News not so good.

Wonder where I can get some Temporary tattoos, adult version?

Actually I plan on getting more seeds started, I have a good time babying seedlings, it keeps my mind off things that get me down.
The first time with Chemo was not that bad, I followed the instructions to the letter, but I must admit that the longer you get chemo it has a tendency to build up in the system and it gets harder to deal with. I hope by then it will be nice weather so I can at least get out side and sit on the deck. Time to start looking into a lap top PC

I used to work in the environmental health section. A guy complained about nighttime noise at a gravel pit operation. The peeprs in the swamp between his house and the gravel were way over the 'legal limit' of noise! --70 dB I believe. Now thats what I call Environmental Health!!!

I'm hoping we can get a laptop in place of our most recently trashed compy. Then I can sit next to DH watching TV and still chat with DG!

What will the chemo schedule be like--week on, few weeks off etc for a few months?

Sally, First treatment is March 3, 3 hours long. The first dose is given slowly, so they can monitor me for any bad reactions.
The next treatment will be March 24 that will be 1 1/2 hour long.
So far that is what is scheduled, I know there will be some blood testing for tumor markers to see if they are going down. Also they will be keeping a eye on the blood pressure as this chemo could raise the #s.

Now nothing would be better then to sit out on a warm spring night and listen to the peepers. I bet that would lower my BP. LOL

Diane, I don't know how good my whistler is. I know it's not very loud.

I hope everything goes well for you Chris.

Thanks Ronnie, and everyone. You all are being such a help just listening to me and responding. {{{Hugs}}} all the way around.

Chris

Chris, It would really be nice if you could get that laptop soon as it will take you time to get it set up the way that you want it. We all know how frustrating dealing with tech issues can be. They raise my blood pressure. It seems like it would be easier to do, before the chemo builds up.

Even if it's still too cold for you to sit outside, a laptop might be more comfortable for you. I love mine. A desktop would make me feel like I was still at work. I also sit on the sofa with DSO while he's watching TV. LOL he doesn't feel so abandoned that way.

Not sure what all will be involved Stormy, I changed internet service and the new "box" is already laptop ready. The installation guy said all I have to do is type the #s into the laptop that is on the new box.

My deck top computer is not bad to sit at, right now I have my keyboard on my lap and my feet up on an ottoman. I have a large screen so I don't have to be up close to see things.

Chris, Are you set up for wireless?

Ladyg, Here is a link to the thread I was telling you about the Coleus Topiary. You might find something like this easy and relaxing. I know you like Coleus.

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/993198/

((HUGS)) Chris. What a great support system you have here!!! Makes all the difference.

Stormy, Yes, my new Windstream box is wireless. They had a deal where if you signed up and bundled your landline phone, which I already have and their internet service the cost of $59.99 is locked in for life. That includes unlimited long distance phone calls. However they did fail to mention, or maybe I missed it, the box was $100.00, but with the wireless I guess it was a blessing.

Still sounds like a good deal!

Lady, you're already doing better than me. I can't read my monitor from far away. If you run 2 computers off of the same internet connection, you have to set up your network. One of the things that I found the trickiest was getting my printer to work wirelessly for the laptop. But the newer printers are much better.

Holly, what are your thoughts on doing the ring with Chocotale Drop Coleus?

Chris--see this post
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=7553866
Looks like it might even be Chocolate drop
My Choc drop had pretty long trailing stems by end of summer last year.

Chris, every day I try to pick at least one thing that "makes my day". Today's thing was hearing the owls calling to each other in the woods when I left for work this morning. Eerie and haunting. Makes getting up at 03:50am ok - would never hear them otherwise.

Ladyg, I was thinking the Chocolate drop or something that grows similar would be nice for a ring. I just might start a few Coleus Topiary. I can think of a great spot for a few of them. I'd tell you where but it is a "secret". LOL

LadyG, you can find waterslide tattoo paper here: http://www.beldecal.com/tattoo_paper.cfm and design ideas here: http://www.tattoojohnny.com/

You're in my prayers.

Thanks Jill, It's fun just looking at the possibilities, LOL

I go for my brain scan this morning, and it is snowing pretty good. Paul is driving his 4 wheel drive truck, I would never make the trip by myself. This is an easy test. Just lay there, zone out, and they run you through the machine.
However, if you are claustrophobic it may be a problem. I've been run through so many machines that it doesn't phase me anymore. LOL

Can't wait to get home and get in the basement and sow some seeds, start my OSPs and maybe root some Chocolate Drops.

