Until Next Time...

This is the last of July.  Midway through a very stressful Summer.  Most of the rough stuff was handled in June, but there was definitely some carry over into this month.  It has been the coolest July I can remember.  

July brought some good news for us as well, specifically for my roomie.  I'm hoping the rest of the year is just trying to get back to some of our more normal routines.  Many of my routines have bit the dust during this mess.  I need to get back to them.  

Here's hoping August is pleasant & easy.   I'm looking forward to the local kids going back to school.  I won't have to hear them during the day, a real perk.  August will be the last month of the year for me, then it all begins again in September.

Here's to a pleasant remainder of Summer for us all. So long July, it's be nice, weird, but nice.  Hello August.

Cya...

73...

73 F is our high today & it's almost August.  This is messed up Summer weather.  We still have August & September to heat up, but it makes you wonder.  Will Summer ever really take hold this year?  If so, how long will it last?  What is Winter going to be like  following such a mild Summer?

I shouldn't complain, these temps are keeping the electric bill down.  The highest  temp on the 10 day forecast is 91.  We're only supposed to hit that twice, the rest of the time, we're supposed to be in the high 80's.

The perks are:

• Lower electric usage
• More rain
• Better sleeping weather

The Cons are:

• The grass is still growing & needs mowing ($)
• The summer heat isn't killing off the bugs
• Allergens aren't dying off either

Maybe fall will be more normal.

Cya...

Adjustments...

The cooler weather have allowed us to live with just open windows & fans.  I prefer this, it's easier on my breathing.   The cats are sleeping better, so am I.

Not the case for my roomie.   Resting is being a bit of challenge for her post surgery.  There are a lot of issues a person faces post-op.  Some of them messy, some painful, but all of them seem to be tiring.  

We have to make adjustments in our lives as we age.  We expect that.  But the rearranging & reprioritizing you have to make with a chronic illness or a surgery might take you by surprise.  Even if people have tried to make you aware of somethings, until you actually go through them, you have no idea how difficult things can be.   Try having a hot flash or serious night sweats.   They don't sound debilitating, but they can be.

For now & in the foreseeable future, our lives will be fill these readjustments, these fine tunings.  That's just life.   Sometimes, there's just no avoiding them.

Cya...

Temp Drop...

Yesterday, we neared the century mark on the thermometer.  Today, is supposed to be significantly cooler.  You'd think I'd be happy.  

I am happy it's cooler.  Still, somehow this temperature drop has left me tired & groggy.   It's like I didn't sleep enough last night, when I slept fairly well.

My body is never a fan of big weather fluctuations.  I'm not sure if that's the HIV, getting older or both.  I"m leaning towards the latter.  

We're looking at a couple of more day's in the 70's on the 10 day forecast.  That's so weird to see temps that low predicted for August.  Still, we have to get through August & September before the Summer heat will have past us.  This has been a very weird weather year.

Cya...

Rough Article...

This article is about a non-profit center in the Philippines for HIV + that is manned by an HIV + staff.  While the idea of this place & the services it offers are remarkable.  Much of the article is disturbing.  

I won't go into detail here, the article is a good read.  I will say, although religious leaders can aid in the fight against HIV, they're mostly a detriment.  Read the article.

Cya...

Something's Screwing Up...

I'm not sure if it's Blogger or my net provider, but I'm having problems staying in Blogger.  I'll post more tomorrow.  Hopefully, whatever this is will have worked itself out by then.

Cya...

News...

My roomie's doctor delivered good news this morning.  In the doctor's opinion, further treatment at this time would not be necessary.   That means no more doctors for a while for her.  It means no radiation for now.  It also means no more constant trips for medical issues.  At least, in the foreseeable future.

This is great news.  My roomie is still dealing with fallout from the treatments she's already undergone.  All of these post issues are normal according to the materials she's been researching.   Still, they can't be fun.

I'm thankful for this news.  I'm astounded the doctor got back this quickly.  Of course, there will be follow ups, but that's to be expected post surgery & as you age.  

This is starting out to be a good day.  I hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Cya...

Maybe Good News...

My roomie's appointment seems to have gone well.  1st, if necessary, the place in Fort Smith can handle the high dose radiation procedures she needs.  That means no umpteen more trips to Tulsa.  Yippie! for that alone.

However, the doctor that saw my roomie didn't feel the treatments were actually necessary & may be an overcautious, preemptive course of action.  The doctor said she'd consult with some other experts & get back on the matter in a couple of weeks.  

Even if it does turn out the treatments are necessary, the doctor thought the number would be half of what my roomie was initially told.  This doctor would also want to to wait longer before starting the treatments.  That would most likely put us into September.  It might still be hot, but not as much as August.

