MEAN NURSE

We saw Mario’s oncologist on Wednesday.  As expected, this being the tenth day since the start of chemo # 7, his white blood cells were nearly depleted.  However, the blood transfusion he received while in the hospital kept his red blood cell count higher than it would otherwise be.  A follow-up blood check has been schedule for Monday, June 18.  Hopefully we will dodge a transfusion.  The doctor said that we should not be concerned about hypotension (low pressure), many things can cause a low reading and his vitals are back to a normal range.  The cancer treatment plan is still the same.  Chemo #8, the last, thank goodness, will begin on Monday, June 25.  In mid-July, Mario will have a PET Scan and other imaging tests to see if the cancer is still detectable.  In addition to the leg tumor, Mario’s oncologist will be looking to see if the lesions detected on the liver are still there. 

On the job front, Mario went into work on Tuesday and stayed about 12 hours.  He enjoyed going in to work and being with colleagues, but it was too long of a day for him.  He crashed when he got home and was running on fumes the next day.  All things considered, Mario actually has looked pretty good and the symptoms generally have been less severe during the last two chemos.  We may be getting to the point that a full-time Butler is no longer needed for the enire or every chemo recovery period.  the Butler may instead be  “on call”, since he is about four-hour drive away.  With his Lordship doing OK, Mr. FOG left on Thursday for Gainesville, Florida to take care of some business matters for a few days.

In any event, we are happily at the end of the road with regard to the chemotherapy with only one more to go.  The radiation treatments scheduled for August should not be nearly as difficult for his Lordship.  We are now hoping for good results from the cancer imaging and a recovery, of nerve function in the foot and leg. The nerve and muscle function recovery may be slow we have been warned.  

Happy Birthday

The Lord had a quiet birthday at home with Nurse Sherry, Jay, Tom, and Dan.  His birthday was right after he got out of the hospital and a small celebration at home seemed best.  No Prickly Pear Margarita Party, but we did have a very nice taco dinner prepared by Mario and Nurse Sherry.  Mr. FOG took a break and enjoyed the dinner.  Later in the month there will be a bigger celebration at Lady Jane’s place, with a new Bar-BQ grill.  For presents so far, Mario got a cooler for the golf cart, golfing shoes, fishing pants, and other unknown presents still to come.   If your present was not mentioned, it is as usual entirely Mr. FOG's fault.

Mario’s birthday cards included a potpourri of sentiments and images.  The colorful Monkey Card and Real Man Bear produced a laugh.  A talking Hangover movie card reminded us of this funny cult movie.  The more sentimental cards evoking love and self-worth stirred the heart strings reminding us of the importance of family and friends.  Thanks to all for thinking of Mario on his birthday in your own unique ways. Your support means a lot to the newlyweds, soon to lose their title.

One of our favorite people also has June birthday which and hopefully you also remembered.   Maid of the Mist had a special milestone birthday which she and Tom Often Wise celebrated in St. Simons Island.  She does not look her years, so you will have to guess which milestone she has reached.  Since it is still June, it is not too late to wish her a happy birthday if you have not done so.

More Cards and Well Wishes

Mr. FOG enjoys the get well cards so much.  Although he tries not to play favorites, he had to feature the Mean Nurse card on the Blog.  The Mean Nurse on the card looks as if she means business and perhaps enjoys bringing pain and discomfort to others.  Fortunately the health care providers we have had so far have been nice and empathic of any distress cancer treatments and test may cause a patient.  Our own Nurse Sherry can be strict, but she is not mean, nor enjoys bringing discomfort of others.  The Mean Nurse card was balanced out by nice puppies, pretty flowers and festive balloons on the other get well cards.  Now forewarned, thanks to the card, the Lord and Butler will be on the lookout for Mean Nurse in all the hospital and doctor’s offices they visit and be ready to run should we see her or someone like her. Does Mean Nurse look like anyone we know????