Hope everyone is doing well!
I'll start with the procedure I had for my fistula. It was called a Seton Placement. Not a drain, like I thought, but something similar to an open rubber band laid through the fistula to keep both ends open. The surgeon was pleased that she was able to find both ends and do the placement. In a few months I'll have to have some more procedures done, but I don't remember much of what she said after my surgery. I see her for a post-op check up on Thurs., so I'll find out everything then.
In other health news, my mammo and MRI came back clear. So I'm done with tests for awhile! I saw my onc., for my 3 month check up, and everything looks good there too. My wbc were a little low, but he said that could be because I was a little sick, or could just be from all the chemo I had. I also complained of being tired, and he seemed to think that was to be expected also. He still wants more labs and a visit with him in 3 months, and ct scans again in 6 months. He said there are protocols that suggest I could go longer between scans, but because I've had the 2 different cancers, (and the fact that I was young for both), he wants to keep a closer eye on me. That's fine with me! Speaking of being tired...I've been on Spring Break this past week, and have still been really tired--but I think it might be from allergies, because they are really bothering me with this warm weather we are having. The maples are starting to bud, and that's always when I start having trouble! I still enjoyed the time off though! We've gone for lots of walks, and gotten a few things done (but, a lot less than I planned on because I've been so tired!)
On to other news! Rich has been keeping busy house-cleaning! He has vacuumed EVERYTHING. He even found some lost socks behind the dryer in the laundry room! :) He has applied for several jobs and has an interview for one that sounds promising on Monday. The bad part is it's about double the distance of his last job, so he'll have to spend more time driving. Maybe we'll have to get the Bible on cd and with all that time in the car he'll be a theologian in no time! :) I'm secretly hoping they hire him, but give him a few more weeks before he starts----there is a lot more stuff around here he could do!!
I'm sort of looking for another job/2nd job too. If Rich doesn't get another job soon, I will definitely need to work more. And if he gets a job, but it doesn't pay as well, then I'll still have to work more. And, really, I just need to work more! I did apply for a different position at the school, but didn't get it. (I needed more computer experience) So, not sure what to do, but I've been looking and keeping my eyes open. Anybody want to hire me for anything?? :)
My girls have been keeping me busy as usual. Rachel and Ken are getting ready to put their house up for sale--they need more room. I still watch their boys at least twice a week. Brennan is growing so fast and learning so many things! Charlie too! Charlie can stand with help (and even for a few moments on his own!). His heart is doing well, and he is healthy.
Alyssa and Jaren are busy house-hunting. Rich and I went with them on Wed. They found one they really like--hope they can get it for a good price. It's only a few miles away. Now if we can just convince Rachel and Ken to stay in the area it would be so perfect!
Shonna is thinking about coming back to MN to go to college next year. She applied to a Christian college in CA, and got their best academic scholarship for her GPA and ACT score. She is a smart girl! But now she is thinking of going back to the college she went to for her senior year in high school. It's a good, quality, Christian school. There are a lot of different ministries she can get involved in here, and maybe get on a worship team somewhere. She has enjoyed her 2 years at IHOPU, but feels it's time to work on getting her degree. I will be SOOO happy if she comes back to MN. Even better--she plans on living with my sister! Shonna would be close by, but not under my roof--perfect! ;)
Some days, I just feel like the most blessed woman on earth. My husband is so good to me, my girls are close by, and so are my 2 grandsons. I sometimes feel like I don't deserve this. But that's the way God is. Even when we didn't deserve it, He sent His son to die for us. For you, for me. And, the thing that I love best--His love is UNFAILING. There is no one on earth that you can say that about. Only God.
That's all for today!
Blessings to all!
Tina
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Guest Blogger Talks About Mesothelioma
What Is Mesothelioma and What is the Mesothelioma Center?
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by an exposure to asbestos. The Mesothelioma Center is the most complete, up-to-date resource – like an Internet encyclopedia – that can explain anything you want to know about the two.
An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with mesothelioma, one of the few cancers that can be attributed solely to man-made exposure. It develops in the thin layer of cells that surround the chest, abdomen or heart.
And it is caused by an inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers that get lodged in that mesothelium membrane. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in thousands of products, including anything related to construction to anything that needed some heat resistance and flexibility. Unfortunately, it was toxic, and when disturbed or ages, it becomes airborne.
