Tomorrow's scans postponed 1 week

Due to some nasty weather forecast for the next couple days here in the Chicago area, my doctor's appointment and scans that were scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed until next Tuesday, February 8 in the morning.

Florida Getaway

Doug and I just returned Saturday night from a six-day vacation with my sister Deborah where we visited her dear friend Maureen in Sanibel Island, Florida.  It was restorative and relaxing and wonderful.  The weather was even warmer than it had been (low- to mid-70's during the day) so Doug and I were able to run outside on four of our six days there.  There was still some humidity that adds a little challenge to the runs, but it felt so good to be outside without layers of clothing!

I think the trip was good for my hair as well because all four of us are certain that it grew while we were there.  I now have dark peach fuzz over all but the very top of my cranium, which is still a bit stubbly.  I am happy to finally see some progress!

Unfortunately, my appetite didn't improve significantly and I had three mother hens watching my every mouthful for signs of progress.  Though I didn't gain any weight during the trip, I didn't lose anymore either.  Maureen was a great host in making sure there were plenty of tasty and tempting items available for meals and snacks.

It was such a pleasure to just relax and not worry about schedules or plans.  We just hung out and did whatever we felt like doing when we wanted to do it.  And saw lots of great sunsets on the water.  I hated to come back to the cold.

A week from today is the next set of scans.  And then Wednesday will be an appointment with the neurologist.  I haven't had any seizures since that first one in July and the levels of the drug in my bloodstream are good so I am hoping to get her to consider reducing the anti-seizure medication since I think that perhaps it might be contributing to the reduced appetite.  We'll see.

January Check Up

I had my monthly bloodwork and visit with Dr. Bonomi at Rush this afternoon.  All the bloodwork remains normal and everything seems to be fine. 

My appetite has continued to be weak and I still get pretty tired by the end of each day, but we are not sure if I have a cold or if it is a side effect of the Tarceva.  Dr. Bonomi suspects that it's the Tarceva.  I am staying on the every-other-day dose, at least for the time being.  I might try to drink some wine with meals more often to stimulate my appetite.  The doc said that is probably the best way to go in terms of an appetite stimulant - it could be worse!  :)

I still have just a little stubble on my scalp and I am starting to get impatient for hair - it is really chilly on the head and neck when the temperature outside is freezing!  But both the doc and his nurse, Irene, say that the speed (or lack thereof) of my hair growth is pretty typical.  Aaaarrggghhhh! and Brrrrrrrrr!

Tuesday, February 1 will be another round with the MRI and CAT scans.  I don't think there will be much other news between now and then.