The Breast MRI was successful yesterday morning. However, the trip to get there was pretty frustrating. My GPS said the fastest route was going up route 28. I knew something was up with that road but wasn't sure what. There was a detour that made you go across the river near the zoo and then cross back later on. I heard on the news that there was an accident near the zoo but wasn't sure how it would affect me. Apparently it made a stoplight malfunction and it wouldn't turn green. After waiting in line about 10 minutes, cars decided to go through it carefully. I was one of those.
I was supposed to be at the hospital in Kittaning (57 miles away) at 10:30 a.m. to register. I was okay on time until I got to the Kittaning exits. This is where my GPS failed me. It would tell me to take the exit right, however there were TWO exits right. I couldn't tell on the screen which one I wanted until it was too late. There is a West Kittaning and East Kittaning. I kept going around in circles until I decided to ignore the GPS and follow the big "H" signs. I ended up getting there at 10:59. My appointment was at 11:00 a.m. As soon as I walked into radiology they ushered me into the back. They sent for the iv lady instead of trying to see if they could get it themselves. I thought that was very nice of them.
The whole process took about 25 minutes. At one point, after they started the contrast, I had this urge to throw up. As soon as I told the technician that, the urge went away. I then waited about 15 minutes while they put the images on CD for me to take to Dr. Z.
I decided to go the same way home (only because the tech told me the detour was for northbound 28). I stopped at Pittsburgh Mills and had lunch at Sonic. I used to stop there when we lived in Kingsville, TX and MFD was little, because of their tator tots.
I took 28 to 65 and stopped at the Sewickley Library to see MFD. She informed me at that time that Farrah Fawcett had passed. How sad.
After I got home, MFS was packing up to go back to State College. He has an interview at the local public access station there next week. Please think good thoughts for him.
A few hours later, I heard that Michael Jackson had passed. MFD and I were texting each other the news. There were so many people online and apparently using their cell phones that our texts were taking over 30 minutes to get to each other.
While I was laying down, I received a call from Dr. Z. He already HAD THE RESULTS from the MRI. I was amazed that he had them that quick, went over them and called me. All in the same day. He said that the area of the tumor had not changed but that there were substantial changes in the make-up of the tumor itself. Not quite sure what that means but I'm telling myself it's good news. He also didn't think that I would need a mammogram if I had an MRI. He's looking into canceling that for me and will let me know.
We talked about radiation. He said it would be 5 days a week and last for 7 weeks. I had no idea. He is also looking into having it done somewhere close to me so I don't have to go dahntahn every day and can still work. I don't think that the radiation takes that long but I'm not sure.
I had hoped that today would be another lazy day but Mr. Whacko's stomach won't allow it. We're out of canned dog food and almost out of dry. I need to make an effort to get that for him. I think it's also time to end this right now as Chas is under the desk and putting his paws on my toes. Any second now, his claws will come out, trying to get me to move and let him outside. I'm moving, I'm moving!
Take care all.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Update
It's been a week since the last chemo. I still have good days and bad. Today is one of the bad ones. However, it's not as bad as it was last week. I've spent pretty much the entire day in bed.
Last Wednesday and Thursday were also spent in bed. On Friday, I got dressed and made a list and went out and purchased some Father's Day presents for BDHA. I went slow, sat down when needed and even used the motorized scooter that some stores provide. Saturday and Sunday were more days of not doing much.
MFS came in from State College Sunday morning and had picked up a shift at Wings, Suds and Spuds that day. He was working as a cook and BDHA, MFD and myself had dinner there so we could be together (sort of).
When I was out on Friday, I found a T-shirt with the Ghostbuster logo on it. Anyone who knew MFD when she was 2 knows what that shirt means. We lived in Texas at the time the movie came out. This was also the time when MTV started. As soon as the music came on, MFD would realize it and run out of the living room and hide in her room. She was terrified of the video. I don't recall why I bought her a Ghostbuster's t-shirt back then but she was very attached to it. She wanted to wear it every day. Maybe she thought it would protect her from Slimer. When we went up to Chicago to visit family, we had to bring that shirt, of course. There were so many "fights" of her wanting to wear it every day and not allow me to wash it, that one of her uncles went out and bought her a second shirt.
