Saw my favorite Dr. today! Dr. J, my oncologist, had a "Fellow' with him, as usual. Dr. J points out to the Fellow all my oddities. Gee, glad I could be of help! :)
I brought a little list of questions today. I asked him about supplements. He doesn't think I need to take separate D, B complex, etc. He thinks I should just take a good women's multi-vitamin. The subject of vitamins came up because I told him I was eating a low residue diet to try to slow down my bowels, and make things more "normal". He was concerned I wasn't getting enough nutrition if I wasn't eating fruits and vegetables. I have been concerned about that too. This low residue diet has helped, but not completely changed things as I had hoped, so I think I will start adding back in fruits and veggies (not that I ate that many to begin with! But I was trying!). I will stay away from raw carrots (because I know they are a problem), and nuts and seeds. I think tomato sauce might be a problem too, so I'm going to try to avoid that for awhile.
Dr. J thought it would be a good idea if I took a baby aspirin every day. He said it helps prevent colon cancer in some people with some certain type of cells. They don't usually test to see if a person has those cells, but he said the baby aspirin is beneficial for other things too, so I can just go ahead and take it.
I asked him about damage to my bones from all the chemo I had, and that, combined with the fact that I am in menopause (early, thanks to radiation!), is reason to have a bone density test. So, now I have to schedule one of those. I've never had one, but I think they are pretty easy.
Other than that, he said my labs all look great. We talked about my fatigue again--I mentioned I planned on talking to my PCP about it, and Dr. J thought that was a good idea. He did say, again, that with all the chemo and radiation I've had my body took a pretty good hit, so he's not too surprised by my fatigue. I just want it to go away!
Dr. J always asks about my family and grandkids, and especially my adopted grandson. And he asks about Rich. He's a great oncologist!
When I get my labs done in 3 months I won't need to see him. I'll see him again in 6 months when I have a ct scan, mri, and labs.
My mammogram is in 2 days, but I won't update about that, unless, of course, there is a problem!
Love and blessings to all!
Tina
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Update on Scans and Labs
Hello!
Just wanted to do a quick update about my CT scans and lab tests I had done last Monday. By Monday evening I already had the results! Everything looks good! My hemoglobin is up a little (finally--I've been taking iron pills!). My platelets are at the low end of the range, and have been since surgery. Before that they were much higher. I'm going to ask my oncologist about that when I see him on Tues. I have a list of things in my head that I want to ask him--I really need to write these questions down!
I will have another little surgery on my backside on March 8th. Not going to do any major surgery on the fistula yet. My surgeon can't guarantee the outcome, so we will hold off as long as possible. There is a chance it might close up on it's own, eventually.
I had to miss another day of work due to my 'digestive system'. The barium stuff I have to drink for the CT scan really messes me up, and I spent most of the evening and into the night in the bathroom. I wasn't able to go to work the next day either. I think that's 5 days I've missed this school year related to my cancer treatment/side effects. Then I missed 4 days due to illness recently too--first a stomach bug, then a cold/chest/cough thing. I don't usually get those type of viruses, so it was weird to get them one right after another. I've already used up the 10 days I get per school year! I'm praying I don't miss any more this year!
It's a relief to have my scans done and over with. I was getting a little nervous this time. I couldn't shake the feeling that 'this might be it'. On the way to the hospital to get my tests done, as I was driving, I was praying and praying. And I was asking forgiveness for the fear, because I knew I shouldn't be afraid--I should be trusting in God. Finally, I realized where the fear was coming from and I said out loud "Satan, you can't touch this! I am a child of the Most High King, and covered by the blood of the Lamb! I have no cancer in me, and I will trust in God and not be afraid!". I felt soooo much better after declaring that for the devil to hear. He fled and I was filled with peace! I was able to be joyful the rest of the day, which I think was nice for those around me in the hospital. That can be a very stressful place, and I made sure I smiled at everyone!
Oh-- I have to mention my infusion nurses again. One of my regular nurses is working at a different place (I will miss her and hearing about her lovely children and family!), and the other 'regular' one wasn't there either. The nurse I had, Carol (Carole?), is one I know though, from being there over the last 4 years, and she had a person with her that was in training. At the end, when I was ready to go, Carol started asking me about my grandkids, and how I was doing after treatment. I was only going to tell her a little, to not take up too much of her time, but she kept asking, so I kept talking! That was so special to me, that she took the time to REALLY ask how I was doing. Usually when I don't have one of my 'regular' 2 nurses, I am in and out of there pretty quick. Everyone is very nice and says hi, but I am only there for a port flush or labs. It just made me feel really good, that she remembered things about my family, and really cared about how I was doing. Chemo nurses are truly angels!
Well, I see my oncologist Tuesday, and have my mammogram Thurs., then the following week I have a pre-op, and my minor surgery. Then I think I'll be done for awhile! *Whew*!
More updates later this week. Hope everyone feels blessed this week, and feels the love of Jesus surrounding them! Amen!
