Allison Knight's Blog, page 15
January 14, 2014
The Journey
It's a bright sun shiny day, and yeh!, I do feel good. Winded as always, and nothing to complain about but that danged band - which is back. I thought it was mainly when I ate, but I haven't had breakfast yet, so I'll just have to figure something else out. It's called self - diagnosis, and my doctors hate it when I do this. (grinning) Well, a bit of science knowledge and it just goes to my head.
I doubt anyone has ever noticed, but in each of my books I do have a medical problem of some sort. Often it's a physical thing, like the bear attack in Sara where she has to batch the hero up, or in Windsong, where the hero is being starved to death. I really enjoy researching medical problems as long as they are not my own. I have also used psychological problems also. Lynbrook's Lady is one of those.
But you guessed it, if you thought as soon as they told me I had lung cancer, I was at the computer trying to find out as much about it as I could. I was not particularly pleased with what I found. Now, this band business is something else. First, not sure what part of me is involved. I need the Doctor to say it's the diaphragm, or the stomach or whatever other part they are thinking about. Then I'll hit the computer. (Of course, I will just have to find out as much as I can.) Curious, or just plain nosy?
In the meantime, I better feed my other half breakfast so I can get going on the latest book. And this time the medical problem is poison. No, I'm not giving anything away, because everyone knows by the end of the first chapter, the hero is being poisoned. The question is - by whom and why?
Allison, ready to fix breakfast now.
I doubt anyone has ever noticed, but in each of my books I do have a medical problem of some sort. Often it's a physical thing, like the bear attack in Sara where she has to batch the hero up, or in Windsong, where the hero is being starved to death. I really enjoy researching medical problems as long as they are not my own. I have also used psychological problems also. Lynbrook's Lady is one of those.
But you guessed it, if you thought as soon as they told me I had lung cancer, I was at the computer trying to find out as much about it as I could. I was not particularly pleased with what I found. Now, this band business is something else. First, not sure what part of me is involved. I need the Doctor to say it's the diaphragm, or the stomach or whatever other part they are thinking about. Then I'll hit the computer. (Of course, I will just have to find out as much as I can.) Curious, or just plain nosy?
In the meantime, I better feed my other half breakfast so I can get going on the latest book. And this time the medical problem is poison. No, I'm not giving anything away, because everyone knows by the end of the first chapter, the hero is being poisoned. The question is - by whom and why?
Allison, ready to fix breakfast now.
January 13, 2014
The Journey
The new computer is still giving me fits. I've decided to ignore it for a while. I'll spend today writing and trying to finish up a couple of little items yet to be seen to.
We were advised to put together a note book for the executor of our wills, a terrific idea by the way,
of insurance policies, bank account numbers, copies of our wills, anything that pertains to the settling of our estates. I have one or two more items to add to it and it's then complete. I can give it to the executor or my DH can give it to our executor when it's closer to the right time.
I'll admit at night, I get the feeling it won't be much longer and then in the morning after a good night's sleep, I swear the diagnosis is all wrong. (grinning) Wonder what my doctor would say if I told him I was sure he missed the boat.
I did that once before. He kept insisting I have an EKG and I kept telling him, bragging in a way, "We don't have heart trouble in our family!" Boy was I wrong on that one. Hence the double heart bypass of last year, well in 2012. I sure did have heart trouble. Of course I apologized. And he accepted it gracefully. I can't help but wonder what he would do if I marched into his office in the morning and said, "Hey, Doc, you got this cancer thing all wrong!" Do you think I better run or duck or both? Probably both! Knowing him, he'd throw up his hands and say he went to medical school, I didn't. And he would be right. But you gotta wonder!
Allison, ready to start on the next book.
We were advised to put together a note book for the executor of our wills, a terrific idea by the way,
of insurance policies, bank account numbers, copies of our wills, anything that pertains to the settling of our estates. I have one or two more items to add to it and it's then complete. I can give it to the executor or my DH can give it to our executor when it's closer to the right time.
I'll admit at night, I get the feeling it won't be much longer and then in the morning after a good night's sleep, I swear the diagnosis is all wrong. (grinning) Wonder what my doctor would say if I told him I was sure he missed the boat.
