Friday, June 27, 2014

I've been scanned



Today I went for my first full-body Thermography scan (here’s a link if you’re interested http://www.ohioinfraredhealth.com/index.htm ).  Its heat based and gives an inside peek into heat patterns in my body.  Cancer cells produce much more heat than regular cells so basically, this test can see cancer growing before you can feel a lump or it can be imaged with any other medical equipment.

I knew very little about thermography or how it was conducted.  Lots of people with cancer, unidentifiable pain, or other medical problems have this test, but I paid no attention to what they said. I was confident that I would never be having one. But now I am. So today, the day of my test I could eat or drink anything I wanted, but it needed to be room temperature.  No exercise, no going outside, basically anything that would alter my body temperature (cold or hot) was verboten until after the test.

Once I arrived, I was given the obligatory little white hospital gown, we went over my medical records and got started.  I stood in front of the camera and had 4 – 6 shots taken of all the different sections of my body.  I’m thinking somewhere in excess of 60 images were taken.  The room was nice and warm and the Nurse Dena was very thorough and professional.  All in all it took about an hour and then I was free to resume the rest of my day.

 We should have the results on Monday, prayers gratefully accepted.  Have a great weekend everyone.



Saturday, June 21, 2014

A good week



It’s been a few days since my last post.  We had a precious week with family and no doctor’s appointments so we took full advantage by having dinner at BJ’s Brewhouse on Thursday evening.  Everything was so wonderful that we went back a second time the following Wednesday.  Our only disappointment was that we missed Seth (working behind the bar) both times we were in the restaurant.
But alas, the doctor appointments start up again on Monday when I see Dr. Kanodia, my Integrative Specialist.  He’s always positive and helpful with hundreds of ideas and recommendations.  So as doctor appointments go I’m looking forward to this one as much as one can look forward to such a thing.
And then on Friday the 27th I have my first scan to check the status of any possible tumors/signs of cancer and the effectiveness of my treatments so far.  This is where all of you come in.  All of my family and friends who have been behind me through all of this, I’m so lucky to have so many people that care about me.  I want you all to know that we don’t take any of this for granted.  

Dinner with Paul & Deb

Friday, June 13, 2014

The chemo port is history



There’s no such thing as a little operation when it’s happening to you.  Nonetheless, today’s procedure was as close as you can get with a singing surgeon wielding a scalpel.

The morning started off with all the usual ID/insurance card stuff.  But as soon as the Former Boyfriend and I were sent to the surgical holding pen we got a real feel for the place.  My Surgeon Kristine Slam came in happy and singing and the office staff started laughing so hard they could hardly control themselves.  It was a real positive atmosphere for yet another procedure.

The port was removed in a surgical room, but not a full-blown operating room.  Two nurses prepped me with everything icy cold they could get their hands on. Yikes! They also made the usual inquiries as to do I have any  surgically implanted metal plates. When I responded no they said they had a special today if I wanted any. (not surprisingly, I declined)

Dr. Slam numbed my shoulder with Lanacane.  Her first incision removed the catheter from my artery.  She put pressure on the area for several minutes to stop the bleeding.  Then she removed the port by cutting the sutures that held it in place.  More pressure to stop the bleeding, dissolving stitches on the inside, glue and steri strips to close up the skin on the outside.

The procedure took 15 – 20 minutes.  And Dr. Slam informed the Former Boyfriend that I was to do no cooking, cleaning, laundry…..for 6 weeks – laughing while she said it.  Actually, I just need to take it easy this weekend and I’ll be back to work on Monday.

Before

After

Saturday, June 7, 2014

The One Month Check-up….


Thursday was a beautiful day and Cousin Thom stepped in once again and flew the Former Boyfriend and me to Chicago.  The sky was so clear you could see for miles and miles.   Literally.  We could see Downtown Chicago and the lake from 70 miles away.  What a great day and thank you again Thom…we enjoyed every minute.



And basically, in my mind the news is great!  Dr. Chang aka Dr. Rad was pleased with what he saw during my check-up so I won’t be going back to Chicago until sometime in November. But I will be continue to be monitored closely by my doctors here in Columbus.  I know in my heart everything can change in an instant.



On Friday the 13th, I will be getting my chemotherapy port removed.  This has been an uphill battle with my Surgeon (she would like to leave it in), but with my Oncologist on my side I got the date and I’m excited to get this thing removed next week and take another step toward putting this all behind me.
cell phone pictures just can't do justice to the view we had

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Feeling good, having fun.



What a wonderful weekend full of family, friends and beautiful weather.  On Saturday the 31st Jack and Gina’s daughter Tiffany had her High School graduation party.  The Former Boyfriend had to work so once again Cousin Thom flew down and picked us up (along with his son Seth) and took us to Bryan for the party and flew us home that evening saving us hours on the road.  There are just no words for how appreciative we are.

And on Thursday the 5th I will travel back to Chicago for my one month check-up with my Radiologist at the Proton Center.  I’m so thankful Johnny never gets tired of all these doctor visits.  I’m feeling good, working in the garden, exercising more and regaining some energy.  I’ve gained 3 pounds which is good, now I just need to start sleeping better.

Thanks to all for the never ending support.  First and foremost from my family and friends…But also from my co-workers, neighbors, and even from complete strangers.  All this support means the world to us.


Four Generations: Uncle Denny, Thom, Rean, and Heath
 
The bustling terminal