Monday, December 15, 2008

It is slight, it is subtle, but there is an improvement in how I am feeling. It's easier to get out of bed, a little less coughing, a little more energy in my voice. A trip to Target that doesn't send me to bed for days, and thoughts of what I could be doing outside of my house. I am not actually acting on these thoughts, but it has been months since I have thought past my bedroom, let alone my house. My weight is still a problem, as it continues its slide. I thought I was eating enough calories but I am told that I am not. Milkshakes in December don't have the same appeal as they had in July.

Five hits of Tarceva down, ???? to go.

BTW, Tarceva costs $5,000.00 per month. Luckily, that translates to a $30 copay for me. Life is good, I guess.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great news! No matter how slight or subtle, it is always good to hear when a smile of hope is erupting. Life is good! Wishing you love, lb.s and a real trip out into ... Target or where ever your fantasy's take you.

And now, for giggles:
Subject: Top Ten Hanukkah Holiday movie rentals.
10. The Rocky Hora Picture Show
9. Yenta in a Blue Dress
8. Rabbi Scissorhands
7. Seven - but for you, 6.50
6. Matzo Impossible
5. Goy Story
4. Mensch and Menschability
3. The Mirror Has Two Faces - but for you, 1-3/4
2. The Hunchback of Temple Beth Israel
and, for the second year in a row, number
1. Prelude to a Briss

Anonymous said...

As David said, glad to hear any good news, no matter how slight.

It may not be your "cup of tea" but if you think it sounds good and have not tried it, I highly recommend Chick-fil-a's chocolate-peppermint shakes (for a few more weeks). They have as many calories as I should consume in a day, so . . . . enjoy! mb

Unknown said...

Wow - amazing that you are feeling better already after only five days (subtle is still noticeable, so it counts). Maybe this is the ticket. All digits are crossed ...
xo Rachel
p.s Hang with me, the calories and pounds pile on. For example, we went to a party Saturday where one of the passed hors d'ouevres was a home made potato chip with creme fraiche and caviar. How do you not have one each time it is offered?

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that each day is a little better. That is music to my ears! And by the way, my weight is still a problem too. Unfortunately, the other way.
xoxoxoxoxo
Ann

Lenore and Scott said...

Its music to my eyes to read such wonderful words! Not that I know much about subtle, but I know you know yourself and if you feel a hint of better then I don't care how subtle it is. And the fact the cough is less is great - I can't imagine how tired you are of coughing. Weight loss aside, I'm sure you still look fabulous. Has Dr. D. confirmed that recently??? I'm sure most of us can give advice on what will put on some weight - seems to be easy for too many of us. I don't know if your tastebuds are fickle and change daily, but pizza, burgers, pasta and fries, fries, fries. I don't think you've been a big Varsity fan, but some onion rings, a fried pie and frosted orange has a couple of calories (or so I hear). I guess I'll just have to come up there this week and show you how it's done!!!! LOVE and HUGS and KISSES.

Lenore and Scott said...

P.S. So maybe staring at the blog endlessly did work???? Now where is that corkscrew....

Anonymous said...

Elyse

It's good to hear you are feeling slightly better. I'm sure by now you are beginning to resent all the Dr. visits, treatments, etc. Stay with it, they are all necessary to get well. Don't let yourself be like Rex in this photo: http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh/images/03/dogvetvisit.htm

Stan

Anonymous said...

It may be subtle but subtle sounds good to me! I can fill you in on foods loaded with calories since my body finds anything I eat is loaded with calories. Leftover Chinese food for breakfast is always a winner and potatoes mashed with lots of butter, heavy cream and brie is great(you can substitute shmaltz}! I hope you find these suggestions appealing and I have a few more if you like these!

Love, Mickey

Skip said...

Elyse, that is the news we have been waiting to hear! It's not enough to look good, it's time you felt good as well. See you soon, Skip

Anonymous said...

The paddling is starting to work...Keep it up girl..you can do it.

Bruce

Anonymous said...

That's awesome that your feeling a little better. Any rash yet?? I have this vision that the medicine is going in and zapping the bad cells. That would be a cool commercial. HA! A trip to Target is always eventful! They have great bedding and towels. Too bad Brent isnt coming for holiday--TONS of snow. My son is dying to get up to Park City and board. Add a little Christmas cheer, if you know what I mean,into the shake! HAHA. Kiss the doggies for me! Love ya Bridgette

nni said...

You are in our thoughts and hearts...
Please know that we are thinking about you-
Nancy and Bobby I

Anonymous said...

Elyse,
All of us here at GDS have been following you - through other email and this blog. Please know that, in fact, Anthony, Jody, Olga, Michael, and I are all with you.

We wish for you, always, peace of heart and peace of mind.

Roy

Anonymous said...

So glad you're feeling even just a little bit better. Wish I could be there to bring you some food and fatten you up. I know I have that 35-year old recipe for eggplant parmesan somewhere...
Stay on this track, keep taking those pills. oxox
Howard

Anonymous said...

Elyse,

SO happy to hear you feel a bit better again! Keep this up and you'll be out and about in no time at all. Baby steps forward are better than no steps at all. You look great (ok, so I am not your doctor, but I can see!) and you are accomplishing so much at home, its amazing. Keep feeling better each day....btw I found some Patterson books that I would like to drop by. I'll text you to figure out when.
Big hugs,
Lorie

Anonymous said...

Elyse, I'm trying to connect again. I think of you constantly. It's so good to hear you feel slightly better today. I hope it's not too cold and that you can sit out back and soak in the beauty of the woods and enjoy the puppies and all those cats. I hope this new treatment is a success. I miss seeing your beautiful face. Know that you are always in my heart and in my thoughts. The simple day to day concerns seem so unimportant now. I love you, Suzanne Sunshine

Anonymous said...

Subtle is better than none! I hear Joe R. is coming over today. Hope he finds you in good spirits. With the holidays being next week you'll have lots of company at home! Keeping you in those prayers.

Anonymous said...

Elyse,
I am one of those who read but don't write much.
Keep drinking those milkshakes or smoothies. Smoothie king has one that is 1000 plus calories.
I think about you often and send lots of good vibes your way.
I am also sending you warmth from sunny Florida!
xoxo,
Karen Wolf

Anne Graubart said...

Elyse have written several comments before but only because I have Ben here in CO are they coming through!!
Have had some friends on the T drug with wonderful results and minimal side effects. I wish the same for you. Don and I are sending love and prayers your way

Anonymous said...

Slight or subtle is wonderful. Hopefully several subtle days of improvement will mean that you will feel noticeably better soon. Thank goodness for health insurance!!!

Anonymous said...

So glad you are feeling even a smidge better. Let us know if you need a milkshake delivery- or how does peppermint ice cream, hot fudge brownie sundae sound?- I need an excuse to have one of these myself. We stand ready to bring food, cuddly children, and The Sound of Music or some similar fare! Just say the word. Thinking of you, Michelle N.

Eric M. Robbins said...

Elyse,

At least you can not complain about the co-pay. You make me laugh. More importantly Elyse you are my hero. You are attacking this thing with will and atitude and we all have so much to learn from you. Your an inspiration to all of us.

Love,

Eric