and I'm not sure where else I'd be as happy
went to see "at least it's pink" tonight
Took this pic on the way home
Man I love this place
Friday, January 19, 2007
Close-up of Voter Card (chip)
So as I sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office yesterday - fighting for the pen that would enable me to fill in all of the details demanded by the papre attached to the 'welcome clipboard' I started to wonder why the insurance company - who has all of the details asked for - didn't put them on my health insurance card - which I have to carry to an appointment anyway.
How much easier 'check in' would be if we could all swipe our cards and give the hospital honest, accurate records (I lied about my weight - just a pound or two) there and then - rather than having to try to recall what we had, when we had it and which box that info goes into.
It can't be be hard - can it?
Scan went well - though midway through they had me drink some fizzy concoction designed to bloat me - it did and I was too vain to go out last night looking that way. I'll call for an appointment for results next week and should get it for the week after (specialists see patients between rounds of golf and media glad handling)
Anyway thanks for all of the good wishes - here's hoping that it's June before I need them again
How much easier 'check in' would be if we could all swipe our cards and give the hospital honest, accurate records (I lied about my weight - just a pound or two) there and then - rather than having to try to recall what we had, when we had it and which box that info goes into.
It can't be be hard - can it?
Scan went well - though midway through they had me drink some fizzy concoction designed to bloat me - it did and I was too vain to go out last night looking that way. I'll call for an appointment for results next week and should get it for the week after (specialists see patients between rounds of golf and media glad handling)
Anyway thanks for all of the good wishes - here's hoping that it's June before I need them again
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Desperation
I'm beginning to think that maybe desperation has a scent. During my 4 years and 2 days in my last job I was clawing the walls in search of an escape and the need for exit oozed from every pore.
Since I left - and since I've consequently relaxed - I have job offers flying at me from all directions. Interesting stuff. Senior stuff. Proper, in charge, work. It's a fantastic feeling and comes from my being more interested in the opportunity than in fleeing a situation.
Of course tomorrow is a powerless day - as I have a CT scan (corridor, barium, long waits, iodine, tingly feelings, yellow exit forms and no alcohol) but I've managed to sandwich it between the gym at 8am and a meeting with an old acquaintance whose company I always enjoy - so at least the day won't be totally wasted
Since I left - and since I've consequently relaxed - I have job offers flying at me from all directions. Interesting stuff. Senior stuff. Proper, in charge, work. It's a fantastic feeling and comes from my being more interested in the opportunity than in fleeing a situation.
Of course tomorrow is a powerless day - as I have a CT scan (corridor, barium, long waits, iodine, tingly feelings, yellow exit forms and no alcohol) but I've managed to sandwich it between the gym at 8am and a meeting with an old acquaintance whose company I always enjoy - so at least the day won't be totally wasted
Winter
It's finally hit us. I woke up this morning to brilliant sunny skies and a temperature of minus 5.8C (-5.8C)... listen closely enough and you can hear a collective sigh of relief being let out across the city - maybe, just maybe, this isn't the 'end of days' after all.
I'm pretty busy today - which has to be good and will stop me thinking about CT scans tomorrow; better still. The idea of all of that bloody liquid being forced into me, cup by cup in 10 minute intervals is always the worst thing about CT scans. I'd much prefer an IV though my right arm is completely shot from the 5 rounds of chemo. The veins used to be great but have turned to Play Doh and now offer no resistance to needles and allow no blood through them. If I DO need more chemo it's probably going to have to be through a port - places just above the collar bone. But I'm getting way ahead of myself here.
Anyway the dog needs out (brrrr) and I need to be in the city in 45 mins so I'll sign off here and wish y'all bon jour
I'm pretty busy today - which has to be good and will stop me thinking about CT scans tomorrow; better still. The idea of all of that bloody liquid being forced into me, cup by cup in 10 minute intervals is always the worst thing about CT scans. I'd much prefer an IV though my right arm is completely shot from the 5 rounds of chemo. The veins used to be great but have turned to Play Doh and now offer no resistance to needles and allow no blood through them. If I DO need more chemo it's probably going to have to be through a port - places just above the collar bone. But I'm getting way ahead of myself here.
Anyway the dog needs out (brrrr) and I need to be in the city in 45 mins so I'll sign off here and wish y'all bon jour
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Moby featuring Debbie Harry - New York New York
I've been watching Bridget Everett build her career forever now, it's been frustratingly slow but with 'At least it's Pink' now a REAL show (opening tonight) and a role as Tammy in this, I think that she's on her way. I hope so.