Although the prognosis for a mesothelioma diagnosis is usually poor – six to 18 months to live – strides are being made slowly. There are exceptions, too.
The Mesothelioma Center has documented survivors who have lived five, 10 and 15 years with the cancer for which there no cure.
Mesothelioma often is viewed as an occupational disease, most prevalent in construction, ship building and among military veterans. The majority of patients are male. Yet it also strikes women who never stepped into the workplace, breathing those asbestos fibers from floor or ceiling tiles.
The Mesothelioma Center is a one-stop resource for patients, families and friends. It has free informational packets, a Doctor Match Program to sync patients with doctors, nurses on staff to answer questions, and patient advocates to help people through every step of their journey.
Because mesothelioma is rare compared to many cancers, only a small percentage of physicians have seen it enough to fully understand it, and properly diagnose it. They just don't see it enough.
Mesothelioma has a latency period of anywhere from 10 to 50 years between exposure to asbestos and diagnosis, which is why the disease can be so puzzling. Many of the symptoms – fatigue, a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath – are often confused with other, less serious illnesses.
It is important to find the best possible care, and as quickly as possible when the cancer is in its earliest stages.
Bio: Tim Povtak is a senior writer for the Mesothelioma Center. Prior to joining the center, Tim was an award-winning journalist at a daily metropolitan newspaper.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Still Cancer Free!
Just had my CT scans and blood tests yesterday, and I already have the results--everything looks good! Thank you God! I'll see the onc next Wed., and the only thing I have a question about is why my white blood cells have dropped a bit below range. I think it's my body still recovering from all the chemo and radiation I had. He'll also let me know if I still have to have the scans every 6 months, or if I can go longer between scans. I am on the fence about this. I like knowing there is no cancer in my body, but the ct scans themselves pose a risk because of the radiation. I'll trust my oncologist's decision--he a great doc!
I have more tests at the end of the month--a mammogram and MRI, then I'll be free of tests for a while! Yay!
Stayed home from work today with a stuffed up head. Didn't sleep much last night and had stomach problems from that barium contrast stuff I had to drink yesterday for the scans. Man that stuff messes up my stomach! My frequent trips to the bathroom caused other issues, which eventually required a percocet for pain! It's been 2.5 years since I finished radiation for the colon cancer--I hope someday my skin will heal and I won't have these painful "issues" anymore!
Speaking of which, tomorrow is my little procedure to try to drain the fistula on my backside--another side effect of radiation. I have many people praying for me because with my sinus problems they might not let me go under anesthesia. I really want to get this done, but if doesn't happen, I'm going to trust that it's God's will, and He knows what's best for me!
So it's a mixed bag of news tonight. The reason I'm fitting all this medical stuff into one month is because our health insurance coverage will end at the end of Feb. Rich lost his job a few weeks ago. :( After 27 years they let him go. I can't even begin to explain the feelings we have had over this. Some of the folks he worked with are devastated by this. He was a great boss. I have been praying that he would get another job, because he has been miserable for over a year. They made things difficult for him; I think they were trying to get him to fail--well HE DIDN'T! They had to come up with some lame excuse. A bunch of people that he worked with (recently and in the past) got together for a little party for him. It was real nice--lots of people he hasn't seen in a long time--really lifted his spirits! We are trusting in God, knowing that this is an answer to prayer. As stressful as this is, it's so nice to have Rich around and be able to do more things together. Before he was always either working, or exhausted. That's no way to live. I know God has more for us than that!
That's all for now--getting sleepy and need to get to bed soon!
Blessings to all!
Tina
I have more tests at the end of the month--a mammogram and MRI, then I'll be free of tests for a while! Yay!
Stayed home from work today with a stuffed up head. Didn't sleep much last night and had stomach problems from that barium contrast stuff I had to drink yesterday for the scans. Man that stuff messes up my stomach! My frequent trips to the bathroom caused other issues, which eventually required a percocet for pain! It's been 2.5 years since I finished radiation for the colon cancer--I hope someday my skin will heal and I won't have these painful "issues" anymore!
Speaking of which, tomorrow is my little procedure to try to drain the fistula on my backside--another side effect of radiation. I have many people praying for me because with my sinus problems they might not let me go under anesthesia. I really want to get this done, but if doesn't happen, I'm going to trust that it's God's will, and He knows what's best for me!
