Great Day at the Jazz Fest

Doctor Follow Up

My radiologist oncologist said that I am good to go. My next mammogram will be in June. We had a long talk, and he explained that they are working on a protocol for doctor visits post treatment. Ochsner is trying to make a plan so patients don't have to visit so many doctors. So for the next year I will be seeing one of my doctor's every three months but not every doctor every three months.

The other thing I discussed with my doctor was my mammogram of one year ago after I found the lump. For some reason I assumed that the mass was not detected in the mammogram but only in the ultrasound taken the same day. I was wrong. The mass was seen in both, and they were pretty sure by the characteristics of the mass that I had cancer. They didn't tell me that. I only heard that I had cancer after my biopsy and the pathology report was completed. That was news to me. However, it really didn't matter if they suspected cancer before my biopsy because I would have just been worrying until I got the final results of the pathology.

Tomorrow I visit my new primary care physician. This is to discuss my blood pressure. I really don't want medication, but I may have no choice.

Last Day of Freedom

Tomorrow it is back to work. We only have five and a half weeks until the end of the school year, so I can't complain. I have two doctor appts. this week. I see the radiation oncologist on Thursday for a final check up. I think that he gives me the aokay for a mammogram at this time, but I might be mistaken. Then later that day I go back to Ochsner for my sixth Avastin treatment. This time I don't have to see the doctor, so it might take less than the usual two hours. I hope so anyway.

My original chemo nurse, I have had many over the last year, moved to a different department. The chemo room didn't look the same last time because there were so many new faces. I hope on Thursday that I will have one of the nurses that I know. It makes it a little easier and more comfortable.

A new book in one of my favorite series comes out on Tuesday, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith. I have pre-ordered it for my Kindle. It will magically appear, and I can't wait. It will be a treat to savor as I sit for my treatment on Thursday.

I am a Top Chef Fan

Yesterday, there was a cooking demonstration by two chefs from the TV show Top Chef at the Green Market. Since I was off from school, I went with my mother. What fun. Here is a picture of Richard from season 4 acting as sous chef for Radhika from season 5. Radhika made halibut with lentils and corn and a bit of greens. She covered the fish in an Indian spice that her mother makes. It was delicious and not spicy at all, just flavorful.

Afterwards, they signed autographs, and I got to have my picture taken with them. That's me with the short hair in the middle.

Spring Break Finally Arrived

Today was the first of my 10 days off from spring break. What wonderful things did I do to celebrate? I think that I slept a good portion of the day. Oh well, I needed it.

Spring is Here

Okay, the roses are not from our garden though our garden is in full bloom. This time of year is its peak.

The photograph is a picture of the roses that I received as a gift from friends Elizabeth and John Simon. They were sent Fed Ex. The packaging was an amazing feat. Most of the blossoms were closed and opened after 24 hours in water.