Snow Daze

Those of you who live in the Seattle area (or in the state, for that matter) don't need me to tell you about the snow and ice storms of the past week, and I understand we made the national news as well.

The snow disrupted some of my plans for last week, but not too many, and The Ranch (my skilled nursing facility) had power and heat. Short staffed, some days, and my favorite nurse ended up working two shifts back to back in order to cover for others who couldn't make it here. 

Physically, I'm still tired and weak, but definitely improving. The second bout of C. diff. is under control, but that's with me on vancomycin. I am worried about the long-term plan to keep it away, and I have an appt. with "my" infectious disease specialist on Monday the 30th. I'll stay on the vanco till then. 

Progress

Andrea ended up taking me over to Fred Lind Manor on Friday. We had a measuring tape and drew out the floor plan with measurements. I also had a list of the furniture that I want from the house.

It's a small studio (14' by 20', I believe). The "kitchen" is like a doll kitchen--a tiny sink, tiny fridge, and microwave. No counter space to speak of. 

Two closets, one quite large, and a reasonably sized bathroom with grab bars everywhere and an emergency cord. Only one window in the whole place. 

Yesterday, Saturday, Linda picked me up and took me to my house. This is always difficult for me, emotionally, but I needed to do it. I put post-a-notes with the word "take" on the pieces of furniture I want moved to Fred Lind, and we also boxed up sheets and towels, cleaning supplies and TP, and a couple of paper lamps to protect them during the move.

Tomorrow, Monday, a gang of six--Younger Son and five good friends--will be moving the furniture from the house and arranging it in my new home. The only thing that I'm worried about them having trouble with is my brass bed, which belonged to my great-grandmother, the Norwegian one. I've slept in that bed since I was 8 or 10, and I'm not ready to let it go. 

Plus, it has a new mattress.

While the move is going on, I will be at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to get scans required by the T-DM1 clinical trial. That will take three and a half to four hours, and yet another friend is driving me. 

Then back to The Ranch, where I have a "care conference" scheduled. I'm not asking YS or any friends to come to that with me, since we had one weeks ago before the return of the C. diff. I think I can handle it. At this meeting, the staff here evaluate my fitness to go to assisted living. 

Then, it takes them several days to do all the paperwork to spring me (don't ask--even I don't know why it takes so long). I'm hoping they release me on Friday ... we'll see.

The day before that, I have treatment at SCCA. With the blood draw, doctor's appt., and then treatment itself, that takes something like five hours. 

Oh, and then the following Monday, a week from tomorrow, I see the ID specialist in his office--which is all the way up in Edmonds--to talk about a plan to keep the C. diff. from coming back. I've had three bouts in four months. 

Cancer--it's not for sissies. 

Random notes:

I'm no longer wearing diapers.

The food here is beyond terrible, but at least I can eat small amounts.

I don't think Fred Lind has Wifi for residents, so there may be a gap in communication around the time of my move. I'm going to ask them to consider putting in a network ... there may well be other residents who want to get online. If not, I'm going to ask a techie friend to set one up for me.

Worried about the cost of that, but it's not the first thing on my list, so I've marked it to worry about later.

I have decided to continue with my blog. For awhile I thought I was done with it, but I don't think I am. I have a new life to make for myself, and the blog--and your support--will help me do that.

 

Jeanne Sather 2012.  

 

 

Comments

[Christine Dowding]

So glad you're back!

[Maggie]

Light, ease and grace to your move to more congenial quarters ... and to achieving wi-fi!

Sending plenty of love, light and laughter

[amy]

Thinking of you!

[Jill]

So happy to hear from you! Hope the move goes smoothly and you get settled in nicely...so glad you will be back writing your blog. Good thoughts and hugs to you, we have missed you!

[jen]

It sounds like things are chugging along in a progressive way. That's good! Your new space doesn't sound so bad. The one window thing maybe can be supplemented with full spectrum bulbs (or a SAD light? Through Medicaid?) and I'm sure you can figure out something for counter space in the kitchen. Now if only they could get that dang c. diff. under control! Well, I'm thinking good thoughts the ID guy comes up with a successful plan, and the rest comes together nicely, smoothly, and quickly. Good to have you back, Jeanne, and I'm really glad you're going to keep blogging.
love and hugs,
;j xx