Tina
Just wanted to do a quick update about my CT scans and lab tests I had done last Monday. By Monday evening I already had the results! Everything looks good! My hemoglobin is up a little (finally--I've been taking iron pills!). My platelets are at the low end of the range, and have been since surgery. Before that they were much higher. I'm going to ask my oncologist about that when I see him on Tues. I have a list of things in my head that I want to ask him--I really need to write these questions down!
I will have another little surgery on my backside on March 8th. Not going to do any major surgery on the fistula yet. My surgeon can't guarantee the outcome, so we will hold off as long as possible. There is a chance it might close up on it's own, eventually.
I had to miss another day of work due to my 'digestive system'. The barium stuff I have to drink for the CT scan really messes me up, and I spent most of the evening and into the night in the bathroom. I wasn't able to go to work the next day either. I think that's 5 days I've missed this school year related to my cancer treatment/side effects. Then I missed 4 days due to illness recently too--first a stomach bug, then a cold/chest/cough thing. I don't usually get those type of viruses, so it was weird to get them one right after another. I've already used up the 10 days I get per school year! I'm praying I don't miss any more this year!
It's a relief to have my scans done and over with. I was getting a little nervous this time. I couldn't shake the feeling that 'this might be it'. On the way to the hospital to get my tests done, as I was driving, I was praying and praying. And I was asking forgiveness for the fear, because I knew I shouldn't be afraid--I should be trusting in God. Finally, I realized where the fear was coming from and I said out loud "Satan, you can't touch this! I am a child of the Most High King, and covered by the blood of the Lamb! I have no cancer in me, and I will trust in God and not be afraid!". I felt soooo much better after declaring that for the devil to hear. He fled and I was filled with peace! I was able to be joyful the rest of the day, which I think was nice for those around me in the hospital. That can be a very stressful place, and I made sure I smiled at everyone!
Oh-- I have to mention my infusion nurses again. One of my regular nurses is working at a different place (I will miss her and hearing about her lovely children and family!), and the other 'regular' one wasn't there either. The nurse I had, Carol (Carole?), is one I know though, from being there over the last 4 years, and she had a person with her that was in training. At the end, when I was ready to go, Carol started asking me about my grandkids, and how I was doing after treatment. I was only going to tell her a little, to not take up too much of her time, but she kept asking, so I kept talking! That was so special to me, that she took the time to REALLY ask how I was doing. Usually when I don't have one of my 'regular' 2 nurses, I am in and out of there pretty quick. Everyone is very nice and says hi, but I am only there for a port flush or labs. It just made me feel really good, that she remembered things about my family, and really cared about how I was doing. Chemo nurses are truly angels!
Well, I see my oncologist Tuesday, and have my mammogram Thurs., then the following week I have a pre-op, and my minor surgery. Then I think I'll be done for awhile! *Whew*!
More updates later this week. Hope everyone feels blessed this week, and feels the love of Jesus surrounding them! Amen!
Tina
Monday, February 11, 2013
Four Years!
February 6th was the 4 year anniversary of my tumor being found during a colonoscopy. I was having some symptoms that my primary Dr.(pcp) and gastro Dr. both thought were irritable bowel or colitis. Thankfully, before my pcp looked further into my symptoms, she wanted me to have a colonoscopy, and then we'd know more what we were dealing with. We were ALL surprised when the tumor was found. The gastro doc doing the procedure saw it right away (I was given some good drugs, but was fully awake) and said "See that? That shouldn't be there". After the exam the doc came in and told us he was sure it was cancer, although we needed to wait for the pathology report for the 'official' word. I am so grateful Rich was with me! We just held each other when the Dr. left. Then he came back, and told me he had set up a CT scan for me that afternoon. Things moved really fast! I remember the nurse giving me a hug when she walked us out and telling me I was going to be ok. That was so sweet, and yet scared me because I didn't really realize the gravity of the situation yet. Thanks to my 'happy drugs', I wasn't too upset yet--I told Rich in the truck after to stop looking so gloomy! Poor guy, he just found out his wife had cancer! I'm sure he was overwhelmed! (I don't think I'll ever know how hard all of this was on him, as he did a good job of keeping it from me. He was an EXCELLENT caregiver, and I'll always be grateful for that!)
Like I said, things moved quickly. My CT scan didn't show any other areas of cancer (except a possible lymph node). My gastro doc also contacted a surgeon, and an appt. to see him was scheduled, then my pre-op, then the surgery on Feb. 20th, just 2 weeks later. During surgery, 18" of my colon was removed and I was able to be reconnected. I came close to needing a colostomy, but am thankful I didn't! It was a tough surgery, and I was in the hospital 8 days. 2 of 20 lymph nodes had cancer, and I was stage 3b.