When I saw they had it in adult sizes, I had to buy one for her. After dinner at Wings, we dropped her off at her apartment. I had given her the shirt prior to dinner. By the time BDHA and Mr. Whacko walked up to her apartment, she was wearing it. Later that night, they actually had Ghostbusters on TV. We had to watch it. My two favorite lines in the movie (and I knew when they were coming even though I hadn't seen the movie in over 10 years) are: "If someone asks you if you're a god, you say YES" and "What did you DO, Ray?!"
Yesterday I took MFS to Men's Wearhouse to get his suit fitted for the wedding. We also went to Target (motorized scooter) so that I could subsidize his clothing allowance. That afternoon I had an appointment with my PCP for a meds check. Things seem to be going well there. Yesterday afternoon I started feeling dizzy. Probably from not drinking enough fluids. Today was more of the same which is why I spent most of the day in bed.
I have a breast MRI scheduled for this Thursday up in Kittaning. I have a mammo on June 30th. I have a pre-surgery consultation with Dr. Z on July 2nd. I will go up for pre-op testing immediately after the appointment. That afternoon we pick up MFD's dress from the bridal boutique. On July 6th we leave for Vegas and come back on the 10th. On July 15th I have another appointment with my PCP to discuss what meds to drop for the surgery and on July 20th I have the surgery.
If all goes well and there are no complications/set backs, I plan on returning to work on Monday, August 31st. I need to start working on increasing my stamina. I bought a WiiFit and should start using that. I'm afraid to see what my WiiFit age will be..probably in the 80's.
Take care all.
Last Wednesday and Thursday were also spent in bed. On Friday, I got dressed and made a list and went out and purchased some Father's Day presents for BDHA. I went slow, sat down when needed and even used the motorized scooter that some stores provide. Saturday and Sunday were more days of not doing much.
MFS came in from State College Sunday morning and had picked up a shift at Wings, Suds and Spuds that day. He was working as a cook and BDHA, MFD and myself had dinner there so we could be together (sort of).
When I was out on Friday, I found a T-shirt with the Ghostbuster logo on it. Anyone who knew MFD when she was 2 knows what that shirt means. We lived in Texas at the time the movie came out. This was also the time when MTV started. As soon as the music came on, MFD would realize it and run out of the living room and hide in her room. She was terrified of the video. I don't recall why I bought her a Ghostbuster's t-shirt back then but she was very attached to it. She wanted to wear it every day. Maybe she thought it would protect her from Slimer. When we went up to Chicago to visit family, we had to bring that shirt, of course. There were so many "fights" of her wanting to wear it every day and not allow me to wash it, that one of her uncles went out and bought her a second shirt.
When I saw they had it in adult sizes, I had to buy one for her. After dinner at Wings, we dropped her off at her apartment. I had given her the shirt prior to dinner. By the time BDHA and Mr. Whacko walked up to her apartment, she was wearing it. Later that night, they actually had Ghostbusters on TV. We had to watch it. My two favorite lines in the movie (and I knew when they were coming even though I hadn't seen the movie in over 10 years) are: "If someone asks you if you're a god, you say YES" and "What did you DO, Ray?!"
Yesterday I took MFS to Men's Wearhouse to get his suit fitted for the wedding. We also went to Target (motorized scooter) so that I could subsidize his clothing allowance. That afternoon I had an appointment with my PCP for a meds check. Things seem to be going well there. Yesterday afternoon I started feeling dizzy. Probably from not drinking enough fluids. Today was more of the same which is why I spent most of the day in bed.
