Monday, January 31, 2011

SNOWMAGEDDON 2011

OK, I am ready for the next snowpocalypse. 10 - 20 inches predicted between monday afternoon and wednesday morning. I'm all stocked up on bread, milk, and of course, yarn! I'm glad I have two cats to snuggle up with. You wouldn't believe how much heat a 7 lb hairless cat gives off! I suppose I could be really nice and volunteer to go in to work - if she decides to open up at all - so that Megan doesn't have to make the drive in. I can sit on my butt and knit at work just as easily as I can at home.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Rambling on

Holy crap, I'm bored!

Bored with TV, bored with reading, and (GASP!) bored with my knitting projects. Mom and Dad came over for a quick visit today they brought a load of carbohydrates: cake, coffee cake, and dinner rolls (all home-made, of course). I'm a carb addict so I sampled all three. I'm trying really hard to eat fewer refined carbohydrates, but they're so tasty!

In other news, Karl finally decided it's time for a new computer. Normally, this would involve at least a week of research. Spreadsheets would be involved. Nope, new one is ordered as of this morning. Our behemoth CRT monitor is still working fine, so that's going to wait. BUT I am so excited that we're getting an iPod Touch so we can enjoy natural light while web surfing off our neighbor's wireless (He's fine with that). Welcome to this century, Baumeister household!



Thursday, January 27, 2011

B Day!

I didn't know it when I got up this morning, but besides National Chocolate Cake Day, today is Bra Day! I know, I'm easily excited.

I had yet another doctor's appointment. Drove to Madison in a bit of a "snow event"- it took twice as long to get there. I did get there early, got a little waiting room knitting done, then saw Dr. Brad. More stitches came out, and I got the OK to wear a bra instead of the ace bandage. The bandage is annoying because now that I'm pancake flat, there's nothing to hold it up! So, after a little yarn shopping, I went to Kohl's and got a couple new sports bras - they were even on sale! Got home and put one on right away. I didn't realize there was so much swelling in my armpit - it's not exactly comfortable. I may put one of my old, stretched out ones on to see if it's any better.

Well, now I'm off to make a chocolate cake. That is, if I can lift the flour out of the pantry.


ETA - I did make a cake, with chocolate buttercream frosting. So delish! I overdid it today with the lifting and reaching (emptied the dishwasher, cooked dinner along with the cake), and now I'm paying for it.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I'm humbled

Wow, to say I have wonderful friends and family is and understatement. I was not expecting so many to do so much. My mom said it looked like a funeral home there were so many flowers - and more arrived after she left! So many cards, we've run out of room on the window sill. A collective "Thank You" to everyone !

White and yellow roses from Jill,


A gorgeous arrangement from the gang at work - there are Starburst Lilies that smell heavenly.



Just as the roses started to fade, a beautiful arrangement came from Sunita to take over their place on the piano.

A lovely Cyclamen from the Ladies who Swing (I hope I can keep it alive!)



And today: chocolate dipped fruit from my wonderful friends the Blaauw's. How did they know that's just what I need to get my appetite back?









And my most favorite of all, a cake from Katrina. Can you see all the love she baked right in?


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

So sleepy!

Yesterday morning was busy and it WIPED ME OUT!

I had a 9:30 doctors appointment. Karl had to drive me and Katrina had to come along since there was no school, so it was a hectic "get ready to go" morning. The appointment went well - I got my drains removed and some stitches out (TMI?). Then, Karl drops us off at home and he goes to work. So, Katrina and I snuggled up and watched some TV. Lunchtime rolls around and since I am not a big PBJ fan (which was what Katrina was going to make us for lunch), I suggested Culver's. I refuse to be seen in public in my fuzzy pajama pants, so it was a quick trip through the drive-thru for some kids meals.

After lunch, I could barely keep my eyes open. I laid down with the TV on, and pretty soon it was 3:30! On a normal day when Katrina is home, she doesn't leave me alone - "Mom, look at this" and "Mom, watch this" and a never ending narrative of what's going through her head. Yesterday, though, she played her Wii game and watched TV and I never heard her. She said she came upstairs to check on me, and I was asleep so she closed the door so I wouldn't wake up when she got a snack. She has to be the best kid ever.

