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I thought I was just starting to sleep good when the radio came on. Time to get up.
I did, and got myself ready for the day. Breon got up while I was having breakfast, grabbed some fruit and left for work herself. Oh--that was quick. I kind of chuckled to myself--I must be "getting old". I like an hour in the morning...
A couple areas of fog this morning, but an uneventful drive. We had a busy workday, and a great group to work with. I got tired about 5 o'clock. I think I might have been hungry--I had eaten everything I had brought, and had an apple for the ride home. I had a couple of graham crackers for a snack. The night shift started arriving as we were plodding through the new patients being brought to their rooms. Then the babies were transitioning out. Sheesh. I finally clocked out shortly after 7.
Back at my car, I settled in, put the top down, put on my "all that" sunglasses, and I was on my way home. It's nice to be "outside" after being indoors all day with the sun shining.
Daniel got home shortly after I did. We visited a bit, I got my things ready for work tomorrow, checked email, and wrote here. I'll be off to bed soon.
Thank you for reading, for your hugs, phone calls, and positive words. I'll write tomorrow.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Friday 7.4.2008 Freedom!
As the day has gone on, Independence Day is growing into an underlying meaning for me. Yes, I appreciate and value the country that we live in. Most importantly, is that this country values women, and I have had the proper care for a disease that kills women who do not have, or are not allowed, access to health care.
Not only am I disease-free (as I was after the first surgery), but I am free of daily appointments, treatments, and one less doctor to follow-up with. I am feeling much better, though not 100%, maybe 80%. My breast is healing, and free of raw, open areas on my skin. (It still itches like crazy.) I have fulfilled a commitment to my mother, and my mind is free of any regrets, which leaves me free to discover another lifestyle with my new husband.
The radio came on this morning and the phone rang a second later. For a moment I was confused by the noises. Oh yeah, the phone. I answered. It was the hospital, telling me I could stay home on call today. Yippee!! Free to sleep in!!
I settled back into bed, and had the best sleep of the night. I woke about 8:30. Dan was already up. I listened to the radio for a bit before getting up.
I had a quiet morning, checking the internet, creating the party invite for those who haven't been by the blog, and sending that out. I had breakfast and eventually showered.
Daniel went out to hit golf balls. I putzed around the house, trying to straighten and organize things that have been set aside for the last many months. I made progress.
After he got home, I went out for a walk. I went out "back" in the undeveloped part, and discovered polliwogs/tadpoles in a very small pond. Around to a larger pond, a blue heron was on the opposite shore, and warily walked ahead of me until it reached the end of the pond, then it flew back to where it was when we first saw each other. Interesting.
I came back in after almost an hour. I cooled off and washed up, and Dan and I went to Los Tres Amigos. Yummy.
Back at home, I posted the pictures I took of my breast this morning over on the other site. It's healing quite well, other than itching like crazy. From the inside.
I work Saturday and Sunday. I'll be off to bed soon.
Thank you for reading. Hugs.
Not only am I disease-free (as I was after the first surgery), but I am free of daily appointments, treatments, and one less doctor to follow-up with. I am feeling much better, though not 100%, maybe 80%. My breast is healing, and free of raw, open areas on my skin. (It still itches like crazy.) I have fulfilled a commitment to my mother, and my mind is free of any regrets, which leaves me free to discover another lifestyle with my new husband.
The radio came on this morning and the phone rang a second later. For a moment I was confused by the noises. Oh yeah, the phone. I answered. It was the hospital, telling me I could stay home on call today. Yippee!! Free to sleep in!!
I settled back into bed, and had the best sleep of the night. I woke about 8:30. Dan was already up. I listened to the radio for a bit before getting up.
I had a quiet morning, checking the internet, creating the party invite for those who haven't been by the blog, and sending that out. I had breakfast and eventually showered.
Daniel went out to hit golf balls. I putzed around the house, trying to straighten and organize things that have been set aside for the last many months. I made progress.
After he got home, I went out for a walk. I went out "back" in the undeveloped part, and discovered polliwogs/tadpoles in a very small pond. Around to a larger pond, a blue heron was on the opposite shore, and warily walked ahead of me until it reached the end of the pond, then it flew back to where it was when we first saw each other. Interesting.
