Summer is in high gear in Alaska. Earlier today I told a friend that it is almost stressful all the activities we, as Alaskans, try to cram in in just a few months time. As for us, we just returned from Kodiak on Sunday, and now we are off to Homer for 3 days in the morning. Sam wants to camp on the Spit and since I have a 3 day weekend, it is the perfect time. Hopefully the weather cooperates and the fish are in. So far fishing on the Kenai Peninsula is not all that good, and since we have had rain the past few days, maybe the darn fish will finally start coming in. For Sam's sake, I hope the fish are in and are biting! We get a little competitive when it comes to fishing (if you can believe it!), so of course, I plan on pulling in the first and the biggest.
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| Lights of Homer Spit from the ferry at 1:00 in the morning. |
As this is the week before Sam's chemo is to begin, he spent the week getting his meds in order and confirming insurance information. Tonight he gave me a rundown on how the doctor and he decided to increase one of his painkillers (the long-acting) while decreasing another (the "break-through.") I admit, my knowledge of painkillers increased tenfold over the past 3 years. As he talked, the lightbulb went on and I realized why his mood had been so nasty the past few days. It would almost be funny if it weren't so sad. I admit I did not handle the mood swing very well at all which did not help the situation. Luckily, as of last night, he is back on an even keel. He is not in the least bit aware of what any change in meds does to his mood.
Wednesday, June 13, Sam begins his chemo treatment. Although he does not seem to think his reaction will be any different than it was in the fall, I am fully prepared for it to be since other things are scheduled to be included this go round. The 48 hour mark occurs while I am at work Friday morning and that is usually the worst time, when the chemo hits the cancer cells and the body is basically at war with itself. The joys of the roller coaster of cancer!
Tomorrow, Friday, June 8, is Cook Inlet Region's (CIRI) 40th birthday, which is why it is a 3 day weekend for me. Nothing like an unexpected holiday! Work is very busy and during the summer, work increases dramatically. Tuesday and Wednesday I spent up in the Matsu dealing with trespass issues and checking out some of our lands which I had not visited previously. Tuesday proved to be an absolutely beautiful day, and Wednesday, just the opposite. It felt good to be able to work outside for a couple days, made the work week go by much faster and the surprise holiday makes it even better. I love my job.
Ciao!
