Hi everyone--
Thank you so much for the prayers, because I got great news, in that they are only going to have to amputate the toe. The circulation issue is not affecting my feet or legs! In fact he said that there is even quite a bit of circulation in that toe, but thinks there must be a clot half way down my toe that is causing this. So, I am supposed to get a recommendation for a good orthopaedic surgeon and get the surgery scheduled right away. As far as the rest of my health, I will call tomorrow to schedule a PET scan (hopefully for next week). I still need those prayers, because I'm hoping for good results there too. We are hoping the spots have decreased in activity (or maybe they don't have any activity at all) so that we can maybe stop chemo, but that is a long shot. Anyway, when we get the results we will be able to make an educated decision on where to go next. Thank you so much for everything!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hi all--
I just wanted to update you. Early tomorrow morning (Thursday) I will be having an angiogram as the last test before they make a final decision on my toe. I'm praying the circulation is good everywhere else, because as of now they plan to amputate my right big toe. There is always the chance though, that if they find more circulation problems, they have to amputate more than just the toe. I don't even want to think about losing a foot or leg (one or both), so please send me all the prayers you can. Thanks so much!
I just wanted to update you. Early tomorrow morning (Thursday) I will be having an angiogram as the last test before they make a final decision on my toe. I'm praying the circulation is good everywhere else, because as of now they plan to amputate my right big toe. There is always the chance though, that if they find more circulation problems, they have to amputate more than just the toe. I don't even want to think about losing a foot or leg (one or both), so please send me all the prayers you can. Thanks so much!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hi everyone--
Just a quick update. I returned to work yesterday, but I'm only going to work every other day this week. Hope to be back on my regular schedule by Monday. It is wonderful being back at school with my amazing students. I'm on a one-month break from chemo, then we will get a PET scan to see where we're at, and make decisions on where to go from there. We're still up in the air as far as my toes. I guess I'm stalling a little, because it seems like they're just a little better. I don't want to make any hasty decisions on that one. By the way, a correction from my last blog: I guess I accidentally typed the opposite of what was going on with my thyroid. I meant to say that it is hypo-active (not hyper-), meaning my metabolism was very slow. Since they put me on the correct meds, I've lost 35 lbs. Yeah!
My doctor has asked me to let everyone know that since I was released from the hospital, my immune system is extremely weak. He knows I'm a "hugging" type person and told me I should not be hugging anyone at this point--just in case. If there is even the slightest possibility of sickness I need to stay away completely. If I catch even a cold it could land me back in the hospital, so please don't be offended by the lack of hugs if we run into each other, because you know I love you all! :) Please keep up the prayers and I will let you know when we schedule the PET.
Just a quick update. I returned to work yesterday, but I'm only going to work every other day this week. Hope to be back on my regular schedule by Monday. It is wonderful being back at school with my amazing students. I'm on a one-month break from chemo, then we will get a PET scan to see where we're at, and make decisions on where to go from there. We're still up in the air as far as my toes. I guess I'm stalling a little, because it seems like they're just a little better. I don't want to make any hasty decisions on that one. By the way, a correction from my last blog: I guess I accidentally typed the opposite of what was going on with my thyroid. I meant to say that it is hypo-active (not hyper-), meaning my metabolism was very slow. Since they put me on the correct meds, I've lost 35 lbs. Yeah!
My doctor has asked me to let everyone know that since I was released from the hospital, my immune system is extremely weak. He knows I'm a "hugging" type person and told me I should not be hugging anyone at this point--just in case. If there is even the slightest possibility of sickness I need to stay away completely. If I catch even a cold it could land me back in the hospital, so please don't be offended by the lack of hugs if we run into each other, because you know I love you all! :) Please keep up the prayers and I will let you know when we schedule the PET.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hi everyone--
Well, just after I got my great news, Amanda came down with a horrible virus and passed it on to me. My little one, who usually only gets sick for three days at the most, was down for 1 1/2 weeks. Of course with my immune system, it's taken me three weeks and I still have some remnants from it. One week of that landed me back at San Ramon Regional (this time not quite up to its usual standards). However they were trying to figure out so many issues it's amazing I was able to get out of there in a week. Here's what's going on:
So my blue (black) toe is looking more and more like it's going to be amputated. I still have one more test to go through (angiogram--last time was a CT-guided one, this one will be the old-fashioned way) and a few more opinions to get first. I certainly won't make any moves until I have all the info. They were also concerned about circulation in my other leg, so this has not been fun. I'm doing all I can to improve circulation through exercise in both my toe and my legs, and I do see progress there--hallelujah!
