Well...today was my follow up appointment to the CAT scan that I had on Monday, December 10th. First let me say that I am officially in remission...Merry Christmas to me! Like the jam of the month club...let this be the gift that keeps on giving!
First I saw Charlotte, who is the Physician's Assistant...when she walked in the room with a big smile on her face I knew. She told me that my CAT scan was beautiful, no sign of disease and that Dr. McC. would be in to see me shortly. I asked if there was anything in my stomach since I am still plagued with what I refer to as mild "motion sickness" randomly every day. She read me the report word for word. The only finding was an insignificant spot too small to measure that is in my lower left lung. It could be a non-responsive tumor or it could be scar tissue. Dr. McC. said I responded beautifully to treatment and that my scan results were also beautiful. So basically, everything is beautiful...in it's own way. I asked Dr. McC. about the insignificant spot...specifically if I would need to continue treatment. Her answer was no. Because of it's size, or lack thereof, and not knowing what it is (scar tissue or non-responsive tumor) we will not be treating it.
Since I have had a re-occurrence I will never be cured (hmmmm...not sure about that) which means we will treat the cancer I had as a chronic health condition. And since I test false negative with the CA-125 blood test (protein markers that show if you have cancer antibodies in your blood) it will be up to me to be aware of any changes in my body by watching for symptoms (like before...unexplained coughing, difficulty breathing, etc.).
I will follow up with my Oncologist every three months...no testing (CAT scan, PET scan etc.) will be done unless I am symptomatic...or force her to do it...grin.
I could be in remission for two months, 20 months, two years, or 20 years...who knows. Dr. McC. is concerned because I had a re-occurrence so soon after treatment (Oct. 2011 treatment ended...April 2012 is when I complained about coughing and mild shortness of breath) that I will have a re-occurrence again within a short period of time. She could be wrong...I am focused on being in remission indefinitely.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012 - Where's Cindy?
Hello Boys and Girls!
My apologies for concerning some of you by not keeping my blog updated but I have a very good reason...CHEMO SIDE EFFECTS! The fatigue has been unbelievable (see photo below...me in cat version)...I feel like I misplaced the last month of my life. Add to that being nauseous off and on daily for several weeks (which is the result of stopping the oral steroids following chemo) and you can see why I have been out of action. Treatment is done (sweet Jesus!). I had my last chemo yesterday (Monday, December 3rd). I have a CAT scan next week (Monday, December 10th...which of course will show that I am clean). Then I have an appointment on December 17th with my Oncologist to go over the results and discuss where we go from here. When I completed my treatment yesterday nurses hugged me...I saw smiles on the faces of other patients...and my assigned nurse of the day told me that I was one of her favorite patients...but that she never wanted to see me again. Ditto!
Much love to everyone for supporting me through this re-do journey. They say the second time is a charm...my thoughts exactly! I thank you for your calls, emails, cards, food deliveries, house cleaning, flowers, transportation, etc., etc., etc. I am such an incredibly lucky/blessed girl to be loved by so many.
I will update my blog after my doctors appointment on the 17th.
My apologies for concerning some of you by not keeping my blog updated but I have a very good reason...CHEMO SIDE EFFECTS! The fatigue has been unbelievable (see photo below...me in cat version)...I feel like I misplaced the last month of my life. Add to that being nauseous off and on daily for several weeks (which is the result of stopping the oral steroids following chemo) and you can see why I have been out of action. Treatment is done (sweet Jesus!). I had my last chemo yesterday (Monday, December 3rd). I have a CAT scan next week (Monday, December 10th...which of course will show that I am clean). Then I have an appointment on December 17th with my Oncologist to go over the results and discuss where we go from here. When I completed my treatment yesterday nurses hugged me...I saw smiles on the faces of other patients...and my assigned nurse of the day told me that I was one of her favorite patients...but that she never wanted to see me again. Ditto!
Much love to everyone for supporting me through this re-do journey. They say the second time is a charm...my thoughts exactly! I thank you for your calls, emails, cards, food deliveries, house cleaning, flowers, transportation, etc., etc., etc. I am such an incredibly lucky/blessed girl to be loved by so many.
I will update my blog after my doctors appointment on the 17th.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012 - Treatment #8
Transportation and companionship provided by Muk (aka Sharon)
Not much to say about today's treatment other than it was quick and easy. Oh...and eight down, four to go...hallelujah!
My master plan to eliminate my follow up oral steroids is working...big sigh. This is week two that I have chosen not to take steroids after treatment and it really has made a difference. Light headiness...gone, jitters...gone, feeling like my brain is going 65mph but my reaction time is 30mph...gone, sweats...gone, edginess...gone. Woo-hoo! Now, about that fatigue...Holy Mary Mother of God. When they said there would be some pretty heavy fatigue that comes with Gemzar they weren't kidding. And, the more I get into treatment, the more intense and longer lasting the fatigue is. Right now I have treatment on Monday and feel like a sloth until Saturday. I just keep my eye on the prize...treatment #12 on December 3rd.
Not much to say about today's treatment other than it was quick and easy. Oh...and eight down, four to go...hallelujah!
My master plan to eliminate my follow up oral steroids is working...big sigh. This is week two that I have chosen not to take steroids after treatment and it really has made a difference. Light headiness...gone, jitters...gone, feeling like my brain is going 65mph but my reaction time is 30mph...gone, sweats...gone, edginess...gone. Woo-hoo! Now, about that fatigue...Holy Mary Mother of God. When they said there would be some pretty heavy fatigue that comes with Gemzar they weren't kidding. And, the more I get into treatment, the more intense and longer lasting the fatigue is. Right now I have treatment on Monday and feel like a sloth until Saturday. I just keep my eye on the prize...treatment #12 on December 3rd.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012 - Treatment #7
Transportation and companionship provided by Sandy (big sis)
Today was a good day...actually, today was a fantastic day. I received the results of last Monday's CAT scan when I met with Dr. McC. and all of the cancerous nodules that were in my lungs are gone. I have one spot in my lower left lung...it was on the prior scan and is unchanged. Of course Dr. McC. had to have the discussion with me that it could be a nodule that was unresponsive to treatment, but she is leaning towards it being scar tissue as the result of illness (ie., bronchitis, etc) or the environment. I am also a girl who developed severe asthma at the age of five. Our plan of attack is to keep a close eye on it. I will continue with my current treatment over the next nine weeks...same cocktail...same routine...two weeks on, one week off. My last treatment will be on December 3rd...then the following week I will have another CAT scan. Dr. McC. again voiced concern about the fact that I had a re-occurrence in less than a year and the fact that when it metastasized it went to my lungs, which is rare. Apparently the text book says it should have metastasized to my stomach. But then again, I have not been your text book patient.