I came back in after almost an hour. I cooled off and washed up, and Dan and I went to Los Tres Amigos. Yummy.
Back at home, I posted the pictures I took of my breast this morning over on the other site. It's healing quite well, other than itching like crazy. From the inside.
I work Saturday and Sunday. I'll be off to bed soon.
Thank you for reading. Hugs.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thursday 7.3.2008 Radiation Follow-Up
This morning we got up and went over to the Radiation Center for our 0945 appointment. We went into the building and approached the desk. The Nice Lady behind the window smiled and greeted me with recognition. I expected to be told to go on back through The Door and wait back there, but she told us to have a seat in the waiting area in front.
Dan and I chatted while we waited, and soon someone called "Katherine". Dan and I got up and went over to the other Door, where you exit from after seeing the doctor. The woman who called me was a new girl who I had only seen a few times, and never really met. On the way back, we stopped at the scales. 141 1/2!!!! I was so happy to be less than the last time. In fact, the first weight at that office in ?December was 144. She showed us into Room 1.
She didn't introduce herself, and I don't think she had a badge on, either. She came into the room with us and took my blood pressure. 100/40. She was very pleasant, asking how I was feeling, saying how good I looked. She was done with the vitals, and she went out.
A few minutes later, Melissa came in. (she's the one who's picture is on here) We chatted a little, I asked her if she's got hair (she does, about 1/4 inch, sticking straight up) and asked if I could feel it. (It's soft, but different than mine.) She asked me the questions on the list, and we talked about how I was feeling. We also talked about how she was doing; she's into the last phase of her radiation, and her skin that was showing in the v-neck of the scrub top was the dark glowing red that I know hurts. She then had me undress to check my breast. She thinks it's looking real good. I told her that the areola had just finished peeling yesterday, showed her where the nipple is still going to peel, and told her how it itches from the inside out. I then put on a gown to wait for the doctor to come in. I invited Melissa to the Celebration Party, and she immediately accepted! We finished up, she hugged me, then hugged me again, and left.
A few minutes later, Dr. DeBiose came in. He shook my hand, then Daniel's. We chatted a couple minutes, then he had me get onto the exam table. He listened to my heart and lungs, felt my neck, clavicles, and armpits (I'm pretty sure he was checking lymph nodes), then had me lay back. He checked my breast, wounds, and skin, helped me sit up, and declared me good. We talked about having follow-up mammograms: that I will have bilateral mamms done in November, they will probably want extra films of the affected breast, and will want to do the affected breast at 6 month intervals. (I don't think he said if that will be forever or just for a period of time) I told him that I will be doing those mamms here at the Breast Care Center, and he nodded like that was a good thing. He also asked when I see the medical oncologist, Dr. Bolmer--I told him September. He nodded again. Then he said I can have my regular physicals with my regular physician (Dr. Taylor), and that I have all the right doctors in place, and from here he can discharge me. Woo Hoo!!!! One doctor done with!!!! And no more follow-ups with him. He shook our hands again, I thanked him, and I invited him to our Party. He mumbled something about checking the calendar, and left the room. Dan and I both kind of chuckled about how he left the room, and we know that he is not likely to show up. That's ok. I extended the invitation.
I put my clothes back on, and Daniel and I left. I turned and said good-bye to the room, and in the hallway, I waved good-bye to the other waiting area that I glimpsed. As we went through the Exit Door I looked back again and waved, and the lady who had brought us back in the first place was there. She waved back. We went through the outer waiting area and to the door, and I turned and waved again. I know, I was feeling--let's see, elated? free? giddy? I thanked God for putting me in the right places for the right people to take care of me.
It seems that to be "discharged" from the treatment process means that my life's schedule can begin to return to normal. But, that will be re-defined, as my life now is different than when this process started, going to Jackson every day to get Elaine tucked in. And with Breon getting married and moving out, Daniel and I will continue to grow our own relationship. Smile.
At home, we each had a bite to eat. I made a grocery list, and while Daniel was on the computer, I went out on the balcony. It was finally clearing up. He came out and asked if we should go to the store--yep--so off we went.
