Medical Info + Food on Mars

Figuring out the pills. 

Dr. Tavakoli called this morning and said it's all right not to do the shots and just see how the next blood tests look. Without the shots, there is a 20% chance of neutropenia, which I think means neutrophils are below a certain level. He said something about an 'Area User Curve' of 5, whatever that means...Anyway, it is a huge relief. Misha was pleased to hear it too. She said if the counts are low we can up the dose of Marrow Plus (an herb blend) I am taking. 

I also called the Oncology Nurses' station and asked Agnes a couple of questions: 

1. Should I be concerned about toxoplasmosis?
   Not a huge issue but shouldn't scoop cat litter.
2. Does Carbo/Taxol cause extreme sun sensitivity?
   Not especially, but all chemo causes it to some degree, so should always wear at least 30 SPF whenever I go outside, even for a few minutes. 

Flower on the street

I managed to get to Rainbow Grocery and among many other things buy two big Turkish figs. But then, it was as if I had gone to Mars and ate a fig. Not a real Martian fig perhaps, but one you might find if you were with Doctor Who. I hope that's sufficiently descriptive. Everything tastes only slightly like itself.

For lunch I made sprouted hummus (which actually takes very little effort) and cucumbers. Also had some skyr, Icelandic-style coconut-flavored yogurt in honor of my sister, brother-in-law and step-mom who are now in Iceland. It was good, and as close as I'm going to get to ice cream. Later I made miso soup with soba and a few beet greens. So I seem to be getting back into the mode of self care.   

I feel weird but it's hard to say exactly how. My hips seem to be aching more, which is either because I'm not moving around enough, or because the chemo is making my arthritis worse, or both. I did manage to take a little walk and yoga today. Seems like it's going to be all about the digestion, finding healthy food I can manage to eat, lots of liquids, and getting enough rest and movement...