Steroids update: during treatment I receive 10mg of IV steroids. Then for the following two days I take 16mg of steroids. But not this week...this week I have opted not to take any follow up oral steroids. I discussed this with my oncology nurse. She explained that in my particular circumstance I only receive steroids to control nausea...and, since I have had zero nausea with the exception of a smidgen the first week of treatment, I can't see any reason to put myself through how they make me feel. Not to mention how they stimulate my appetite. Let me correct that...OVER stimulate my appetite to the point where I feel like I could enter a food eating competition.
Today was a good day...actually, today was a fantastic day. I received the results of last Monday's CAT scan when I met with Dr. McC. and all of the cancerous nodules that were in my lungs are gone. I have one spot in my lower left lung...it was on the prior scan and is unchanged. Of course Dr. McC. had to have the discussion with me that it could be a nodule that was unresponsive to treatment, but she is leaning towards it being scar tissue as the result of illness (ie., bronchitis, etc) or the environment. I am also a girl who developed severe asthma at the age of five. Our plan of attack is to keep a close eye on it. I will continue with my current treatment over the next nine weeks...same cocktail...same routine...two weeks on, one week off. My last treatment will be on December 3rd...then the following week I will have another CAT scan. Dr. McC. again voiced concern about the fact that I had a re-occurrence in less than a year and the fact that when it metastasized it went to my lungs, which is rare. Apparently the text book says it should have metastasized to my stomach. But then again, I have not been your text book patient.
Steroids update: during treatment I receive 10mg of IV steroids. Then for the following two days I take 16mg of steroids. But not this week...this week I have opted not to take any follow up oral steroids. I discussed this with my oncology nurse. She explained that in my particular circumstance I only receive steroids to control nausea...and, since I have had zero nausea with the exception of a smidgen the first week of treatment, I can't see any reason to put myself through how they make me feel. Not to mention how they stimulate my appetite. Let me correct that...OVER stimulate my appetite to the point where I feel like I could enter a food eating competition.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012 - Cindy on Steroids
OK, so in my humble opinion...the thought behind increasing the number of days I take oral steroids while reducing the dosage...not so successful. Instead of things getting better, they intensified. Sweet bajeesus!
Please see photo below of Cindy on steroids. Not a pretty picture...eh? You should see things from the inside.
Please see photo below of Cindy on steroids. Not a pretty picture...eh? You should see things from the inside.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012 - Treatment #6
Transportation and companionship provided by Sharon
Another easy treatment day...if there is such a thing. Funny how something so icky can become routine. I pull "K" again today as my oncology nurse...that always helps. Bubbly, positive, confident, friendly, efficient...she reminds me of me...huge grin. She asked how I'm doing and I spill about crashing on Thursdays after treatment and feeling lousy until I get my next dose of steroids the following Monday. She believes its because I receive IV steroids on Monday, take oral steroids on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and then stop cold turkey. She wants me to wean myself off the steroids throughout the week and thinks this will improve how I feel. Works for this girl.
Just before "K" hooked up my IV drip I was scrolling through Facebook on my iPad. I laughed so hard when I saw the graphic below that Sharon heard me laughing and she was two doors down in the little girls room. I wasn't laughing because of the reference to A.D.D. I was laughing because it is exactly how I feel on steroids. Hey Macarena!
Another easy treatment day...if there is such a thing. Funny how something so icky can become routine. I pull "K" again today as my oncology nurse...that always helps. Bubbly, positive, confident, friendly, efficient...she reminds me of me...huge grin. She asked how I'm doing and I spill about crashing on Thursdays after treatment and feeling lousy until I get my next dose of steroids the following Monday. She believes its because I receive IV steroids on Monday, take oral steroids on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and then stop cold turkey. She wants me to wean myself off the steroids throughout the week and thinks this will improve how I feel. Works for this girl.
Just before "K" hooked up my IV drip I was scrolling through Facebook on my iPad. I laughed so hard when I saw the graphic below that Sharon heard me laughing and she was two doors down in the little girls room. I wasn't laughing because of the reference to A.D.D. I was laughing because it is exactly how I feel on steroids. Hey Macarena!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012 - Crap!
Poopy week, poopy week, poopy week. Really, it has been a shit week and I am tired of feeling shitty. Notice a common word here....shit, shitty, poopy. Hold on as I feel certain the word crap will be joining us soon...but the bottom line is...cancer is shit. Garbage, rotten, stinking crap. See...I told you crap would be joining us soon. Not only am I sick of it for me, I am sick of it for every man, woman and child who has, is, or will endure this shit called cancer.
Monday, September 24, 2012 - Treatment #5
Transportation provided by Me!
It wasn't that I didn't have offers for transportation and companionship to treatment today, I just opted to take myself. My family and friends have been so generous with their time I thought they all might like a break. No sense in sucking the life out of everyone. Now with that said...I did get a number of loving comments about taking myself...so on Monday I will have a co-pilot...and the Monday after that...and the Monday after that...grin. I arrive on time, check in and wait to be called back to the lab to have my port accessed and blood drawn. Check! Then back to the waiting room to be called back to have my vitals taken. Blood pressure good, pulse good, temperature good...off we go to the exam room. The routine with the medical assistant (MA) is the same, are you having any issues, any changes in medication...in between each question came a yawn from the MA...finally she says "sorry, I can't afford coffee anymore because my ex-husband is screwing me." Well...alrighty then. I had a number of things flash through my mind...maybe if he is your ex-husband you shouldn't be screwing him...or maybe you should switch to tea...I know I had a huge smile my face as I sat in silence...the next thing I heard was "the doctor will be in shortly." I do so appreciate a bit of entertainment with my treatment...does that cost extra?
It wasn't that I didn't have offers for transportation and companionship to treatment today, I just opted to take myself. My family and friends have been so generous with their time I thought they all might like a break. No sense in sucking the life out of everyone. Now with that said...I did get a number of loving comments about taking myself...so on Monday I will have a co-pilot...and the Monday after that...and the Monday after that...grin. I arrive on time, check in and wait to be called back to the lab to have my port accessed and blood drawn. Check! Then back to the waiting room to be called back to have my vitals taken. Blood pressure good, pulse good, temperature good...off we go to the exam room. The routine with the medical assistant (MA) is the same, are you having any issues, any changes in medication...in between each question came a yawn from the MA...finally she says "sorry, I can't afford coffee anymore because my ex-husband is screwing me." Well...alrighty then. I had a number of things flash through my mind...maybe if he is your ex-husband you shouldn't be screwing him...or maybe you should switch to tea...I know I had a huge smile my face as I sat in silence...the next thing I heard was "the doctor will be in shortly." I do so appreciate a bit of entertainment with my treatment...does that cost extra?
