It's only Thursday and I'm starting my 'several days post' today. Making Chicken Tetrazzini and a green salad tonight along with some dark chocolate peanut butter brownies. Some weeks just need a 'pick me up' to help them along.
DH and I met with my Oncologist Tuesday. He explained what he thought we should do and why. Basically he thinks it may be best to hold off on the biopsy for a few months and 'wait and watch' with another cat scan in April (to determine any changes). This decision is partially because the pet scan doesn't identify the nodules specifically as cancer... could be scarring or inflammation in the lung from previous radiation. And he mentioned the fact that his needle tech (is there a name for the tech that does the actual biopsy?) who is apparently very good at what he does, says the location of the nodule makes the needle biopsy difficult (blood vessels could be nicked, etc.). So, we are OK with waiting. I know an immediate biopsy would answer the question, but risky as it may be to wait, at my age I don't want to 'poke the bear'...
Now for lighter news. We spent part of last week at Grandparents' Day at youngest granddaughter's school. That's always a hoot! They start out with Mass and breakfast and then everyone goes to the classrooms and play games, etc. We don't do the Mass and breakfast, but get there in time for the classroom games with granddaughter. The big gatherings for breakfast with all the grandparents together (the whole school) during flu season is not our idea of a smart idea. But the classrooms only have about 15 students, and you sit at a table with your grandchild... so that is more acceptable (and we wear our masks). This time we did a science scavenger hunt in one classroom and a "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" game in another. It was fun. After, we signed her out to spend the day with us.
We also had brunch out with some dear friends last week at a local restaurant called "Brunch Time". They recently moved to a Senior Living Community and are still getting used to this new arrangement. Apparently all is going well. They say the food is great (and since we ate dinner there with them a few weeks back, we can agree. I had filet mignon and it was delicious!). They play bridge... and I think they said that they also joined a choir. I'm really glad its working out for them. Personally, I like my house and neighborhood... and I'm not sure the Senior Community thing would work for us. We're not really 'joiners'... and the activities that interest us (like sketching, painting, writing, reading, feeding ferals, ship building, etc.) are more solidary endeavors. But who knows... things change.
OK, now it's Friday... and I'm still posting. Finished reading "A Gentleman in Moscow" (Supposed to be streaming also on Paramount +... but haven't seen it yet.)
and
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| my stack of books in front room |
I've already finished these... (need more books!)
And I'm going to share my plants with you, the large one is a Fiddle Fig and it's growing like a weed. And the smaller ones are under our new grow light and are doing well. My Thanksgiving cactus finally decided to bloom!
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| this used to be dining room... now, 'anything' room |
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| front room - just started putting a little Easter out |
OK... you should be ready to move on... Wishing you a wonderful weekend. It's actually 74 F and sunny here today!
it sounds like you have made a good choice about the biopsy...you could always get a second opinion if you want but i sometimes find that is more confusing!! EVERYONE in new jersey has the flu, rsv, a cold or covid, we have been trying to stay home more. that becomes more a little more difficult with all the follow-up doctor appointments i have. we are expecting snow, but i am not holding my breath!!
ReplyDeleteWe are fine with Texas Oncology... different doctor, but same group I was with before with my BC. And yes, we're hearing more and more about the spread of Flu (Type A I think). Read somewhere that it wasn't worse than past years (before pandemic), but less people being vaccinated. We're vaccinated, but still wear our masks out. No guarantees, but if there's a change the mask can help, why not?
DeleteRian, you have a lot going on here! First of all, I hope you're feeling a little better about the medical issues for the time being. Second, your dishes looked delicious--I can't remember the name of your cool stove? Loved reading about Grandparents Day, that was so sweet. Enjoyed seeing your plants and comfortable home too. As for "Gentleman in Moscow", I watched that miniseries over the summer on Paramount Plus. Ewan McGregor gave a really nice performance. :^)
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm fine with it all... time will tell and for the moment all is well.
DeleteThe stove is an AGA (it says so right on the front - next to the 'less people, more cats' dish towel). It has no knobs, stays on all the time - no preheating necessary.
And my Oncologist read and watched "A Gentleman in Moscow" on Paramount + and said the same as you - that the guy who played the count did a very good job.
Beautiful house! I want to spin the turntable on your dining table. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThanks, DM. I love turntables... have one in the kitchen too.
DeleteOh now I want to see McGregor as the Count. I loved the book, but couldn't get into his next one at all! I think you are doing a wise thing to wait a few more months...not that I have anything to base that upon, but you sound satisfied with it, and that's what counts. Loved seeing your home...every little touch just speaks of a good decorator. And plants! Must wait a few more months before I go crazy for new ones. Many of my winter garden plants have now died.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I want to see the movie also... but don't have the Paramount + with no ads. Hoping it will stream elsewhere eventually. As for our home, it is 40 years old and a bit out-dated, but we love it. The plants help. I want more!
DeleteGlad all is as well as can be. I can vouch for senior living w/o being a joiner. I have plenty to do on my own (though no cat to tend now), and eating dinner with friends is fine by me.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, you are a good voucher for senior living, but you do play Bingo and probably cards, etc. And I know you have plenty to do on your own... like weaving your towels, and socializing with friends and family. We go to the senior center, but as of yet, don't participate in any of the activities... just walk the area, borrow books from the library, and have coffee in the cafeteria.
DeleteI am glad your friends are enjoying where they landed. We are not "joiners" either and appreciate being home alone. I am not sure how we would do in senior living. Sounds like a fun grandparents visit to the school. I am with you with big groups in enclosed spaces in the winter. It is a germ fest. Good thoughts sent on the health situation. Your doctor seems to be taking everything into account.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know someone agrees about those get togethers in flu season. IMO Spring would be so much better for Grandparents day.
DeleteI am glad they will wait to do the biopsy, but sorry it's something you have to go through. My prayers are with you, dear friend. Thanks for the update, and hoping all will be well. Thanks for the uplifting post as I nurse my own injury. :--)
ReplyDeleteDJan, my hope is that if 'whatever it is' doesn't 'change'... maybe no biopsy will be necessary, but we'll see. Sure hope you are doing better each day from your fall. Thank goodness it wasn't worse.
DeleteOh gosh... I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, Rian. I feel like more and more things are happening to me too as the years go by... too fast.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas Cactus looks so healthy.
Thanks, Kay. Yes, it's always something, isn't it? But we just keep on keepin' on.
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