My wonderful oncologist told me this type of cancer could be CURED. Because of my young age (44), I was given everything they could possibly throw at me! None of my chemos were reduced, even with bad side effects. Once he even let me get chemo when my counts were really low--the nurse had to go ask him if the orders were correct! But he knew my counts always bounced back quickly when I had a neupogen shot, so he wasn't worried! I think it made a difference that my onc knew me well enough to know that I really wanted to complete all the treatments. If I had said it was too hard and I wanted to back off a bit he probably would have, as I think he would have respected my wishes. Same thing with radiation. That was even more difficult, and I was told I didn't need to finish, but it was important to me to finish those last 3, and I did! Although, I have to say, I never realized all the side effects I would have to live with!
Sometimes I have a hard time remembering how awful it all was, and other times I remember too well! I get frustrated dealing with painful side effects, but mostly, I am just so glad to be living life, cancer free. I am enjoying my children and grandchildren. My girls are such a blessing to me! They really stepped up and did everything they could to help me get through those tough days of cancer treatment. I'm sure it was hard to watch their mom get cancer TWICE. They are amazing young women!
Enough reminiscing...my 6 month CT scans are coming up next Monday, Feb. 18th. I'll also get my labs done that day too. Then the following week I see my oncologist and have a mammogram. This coming Thurs. (the 14th) I'll see my colorectal surgeon about the fistula, and I'm thinking I'll have to have surgery on that soon. That is a side effect from surgery and radiation. :(
1 more year and I'll hit that 5 year mark! I'm going to ask Dr. J about being 'cured'; if that still fits my case or not. I don't remember if the breast cancer will ever be considered cured--maybe because I was only stage 2b, I can be cured of that too. I'm not sure--I hope I remember to ask! April 1st will be 3 years from the breast cancer diagnosis.
Life goes on, and God is good! :)
Love,
Tina
Like I said, things moved quickly. My CT scan didn't show any other areas of cancer (except a possible lymph node). My gastro doc also contacted a surgeon, and an appt. to see him was scheduled, then my pre-op, then the surgery on Feb. 20th, just 2 weeks later. During surgery, 18" of my colon was removed and I was able to be reconnected. I came close to needing a colostomy, but am thankful I didn't! It was a tough surgery, and I was in the hospital 8 days. 2 of 20 lymph nodes had cancer, and I was stage 3b.
My wonderful oncologist told me this type of cancer could be CURED. Because of my young age (44), I was given everything they could possibly throw at me! None of my chemos were reduced, even with bad side effects. Once he even let me get chemo when my counts were really low--the nurse had to go ask him if the orders were correct! But he knew my counts always bounced back quickly when I had a neupogen shot, so he wasn't worried! I think it made a difference that my onc knew me well enough to know that I really wanted to complete all the treatments. If I had said it was too hard and I wanted to back off a bit he probably would have, as I think he would have respected my wishes. Same thing with radiation. That was even more difficult, and I was told I didn't need to finish, but it was important to me to finish those last 3, and I did! Although, I have to say, I never realized all the side effects I would have to live with!
Sometimes I have a hard time remembering how awful it all was, and other times I remember too well! I get frustrated dealing with painful side effects, but mostly, I am just so glad to be living life, cancer free. I am enjoying my children and grandchildren. My girls are such a blessing to me! They really stepped up and did everything they could to help me get through those tough days of cancer treatment. I'm sure it was hard to watch their mom get cancer TWICE. They are amazing young women!
Enough reminiscing...my 6 month CT scans are coming up next Monday, Feb. 18th. I'll also get my labs done that day too. Then the following week I see my oncologist and have a mammogram. This coming Thurs. (the 14th) I'll see my colorectal surgeon about the fistula, and I'm thinking I'll have to have surgery on that soon. That is a side effect from surgery and radiation. :(
1 more year and I'll hit that 5 year mark! I'm going to ask Dr. J about being 'cured'; if that still fits my case or not. I don't remember if the breast cancer will ever be considered cured--maybe because I was only stage 2b, I can be cured of that too. I'm not sure--I hope I remember to ask! April 1st will be 3 years from the breast cancer diagnosis.
Life goes on, and God is good! :)
Love,
Tina
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
It's a New Year!
Happy New Year! 2013 has arrived!
2012 wasn't so bad; I've heard many people say how glad they are to see it go, but for me it was a pretty good year! The best part (besides being cancer-free still!) was baby Selah being born in October. It is such a joy to have another baby around. She is growing fast now and things are changing quickly! She's got the cutest smile and dimples too!
When I look back on 2012, it seems like it was a year of settling in, and figuring things out. It was a year without any cancer treatments (Thank God!), and I have just been trying to figure out what my 'new normal' is, what my body is doing, and what my energy levels are.
I feel that 2013 is a year in which I need to really make some changes, and I think I'm ready to do that.
I've been trying to figure out this last month how food affects me, and I've switched to a low residue diet. I am not eating nuts, seeds, fresh fruits or veggies (except bananas). Only cooked/canned fruits and veggies, and esp. applesauce. Also, no high fiber breads and cereals, except oatmeal. This may not be the healthiest diet (we all know fresh fruits/veggies/high fiber is supposed to be the best), but it's what I need to eat because of my overactive digestive system. The problems I was experiencing were really starting to get me depressed. I missed 2 days of work because of them in Dec. I think I had been waiting for things to settle down on their own, and then I realized it's been long enough (almost 4 years since my colon resection), and I need to figure this out! I remembered hearing about a low residue diet somewhere, so I thought I'd start with that. That has really helped (so far, anyway). I make sure I eat bananas and applesauce nearly everyday. Those 2 foods help the most. I started taking Citrucel each morning after breakfast, but I don't think I need to do that everyday. I've been ok without it.
