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