I have a breast MRI scheduled for this Thursday up in Kittaning. I have a mammo on June 30th. I have a pre-surgery consultation with Dr. Z on July 2nd. I will go up for pre-op testing immediately after the appointment. That afternoon we pick up MFD's dress from the bridal boutique. On July 6th we leave for Vegas and come back on the 10th. On July 15th I have another appointment with my PCP to discuss what meds to drop for the surgery and on July 20th I have the surgery.
If all goes well and there are no complications/set backs, I plan on returning to work on Monday, August 31st. I need to start working on increasing my stamina. I bought a WiiFit and should start using that. I'm afraid to see what my WiiFit age will be..probably in the 80's.
Take care all.
Monday, June 15, 2009
What a wonderful day this has been
Today was chemo #8 and the last one. it's finally over.
While I was in the waiting room at the cancer center, Dr. L came out and went into the coffee/tea room. He saw me sitting there and I waved at him. I followed him in and the first thing he said to me was "You're looking great! Much better than the last time. How's your kidney function?" I told him that I had the blood work done on Saturday and hadn't gotten the results yet. I told him that I had met another patient of his at my daughter's shower at the Sewickley library. He knew exactly who I meant. He told me that she was due in today but wasn't sure of the time. He then came up to me and said "How's your tumor doing" and acted like he was going to look right then and there. I backed up and said "Why don't we wait until we're in the back? I have an appointment at 8:45 a.m." He said.."More like 9:15 a.m." Damned if he didn't show up until 9:45 a.m. I'm not complaining. He has to spend as much time with a patient as they need.
When he came in, he said that my bloodwork showed my kidney function as being perfect. It was actually lower than the first time I was discharged from the hospital when they considered it a great number. He told me I was a resilient, strong woman. I agreed... I was going to beat this. He also said that the chemo treatment was a great success as far as he was concerned. The tumor had shrunk significantly and the skin was no longer hardening. When I asked him if he thought I should just get a lumpectomy, he said he felt that the mastectomy was the best way to go. I agreed with that. His only concern was that it showed I was a little anemic. I've been that way my entire life. I guess I should start taking the iron pills I bought after my last stay in the hospital. He was a very happy man with the results which made me happy.
The chemo treatment itself went off without any problems. I asked the chemo nurse when I would start feeling my old self again. She said about two months after the surgery, I should have more energy and feel like I used to. The chemo effects would have worn off by then and I should be fully recovered from the surgery barring any complications.
Afterwards, BDHA and I went down to the second floor to my surgical oncologist to make an appointment to see him and to get any tests scheduled he would need. When I spoke with his assistant, she told me that surgery had just been scheduled. It's going to be on July 20th and fairly early in the morning. I may have to enter the hospital the night before. She also scheduled me for a mammogram on June 30th. I'm to schedule the breast MRI up at Kittaning as soon as possible. I see Dr. Z, the surgeon, on July 2nd. Hopefully I can get the MRI in before I see him. Things are falling into place.
After we finished at the hospital, we went to lunch at a place called "Big Jim's on the Run". BDHA said it has been featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". Don't ask me where it was located but the rueben was good. I couldn't finish it and took half home. After that, we went to Whole Foods and picked up some items. We then met MFD for her final dress fitting so that BDHA could see the dress. We pick up the dress on July 2nd.
I have been feeling pretty good today. The steroids really help. It's 11:00 p.m. and I don't think I could fall asleep any time soon. I have to be careful. I checked my blood sugar before dinner and the meter actually said "HI" and no number. I need to look up what that means. It doesn't sound good. The steroids raise it through the roof. I need to make sure I take all my pills and shots each day to control it. I'm not very good at remembering to do that. I want to make sure I'm in the best health possible when I go for the pre-op testing. I don't want anything to delay the surgery.
Another reason it's a good day. The claim check came in from AFLAC. I still have to provide paperwork to get the rest of it but the first check was a goodly amount. If you have AFLAC available to you, check into it. I'm so glad I did and signed up for it. (I wonder if I can get paid for endorsing them?)