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012 - Update
I think this past week has been my worst week ever in regard to side effects. Sweet bajeezus. When you are a big girl the last thing you want to suffer from is being dizzy or light headed. When you stand up and feel as though you are going to go face first into the carpeting...not a good thing. Hello...big girl, coming through. Wow. I remember being a little light headed last time, I don't recall it being like I had been on an all night binge, having possibly ingesting some foreign substance and feeling as though if I don't lay my head down, it's gonna pull me over. You know when the Peanuts characters do the Snoopy dance and they act like they have no bone (see the little girl below...bottom right) in their necks? Just add 75 pounds and visual my face in place of hers.
No treatment tomorrow (Monday, September 17th)...lab day only. I am so hoping to get some relief this week. Today was a decent day in comparison to the past week or so. Could it be that the chemo gods are shining down on me and are going to give me a break? They do that you know. They give you a week off so you forget just how shitty you feel...then they send you back for two weeks of treatment back to back. Sneaky bastards.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - The Only Thing Good About Cancer Is Love
The only thing good about cancer is love. I feel it on a daily basis from my family, friends, the nurses at my clinic, and even from complete strangers who acknowledge I am a warrior. OK, so now I can't get the Pat Benetar song "The Warrior" out of my head...which of course I have changed the words to...shooting at the walls of cancer, bang, bang...I am a warrior! I see the love in people's faces, their actions, their words, their touch...this is something I can never get enough of. So to all of you...you are making a difference. Regardless of it's a meal, cleaning, errands, transportation, a card, a call, an email, a smile, a touch...whatever...each and every act comes with incredible value. I don't want to single anyone out, but I also don't ever want anyone to think that I don't whole heartily appreciate everything that is being done in the name of love.
Oh...and a little side note to my sister Sandy. If you every bring another dark chocolate-zucchini cake into this house in the name of love...I will ban you forever...or at least until the next one comes out of the oven...whichever comes first. Love you!
Oh...and a little side note to my sister Sandy. If you every bring another dark chocolate-zucchini cake into this house in the name of love...I will ban you forever...or at least until the next one comes out of the oven...whichever comes first. Love you!
Monday, September 10, 2012 - Treatment #4
Transportation and support provided by...Me!
Yes it's true...much to the dismay of my family and friends I took myself to chemo today...and you know what, it was kinda nice. I enjoyed the alone time. I knew it was going to be a quick visit...labs, a brief appointment with Dr. McC., and then treatment which consisted of one chemo drug...Gemzar and all of the other assorted goodies. I did speak with the Physician's Assistant, Dr. McC., and two of the infusion nurses (J and B...both of whom I adore) about the early fatigue I have been feeling this time around. Apparently the Gemzar is known for it's fatigue. I also now understand that chemo fatigue is not like regular fatigue where if you get a good nights rest or a couple of naps over a day or two you will be feeling ship shape again. With chemo fatigue it seems that you will unfortunately continue to feel the fatigue. Nurse "J" said that she could only speak from "medical experience" but she strongly suggest that I keep moving. Walk around the house, rest. Walk out to the street, rest. Drink so much water that it forces you to get up and pee...(hmmmm, think I might have the next weight loss infomercial here). Whatever I can do. When I left I told her that I had thought about it while my "fatigue" chemo did a slow drip into my port and I had decided that I would take on the mother of all challenges on Tuesday and shave my legs...grin.
Yes it's true...much to the dismay of my family and friends I took myself to chemo today...and you know what, it was kinda nice. I enjoyed the alone time. I knew it was going to be a quick visit...labs, a brief appointment with Dr. McC., and then treatment which consisted of one chemo drug...Gemzar and all of the other assorted goodies. I did speak with the Physician's Assistant, Dr. McC., and two of the infusion nurses (J and B...both of whom I adore) about the early fatigue I have been feeling this time around. Apparently the Gemzar is known for it's fatigue. I also now understand that chemo fatigue is not like regular fatigue where if you get a good nights rest or a couple of naps over a day or two you will be feeling ship shape again. With chemo fatigue it seems that you will unfortunately continue to feel the fatigue. Nurse "J" said that she could only speak from "medical experience" but she strongly suggest that I keep moving. Walk around the house, rest. Walk out to the street, rest. Drink so much water that it forces you to get up and pee...(hmmmm, think I might have the next weight loss infomercial here). Whatever I can do. When I left I told her that I had thought about it while my "fatigue" chemo did a slow drip into my port and I had decided that I would take on the mother of all challenges on Tuesday and shave my legs...grin.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - Treatment #3
Transportation and support provided by Sharon.
Labs...all good, no Physician Assistants (PA) appointment as planned...seems there was a scheduling mishap and the PA had all of her regular Tuesday patients as well as Dr. McC's Monday patients due to the office being closed on Monday because of the holiday. They were more than happy to accommodate me when I offered to take a miss on seeing the PA as I have been feeling good and have no issues at this time. I'm having some mild headaches, flushing, the tin taste is back in my mouth, and the taste of some foods and water have changed...hate that! But, no nausea...which is incredible. So...up to the infusion suite we go! Today was really uneventful with nothing to share. Mmmmm, I did get a Reiki treatment...love that! It was a double chemo day...both Gemzar and Carboplatin. The worst thing that happened was that I forgot the snack bag which is not a good thing when you are on steroids...grin.
Labs...all good, no Physician Assistants (PA) appointment as planned...seems there was a scheduling mishap and the PA had all of her regular Tuesday patients as well as Dr. McC's Monday patients due to the office being closed on Monday because of the holiday. They were more than happy to accommodate me when I offered to take a miss on seeing the PA as I have been feeling good and have no issues at this time. I'm having some mild headaches, flushing, the tin taste is back in my mouth, and the taste of some foods and water have changed...hate that! But, no nausea...which is incredible. So...up to the infusion suite we go! Today was really uneventful with nothing to share. Mmmmm, I did get a Reiki treatment...love that! It was a double chemo day...both Gemzar and Carboplatin. The worst thing that happened was that I forgot the snack bag which is not a good thing when you are on steroids...grin.
Monday, August 27, 2012 - Labs Only
Companionship provided by John...notice that I didn't say transportation...crazy Aussie's drive on the wrong side of the road...grin.
Easy day today, blood draw only...and then a free week...yee-haw! What's a girl to do? Hopefully a road trip to Silverton, Oregon including a day trip to Silver Falls State Park. TTFN!
