Like I mentioned last time, my chest xray did turn out to be more significant than I thought. I called Doc O's (my leg surgeon who is now in charge of all my scans) office yesterday to tell them about the results. They had scheduled me for a chest CT and doctor visit April 19. They reviewed my xray and since I got a good report they cancelled my CT and I do not have to go back until June. In June they will do an MRI on my leg (which they do every 6 months) and a CT on my lungs. So I have another 3 months of breathing easier (no pun intended), and can work on living a normal life without too much worry! I forgot my oncologist wanted to see me after Doc O saw me in April, so I guess I will need to schedule an appointment with him soon. I do want him to do some lab work just to make sure the reason I am still tired is just because everything I went through last year and nothing else.
My leg and chest still bother me a bit. I take a non narcotic pain pill a couple of times a day and that seems to help. I think the leg thing is just going to always bother me to some degree, but I can handle that. The chest scar (from the port) is looking much better, but is still ugly. One of my chemo nurses mentioned last week that I would probably need plastic surgery, but I am in no hurry for surgery of any kind. I will just live with it for the moment and stay away from strapless dresses!
Work is still good, and for a really tired person I am putting in a lot of hours -- no wonder I am tired. I do work for 2 to 3 hours each evening just getting caught up on paperwork - business and personal. This weekend we get to work on income tax. Yea! Didn't we just do that? Gosh the year went by quick - but the days went by slowly somehow.
Bob and I started talking about planning our summer trip to England. I really like to go late July to early August because the weather is so miserable here and just perfect there. I keep thinking we should go before my June scans in case there is a problem, but I just can't keep planning my life for things between scans. Bob's mother turns 89 in July, and I hope we can be there for her birthday, so we will start looking for flights etc.
What a difference a year makes! This time last year I was in the middle of 4 rounds of chemo, facing 6 weeks of radiation and surgery, not knowing even more chemo and surgery would follow after that(or the awful wound vac, 4 weeks of IV antibiotics, etc). Planning a summer vacation or even a weekend out of town was not anything we could even consider. Heavens, I could not even sit comfortably in a chair that was not a recliner! I am a lucky girl, and even on my toughest days, I do not have to be reminded of that!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
More significan than I realized
I got a good report from Dr. Miller’s office. I should have seen it as a good sign right up front when he sent in Jim, his physician’s assistant to see me instead of him. My x-ray looked good, and I am no longer their patient unless I need them in the future. For some reason, I was only thinking of the x-ray I took today as something they would review to see how I am healing from the lung surgery. My sister Lisa pointed out that the first place they would see lesions on my lungs would be on an x-ray, so this is certainly something I should see as a good sign. I am feeling less nervous about my CT scan next month knowing today things look good. I told Jim, to “not take it personally, but unless it was in a restaurant I never wanted to see him again.” I am so glad to be fired as a patient.
I went over to the chemo center for a visit. At first, it was like going back to high school, after being in college, to see your old teachers. I was excited to see everyone, but after a few minutes I did get this bit of nervousness, reliving the last year. I noticed later that I really did not look at the patients at all. It was like they were blurred in the background. My head just did not want to go there and connect with them. I really want to get past all that. In fact, they told me they were going to start a sarcoma support group, and I really hope to be a part of that. Hopefully, I will only be there as a survivor giving support. I do think it is time for me to start “giving back” so maybe I can really help. I am not sure I would have participated while I was being treated, but I hope others will not feel that way. The only thing is I think they are going to meet at night, downtown at Crawford Long. I am not sure how many folks are going to want to come back down there while they are in treatment. I know I did not have the energy for that then. Maybe others will.
I saw Dr. Saba (my chemo doctor), and he did tell me I should come see him after I have my next scan. I am not sure if he will draw blood or why I will be there unless there is a problem with my scan, but I will certainly be compliant and set the appointment. It was fun seeing my nurses, PA’s and the administrative staff. They took me into the employee break room, and started bringing people in to see me. They even brought in the chemist (who mixes up the chemo drugs) to say hello. It’s funny. The whole time I was in chemo I don’t think we ever even spoke, but he came it to say “hi” anyway. I am so happy to be an alumni and not a current “student”!
You may remember when I was in radiation last summer, I’d met a woman Beverly who was also in insurance and was a patient (she had the red convertible I envied). Beverly lived alone and her family was not near by. She had cancer all over the place and was having radiation and chemo. She was even flying to New York at times to have chemo. They’d told Beverly at the time she only had about 6 months to live. We exchanged phone numbers and left a couple of voicemails for each other. Beverly had also been in the chemo center earlier today and was doing okay. I was really glad to hear that as her prognosis was not good. I don’t know if she was getting treatment but just visiting, but regardless, I am glad to see she is still fighting it.
Today is Wednesday, March 19 and so far I cannot get into the internet. So if this actually gets posted later in the week you will understand why. All in all, a pretty great day!