So it's a mixed bag of news tonight. The reason I'm fitting all this medical stuff into one month is because our health insurance coverage will end at the end of Feb. Rich lost his job a few weeks ago. :( After 27 years they let him go. I can't even begin to explain the feelings we have had over this. Some of the folks he worked with are devastated by this. He was a great boss. I have been praying that he would get another job, because he has been miserable for over a year. They made things difficult for him; I think they were trying to get him to fail--well HE DIDN'T! They had to come up with some lame excuse. A bunch of people that he worked with (recently and in the past) got together for a little party for him. It was real nice--lots of people he hasn't seen in a long time--really lifted his spirits! We are trusting in God, knowing that this is an answer to prayer. As stressful as this is, it's so nice to have Rich around and be able to do more things together. Before he was always either working, or exhausted. That's no way to live. I know God has more for us than that!
That's all for now--getting sleepy and need to get to bed soon!
Blessings to all!
Tina
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
February is looking Busy!
Seems I'm doing about 1 blog a month now. I guess that's good--means nothing too bad is happening health-wise! :) Life is busy though, and that's good too.
Work is going well. Every time I complain about it I remember 1. it's only 3 hours, and 2. I get lots of days off! The 3 hours part can be deceiving though. It's a very busy 3 hours, and 1 hour of it is outside. It gets hard on my neuropathy, not to mention my poor aging skin! I have other problems that are aggravated by so much walking around too.
There is another job, though, that I've been thinking about, and may see if I can do it temporarily over the summer. It involves lots of paper work, and sounds like heaven! My sister was describing it to me and everything she said just made it sound better and better. Most people wouldn't like to be searching through stacks of papers and working on the computer, but to me, that is the PERFECT job. The pay is less, but I would be working year round and therefore would be making more money annually than I do now. Just something I'm thinking about at this point.
Another job I would like to do would be helping out the elderly--especially with their computers. Many want to get e-mail and be on Facebook to see what everyone is doing, and look at pictures, but don't know how. Think anyone would hire me to come over once or twice a week and help them get online? It's just one of those thoughts that tumble around in my head!
Excuse me if I ramble on a bit today. I had to take a pain pill, and that makes me a little loopy! I will fill you in a bit on some issues I have been having, but don't want to get in to too much detail because of the "delicate" nature of these issues. (If you have read my blog from the beginning, you know that I used to just tell it like it is, since it's hard not to when talking about colon and breast cancer. But it's been awhile since I've had to talk much about these things). Last Thursday I saw the colon-rectal surgeon again that I saw back in Oct. or Nov. I definitely have a fistula this time. My backside has been very painful; some days worse than others (like today). There are also tender skin issues from radiation and today is a day when both things are painful at the same time! A fistula is a tunnel that develops under the skin, between two organs, or from the inside to the skin surface. Normally the surgeon would cut the top off of it and then it would fill in and close up with scar tissue. I can't have surgery back there because my radiated skin might not heal. Also my surgeon told me the procedure could leave me incontinent (because of radiation or my colon resection, or maybe both)--no thanks!! In Feb. I will be having a procedure where my surgeon can "explore" the area and hopefully put in a tiny tube to help it drain (not sure if this will help it close up?). This will be done under anesthesia. Sounds fun doesn't it? Another side effect of that wonderful radiation. (A side note--someone asked me how to word a blurb about the radiation her daughter would be having--I told her the right way to word it, then told her there are many other words I could put with the word radiation--and none of them very nice!! It's the only time I swear, or think of swearing, these days!)
Also coming up in Feb. will be my labs, ct scans (for colon cancer), and 3 month visit with my oncologist; also a visit with my primary for a pre-op check up. I plan on talking to her about my neuropathy at that time, to see if there is anything more I should be doing to keep it from getting worse. So, it will be a busy month! Feb. 6th will be 3 years since my tumor was found during a colonoscopy, and on the 20th it will be 3 years since 18" of my colon was removed.
March is my "breast cancer" month. I'll have a mammogram and MRI.
