A Splendid Sunday

This treatment can do strange things, or rather behave in a strange manner. There are times when Jim is so sick he can hardly hold his head up. But today was a particularly excellent day for the patient. Still cannot speak or eat, but can swallow water and meds. Good night's sleep, productive garden day (yes, more leaves) and then "dress up" for a movie. We got there but the paper had published the wrong time. So instead of enjoying "Little Miss Sunshine" we segued over to the local Borders to browse books and look for a new recording of "The Cosi Fan Tutti", the only volume in our 45 vol. set that is missing. We found a pretty good one (not as good as the Phillips!). It is now just finishing and Jim is enjoying it, although he says that the sound is distorted. As we were getting ready to go to the movies he commented that he had not shaved for over a week and he has almost no beard left. This is about the only positive thing to say about this treatment! The skin on his lower jaw and neck is now very dark. Not the golden color he usually turns (he has 0much more than his share of melanin; he tans virtually overnight!), but more of a mahogany color, or even a bit purplish. But this will fade in time for him to get a Mexican tan. No, actually, he will not be able to go into the sun as of old. He will have to wear long sleeves or stay out of the sun. Pool time will be either early morning or after about 5 PM. This will ruin cocktail hour!

We have had a brisk walk around the neighborhood. It is getting cooler, at last. The sky is very clear, the sliver of moon is very bright. A beautiful night. Tomorrow we go back again for more of the same. But every day we go means I can check one off the 7-week calendar. There are a total of 13 more treatments; 12 at radiology, one at chemo. Keep November 14 in mind; that's the end.