I wanted to thank Ruth and Bob Ward for the beautiful note cards with their original photography on the front. I look forward to using them. They also sent me a bouquet of flowers today to celebrate my last chemo. They were orange and yellow roses with yarrow and thyme.
June 10th was BDHA's and my 31st wedding anniversary. He was out of town so we went out to dinner on June 11th. We went out for 6 years before we were married. I was 15, he was 17. If you ask him how long he's been married, he says (and imagine whiny voice) "I've been married my ENTIRE life". Poor guy.
I'm dreading the pains starting this week. I don't think I'll feel as bad as the last time as I'm no longer suffering from the upper respiratory thing. Plus, since this is the last time, I can make it through. I just need to keep telling myself that.
All in all, this has been a GOOD day. Hope it has been one for you too.
Good night ....hope I can sleep.
While I was in the waiting room at the cancer center, Dr. L came out and went into the coffee/tea room. He saw me sitting there and I waved at him. I followed him in and the first thing he said to me was "You're looking great! Much better than the last time. How's your kidney function?" I told him that I had the blood work done on Saturday and hadn't gotten the results yet. I told him that I had met another patient of his at my daughter's shower at the Sewickley library. He knew exactly who I meant. He told me that she was due in today but wasn't sure of the time. He then came up to me and said "How's your tumor doing" and acted like he was going to look right then and there. I backed up and said "Why don't we wait until we're in the back? I have an appointment at 8:45 a.m." He said.."More like 9:15 a.m." Damned if he didn't show up until 9:45 a.m. I'm not complaining. He has to spend as much time with a patient as they need.
When he came in, he said that my bloodwork showed my kidney function as being perfect. It was actually lower than the first time I was discharged from the hospital when they considered it a great number. He told me I was a resilient, strong woman. I agreed... I was going to beat this. He also said that the chemo treatment was a great success as far as he was concerned. The tumor had shrunk significantly and the skin was no longer hardening. When I asked him if he thought I should just get a lumpectomy, he said he felt that the mastectomy was the best way to go. I agreed with that. His only concern was that it showed I was a little anemic. I've been that way my entire life. I guess I should start taking the iron pills I bought after my last stay in the hospital. He was a very happy man with the results which made me happy.
The chemo treatment itself went off without any problems. I asked the chemo nurse when I would start feeling my old self again. She said about two months after the surgery, I should have more energy and feel like I used to. The chemo effects would have worn off by then and I should be fully recovered from the surgery barring any complications.
Afterwards, BDHA and I went down to the second floor to my surgical oncologist to make an appointment to see him and to get any tests scheduled he would need. When I spoke with his assistant, she told me that surgery had just been scheduled. It's going to be on July 20th and fairly early in the morning. I may have to enter the hospital the night before. She also scheduled me for a mammogram on June 30th. I'm to schedule the breast MRI up at Kittaning as soon as possible. I see Dr. Z, the surgeon, on July 2nd. Hopefully I can get the MRI in before I see him. Things are falling into place.
After we finished at the hospital, we went to lunch at a place called "Big Jim's on the Run". BDHA said it has been featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". Don't ask me where it was located but the rueben was good. I couldn't finish it and took half home. After that, we went to Whole Foods and picked up some items. We then met MFD for her final dress fitting so that BDHA could see the dress. We pick up the dress on July 2nd.
I have been feeling pretty good today. The steroids really help. It's 11:00 p.m. and I don't think I could fall asleep any time soon. I have to be careful. I checked my blood sugar before dinner and the meter actually said "HI" and no number. I need to look up what that means. It doesn't sound good. The steroids raise it through the roof. I need to make sure I take all my pills and shots each day to control it. I'm not very good at remembering to do that. I want to make sure I'm in the best health possible when I go for the pre-op testing. I don't want anything to delay the surgery.