Easy day today, blood draw only...and then a free week...yee-haw! What's a girl to do? Hopefully a road trip to Silverton, Oregon including a day trip to Silver Falls State Park. TTFN!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012 - Treatment #2
Companionship and support provided by John (my friend John who is visiting from Australia)
So here's the thing about IV ports (see photos below)...yes, they do make treatment much easier and quicker. No hot packs, no searching for a promising vein, no multiple sticks...but damn, when they push that needle (more like a small nail...seriously) through your skin and into your port...it makes your pee pee tingle...and not in a good way. Did I mention that there is no numbing agent used?
Saline solution bag...check, anti-biotics...check, steroid bag...check, Gemcitabine (aka Jelly Bean) bag....check. Week two in my first three week cycle goes by in a flash...we had just gotten started and we were done...yeah!
Side effects have been minimal but are most certainly there. I think maybe because I knew what to expect it has made it a bit easier. Mild headache, mild sweats, minimal nausea, light headed, cranky, tired, not sleeping, exit issues (nothing more needed to say here...), feelings of super human power and a truckers appetite....usually on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...steroids! Although, I was so hungry today. I have eaten everything in sight and may have possibly scarred John for life...grin.
Some of you have asked me to explain the three, three week cycle...here it is:
Week 1 - Labs, doctor, treatment (2 drugs)
Week 2 - Labs, treatment (1 drug)
Week 3 - Labs
I repeat this cycle three times in all and then I will have a CAT scan to see what is happening. Are the nodules growing, spreading, shrinking....are they gone (oh hell yes!)? Then I will need at least one more three, three week cycle. A girl can do that...right?
So here's the thing about IV ports (see photos below)...yes, they do make treatment much easier and quicker. No hot packs, no searching for a promising vein, no multiple sticks...but damn, when they push that needle (more like a small nail...seriously) through your skin and into your port...it makes your pee pee tingle...and not in a good way. Did I mention that there is no numbing agent used?
Saline solution bag...check, anti-biotics...check, steroid bag...check, Gemcitabine (aka Jelly Bean) bag....check. Week two in my first three week cycle goes by in a flash...we had just gotten started and we were done...yeah!
Side effects have been minimal but are most certainly there. I think maybe because I knew what to expect it has made it a bit easier. Mild headache, mild sweats, minimal nausea, light headed, cranky, tired, not sleeping, exit issues (nothing more needed to say here...), feelings of super human power and a truckers appetite....usually on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...steroids! Although, I was so hungry today. I have eaten everything in sight and may have possibly scarred John for life...grin.
Some of you have asked me to explain the three, three week cycle...here it is:
Week 1 - Labs, doctor, treatment (2 drugs)
Week 2 - Labs, treatment (1 drug)
Week 3 - Labs
I repeat this cycle three times in all and then I will have a CAT scan to see what is happening. Are the nodules growing, spreading, shrinking....are they gone (oh hell yes!)? Then I will need at least one more three, three week cycle. A girl can do that...right?
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - First Night After Chemo
How quickly I had forgotten just how brutal the steroids are that you receive during and after a treatment. I came upstairs intending to crawl in and get a good nights sleep. Not! as the steroids had another idea. My mind races, my body gets the jitters, my face is flushed, I have a mild headache, feel a little crappy overall....and cannot for the life of me sleep. The last time I looked at the clock it was 3:45am. When I woke at 6:25am it amazed me that I wasn't tired. Again...steroids, wow. I also feel as though I could eat us out of house and home as well as pick the house up and shake it out. Crazy. When I go for treatment on Monday I am going to ask the nurse if we can cut back on the steroids a bit...I have this awful fear that I will wake up one morning with an accent like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Monday, August 13, 2012 - Treatment #1
Transportation and support provided by Sandy (my big sister)
Labs, a visit with Dr. McC. and then up to the infusion suite. I was hoping it wouldn't...but it felt comfortable at the infusion suite. The nurses were happy to see me, but not happy about the circumstance of why they were seeing me. Everyone said hello, called me by name and told me that I looked good. How can a person feel so good, look good and be so sick? One of the nurses used the "F" bomb (love it!) when she saw me...she said she heard I was coming in. Let's be real people....the words cancer and fu*k just belong together.
I must say that my port made treatment easier and quicker. Today I received a bag of saline solution, a bag of steroids (to pump me up!), anti-biotics, a bag of Carboplatin (chemo drug of choice for fallopian and ovarian cancer) and a bag of Gemcitabine (chemo drug for non-small cell lung cancer). I am on three, three week cycles. At the end of nine weeks I will have a CT scan to see where we are. Are the nodules growing (hell no!), spreading (another hell no!), shrinking (yes)...or gone (yes please!) My appointment started at 8:30am (labs), Dr. McC. at 9:00am and Treatment at 9:15am. Sandy and I were outta there just after 12:00pm. Next week will be even quicker because I don't see the doctor and I only receive Gemcitabine.
Labs, a visit with Dr. McC. and then up to the infusion suite. I was hoping it wouldn't...but it felt comfortable at the infusion suite. The nurses were happy to see me, but not happy about the circumstance of why they were seeing me. Everyone said hello, called me by name and told me that I looked good. How can a person feel so good, look good and be so sick? One of the nurses used the "F" bomb (love it!) when she saw me...she said she heard I was coming in. Let's be real people....the words cancer and fu*k just belong together.
I must say that my port made treatment easier and quicker. Today I received a bag of saline solution, a bag of steroids (to pump me up!), anti-biotics, a bag of Carboplatin (chemo drug of choice for fallopian and ovarian cancer) and a bag of Gemcitabine (chemo drug for non-small cell lung cancer). I am on three, three week cycles. At the end of nine weeks I will have a CT scan to see where we are. Are the nodules growing (hell no!), spreading (another hell no!), shrinking (yes)...or gone (yes please!) My appointment started at 8:30am (labs), Dr. McC. at 9:00am and Treatment at 9:15am. Sandy and I were outta there just after 12:00pm. Next week will be even quicker because I don't see the doctor and I only receive Gemcitabine.
