As I write this I am realizing that I am long overdue for posting, on Thursday I will be getting Herceptin again so that will make it almost three weeks since my last post. It has been a very busy few weeks and I am afraid that I have been procrastinating on posting. Every evening I will think about it just as I am heading to bed, search my mind (not a long process ;)) and decide that by evening I am pretty well brain dead so I will tell myself I will try to post earlier in the day the next day, which somehow seems to get lost in the busyness of the next day.
However, I do realize as people tentatively ask me if the MRI was OK that I left people hanging and I really need to report on the results and about my last oncologist visit and on life in general.
I was a little frustrated on the day of my oncologist visit as I was scheduled to go into work by 1200. I arrived at the hospital at 7:45 and had my bloodwork drawn. My appointment with the oncologist was scheduled for 1000 and on a normal clinic day I would have been in and out by 1015. I didn't get called in by the nurse until around 1100 and was then told that my oncologist was on holiday and that the GP who sometimes helps out on clinic days would be seeing me instead. I have given up on telling nurses at the clinic my concerns as it seems that they aren't really listening anyway - a good lesson for me. The nurse left the room after taking my vital signs and then came back in and asked me to change as the doctor would need to examine me. I did and then waited again.
Finally the doctor came in and I don't know if I was just impatient by then but I wasn't very impressed by her bedside manner, but she was running very late and that could have been part of the problem. She didn't tell me what my MUGA scan scores were but told me the MUGA was good and that my last four Herceptin treatments were booked, the last one will be October 3rd. She then told me that my MRI was a good news/bad news scenario - good news that there was no signs of metastases to the spine - not so good in that there are some issues with the cervical spine and the lower lumbar and sacral spine that are causing my back pain. She said I should see my GP and have her refer me for follow up on these issues. She also acted surprised that I hadn't seen my GP since I started my breast cancer treatment, my oncologist had specifically told me that she would be responsible for my care while I was having my treatment, which this doc appeared skeptical of. She told me my next oncologist visit would be in six months and that I would no longer need to have my heart monitored, which is not the information that I had been given by the oncologist. I had been told that because of the epirubicin and the Herceptin and their potential effect on the heart I would need to have it monitored for 5 years. She then did a quick exam telling me that since I wouldn't be seen for six months it was required. As I was driving to work (late) I realized that nothing had been said about port removal after my Herceptin treatments were complete and that six months was longer than I wanted to wait to ask about it. I will have to see what the chemo nurses advise.
I have been back at work for three weeks now after being late for the first day, the first two weeks were only two half days, last week and next week are three half days, gradually working up to full time mid-October. My employer and myself have to complete a progress report (report card) every two weeks and submit it to the insurance company to make sure everything is staying on track. I am enjoying being back at work, it feels good. I am gradually feeling that, in my mind, I am thinking and living beyond cancer treatment and making plans around other things than when my next appointment or treatment is. I've even started my Christmas shopping :).
Paisley is 4 1/2 weeks old now, she has been on her first car trip to see her cousins and she has almost made it through her first cold. She is smiling and becoming more alert and, of course, I think she is beautiful. It looks like she may keep her dark hair and her eyes show signs of possibly being blue - could be a stunning combination!
All of this and my garden are keeping me pleasantly busy this summer, a far different summer than last year at this time. Nice to have gotten this far.
Just to confuse me a little after the 'oncologist' appointment I received an appointment booking in the mail yesterday for another MUGA scan in October, after my last Herceptin treatment. So maybe I didn't misunderstand about the continued monitoring. Who knows?
Take care everyone
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
MRI
As I write this post I am sitting in the chemo area in a recliner, my Herceptin has gone in and I am waiting for the normal saline flush to go through so I can be disconnected and go home. I am tired and looking forward to an at home day tomorrow followed by an evening wedding rehearsal and dinner.
