I found myself shocked at Dolly Parton's passing, announced earlier today. I've loved her voice and music since girlhood and respected her philanthropy. Part of the shock included learning Parton had been a cancer patient.
Have lost our favorite pet sitter to the demands of a degree in microbiology and a busy family life. I have another from the cat hospital coming next month and have high hopes based on remarks from Mercy's vet. I miss L but hope she is happy and successful regarding her future plans. This is going to be yet another adjustment for a cat that does not like strangers, hides and is suspicious and anxious about any change.
As for me, I am coping and dreaming of salad and fresh veg and fruit amid increasing recalls and rising cases of cyclospora.
Happy Friday...
Hoping all of you have a great day. Though it is rainy and humid here, I plan to enjoy some cards and treats and a visit from a friend later this morning. My recent exam revealed nothing abnormal...An excellent gift, I think.
I am struggling to once again establish a consistent daily routine. Since the surgery that has gone completely and I think having some semblance of structure beyond basic chores once I manage to arise might be helpful. The girl is pooping slightly more often, so there is that. The bills are paid and the place is tidied and I've managed to eat more than one meal, arrange a possible ride to my surveillance appointment on the 31rst. My vote by mail ballot is done and I baked an organic sour dough not from scratch and gave it to a friend because she has done so much for me and is at present taking care of her husband. I am so tired I can barely sit up.
Time for bed...Have a good night.
Mercy' s litter box issues continue. It is an anxiety problem, from my reading. She is taking Miralax and Metamucil. They assist her in going so she does not become constipated and unable to go...Things are improving bit by little bit.
As for me, I am doing more daily but still tire easily. The outbreak of cyclospora has changed my eating, a pain for someone primarily existing on salads and fruits. A recent broadcast featured a physician telling us, "if you cannot peel it or cook it, do not eat it." I heard this all the time living and travelling abroad.
I've had a bout of food poisoning from pre-cooked, vacuum packed clams from Vietnam courtesy of Amazon Fresh. I'll not be ordering those again.
Happy Saturday. My first ninety day check for cancer recurrence is July 31.
Mercy came home on Tue after pooping her heart out unbidden at her vet. There has not been a repeat performance here since her return and she is on Miralax per instructions to see if things improve. Should they not. the next step is anti-anxiety medication. I have never seen this behavioral problem in a cat and I feel for her. This is a re-living of the last days all over again. Same non-poop, different day, so to speak.
Your good thoughts are appreciated.
After three days of no poop or urination and reduced appetite, Miss Mercy is once again at her vet. At arrival, she produced a soft pile of mush...so much for the constipation theory. I hope the vets can sort this out.
Time for a nap here...
The girl appears not to be eating much or using her box. She may be constipated. She'll see the vet on Monday unless a miracle occurs beforehand.
She played a bit prior to bedding down in her stroller for the night.
I did the daily chores and then took solace in a book as the 90 degree heat outside is unbearable. Mercy has been scattering her tiny stuffed mice throughout our home, and expecting me to pick them up. Alas, they are difficult for my grabbers.
As for me, I do still tire easily but I can do most chores and my grocery deliveries are broken into smaller orders more easily handled alone. I do not need a helper at this stage and my friend needed to care for her husband at this point. She has seen me through every appointment and surgery and the first 40 days thereafter. She is a good soul.
As for my cousin, she has her civic priorities and people to help after an expected knee replacement, something I cannot do. She does not live here and doesn't call often at this point, and she may have had the surgery already. I have left a message pending reply. This type of situation is not uncommon as people age and families shrink.
Though the brachytherapy suggested reduces recurrence of my cancer to about three percent rather than fifteen to twenty, radiation can be hard on the body and I am just not up for it at this time. The every-90-day pelvic exams needed for the foreseeable future are enough, at this point. I am concerned because my surgeon has said nothing more than this and if these exams are basically biopsies, they can be painful. She offers no assistance on the table and nitrous oxide is not provided. Additionally, there are often students in the too small room, making for a nerve wracking experience. The biopsy at my GYN's office prior to diagnosis, though a bit painful, was seamless because she offered these things and a quiet environment.
Just a few of my thoughts at the moment...
Both are home. Mercy had urinary problems associated from stress, though she is happy to be back her food and routine have changed a bit. She spends a lot of time curled up next to me.
As for me, tiredness remains though I have resumed most chores. My sole source of help is currently focused on her elderly husband's myriad health needs and surgeries and is no longer available to me. My cousin cruised to the tropics and never visited during my recuperation.
My surgeon recommended vaginal brachytherapy but after discovering the possible complications that neither doctor mentioned. and being told it isn't necessary by the radiation oncologist, I cancelled the appointment and then got sick. I am also experiencing some night perspiration and hot flashes. The stress of an insurance issue did not help.
I take things day by day. Thank you for your continued interest and support.