We had a successful shopping trip and returned home. We got the groceries put away, and I started dinner. I checked email while it was cooking, and sat outside again for a bit, but it was cooling off, so I came in. Dinner was ready anyway.
After dinner, I got the kitchen cleaned up, and wrote here.
Tomorrow is my holiday to work. It's an 8 hour shift, so that's not so bad. But it's also my weekend to work, so I get Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I have a hard time that 3rd morning, and throughout the day. We'll just see how it goes.
I hope you all have great weekend plans. Thank you for taking the time to read. Hugs.
Dan and I chatted while we waited, and soon someone called "Katherine". Dan and I got up and went over to the other Door, where you exit from after seeing the doctor. The woman who called me was a new girl who I had only seen a few times, and never really met. On the way back, we stopped at the scales. 141 1/2!!!! I was so happy to be less than the last time. In fact, the first weight at that office in ?December was 144. She showed us into Room 1.
She didn't introduce herself, and I don't think she had a badge on, either. She came into the room with us and took my blood pressure. 100/40. She was very pleasant, asking how I was feeling, saying how good I looked. She was done with the vitals, and she went out.
A few minutes later, Melissa came in. (she's the one who's picture is on here) We chatted a little, I asked her if she's got hair (she does, about 1/4 inch, sticking straight up) and asked if I could feel it. (It's soft, but different than mine.) She asked me the questions on the list, and we talked about how I was feeling. We also talked about how she was doing; she's into the last phase of her radiation, and her skin that was showing in the v-neck of the scrub top was the dark glowing red that I know hurts. She then had me undress to check my breast. She thinks it's looking real good. I told her that the areola had just finished peeling yesterday, showed her where the nipple is still going to peel, and told her how it itches from the inside out. I then put on a gown to wait for the doctor to come in. I invited Melissa to the Celebration Party, and she immediately accepted! We finished up, she hugged me, then hugged me again, and left.
A few minutes later, Dr. DeBiose came in. He shook my hand, then Daniel's. We chatted a couple minutes, then he had me get onto the exam table. He listened to my heart and lungs, felt my neck, clavicles, and armpits (I'm pretty sure he was checking lymph nodes), then had me lay back. He checked my breast, wounds, and skin, helped me sit up, and declared me good. We talked about having follow-up mammograms: that I will have bilateral mamms done in November, they will probably want extra films of the affected breast, and will want to do the affected breast at 6 month intervals. (I don't think he said if that will be forever or just for a period of time) I told him that I will be doing those mamms here at the Breast Care Center, and he nodded like that was a good thing. He also asked when I see the medical oncologist, Dr. Bolmer--I told him September. He nodded again. Then he said I can have my regular physicals with my regular physician (Dr. Taylor), and that I have all the right doctors in place, and from here he can discharge me. Woo Hoo!!!! One doctor done with!!!! And no more follow-ups with him. He shook our hands again, I thanked him, and I invited him to our Party. He mumbled something about checking the calendar, and left the room. Dan and I both kind of chuckled about how he left the room, and we know that he is not likely to show up. That's ok. I extended the invitation.
I put my clothes back on, and Daniel and I left. I turned and said good-bye to the room, and in the hallway, I waved good-bye to the other waiting area that I glimpsed. As we went through the Exit Door I looked back again and waved, and the lady who had brought us back in the first place was there. She waved back. We went through the outer waiting area and to the door, and I turned and waved again. I know, I was feeling--let's see, elated? free? giddy? I thanked God for putting me in the right places for the right people to take care of me.
It seems that to be "discharged" from the treatment process means that my life's schedule can begin to return to normal. But, that will be re-defined, as my life now is different than when this process started, going to Jackson every day to get Elaine tucked in. And with Breon getting married and moving out, Daniel and I will continue to grow our own relationship. Smile.
At home, we each had a bite to eat. I made a grocery list, and while Daniel was on the computer, I went out on the balcony. It was finally clearing up. He came out and asked if we should go to the store--yep--so off we went.
