Great place to work

It's been good therapy for me to get back to work part time. I work 4 hrs. in the morning, and at this time in my life I don't think I could handle any more hrs. My aches start to bother me at about 3 1/2 hrs. So many people stop to ask me how I'm doing. And you know I have to be truthful. They say that I look great. My response is often I wish I felt that way. This past week has been a difficult week for me.

But...
am truly thankful for my bosses. They work with me. Give me "special projects" to do. Keeps me busy and I like to help out. They know my limitations and have been great. In this day and age, this is uncommon. And I do appreciate it.

Next step Advanced Pain Management

The physical therapist today agreed that my situation is complex. He's very compassionate and takes the time to analyze the problem. I brought him medical reports of the surgery in Nov. 07 and my test results from July 08.

It was a very long afternoon of seeing him, and then trying to fill a prescription (that he had to have faxed from yesterday's rehab dr.) for a prescription pad. Unfortunately my insurance would not cover it and the cost for this pad is $256.00.
Someone is ripping us off. So I had to go to plan B for another medicine that is placed on a band aid type item, with a plus and a negative "battery". It's adhesive and I have to wear it for 14 hrs. Works on some theory opposites attract. Who knows. But it's been on for about 5 hrs. and I don't feel a thing. Placed on my collar bone area. The physical therapist pulled/stretched my neck and then located a spot that seems to be the cause of my pain. Collar bone area. Combination of prior surgery and being paralyzed in April.

End result is come Monday I'm going to call the Advanced Pain Mgt. in Wexford for appt. I'm losing so much energy with this chronic pain. Can't even lie down and get comfortable. Thank goodness for sleeping pill. That truly helps me sleep through the night.

I spent a few phone calls to woman at rehab doctor's office this afternoon with trying to find something comparable to the drug not covered by insurance. She has kindly offered to deliver some sample "pads" to their office in Hermitage that I can try next week. She was very helpful.

Pain update

The taping that P/T did yesterday did decrease my pain level today. Am thankful for that. It's not a miracle (yet) just a much needed "band aid." After about 3 1/2 hrs. at work I've just about had it. Would not be able to work more hrs. at this point. May eventually see dr. in Cranberry that Pretty Patti gave me information on for advanced pain medicine. About 45 mins. away. Mentioned that drs. could place a block in shoulder area to numb the possible nerve that is causing the pain.

Today I had follow up appt. with rehab. dr. that attended to me while I was in local hospital. There was no exam, me just blabbing about what I've been doing for relief. He just nodded his head and agreed with P/T I saw yesterday. No shit! I had always complained about collar bone sticking out and shoulder pain could have been caused by being paralyzed after brain surgery. (I mentioned it to him last visit). He wrote up a script for a shoulder brace if that is my eventual route. Tomorrow I meet with P/T again.

The taping has a specific name that I think starts with an M. Am wrapped up like a mummy.


Updated 9:11 PM

Unfortunately the pain has just returned to the previous level. :(

Visit to local physical therapist

At the suggestion of my friend Lisa, I made an appt. today and was seen today by a local physical therapist. I canceled the appt. I had with chiropractor.

Here is a portion of email that I sent to some people about my visit with Larry.

I was impressed with Larry. he taped my shoulder up and it is improved. going back friday. says I am truly a unique case. thinks it is combination of surgery Nov. 07 where my collar bone, ribs taken out, being paralyzed and therefore inactive muscles . something to do with my neck, also. said to take it easy. he spent more time with me than any doctor I've seen recently. Am going to bring my report from operation.
Mentioned something about first couple of ribs taken out? Worked on my neck, stretching it. Had just started to feel a tingly feeling in my right palm this week. All related.

Where do I go now?

Yesterday was one of my "better" days in the past few months, had hoped it would continue. But, pain is back in shoulder area and I'm getting very upset with it. Difficult to raise my arm up/stiffness in arm pit area and shoulder. Don't know where to go. What to do? Wish someone would come up with a diagnosis so then I could make a plan to treat it. Am tired of just using and trying "bandaids".
Very frustrated to the point that tonight while Barry and I were out to dinner I just cried. And I know that is not fair to him but the pain was unbearable. Tomorrow is going to be my last appt. with chiropractor as I've been seeing him for about 3 weeks and I don't see any difference in pain. Pain mgt. could be an option but that doesn't diagnose the problem, they just give you drugs to not feel the pain. (at this stage maybe I shouldn't worry about taking drugs) Acupuncture? My body is unique due to the extensive surgery in Nov. 07 and my recent brain tumors in April of this year.

