Everything was good with my MRI and CT scan today. No surprises and everything has progressed just as the surgeon expected it would. We scheduled my surgery for 7:30 am on Monday July 16. He expects surgery to last around 2 hours, and I will be into the hospital (Crawford Long) 2 to 4 days. He will probably have to cut into a little bit of muscle but he says it is no big deal. He just did a surgery similar to mine but had to cut into the hamstring and the guy was walking the next day. He says it is close to the siatic (sp) nerve but that should not cause a problem. He is not sure if I will need any physical therapy or not, but he felt like I could be playing tennis in 6 weeks.
The will cut the whole tumor out and send it to be biopsied. That lab report will determine if
I will additional chemo or not. All in all a great report and the best I could have hoped for. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Old boss Hank will be coming by to visit tomorrow, and that will be really fun! Mine is going to be a great weekend! Hope yours is the same!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
All done!
I graduated from radiation today. Yea! In fact, they even gave me a little certificate they made and each staff member signed it. It was very cute, and they were all very nice. And I did get released from the wound surgeon today too. I now just have bandaids covering the wound, and I can even get it wet. So tomorrow, I will be showering till the hot water runs out or till my leg gives out which ever comes first. My money is on the leg.
I am still having a lot of pain and discomfort in the tumor area, so yesterday they bumped up my 12 hour pain meds. I think that has done the trick. I did not really need supplement pain meds for a much longer period of time, and it was only after I was up a good bit today. It seemed like today that just standing hurts a lot worse than walking. I have not done adequate testing to prove that yet, but when it cools down tomorrow evening, I may try to go for a short walk and see how I do. It would be great if I could walk a little and build a little stamina. If only it were not so hot outside!
There are lots of great smells coming from my kitchen. I am not sure what she's cooking, but Jill has been downstairs for hours, and something smells really good. In fact, I fell asleep watching a cooking show and when I woke up I thought I was smelling what they were cooking on TV. OK - so the pain medicine is working overtime!
I am still having a lot of pain and discomfort in the tumor area, so yesterday they bumped up my 12 hour pain meds. I think that has done the trick. I did not really need supplement pain meds for a much longer period of time, and it was only after I was up a good bit today. It seemed like today that just standing hurts a lot worse than walking. I have not done adequate testing to prove that yet, but when it cools down tomorrow evening, I may try to go for a short walk and see how I do. It would be great if I could walk a little and build a little stamina. If only it were not so hot outside!
There are lots of great smells coming from my kitchen. I am not sure what she's cooking, but Jill has been downstairs for hours, and something smells really good. In fact, I fell asleep watching a cooking show and when I woke up I thought I was smelling what they were cooking on TV. OK - so the pain medicine is working overtime!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
One More Day
Tomorrow is the last day of radiation. Also, I am pretty sure the wound surgeon will release me tomorrow after our visit to him in the afternoon. I am hoping that means I can take a real full shower after tomorrow, as I should not have anything left that cannot get totally wet! I have been taking half sponge baths/half showers for weeks. In fact, I can't even remember the last time I got into the shower without having to cover something with plastic wrap or manipulate the shower head so it did not get certain areas wet.
My hair is starting to come back a little, with most of it being brown (only a little grey). It is too early to tell if it will be straight or curly. I am trying to not get to "taken" by my hair since I know there will be more chemo (about 99.9% sure) and it will fall out again. I am not sure how soon after surgery I will have chemo, so it could have a chance to grow a little longer. My eyebrows are still growing like crazy. If the hair on my head grew as fast, I would have a full head by now.
Friday is the big day. More scans (MRI on tumor, CT on chest) and then I meet with surgeon to find out the game plan. I am a little nervous about the scans --scared they are going to reveal something we did not see before. I don't think it is likely, but I am not taking anything for granted.
The week should go by fast so that is good. I have lots of work to do; Wimbledon is on- yea; Jill
is coming today till Thursday; Syd and Zola are coming Thursday (and bringing food Syd is cooking for us!) and old boss and friend Hank is coming by for a visit Saturday morning. So it will be a busy week.
My hair is starting to come back a little, with most of it being brown (only a little grey). It is too early to tell if it will be straight or curly. I am trying to not get to "taken" by my hair since I know there will be more chemo (about 99.9% sure) and it will fall out again. I am not sure how soon after surgery I will have chemo, so it could have a chance to grow a little longer. My eyebrows are still growing like crazy. If the hair on my head grew as fast, I would have a full head by now.
Friday is the big day. More scans (MRI on tumor, CT on chest) and then I meet with surgeon to find out the game plan. I am a little nervous about the scans --scared they are going to reveal something we did not see before. I don't think it is likely, but I am not taking anything for granted.