Yesterday's MRI experience was a pretty good one, I think. I found the signage around the new hospital was very good and I had no trouble finding where to park and, once parked, finding my way to the Diagnostic Imaging area. As I checked in I was once again very impressed with the verify/validate process - not only was I asked to provide my health care card, I was also asked for my driver's license. Once checked in, I had a questionnaire to fill out, mostly looking for hidden sources of metal in my body. I completed it and then was escorted back to the MRI area. Here they had a set of lockers with keys and a change area. I was given gown, pj bottoms and a housecoat and a bag for the clothes I was wearing and instructed to place them in a locker and take the key once changed. I was allowed to keep my iPad and glasses with me while waiting.
There was one other lady also waiting, she had her husband with her. After a bit a man came out of the MRI suite and proceeded to his locker and the change area. A woman came out shortly after and changed also.
The other lady waiting and myself were called in, there were two rooms and a 'control' area. I was taken to one of them and asked to place my glasses and the locker key on a shelf out of the MRI field. I was placed on the table which had a pillow and neck rest and a pillow was placed under my legs. A set of headphones were placed over my ears, I was given a panic button to push if I needed it and then a white cage-like device was placed over my head and attached to the table. Lastly, cushiony pads were placed on either side of my neck to ensure I did not move my head.
The machine started moving me back into the tube and that's when I decided that closing my eyes was the best way to get through this procedure. There was a bright light inside the tube and there was a light fan that gently blew cool air on my face which was nice. I was moved further back into the machine twice more and there was some beeping then I was moved to the more central position and the MRI started. Lots of jackhammer like noises and then steady humming, then silence. This happened several times and I kind of gave up trying to anticipate when the MRI would be finished. It took 45 - 60 minutes and then came the challenging part - walking after lying on that hard table in one position for that long!
I made it to the change area and managed to take a different way out of the diagnostic imaging area which turned me around a little and took me further away from where I was wanting to go to get to parking, my back was complaining with every step as I made my way to my car.
Once home I had a call from my good friend that we visited back in the fall in Victoria. Lots of changes in her life and lots to catch up on, an hour and a bit later I started getting ready for Caleb's birthday party.
My sister in law Carol popped in for a few minutes on her way out to see my mother in law. They are embarking on a trip together to Vancouver and back with lots of stops along the way. Should be a wonderful trip for them.
The birthday party was very laid back, the weather was perfect and I managed to get lots of cuddle time in with Paisley :).
This morning was my second day back at work, not too taxing and it included the bonus of a stampede barbecue (I know the days to pick to work ;))
Now my 'rinse cycle' is complete post Herceptin and I am disconnected so I am off for home and a quiet evening.
Take care everyone.
Yesterday's MRI experience was a pretty good one, I think. I found the signage around the new hospital was very good and I had no trouble finding where to park and, once parked, finding my way to the Diagnostic Imaging area. As I checked in I was once again very impressed with the verify/validate process - not only was I asked to provide my health care card, I was also asked for my driver's license. Once checked in, I had a questionnaire to fill out, mostly looking for hidden sources of metal in my body. I completed it and then was escorted back to the MRI area. Here they had a set of lockers with keys and a change area. I was given gown, pj bottoms and a housecoat and a bag for the clothes I was wearing and instructed to place them in a locker and take the key once changed. I was allowed to keep my iPad and glasses with me while waiting.
There was one other lady also waiting, she had her husband with her. After a bit a man came out of the MRI suite and proceeded to his locker and the change area. A woman came out shortly after and changed also.
The other lady waiting and myself were called in, there were two rooms and a 'control' area. I was taken to one of them and asked to place my glasses and the locker key on a shelf out of the MRI field. I was placed on the table which had a pillow and neck rest and a pillow was placed under my legs. A set of headphones were placed over my ears, I was given a panic button to push if I needed it and then a white cage-like device was placed over my head and attached to the table. Lastly, cushiony pads were placed on either side of my neck to ensure I did not move my head.