The place was easy to access.  The people were nice.   It's relatively close.  There were a lot of perks.  

Hopefully, the doctor was right.   Maybe my roomie can skip this step.  That would be seriously good news.

Cya...

Have To Go...

We're up early & have to head out soon.  My roomie's appointment this morning. At least she didn't get the 8 AM appointment.

I have no idea how long this will take.  We have another couple of errands to run over in Fort Smith.  After that, we'll eat & head home.

Cya...

Early Stages...

I saw the beginnings of some interesting things today, but nothing seem far enough along according to the articles to make them viable for posting about.   I saw an article about using cancer treatment medications to flush out dormant HIV.  I've seen some on this before, but the articles were light & far too brief at this point.  

Another article showed condoms covered in an anti-viral gel that fights HIV, Herpes & other STD's.   There was 1 that further discussed genome editing to remove HIV from human DNA.  Again, interesting, but not enough substance to post on at this time.   

Still they're something to look forward to in the near future.  Articles like these always give me hope.  People aren't just sitting around waiting for the next thing to come to them, they're making it.  The researchers aren't just relying on traditional pharmaceuticals.  Med's have helped, but I don't think medications alone are going to end the fight with HIV.  

I'm curious to see what will come of these things.

Cya...

Winding Up...

The week is shaping up to be a busy 1.  We had shopping to do this morning & to run to the mail box.  There's showers to be taken & dishes to be washed.  Of course meals to be made.  

Tomorrow is the 1st my my roomie's appointments this week.  She has another on Wednesday that will keep us out a good part of the day.  Then she'll be Fort Smith again on Friday.  Normally, that would be on Thursday but some days got swapped.  Instead Thursday will replace Friday as the next shopping day.  I hate shopping on Saturday, too many children.

This week will determine the amount of driving left for us concerning her medical situation.   Hopefully, Fort Smith can handle it or not it's back to Tulsa for us, repeatedly.   We should know on Wednesday.

Cya...

Some Good News...

This article states the transmissions of HIV in the USA over the last decade have fallen 1/3.   That is great news actually.  However, it's not the only news.

The article goes on to say that the same rates did not trend down among gay men.   This was mostly due to unprotected sex among the younger populations.  With these young gay men, the major problems came from those who delayed testing (therefore treatment), ethnic groups who faced greater stigma & those without adequate access to healthcare.   The same old marginalizing criteria are at play here, ethnicity, culture & poverty.  

At least we are still trending down overall.

Cya...

Condolences & Complications...

This article details how at least 6  HIV experts & many others attending an AIDS conference were aboard the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.    It was shot down near or in the Ukrainian area of Asia.  There are many accusations flying as to who is responsible for this act.

While the who-did-it is important.  The immediate fact is these experts & whatever they may contributed to the world, their families & the war against HIV are now gone.  For whatever reason, whoever shot down MH17 further delayed & complicated the fight against AIDS.

Whatever ridiculous motivations these people had for gunning down a plane are irrelevant.  Nothing can justify downing a plane full of innocent people.   While I mentioned the HIV experts, it isn't to downplay the impact the deaths of the other passengers will have on the world.

That plane could've held the cure for many diseases.   It could've been transporting the person who would've led the world to a new power source some day.  Each & every 1 of these senseless killings destroys possibilities we will never know or understand.  

Good Journeys to all those who passed in that crash.

Cya...

25 Below...

Yesterday, we were 25 degrees F below our average temperature for this time of the year.  It was rainy & overcast.  Today is looking about the same.  

I know it's weird to gripe about this in the Summer, but it's chilly.  My cats are huddling in towels. I've turned off the fans & closed the windows in my room.   Still it's brisk & damp.

That sucks for my feet.  This kind of weather, especially when it's sudden, is hell on my feet.  They've been warning me for days they could escalate into a full blown, gout flare-up at any moment.    I really don't need that.

Fine, weather,  you can stay cooler than normal, just not 25 degrees cooler & definitely not so wet.  This isn't April.  I've got to go handle some household things.

Cya....

A Little Chilly...

I can't believe I'm griping about this in July, but it was a little chilly getting out the shower today.  We're not supposed to hit the 70's F today.   I was wet, it was 65 F & the windows were open with fans going.  I had to dry off quickly.

I'd like it a lot more if we weren't wet as well. We're under a flood warning.  So, it's wet, chilly & potentially dangerous.  What a weird July.

It's cool enough, I plan on doing some more cooking today.  I'll get some stuff cooked up & not have to deal with it for a bit.  That's the plan for today.

Cya...

Another Wednesday...

It is amazingly cool here today.  In mid July we're hovering around 80 F. Our normal is at or above 95 right about now. 100 + temps are common this time of year. Apparently we're getting some cooler weather due to some tropical storm in the Pacific.  I'm sure whoever got the blunt of the storm didn't need it, but this cooler weather is making life a lot easier on us.  We'll enjoy while it last.