Another reason it's a good day. The claim check came in from AFLAC. I still have to provide paperwork to get the rest of it but the first check was a goodly amount. If you have AFLAC available to you, check into it. I'm so glad I did and signed up for it. (I wonder if I can get paid for endorsing them?)
I wanted to thank Ruth and Bob Ward for the beautiful note cards with their original photography on the front. I look forward to using them. They also sent me a bouquet of flowers today to celebrate my last chemo. They were orange and yellow roses with yarrow and thyme.
June 10th was BDHA's and my 31st wedding anniversary. He was out of town so we went out to dinner on June 11th. We went out for 6 years before we were married. I was 15, he was 17. If you ask him how long he's been married, he says (and imagine whiny voice) "I've been married my ENTIRE life". Poor guy.
I'm dreading the pains starting this week. I don't think I'll feel as bad as the last time as I'm no longer suffering from the upper respiratory thing. Plus, since this is the last time, I can make it through. I just need to keep telling myself that.
All in all, this has been a GOOD day. Hope it has been one for you too.
Good night ....hope I can sleep.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 9, 2009
Things have improved a lot over the last few days. My voice slowly started coming back and today, I'm just a little hoarse.
Last Thursday, the 4th, I had two appointments downtown. One with the kidney doctor and one with the plastic surgeon. I saw the kidney doctor first. Apparently she saw me while I was in the hospital but I barely remember her. There were so many doctors coming in and out, I lost track. One of the first things she asked me was how the wedding plans were coming. That was very nice of her to keep track. It also turns out that she is a breast cancer survivor and knows what I'm going through. She was pleased with the improvement in my kidney function. It's still not back to where it was but it's close. I was supposed to give blood in their lab downstairs on the way out but they weren't able to hit a vein. The doctor told me to let them try only once and if not successful, to wait until I gave blood for the next chemo treatment. I need to drink lots of water to hydrate myself in order to give blood successfully.
The second appointment was with the plastic surgeon. In his waiting room, he had a framed picture on a table of the cast from Marcus Welby, M.D. A little strange. I forgot to ask him why that was there. Next time. He told me that if he were able to do the breast reduction at the same time as the mastectomy, the operation would take 3-5 hours. I had no clue it would take that long. He gave me a 5-page document to read about all the possible complications. I'm to initial each page and then fax back to him. One particular one he told me about gave me the willies. I won't explain it here. He and my surgical oncologist, Dr. Z., will work out the the scheduling. At this point in time, I don't know when it will be. I do have one more chemo to get through so until that's completed, I don't think they'll schedule the surgery.
MFD's maid-of-honor, Sara, flew in from Chicago last Friday. She was a great help in getting everything ready for the shower on Saturday. BDHA was the cook and bartender. I pretty much sat there and enjoyed the people.
Sunday, BDHA, MFD and Mr. Whacko took Sara on a walking tour of Sewickley. I sat in the middle of downtown Sewickley in their town square, sipped an iced tea and people-watched while they walked. Mr. Whacko was excited to be able to bark at Mario Lemieux' dogs. It made his day. Sara and MFD went to lunch and BDHA and I took Mr. Whacko to the Sewickley boat launch where he jumped off the pier. He had a great time swimming and chasing the waves from the boat wakes.
Yesterday was MFD's first dress fitting. The dress is beautiful. And so is she, if I may say so myself. Things are coming together fast now. We stopped at Avonworth Community Park on our way home to check out the space for the picnic reception. Pictures of the pavilion are below:
We're going to need lots of citronella candles.
Today is spent resting. The humidity takes a lot out of me even when I'm feeling well. My last chemo is next Monday, the 15th. I'm looking forward to that. But I also have thoughts of what will happen to the cancer once I stop. I feel like the treatments have been keeping it in check. I worry that it will start up again once the treatment's done. I'm not sure if they'll have me do another MRI and CT/Bone Scan before surgery. That would give me peace of mind if they came back clear.