The week should go by fast so that is good. I have lots of work to do; Wimbledon is on- yea; Jill
is coming today till Thursday; Syd and Zola are coming Thursday (and bringing food Syd is cooking for us!) and old boss and friend Hank is coming by for a visit Saturday morning. So it will be a busy week.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Low key weekend
I am down to only 3 more radiation sessions on they wrap up Wednesday. I am a little anxious about the scans on Friday, but I am so ready to see the surgeon and get things moving and surgery scheduled.
We've had a very low key weekend, however I wish I could say that for all of my family. Sister Cindy took a really bad tumble (tumble is a horrible understatement) on some wet steps on Friday and sliced her knee open pretty badly. While she is lucky it is only a soft tissue injury, it was really, really bad, deep, and is very painful. She had to have surgery to put it all back together and has about a million stitches and staples. She is having a tough time. She has been so good to me, being here for several days after every chemo treatment, emotionally supportive, caring and she sends the best surprises! I am just sick that there is not much I can do for her, physically right now - not anything really especially since she lives 150 miles away. Her husband Clyde is pretty good with the medical stuff too so she if very lucky like I am, but she is going to have a rough few weeks.
I had a fun lunch with Pam and Jill on Thursday. I really appreciate them taking time out from work in the middle of the day to come see me. My other friend Jill, and old roommate is coming from Oak Ridge, Tn to visit either late Monday or early Tuesday for a few days. She came for a few days during chemo too. She is a great cook, and being a nurse a really good caretaker too, so I am excited about her coming back.
While I am still a little tired, as long as I don't get up much, the tumor does not hurt as much. It feels kind of like a bowling ball now and that is alot for your leg to be dragging around. So consequently, I don't like to stand more than a couple of minutes. I am going to try get them to weigh me before and after surgery. I can't imagine what this thing weighs, but I am ready for it to be gone! No surprises there!
Wimbledon starts tomorrow. HGTV was getting really old so I am glad to have some good tennis on to watch. Now if I could just talk Bob into a big new Plasma TV for our bedroom by tomorrow so I could see the ball better!
We've had a very low key weekend, however I wish I could say that for all of my family. Sister Cindy took a really bad tumble (tumble is a horrible understatement) on some wet steps on Friday and sliced her knee open pretty badly. While she is lucky it is only a soft tissue injury, it was really, really bad, deep, and is very painful. She had to have surgery to put it all back together and has about a million stitches and staples. She is having a tough time. She has been so good to me, being here for several days after every chemo treatment, emotionally supportive, caring and she sends the best surprises! I am just sick that there is not much I can do for her, physically right now - not anything really especially since she lives 150 miles away. Her husband Clyde is pretty good with the medical stuff too so she if very lucky like I am, but she is going to have a rough few weeks.
I had a fun lunch with Pam and Jill on Thursday. I really appreciate them taking time out from work in the middle of the day to come see me. My other friend Jill, and old roommate is coming from Oak Ridge, Tn to visit either late Monday or early Tuesday for a few days. She came for a few days during chemo too. She is a great cook, and being a nurse a really good caretaker too, so I am excited about her coming back.
While I am still a little tired, as long as I don't get up much, the tumor does not hurt as much. It feels kind of like a bowling ball now and that is alot for your leg to be dragging around. So consequently, I don't like to stand more than a couple of minutes. I am going to try get them to weigh me before and after surgery. I can't imagine what this thing weighs, but I am ready for it to be gone! No surprises there!
Wimbledon starts tomorrow. HGTV was getting really old so I am glad to have some good tennis on to watch. Now if I could just talk Bob into a big new Plasma TV for our bedroom by tomorrow so I could see the ball better!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
some updates
I don't feel like the Pro Crit has kicked in as I am still really tired and sleeping an awful lot. Found out today I will have CT Scan and MRI on Friday, June 29 and meet with the surgeon on that day too. Will probably find out then the date for surgery.
It was great having Cindy and Kitty here. It gave Bob a break and was really fun catching up with them. I got a little bit of my appetite back while they were here -- probably the good meal choices. They picked up sushi for dinner which I have really missed (although I am staying away from the raw stuff because of infection).
Friends (and business associates) Jill and Pam are coming over and bringing lunch tomorrow. I am really excited about their visit. Everyone has been so wonderful about staying in touch, visiting etc. I am so lucky to have all of you.
I have a lot of work to do over the next couple of days so that will keep me busy between naps. I find I do have more energy while I am working, and it keeps my brain going. It is amazing the work you can get done from your bed, but it is a little cumbersome shuffling papers. I am always losing our land line, my cell phone or the remote (got to have the TV on even if you are not watching) under the covers. It is pretty pitiful when I have to call my cell phone from our land line to hear it ring and find it under my pillow. I will be glad when I can sit at the desk in my office and work like a normal person! I think I am getting closer to that.