It's crazy what I've been through in the last 3 years! Sometimes it seems so far away, and other times it seems like it was just yesterday I was lying in bed in a chemo fog, unable to even shower! I am so grateful to still be here, 3 years later. Even with all the side effects, life is still wonderful. The blog community has lost several lovely people to cancer the last few months (from young children, to mom's with young children, to the elderly), and others have had their cancer get worse. I know how blessed each day is that I am cancer-free. My prayer list grows long...
Well, I think that's enough for today. Maybe in a few days I'll post more about non-cancer related parts of my life (like my awesome little grandsons!). Stay tuned!
Love and blessings!
Tina
Work is going well. Every time I complain about it I remember 1. it's only 3 hours, and 2. I get lots of days off! The 3 hours part can be deceiving though. It's a very busy 3 hours, and 1 hour of it is outside. It gets hard on my neuropathy, not to mention my poor aging skin! I have other problems that are aggravated by so much walking around too.
There is another job, though, that I've been thinking about, and may see if I can do it temporarily over the summer. It involves lots of paper work, and sounds like heaven! My sister was describing it to me and everything she said just made it sound better and better. Most people wouldn't like to be searching through stacks of papers and working on the computer, but to me, that is the PERFECT job. The pay is less, but I would be working year round and therefore would be making more money annually than I do now. Just something I'm thinking about at this point.
Another job I would like to do would be helping out the elderly--especially with their computers. Many want to get e-mail and be on Facebook to see what everyone is doing, and look at pictures, but don't know how. Think anyone would hire me to come over once or twice a week and help them get online? It's just one of those thoughts that tumble around in my head!
Excuse me if I ramble on a bit today. I had to take a pain pill, and that makes me a little loopy! I will fill you in a bit on some issues I have been having, but don't want to get in to too much detail because of the "delicate" nature of these issues. (If you have read my blog from the beginning, you know that I used to just tell it like it is, since it's hard not to when talking about colon and breast cancer. But it's been awhile since I've had to talk much about these things). Last Thursday I saw the colon-rectal surgeon again that I saw back in Oct. or Nov. I definitely have a fistula this time. My backside has been very painful; some days worse than others (like today). There are also tender skin issues from radiation and today is a day when both things are painful at the same time! A fistula is a tunnel that develops under the skin, between two organs, or from the inside to the skin surface. Normally the surgeon would cut the top off of it and then it would fill in and close up with scar tissue. I can't have surgery back there because my radiated skin might not heal. Also my surgeon told me the procedure could leave me incontinent (because of radiation or my colon resection, or maybe both)--no thanks!! In Feb. I will be having a procedure where my surgeon can "explore" the area and hopefully put in a tiny tube to help it drain (not sure if this will help it close up?). This will be done under anesthesia. Sounds fun doesn't it? Another side effect of that wonderful radiation. (A side note--someone asked me how to word a blurb about the radiation her daughter would be having--I told her the right way to word it, then told her there are many other words I could put with the word radiation--and none of them very nice!! It's the only time I swear, or think of swearing, these days!)
Also coming up in Feb. will be my labs, ct scans (for colon cancer), and 3 month visit with my oncologist; also a visit with my primary for a pre-op check up. I plan on talking to her about my neuropathy at that time, to see if there is anything more I should be doing to keep it from getting worse. So, it will be a busy month! Feb. 6th will be 3 years since my tumor was found during a colonoscopy, and on the 20th it will be 3 years since 18" of my colon was removed.
March is my "breast cancer" month. I'll have a mammogram and MRI.
It's crazy what I've been through in the last 3 years! Sometimes it seems so far away, and other times it seems like it was just yesterday I was lying in bed in a chemo fog, unable to even shower! I am so grateful to still be here, 3 years later. Even with all the side effects, life is still wonderful. The blog community has lost several lovely people to cancer the last few months (from young children, to mom's with young children, to the elderly), and others have had their cancer get worse. I know how blessed each day is that I am cancer-free. My prayer list grows long...
Well, I think that's enough for today. Maybe in a few days I'll post more about non-cancer related parts of my life (like my awesome little grandsons!). Stay tuned!
Love and blessings!
Tina
Friday, December 23, 2011
Merry Christmas!!
Just wanted to say "MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!"