The next thing to work on is my weight. I really want to lose the weight I've gained back since I've been done with chemo. I can eat smaller portions (which also helps the digestive system!), and I especially need to exercise. I am too young to be so out of shape! Fatigue is a big problem for me, but I can't let that stop me. I've started drinking a small cup of coffee or tea every afternoon, and that helps!
Most of all, I've realized that I've just sort of been 'going through the motions' a lot this past year, and I want to live each day more fully. I'm so blessed to be here, and I don't want to waste whatever time I've been given. I think I needed this past year, to just 'be' (I don't know how else to explain it!), but now it's time to move on and really live! (If I can find the energy!)
If there are any people that like to pray reading this, please pray that the tiredness goes away, and doesn't keep me from being healthy. Pray also for me physically, that my body continues to heal from the beating it's taken the last few years. My oncologist always reminds me that I've been through a lot, and it's taken it's toll on me! I really appreciate any prayers, and if you leave me a comment or send an e-mail, I will be sure to pray for you also!
As I close, I am sending up a prayer for everyone that stops by to read this. May God reveal Himself to you more fully, and may the Creator and Giver of all life bless you with health, peace, and true joy in 2013!
Love,
Tina
PS: Some pictures from Christmas!
2012 wasn't so bad; I've heard many people say how glad they are to see it go, but for me it was a pretty good year! The best part (besides being cancer-free still!) was baby Selah being born in October. It is such a joy to have another baby around. She is growing fast now and things are changing quickly! She's got the cutest smile and dimples too!
When I look back on 2012, it seems like it was a year of settling in, and figuring things out. It was a year without any cancer treatments (Thank God!), and I have just been trying to figure out what my 'new normal' is, what my body is doing, and what my energy levels are.
I feel that 2013 is a year in which I need to really make some changes, and I think I'm ready to do that.
I've been trying to figure out this last month how food affects me, and I've switched to a low residue diet. I am not eating nuts, seeds, fresh fruits or veggies (except bananas). Only cooked/canned fruits and veggies, and esp. applesauce. Also, no high fiber breads and cereals, except oatmeal. This may not be the healthiest diet (we all know fresh fruits/veggies/high fiber is supposed to be the best), but it's what I need to eat because of my overactive digestive system. The problems I was experiencing were really starting to get me depressed. I missed 2 days of work because of them in Dec. I think I had been waiting for things to settle down on their own, and then I realized it's been long enough (almost 4 years since my colon resection), and I need to figure this out! I remembered hearing about a low residue diet somewhere, so I thought I'd start with that. That has really helped (so far, anyway). I make sure I eat bananas and applesauce nearly everyday. Those 2 foods help the most. I started taking Citrucel each morning after breakfast, but I don't think I need to do that everyday. I've been ok without it.
The next thing to work on is my weight. I really want to lose the weight I've gained back since I've been done with chemo. I can eat smaller portions (which also helps the digestive system!), and I especially need to exercise. I am too young to be so out of shape! Fatigue is a big problem for me, but I can't let that stop me. I've started drinking a small cup of coffee or tea every afternoon, and that helps!
Most of all, I've realized that I've just sort of been 'going through the motions' a lot this past year, and I want to live each day more fully. I'm so blessed to be here, and I don't want to waste whatever time I've been given. I think I needed this past year, to just 'be' (I don't know how else to explain it!), but now it's time to move on and really live! (If I can find the energy!)
If there are any people that like to pray reading this, please pray that the tiredness goes away, and doesn't keep me from being healthy. Pray also for me physically, that my body continues to heal from the beating it's taken the last few years. My oncologist always reminds me that I've been through a lot, and it's taken it's toll on me! I really appreciate any prayers, and if you leave me a comment or send an e-mail, I will be sure to pray for you also!
As I close, I am sending up a prayer for everyone that stops by to read this. May God reveal Himself to you more fully, and may the Creator and Giver of all life bless you with health, peace, and true joy in 2013!
Love,
Tina
PS: Some pictures from Christmas!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Scope Day
I had my colonoscopy today and it's all clear! I'm good for FIVE years! Woo-hoo! Last time it was 3 years, and now I've advanced to 5. I am so glad, because the prep was really rough. A person who has had 18" of their colon removed responds differently to the prep. Next time the prep will be modified to avoid all the painful cramping! I still have some nausea this evening, so have been taking it easy. Resting a lot, drinking lots of water, and not eating too much yet.
I was able to watch the procedure on the monitor, and I clearly saw the radiated part of my colon. It's very red looking, and bleeds easily. I was told this at my last scope too, but this time I saw it more clearly. It's not inflamed, so that is good.
