Hey Folks,
Sorry for my delay in sending out a medical update, but I’m happy to report there are lots of good things happening!
I completed my sixth round of chemo at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, MA, last week, Tuesday through Thursday. I’m becoming a pro on infusion centers considering this is the third location at which I’ve received chemo and have been getting hydration infusions on the off weeks at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
Speaking of the Vineyard, I’ve spent much of the month here on the Island. It has been many years since I’ve seen this much snow come down and remain on the ground. It usually warms up and turns into slushy mud! I love waking up in the morning to the trees covered in white and the feeling of peace and calm that a snowfall leaves behind. It’s been nice to go on little walks with my daughters’ dog, Keeper, and watch him frolic in the snow while I get some fresh air. I’m still as cold as ever with a tee-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a down vest, a down jacket and a bulky ski jacket! I’ve decided to take extreme measures by ordering a battery-heated vest from Amazon, which I’m as excited as a kid on Christmas about getting shortly.
My pain continues to be well managed, and I am now tapering my doses to take as little Oxycodone as possible and still be comfortable. I’ve also had a healthy appetite and have gained about 8 pounds over the past two weeks. I recently found a great Italian restaurant here on Martha’s Vineyard that I can easily find something different to order from every day … and what do they do? Go on vacation for the next three weeks! But all of your well wishes, jokes, and quotes are more than making up the difference in helping me feel good … THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Amy and I got our first Covid vaccines on February 17th at Gillette Stadium. So, once I get that second shot, at least I’ll be partially invincible!
Several people have asked me about how I keep track of all my medications. After looking at a dozen phone apps, I’ve settled on one called Medisafe, which I’ve been using for about two months. I think it is the best of the crop in the Apple App Store. It allows me to track each medication, the quantity to take, the times to take it. It has a reminder alarm that repeats until you tell it that you’ve taken it, skipped it, or rescheduled. It keeps a history of all the meds I’ve taken and how well I’m keeping to my schedule. It also has provisions to track other information like weight, pain level, mood, fatigue, etc. So, if your looking for an app that will help you keep track of just about anything connected with your health, I would recommend Medisafe. Full disclosure ... I am not being paid for this endorsement!
Unfortunately, there is some bad news. My daughter, Keiko, who has been doing an exemplary job of looking after me, came down with an attack of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome this week. It is as bad as it sounds ... throwing up every few minutes with acute abdominal pain. Over the many years she has suffered with this transitory condition, the doctors have no idea what causes it. It is challenging for me because there is nothing I can do to help besides give her back rubs and continually bring her plenty of liquids. She is feeling a bit better today after several days of being incapacitated. At least we have been able to joke that we have reversed roles this week. The only dispute is whether I am Florence Nightingale or Nurse Mildred Ratched!
Best Funny of the Week
I wonder if he’s out of ICU yet?
With much thanks and gratitude,
Mas
Mas Kimball
508-560-6111
“We are all on this planet together. We are all brothers and sisters with the same physical and mental faculties, the same problems, and the same needs. We must all contribute to the fulfillment of the human potential and the improvement of the quality of life as much as we are able. Mankind is crying out for help. Ours is a desperate time. Those who have something to offer should come forward. Now is the time.” - The Dalai Lama
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