The machine started moving me back into the tube and that's when I decided that closing my eyes was the best way to get through this procedure. There was a bright light inside the tube and there was a light fan that gently blew cool air on my face which was nice. I was moved further back into the machine twice more and there was some beeping then I was moved to the more central position and the MRI started. Lots of jackhammer like noises and then steady humming, then silence. This happened several times and I kind of gave up trying to anticipate when the MRI would be finished. It took 45 - 60 minutes and then came the challenging part - walking after lying on that hard table in one position for that long!
I made it to the change area and managed to take a different way out of the diagnostic imaging area which turned me around a little and took me further away from where I was wanting to go to get to parking, my back was complaining with every step as I made my way to my car.
Once home I had a call from my good friend that we visited back in the fall in Victoria. Lots of changes in her life and lots to catch up on, an hour and a bit later I started getting ready for Caleb's birthday party.
My sister in law Carol popped in for a few minutes on her way out to see my mother in law. They are embarking on a trip together to Vancouver and back with lots of stops along the way. Should be a wonderful trip for them.
The birthday party was very laid back, the weather was perfect and I managed to get lots of cuddle time in with Paisley :).
This morning was my second day back at work, not too taxing and it included the bonus of a stampede barbecue (I know the days to pick to work ;))
Now my 'rinse cycle' is complete post Herceptin and I am disconnected so I am off for home and a quiet evening.
Take care everyone.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Getting back
Our time in North Battleford was wonderful, too short but wonderful. I got a lot of visiting in with many people I haven't seen for what seems like a long time. I left feeling very rich and very blessed for having gone there. As seems to be our usual, we brought a few extra people back with us on our return trip, this time though instead of always seeming to attract boys we managed to attract two girls and an extra boy. Good but long trip, it was after midnight when we pulled into our driveway. I headed for bed fairly quickly, glad that Rod had Monday off and we didn't have to try to unpack right then.
Morning came way too quickly. I made it to my appointment for the MUGA scan on time but I must have left my veins back on vacation. The tech I had has been the same tech for all my MUGA's and my bone scans and has never had trouble before but yesterday my veins just did not seem to like being poked. Due to the trouble she was having she changed things up and did not remove blood and add tracer to it this time, instead she just injected the tracer into my vein.
After the MUGA I went into work for my first official half day back. There was a wonderful 'Welcome Back' basket waiting for me with all sorts of useful items as well as chocolate - they know my weakness ;). It felt good and right to be back and I managed not to embarrass myself too badly. Once home it was definitely nap time, followed by unpacking.
Today I tackled Costco in the morning and made it out to the lodge in the afternoon. The lodge was putting on a kinder, gentler Stampede that suited me perfectly. I had expected to have to do Mom's hair after her shower today but I was pleased to see that the nurses had done it for her, she seemed very pleased by this also. This left us with time to go outside and enjoy the sunny day along with the Stampede celebrations. There were a few different stations where the residents could show off their skills at milking, throwing horseshoes or tossing pancakes. It was fun to cheer the residents on and have a chance to visit with them.
When I was at Costco they had some perennials right at the front of the store that hadn't fared all that well on their trip east. They were selling them for a good price and I picked a few that looked like they could thrive with a little tender loving care. I hope to provide that for them in the next few days. The rest of my plants did very well while we were away, Rod's hard work beforehand in setting up soaker hoses and timers on the faucets paid off beautifully. I also couldn't resist a couple of other deals at Costco - one is a 'sail shade' that is triangular in shape and should be nice strung over the lower part of our deck or over the back stone patio area. The other deal was a package of pretty solar lights for the tables. It all seems to be coming together.
I guess I should probably save some of my money for celebrating Caleb's birthday - which happens to be tomorrow. I'm sure he would appreciate that although I think he feels he already has everything he could want with Leisha, Paisley and of course, Charlie. I hear that Lilly had a lemonade and Rice Krispie stand today and was expecting to make some pretty good money so maybe I can ask her for a loan if I need one. ;)
Take care everyone.