I hope everyone is able to spend some time with their loved ones, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. I'm praying for anyone that might read this who isn't looking forward to Christmas and is sad and/or lonely. May God give you a miracle as we celebrate the birth of His son. May He comfort you and give you the peace that only He can give. May you feel his arms around you and feel safe and loved beyond your wildest imagination. Accept the gift of His Son, Jesus, and you'll have a new home (Heaven) and a new family (the body of Christ)!
I'm posting some recent pictures of my family. The one with all of us is on Thanksgiving (2011), the one where Rich is giving me a foot rub I included because this shows how I sometimes have to deal with the neuropathy in my feet! Rich's foot rubs really help! The other 2 were taken 12-18-11 on Charlie's Dedication day ( at our church we dedicate babies to the Lord, and they can choose to be baptized when they are older).
Love and blessings!
Tina
I hope everyone is able to spend some time with their loved ones, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. I'm praying for anyone that might read this who isn't looking forward to Christmas and is sad and/or lonely. May God give you a miracle as we celebrate the birth of His son. May He comfort you and give you the peace that only He can give. May you feel his arms around you and feel safe and loved beyond your wildest imagination. Accept the gift of His Son, Jesus, and you'll have a new home (Heaven) and a new family (the body of Christ)!
I'm posting some recent pictures of my family. The one with all of us is on Thanksgiving (2011), the one where Rich is giving me a foot rub I included because this shows how I sometimes have to deal with the neuropathy in my feet! Rich's foot rubs really help! The other 2 were taken 12-18-11 on Charlie's Dedication day ( at our church we dedicate babies to the Lord, and they can choose to be baptized when they are older).
Love and blessings!
Tina
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Holiday Season is Upon Us!
I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is quickly approaching! I feel like I'm behind already! You'd think this would be a normal feeling for me, since I am always behind, but I wish I could be ahead just one Christmas season. Well, it's still early (not even December yet!), so maybe I'll catch up.
I do love this time of year though--a national day just for giving thanks to God, and of course Christmas, the celebration of the birth of God's greatest gift--our savior Jesus! I hope everyone takes the time to soak in the meaning of the season. Don't rush through and miss the beauty of it all!
We had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! We've been having it here, at our house, the past few years, with our kids and grandkids, and usually my sister too. It's very nice. Everyone brings something, and my turkeys have been turning out PERFECT! That's a big deal to me, because years ago, as a young wife and mom, I tried to make a turkey and it didn't turn out. I cried. My wonderful, patient, husband ran up to the store to buy some deli chicken to go with the rest of the meal I had prepared. I said I'd never cook another turkey! Well, about 20 years later, I thought I'd give it another shot, and it turned out great!
This was Charlie's 1st Thanksgiving! He is getting to be such a big boy! He has physical, occupational, and speech therapy privately and through preschool. He is learning to crawl, stand, and walk. All his muscles are being worked--including core and mouth. I love all his facial expressions. He is a happy, funny, little boy.
His little brother, Brennan, is growing quickly too! He knows all his colors, and his ABCs. He loves pointing out letters and saying them all. I love the way he says things, in his own Brennan way!
Shonna came home for the holiday. She was going to be here for just a few days, but she surprised us and came home early! She is back at school now, but will be back in a few weeks for a whole month!
I had my 3 month bloodwork and check-up with my oncologist recently. Everything looks good! My hemoglobin is back up into the normal range for the first time in over 2 years. Still would like it a bit higher though. My neuropathy in my feet has been bothering me more often. Right now my feet feel tingly and like the bottoms are burning. I found something that helps though--a foot massage! Really, it does help, and I'm blessed with a husband who is willing!
My next check-up will be in 3 months, and I'll have more bloodwork and ct scans before I see my onc. My next mammogram and MRI will be in April. After all those tests are done, I might get my port removed. I like having it for the tests; it saves my veins.
Well, I'm going to go get a much needed foot rub now! May the next few weeks bring you abundant joy and blessings! Even when life doesn't seem so good, we can have true joy in knowing Jesus as our Savior, friend, and Lord!
Love,
Tina
I do love this time of year though--a national day just for giving thanks to God, and of course Christmas, the celebration of the birth of God's greatest gift--our savior Jesus! I hope everyone takes the time to soak in the meaning of the season. Don't rush through and miss the beauty of it all!