I'm just so glad it's over with. It's been a miserable 2 days!
Guess who needs to get his done this next year? Yep! Hubby turns 50 soon! Anyone else that is reading this that is 50 or over, and has not had their colonoscopy yet, GET IT DONE! Call your primary physician, and get it set up asap! And if you have any changes to your bowel habits, or mucus and/or blood, get to your Dr. now and get it checked out! Colon cancer can be cured if it is found early enough. I waited about 18 months before I told my Dr. about my problems. I had some other medical problems I wanted to take care of first. I sure wish I hadn't waited. I still would've had cancer, but I may have been able to skip the radiation--boy wouldn't that be nice if I didn't have to deal with those side effects!
Love and Blessings!
Tina
I was able to watch the procedure on the monitor, and I clearly saw the radiated part of my colon. It's very red looking, and bleeds easily. I was told this at my last scope too, but this time I saw it more clearly. It's not inflamed, so that is good.
I'm just so glad it's over with. It's been a miserable 2 days!
Guess who needs to get his done this next year? Yep! Hubby turns 50 soon! Anyone else that is reading this that is 50 or over, and has not had their colonoscopy yet, GET IT DONE! Call your primary physician, and get it set up asap! And if you have any changes to your bowel habits, or mucus and/or blood, get to your Dr. now and get it checked out! Colon cancer can be cured if it is found early enough. I waited about 18 months before I told my Dr. about my problems. I had some other medical problems I wanted to take care of first. I sure wish I hadn't waited. I still would've had cancer, but I may have been able to skip the radiation--boy wouldn't that be nice if I didn't have to deal with those side effects!
Love and Blessings!
Tina
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Another Update
Well, don't know if anyone is out there reading this any more, but thought it was time for an update. I've written blog posts in my head many times, but for some reason I just haven't taken the time to actually write it here!
As always, I'll start with a health update. I saw both my colorectal surgeon (Dr.T) and my oncologist (Dr. J) a few weeks ago. The fistula has been bleeding more, and apparently something came loose, and Dr.T fixed it. I found out she does colonoscopies (I had been going to a gastro doc for my previous scopes) and told her I'd like to see her for my next one, which is due in March. Because there has been some bleeding, Dr. T. said insurance wouldn't have a problem with doing it sooner, and she figured my deductible has probably been met for the year, so we may as well get it done. She assured me, a couple of times, that she doesn't think the bleeding means there is anything wrong, and I agree. Because of the radiation damage and fistula, there will always be some bleeding. So, I am scheduled to have my colonoscopy next Monday, Dec. 3rd (yikes!).
My 3 month check up with Dr. J went well. My blood tests are all ok, although my hemoglobin and red blood cell count both dropped a little. Dr. J wasn't too concerned, and I told him I started taking a daily iron pill. He checked my reflexes this time, and my wrists and knees were fine, but my ankles still don't respond. This is from the neuropathy in my feet. I've been noticing that my balance seems slightly worse. Just small things, nothing major. This is probably from the neuropathy also. I told him next time I see him (in 3 months) I'll be 4 years out from my diagnosis of colon cancer (and 3 years from breast cancer). He said that if the cancer does return, it wouldn't be as aggressive as a cancer that came back sooner. He still wants to do scans every 6 months, so if anything does turn up we would be able to fight it aggressively, because I am still young and healthy (I love hearing that I am young!). Dr. J also asked if I have been exercising, which the answer is an obvious no. I think that was his gentle way of telling me he noticed I've been gaining weight. This weight thing is so frustrating! My metabolism is almost non-existent! Oh well...I'll just have to try harder!
Up until about 2 weeks ago I had been in a lot of pain (backside issues). Sometimes it gets me a bit down. You'd think after nearly 4 years I would have figured out what causes the 'bad' days. All I know is I have more bad days than good. Although, whenever I have a stretch of good (like now), I hope that this will become the norm, and not the bad days!
I find there are still a lot of things that bring me back to my chemo days. Thankfully, the nausea doesn't come back though. For instance, today I heated up a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes, and it reminded me of how I ate them a lot during chemo. I could almost feel that fog I was in for so many days each round of chemo. There are reminders almost daily.
I always try to make sure people know (both those that are recently dx'd with cancer, and those that don't have it) that when the treatment stops, things don't go back to "normal". This is where the term "new normal" really fits. Because side effects, pain, psychological effects, are all a part of my life now. I don't mean that to sound so bad, because I truly am grateful to be here and be cancer free. But I think people need to know, so they can understand what they might go through, or what someone else might be dealing with.
God has answered so many prayers recently for my family and me. I'm going to press in and pray for healing for my pain issues. I've been praying for help with my fatigue, and I am feeling a bit better. I just get busy and unfortunately don't have much energy left to spend time in God's Word as much as I should. I really need to do that more...there is nothing like the feeling I get when I spend time with God!
