It appears that blogger has updated its dashboard since I last posted. I hopes this works because it looks like I'm typing out a word document.
But I digress ...
The point of this post is to let you know that Light the Night is coming up Oct. 13. Any donations you can make to our team are greatly appreciated. We've raised $60 toward the $1500 goal.
Here's more info on our team page: http://pages.lightthenight.org/in/Indianap12/runningink
You can also sign up to join the team. If you sign up, please kindly harass your friends, family and coworkers for donations.
A quick update on my health for those who come to this blog for that (and not my wit or sarcasm): Not much to update on the cancer front. I see Dr. Shorty next month. I did graduate this year to having scans just once a year. I'm big time now! :)
Friday, August 17, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Two years
It's been two years since I was diagnosed and I recently received a clean bill of health. My CT scan looked good, Dr. Shorty said. However, some blood work revealed my thyroid is elevated (or low, I can't remember what the higher number means, hypothyroid I think), so I'm on meds for that while I wait to see an Endocrinologist. Because a girl can't have too many doctors in her life. ;P
Of course, I'm stoked to still be in the clear. I don't take it for granted and I appreciate being able to keep on truckin'. In fact, I just ran the IU mini - with the entry fee going toward scholarships for students who survived cancer - and did excellent. Two hours and 14 minutes. That's way better than the 2:47 minutes I did pre-cancer 5 years ago (and in the heat of the summer). woot!
Of course, I'm stoked to still be in the clear. I don't take it for granted and I appreciate being able to keep on truckin'. In fact, I just ran the IU mini - with the entry fee going toward scholarships for students who survived cancer - and did excellent. Two hours and 14 minutes. That's way better than the 2:47 minutes I did pre-cancer 5 years ago (and in the heat of the summer). woot!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
One year in the clear!
I knew my 1-year anniversary of remission was coming up, but I wasn't exactly sure when. After checking back on this blog, I realized it's today! Happy remission day to me. :)
I see Dr. Shorty next week, and I assume my next scan will be in March. I signed myself (and the husband, perhaps somewhat reluctantly) to run the IU mini marathon at the end of March. My reasons? 1. I want to prove to myself I can do it again. 2. I need an excuse to work out. 3. The money goes to providing scholarships for students who had cancer. Trifecta of good reasons! Speaking of trifectas, if anyone is free that weekend, they should come down and we can go out in Bloomington. :)
Hopefully these posts will continue to be far and few between and always with good news. I am very thankful for my good health right now and it's definitely something I do not take for granted.
I see Dr. Shorty next week, and I assume my next scan will be in March. I signed myself (and the husband, perhaps somewhat reluctantly) to run the IU mini marathon at the end of March. My reasons? 1. I want to prove to myself I can do it again. 2. I need an excuse to work out. 3. The money goes to providing scholarships for students who had cancer. Trifecta of good reasons! Speaking of trifectas, if anyone is free that weekend, they should come down and we can go out in Bloomington. :)
Hopefully these posts will continue to be far and few between and always with good news. I am very thankful for my good health right now and it's definitely something I do not take for granted.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Cancer has some benefits
Hello my friends! It has been a busy time for me this week. Many doctors appointments, including my CT scan. (It took two nurses four times to get a vein. I'm awesome.)Now I wait until Monday for the results.
Regarding the title of my post, because I got cancer, I was on the Smiley Morning Show today to promote KJ's Cancer Sucks party to benefit LLS. My dad recorded it, so I got to hear it. I don't sound bad, but I thought, do I really sound like that?
Regarding the title of my post, because I got cancer, I was on the Smiley Morning Show today to promote KJ's Cancer Sucks party to benefit LLS. My dad recorded it, so I got to hear it. I don't sound bad, but I thought, do I really sound like that?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Most days are fine, some are, well ...
Funny how the human mind works. I can go days or weeks without really thinking about my cancer, although I do remember that I had it every day. How can I not when I see my short hair or the scar on my chest. It's no big deal and I move on. I HAD cancer, but I'm fine now.
But then there are the days, actually the nights, where my mind is full of anxiety and fear about the cancer coming back. Typically it's been an imminent doctor's appointment triggering the thoughts, but last night, I have no idea why. I could not shut my mind off. I thought, what if my cancer comes back right around my friend's wedding in 2013, which I am in. What if I find cancer in my next scan in September, have to have chemo, and lose my hair before another friend's October wedding? What if it comes back and kills what little chance I may still have to have a baby? Will I have to have another bone marrow biopsy (which I literally fear more than anything else in my life. I was put under for the only one I had, but I have heard horror stories, and heard grown men have jumped off tables when it happens. Think about it people, needle through bone. not cool). Will I let my family down if it comes back? Will people be annoyed or bothered that I've got cancer again? What was that pain? What's that bump? Does my neck look swollen? Why did I eat that dessert it will cause cancer because cancer likes sugar! ahhhhhhhhh! Yes people, that is the anxiety taking over.