Today, I'm taking it easy. I do have to go to the drugstore. Maybe I'll do some knitting, but the project is getting bigger, and it's kind of hard to hold it up. Guess I'll have to start something smaller - socks.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Tidbits

There are many reasons why Meriter Hospital was named one of Thompson Reuters Top 100 Hospitals. The excellent care I received, the beautiful facilities, their commitment to excellence. Those are all great criteria, but it's the little things that really stood out for me. Like the afternoon CNA who cared for me right after I got out of recovery - Zac. Not only was he a hottie, but he wrote on my white board "Welcome Becky!!" with a little smiley face. He made sure I could find my glasses, and was quick to come in when I hit my call button.

The hospital is actually known to have good food. Their cafe is supposed to be excellent, and I believe the general public is invited to dine there any time. But for patients, we have room service. No filling out a meal card for me - I jut called down, and they actually answered "Room Service, what can I do for you?" And yes, my food was good. Visitor can order as well so they can eat while they visit. (Karl opted for McDonalds - BLECH!)

It was actually an enjoyable stay.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Excellent!

I got my first real look at myself last night when we changed my bandages. Not gross, not upsetting, just really weird. When I catch myself in the mirror, I'm kind of hunched over because it hurts to straighten up all the way. But then I do, and it's just so odd. I was an early bloomer - and was downright busty by the time I hit junior high. Being flat is so foreign.

I had an appointment with the DR this morning. He likes how things are healing, and will probably remove the drains on monday. The pathology report was back already, and it was excellent news - clean margins and no lymph node involvement. A HUGE relief!

I'm feeling pretty good - not terribly sore. Now, if I would just get my appetite back, I'd be happy. I'm queasy because my stomach is empty, but I don't want to eat because I'm queasy thing going. Bring on the Jello!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Happy pills!

I love my pain pills. They don't make me too loopy - just sleepy. This is as close to PUI (posting under the influence) as I'll get.

First night at home was good. One cat seems to understand something's amiss - he usually walks all over me at night, sits on my chest, etc. He's been very good, and at one point I woke up and he was sleeping on my pillow with his head on my shoulder (do I hear the collective Awwww?). It's a good thing because he's the fat one. The other cat is not so concerned, she's just happy there's someone to lay under the covers with her (she's the bald one), and walks wherever is most convenient.

My mom is here playing nursemaid (aka driving me crazy). She gets grossed out easily, so I won't ask her to help with bandage changes or anything. Mostly she makes me tea, which is very much appreciated.

I'm following Dr's orders: getting up and walking around every hour or so, no heavy lifting (not even the cat), eating lots of fiber.

Well, time for another happy pill and subsequent nap.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Honey, I'm home!

Yup, I'm home already, less than 24 hours after I got out of surgery. I feel pretty good- sore, stiff, but pretty good otherwise. My mom keeps yelling at me to sit down and quit doing things! I'm tired of sitting though.
I'll have pathology results friday or monday, so now it's just waiting and healing. It is really weird to look down and not have anything there.
More later - my mac & cheese is ready.

Monday, January 17, 2011

This is it

So I had my lymph node mapping. I thought it was just a dye, but no. It's a radioactive tracer. So, apparently I'm "hot" for the next 12-24 hours.

Of course, we're having a snowstorm today (and tonight), so driving to Madison twice for separate appointments was not fun. The roads were passable, and only saw 4 cars in the ditch on the last trip. Tomorrow morning will be snarky because it will be so early (oh, and we have to leave even earlier because of the snow).

My bag is packed: toothbrush, socks, underwear, knitting - good to go! Having a fabulous dinner in - pulled pork enchiladas with salsa verde. The house smells so good! My mom made it to the house without sliding off the road, and boy did she bring the luggage! At least I know she's staying for a few days and I won't have to worry about getting Katrina off the school in the mornings.

Hopefully by this time tomorrow I'll be awake and hospital cable will have Versus so I can watch the bike race.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

One

It seems like months since I was first diagnosed. Oh wait, it was months - three and a half actually. Now it's just one more day (because it's almost bedtime, so today doesn't count anymore). It was a busy day - cleaning, laundry - really exciting stuff. I did cast on a new knitting project: a scarf for a friend. I attempted to fix the huge, gaping hole in Karl's sock (failure - guess I'll have to make him another pair soon).