It was great having Cindy and Kitty here. It gave Bob a break and was really fun catching up with them. I got a little bit of my appetite back while they were here -- probably the good meal choices. They picked up sushi for dinner which I have really missed (although I am staying away from the raw stuff because of infection).
Friends (and business associates) Jill and Pam are coming over and bringing lunch tomorrow. I am really excited about their visit. Everyone has been so wonderful about staying in touch, visiting etc. I am so lucky to have all of you.
I have a lot of work to do over the next couple of days so that will keep me busy between naps. I find I do have more energy while I am working, and it keeps my brain going. It is amazing the work you can get done from your bed, but it is a little cumbersome shuffling papers. I am always losing our land line, my cell phone or the remote (got to have the TV on even if you are not watching) under the covers. It is pretty pitiful when I have to call my cell phone from our land line to hear it ring and find it under my pillow. I will be glad when I can sit at the desk in my office and work like a normal person! I think I am getting closer to that.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
No wonder I am tired
I have been feeling really good the last few days, just a little tired which is to be expected from radiation. I have been taking Potassium for a long time and since my perscription was about to run out, the doctor decided to do some blood work to see how my potassium levels were and if I needed to continue the medication. Potassium levels were fine but my red count was low. I could either have a blood transfusion or start getting Pro Crit (red count booster) injection every 3 weeks until about a month after radiation. I opted for the Pro Crit as I just did not want to wait around another 5 hours for them to cross and type me, get the blood, and then give it to me. The Pro Crit will take a little longer for me to get my energy back but I just don't feel that tired!
After radiation, Bob and I went to a store to get some foam (he was making me a mahogany/upholstered headboard that is finished now and looks beautiful) so I had a little outting with him. Then later I went the Syd to Publix when she and neice Zola came for a visit. Because of some medication issues, Publix took longer than I thought it would and I was really beat when I got home. In fact, Syd told Bob, in true elementary school fashion "You will not have any trouble out of her today. She is exhausted and will crash". She was right, and I am still pretty tired.
Some of you know I have been wanting a convertible (a little red one- who cares which model) for a couple of years now. I just want an old one to run around in on the weekends. I think I have always wanted one, but the desire did get a little stronger when I turned 50 a couple of years ago so I guess it is a mid life crises thing. When I left radiation on Friday, the woman (I know her last name is Walker but don't know her first name) with lung cancer and no close family got her car from valet just a few seconds before we did. And you guessed it, she had a red Chrys. Sebring convertible. It just hit home. It just doesn't matter what toys and things you have. If you don't have your health, family and friends, the toys are nothing. Again, it just made me so sad. (However, I do still want one once I am through with all this stuff).
I am looking forward to Cindy and Kitty's visit. Cindy will be here tonight and Kitty in the morning, both here till Tuesday.
We've had a low key weekend, which we both needed. Bob did get the headboard finished and installed so he did work some. I rated a few home and auto policies but that is about it. Wimbledon starts week after next so I will get to watch that in the background soon, and I am excited about that. I have certainly watched a lot tennis in the last few months. I hoped I learned something so when I finally do get to play I will have at least something!
Have a good week.
After radiation, Bob and I went to a store to get some foam (he was making me a mahogany/upholstered headboard that is finished now and looks beautiful) so I had a little outting with him. Then later I went the Syd to Publix when she and neice Zola came for a visit. Because of some medication issues, Publix took longer than I thought it would and I was really beat when I got home. In fact, Syd told Bob, in true elementary school fashion "You will not have any trouble out of her today. She is exhausted and will crash". She was right, and I am still pretty tired.
Some of you know I have been wanting a convertible (a little red one- who cares which model) for a couple of years now. I just want an old one to run around in on the weekends. I think I have always wanted one, but the desire did get a little stronger when I turned 50 a couple of years ago so I guess it is a mid life crises thing. When I left radiation on Friday, the woman (I know her last name is Walker but don't know her first name) with lung cancer and no close family got her car from valet just a few seconds before we did. And you guessed it, she had a red Chrys. Sebring convertible. It just hit home. It just doesn't matter what toys and things you have. If you don't have your health, family and friends, the toys are nothing. Again, it just made me so sad. (However, I do still want one once I am through with all this stuff).
I am looking forward to Cindy and Kitty's visit. Cindy will be here tonight and Kitty in the morning, both here till Tuesday.
We've had a low key weekend, which we both needed. Bob did get the headboard finished and installed so he did work some. I rated a few home and auto policies but that is about it. Wimbledon starts week after next so I will get to watch that in the background soon, and I am excited about that. I have certainly watched a lot tennis in the last few months. I hoped I learned something so when I finally do get to play I will have at least something!
