So, after the worrisome symptoms last week I did call the oncologist, who suggested we might make an emergency-room visit (NOT an attractive prospect), and on our declining that called back to ask that Steve get an extra blood test to check on kidney function. That test seemed to indicate nothing in particular, which we figured was a good thing. Meanwhile, Steve has been feeling better, and we hope that whatever it was last week was a passing issue. We went in on Wednesday for the CAT scan. We haven't had a full report on that, but the doctor's call on Friday said that at least the lymph node enlargement seemed reduced, which is a good thing. J Our next meeting with the doctor (oncologist) is for this coming Wednesday, when we expect we will get a fuller report on the CAT scan results as well as the next chemotherapy infusion.
But the great thing was the weekend. Matt and Celeste and Dylan arrived by air from Boston on Friday afternoon, and Melissa and Aaron by car from DC Friday evening, and we had a fantastic (though short) weekend visit together. Dylan is a delight to watch and listen to, of course, as he loves his life with Matt and Celeste and is willing to share bits of it with us. Aaron made a great buttermilk pancake breakfast for all of us on Saturday, and it was a treat to have Melissa and Aaron in the house along with Matt and Celeste and Dylan. We watched the baby, and visited (and Margie came up from Ravenna to swell the crowd ;->), and generally had a good time. All of the kids helped me learn a little more about my new computer, as well…(my old one hung up its spurs a couple of weeks ago, so I've got a new one to learn—aargh). All of this was enhanced by the fact that Steve's energy level seems to have returned to our recent "new normal," given that he took an afternoon nap when Dylan did—all good. We were sorry to see everybody leave for home on Sunday, but are looking forward to more visits very soon.
Then, today (Monday) Steve had a date to meet with a high school AP English class to speak to them about tips for AP Exam prep—the first consulting gig he's felt up to doing since November. We drove over to the west side for it; he enjoyed it, and the teacher whose class he saw (as well as the school principal) expressed their appreciation. And upon coming home he was hungry (a good symptom), and had some of Olivia's chicken soup for supper. So you see, all in all a good spell.
Thanks again for all of your support, and here's hoping for more weeks like this one!
--Carol