We had a successful shopping trip and returned home. We got the groceries put away, and I started dinner. I checked email while it was cooking, and sat outside again for a bit, but it was cooling off, so I came in. Dinner was ready anyway.
After dinner, I got the kitchen cleaned up, and wrote here.
Tomorrow is my holiday to work. It's an 8 hour shift, so that's not so bad. But it's also my weekend to work, so I get Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I have a hard time that 3rd morning, and throughout the day. We'll just see how it goes.
I hope you all have great weekend plans. Thank you for taking the time to read. Hugs.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Wednesday 7.2.2008 Hair Pics
Dan got up and left before I got out of bed this morning. I got ready for the day, and headed out to Discount Tires for a set of 4. I had looked at their site on the internet, so I had an idea of the prices and what was available. I'm glad I did--the cost surprised me. Anyway, I got 4 new tires, some kind of Goodyear, and I'm good to go.
I got home and had a bite to eat before going to Jackson to meet my friend and coworker Ruth at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts. Breon had purchased some glass globes, that turned out to be candleholders, that she wanted to use for centerpieces for the wedding. Bre doesn't have time to create whatever it is she wanted to do with them, so I offered to take care of that. And Ruth graciously offered to help me. So we browsed through JoAnn's, picked up several items, went to Michael's and did the same, then went back to her house to see what we could do with it all. Between the two of us, I think we came up with a very pretty design. She is going to create the creations for us.
I came back home just as the storms were moving in. I got a chance to use the new tires in the rain that started just south of my exit home. It was raining pretty hard by the time I pulled into the garage. (that's when I was thankful that I have a "direct entry" or attached garage.)
Daniel was home, resting. We visited for a bit, and I was hungry. He had already eaten. So I made myself something to eat.
I checked email, and wrote here. Here are the new hair picture taken 06.30.2008, after my second haircut.
I got home and had a bite to eat before going to Jackson to meet my friend and coworker Ruth at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts. Breon had purchased some glass globes, that turned out to be candleholders, that she wanted to use for centerpieces for the wedding. Bre doesn't have time to create whatever it is she wanted to do with them, so I offered to take care of that. And Ruth graciously offered to help me. So we browsed through JoAnn's, picked up several items, went to Michael's and did the same, then went back to her house to see what we could do with it all. Between the two of us, I think we came up with a very pretty design. She is going to create the creations for us.
I came back home just as the storms were moving in. I got a chance to use the new tires in the rain that started just south of my exit home. It was raining pretty hard by the time I pulled into the garage. (that's when I was thankful that I have a "direct entry" or attached garage.)
Daniel was home, resting. We visited for a bit, and I was hungry. He had already eaten. So I made myself something to eat.
I checked email, and wrote here. Here are the new hair picture taken 06.30.2008, after my second haircut.
Daniel has gone off to bed, and I'll be going soon.
Thank you for reading. Hugs.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Tuesday 7.1.2008 The Next Phase
What a lovely day! I didn't sleep too well, and woke with that sinus pressure that seems to happen with a change in barometric pressure. I took the tylenol/motrin and a sudafed (the real one, that you have to sign for now). After a few hours I started feeling better. I showered, and that helped, too.
Daniel had gone out to pick up Breon's rings, which he had taken to the jeweler's last week to be soldered. Breon had gone out for a Job Interview (pray she gets it). As I was getting myself ready, Daniel came home, without the rings. They weren't ready yet. Hm. I listened to his story, and he decided he'd go to the range and "hit some golf balls". Ok. A short while later, Bre came in, feeling confident about The Interview. She also said that Nick had taken care of The Ring Situation and all was OK. She got herself something to eat, and I left to go the the therapy place to pick up my MRI disc.
I put the top down and enjoyed the drive. I only waited a few minutes, and Ike came out. She exclaimed over my hair, poked at my fluid, told me it was chronic, and that she's bound by the insurance guidelines. But if I have a flare up, just bring a prescription and she'll treat me again. (It seems that prescriptions for physical therapy are only good for 30 days, according to Blue Cross guidelines. Maybe other insurances too...) She gave me a big hug and told me she'd try to join us on the 19th, then turned and went back through The Door.