I went over to the chemo center for a visit. At first, it was like going back to high school, after being in college, to see your old teachers. I was excited to see everyone, but after a few minutes I did get this bit of nervousness, reliving the last year. I noticed later that I really did not look at the patients at all. It was like they were blurred in the background. My head just did not want to go there and connect with them. I really want to get past all that. In fact, they told me they were going to start a sarcoma support group, and I really hope to be a part of that. Hopefully, I will only be there as a survivor giving support. I do think it is time for me to start “giving back” so maybe I can really help. I am not sure I would have participated while I was being treated, but I hope others will not feel that way. The only thing is I think they are going to meet at night, downtown at Crawford Long. I am not sure how many folks are going to want to come back down there while they are in treatment. I know I did not have the energy for that then. Maybe others will.
I saw Dr. Saba (my chemo doctor), and he did tell me I should come see him after I have my next scan. I am not sure if he will draw blood or why I will be there unless there is a problem with my scan, but I will certainly be compliant and set the appointment. It was fun seeing my nurses, PA’s and the administrative staff. They took me into the employee break room, and started bringing people in to see me. They even brought in the chemist (who mixes up the chemo drugs) to say hello. It’s funny. The whole time I was in chemo I don’t think we ever even spoke, but he came it to say “hi” anyway. I am so happy to be an alumni and not a current “student”!
You may remember when I was in radiation last summer, I’d met a woman Beverly who was also in insurance and was a patient (she had the red convertible I envied). Beverly lived alone and her family was not near by. She had cancer all over the place and was having radiation and chemo. She was even flying to New York at times to have chemo. They’d told Beverly at the time she only had about 6 months to live. We exchanged phone numbers and left a couple of voicemails for each other. Beverly had also been in the chemo center earlier today and was doing okay. I was really glad to hear that as her prognosis was not good. I don’t know if she was getting treatment but just visiting, but regardless, I am glad to see she is still fighting it.
Today is Wednesday, March 19 and so far I cannot get into the internet. So if this actually gets posted later in the week you will understand why. All in all, a pretty great day!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Just wonderful
Bob and I had a great trip to Amelia Island this weekend. The hotel was beautiful, food wonderful and the weather was pretty accomodating. We had a lot of fun on the segways. I was able to standup the whole 2 hours. The steering was a little tricky, and I have to admit I paid a lot more attention to my driving than the scenary. I did actually wear a bathing suit in public! At one point the scar on my back was a little visable and my port scar is a little hard to hide. I was able to cover up the leg scar with a skirt for the most part. I did not see any children running with fear so I guess it was not too bad. I got a little sun but I was careful to use sunscreen, especially on the chest scar. Most of you know I am pretty dark complected so sunscreen has not been something I have used much in my life. That's not anything to be proud of, but I am learning that using it is important. I just had to get some sun on my legs. Now that it is not in vogue to wear hose anymore, they needed a little color. I may have to resort to the spray on kind. That is a lot healthier, I am sure.
Tomorrow I have to go see Dr. Miller (lung surgeon) and have a chest x-ray. I am a little nervous, but I feel pretty good, so I think I am healing nicely from the surgery. Most of the discomfort I have is really more from my leg that my chest. I think the leg stuff is just going to be a part of my life from now on, but I can handle that. I am still in physical therapy through the end of the month at least. If I am up to it tomorrow night, I may gone down and try to hit a tennis ball or two when my team in practicing. I have lots of chores to do around here, but I am going to try to work it in if my energy level is good and the weather cooperates.
I will try to post tomorrow or Thursday to let you know how the doctor's appointment went. I am hoping to go by the chemo center which is just across the street and visit my chemo nurses for a few minutes. They have not seen me with hair in a while.
Bob may post one of our pictures from the weekend so you can see that I am growing hair now. It is still very short and very curly. I was hoping chemo would straighten it out a little, but I am just glad it is grow back, and with a little less gray I might add!
More later in the week!
Tomorrow I have to go see Dr. Miller (lung surgeon) and have a chest x-ray. I am a little nervous, but I feel pretty good, so I think I am healing nicely from the surgery. Most of the discomfort I have is really more from my leg that my chest. I think the leg stuff is just going to be a part of my life from now on, but I can handle that. I am still in physical therapy through the end of the month at least. If I am up to it tomorrow night, I may gone down and try to hit a tennis ball or two when my team in practicing. I have lots of chores to do around here, but I am going to try to work it in if my energy level is good and the weather cooperates.
I will try to post tomorrow or Thursday to let you know how the doctor's appointment went. I am hoping to go by the chemo center which is just across the street and visit my chemo nurses for a few minutes. They have not seen me with hair in a while.
Bob may post one of our pictures from the weekend so you can see that I am growing hair now. It is still very short and very curly. I was hoping chemo would straighten it out a little, but I am just glad it is grow back, and with a little less gray I might add!
