Early arrival at hospital tomorrow

Have to be there at 5 a.m. for surgery at 7:30. Am a bit pooped from days/weeks events and can't wait to hit the bed. Therefore a short post.

My sister will keep the blog up to date for me. Thanks for all your kind words.

Til we meet again. God bless you. Can't wait to get this alien out of my chest.

Sisters are the best... and a son is too.

 

 

Thanks

My party today at my job today was so nice. Full of kindness and support which will carry me over the next few weeks and then some. Not enough time tonight, but I will eventually post some pictures of:

a beautifully decorated pink ribbon cake made by a co-worker's daughter
a lap size afghan that will match my PJ ensemble made by an employee at the college
Ben and Jerry's ice cream and spoon (already being eated by Tim and me)
punch
a handstyled tree decorated with pink ribbons, lights, pink bows. But the best part is the ornaments which are individual notes from my co-worker friends showing their support for me. I read each and every one of them when I got home, shedding a tear here and there due to being touched so deeply.

You couldn't ask for a nicer place to work. And that statement is one that is not made often. I also received cards and an angel for serenity.

A bit pooped now. Looking forward to seeing my sister in a.m. Night and thanks to all who are right beside us everyday.

Blessing of the sick...

Yes, I did get blessed after work. I'll take all the blessings I can get.

Can't wait for this "alien" to be removed. Is bleeding, not heavily, but enough to go through gauze. Today it was even during the day. Had been just at night as I must squirm around in bed.

Tomorrow they're having a party for me at my job. Don't know what's being planned. I was so blessed when I got this job in March. May have taken me 4 years to get a job there, but you know, things work for a reason.

Scab comes off....crap

The scab that was on my incision area of tumor had barely been holding on by a thread. Yesterday that was noticeable when I went to change the gauze bandage. So when I got up this a.m. to undress, the new gauze bandage was completely covered in blood. Not something I like to see, especially in a.m. I'm not a blood type person.
So I took it off to replace it, but as it was being replaced it was dripping blood which made me nervous. Not heavy, but still dripping. Called the Pittsburgh hospital and left message for doctor on call to call me. Within 3 minutes a doctor returned my call. Explained my upcoming surgery and she said to double up on the gauze and to apply pressure on the area. So I did as I was told, layed down on couch. I'm just days aware from having this "alien" thing removed, so close. Don't need any infection. And since this scab has come off, there's a consistent stinging feeling probably due to area being open. Just taking tylenol for it. This doctor said she would notify my surgeon tomorrow about my phone call.

Probably did what I shouldn't have, but did pull up the tomato stakes and plants. So the vegetable part of garden is cleaned out. Still have about 200 bulbs to plant for spring. This will more likely be done by Tim and a buddy as I won't be up to doing it. Kids do like extra bucks in their wallets.

Well, for dessert tonight I went out with a couple of good friends to celebrate my upcoming surgery, Lisa and Joanne. I know the next couple of days will fly.

I have a phone call in to our priest as I would like the Blessing of the Sick before the surgery. It is major surgery and I think I would feel better by having this done.

Make a Difference Day

This a.m. I received a phone call from April who works at the college. She's a friend of mine. Told me to expect a group of college students any minute, that they were coming to rake our yard. It was part of Make a Difference Day, a community helping others in the community. And within 1/2 hr. two vehicles arrived carrying 6 college students. They came with a leaf blower, rakes, tarp and lots of energy. I couldn't believe that this gift was given to us. I've already forwarded the picture to the local newspaper, along to the President of the college. I've said it many times, we are so blessed to be living in God's country. So many friends who I swear would do anything for us. A true blessing.

This p.m. was our local Halloween Parade. Pictures have not been downloaded yet, but let me tell you this. Four boys who play percussion (including Tim) dressed up as Silks (the front dance line of girls). Traditionally this part of the band always comes up with some theme. Each year it gets bettter. The boys had such a great time, along with everyone who had them pose for pictures. Never saw so many happy faces. Just another small town tradition that brings the who town out, even if it was drizzling.

So yes, today was a good day. Counting down until Nov. 1.....when I get the demon taken out of me. And you know me, if I could-I would even ask someone to take pictures of the procedure to blog. Including the demon.

Just so you guys know, my sister will be keeping my blog up to date the weekend she is here.

Just think, in less than a week this will be history! The smaller of the bumps is my port. Forward we will go... Thankful for 2nd opinions.

 

 

 

 

As part of Make a Difference Day, a group of college students surprised us by raking our yard. A community helping a community. Angels on earth.

 

Forward we go

Am so thankful for friends and that my sister will be here for us. And to be able to spend some time with her before the surgery I'm going to be asking for that day off. Otherwise she'll mostly be seeing me in the hospital. Life's too short, have to get the most out of her visit. And it'll be a pleasure to pick her up.

She is amazed at how many friends I have. She shouldn't be. This is God's country after all!