Family update: it's been so long since I blogged, I forgot I never wrote about my new granddaughter! Alyssa and Jaren had their baby on 10/15, 3 weeks early, but she was considered full term. They named her Selah ("say-la") Marie. Selah is a musical term in Psalms that means to pause, or pause and reflect. She is a beautiful little girl, and the new family is doing great. They have plenty of babysitters to help them out! Here is a picture of Selah, and one of my grandsons:
Aren't they cute? Charlie is doing so well! He is standing by himself in this picture! He can walk with a walker. It's hard to believe he is the same tiny 3 and a half year old that came to us from Ukraine. What a gift he is! Brennan is as smart as ever, and at the age of 3 he is reading a few words! Love my babies!
Shonna is doing great at college--she just registered for spring sem. I LOVE having her back in MN!
Thanks for reading! Let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you readers--be sure to contact me if you have questions about cancer (chemo, radiation, breast, colon, etc., etc.) OR if you want info about adopting a beautiful child from an orphanage. Or maybe you want to know how you can help a child other ways besides adopting. Please ask! You can e-mail me at nuttyoaks@gmaildotcom. You can also send me prayer requests, and I'll be happy to pray for you or send you some helpful Bible verses. :)
God bless!
Tina
As always, I'll start with a health update. I saw both my colorectal surgeon (Dr.T) and my oncologist (Dr. J) a few weeks ago. The fistula has been bleeding more, and apparently something came loose, and Dr.T fixed it. I found out she does colonoscopies (I had been going to a gastro doc for my previous scopes) and told her I'd like to see her for my next one, which is due in March. Because there has been some bleeding, Dr. T. said insurance wouldn't have a problem with doing it sooner, and she figured my deductible has probably been met for the year, so we may as well get it done. She assured me, a couple of times, that she doesn't think the bleeding means there is anything wrong, and I agree. Because of the radiation damage and fistula, there will always be some bleeding. So, I am scheduled to have my colonoscopy next Monday, Dec. 3rd (yikes!).
My 3 month check up with Dr. J went well. My blood tests are all ok, although my hemoglobin and red blood cell count both dropped a little. Dr. J wasn't too concerned, and I told him I started taking a daily iron pill. He checked my reflexes this time, and my wrists and knees were fine, but my ankles still don't respond. This is from the neuropathy in my feet. I've been noticing that my balance seems slightly worse. Just small things, nothing major. This is probably from the neuropathy also. I told him next time I see him (in 3 months) I'll be 4 years out from my diagnosis of colon cancer (and 3 years from breast cancer). He said that if the cancer does return, it wouldn't be as aggressive as a cancer that came back sooner. He still wants to do scans every 6 months, so if anything does turn up we would be able to fight it aggressively, because I am still young and healthy (I love hearing that I am young!). Dr. J also asked if I have been exercising, which the answer is an obvious no. I think that was his gentle way of telling me he noticed I've been gaining weight. This weight thing is so frustrating! My metabolism is almost non-existent! Oh well...I'll just have to try harder!
Up until about 2 weeks ago I had been in a lot of pain (backside issues). Sometimes it gets me a bit down. You'd think after nearly 4 years I would have figured out what causes the 'bad' days. All I know is I have more bad days than good. Although, whenever I have a stretch of good (like now), I hope that this will become the norm, and not the bad days!
I find there are still a lot of things that bring me back to my chemo days. Thankfully, the nausea doesn't come back though. For instance, today I heated up a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes, and it reminded me of how I ate them a lot during chemo. I could almost feel that fog I was in for so many days each round of chemo. There are reminders almost daily.
I always try to make sure people know (both those that are recently dx'd with cancer, and those that don't have it) that when the treatment stops, things don't go back to "normal". This is where the term "new normal" really fits. Because side effects, pain, psychological effects, are all a part of my life now. I don't mean that to sound so bad, because I truly am grateful to be here and be cancer free. But I think people need to know, so they can understand what they might go through, or what someone else might be dealing with.
God has answered so many prayers recently for my family and me. I'm going to press in and pray for healing for my pain issues. I've been praying for help with my fatigue, and I am feeling a bit better. I just get busy and unfortunately don't have much energy left to spend time in God's Word as much as I should. I really need to do that more...there is nothing like the feeling I get when I spend time with God!
Family update: it's been so long since I blogged, I forgot I never wrote about my new granddaughter! Alyssa and Jaren had their baby on 10/15, 3 weeks early, but she was considered full term. They named her Selah ("say-la") Marie. Selah is a musical term in Psalms that means to pause, or pause and reflect. She is a beautiful little girl, and the new family is doing great. They have plenty of babysitters to help them out! Here is a picture of Selah, and one of my grandsons:
Shonna is doing great at college--she just registered for spring sem. I LOVE having her back in MN!
Thanks for reading! Let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you readers--be sure to contact me if you have questions about cancer (chemo, radiation, breast, colon, etc., etc.) OR if you want info about adopting a beautiful child from an orphanage. Or maybe you want to know how you can help a child other ways besides adopting. Please ask! You can e-mail me at nuttyoaks@gmaildotcom. You can also send me prayer requests, and I'll be happy to pray for you or send you some helpful Bible verses. :)
God bless!