Great track too. That's Moby btw... not me
I love this picture
... I've not taken very many pictures in the last week - it's a very small office and a very wet winter, confining me to that office and to only partially willing subjects. But I"m hoping to get some tonight, if you'll pardon the expression.
Not a great deal new to report as I hover in this holding pattern, my life on hold as I wait to find out from scans whether I can live another 6 months free from treatment and from work what my next move will be. Lots of people have said 'enjoy it, coast along for a bit' - but my fear is that it's not coasting, it's my treading water in a very cold ocean unaware of the hypothermia even as my skin turns grey.
I like that image, quite dramatic in a Titanic with Leo kind of way.
Anyway I'm running late and my toast just 'popped' so it's time I ran. Bonjour tout la monde (or something)
Not a great deal new to report as I hover in this holding pattern, my life on hold as I wait to find out from scans whether I can live another 6 months free from treatment and from work what my next move will be. Lots of people have said 'enjoy it, coast along for a bit' - but my fear is that it's not coasting, it's my treading water in a very cold ocean unaware of the hypothermia even as my skin turns grey.
I like that image, quite dramatic in a Titanic with Leo kind of way.
Anyway I'm running late and my toast just 'popped' so it's time I ran. Bonjour tout la monde (or something)
Monday, January 15, 2007
But will it suck like a Dyson?
This week looks crappy. I've already had a meeting cancelled. Jude has to go up to school. The weather is stuck on London Drizzle and threatening to turn to bone chilling cold. The cat has a new habit of licking my hands as I type and I'm going to spend at least half of Thursday sucking down Barium disguised as a liquid and the other half trying to flush iodine out of my system - all the while knowing that I'm going to be responsible for payment as my $2000 excess has yet to be dented.
So we already know that it's going to suck - but will it suck like a Dyson and keep on sucking (hard) or will it suck like a baby and let go once it's extracted its dose of misery. Stay tuned for what I'm sur will be many rants from the dark side.
So we already know that it's going to suck - but will it suck like a Dyson and keep on sucking (hard) or will it suck like a baby and let go once it's extracted its dose of misery. Stay tuned for what I'm sur will be many rants from the dark side.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
baldie
Despite the facial hair making a bit of a comeback (no more Hitler style moustaches half way through the day, but still big smooth patches on my cheeks) I'm still not really managing to grow any hair on my head.
Odd, a little disconcerting and hellish aging.
makes me look like this
Odd, a little disconcerting and hellish aging.
makes me look like this
Vacation
Well I have a trip to Toronto booked for the 26th... Jude and I really want to see the city and I finally got an excuse to go there; but of course it's not Toronto that's really on my mind at the moment.
We're also looking to book something in May - a kind of post PhD getaway that will have us fit, strong and ready to deal with the freedom offered to us once the tyranny of timetables is lifted.
Jude's mom is coming along and we're trying to get an answer out of her brother - for whom commitment to anything beyond saying yes to more food is near impossible.
Right now I'm looking at places in Barbados. A Villa for 5 people would come in at around US$90 per person, per night. There's enough to do beyond the beach and you're not likely to get mistaken for a cruise ship passenger and stabbed in the face.
Of course there are quieter places - Mustique for example - but it will be nice to have some activities to consider and some life beyond the beach.
Anyway need to speak to the Mrs and Misses Hompe and then to book asap - these things fill up fast and direct flights (4hrs 30mins) are thin on the ground.
I, btw, have scans on Thursday of this week. More details when I know them
We're also looking to book something in May - a kind of post PhD getaway that will have us fit, strong and ready to deal with the freedom offered to us once the tyranny of timetables is lifted.
Jude's mom is coming along and we're trying to get an answer out of her brother - for whom commitment to anything beyond saying yes to more food is near impossible.
Right now I'm looking at places in Barbados. A Villa for 5 people would come in at around US$90 per person, per night. There's enough to do beyond the beach and you're not likely to get mistaken for a cruise ship passenger and stabbed in the face.
Of course there are quieter places - Mustique for example - but it will be nice to have some activities to consider and some life beyond the beach.
Anyway need to speak to the Mrs and Misses Hompe and then to book asap - these things fill up fast and direct flights (4hrs 30mins) are thin on the ground.
I, btw, have scans on Thursday of this week. More details when I know them
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