More later in the week!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Still out here
It is just amazing how life can sort of get back to normal so quickly. I am back in the thick of things are home and at work, and every day gets a little more normal. I still run out of gas quicker than I used to but I am going pretty strong. I still have physical therapy a couple of times a week and go to the gym to work on the treadmill. I think I am just going to always have a challenge with my leg because of the scar tissue and having very little hamstring. I can go down steps pretty quickly, but I am a lot slower going up them, especially at the end of the day.
I did find a couple of bathing suits and bought skirts to go over them so I can hide that ugly scar. We leave for Amelia Island on Thursday. On Saturday, we are going on a "segway" tour through a national park and plantation (I think). For those of you who do not know, a segway is kind of like a electric scooter and you stand on it and ride. It is a 2 hour tour so I am hoping that will not be a problem.
Each day I remember less of what life was like last year, thank goodness. Bob and I are working hard and having fun again. There are so many people (some I know and care about, and just some I hear about) having really tragic things happen to them, that complaining about how my leg looks is a bathsuit or how slow my hair is growing is just so trivial.
I have an appointment next week with Dr. Miller, my lung surgeon, and I think he will find I am healing nicely. The real test will be in April when I have my next lung CT.
My friend Constance, who is undergoing radiation for breast cancer, is compiling a book from thoughts and events from others dealing with breast cancer. She is looking to help bring a smile to the faces of folks dealing with this horrible diease and looking for any humorous stories anyone would like to share. I am going to copy some info below in case you or someone you know may want to contribute. I think it is so great for her to be undergoing treatment and at the same time trying to find a way to help people.
Hello! My name is Constance Collins. For those who don’t know me personally, you may wonder why you are receiving this e-mail. You or someone you know was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is my goal to write-actually, perhaps better to say compile, 365 humorous stories dealing with breast cancer. More of the specifics are explained in the 2 attachments. If you would like to contribute, that’s wonderful. If not, that’s cool too. If you know of someone else who had breast cancer and who you feel might want to share a story, please forward this to them. Just be sure to delete all the ‘forwarding stuff’ that piles up-one of my personal pet peeves of e-mails!
All stories must be original, non-fiction. Please keep them between 200-700 words. There might be some editing due to space but the spirit of the story will be kept intact. If a story is chosen, that person will be notified and their permission will be obtained-this is why I ask for your contact information on the attached form-it will not be shared with anyone else.
I have no idea if I will be successful with this project. All I know is I have to try. If excitement about the project were the only requirement I would be set!
Wish me luck!
Constance
merrymammories@yahoo.com
Constance is a very determined and creative woman so I know her book is going to be a success!
I will keep you posted and blog next week after my appointment with Dr. Miller. Thanks so much for continuing to keep up with me!
I did find a couple of bathing suits and bought skirts to go over them so I can hide that ugly scar. We leave for Amelia Island on Thursday. On Saturday, we are going on a "segway" tour through a national park and plantation (I think). For those of you who do not know, a segway is kind of like a electric scooter and you stand on it and ride. It is a 2 hour tour so I am hoping that will not be a problem.
Each day I remember less of what life was like last year, thank goodness. Bob and I are working hard and having fun again. There are so many people (some I know and care about, and just some I hear about) having really tragic things happen to them, that complaining about how my leg looks is a bathsuit or how slow my hair is growing is just so trivial.
I have an appointment next week with Dr. Miller, my lung surgeon, and I think he will find I am healing nicely. The real test will be in April when I have my next lung CT.
My friend Constance, who is undergoing radiation for breast cancer, is compiling a book from thoughts and events from others dealing with breast cancer. She is looking to help bring a smile to the faces of folks dealing with this horrible diease and looking for any humorous stories anyone would like to share. I am going to copy some info below in case you or someone you know may want to contribute. I think it is so great for her to be undergoing treatment and at the same time trying to find a way to help people.
Hello! My name is Constance Collins. For those who don’t know me personally, you may wonder why you are receiving this e-mail. You or someone you know was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is my goal to write-actually, perhaps better to say compile, 365 humorous stories dealing with breast cancer. More of the specifics are explained in the 2 attachments. If you would like to contribute, that’s wonderful. If not, that’s cool too. If you know of someone else who had breast cancer and who you feel might want to share a story, please forward this to them. Just be sure to delete all the ‘forwarding stuff’ that piles up-one of my personal pet peeves of e-mails!
All stories must be original, non-fiction. Please keep them between 200-700 words. There might be some editing due to space but the spirit of the story will be kept intact. If a story is chosen, that person will be notified and their permission will be obtained-this is why I ask for your contact information on the attached form-it will not be shared with anyone else.
I have no idea if I will be successful with this project. All I know is I have to try. If excitement about the project were the only requirement I would be set!
Wish me luck!
Constance
merrymammories@yahoo.com
Constance is a very determined and creative woman so I know her book is going to be a success!
I will keep you posted and blog next week after my appointment with Dr. Miller. Thanks so much for continuing to keep up with me!
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