Tina
Sunday, September 2, 2012
It's September Already!
As usual, I'll start with the health stuff, because I figure that's what most people are here to read about! All my scans were clear, and bloodwork was good! My onc. asked me if I planned to do reconstruction, and we talked about the pros and cons of that a little. He said they have some very good and newer procedures now, but also said there is no reason to do recon. He said I should do whatever Rich and I think is best. He said it is unlikely that I would get cancer in my remaining breast--if I did it would be a new primary, and not a recurrence. I'm seriously considering another surgery to go completely flat and just be done with it all! I feel like I'm always uneven and it's getting annoying. Plus, I wouldn't have to have the MRIs and Mammograms any more! I keep saying this, but I really should just see a plastic surgeon, so I would at least know my options. My biggest fear with recon is that my radiated skin won't heal properly. So many women never achieve good results after rads. I don't want several more surgeries and revisions. But I could handle one more, if it would make life easier. We'll see.
We also talked about my neuropathy--not much new there. I still have it, and my onc. thinks I probably always will. I have Lhermitte's sign again, which is a tingling down my back and left leg everytime I bend my head forward. I had that after chemo, but went away, and now it's back. It can be a sign of MS, but it's also common after chemo. Doc said it's nothing to be concerned about and brushed it off. I, of course, did some research, and I agree with doc. It's just more nerve damage from chemo. It's been less than 2 years since I finished chemo, and I still get new and different signs of the nerve damage. Last Fall, after going back to work and being on my feet a lot, I started getting a burning feeling on the bottom of my feet--it felt like I stepped on hot pavement. That doesn't happen as often, but now I am getting more cramping in my feet--esp. my right foot. When I am sitting here on the couch with my feet up, sometimes my toes and the top of my foot will just cramp up and my toes will be stuck in a certain position, until I stretch it out.
Anyways--there wasn't much else to discuss with my onc. He does want blood tests again in 3 months, and ct scans again in 6. I'll also have my colonoscopy then, and mammo. I almost told him I would rather wait a year to get scanned, because I'm so sure they'll be clear again, but there is always that little fear, and I kept my mouth shut and am going to go along with his expert recommendation.
As for the fistula, it involves only a little muscle, so I could have it cut open, with the hopes that it would heal completely and be gone, but there is always the issue of my radiated skin. I told the surgeon that I am worried it wouldn't heal. She agreed that could happen. We decided to leave it as it is, with the Seton in (the rubber band like thing that lays through the fistula), and keep checking on it every 3 months. She said it can be left in for a couple of years. It doesn't bother me too much, so that's what I'm going to do. She also said it won't affect any of my options, and I can change my mind at any time.
Ok, enough of that. In other news...I go back to work Tuesday, which is when the new school year starts. I am sort of looking forward to it, but I am worried about how tired I will be. I only work 10-1:15, but that is a busy 3.25 hours and I am on my feet a lot. Nearly 2 hours of it is lunch and recess. It wears me out. I don't like coming home so exhausted I can't do anything else the rest of the day! I've been tired a lot lately, even without working. It's frustrating. I've even been exercising more, because I assumed not exercising was part of my problem. It hasn't helped, and I am often even more tired after exercising. I have been eating better (although not this weekend!!), and that hasn't helped either. I might go see my family doc, but really, there is not much that can be done for "fatigue". One thing I would like to try though, is taking Synthroid (brand name) instead of generic meds for my thyroid. I've read several times that the generic is not always as good as the name brand in this case. Another dr. appointment to make....
How did that turn into talking about my health again? In OTHER news....Alyssa is 31 weeks pregnant now, and getting big. She is more beautiful than ever! Her baby shower is coming in 2 weeks! She is working 2 jobs, and has been feeling too stressed (a lot of other stuff going on too), so she will soon be quitting 1 job. She needs to take it easy and have time to relax, enjoy her new house and spend quality time with her husband.
My grandson Charlie is starting preschool in a new school district this week. He just turned 5, but will do another year of preschool before starting kindergarten. But, wow, he is learning fast now! He knows lots of signs (sign language), and is starting to be more and more verbal. Brennan has slimmed down and turned into a little boy over night. No more toddler! He will be 3 the end of this month. He says things like "That's pretty cool" and "Are you kidding me?!" and many, many other cute things. You can tell he listens to every word his momma says! ;) The boys will be over tomorrow morning, to give Rachel some time to get things done, while Ken is keeping his bees company and harvesting more honey.
Shonna starts college at our big city college on Tues. She learned how to ride the city bus a few days ago, and checked out the campus, then flew to Louisville to photograph a friend's wedding. We picked her up this afternoon. It's going to be a crazy busy week for her!
