Author: Robin Hinnen

  • 30 May – fifth break

    Back outside, yet again! This morning decompression time on the back patio is becoming habit-forming. Well, honestly, how could it not, with the day so bright and gorgeous, the sun winking through the trees, a light breeze blowing, and every time I look straight up from where I’m sitting I’m treated to myriad shades of…

  • 29 May – fifth break

    This morning’s a bit hazy with high overcast. The wind out here on the deck is a bit cool but it’s nice and it’s keeping the bugs away. Yesterday morning the flies and gnats were getting a bit intense and I certainly didn’t want to get bitten, especially not by a fly! It looks like…

  • 28 May – fifth break

    Started the day off, once again, on the back deck, this time in sparkling clear sunshine. The sun didn’t last though and now, at a bit past 4pm, it’s overcast and threatening rain. The day passed in a blur. I’m only now just beginning this blog post! I ended up phoning both my oncologist (to…

  • 27 May – fifth break

    My fever seems to be gone. I’ve gone about 36 hours without any sort of aspirin or acetaminophen and my temp seems to be holding steady at between 97.6 and 98.3. I’ll take that! On the downside, now the tissue to the right of the nail bed on my right big toe seems to be…

  • 26 May – fifth break

    After taking more Tylenol last night, I slept much more soundly and checked my temp as soon as I got up this morning. 97.3. That’s low, even for me, though I normally tend to run cool. I’ll have to keep monitoring it and I’ll probably call Dr. Santiago’s office today. I sure as hell hope…

  • 25 May – fifth break

    Had a very uneasy night last night. I began running a slight fever just after dinner and I was in incredible pain. My ankles wouldn’t support my weight. The pain centered in the Achilles’ tendon area and had worsened through the day to the point where I couldn’t stand or walk. I’m not sure what…

  • 24 May – fifth break

    Out on the back deck this morning. I can’t get enough of the sound of the birds, especially the mockingbird in our neighbors’ yard that seems intent on setting some new record for Most Continuous Song Performed at Dawn. The sun just broke through the clouds and it’s got a warm humid bite to it.…

  • 23 May – fifth (and last) break

    Never, never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Oh. My. God. While I had some weird dreams (standard procedure for the first few days post-hospital), it was pure bliss to be back in my own bed and I felt completely relaxed this morning when I finally got up. My little kitty-girl, Amy, greeted…

  • 22 May, cycle 3A

    So there’s a rumor that I could go home today. My numbers have climbed significantly and we’re now just waiting for an ANC count to come up from the lab. If it’s high enough they’ll kick me out the door, which means I’ll get to spend at least a portion of Rory’s birthday at home…

  • 21 May, cycle 3A

    Blurgh… I only just started writing this post and it’s already after 4pm. This morning I awoke feeling pretty good but that didn’t last. My strength is in the toilet and I think it’s because my hemoglobin count dropped again. This time the doc didn’t want to wait and ordered a unit of blood to…