We had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! We've been having it here, at our house, the past few years, with our kids and grandkids, and usually my sister too. It's very nice. Everyone brings something, and my turkeys have been turning out PERFECT! That's a big deal to me, because years ago, as a young wife and mom, I tried to make a turkey and it didn't turn out. I cried. My wonderful, patient, husband ran up to the store to buy some deli chicken to go with the rest of the meal I had prepared. I said I'd never cook another turkey! Well, about 20 years later, I thought I'd give it another shot, and it turned out great!
This was Charlie's 1st Thanksgiving! He is getting to be such a big boy! He has physical, occupational, and speech therapy privately and through preschool. He is learning to crawl, stand, and walk. All his muscles are being worked--including core and mouth. I love all his facial expressions. He is a happy, funny, little boy.
His little brother, Brennan, is growing quickly too! He knows all his colors, and his ABCs. He loves pointing out letters and saying them all. I love the way he says things, in his own Brennan way!
Shonna came home for the holiday. She was going to be here for just a few days, but she surprised us and came home early! She is back at school now, but will be back in a few weeks for a whole month!
I had my 3 month bloodwork and check-up with my oncologist recently. Everything looks good! My hemoglobin is back up into the normal range for the first time in over 2 years. Still would like it a bit higher though. My neuropathy in my feet has been bothering me more often. Right now my feet feel tingly and like the bottoms are burning. I found something that helps though--a foot massage! Really, it does help, and I'm blessed with a husband who is willing!
My next check-up will be in 3 months, and I'll have more bloodwork and ct scans before I see my onc. My next mammogram and MRI will be in April. After all those tests are done, I might get my port removed. I like having it for the tests; it saves my veins.
Well, I'm going to go get a much needed foot rub now! May the next few weeks bring you abundant joy and blessings! Even when life doesn't seem so good, we can have true joy in knowing Jesus as our Savior, friend, and Lord!
Love,
Tina
Monday, October 24, 2011
There's a Name For It!
Since this blog is still primarily about my health and cancer issues, I'm going to share some personal things with you. I won't get into too much detail though...
I saw my doctor about a week and a half ago, after having a lot of pain and missing a day of work so I could rest and take some Percocet. She and I both thought I had a fistula (not going to describe that here, other than to say it's a major pain in the bum!). I was supposed to see my surgeon, but he referred me to a colon-rectal surgeon. I was able to get in this past Thurs., due to a cancellation. I'm so glad I was able to get in to see an expert in my issues! Good news was, there is no fistula. There are some other minor problems that could be fixed with surgery, but since I had radiation there is a risk that the area wouldn't heal. Surgery of a radiated area is always risky due to the damage done to the skin. So no surgery! I'm so glad!
I started telling her (the surgeon) of some of my problems and pain, and she said my surgeon must've mentioned these things to me, and I said, no, he didn't! She told me my problems are very common for my type of colon resection (low anterior resection), so common in fact, that there is a syndrome named for them--Low Anterior Resection Syndrome! We talked about how my colon now functions, and she gave me some tips and ideas on how to improve things. It's mostly trial and error, as each person is different. I can't tell you how nice it was to talk to someone openly and have them understand exactly what I was saying! I hope some of the things we talked about will work. Problem is that it takes time to figure out what works and what doesn't.
I had a pretty good week and a half or so, but the pain came back full force today. I couldn't wait to get home from work today and take a pain pill! I feel much better now, and hopefully tomorrow won't be so bad.
Other news-- This past week I had Wed., Thurs. and Friday off of work. Wed. I stayed home and did some MUCH needed cleaning. Thurs. I ran some errands, saw the surgeon, and packed for the weekend. Friday morning Rich and I left for Kansas City, MO. We went to visit Shonna. I haven't seen her since early Aug. and that's way too long!
Friday night we had a late dinner with her, then we spent all of Saturday together. We visited a couple of Jesse James historical sites. We love that stuff! Shonna has loved museums and history stuff since she was about 3 or 4. After supper on Sat. she came to our hotel and we sat in the hot tub and then hung out in our room for a bit--a lovely evening! Sunday we took her and one of her roomies to brunch, then Rich and I headed home. We could have spent more time there, but Shonna has very little time during the week to visit. Rich and I both had to get back to work today (Monday).
Rachel and Alyssa were also gone this weekend. Rachel and her 2 boys went to Alabama with another mom and her 3 kids to visit some other families that adopted from the same orphanage. Sort of a little reunion! But what a long drive! All survived though, and they had a good time!