I had blood work this afternoon and my counts were OK. Just a bit above the minimum required to receive the chemo. But it was my off week so that didn't make any difference.

PS If you see me in person, please don't mention my recurring pain as I don't want to become emotional. Just post comments.

Happy Birthday Stephanie

I want to wish my niece Stephanie a very Happy Birthday! And I want all my bloggin'
friends to do the same....

PS. Daughter of my brother the chef/restaurant owner and his wife. updated 8/11/08

Headache kind of a day

I've had about 6 or 7 appts. with chiropractor. Not sure if they are working yet as my shoulder still causes me discomfort. Each visit he uses a rolling pin contraption on the backside of my neck, yesterday's visit he noticed that my left side was very stiff so therefore worked on that side. The electic stimulation feels good while it's on. I mentioned that perhaps I would check out acupuncture and he had heard good things about that method. I'm just so tired of this pain. Call me a whiner. I do realize that there are others in worse situations and should be thankful but...

This morning I woke up with headache which I haven't had in a long time. Lasted most of the day. Even a nap after lunch didn't work. Unsure what caused it but it eventually went away. Am thinking I stopped taking the ibupofren last night (had not seen a difference in pain level) and switched to another pain reliever that my oncologist recommended. I did see that a side effect was headache but after I called pharmacy I was told that headaches were not common. Perhaps it was sign of withdrawal. Don't know. Never took another one of those pills later in day. I feel that I'm just grasping for anything at this point.

Still here

Just a quick note to say that I'm still here, just haven't posted in a day or two.
Have been working 4 hrs. each day (except for Tuesday when I got my chemo) which is enough for me. Keeps my mind busy and I am with friends.

My chiropractor gave me an exercise to do with a rubber band for my shoulder when I saw him on Monday. I wasn't able to do them on Tuesday, too tired from chemo. I'm having some discomfort in my arm, it may be a combination of the new exercise and just returning to work. I have an appt. with him tomorrow p.m. to ask about it. Each afternoon I continue to take a much needed nap.

I still have 2 checking acct. statements to balance. I used to balance them right away, but with these past few months I find they just sit there. Maybe I'll tackle them this weekend!

Able to have chemo today...

I was able to have chemo today. But it wiped me out. As soon as I got home at about 10ish I went to bed. Got up at noon for couple of hrs and then back to bed at 2:30 p.m. I guess I'm not as young as I used to be! Had zero energy once again. But I can report that my shoulder has not needed any ointment Biofreeze applied to it yet today. That's the good news.

Next week is my "off" week from chemo. Yeah! Normally my counts would have been too low to have received it so we are taking that into account and just not scheduling it. Therefore, beating the bullet.

One recent comment on my blog was from Matt K. Heck, I haven't heard from him in years. We worked together at local bank a few years ago on the Help Line. Now that was fun. (sarcastic) Then he moved to Texas with his girlfriend to work at a BIG bank. Have emailed him to see if he is still there. Was so nice hearing from him.
Brought back good memories of our friendship. Thanks, Matt.

It's true...

The old saying goes something like this: it's good to be with friends to lift your morale. Today was my first day back to work since April. It truly felt good. I worked my 4 hours as planned and then later in p.m. went to see chiropractor for scheduled treatment.

Going for chemo in a.m. (if I pass the blood test. I'll be studying hard!)

Where did July go?

One week Tim went to soccer camp at the local College where I work.
Followed by a week at a Mission Conference held at the same College, and he stayed in the dorm. I only saw him when I brought him a fan 'cause he was hot.
Came home for one day, and left this past Sunday for his last Band Camp. This is where and when they learn the songs when they march/play at football games and at parades. They have to memorize the songs, no sheet music is ever used while playing.
It's held at a remote location I think so parents can't interfere.

And then they came home on Friday, unloaded off the bus and then continued to practice on home field. Then it was show time at 7 p.m. Barry and I went to see and we knew already from previous years that it was going to be a good performance. I am truly amazed at how much they learn in such a short time. They have a wonderful band conductor and staff. Barry took tons of pictures, I just have to locate them to blog them.

I return to work tomorrow in a part time status. My goal is to work 4 hours. But if I get tired I know now to leave. Last time I was there was April 10th, I remember that due to having chemo on April 11th. A lot has happened since then. I am truly thankful for the loving/caring support of this community and the people who take the time to read my journey online. As I said when I got out of the hospital, I've come a long way baby! And I intend to go even farther!