Thursday, August 9, 2012 - Port Installation
Transportation provided by Snara aka Sara (my niece)
Today is the day I have my IV port installed. Not like my port from hell, which was an IP port...this port will be placed just under my collar bone on the right side and will be used for treatment, blood draws, antibiotics, transfusions...what ever would normally be done via an IV only no searching for a vein, hot packs or sticking. I opted not to have an IV port the first time around but my veins trumped my prior decision and in goes the port. Sara and I arrive at Providence Portland and we get started once we get past a minor delay...the nurse told me they would be doing a "conscious sedation" for the procedure....hey there, hold on, wait a minute...that is what I had the week prior when I had my Brochoscopy and I hated it. The nursed notified the surgeon and he came by for a little visit. We discussed my options...no sedation, which he wouldn't recommend, light conscious sedation or general anesthesia. He told me that during my Bronchoscopy it was necessary to "tank me" so to speak (I love medical terms liked tanked, I'm certain it is in the Mayo Clinic handbook some where...grin) and he was right, that's what they did because they needed to given the procedure. I agreed to the light sedation and we were ready to go. Should a medical procedure be fun? I met some of the most incredible nurses today day. First "F" who told me they were gonna treat me like a baby sister...and duct tape me to the gurney, to being asked "what kind of music do you like?" Everyone had a smile on their face and introduced themselves...very nice. The sedation nurse told me that she had had a conversation with Dr. C. and that she would be giving me less than 10% of the amount of sedation I had received the week prior...yeah! Which means...I got to stay awake for the entire procedure which worked for me. In hindsight...I wish I could have watched...maybe when I have it removed. In the end I was given the "patient of the day award" and told my dentist must really love me because I have beautiful teeth. If you need to have a medical procedure done...you might as well have fun doing it. Oh, and about that music choice...I deferred to what the surgeon liked, a smart choice I thought...until they told me his choice would be Keisha. Now, I have nothing against her or her music but, it wouldn't be my choice while I am trying to relax as he surgically stitches a port in one of my major veins. When I told the nurse my choice would be country but I didn't want to push the doctor over the edge she suggested meeting in the middle with the Grateful Dead. Really? In the end I decided it was my dime....nothing like a little country music to set you right.
Today is the day I have my IV port installed. Not like my port from hell, which was an IP port...this port will be placed just under my collar bone on the right side and will be used for treatment, blood draws, antibiotics, transfusions...what ever would normally be done via an IV only no searching for a vein, hot packs or sticking. I opted not to have an IV port the first time around but my veins trumped my prior decision and in goes the port. Sara and I arrive at Providence Portland and we get started once we get past a minor delay...the nurse told me they would be doing a "conscious sedation" for the procedure....hey there, hold on, wait a minute...that is what I had the week prior when I had my Brochoscopy and I hated it. The nursed notified the surgeon and he came by for a little visit. We discussed my options...no sedation, which he wouldn't recommend, light conscious sedation or general anesthesia. He told me that during my Bronchoscopy it was necessary to "tank me" so to speak (I love medical terms liked tanked, I'm certain it is in the Mayo Clinic handbook some where...grin) and he was right, that's what they did because they needed to given the procedure. I agreed to the light sedation and we were ready to go. Should a medical procedure be fun? I met some of the most incredible nurses today day. First "F" who told me they were gonna treat me like a baby sister...and duct tape me to the gurney, to being asked "what kind of music do you like?" Everyone had a smile on their face and introduced themselves...very nice. The sedation nurse told me that she had had a conversation with Dr. C. and that she would be giving me less than 10% of the amount of sedation I had received the week prior...yeah! Which means...I got to stay awake for the entire procedure which worked for me. In hindsight...I wish I could have watched...maybe when I have it removed. In the end I was given the "patient of the day award" and told my dentist must really love me because I have beautiful teeth. If you need to have a medical procedure done...you might as well have fun doing it. Oh, and about that music choice...I deferred to what the surgeon liked, a smart choice I thought...until they told me his choice would be Keisha. Now, I have nothing against her or her music but, it wouldn't be my choice while I am trying to relax as he surgically stitches a port in one of my major veins. When I told the nurse my choice would be country but I didn't want to push the doctor over the edge she suggested meeting in the middle with the Grateful Dead. Really? In the end I decided it was my dime....nothing like a little country music to set you right.
Saturday, August 4, 2012 - Where do I begin?
So much has happened in the past few days where do I begin? OK, so it's Saturday morning about 5:00am and I wake up coughing. Not bad, just enough to irritate me that I'm awake. So I give another little cough and I feel something fly up into my mouth. Yep...really. I thought what the hell is that? I turned the light on, got up out of bed, got a kleenex and sat back down on the side of the bed and spit into the kleenex. WARNING: graphic verbage and photo below (I know...it's so gross it's cool...grin). What I coughed up appeared to be a piece of the biopsy that got left behind or torn loose...or whatever. It was about 3/4 an inch long and as big around as a piece of cooked spaghetti. I looked at it, examined it and decided to take it's picture. I know, how gross...but I'm cool. The best part...I can breath again. Oh yeah!
Late morning I get a call from my Pulmonologist with the results of my biopsy. Metastatic Fallopian cancer is confirmed. Dr. H. tells me that Dr. McC. will be giving me a call to discuss chemo. He also tells me that the inside of my lungs look good and that he doesn't anticipate me having any difficulty breathing, etc. Thank God! So, since it is Fallopian cancer that found it's way to my lungs, my OBGYN/Oncologist will continue to treat me. She had actually phoned me yesterday but I missed her call. I called the office this morning and spoke with her triage nurse. I will need to have an IV port put in and treatment starts Monday.
What is it they say about the second time around... Or that number two tries harder... Or that if you don't succeed the first time try again...
Late morning I get a call from my Pulmonologist with the results of my biopsy. Metastatic Fallopian cancer is confirmed. Dr. H. tells me that Dr. McC. will be giving me a call to discuss chemo. He also tells me that the inside of my lungs look good and that he doesn't anticipate me having any difficulty breathing, etc. Thank God! So, since it is Fallopian cancer that found it's way to my lungs, my OBGYN/Oncologist will continue to treat me. She had actually phoned me yesterday but I missed her call. I called the office this morning and spoke with her triage nurse. I will need to have an IV port put in and treatment starts Monday.
What is it they say about the second time around... Or that number two tries harder... Or that if you don't succeed the first time try again...
Friday, August 3, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012 - Update
Well crap…I had so much trouble breathing this morning it
was necessary for me to put a call into my pulmonologist. I had been wheezing
and coughing all morning and my breathing difficulties escalated to a place
where I thought I should call in. I phoned Dr. H.’s office and within 80
minutes he returned my call (he was at the hospital attending other challenged
breathers). I’ve said it before but I really do like this guy. He was concerned
for me, told me he thought it was nothing more than irritation from the
procedure and the water that he placed in my lungs (I hope he remembered to
take the water back out). He called in a steroid inhaler to my pharmacy and
told me to also continue to take my rescue inhaler as needed. He told me
he hoped that I felt better and that he would talk with me on Monday (biopsy
results). So, today was a Cindy meets big comfy over sized chair day. Basically
I took my inhalers and watched the Olympics. I do great as long as I don’t move
around too much or take to deep a breath…grin. I know some of you are probably
gasping…but we asthma girls are tough when it comes to breathing. That was the
bad part of my day…if you can call it bad. The good part was that my
sister-in-law Chris took my grocery list and took on Fred Meyer for me…and my
brother Mike worked on the house fixing doorknobs, replacing the kitchen
faucet, repairing the lawn mower, etc. Oh yeah…happy girl.