Last Thursday, the 4th, I had two appointments downtown. One with the kidney doctor and one with the plastic surgeon. I saw the kidney doctor first. Apparently she saw me while I was in the hospital but I barely remember her. There were so many doctors coming in and out, I lost track. One of the first things she asked me was how the wedding plans were coming. That was very nice of her to keep track. It also turns out that she is a breast cancer survivor and knows what I'm going through. She was pleased with the improvement in my kidney function. It's still not back to where it was but it's close. I was supposed to give blood in their lab downstairs on the way out but they weren't able to hit a vein. The doctor told me to let them try only once and if not successful, to wait until I gave blood for the next chemo treatment. I need to drink lots of water to hydrate myself in order to give blood successfully.
The second appointment was with the plastic surgeon. In his waiting room, he had a framed picture on a table of the cast from Marcus Welby, M.D. A little strange. I forgot to ask him why that was there. Next time. He told me that if he were able to do the breast reduction at the same time as the mastectomy, the operation would take 3-5 hours. I had no clue it would take that long. He gave me a 5-page document to read about all the possible complications. I'm to initial each page and then fax back to him. One particular one he told me about gave me the willies. I won't explain it here. He and my surgical oncologist, Dr. Z., will work out the the scheduling. At this point in time, I don't know when it will be. I do have one more chemo to get through so until that's completed, I don't think they'll schedule the surgery.
MFD's maid-of-honor, Sara, flew in from Chicago last Friday. She was a great help in getting everything ready for the shower on Saturday. BDHA was the cook and bartender. I pretty much sat there and enjoyed the people.
Sunday, BDHA, MFD and Mr. Whacko took Sara on a walking tour of Sewickley. I sat in the middle of downtown Sewickley in their town square, sipped an iced tea and people-watched while they walked. Mr. Whacko was excited to be able to bark at Mario Lemieux' dogs. It made his day. Sara and MFD went to lunch and BDHA and I took Mr. Whacko to the Sewickley boat launch where he jumped off the pier. He had a great time swimming and chasing the waves from the boat wakes.
Yesterday was MFD's first dress fitting. The dress is beautiful. And so is she, if I may say so myself. Things are coming together fast now. We stopped at Avonworth Community Park on our way home to check out the space for the picnic reception. Pictures of the pavilion are below:
We're going to need lots of citronella candles.
Today is spent resting. The humidity takes a lot out of me even when I'm feeling well. My last chemo is next Monday, the 15th. I'm looking forward to that. But I also have thoughts of what will happen to the cancer once I stop. I feel like the treatments have been keeping it in check. I worry that it will start up again once the treatment's done. I'm not sure if they'll have me do another MRI and CT/Bone Scan before surgery. That would give me peace of mind if they came back clear.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June 2, 2009
I still don't have a voice and I'm still miserable.
At least BDHA is in town and MFD is coming over for dinner.
At least BDHA is in town and MFD is coming over for dinner.
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009
Thank god this is almost over. I can't imagine being any more tired than I am right at this moment. I don't know if it's an accumulation of the chemo treatments, being in the hospital sick, being extremely anemic or the upper respiratory thing or all of it put together. All I know is that I want it OVER NOW. I can't stand to do anything, include watch tv. The only time I get any peace is when I sleep but then the dog barks at someone walking down the street and wakes me up. Yes, I am cranky. I also don't have a voice so I can't even tell him to be quiet.
I keep telling myself that I only have one more treatment and then I'm done. More than anything, I want one day where I feel good, not tired and can actually interact with my family (and not in a cranky, bitchy way).
My last chemo is June 16th. I hope that by the time we leave for Vegas, I'll have worked through the worst of the side effects and will feel good/comfortable. This truly sucks.
I keep telling myself that I only have one more treatment and then I'm done. More than anything, I want one day where I feel good, not tired and can actually interact with my family (and not in a cranky, bitchy way).
My last chemo is June 16th. I hope that by the time we leave for Vegas, I'll have worked through the worst of the side effects and will feel good/comfortable. This truly sucks.
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