I did that once before. He kept insisting I have an EKG and I kept telling him, bragging in a way, "We don't have heart trouble in our family!" Boy was I wrong on that one. Hence the double heart bypass of last year, well in 2012. I sure did have heart trouble. Of course I apologized. And he accepted it gracefully. I can't help but wonder what he would do if I marched into his office in the morning and said, "Hey, Doc, you got this cancer thing all wrong!" Do you think I better run or duck or both? Probably both! Knowing him, he'd throw up his hands and say he went to medical school, I didn't. And he would be right. But you gotta wonder!
Allison, ready to start on the next book.
January 12, 2014
The Journey
Still fighting with the new (old) computer. And today I'm struggling a little. I'm having to take more breaks than usual. Might be because I did a lot yesterday. Today, I've discovered I can frost a cake sitting down. How about that? I can also put the shirts on hangers sitting down. I'm finding I can do a lot of things I didn't think I could do sitting down.
Cooking is still the problem. I've tried to do that sitting, and I can't do it yet. Working on it. I'll get there. I'm surprised at what I can do with my butt in a chair. And that does make a difference. I can do more. Now cleaning - HA! But then I've already commented on my love of cleaning. Do you hear the sarcasm in those words? Our cleaning lady will be here Tuesday and my great DH gave the kitchen floor a good swipe two days ago, so we no longer stick to it as we walk. (grinning) Of course it would be helpful if I wasn't a messy cook. To late to change now.
Now college football is finished and the Olympics are coming up. I like watching some of the contests, especially the ice skating, and I'll watch some of it, although I've started on that next book in earnest now. I have to have a title, the characters named, and a location before I can really get started, and I have all that now. No more excuses.
And we'll see what the nurse says about my call to make the Doctor's appointment. His receptionist says I can't make one. That blew me away. Because I'm on hospice, I can't see the doctor? Doesn't make any sense, but that's what she said when I called. I'll be interested in what my hospice nurse has to say to that.
Now, off to the office and the work horse computer to start the next novel. All my research and my writing programs are on that machine, as well as four dictionaries, one that dates words, essential with my work. (Of course it's a historical romance)
Allison
Cooking is still the problem. I've tried to do that sitting, and I can't do it yet. Working on it. I'll get there. I'm surprised at what I can do with my butt in a chair. And that does make a difference. I can do more. Now cleaning - HA! But then I've already commented on my love of cleaning. Do you hear the sarcasm in those words? Our cleaning lady will be here Tuesday and my great DH gave the kitchen floor a good swipe two days ago, so we no longer stick to it as we walk. (grinning) Of course it would be helpful if I wasn't a messy cook. To late to change now.
Now college football is finished and the Olympics are coming up. I like watching some of the contests, especially the ice skating, and I'll watch some of it, although I've started on that next book in earnest now. I have to have a title, the characters named, and a location before I can really get started, and I have all that now. No more excuses.
And we'll see what the nurse says about my call to make the Doctor's appointment. His receptionist says I can't make one. That blew me away. Because I'm on hospice, I can't see the doctor? Doesn't make any sense, but that's what she said when I called. I'll be interested in what my hospice nurse has to say to that.
Now, off to the office and the work horse computer to start the next novel. All my research and my writing programs are on that machine, as well as four dictionaries, one that dates words, essential with my work. (Of course it's a historical romance)
Allison
January 11, 2014
The Journey
After yesterday, I've given a lot of thought to am I really as sick as they say I am. During the day, especially the beginning of the day, I feel good. In fact on some days, great. As the day wears on, though, I kinda melt (if you get my meaning) by the evening when I get ready for bed, and have trouble just getting my clothes off and taking the required meds, I know I'm sick. Funny how in the morning as you begin the day you are fine but by night time, you've had it.
I suspose I should try and pace myself a bit more, but I was always a night person, writing at night, sewing at night, reading at night. So this is all new. I haven't yet adjusted.
And of course, I'm still trying to do what I have usually done, (with the exception of cleaning - but then I never did like to clean). Guess I better start giving more thought to doing a little less at one time. Notice, I didn't say give up what I do! (Not going to happen)
And of course, my new computer is driving me crazy. But geek son is coming in two weeks. I'll let him help. And won't he love that?
Allison, off to fix breakfast and then attempt a plan for today that will not leave me totally wilted by five pm.
I suspose I should try and pace myself a bit more, but I was always a night person, writing at night, sewing at night, reading at night. So this is all new. I haven't yet adjusted.
And of course, I'm still trying to do what I have usually done, (with the exception of cleaning - but then I never did like to clean). Guess I better start giving more thought to doing a little less at one time. Notice, I didn't say give up what I do! (Not going to happen)
And of course, my new computer is driving me crazy. But geek son is coming in two weeks. I'll let him help. And won't he love that?