Nobody wants to hear about that pert of my boring life though.

Tomorrow I have my pre-op appointment with the plastic surgeon who's doing the reconstruction part of my surgery. He's the same Dr. that did my reduction surgery, almost 5 years ago to the day. He's great and I have total confidence in his abilities.

Then, late afternoon I have to go to the hospital for my "lymph node mapping". Basically, they're injecting bright blue dye into my right boob so they know exactly which lymph nodes are associated with that area. Then, they'll only take those lymph nodes for biopsy. This is my biggest worry - that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. When I had my MRI in October, it didn't show any lymph node involvement, but that was 3 months ago. Lymph node involvement equals chemo and/or radiation, and that would suck. I finally have my hair grown out long (after 2 1/2 years of waiting) and don't want to lose it, and we have a big vacation planned for May, and I don't want to miss that!

So, one more pre-surgical post tomorrow, then off to the hospital at o'dark thirty tuesday morning.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Three

Three more days.
I'm in preparation mode: getting the laundry done (which is difficult when there's a bike thawing in my laundry sink), getting groceries, giving the cat a bath, etc.
I'm not worried about cooking - I have a husband who is competent in the kitchen. He does laundry too, but I say as long as he's going to sit on the couch watching football, he might as well be folding the laundry. My mom will be here to take care of Katrina, and so I'm sure she'll get bored and start dusting.
I did attain my goal of finishing a knitting project before going to the hospital. I finished my socks today, and they are fabulous! I'm wearing them right now, as a matter of fact. Which goes back to the laundry and the bike in my sink - he'd better get it out of there so I can wash the handknits.
Don't they look like a melted sundae? Now I want some ice cream...

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Five

Five more days.
I'm trying to keep busy to make the time go faster. Today is normally a day off, but I'm going in to work to help with inventory at All Through The House (the other store I work for). At least it's warm there, I won't have to layer up.
Then tonight is Katrina's first orchestra concert. I will try not to cringe at all the squeaky violins, but it will be really hard. I'm so glad she chose cello (except that I have to carry it to and from school!), it's not quite as earsplitting.
Mom and dad are coming to the concert, and they're bringing pizza for dinner! They found a great hole-in-the-wall place halfway between our houses. Home-made pepperoni. It is to die for, and I don't usually like pepperoni!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Already broken

I did good until Jan 10, 2011. That's how long the monogamy lasted.

No, I'm not cheating on my husband.
It's my project monogamy resolution. I started another knitting project today, with a pair of socks still on the needles.
But I need a portable project AND a bigger project.
But this is a gift that has a deadline.
But the yarn came today and it's so pretty! And SO soft!
Please forgive me. It won't happen again.

The Final Countdown

Eight more days.
Eight more days before things get a little ugly, a little painful.
Eight more days of having cancer.
Eight more days. After that, I'll be a cancer survivor.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Not Fun

I am not looking forward to work today. The store has been closed for four days in a row. I set the thermostat back to 56 before I left. I'll be lucky if it's 50 in there when I open. I am appropriately dressed: to layers plus an alpaca handknit.
To top it off, it's inventory time. I only have 2 more displays to count, but then it's an all day marathon of entering data. Blech!

13 more days!

Monday, January 3, 2011

New Year, New Me

I resolve to be more organized.
I resolve to lose 20 pounds.
I resolve to save more, spend less.
Blah, blah, blah.

2011 is going to be a year of new things. New experiences, new habits, and a new attitude!

New experiences like traveling places I've never been before - two trips planned for the year. The first in May to South Carolina for our anniversary, and then to Mt Rushmore this summer.
New habits like finishing one project before starting the next one - this is going to be really hard. There are so many knitting projects I want to do!
A new attitude that I need to think of myself a little more. I need to make sure that my needs come first before everyone else's. That seems so selfish, but things need to change - I need to change!

Oh, and new boobies - cute, perky little boobies.
Two more weeks for that one to come true!