I love my family and friends. I am such a blessed, lucky,
fortunate, happy girl that I have such a supportive, loving family…including my
family of friends. Oh yeah, and my grand nephew Austin and my sister Sandy cleaned my
basement on Monday…and I mean cleaned and organized with my direction from afar
so I wouldn’t suck in all the cooties and heaven knows whatever else was growing
down there. Austin also cut the grass and trimmed the laurel hedge. Teenagers
have so much energy it shouldn’t be wasted…huge grin. What a love he is…I feel
really bad about taking his money when we played Po-ke-no…not!
I give my buddy Jim credit for the photo below.
August 1, 2012 - Bronchoscopy
Transportation provided by Michelle
Today was my bronchoscopy (including a biopsy and ultrasound). For whatever reason I was nervous about this procedure. I think maybe because I had asthma so bad as a child I wasn't excited about having my throat numbed and then having something stuck down my nose and throat simultaneously. Oh, and then there was the water he was going to spray in there too.....see? I arrive on time, Nurse "N" calls me back, gives me a gown the size of a large child, replaces gown with one for a more voluptuous woman (huge grin), checks over my paperwork, gives me an A+ (giggling...you don' say) for my paperwork being completed to the point where she says she doesn't need to ask me any questions (Sue...I know you are busting up). Nurse "N" departs and Nurse "K" appears...she takes a good look at my veins, or lack thereof and calls in the big guns...Cindy gets an IV nurse to put in her IV today. Two attempts later, both of which hurt like a mofo (my veins issue...not the nurse), Nurse "M" has me connected and off I go to the procedure room where the numbing begins.
OMG...Dr. H. said the numbing agent was foul tasting but that I wouldn't remember any of it in the end (due to the sedation). Hello! Foul tasting? When you sign all of the consent forms before your procedure...there should be a separate form for the numbing agent that reads "Warning: Tastes like Texas Mule Pee" sweet bajeesus! They spray up one nostril while you breath in (gasp, ark, gag...holy crap!) the second nostril they told me to breath deeper (really? no dude, you breath deeper)...by the time they spray it down your throat you are already so numb both literally and figuratively you no longer care. The procedure went well, no complications however, I did have a bit of difficult (I think) coming out of the sedation. Like having the nurse ask me if I was ready to get dressed and I asked her to give me 15 more minutes...Michelle wishing she had it all on video. I remember getting up, getting dressed and thinking man, it's a long way to the wheel chair...lol. Sleeping all the way home....and then only navigating enough once I got through the front door to fall into the bed. Night night big girl...Zzzzzz. I was up and down a couple of times. I did some coughing and some wheezing, was having a little difficulty breathing so I took my inhaler and went to bed.
Today was my bronchoscopy (including a biopsy and ultrasound). For whatever reason I was nervous about this procedure. I think maybe because I had asthma so bad as a child I wasn't excited about having my throat numbed and then having something stuck down my nose and throat simultaneously. Oh, and then there was the water he was going to spray in there too.....see? I arrive on time, Nurse "N" calls me back, gives me a gown the size of a large child, replaces gown with one for a more voluptuous woman (huge grin), checks over my paperwork, gives me an A+ (giggling...you don' say) for my paperwork being completed to the point where she says she doesn't need to ask me any questions (Sue...I know you are busting up). Nurse "N" departs and Nurse "K" appears...she takes a good look at my veins, or lack thereof and calls in the big guns...Cindy gets an IV nurse to put in her IV today. Two attempts later, both of which hurt like a mofo (my veins issue...not the nurse), Nurse "M" has me connected and off I go to the procedure room where the numbing begins.
OMG...Dr. H. said the numbing agent was foul tasting but that I wouldn't remember any of it in the end (due to the sedation). Hello! Foul tasting? When you sign all of the consent forms before your procedure...there should be a separate form for the numbing agent that reads "Warning: Tastes like Texas Mule Pee" sweet bajeesus! They spray up one nostril while you breath in (gasp, ark, gag...holy crap!) the second nostril they told me to breath deeper (really? no dude, you breath deeper)...by the time they spray it down your throat you are already so numb both literally and figuratively you no longer care. The procedure went well, no complications however, I did have a bit of difficult (I think) coming out of the sedation. Like having the nurse ask me if I was ready to get dressed and I asked her to give me 15 more minutes...Michelle wishing she had it all on video. I remember getting up, getting dressed and thinking man, it's a long way to the wheel chair...lol. Sleeping all the way home....and then only navigating enough once I got through the front door to fall into the bed. Night night big girl...Zzzzzz. I was up and down a couple of times. I did some coughing and some wheezing, was having a little difficulty breathing so I took my inhaler and went to bed.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Comment Difficulties on Blog
I have heard from a number of you that you cannot comment directly on my blog. For the life of me I cannot figure this out. If you wish to comment and you are unsuccessful, please feel free to send me an email at CinWa39@aol.com or post on my Facebook.
Much love to all...Cindy
Much love to all...Cindy
Thursday, July 26, 2012 - PET Scan
Today's buddy - Michelle
Today I had my first PET scan. Long, but uneventful. So I arrive as scheduled and the nurse took me back to a private room. First she takes a glucose reading to make certain that I am not diabetic or have too high of a glucose reading. My reading is good so she places an IV in my arm and we are off. She tells me that she is going to go get the radioactive dye and she will be right back. I swear when she open the door and was carrying a small stainless steel box that when she sat it on the counter it thunked...I though possibly we were filming Mission Impossible 4. Even more so when she removed the stainless steel cylinder that was inside the box and screwed it into my IV. None of that stuff was going anywhere except inside me. Next...three vials of saline solution and I am ready for my nap. Serious...a nap. The next step is to sit very quietly or sleep for the next 45 minutes. I was told no reading, no talking, no texting, etc. Night night big girl. After 45 minutes the nurse returns and we head into the room with the scanner. It's pretty much like an MRI machine or a CAT scan machine except it's more open. You still go in a cylinder...but being tall I could always see light. Then there are 10 series of five minute images...every five minutes the scanner moves you in. My only minor hiccup was that you have to put your arms over your head, fold them and leave them in that position for 50 minutes. Well....guess who started getting a muscle cramp in their shoulder about 40 minutes in? By the time it was over and she moved me out and said "You did a great job Cindy, you can take your arms down now"...I thought...easy for you to say.