Allison, off to fix breakfast and then attempt a plan for today that will not leave me totally wilted by five pm.
January 10, 2014
The Journey
Today I am really huffing and puffing. Cloudy weather, high humidity and frustration to end all frustration. I talked about the new (used) computer. It has windows 7, because I've heard so many complaints about 8. I carefully selected a computer with windows 7 on it. Hard to get but I found one and with a company I trust.
So, I'm trying to remember how to do some of the simple things we did with DOS. Oh boy, do you lose it if you don't use it. I can't remember how to do anything. DH is trying to help, but he can't remember either. We turned off the computer and a hundred updates need to load. That computer will take a month to get everything ready to work on it. UGH! In the meantime, I'm trying to finish the end of the year stuff (almost done there) and I so want to start on the next book.
I also have blogs to write, and I so want to start on the next book.
There is laundry to do, and I so want to start on the next book. You get the general theme here.
In fact, to heck with all the other stuff. I'm starting on the next book. Today. Right now in fact.
Everything can wait for awhile. I know I have a least a good hour before I'll just poop out again!
Allison, not feeling quite so frustrated now.
So, I'm trying to remember how to do some of the simple things we did with DOS. Oh boy, do you lose it if you don't use it. I can't remember how to do anything. DH is trying to help, but he can't remember either. We turned off the computer and a hundred updates need to load. That computer will take a month to get everything ready to work on it. UGH! In the meantime, I'm trying to finish the end of the year stuff (almost done there) and I so want to start on the next book.
I also have blogs to write, and I so want to start on the next book.
There is laundry to do, and I so want to start on the next book. You get the general theme here.
In fact, to heck with all the other stuff. I'm starting on the next book. Today. Right now in fact.
Everything can wait for awhile. I know I have a least a good hour before I'll just poop out again!
Allison, not feeling quite so frustrated now.
January 9, 2014
The Journey
Spent the morning watching TV. I don't usually, but it was good drama. My DH is from the Bronx, so he was interested at least for most of the morning, then it was off to get more meds. I swear I've never taken so many pills in my life. Oh, I have, but this time it just seems like there are more.
The problem is simple - Only 15 day refills. I can certainly see Hospice's reasons. If you are in a hospice program, you are considered terminal. So who knows just how long you'll manage to survive and be able to take pills, some of which are big and require lots of water to wash them down.
But it sure makes trips to the pharmacy happen more often than we're used to.
Still working to get things ready for the new computer. I've also copied all the info from the old computer I wanted to save, URL's people's contacts, blogs, writing hints. I transferred them to a scan disk. I love the kind where you push the USB connection from inside the case into the computer. The back of the little disk is clear, so I took labels, cut them to size and listed what the disk contains. I.E, Books, WIP, so on. At least (if the labels stay on) I'll know what I have on each disk. Right now I'm feeling very proud of myself. Organized. My DH will laugh if I say that out loud!
Allison, About ready to start the new (used) computer.
The problem is simple - Only 15 day refills. I can certainly see Hospice's reasons. If you are in a hospice program, you are considered terminal. So who knows just how long you'll manage to survive and be able to take pills, some of which are big and require lots of water to wash them down.
But it sure makes trips to the pharmacy happen more often than we're used to.
Still working to get things ready for the new computer. I've also copied all the info from the old computer I wanted to save, URL's people's contacts, blogs, writing hints. I transferred them to a scan disk. I love the kind where you push the USB connection from inside the case into the computer. The back of the little disk is clear, so I took labels, cut them to size and listed what the disk contains. I.E, Books, WIP, so on. At least (if the labels stay on) I'll know what I have on each disk. Right now I'm feeling very proud of myself. Organized. My DH will laugh if I say that out loud!
Allison, About ready to start the new (used) computer.
January 8, 2014
The Journey
One thing about cold weather, the humidity is low, extremely low and that makes it easier for me to breathe. See, there is something good about all this cold weather.
My hospice nurse was here yesterday, and declared, I'm doing well. The top part of my lungs sound great. Of course they do. I can breathe. (grinning) Other than that, it seems I'm in a holding pattern.
I'll be seeing the oncologist in the next couple of weeks and I suspect we'll be looking at another CT scan. That should tell more about what's going on inside. I used to hate the thought of any kind of scans because of the necessity of the IV.