They told me I have a hyperactive thyroid gland and put me on meds for that.
They tried to tell me they thought I was now diabetic, but they were wrong. My glucose levels have fluctuated for these past three years, because of the steroids they have me on for the chemo.
The chemo gave me horrible swelling in my knees, making it almost impossible to bend them. I had a horrible rash at the time when I got the virus, and while in the hospital the scabs were pulling and making it hard to walk. Every time I'd try to walk the fluid would just drain from them. This is getting better. The doc thinks some time off will help the fluid go down.
Of course for me, the worst part of it is that my voice is basically at a whisper, making it impossible to talk with all of you when you call. Believe me, I'm not trying to avoid you--it's just very difficult because most people can't hear me on the phone.
Well my doc and I decided to take one month off of chemo to try and give this body a much-needed break. After that, we'll do a PET scan and decide where to go from there.
I hope this doesn't sound like I'm just complaining about all my woes. There just didn't seem to be any other way to bring you up to date. I have struggled with depression, but when I remember to keep my eyes focused on the One who will heal me, I come out of it. I'm still a fighter and with my fight and your prayers & support, I plan to kick this thing!
Well, just after I got my great news, Amanda came down with a horrible virus and passed it on to me. My little one, who usually only gets sick for three days at the most, was down for 1 1/2 weeks. Of course with my immune system, it's taken me three weeks and I still have some remnants from it. One week of that landed me back at San Ramon Regional (this time not quite up to its usual standards). However they were trying to figure out so many issues it's amazing I was able to get out of there in a week. Here's what's going on:
So my blue (black) toe is looking more and more like it's going to be amputated. I still have one more test to go through (angiogram--last time was a CT-guided one, this one will be the old-fashioned way) and a few more opinions to get first. I certainly won't make any moves until I have all the info. They were also concerned about circulation in my other leg, so this has not been fun. I'm doing all I can to improve circulation through exercise in both my toe and my legs, and I do see progress there--hallelujah!
They told me I have a hyperactive thyroid gland and put me on meds for that.
They tried to tell me they thought I was now diabetic, but they were wrong. My glucose levels have fluctuated for these past three years, because of the steroids they have me on for the chemo.
The chemo gave me horrible swelling in my knees, making it almost impossible to bend them. I had a horrible rash at the time when I got the virus, and while in the hospital the scabs were pulling and making it hard to walk. Every time I'd try to walk the fluid would just drain from them. This is getting better. The doc thinks some time off will help the fluid go down.
Of course for me, the worst part of it is that my voice is basically at a whisper, making it impossible to talk with all of you when you call. Believe me, I'm not trying to avoid you--it's just very difficult because most people can't hear me on the phone.
Well my doc and I decided to take one month off of chemo to try and give this body a much-needed break. After that, we'll do a PET scan and decide where to go from there.
I hope this doesn't sound like I'm just complaining about all my woes. There just didn't seem to be any other way to bring you up to date. I have struggled with depression, but when I remember to keep my eyes focused on the One who will heal me, I come out of it. I'm still a fighter and with my fight and your prayers & support, I plan to kick this thing!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wanna hear about my miracle?
Well, today I received the news about my CT scan. It shows that the spots on my lungs have basically had no change, but the main mass is completely UNDETECTABLE on the CT!! I am insisting on a PET to find out if there is still any activity in the spots on my lungs as well as getting info on the main mass. I can't get over this news. This really is what we've been hoping and praying for. I can't thank you all enough! Of course, until we get a PET and see what's going on there, we can't really be sure of anything. This is what they all thought could never happen. My nurse practitioner told me I had no idea what kind of miracle we were looking at, because it's already miraculous that I've been on this drug (Gemzar) all this time and it's still working. I guess that's not normally the case.
