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09/04/2007: "All I Need Is The Air That I Breath . . ."
Just got back from a weekend on the Stanislaus river up Hwy 4 near Calaveras Big Trees. This is a camp area that my family has owned for over 50 years. There are many other families there that we have known all my life. On a holiday weekend like this one, it is really a great reunion. Its amazing to watch over the years as small boys turn into men and young girls to grown ladies with their own children.
After spending a week at Berkeley’s Tuolumne Camp’s 3,500 feet elevation and this three days at 4,500 feet, my lungs really feel it. I never used to be affected by the altitude. I have backpacked the high sierras, skied at 12,000 feet and ran workouts at other altitudes. So to get really winded just hammering a couple of nails or walking up the trail to the bathroom, is a little depressing.
Last night after we were home I spent much of the time coughing at the top of my inhale. This made me wheeze and gave me the feeling that I needed to clear some things out of there.
Regardless of these difficulties, I did get some good news last week. At my Wednesday appointment I was complaining that my lungs felt shorter. My doctor listens for fluid or wheezing and said she couldn’t hear either. She was worried that my current chemo drug was not helping me and was concerned as she wants to add Avastin and wasn’t sure the insurance would cover it if it isn’t combined with the standard drugs. So she sent me for a chest x-ray to take a look. I hadn’t had one at Alta Bates since May so she said we will expect to have them report a progression. Needless to say I went home a little depressed. When I called in on Friday to get my results, the nurse said that the report noted – no new tumors and no noticeable progression of existing tumors!
So even with a struggle to breath, I am optimistic. Thanks to all for your continued support and reading of this blog.
