Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Catching Up

Mariel, Marty, Frances, Fat Cheeks


Let's get the numbers over with: wbc: 7; hgb: 10.3; platelets 132. Ferretin level, liver enzymes and cholesterol are all sticking where they were.

I'm lowering the prednisone by 2.5 mg per day, not much but something. I'd better sharpen my knives. I'm going back on the bp med, 5 mg per day.

I finally found a new internist I can live with. She was very thorough, personable and took my medical history in stride. She told me to start the Lipitor again, change my diet and exercise more. I ain't giving up butter.

I had photopheresis today. They now have a faster machine so I only sit there for 2 hours. Still, I manage to nap, make phone calls, read and chat.

The weekend was spent pleasantly in Landenberg, PA, mushroom capital of the world. We stayed with Marty's sister and Mariel came with us. The seder was great. Too much food. If you've never been to a seder, here's what you eat: lots of wine, matzo, horseradish, haroseth, parsley dipped in salt water, potato in same water, hard-boiled egg in same water. The festive meal included gefilte fish, chicken soup with matzo balls and noodles, brisket, chicken cutlets, squash, ratatouille, asparagus, cranberry jello. Dessert was a nauseating display of candies, sponge cake, chocolate covered nuts, mandel bread and other things they took out long after I went to bed.

If you think one seder is enough, you'd be wrong. We went to Sandy and Dianne's for seder II, with different foods. The best news is, I didn't gain a pound!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Mother Mary

When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me, whispering words of wisdom, let it be.

Mom
November 24, 1931 - April 14, 1985

I love you.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Busy Day at the Lab, Bank and Broker

Right now I'm drinking milk and eating mint Girl Scout cookies. Photopheresis went well, my 19th treatment. I did the usual: napped, phoned, read, snacked, napped some more. My eyes seem to be improving a little. They never bother me when I'm unconscious.

I went to the bank to get checks for the new apartment on East 80th Street. It's walking distance to the hospital, spitting distance to many stores and restaurants. Then I walked a few more blocks to see my broker and seal the deal. I've still got the prednisone energy, which I'll use to pack. It should be any easy move since we can take breakables up in advance. I'm hiring a mover this time. Let them do the heavy lifting. I've had it.