Love you all,
Chris

Good morning Chris. Today is a day off for me (every other Friday). I'm heading to Critter's for lunch and then whatever she needs help with getting ready for the swap tomorrow. Take care, you are in my thoughts. Terri

I'll be with you in spirit--this morning is so cold and blustery it sounds like a blizrd, and later on need to get my seeds ready for tomorrow. Indoor seed play is 'some' consolation when we can't get out.!

I decided the phrase for today is "Friday-It will blow you away!"

Good thoughts for a great brain scan!!!

I'm home the ride over was white knuckle on the interstate going west, but the traffic was light, snow heavy. We decided to take the secondary road home with was much better, and the snow that slowed down.

Terri, you and Jill stay out of trouble, but have a great time.

Sally , I need to get in the basement but had to check out DG first, then decide what to plant next.

Chris, Sounds like a fun way to spend the afternoon INSIDE!

Chris, you are a very strong person with a good sense of humor. You will get thru it better this time because you're prepared. Hang tough and a big hug! (((((Chris)))))

Prayers from Dave's always seem to be stronger, so big prayer for you right now.

Sally

I am afraid we have not had the pleasure of meeting but I just read your posted message and want to let you know that I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers that all goes well with the chemo. Your postive attitude will work wonders in your treatments. What is it about fruit or vegetables that have skins on them when you aret taking chemo? Please keep us posted on your progress. With all this support from this website, you'll never be alone. Wonderful and caring people here.

Ladyg You will be at the seedswap in spirit today. I'm taking a few starters from the OSP Ace of Spades you gave me. They are growing so nicely.

Sally (billyporter) and Pippi, Thanks for your support and well wishes, This is a battle that has been on going for a long time and keeping a positive attitude has been my goal. There has been a lot of ups and downs. DG has been a wonderful place to come and spend time with loving friends miles aways that I'll never met in person.

Pippi, I believe knowledge is power, so I don't mind answering questions or talking about treatment. I'm glad you asked that question.
Chemo can lower your white blood cell count and the white blood cells helps your body fight off infections, and bad bacteria in your system. Fresh fruits and veggie sometimes harbor bad bacteria, you remember all the e coli scares in tomatoes, and spinach in the news. Even washing them can't remove it all.
A healthy person's system can handle most of the bad stuff, but chemo patients are taking a risk. This is what happened to me when I had my first chemo in 2006, I had a weeks hospital stay with a strong antibiotic IV running, they tried to pinpoint the cause of the infection and came to the conclusion that it was all the fresh grapes, raspberries and blueberries that I was eating and making smoothies with.
From then on I was given an injection of Neulasta (spl ?) which help raise the white blood cell count. I'll be getting it this time also.

Chris, a little sympathy can go a long way. I always feel better talking to my new friends on Dave's. It is a larger, different kind of support group here. My Mom had so many things wrong with her, but I learned how tough the body is, even when you don't eat a good diet or get enough vitamins.

I just wish you didn't have to deal with it. Asking God for the best for you. Amen

Holly, so glad the OSP is doing well for you, hope to see a lot of pictures from the swap. I'm sure everyone will have a blast at the swap today. I'll be thinking about you and everyone today.
I had leftover homemade Sesame Chicken last night in honor of the swap, I should have save it for lunch today, but it was too good to resist. LOL

Chris... I am just seeing this thread for the first time, but I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! You have an amazing attitude! God bless you for it!

Hugs... Karen

Thanks, Karen.

Today I start chemo, but I'd rather be in my basement with my seeds. What a way to spend my day off.

Hey Chris good luck today!

I'll try to check in here when I get back home, have to drop the car off at the dealers, the check engine light came on Monday and was still on yesterday. He checked the gas cap to make sure is was secure. that was not it, so they will check things out more today. It will be a long day, so don't look for anything till late in the day.
Little joke here, at the first facility I had treatment they called it Day Treatment, when I would check in I'd call it Day Care.
Well, off to pack my day bag, book, game, water, snacks, lunch, nausea pills for on the way home,

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} for you from Jersey.

I hope your day goes well. I wish you were in the basement too :o(