Lucky for me, my lung doctor (who really is a genius) insisted I go have a port put in. It sounded horrible, but I trusted him so I agreed to see the surgeon. The smartest thing I've ever done. It accesses one of the major veins without having a technician poking around trying to find a vein in my arms, hands or they even threatened to try my feet. With narrow, wiggly veins I'm what they call a terrible stick. The port prevents all of that.
If you have bad veins and they suggest a port - go for it! It sure takes the stress out of blood tests, scans, IV's, anything requiring a stick.
Allison, off to call the doctor for her appointment.
My hospice nurse was here yesterday, and declared, I'm doing well. The top part of my lungs sound great. Of course they do. I can breathe. (grinning) Other than that, it seems I'm in a holding pattern.
I'll be seeing the oncologist in the next couple of weeks and I suspect we'll be looking at another CT scan. That should tell more about what's going on inside. I used to hate the thought of any kind of scans because of the necessity of the IV.
Lucky for me, my lung doctor (who really is a genius) insisted I go have a port put in. It sounded horrible, but I trusted him so I agreed to see the surgeon. The smartest thing I've ever done. It accesses one of the major veins without having a technician poking around trying to find a vein in my arms, hands or they even threatened to try my feet. With narrow, wiggly veins I'm what they call a terrible stick. The port prevents all of that.
If you have bad veins and they suggest a port - go for it! It sure takes the stress out of blood tests, scans, IV's, anything requiring a stick.
Allison, off to call the doctor for her appointment.
January 7, 2014
The Journey
No, I'm not going to mention the cold. Everyone knows it's cold. Opps! I mentioned it.
No, I'm going to mention things like how could I make an appointment with my doctor, when I can't find the telephone number. Stupid things like that.
My memory is slipping, I swear. I was trying to remember the name of a musical group last night during the football game, and I couldn't remember. I used to say that inability was because I had so much in my head the stuff would get lost, but now I'm not so sure. I still know my left from my right, so I can rule out several diseases. That's good. Must be the age. Or, I'll go back to my original excuse.
I have so much good stuff in my head the little stuff just gets lost.
Things on the list are getting accomplished. Slowly. I'm still pooping out fast after about three in the afternoon, so mornings for the heavy stuff. By heavy I mean moving things around, especially me.
Baking a cake is a morning only occupation. Cooking something big for lunch is a morning only occupation. But, I am starting to learn to live within these activities. I now have to learn to plan not to try to do too much (or put too much on my list) for the day.
Then I don't feel like I failed at getting stuff done. I have almost finished with tax prep. One more thing to do, and I done until W2's and 1099's come in. So, I'll go get the last thing done and my to do list for this day will be complete. Ah! good feeling. I'm getting in the swing of things. At least for today.
Lesson learned - Don't plan to do too much in one day. Make a list and keep the goals simple and FEW!
Allison
No, I'm going to mention things like how could I make an appointment with my doctor, when I can't find the telephone number. Stupid things like that.
My memory is slipping, I swear. I was trying to remember the name of a musical group last night during the football game, and I couldn't remember. I used to say that inability was because I had so much in my head the stuff would get lost, but now I'm not so sure. I still know my left from my right, so I can rule out several diseases. That's good. Must be the age. Or, I'll go back to my original excuse.
I have so much good stuff in my head the little stuff just gets lost.
Things on the list are getting accomplished. Slowly. I'm still pooping out fast after about three in the afternoon, so mornings for the heavy stuff. By heavy I mean moving things around, especially me.
Baking a cake is a morning only occupation. Cooking something big for lunch is a morning only occupation. But, I am starting to learn to live within these activities. I now have to learn to plan not to try to do too much (or put too much on my list) for the day.
Then I don't feel like I failed at getting stuff done. I have almost finished with tax prep. One more thing to do, and I done until W2's and 1099's come in. So, I'll go get the last thing done and my to do list for this day will be complete. Ah! good feeling. I'm getting in the swing of things. At least for today.
Lesson learned - Don't plan to do too much in one day. Make a list and keep the goals simple and FEW!
Allison
January 6, 2014
The Journey
Time to make an appointment with the oncologist. I promised I'd do it when I had the first part of the taxes info all together. Finished that last night. Now I have to start this year's bank account info. Each year, I have to close out one and start a new year. Okay a pain, but makes it easy to find yearly expenses. And I have enough trouble finding things as is!!!