Nurse "M" was fabulous. She explained everything...was so kind and compassionate...checked in with me throughout the scan to make certain I was OK. People like this is health care make life so much easier/better on those of us who are ill.
Results to be received next week.
Later in the day I received a text from my brother asking how things went. When I explained about the dye in the cylinder he wanted to know if I now glow in the dark. Nice one funny boy. Grin.
Today I had my first PET scan. Long, but uneventful. So I arrive as scheduled and the nurse took me back to a private room. First she takes a glucose reading to make certain that I am not diabetic or have too high of a glucose reading. My reading is good so she places an IV in my arm and we are off. She tells me that she is going to go get the radioactive dye and she will be right back. I swear when she open the door and was carrying a small stainless steel box that when she sat it on the counter it thunked...I though possibly we were filming Mission Impossible 4. Even more so when she removed the stainless steel cylinder that was inside the box and screwed it into my IV. None of that stuff was going anywhere except inside me. Next...three vials of saline solution and I am ready for my nap. Serious...a nap. The next step is to sit very quietly or sleep for the next 45 minutes. I was told no reading, no talking, no texting, etc. Night night big girl. After 45 minutes the nurse returns and we head into the room with the scanner. It's pretty much like an MRI machine or a CAT scan machine except it's more open. You still go in a cylinder...but being tall I could always see light. Then there are 10 series of five minute images...every five minutes the scanner moves you in. My only minor hiccup was that you have to put your arms over your head, fold them and leave them in that position for 50 minutes. Well....guess who started getting a muscle cramp in their shoulder about 40 minutes in? By the time it was over and she moved me out and said "You did a great job Cindy, you can take your arms down now"...I thought...easy for you to say.
Nurse "M" was fabulous. She explained everything...was so kind and compassionate...checked in with me throughout the scan to make certain I was OK. People like this is health care make life so much easier/better on those of us who are ill.
Results to be received next week.
Later in the day I received a text from my brother asking how things went. When I explained about the dye in the cylinder he wanted to know if I now glow in the dark. Nice one funny boy. Grin.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 - Pulmonologist Appointment
Second set of ears and note taker provided by Muk
Today I had a meet and greet with my new Pulmonologist. Dr. H. is a very confident, professional, handsome guy with a sense of humor...but not too much so. He is reassuring in his demeanor and throughout the entire conversation asked if I had any questions. He also smells really good. I was so impressed that he spent the better part of an hour with me going over every detail of my CAT scans, explaining what things were, what they could be, his professional opinion and where we go from here. In his opinion it could be one of three things. 1. Lung Cancer of its own strain, although based on how it looks he doesn't believe that's the case. I guess when you are a Pulmonologist and you see as many CAT/PET scans as he does you get pretty good at recognizing things. 2. It could possibly be a fungus that is found in the SW United States. This is the first time in my life I wished I had lived some where other than Oregon. He asked in detail...have you ever lived in southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, South Carolina, Ohio....? Unfortunately...no. 3. Metastatic cancer from my Fallopian tube that has found its way to my lungs. Dr. H. is in agreement with Dr. McC. that it appears to be metastatic cancer. As there is no guessing in this...I need to have a biopsy so that they can determine exactly what I have. Dr. H. explains that it is an outpatient procedure done at the hospital. He explains that there is no general anesthia...I like this...that it is done under a sedative, the same kind they give you when you have a colonoscopy so that when it's all over and done with I won't remember a thing. He tells me the only thing I won't like is the numbing agent that they swab my nose and throat with as it tastes foul. Wonderful. I am already looking forward to not remebering. They will place a very long instrument down my nose and into my lungs...and another instrument done my throat and into my lungs. He wants to remove as much of the large nodule that is in my right lung...in my left lung the nodule he is interested in is too far down so he is going to spray some water in my lung and then suction it back out. My dear friend JW is praying that I have a fungus...she reminds me that miracles do happen.
My biopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Dr. H. also orders a PET scan so that we have a base line scan.
Today I had a meet and greet with my new Pulmonologist. Dr. H. is a very confident, professional, handsome guy with a sense of humor...but not too much so. He is reassuring in his demeanor and throughout the entire conversation asked if I had any questions. He also smells really good. I was so impressed that he spent the better part of an hour with me going over every detail of my CAT scans, explaining what things were, what they could be, his professional opinion and where we go from here. In his opinion it could be one of three things. 1. Lung Cancer of its own strain, although based on how it looks he doesn't believe that's the case. I guess when you are a Pulmonologist and you see as many CAT/PET scans as he does you get pretty good at recognizing things. 2. It could possibly be a fungus that is found in the SW United States. This is the first time in my life I wished I had lived some where other than Oregon. He asked in detail...have you ever lived in southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, South Carolina, Ohio....? Unfortunately...no. 3. Metastatic cancer from my Fallopian tube that has found its way to my lungs. Dr. H. is in agreement with Dr. McC. that it appears to be metastatic cancer. As there is no guessing in this...I need to have a biopsy so that they can determine exactly what I have. Dr. H. explains that it is an outpatient procedure done at the hospital. He explains that there is no general anesthia...I like this...that it is done under a sedative, the same kind they give you when you have a colonoscopy so that when it's all over and done with I won't remember a thing. He tells me the only thing I won't like is the numbing agent that they swab my nose and throat with as it tastes foul. Wonderful. I am already looking forward to not remebering. They will place a very long instrument down my nose and into my lungs...and another instrument done my throat and into my lungs. He wants to remove as much of the large nodule that is in my right lung...in my left lung the nodule he is interested in is too far down so he is going to spray some water in my lung and then suction it back out. My dear friend JW is praying that I have a fungus...she reminds me that miracles do happen.
My biopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Dr. H. also orders a PET scan so that we have a base line scan.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Second set of ears and note taking services provided by Sharon -
On Monday, July 23rd I had my follow up appointment with Dr. McC. My two insignificant nodules had become significant, the little bastards have grown, and I have three more. Bottom line, Dr. McC. believes my
Fallopian cancer metastasized and has found a new home in my lungs. Fu*k, Fu*k, Fu*k. I wasn't shocked by the results, I had felt it all along but I was overwhelmed with grief in the reality that my cancer had returned. Even as I write this I'm crying. I have had four days to process it...each day gets better...I feel as though I am off my emotional roll-a-coaster and now I am just plain pissed. I am also prepared to do whatever I need to do to beat this...again. In my discussion with Dr. McC. she voices concern about how soon my cancer has reoccurred. She is concerned that my body might be carboplatin (one of my chemo drugs) intolerant. Once I really stopped to think about what she said it made me realize that the bottom line here is that last years chemo might not have worked if in fact I am carboplatin intolerant. I can't even type my feelings on that because the authorities would come and rip my power cord out of the wall, ground me from any online access and put me in time out. Next step...Dr. McC. refers me to a pulmonologist.
