16 June 2023
I got some good news yesterday. The final part of the genetics testing came back (even though their web site and phone system crashed). I was negative for 82 additional gene markers for cancer. Of course, they place caveats everywhere saying it didn’t mean I still couldn’t get those type of cancers but at least, by their determination, I was not predisposed for them.
That was about the only good news. Diarrhea returned with a vengeance. It finally calmed down early this morning around 3 am. I finally got to sleep and have gone 4 hours without any bouts until almost 9 am.
I did manage to get a 5 Guys hamburger for the price of $30 (included a tip for the UberEats driver. He didn’t speak English and kept asking me for the last four digits to complete the order. I assumed he meant SSN and that threw me. Why would a burger place or Uber need to know that. Finally, I understood he meant phone number. I said 8903. Mental fog. Then he thought to try a pin. Didn’t have one. Finally, his wife who spoke English, who was riding with him, came out and we finally sussed out the correct phone number for me. By then the fries were cold and the order wasn’t quite correct but I managed to eat 3/4 of the burger which I count as my first real solid food in a few days.
Kathy at Biennes Oncology called and explained Dr. Burgers (the surgeon) has some time available at 3 pm today. I’m too weak to drive but I plan to get someone to take me and go in with me and provide an extra set of ears. I asked Kathy to discuss with Dr. Burgers whether to readdress the surgery. I just don’t know how my body can possibly take another round of chemo right now (June 26th).
Chad, the contractor texted and said he planned to have someone over today to start the stucco. He’s lining up painters to finish the exterior and interior paint jobs and he seems eager to get my little piddly job finished. I would love to have my house back to normal. It’s probably only for a short time. Pensacola reported 10 inches of rain in a little over an hour. It looks as though these flash flood events are to be a permanent factor in Florida.
It’s mango season in south Florida and I can’t eat any because of the diarrhea. It’s killing me. My neighbor’s tree which hangs over my yard produces the best mangoes I’ve ever eaten. The fruit is quite beautiful and rather large for a mango. I usually save as many as I can and freeze them later for mango sorbet.
However, I just haven’t had the energy and have to watch the iguanas feast on them.
Some people can’t eat them. Mangoes belong to the same family of plants(Anacardiaceae) as poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. If you are susceptible to those, the leaves, flowers, sap and peel of the fruit can cause anaphylaxis. Fortunately, I can handle them and eat them. Ironically, my neighbor next door, whose tree it is, cannot touch them.
As soon as I know something from my conversation with Dr. Burgers, I’ll be back with an update.
Stay tuned!