The receptionist chatted for a few minutes while getting my billing statement for me. She explained the insurance stuff in a little more detail. Thank you, Brandy.
A lovely drive home. Dan was back. I had a quick snack and took my "hot flash pill" (effexor xr) and the first tablet of Tamoxifen. One tablet, every day, for 5 years. This drug blocks the body's absorption of estrogen. And since my tumor was Estrogen Receptor positive, the research shows that the tamoxifen reduces the recurrence of breast cancer.
Bre and I went to Gordon's Foods to get a "wish list" of what she wants for the reception on the 26th. We went through the store writing down items, sizes, and prices. We'll tune the list another day, and create a final shopping list with expected cost. She's so excited, and trying hard to stay on track to get things done. I think she's doing a great job.
At home, she went into her room and did what she does, I fixed my supper. Dan said he had eaten. Ok. I ate and looked at the Meijer sale paper. I saw there was a cooler on sale--36.99 for 24.99. A coupon on the front for $5 off merchandise, and we had a $10 coupon we had gotten in the mail. I looked at the $5 coupon again--good for 3 days, ends July 1. Hm. I talked to Dan, then headed out to Meijer. I found said cooler, went over to the grocery section and picked up a pint of blueberries, and paid $13-something for my $37 cooler. Woo Hoo!!
I'm feeling pretty good this evening. My head pressure is mostly gone, and I was mostly able to concentrate while in the stores. Sure will be a relief when my brain function returns. I guess I didn't realize just how much I was affected until I'm on the other side of it. It sure has been a journey. And thank you for sharing it with me.
Hugs.
Daniel had gone out to pick up Breon's rings, which he had taken to the jeweler's last week to be soldered. Breon had gone out for a Job Interview (pray she gets it). As I was getting myself ready, Daniel came home, without the rings. They weren't ready yet. Hm. I listened to his story, and he decided he'd go to the range and "hit some golf balls". Ok. A short while later, Bre came in, feeling confident about The Interview. She also said that Nick had taken care of The Ring Situation and all was OK. She got herself something to eat, and I left to go the the therapy place to pick up my MRI disc.
I put the top down and enjoyed the drive. I only waited a few minutes, and Ike came out. She exclaimed over my hair, poked at my fluid, told me it was chronic, and that she's bound by the insurance guidelines. But if I have a flare up, just bring a prescription and she'll treat me again. (It seems that prescriptions for physical therapy are only good for 30 days, according to Blue Cross guidelines. Maybe other insurances too...) She gave me a big hug and told me she'd try to join us on the 19th, then turned and went back through The Door.
The receptionist chatted for a few minutes while getting my billing statement for me. She explained the insurance stuff in a little more detail. Thank you, Brandy.
A lovely drive home. Dan was back. I had a quick snack and took my "hot flash pill" (effexor xr) and the first tablet of Tamoxifen. One tablet, every day, for 5 years. This drug blocks the body's absorption of estrogen. And since my tumor was Estrogen Receptor positive, the research shows that the tamoxifen reduces the recurrence of breast cancer.
Bre and I went to Gordon's Foods to get a "wish list" of what she wants for the reception on the 26th. We went through the store writing down items, sizes, and prices. We'll tune the list another day, and create a final shopping list with expected cost. She's so excited, and trying hard to stay on track to get things done. I think she's doing a great job.
At home, she went into her room and did what she does, I fixed my supper. Dan said he had eaten. Ok. I ate and looked at the Meijer sale paper. I saw there was a cooler on sale--36.99 for 24.99. A coupon on the front for $5 off merchandise, and we had a $10 coupon we had gotten in the mail. I looked at the $5 coupon again--good for 3 days, ends July 1. Hm. I talked to Dan, then headed out to Meijer. I found said cooler, went over to the grocery section and picked up a pint of blueberries, and paid $13-something for my $37 cooler. Woo Hoo!!
I'm feeling pretty good this evening. My head pressure is mostly gone, and I was mostly able to concentrate while in the stores. Sure will be a relief when my brain function returns. I guess I didn't realize just how much I was affected until I'm on the other side of it. It sure has been a journey. And thank you for sharing it with me.
Hugs.
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