UPDATE: All set for being off on Wednesday. Will be able to pick her up at airport.
I do thank everyone for their offers! More time to see her. And my job is having a "soiree" for me on Tuesday. Life is good.

CT PET SCAN RESULTS PERFECT

Just shows cancer where I already knew it was!

In looking back at my blog, my last CT scan on August 23rd the tumor measured
4.97 x 4.42 cm. Today the size is 6.6 X 4.7 cm. I have had good gut instincts with my body, and I knew that it was growing. That's one reason I went searching for a second opinion. And to get the news that there is no other cancer in my body was such a relief to me. Once again it brought good tears when I made my first calls to family and friends. Next week it will be history.

It was a long day today while waiting for results, but I was glad to be at work. My job keeps me busy, no time to worry which is a blessing.

Am so pleased to know that my sister is coming to represent my family. Had not known this until last night. Up until then I was wasting so much energy on trying to figure out logistically how both Barry and I would be hospitalized at same time, and what to do with Tim. Now everything is in its place. Just as Becky had just told me.

Once again, prayers have been answered.

CT/PET Scans done in Pittsburgh

Well, I think I'm done with all my tests. As I have said after having a job interview, it's out of my hands and into God's hands now. Of all my tests, this one is the most important. I can't remember ever praying as hard as I did today, especially when the PET scan machine was moving down my body every 3 minutes, a total of 7 moves. Each time it was taking pictures of my body. Until I get results of these tests, I am a bit anxious. A lot of "what if's?" have entered my mind today.

Tim scrambled some eggs for me at about 8 p.m. last night, and since I didn't eat anything all day (except for 4 cups of Tang flavored contrast for the tests) I was very hungry. I got into town at 6 p.m. Had Tim meet me at Perkins for dinner. It was nice.

My mind is so tired. Tired of drives into the city, tired of doctors appts. But all of these were muchly needed. I continue to pray for good results. Good results will show just the original tumor.

A very busy couple of weeks. Right now I'm heading to take nice bath and hopefully will hit the bed early tonight. Pooped.

Update on today's trip to Pittsburgh

I left at about 9:30 a.m. and got home at about 4:30 p.m. Another long day. I met with the plastic surgeon who briefly explained what he will be doing during my surgery. He checked out my thighs and skin on the left side under my arm for possible areas to take the skin and use it to put me back together again. Owie..
Told me that the surgery would take 4- 6 hrs, and his part takes about 2 hrs. He actually makes the plastic prosthetic for my sternum area in the operating room. As he took my medical history and heard the cancer had returned in May, he said something to the effect it took me 5 months to come see him. I told him I had never searched for a second opinion, and had been told surgery was not possible. He's confident that I'll be put back together very nicely and that I'll be pleased.

After this appointment I went to Shadyside and had blood work done along with an EKG for pre-op procedures required. I'm losing count on how many doctors I've seen the past few weeks.

Have tentative date of surgery which is Nov. 1, next Thursday. And guess what, Barry's much awaited chemo treatment is following day! I had expected something like this to happen. It will all work out somehow. We have lots of friends that are more than willing to help us. This will be the first time I've not been with Barry during his treatment. But neither of us can afford to wait any longer.
After all these dr. appts. and running around I'm looking forward to "relaxing" in bed with some pain meds! Won't be fun but neither is living with cancer and chemo.

PS Tim's knee is doing great. Still wears the knee thing for support, but doctor says he is fine. Follow up appt. in 10 days. He's made of tough stuff like us.

TOMMORROW I head to Hillman Cancer Center for PET/CT Scans. Now these are tests I am anxious to hear the results of. Have never had PET scan but know about CT scan. Keeping faith that the damn cells have stayed put. And I know you are also praying for me.

Back from city just now and off to take nap. Will update later after I rest my brain.

MRI Brain is PERFECT

No problem with my brain! Thankful for that. Got results this afternoon.

Have been scheduled to see plastic surgeon tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. This phone call just came today for me. Unfortunately, the dr. does surgery on Wednesday which will be the day I go back into the city for tests. Oh well... I'll get to know Pittsburgh.

GO RED SOX

Update on Timster

He's doing quite well considering what happened to him. Has taken it very easy today, which included about a 3 hr. sleep on couch after I cooked tacos for lunch. Has kept the knee thing on continuously, and has not required any pain meds today. He's been icing it periodically during the day. If not on the couch, he's been playing video games with leg straight out. Even slept good last night. Am thankful for that. He knows the discomfort is there but says it's fine.

Hopefully will be seeing dr. tomorrow as a follow up.

As for me, a nice day outside. Cut the lawn and pampered myself to a nice long nap. As Tim got up from his nap, I went to my nap. Perfect timing.

MRI brain is at 7:45 a.m. tomorrow. As Barry once said, he knows there's nothing there! What a jokester.

Tim gets hurt at soccer game tonight...