Today was a trash day.  Before that the cats got dosed for fleas.  That's never a fun time for any one involved.  I normally don't promote websites, but if you need flea meds or wormers for dogs or cats, take a look at, Little City Dogs.  For now, I just intend to enjoy the cool day.

Cya...

Preemptive Drive...

Going out later.  We need to do something besides sit around.  We've decided it was in our best interest to head out & find exactly the location of my roomie's upcoming appointment for her consultation.  

We know the area alright, but it's congested.    There are a lot of medical buildings & we aren't sure which is the actual place.  There's also the trick of figuring out the right entrance.  There are too many drives into all these places.  Most of these parking lots don't connect, so  you have to leave 1 to enter the adjacent lot.

It's not much, but it's 1 less thing to be concerned with when we're going over there on the actual day.  1 less thing that can become an issue for us.  Anything to lower the stress on things is a must.

Cya...

Sticky...

We're not that hot today, but the humidity is awful.  Coming out of Walmart today was like stepping into a sauna.  My roomie was waiting in the car & she looked rather drenched by the time I got back.   I'm sticking to everything.  Which isn't making typing fun.

I'm a bit worn out from this weather & annoyed by the stickiness.  This is about all  I've got today.  I'll do more tomorrow.

Cya...

Beep Beep...

OT today, but then again so is most my life lately.  I had a surprise in the yard,  2 actually.  The orange outdoor cat has shown back up after being absent for 2 weeks.  He doesn't look that well.  I'll try to keep an eye on him.   The other was a little more exotic for us.

That is a road runner.  I knew we had some south of us.  But a couple of week ago, I saw a juvenile in our yard pillaging through a leave pile.  Today we saw an adult running across the yard.   The thing jumped right over the neighbor's fence.

I know it's off topic, but things like this can lighten my day up a bit.  I don't see these birds all the time.  I'm not sure if he's moving in for the duration or just passing through.  Either way it was a pleasure to see him. 

Cya...

Irritating Article...

This article hacked me off a bit.  The World Health Organization (WHO) wants all gay men (especially the admittedly sexually active 1's)  to start using PrEP medications like Truvada.  I've repeatedly voiced my opinions about this medication.  

Points of irritation:

1. The WHO's blanket prescription of a med many have issues with
2. The fact gay males are being specifically targeted
3. The sheer expense of this idea

This mentality basically replaces all others such as education, restraint & safe sex practices.  This article functionally ignored other demographics transmitting HIV.   Then it goes into the cost.  It costs a minimum of $10,000 US annually & that doesn't include periodic HIV testing & blood screening for side effects/reactions.  So closer to the $20K US mark.   That makes it somewhere between $27 - 54 daily in the USA.   Yet, in India, South Africa & other nations with low incomes it comes in at about $100 US annually or 25 cents a day.  Why the hell should I have to pay somewhere between 100 - 200 times more for the same meds & treatment? 

To this article I say.  To hell with this approach.  The WHO is way off base on this matter.   I would never suggest a PrEP to anyone.  This is just a means for Gilead to up their sells & control more of the HIV market.  This isn't medicine, it's capitalism.

Cya...

2nd Friday of July...

Not much going on here.  It's supposed to get hot again today.  Yesterday was really pleasant.  We had some shopping to do this morning, but that was it.  It's nice not to have any specific plans for today.  

I'm looking at these days like putting water in a reservoir.   We're going to need all we can get, when this all starts up again.   In 10 days we should have an answer about whether my roomie gets treatments here or in Tulsa.  Until then, I'm just stocking up.

It may sound odd to younger &/or healthier people.   But when you're not in your 20's, you're not that fit & you're both having health issues on top of all that, then it's a very different thing.  We have to make life as easy on us as we can.  We don't need extra stress, especially that can be avoided.

We're hoping for the best, but we're preparing for it not to play out for us.   That's all we can do.  All that can be done on this matter at this point, has been handled.  Now, we let go as much as possible.

Cya...

Thundery...

I just got back from my doctor's appointment & it's beginning to thunder quite a bit.  I'll keep this brief in case the power decides to flicker.  My appointment went routinely.  No surprises, other than it took nearly 2 hours.   I wasn't happy. 

I've got things I postponed this morning that need tending to now.  I'll head out in a bit to go get my roomie from Fort Smith.  

If all goes well with the current plans for her medical situation, the difficulty of the matter could be greatly reduced.  It may work out that she can have her treatments handled in Fort Smith.  That would be tremendously beneficial.  I'm done with medical until my dentist appointment in August.  My roomie's next is a consultation in a couple of weeks.  For now, we breathe.