On Monday, July 23rd I had my follow up appointment with Dr. McC. My two insignificant nodules had become significant, the little bastards have grown, and I have three more. Bottom line, Dr. McC. believes my
Fallopian cancer metastasized and has found a new home in my lungs. Fu*k, Fu*k, Fu*k. I wasn't shocked by the results, I had felt it all along but I was overwhelmed with grief in the reality that my cancer had returned. Even as I write this I'm crying. I have had four days to process it...each day gets better...I feel as though I am off my emotional roll-a-coaster and now I am just plain pissed. I am also prepared to do whatever I need to do to beat this...again. In my discussion with Dr. McC. she voices concern about how soon my cancer has reoccurred. She is concerned that my body might be carboplatin (one of my chemo drugs) intolerant. Once I really stopped to think about what she said it made me realize that the bottom line here is that last years chemo might not have worked if in fact I am carboplatin intolerant. I can't even type my feelings on that because the authorities would come and rip my power cord out of the wall, ground me from any online access and put me in time out. Next step...Dr. McC. refers me to a pulmonologist.
July, 2012 - Update from December...Finally!
Hello Campers!
Well, here we are...seven months since my last surgery (December 20, 2011). Yes, it actually happened and I felt fabulous afterwards. All of the nagging pain and tummy upset that I felt for months was gone. Even on the night of surgery, I was sore from the incision but that awful, awful pain was gone. Ahhhhhhh. Dr. McC. had to make a much larger incision that she anticipated as the amount of necrotic (rotten) tissue that she removed was way more than she thought. It was necessary for her to cut all the way down to my fascia, which is the layer of tissue that holds in your guts. I was on my way to recovery from a year that I never wanted to repeat.
As usual, I recovered quickly from my surgery and my 12 inch incision healed nicely. Yep...12 bloody inches. I now have 1/2 of a tic-tac-toe board. No kidding. Did I also mention that I also now have four boobs? My two were never enough, but four? Pleeeeease. In the medical community it is referred to as being dog eared. There was so much necrotic tissue in my "Port from Hell" area that is was necessary for my doctor to literally take a scoop out of my side. Imagine removing a crescent moon from your side. Oh boy.
Fast forward to February...imagine my surprise when I feel a new mass forming in my port from hell area. I let it ride until early April when I was scheduled to see Dr. McC. By this time there was a definite mass forming (feels like more necrotic tissue to me). I also have what feels like a couple of marbles directly under the incision area. When I see Dr. McC. in April she agrees that there is something in there and she sends me for a CAT scan. After receiving the results she recommends that I see a plastic surgeon to have the mass and boobs three and four removed. She feels strongly that this next surgery needs to be done by a plastic/reconstructive surgeon. Enter Dr. H. In her opinion it is more necrotic tissue. She tells me that your body isn't done making it, until it's done making it and apparently my body wasn't done making it. She also says that what I refer to as boobs three and four are an easy clean up...a little liposuction here, a little incision there and bingo! Just before going to see Dr. H. I stop by Dr. McC's office to pick up all of my medical records and copies of my CAT scans to take to Dr. H. Of course when I got home I had to sit down and read through all of my medical records. It's much uglier in writing then when the doctor tells you in plain English. I notice in the report from my April CAT scan that they found two insignificant nodules in my lower lobes (lungs). WTF! Of course a wave of panic came over me and for the life of me I have no recollection of Dr. McC. discussing this with me when she called to give me the results of the CAT scan. Long story short...I follow up with Dr. McC. and she orders a another CAT scan (as it's been three months since the last one) and schedules a follow up appointment with her on Monday, July 23, 2012.
Well, here we are...seven months since my last surgery (December 20, 2011). Yes, it actually happened and I felt fabulous afterwards. All of the nagging pain and tummy upset that I felt for months was gone. Even on the night of surgery, I was sore from the incision but that awful, awful pain was gone. Ahhhhhhh. Dr. McC. had to make a much larger incision that she anticipated as the amount of necrotic (rotten) tissue that she removed was way more than she thought. It was necessary for her to cut all the way down to my fascia, which is the layer of tissue that holds in your guts. I was on my way to recovery from a year that I never wanted to repeat.
As usual, I recovered quickly from my surgery and my 12 inch incision healed nicely. Yep...12 bloody inches. I now have 1/2 of a tic-tac-toe board. No kidding. Did I also mention that I also now have four boobs? My two were never enough, but four? Pleeeeease. In the medical community it is referred to as being dog eared. There was so much necrotic tissue in my "Port from Hell" area that is was necessary for my doctor to literally take a scoop out of my side. Imagine removing a crescent moon from your side. Oh boy.
Fast forward to February...imagine my surprise when I feel a new mass forming in my port from hell area. I let it ride until early April when I was scheduled to see Dr. McC. By this time there was a definite mass forming (feels like more necrotic tissue to me). I also have what feels like a couple of marbles directly under the incision area. When I see Dr. McC. in April she agrees that there is something in there and she sends me for a CAT scan. After receiving the results she recommends that I see a plastic surgeon to have the mass and boobs three and four removed. She feels strongly that this next surgery needs to be done by a plastic/reconstructive surgeon. Enter Dr. H. In her opinion it is more necrotic tissue. She tells me that your body isn't done making it, until it's done making it and apparently my body wasn't done making it. She also says that what I refer to as boobs three and four are an easy clean up...a little liposuction here, a little incision there and bingo! Just before going to see Dr. H. I stop by Dr. McC's office to pick up all of my medical records and copies of my CAT scans to take to Dr. H. Of course when I got home I had to sit down and read through all of my medical records. It's much uglier in writing then when the doctor tells you in plain English. I notice in the report from my April CAT scan that they found two insignificant nodules in my lower lobes (lungs). WTF! Of course a wave of panic came over me and for the life of me I have no recollection of Dr. McC. discussing this with me when she called to give me the results of the CAT scan. Long story short...I follow up with Dr. McC. and she orders a another CAT scan (as it's been three months since the last one) and schedules a follow up appointment with her on Monday, July 23, 2012.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)