Alyssa flew to AZ to visit her best friend that recently moved there. Alyssa HATES flying, but she did it by herself---tells you how much her friend means to her! She flew once before by herself to see Jaren before he went to Iraq. I think she's very brave!! I got to see her today and got to here all about her trip. Tomorrow Rachel is coming over with the boys and I'll hear all about their trip. It'll be so nice to see them all!
Life has been busy, and good (mostly!). I really wish I could take a break from cancer though. I think it's really starting to sink in that this is my life now, and cancer will always be a part of it. I sort of knew that before, but now I'm living that reality! I can't complain too much though--I'm still here and there is no sign of any cancer in my body! There are too many people I know that have had their cancer spread, or return. They are always in my prayers!
Well, that's my update for now. I'll try and update soon with some pictures of the boys--I know they are the real reason you are here! ;D
Love and blessings!!
Tina
I saw my doctor about a week and a half ago, after having a lot of pain and missing a day of work so I could rest and take some Percocet. She and I both thought I had a fistula (not going to describe that here, other than to say it's a major pain in the bum!). I was supposed to see my surgeon, but he referred me to a colon-rectal surgeon. I was able to get in this past Thurs., due to a cancellation. I'm so glad I was able to get in to see an expert in my issues! Good news was, there is no fistula. There are some other minor problems that could be fixed with surgery, but since I had radiation there is a risk that the area wouldn't heal. Surgery of a radiated area is always risky due to the damage done to the skin. So no surgery! I'm so glad!
I started telling her (the surgeon) of some of my problems and pain, and she said my surgeon must've mentioned these things to me, and I said, no, he didn't! She told me my problems are very common for my type of colon resection (low anterior resection), so common in fact, that there is a syndrome named for them--Low Anterior Resection Syndrome! We talked about how my colon now functions, and she gave me some tips and ideas on how to improve things. It's mostly trial and error, as each person is different. I can't tell you how nice it was to talk to someone openly and have them understand exactly what I was saying! I hope some of the things we talked about will work. Problem is that it takes time to figure out what works and what doesn't.
I had a pretty good week and a half or so, but the pain came back full force today. I couldn't wait to get home from work today and take a pain pill! I feel much better now, and hopefully tomorrow won't be so bad.
Other news-- This past week I had Wed., Thurs. and Friday off of work. Wed. I stayed home and did some MUCH needed cleaning. Thurs. I ran some errands, saw the surgeon, and packed for the weekend. Friday morning Rich and I left for Kansas City, MO. We went to visit Shonna. I haven't seen her since early Aug. and that's way too long!
Friday night we had a late dinner with her, then we spent all of Saturday together. We visited a couple of Jesse James historical sites. We love that stuff! Shonna has loved museums and history stuff since she was about 3 or 4. After supper on Sat. she came to our hotel and we sat in the hot tub and then hung out in our room for a bit--a lovely evening! Sunday we took her and one of her roomies to brunch, then Rich and I headed home. We could have spent more time there, but Shonna has very little time during the week to visit. Rich and I both had to get back to work today (Monday).
Rachel and Alyssa were also gone this weekend. Rachel and her 2 boys went to Alabama with another mom and her 3 kids to visit some other families that adopted from the same orphanage. Sort of a little reunion! But what a long drive! All survived though, and they had a good time!
Alyssa flew to AZ to visit her best friend that recently moved there. Alyssa HATES flying, but she did it by herself---tells you how much her friend means to her! She flew once before by herself to see Jaren before he went to Iraq. I think she's very brave!! I got to see her today and got to here all about her trip. Tomorrow Rachel is coming over with the boys and I'll hear all about their trip. It'll be so nice to see them all!
Life has been busy, and good (mostly!). I really wish I could take a break from cancer though. I think it's really starting to sink in that this is my life now, and cancer will always be a part of it. I sort of knew that before, but now I'm living that reality! I can't complain too much though--I'm still here and there is no sign of any cancer in my body! There are too many people I know that have had their cancer spread, or return. They are always in my prayers!
Well, that's my update for now. I'll try and update soon with some pictures of the boys--I know they are the real reason you are here! ;D
Love and blessings!!
Tina
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