Morning came way too quickly. I made it to my appointment for the MUGA scan on time but I must have left my veins back on vacation. The tech I had has been the same tech for all my MUGA's and my bone scans and has never had trouble before but yesterday my veins just did not seem to like being poked. Due to the trouble she was having she changed things up and did not remove blood and add tracer to it this time, instead she just injected the tracer into my vein.
After the MUGA I went into work for my first official half day back. There was a wonderful 'Welcome Back' basket waiting for me with all sorts of useful items as well as chocolate - they know my weakness ;). It felt good and right to be back and I managed not to embarrass myself too badly. Once home it was definitely nap time, followed by unpacking.
Today I tackled Costco in the morning and made it out to the lodge in the afternoon. The lodge was putting on a kinder, gentler Stampede that suited me perfectly. I had expected to have to do Mom's hair after her shower today but I was pleased to see that the nurses had done it for her, she seemed very pleased by this also. This left us with time to go outside and enjoy the sunny day along with the Stampede celebrations. There were a few different stations where the residents could show off their skills at milking, throwing horseshoes or tossing pancakes. It was fun to cheer the residents on and have a chance to visit with them.
When I was at Costco they had some perennials right at the front of the store that hadn't fared all that well on their trip east. They were selling them for a good price and I picked a few that looked like they could thrive with a little tender loving care. I hope to provide that for them in the next few days. The rest of my plants did very well while we were away, Rod's hard work beforehand in setting up soaker hoses and timers on the faucets paid off beautifully. I also couldn't resist a couple of other deals at Costco - one is a 'sail shade' that is triangular in shape and should be nice strung over the lower part of our deck or over the back stone patio area. The other deal was a package of pretty solar lights for the tables. It all seems to be coming together.
I guess I should probably save some of my money for celebrating Caleb's birthday - which happens to be tomorrow. I'm sure he would appreciate that although I think he feels he already has everything he could want with Leisha, Paisley and of course, Charlie. I hear that Lilly had a lemonade and Rice Krispie stand today and was expecting to make some pretty good money so maybe I can ask her for a loan if I need one. ;)
Take care everyone.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Overdue post
Blog post written July 4th - unable to post until July 8th
It has been over a week since my last post. A very busy week!
On the Tuesday, I had neglected to check out post flood road closures. Following a wonderful chat with Norman, and missing my brownie as the bakery that supplied them was closed due to the flooding, I habitually started out on my usual route home. This turned out to be a big mistake. The road that I normally turn east onto was closed and a policeman was directing all traffic over the bridge and into the downtown area. Traffic was bumper to bumper and three lanes across. I was in the wrong lane to go south and west and ended up wandering the downtown area, trying to get south but working around road closures, no traffic lights and clean up crews. Finally another policeman asked me where I was going - I said 'Home'. He smiled gently and told me that if he knew where that was he could help me. I told him and he directed me to a street and bridge that was open. It was still bumper to bumper traffic and no lights. I drove past some of the worst flood damage and it took me two hours. As I drove I thought about how I just wanted to go home and I knew that my home was there waiting for me if I could just get to it. It hit home that for many after the flood this was not a possibility and yet they must just want to go 'home' also and have all be right with their world again.
Wednesday I got an early text telling me that Leisha was in labor and asking if we could be on call to the hospital. The airport is on the opposite side of the city from us and, traffic being what it was post flood, I didn't want to chance getting over there and then being called. Leah's mom and I visited via text and made a rain check for a really good face to face visit. Paisley Adeline entered the world at 6:24 p.m., 7 lb 5 oz and lots of dark hair. After so many boys in my life it is really incredible to hold this delicate little girl and hear the very feminine coos she makes. We have had the privilege of several visits with her, her parents and Charlie-dog since. Charlie is acting like a very protective big brother now, watching our every move with her. She is a beauty and I think she also already has Grandpa Rod wrapped around her little finger.
Yesterday, we travelled in the motorhome to Saskatchewan and I am comfortably lying in the motorhome bed while writing this. We will have a few days of vacation here before returning to a busy week once again, one that starts with a MUGA scan and then my first official start back to work since last June 20th.
Take care everyone.
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