Cya...

Hurry Up, Now Wait...

My roomie got the ball rolling yesterday.   She started researching treatment places that were local.  It looks like there's only 1 potential option.  It might not work & she may still have to go to Tulsa for the treatments.  I hope not.  Now, she waits to hear what's going to happen.  

I'm happy she's being proactive on the matter..  She needs to get these treatments started in about a month.   There's no telling how long the waiting lines are for these places.  

I meet with my primary care physician in the morning.  Just a routine visit.  I hate having to go in every 3 months now, it's a hassle.  I don't like doctor's offices.  At least the appointment's early.

Well, trash is out & it looks like it might rain more today.  Once everything dries out again, the lawn guy will need to come mow again.  This has been a nice Summer, weather wise so far.  

Cya...

Not What We Hoped For...

My roomie is home & things wen't sort of well & sort of not.  Albeit, the surgery is considered a success & she is on the mend, it's not the end of the matter.   Post surgical tests were inconclusive on the presence of cancer.  The doctor's recommending radiation.  

There are a couple of options on this matter.  My roomie's chosen the option that seems to best suit her needs.  Now, we just have to locate the place of treatment.  If it can't be done in Fort Smith, it'll have to be done in Tulsa.  That would mean additional trips to Tulsa.  We'll have to wait & see how this part goes.

This was always a very real possibility.  Still, she'd hoped it wouldn't be necessary.  It just didn't work out that way.  On to the next round.

Cya...

Waiting...

While I was out shopping this morning, my roomie was on her way too Tulsa.  Her sister in law is driving her to the follow up appointment.    I'm not fond of waiting in the best of times.   This is not the best of times.   She'll find out today what happens next.  

That could range from periodic screening to further, immediate treatment.    She'll be told how well she's healed from surgery.   She might be released to lift things & drive.   It's just a waiting game now.  I'm not expecting her back into early this evening.   Until then, I wait & wonder, hoping for the best.

Cya...

Quiet Sunday...

There's nothing much going on here today.   Not much on the net as far as articles I'm interested in either.  I'm tired of writing about Truvada.    I know there are other things out there, but most of it isn't developed enough or what I write about.

Tomorrow, my roomie goes for her follow up.  Later in the week I go to my doctor's appointment.  It's just a regular meeting for me.   With any luck, July will settle down past that.  At least as far as medical issues go.  

So long to the weekend & hello week.  I hope it goes well for everyone.  

Cya...

Ho Hum Day...

Nothing much is going today.  Somehow it's a rather pleasant weather day on this 5th day of July.   We're both a little worn out & frazzled by the ongoing events in our lives.  A lot of people we know are having serious bad tidings come to their doors.  It sucks.  

Last night was a nice diversion.  We sat on the porch & watched the town's fireworks display.  It wasn't quite as big as last year's, but it was still fun.  Even with all the bugs, smokes & noise, it was nice to have our our 4th of July ritual continue.   Why buy the fireworks when we can watch theirs?

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.  

Cya...

Happy 4th...

It may be a holiday I'm not all that into, but some of you are so, "Happy 4th."  I had to go shopping this morning & that was less than pleasant.  I'm not on good terms with Walmart as it is, let alone on a holiday.

Here's hoping everyone has a good holiday weekend.   For those not celebrating, at least your not hearing or smelling all the fireworks.  These things seriously stink.  

Cya...

Busy 1st Of The Month...

It's the beginning of the month again.  That means a lot errands need running.  We'll be out a lot today.  Doubt, I'll have much time to post much more than this.   At least after this most of the bill errands will be handled.

Cya...

After The Rain...

It rained fairly heavily last night.  A good way to usher in July.  It seems to have calmed the allergens down  a little.  I definitely slept better.  

I'm expecting my meds to arrive today.  I'm surprised they wanted to ship this early.  I guess the upcoming holiday motivated that.  I'll just be happy if everything goes as planned. 

Friday is the 4th of July.  We'll do our typical thing & watch the fireworks from our porch.  We have a direct view of the city's show.   I used to really like fireworks, but now, they're just a temporary distraction I don't need to spend my $ on.  

I hope July treats everyone well & all the holidays go well for whichever ones you celebrate.   Best wishes for the month.  

Cya...

Hello July...

It's been a trying 1st half of the year.  I hope from this point things calm down some.  I'm tired from this ongoing BS from the previous 6 months of 2014.  I have no tolerance left for anything.  I'm spent & need some time to pull things back together.

Enough of bad medical news.  Enough of annoying things entering my life.  Far too much of ridiculously bad news on TV.  

I have a doctor's appointment next week.  I have a dentist appointment in August.  I don't want anymore BS.  The summer heat will more than make up for it.

Cya,,,