Other than the total collapse in the evening, 'cause all the energy is gone, and that stupid band for which no one came find a reason, I don't feel too bad. Surprising, though, how the slightest activity wears me out. My hospice nurse says it's part of it, so, I'm learning to do a little, rest, do a little more, rest some more. I just have to be careful not to start something that will not allow a bit of a rest in the middle. Tried that over the weekend. Not good.
Cooking is going to be the hardest part, 'cause moving around the kitchen and trying to mix, watch the stove, and keep everything together precludes stopping at times. I'm going to have to learn to plan better, or start changing the menus. Hmmm the later sounds easier. I'll just start changing the menus.
Finger foods that don't require heat to eat. I've already commented about my poor DH in the kitchen. That is not going to happen.
With any luck by the end of this week, I'll have the new (used) computer ready to go and be able to start on the new book. This is a historical set in the 1840's in England. Still working on a title for this one. I'm horrible about titles. I have to have a working title before I can start a book. Just one of those little idiosyncrasies we writers have.
Off to start the bank account info.
Allison
Other than the total collapse in the evening, 'cause all the energy is gone, and that stupid band for which no one came find a reason, I don't feel too bad. Surprising, though, how the slightest activity wears me out. My hospice nurse says it's part of it, so, I'm learning to do a little, rest, do a little more, rest some more. I just have to be careful not to start something that will not allow a bit of a rest in the middle. Tried that over the weekend. Not good.
Cooking is going to be the hardest part, 'cause moving around the kitchen and trying to mix, watch the stove, and keep everything together precludes stopping at times. I'm going to have to learn to plan better, or start changing the menus. Hmmm the later sounds easier. I'll just start changing the menus.
Finger foods that don't require heat to eat. I've already commented about my poor DH in the kitchen. That is not going to happen.
With any luck by the end of this week, I'll have the new (used) computer ready to go and be able to start on the new book. This is a historical set in the 1840's in England. Still working on a title for this one. I'm horrible about titles. I have to have a working title before I can start a book. Just one of those little idiosyncrasies we writers have.
Off to start the bank account info.
Allison
January 5, 2014
The Journey
Took a quick trip to the grocery today for of all things - Firewood! I've looked at the temps for our area and I'm delirious that we have a fireplace. I can even enjoy the fire as long as the O2 canisters are not near it (they are safely locked away in the dining room a good forty feet from the fireplace) and my O2 tubing is fine as long as I let DH handle the fire. Yes, I did check with the O2 company.
Thankfully the grocery still had plenty of wood, because everyone else is OUT!
In fact, DH stopped yesterday and bought two bundles at a filing station where we've bought wood before. I feel so sorry for the people who also bought wood there, because it is green wood. Unless you build a lot of fires, campfires or in a fireplace, green wood doesn't mean a thing. What it is, is wood just cut from a tree that's downed only a few short days or weeks before. Each log has enough sap in the wood to make it heavy and useless. Except for fir, that sap makes the wood wet and wet wood doesn't burn unless you get it very hot to dry it out. The heat needed to start this wood would burn the house down. So our trip to the grocery to get wood was essential.
Heat pumps are great until the bottom falls out of the temps and it looks like that's gonna happen around here. And I do not like cold weather......
Two more spread sheets to do and then half my to do list is finished. I'm getting things accomplished. Proud of myself at the moment. If I can keep feeling decent, I'm gonna be a very happy camper...
Allison, Off to start the last of the two spread sheets she has to do!!!
Thankfully the grocery still had plenty of wood, because everyone else is OUT!
In fact, DH stopped yesterday and bought two bundles at a filing station where we've bought wood before. I feel so sorry for the people who also bought wood there, because it is green wood. Unless you build a lot of fires, campfires or in a fireplace, green wood doesn't mean a thing. What it is, is wood just cut from a tree that's downed only a few short days or weeks before. Each log has enough sap in the wood to make it heavy and useless. Except for fir, that sap makes the wood wet and wet wood doesn't burn unless you get it very hot to dry it out. The heat needed to start this wood would burn the house down. So our trip to the grocery to get wood was essential.
Heat pumps are great until the bottom falls out of the temps and it looks like that's gonna happen around here. And I do not like cold weather......
Two more spread sheets to do and then half my to do list is finished. I'm getting things accomplished. Proud of myself at the moment. If I can keep feeling decent, I'm gonna be a very happy camper...
Allison, Off to start the last of the two spread sheets she has to do!!!