As Tim kicked the soccer ball at tonight's game, he knew something in his leg definitely came dislocated. Barry could see him raise his arm as he fell to the ground. His knee cap was about 4 inches to the side of where it should be. The team physician, who also was his anatomy teacher last year came right over to him. It was quite obvious to anyone around him what had happened. He told her in lay terms what had happened anyway, and she was cute with him. She said something about "what part of your body got hurt?" And to which he replied the medical term patella.

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A dislocated knee cap is when the triangle-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place. The problem usually occurs toward the outside of the leg.

A knee x-ray and, sometimes, MRIs should be done to make sure that the dislocation did not cause a bone to break or cartilage to be damaged. If tests show that you have no such damage, your knee will be placed into an immobilizer or cast to prevent you from moving it for several weeks (usually about 3 weeks). After this time, physical therapy is done to help build back your muscle strength and improve the knee's range of motion.

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Tim said that it was the worst pain in his life, the pain made him want to throw up. But he didn't.. He couldn't believe the site of it. The team physician iced it up and put it into a brace, and will be calling the orthepedic doctor on Monday to set up an appt. She wanted to put the immobilizer on but Tim said the brace was fine. Thank goodness one of the refs had some tylenol that I gave him at 1/2 time. As he sat on the bench I could see his pain since his other foot was tapping away on the ground quickly. It was his right knee cap. He didn't want to leave the game, wanted to stay until the end.

He's been told that the pain will get worse and to continue to use ice and ibuprofen. Since both Barry and I were at the game, I was able to drive Tim home in his car. He's a tough kid, didn't shed a tear unlike me had it happened to me. Definitely won't be playing soccer on Monday, doubtful on the last day which is Thursday. But that's fine. Health is everything.

TGIF

All my scans have been scheduled for next week. MRI of brain will be at local UPMC hospital Monday a.m. The CT/PET scans will be Hillman Cancer Center on Wednesday afternoon in the city. Have talked to surgeons office to say "go ahead" for surgery. They will get back to me.

Tonight I chaperoned for Tim's band to an away football game. This was my first and probably only one I'll do this year. I felt I had to do at least one for Tim. But now I'm back to the need to be and stay healthy for surgery. Tomorrow is my last chemo pill and then I'm off all next week. 2 weeks on the pills, 1 week off. I'm so pleased that I was able to do a whole cycle with the pill. First time.

Heard a good word tonight at the football field. A word that I'm going to have in my head for awhile. "FORWARD" No looking back, just going forward with my life and treatment. As the saying goes, I may have cancer but cancer does not have me! I'm stronger.

A tiring day with lots of output.....

I went to work today and so many people were concerned about my trip to see the doctors. So i filled them in when I could. Still had the ache going up my neck from the night before. Probably stress related. Aleve wasn't helping. All day I couldn't wait to get home and to hop into bed. Even Barry was pooped today from coming with me, and being my driver. Whatever I'm going through, he is going through. Right before leaving work I got message from radiologist who handles the cyberknife equipment and was told that insurance WAS NOT going to cover the procedure after all. Hence, one less decision for source of treatment. Message mentioned that I would be sent for traditional radiation to a dr. I met last week. But you know, this is not an option I'm going to take. Just because radiation only would shrink it, not destroy the tumor. And I may end up with whole where the tumor was radiated, infection could come. Now my decision has been made to be aggressive, go for the surgery. Since hearing the words and explanation of treatment and pain, I thought of my friend JK who has had two mastectomies with reconstruction surgery due to breast cancer. Yes, painful but necessary.

Came home and was in bed within 10 mins. Next thing I knew it was 8:30 and I thought I had overslept in the a.m. Weirdest feeling. Saying ooops, I'm going to be late for work. And then couldn't remember what day it was. Left room only to find Tim also in his bed sleeping. Never heard him come home from soccer. Had to eat late dinner so I could take chemo pills, and now I'm just updating my life as so many people have been concerned. Within the next week I'll be having PT/CT scans in Hillman, MRI of brain at local UPMC hospital. Ruling out that the cancer has not got up and run elsewhere. Surgery would be long day with different types of drs. working on me. In hospital for a week, recovery about 4 weeks at home.

Well, still pooped and headed to bed right after I pop my pills.

Night and thanks to all for ALL your concern.

A tiring day with lots of input

Yesterday we left the house at 10 and got home at 10. A 12 hr. exhausting day. Too tired to even post, I went directly to bed.

2 things we learned: Insurance may not cover the cyberknife, checking into it again
surgeon has suggested surgery to remove the whole damn cancer, which would require reconstructive sugery. A big procedure but doable. Would need a team of drs. in O/R. Is making appts. for me to have new CT/PT scans/MRI of brain to rule out cancer anywhere else. He will consult with all my other doctors about his suggestion. One week hospital stay, 4 weeks recovery. Lot of pain, fill in area with cement prosthetics.

Lots to think about but am leaning to getting rid of it. Being aggressive. no one likes pain, but I sure don't like cancer.

Mentally wiped right now. Off to work.