I thank you SO much for the love, support and prayers! I will update you again as soon as I know more.
I thank you SO much for the love, support and prayers! I will update you again as soon as I know more.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hello everyone--
I thought I'd send you an update. On Monday, Dec. 22nd I'll be getting a port put in (this time in my arm). It's half the size of the one they put in my chest (that broke). Now it should be easier for me to have IVs, blood draws, etc. Then, two days later, on Christmas Eve day, I'll be getting the second pain block. The problem is that to have these procedures, I have to go off the coumadin for five days before and three days after. When I did this with the first pain block, I had to drive to Walnut Creek for eight consecutive days for a 24-hour blood thinner shot (Arixtra), and on top of that gas expense, they charged me a $25 co-pay every time I went in. Well, this time they are ordering the shots for me and having them sent to my home as if I were going to give myself the shots. Those of you that really know me know that there is no way on God's green earth that I could EVER give MYSELF a shot. I don't mind getting them, but I just can't do it myself. Of course I will beg any of my nurse friends out there to give me the shots--any takers? I can also take it to my regular doc and have them give it to me--at least that's in Pleasanton.
Well, that's where I stand right now. Looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with my family. I hope you are too! Thanks again for the prayers--they help so much!
I thought I'd send you an update. On Monday, Dec. 22nd I'll be getting a port put in (this time in my arm). It's half the size of the one they put in my chest (that broke). Now it should be easier for me to have IVs, blood draws, etc. Then, two days later, on Christmas Eve day, I'll be getting the second pain block. The problem is that to have these procedures, I have to go off the coumadin for five days before and three days after. When I did this with the first pain block, I had to drive to Walnut Creek for eight consecutive days for a 24-hour blood thinner shot (Arixtra), and on top of that gas expense, they charged me a $25 co-pay every time I went in. Well, this time they are ordering the shots for me and having them sent to my home as if I were going to give myself the shots. Those of you that really know me know that there is no way on God's green earth that I could EVER give MYSELF a shot. I don't mind getting them, but I just can't do it myself. Of course I will beg any of my nurse friends out there to give me the shots--any takers? I can also take it to my regular doc and have them give it to me--at least that's in Pleasanton.
Well, that's where I stand right now. Looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with my family. I hope you are too! Thanks again for the prayers--they help so much!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hi Everyone—
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! The surgeon evaluated my toe, and didn’t think amputation was necessary (talk about having something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving!) I had the pain block on Wed. The procedure definitely wasn’t fun, since the nurse missed (on his 3rd try) on my IV and I didn’t get any sedation drugs. So it looks like I’ll have to have another one or possibly two, since it hasn’t worked on my pain. The doc warned me that might be necessary. I see him a week from today. Meanwhile, the meds he gave me are at least getting me sleep during the night. I’ve started round 14 of Gemzar. Well, I hope this stuff is working, because now I’m starting to get neuropathy (numbness) in my fingers, lips and tip of the tongue. They haven’t said anything, but I think I’m going to have a scan after this round (end of the month). I’ll let you know when I get an actual date. Please keep up the prayers. I feel them and know they are working!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! The surgeon evaluated my toe, and didn’t think amputation was necessary (talk about having something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving!) I had the pain block on Wed. The procedure definitely wasn’t fun, since the nurse missed (on his 3rd try) on my IV and I didn’t get any sedation drugs. So it looks like I’ll have to have another one or possibly two, since it hasn’t worked on my pain. The doc warned me that might be necessary. I see him a week from today. Meanwhile, the meds he gave me are at least getting me sleep during the night. I’ve started round 14 of Gemzar. Well, I hope this stuff is working, because now I’m starting to get neuropathy (numbness) in my fingers, lips and tip of the tongue. They haven’t said anything, but I think I’m going to have a scan after this round (end of the month). I’ll let you know when I get an actual date. Please keep up the prayers. I feel them and know they are working!
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