the recovery, it started off quite nicely on Sunday afternoon, as Aiday threw me a surprise celebration party. She and my friends did a great job of keeping it a surprise, as I had no idea at the time. Like a good mystery, it all made sense afterwards. For example, she claimed she was asking “for a friend” what pizza toppings I like from Pat’s; she insisted on cleaning the place in the morning; I was drafted to make bread, meatballs and an apple crisp that morning; my friends wouldn’t respond to making plans that afternoon; Aiday making sure I wasn’t just lounging in my sweats all day; etc. When the pizza delivery guy came, I still thought it might be for the new neighbors upstairs. When Naim and Laura came off, I was caught off guard and wondering why they just happened to be in the neighborhood. It turned out to be a special afternoon to hang out with dear friends and just reflect a little on the experience. In addition, I satisfied a food craving, as I’d been wanting the crispiness and flavor of Pat’s Pizza that week. While it took me a long time and a lot of water to eat the slices that day, I was able to eat the leftovers throughout the week more easily. Besides the pizza, it was still a week of soft foods - mashed potatoes (with even more butter than last week), butternut squash soup, spaghetti alfredo, and mushroom risotto.
Of course, the other big event from last week was the mid-term elections. Aiday voted for the first time as a US citizen. The polling location is located a block from my condo. When we went, Alderman Michele Smith stopped by. There was only 1-2 other constituents voting at the time, so we got to talk to her a little. Apparently, the discussions of the potential sale of Old Town School’s Armitage location was too political, so we were asked to take out conversation out of earshot.
Alderman Michele Smith and Aiday after voting in the mid-term elections
To continue the recovery, I had booked a trip to California, specifically Berkeley / East Bay. We flew out on Saturday to visit my mother, brother and sister-in-law, and aunt and uncle. The trip was meant to be a way to start the recovery off right, with nicer weather and good food now. However, the weather may not be quite as restorative as I had hoped. As you’re aware, the wildfires in California are causing lots of damage and air pollution. It was very hazy and smokey when we landed, which accompanies advisory alerts to keep windows closed to avoid the poor air quality. The high winds have blown the smoke from the Camp fire into San Francisco. Many people are walking around in N95 masks, and I will be wearing one as well.
We’ve already started to take in all the food options in the area, with the first stop at Tartine. We ate a croque monsieur there and then took away from freshly-baked sourdough and tarts (pictured in the cover image).
On Monday, Aiday and I will be doing a road trip to the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur. It’s likely the next update will feature more scenic travel photos, pictures of marine animals, and lots of seafood.