Have a good week.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Not much going on
I just realized we have not blogged in a couple of days, but there has not really been that much new going on. I had a really great visit with Rochelle and Jan on Tuesday. It was great seeing them and catching up on all sorts of stuff. The rest of the week I've spent going to radiation, working and napping. The radiation does make me a little tired (or is it the pain med?), so I find myself resting a while, working a while, resting a while, working a while, and that is pretty much my day. As I have said many times, uneventful is good.
We saw the surgeon (wound surgeon) yesterday, and he was pleased with how I was healing and Bob's handiwork. We go back in 2 weeks so he can see the final healing, but he says he will release me after that. He bandadged me up in his office, and last night Bob had to re-bandage as it was falling off. Bob did a much better job than the surgeon! I think after I am released I will be able to take a real shower - long and hot. You have no idea what I have had to do to get clean each day. But this should be, for the moment, that last area on m body that can't get wet! Surgery will change all that but I may have a couple of weeks of normal showers!
Today, I met a woman in radiation with lung cancer that has spread many places. A year about they told her she had about 2 months to live. She had aggressive chemo, radiation, etc., and so far she has made it 10 months past the point they thought she would not. She has no supportive family in the area (or any who are in a position to make the effort to help her) and her friends all work, so she drives herself to and from chemo, radiation etc. She just learned in the last few weeks that her tumor size is 300% bigger than it was 3 months ago. And this woman looks great! You would never know she was sick. She takes her pain medication as instructed, and other than feeling tired, she feels ok. She had a great attitude, and I am not sure how she does it. I feel so badly for her--probably worse than she does for herself. It helps you put things in perspective when you see someone in a much worse situation, yet they are hanging on and fighting for everything--and mainly fighting by herself. Ironically she works (or did) for an insurance company. I have not been able to get her out of my head today.
We had our normal Thursday meeting with the radiation doctor and after they called my surgeon to get things started for surgery. The surgery will now set up a time for chest CT scan and for an MRI to get ready for surgery. I guess when I hear those dates they may be able to give me an idea of surgery dates. Some days it seems as though it has taken forever to this point and other days it seem just like yesterday. It is good to hear them making plans for the next step because I feel there is starting to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I was just talking to my sister Cindy about staying with them in Tuscaloosa for the AL-GA game Sept 22. That seems like it is a million years away. But when we did the math I will realized I may still be in a surgery recovery mode or in the middle of my last batch of chemo. We made a temporary reservation at their house and for their extra tickets "just in case" I am up for it. It is great to have "plans" to think about!
My high school friends Kitty and Cindy are coming for a couple of days early next week, and it will be great to have a long visit with them. It just started storming here, and Bob hates for me to be on the laptop during thunderstorms so I feel a little power nap coming on!
We saw the surgeon (wound surgeon) yesterday, and he was pleased with how I was healing and Bob's handiwork. We go back in 2 weeks so he can see the final healing, but he says he will release me after that. He bandadged me up in his office, and last night Bob had to re-bandage as it was falling off. Bob did a much better job than the surgeon! I think after I am released I will be able to take a real shower - long and hot. You have no idea what I have had to do to get clean each day. But this should be, for the moment, that last area on m body that can't get wet! Surgery will change all that but I may have a couple of weeks of normal showers!
Today, I met a woman in radiation with lung cancer that has spread many places. A year about they told her she had about 2 months to live. She had aggressive chemo, radiation, etc., and so far she has made it 10 months past the point they thought she would not. She has no supportive family in the area (or any who are in a position to make the effort to help her) and her friends all work, so she drives herself to and from chemo, radiation etc. She just learned in the last few weeks that her tumor size is 300% bigger than it was 3 months ago. And this woman looks great! You would never know she was sick. She takes her pain medication as instructed, and other than feeling tired, she feels ok. She had a great attitude, and I am not sure how she does it. I feel so badly for her--probably worse than she does for herself. It helps you put things in perspective when you see someone in a much worse situation, yet they are hanging on and fighting for everything--and mainly fighting by herself. Ironically she works (or did) for an insurance company. I have not been able to get her out of my head today.
We had our normal Thursday meeting with the radiation doctor and after they called my surgeon to get things started for surgery. The surgery will now set up a time for chest CT scan and for an MRI to get ready for surgery. I guess when I hear those dates they may be able to give me an idea of surgery dates. Some days it seems as though it has taken forever to this point and other days it seem just like yesterday. It is good to hear them making plans for the next step because I feel there is starting to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I was just talking to my sister Cindy about staying with them in Tuscaloosa for the AL-GA game Sept 22. That seems like it is a million years away. But when we did the math I will realized I may still be in a surgery recovery mode or in the middle of my last batch of chemo. We made a temporary reservation at their house and for their extra tickets "just in case" I am up for it. It is great to have "plans" to think about!
My high school friends Kitty and Cindy are coming for a couple of days early next week, and it will be great to have a long visit with them. It just started storming here, and Bob hates for me to be on the laptop during thunderstorms so I feel a little power nap coming on!
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