September is not my favorite month, because of the busy-ness. It just rushes by in a blur. I suppose by the end of it, we are pretty settled into our routines, and then I can finally enjoy it. I LOVE the cool fall air. We got a taste of that earlier in Aug, but now it is back to warm and muggy (although not nearly as hot and muggy as July!). Sept. 8th is a very special day though, as that is our anniversary (28 years!!). Unfortunately we are often too busy to celebrate much on that day, but usually find time later in the month. I am still considering another trip to Duluth this fall, this time just the 2 of us. We have gone there many, many times to celebrate our anniversary!
Here are a few pictures from our family vacation in Duluth this summer:
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(Just want to mention that I had just gotten a TOO short haircut, and was not happy with it--don't plan on having it that short again!)
Have a blessed week everyone!
Tina
We also talked about my neuropathy--not much new there. I still have it, and my onc. thinks I probably always will. I have Lhermitte's sign again, which is a tingling down my back and left leg everytime I bend my head forward. I had that after chemo, but went away, and now it's back. It can be a sign of MS, but it's also common after chemo. Doc said it's nothing to be concerned about and brushed it off. I, of course, did some research, and I agree with doc. It's just more nerve damage from chemo. It's been less than 2 years since I finished chemo, and I still get new and different signs of the nerve damage. Last Fall, after going back to work and being on my feet a lot, I started getting a burning feeling on the bottom of my feet--it felt like I stepped on hot pavement. That doesn't happen as often, but now I am getting more cramping in my feet--esp. my right foot. When I am sitting here on the couch with my feet up, sometimes my toes and the top of my foot will just cramp up and my toes will be stuck in a certain position, until I stretch it out.
Anyways--there wasn't much else to discuss with my onc. He does want blood tests again in 3 months, and ct scans again in 6. I'll also have my colonoscopy then, and mammo. I almost told him I would rather wait a year to get scanned, because I'm so sure they'll be clear again, but there is always that little fear, and I kept my mouth shut and am going to go along with his expert recommendation.
As for the fistula, it involves only a little muscle, so I could have it cut open, with the hopes that it would heal completely and be gone, but there is always the issue of my radiated skin. I told the surgeon that I am worried it wouldn't heal. She agreed that could happen. We decided to leave it as it is, with the Seton in (the rubber band like thing that lays through the fistula), and keep checking on it every 3 months. She said it can be left in for a couple of years. It doesn't bother me too much, so that's what I'm going to do. She also said it won't affect any of my options, and I can change my mind at any time.
Ok, enough of that. In other news...I go back to work Tuesday, which is when the new school year starts. I am sort of looking forward to it, but I am worried about how tired I will be. I only work 10-1:15, but that is a busy 3.25 hours and I am on my feet a lot. Nearly 2 hours of it is lunch and recess. It wears me out. I don't like coming home so exhausted I can't do anything else the rest of the day! I've been tired a lot lately, even without working. It's frustrating. I've even been exercising more, because I assumed not exercising was part of my problem. It hasn't helped, and I am often even more tired after exercising. I have been eating better (although not this weekend!!), and that hasn't helped either. I might go see my family doc, but really, there is not much that can be done for "fatigue". One thing I would like to try though, is taking Synthroid (brand name) instead of generic meds for my thyroid. I've read several times that the generic is not always as good as the name brand in this case. Another dr. appointment to make....
How did that turn into talking about my health again? In OTHER news....Alyssa is 31 weeks pregnant now, and getting big. She is more beautiful than ever! Her baby shower is coming in 2 weeks! She is working 2 jobs, and has been feeling too stressed (a lot of other stuff going on too), so she will soon be quitting 1 job. She needs to take it easy and have time to relax, enjoy her new house and spend quality time with her husband.
My grandson Charlie is starting preschool in a new school district this week. He just turned 5, but will do another year of preschool before starting kindergarten. But, wow, he is learning fast now! He knows lots of signs (sign language), and is starting to be more and more verbal. Brennan has slimmed down and turned into a little boy over night. No more toddler! He will be 3 the end of this month. He says things like "That's pretty cool" and "Are you kidding me?!" and many, many other cute things. You can tell he listens to every word his momma says! ;) The boys will be over tomorrow morning, to give Rachel some time to get things done, while Ken is keeping his bees company and harvesting more honey.
Shonna starts college at our big city college on Tues. She learned how to ride the city bus a few days ago, and checked out the campus, then flew to Louisville to photograph a friend's wedding. We picked her up this afternoon. It's going to be a crazy busy week for her!
September is not my favorite month, because of the busy-ness. It just rushes by in a blur. I suppose by the end of it, we are pretty settled into our routines, and then I can finally enjoy it. I LOVE the cool fall air. We got a taste of that earlier in Aug, but now it is back to warm and muggy (although not nearly as hot and muggy as July!). Sept. 8th is a very special day though, as that is our anniversary (28 years!!). Unfortunately we are often too busy to celebrate much on that day, but usually find time later in the month. I am still considering another trip to Duluth this fall, this time just the 2 of us. We have gone there many, many times to celebrate our anniversary!
Here are a few pictures from our family vacation in Duluth this summer:
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Have a blessed week everyone!
Tina
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