Back home

I was welcomed home yesterday by the glorious Pennsylvania heat. You may think I'm being sarcastic, but oh no, I'm completely sincere. I've always been one to get cold easily and to be able to withstand hot summers without air conditioning. But since chemo caused severe anemia, I'm pretty much always cold. I often wear multiple layers even in summer. I wore a lightweight sweater into work today. So I really enjoy days like today.

For Christmas last year, my sister gave me a pair of penguin footie pajamas. I wore them into May. Sometimes with a t-shirt underneath and a sweatshirt over them.

Speaking of sweatshirts, we all wore them last week during our vacation in Maine. It was beautiful weather, just a little chilly at night. My mother had advised me to take my winter coat. I didn't. I should've.

I really am surprised at how good I felt while I was there. The healing and strengthening was fabulous. I developed an appetite finally. And one day I walked over two miles. We didn't have any cell service or Internet service at our cottage which meant that I was forced to completely disconnect. I've never done that before but it was probably just what I needed.

Today I am grateful for: the heat, my office staff, and my own bed.

Traveling

On our way to Maine via Rutland Vermont. I can't wait until we get to our cottage tomorrow.

Home from the hospital

I had my two stents replaced this morning around 10:30. I've had no pain as a result of the surgery. And I feel a lot better knowing they are now replaced and I don't have to worry about them. I took a long nap to let the anesthesia wear off and then I came home! Yay!

I only got sick once from the anesthesia which is great for me. A kind anesthesiologist gave me an ear patch for nausea and I am impressed by how well it worked.

The only challenge I am left with is pain when going to the bathroom. If any of you female readers have ever had a urinary tract infection, you know what I mean. For everyone else, imagine sitting naked on very sharp glass shards. That about sums it up. I hope pyridium works really fast!

All in all, the experience wasn't bad and was fairly relaxing. I didn't like missing two work days especially in a short week. Back to work tomorrow! Yay again! Another day in the hospital and I would've had to build a database or something!

Anyway, thank you for all of your prayers and concerns. I appreciate it all.

Today I am grateful for: being home, being virtually pain free, and for all of my friends.

From the hospital

I feel somewhat ridiculous for being here on the 8th floor of Lancaster General. I have a very nice room, and I've had good food all day. I feel fine. It was intense abdominal pain that brought me to the emergency room last night fearing appendicitis. After a myriad of tests, it was determined that the stent I have in my right ureter is blocked and my right kidney is swollen. Thank goodness it wasn't appendicitis. I didn't need anything else to add to my complex medical history.

I was due to have both of my stents removed or replaced this month anyway, and now that surgery will happen tomorrow at 11:00. They will be replaced since I will most likely have chemo again in August. Chemo is very hard on kidneys and ureters, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder. I plan to go home tomorrow although my stay has been very relaxing.

Independence

Have you ever wondered why the Fourth of July is rarely referred to as Independence day? They have basically the same number of syllables so it isn't because it is easier to say. Even in December with all of the controversy over the word Christmas, we don't say, Happy Twenty Fifth of December!

I've been thinking a lot about freedom and independence. I have two teenagers and a son who is 20, so I've been well aware of independence issues for a while now. It is really fascinating to see the kids grow up and be more independent. I don't always like it, but nonetheless, it is fascinating. I feel, as a parent, that I am slowly opening the curtain for the kids to see and experience more of life.

And on the other side of the coin, I feel as though since I am now in my forties, that I am finally independent. Not that I wasn't in my twenties and thirties, but with young children and just starting with a career, there always seems to be a lot of limits. And that's why it is especially frustrating to find out that I will be back in chemo in August. I have a mindset, that I must change, that my life is on hold while in chemo treatment. I don't have to jam everything into July. I'll plan things into August and September. And I'll be strong enough to do whatever I want to do.


Today I am grateful for: my church, rain overnight, and sun during the day.

Neuropathy

Last weekend, Steve and I walked out onto our deck in bare feet.  The sun was hot that day, and Steve was shifting his weight back and forth from one foot to the other.  At first, I couldn't figure out what he was doing, then I realized and asked him if the deck was hot.  My feet couldn't feel it because they were numb on the bottom. 

A possible side effect of chemo is neuropathy which is a tingling feeling in your hands and feet.  It feels like your feet/hands were asleep and they are just waking up.  I have it in my feet and a little bit in my hands.  Most of the time, it doesn't bother me, but at night it can keep me awake.  I have to be careful of walking on uneven surfaces and going up and down steps.  And, I'm not supposed to wear heels.  Although now that I'm thinking about it, it may be a good time to try those super high heels that I like, but have been able to wear because they hurt my feet.  I wouldn't even feel it now.  Hmmmmm...

Hopefully, this annoying side effect will go away, and there are things I can do about it - like remember to take my B vitamins, and put Vicks Vapor Rub on my feet before I go to bed.  Of course, the smell keeps me awake at that point.

Today I am grateful for: freedom, sunny days, and Saturdays

Doctors and choices

I am fascinated by doctors' influences. 

While anxiously waiting for my scan results a little over a week ago, I was curious of what I would read on the oncologist's face when she walked in the door.  And, would she give away the results?  She was upbeat and cheerful and began a conversation about my recent trip versus telling me about the scan results immediately.  Last year, when I had a scan and the results were good, she told us right away.  So, I knew they weren't going to be what I wanted to hear.  They weren't terrible, and definitely could have been worse.  I've often wondered how a doctor's demeanor affects our thoughts about our own health.  Had she had a more negative expression and demeanor while talking about the results and next actions, I know I would have felt more apprehension.  I put a lot of faith into her recommendations.

This week I received a call from my urologist's office.  They left a message saying that I needed to call and make an appointment for next week.  I have two stents that need to be replaced via outpatient surgery prior to starting chemo again in August.  I dutifully called them back this morning and the only opening they had was next Friday at 4:00.  Well, that didn't suit me, and I wasn't going to be available the following week, so that left two weeks to meet with the doctor and have the surgery before the end of July.   I was annoyed so I said to the receptionist, "Look, I only have the month of July before I have to start chemo again, and I really don't want to be sitting in doctor's offices when we could accomplish the same objective over the phone."  I felt a little guilty afterward, but I realized that I have choices.   

Also this week, I received an email from the doctor who saw me in San Diego asking me how I was doing.  I was actually shocked to receive an email from her.  I responded to her with how my scan went and that I would probably start chemo in August again.  She suggested I try acupuncture while I have chemo.  Interestingly enough, a few days prior to receiving her email, I mentioned to some friends that I didn't want to try acupuncture.  Its the needles.  They scare me.  But after she suggested it, I am more open to it.  Maybe I'll look into it.  Then again, maybe not. 


Today I am grateful for:  beautiful weather, work, and my two dogs