Unicorns Aren't Real

I promised rainbows and unicorns, as this journey rages on, you will have to settle for just the rainbow. Sorry folks, unicorns aren’t real. I find myself picking days and weeks I like better. This past week was a week that I liked. There were only two appointments. The first was the original oncologist. She was once again very impressed with Michelle’s progress. She has suggested that she be put in for some experimental cancer studies. It is interesting that we went from “Chemo or hospice” to now exploring the idea of experimental cancer studies. The oncologist talked positively about Michelle’s TCFL2 numbers. These are HMG proteins that play important roles in remodeling the assembly of cells. During the meeting prior to the immunotherapy infusion, Michelle asked if she could start her hydroxychloroquine, which she takes for rheumatoid arthritis pain. The oncologist explained that the immunotherapy was probably the culprit of the rheumatoid inflammation. She made the decision to push the infusion for 7 days and put her on 20mg of the steroid prednisone. Prednisone, a glucocorticoid steroid, is a very potent anti-inflammatory. She is scheduled for her infusion next Wednesday, same bat time, same bat channel. As I edit and finish typing this Sunday morning, I can update you all that the prednisone has not helped with the arthritis pain unfortunately. She has an appointment with the rheumatologist on Monday.

The new oncologist’s office called to schedule an appointment for 5:45pm Friday evening. Asking for more options, the scheduler said how about Monday May 1st at 5:30pm?  Michelle’s comment was, “Does this oncologist not have a personal life?” We packed a picnic dinner and headed out for our late appointment Friday evening at 4pm. The staff leaves the building at 5pm, so we needed to be there at 4:30 to get checked in. We enjoyed the new oncologist's openness, and she seems to have a great knowledge in her field. We are excited to start down this new path.

Pluses include her willingness to listen and share information. Her openness to new and experimental testing. Liking quiet and quaint meetings, private and to herself. She knows all of Michelle’s other doctors. She knew by name the doctors and surgeons that have seen and are currently seeing Michelle.

Not sure about Waiting over an hour to see the doctor and having to bring dinner with us, because it was at dinner time. There was a shadow box on the wall with a studded bra inside, neither of us knew what to think of that.

Here is the feature of the week Michelle’s firsts. We gave our dog Izzie a shower. This is not an easy task for anyone. Izzie rolled in cow manure. It's instinctual behavior, harkening back to the days when a dog's wild ancestors would mask their scent to help them sneak up on their prey. Wolves, for example, have been observed rolling in animal carcasses or the droppings of plant-eating animals, to cover up their own smell during the hunt. Concerned about Izzie’s scent, we brought her to a dog whisperer and later found out she was trying to help Michelle. The immune system is known to be stimulated by the inhalation of bacterial cell wall components called "endotoxin" that become airborne as cow manure dries up. Exposure to cow manure may explain why dairy farmers have substantially lower rates of lung cancer despite smoking. Who'd thunk it? We all felt much better after she was all clean.

Highlights of the week Michelle ventured out to an Asian Market for coffee and muffins with the ladies. She had a great time getting out and spending time without her overprotective husband hovering over her constantly. She also got her makeup done and manicured this week!

Daytime Ranch at the Multiplex Michelle started a new series called “From” (Amazon Prime). The residents of a small-town struggle to find a way out when mysterious unknown forces keep them from leaving. She continues to enjoy “East New York” (Paramount +). She stays current with “Survivor” and “Fire Country”. Her guilty pleasures are “911”, “FBI: Most Wanted”, and recently went old school with “Third Watch” a 1999 drama with Firefighters, paramedics and cops that rush around during the 3 p.m.-to-midnight shift, saving lives while squabbling over personal differences.

Luck Primetime Multiplex It is prime Stanley Cup season and the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche are both in the playoffs – this week. We are actively watching both teams play. We normally only get to watch just one period before bedtime, then watch the rest of the game the next day.

At the request of Michelle’s cousin, we started watching a new series on (Freevee) called “Jury Duty” It follows the workings of an American jury trial through the eyes of Ronald Gladden, a juror who is unaware the entire case is fake. It's a good comedy.

We are still watching “The Night Agent” and “Schmigadoon”.

We finished the finale of “Truth be Told” (Apple TV) . It had a great twist at the end. It is worth a watch.

This week at “The Promiscuous Knife”  Where not everything here makes the cut.

Luck Ranch tomahawk pork chops made a debut. Fresh off the grill at 130 degrees. Rested then cut up for consumption.

 Luck Ranch Honey garlic with a Cornish cross chicken made for a great dinner over white jasmine rice and fried corn and maybe some hidden bran sprinkled intermittently.

Rancho de la suerte Pollo Cremoso, made in a roux broth with cream and condensed milk, soy sauce and Worcester sauce. Served with cheesy rice and steamed carrots.

Classic stovetop salmon was the perfect message that Michelle was feeling great. Michelle made it taste delicious as usual.

I made Shrimp fried in avocado oil accompanied with French fries and cauliflower rice. Made with love

Chopped meat raspberry marinade with bowtie pasta was on the menu this week. It was the brainchild of Brian Luck. Probably not for you and not a make again.

BLT sandwiches – picnic style, accompanied with a bag of Lays potato chips and some fresh fruit. This was served up at the doctor’s office. We ate while we text and played games on our phones.

Random Fact of the Week Fire ant bites burn like fire. A single ant stings an average of three times before removing its stinger. Ask me how I know. Stings are most common and most painful during the summer when ants have the largest amount of stored venom (saved up just for you). The most common reaction to a fire ant sting you will find is intense itching and a burning sensation (fire-like) at the site of stings. A common site is in vegetable and flower gardens, next to or in the weeds. You will scratch it.

http://www.TalkingAboutCancerMakesHerCry.edu