I am then off the next day for chemo if my blood counts are OK.

Am looking forward to being among friends...........lots of them.

Tim and the percussion group.

 

No pain relief

Had hoped to have some relief, but there is none. Perhaps it's too soon. Will be seeing chiropractor tomorrow p.m. to talk with him of the results.

I didn't realize she had dealt with breast cancer last year.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21350469/


I never realized until just now that Hoda Kotb, the co-anchor of the 3rd hour of Today show with Kathie Lee, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 07 and went through a mastectomy. If you check out the above link you will see the interview she did with Ann Curry on Today show in Oct. 07 which touched my heart.

Key things were mentioned by her that I agree with:

Don't hog your journey. Hence, my blog is how I deal with cancer. My life's an open book.

You can't scare me.

FORWARD.

Cancer survivors have clarity.


Take the time and check it out.

First visit to chiropractor today

I went and saw chiropractor this a.m. He did electro muscle stimulation on my shoulder area. Felt weird but relaxing, and lasted for 15 minutes. He then used a tool that resembled a rolling pin and rolled my "scapula" (unsure of spelling) where it is tight and sore. This hurt a bit and I hope it will work out in the long run. Area needed to be stretched. And lastly, he adjusted the top part of my back with a hammer like instrument, that lightly clicks/pushes the area he sees as having an issue. That didn't hurt at all. At one time he said to lie down on my stomach, I explained that has not happened since my chest resection in Nov. 2007. In fact I brought him all my medical papers I had to show my history. Have to show caution where the cement plate is in my chest.

Am hopeful these treatments work. Next one is this Friday p.m. Can't wait to feel relief.

CT Scan results..

Had chemo today and got my CT scan results: Not surprised that there was growth in lungs due to the months I was not given chemo due to brain tumor. Cancer got the upper hand then. The report makes note of 2 spots that both increased in size:
one was 5X8 mm and is now 7X10 mm and the other one increased from 4X4 mm to 13X17 mm.

My new treatment plan will be 2 weeks on chemo, followed by 1 week off. This is due to the fact I have never been able to get 3 treatments in anyway previously. A little adjustment is being made. I think in the long run I will be receiving more chemo.

I can't remember exactly how long she said it will be for the next CT scans. Too much input today. She also gave me a return back to work note for next Monday.

She did prescribe me ibuprofen 600 mg. for my shoulder/back that has been causing me daily problems. I don't believe I am doing this but I have an appt. with chiropractor tomorrow a.m. Am just grasping for some comfort. Like I said before, cancer (so far) I can deal with but shoulder/back I can't.

MRI Brain test results

This is exact quote from doctor:

good. 1 spot smaller, 1 stable which is good

-----------------------------------

First of all this is not what I had expected. I thought cyberknife was going to destroy the spot. I have since emailed him about this. In reading this I take it to mean I still have 2 spots in my brain, and I'm not sure if they are cancerous. And size isn't mentioned. And what if any is the next plan?

==========================================================================
I just got this email moments ago from doctor: 3:15 p.m.

No. The 1 was removed & we treated the area as a precaution, & the other spot we treated. The radiation works very slowly, so it does not disappear & there usually is some scar tissue, so often we will always see something there. The important thing is that it is not growing.

Off for Dr. Simon appt. and chemo

I have 11:30 a.m. appt. with oncologist. Then I'll hopefully get good news on CT scans of lungs/breast. And I will ask her to bring up MRI results and give me a copy for my records.

Don't know what's up, but I had diarrhea yesterday and just this morning. Perhaps it's from the contrast I had last Thursday from CT scans. Will ask Dr. Simon about it this a.m.

Tim's on the road again with band camp

This has been a busy month for Tim. Couple of weeks ago he was at soccer camp at the college. Last week he attended mission conference at the same place. He came home yesterday a.m. and left this afternoon for his last band camp week. He's now a senior. Hard to believe it. He was home long enough to cut our lawn and the neighbor's lawn. He'll be back Friday, but we can't see him until they perform at Meet the Band Night at the school. They learn so much during these days, learn to memorize marching songs and marching routines for football games. It amazes me.

I have a plan. Returning to work!

Just met with my bosses from college. I'm all set to return to work Aug. 4th. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Won't be doing my old job but a new one that will fit my situation. That was so nice of them to stop by as I was just thinking this week about returning to work. I have a plan now.