Given my somewhat anxious nature in life, I'm surprised these nights don't happen more often. I think I've handled this situation far better than I expected, but sometimes I feel paralyzed by the "what ifs" which is no way to live. But overall my life is good, so thankfully, these nights don't happen often. Check back with me in mid-September before my next scan and see how I'm doing. :P
But then there are the days, actually the nights, where my mind is full of anxiety and fear about the cancer coming back. Typically it's been an imminent doctor's appointment triggering the thoughts, but last night, I have no idea why. I could not shut my mind off. I thought, what if my cancer comes back right around my friend's wedding in 2013, which I am in. What if I find cancer in my next scan in September, have to have chemo, and lose my hair before another friend's October wedding? What if it comes back and kills what little chance I may still have to have a baby? Will I have to have another bone marrow biopsy (which I literally fear more than anything else in my life. I was put under for the only one I had, but I have heard horror stories, and heard grown men have jumped off tables when it happens. Think about it people, needle through bone. not cool). Will I let my family down if it comes back? Will people be annoyed or bothered that I've got cancer again? What was that pain? What's that bump? Does my neck look swollen? Why did I eat that dessert it will cause cancer because cancer likes sugar! ahhhhhhhhh! Yes people, that is the anxiety taking over.
Given my somewhat anxious nature in life, I'm surprised these nights don't happen more often. I think I've handled this situation far better than I expected, but sometimes I feel paralyzed by the "what ifs" which is no way to live. But overall my life is good, so thankfully, these nights don't happen often. Check back with me in mid-September before my next scan and see how I'm doing. :P
Thursday, March 31, 2011
All aboard the crazy cancer train...
It was a year ago today that I punched my ticket for the crazy cancer train. It was a year ago today that I went to the doctor for the strange swelling in my neck and ending up having more tests, blood work, and doctor visits than I had in my previous 29 years combined.
There are some things about that day that I can remember clearly. What I was wearing, that it was VERY hot out, looking out the window at Clarian West while bawling on the phone to my husband that they wanted to do a biopsy and more tests. (I was by myself for the initial tests). I really don't know how I drove home that day. I managed to compose myself enough to call work to let them know what was going on.
I had my biopsy two days later, found out I had cancer three days after that, and it was full speed ahead on the cancer train from that point on. Unfortunately it wasn't a high speed train, and it took about 7 months for me to get off that train. What a long and bumpy ride. It seems SO long ago, yet like I just finished chemo two weeks ago.
Goodbye cancer train, I hope I don't ever have to purchase another ticket to ride on your stupid train again. :P
There are some things about that day that I can remember clearly. What I was wearing, that it was VERY hot out, looking out the window at Clarian West while bawling on the phone to my husband that they wanted to do a biopsy and more tests. (I was by myself for the initial tests). I really don't know how I drove home that day. I managed to compose myself enough to call work to let them know what was going on.
I had my biopsy two days later, found out I had cancer three days after that, and it was full speed ahead on the cancer train from that point on. Unfortunately it wasn't a high speed train, and it took about 7 months for me to get off that train. What a long and bumpy ride. It seems SO long ago, yet like I just finished chemo two weeks ago.
Goodbye cancer train, I hope I don't ever have to purchase another ticket to ride on your stupid train again. :P
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Butler makes me emotional
The Butler Bulldogs just won and will now be in the Final Four. Because I am lame, it made me tear up. Not just because I'm excited for them, but because I will forever associate Butler with my cancer.
Last year, as Butler was making their run in the tournament, I discovered the lump in my neck. When they were playing in the Final Four, I was waiting for the results of my tests to see if I had cancer. At the time, I wanted Butler to win so bad because it would have given me something to look forward to on Monday evening with them playing in the final game. That Monday would also be the day I would get my diagnosis. Butler won and played Monday. I found out I had cancer around 3 p.m. Monday and that evening, I was able to cheer on the Bulldogs and temporarily be distracted from my diagnosis.
Flash forward to this year, and Butler is doing it again, only this time I'm cancer free. Their run in the tournament this year makes me think back to last year. Hopefully this year, they can win it all and I'll remain cancer free. A win/win for everyone.
Last year, as Butler was making their run in the tournament, I discovered the lump in my neck. When they were playing in the Final Four, I was waiting for the results of my tests to see if I had cancer. At the time, I wanted Butler to win so bad because it would have given me something to look forward to on Monday evening with them playing in the final game. That Monday would also be the day I would get my diagnosis. Butler won and played Monday. I found out I had cancer around 3 p.m. Monday and that evening, I was able to cheer on the Bulldogs and temporarily be distracted from my diagnosis.
Flash forward to this year, and Butler is doing it again, only this time I'm cancer free. Their run in the tournament this year makes me think back to last year. Hopefully this year, they can win it all and I'll remain cancer free. A win/win for everyone.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Photos of a cancer beater
Taken March 30, 2010 - the day I first noticed the lump.
Another view of said lump.
The first day of chemo.
Me in Chicago in August. Note the lack of hair.
My last chemo treatment!
Still cancer free, sucka!
I had my scan last Monday and got the results Wednesday. I passed, no cancer! Of course I passed, I am an excellent student. Then the husband and I jotted off to Georgia for a wedding, so thus the delay in posting this. Next up is a follow up visit with the doc in three months, followed by a CT scan three months from that.
I may have to visit Doctor Proctor again. My issue seems to have re-emerged from hibernation. Joy. :) Beyond that I'm hanging in there.
I've uploaded some pictures I took during my cancer experience and now I'm finally getting around to uploading them. I think it's easier if I just put them in one post instead of trying to insert back into every post. We'll see!
I may have to visit Doctor Proctor again. My issue seems to have re-emerged from hibernation. Joy. :) Beyond that I'm hanging in there.
I've uploaded some pictures I took during my cancer experience and now I'm finally getting around to uploading them. I think it's easier if I just put them in one post instead of trying to insert back into every post. We'll see!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Update
Hello. I'm not sure if anyone one is even checking this blog anymore. But for those of you who are, here's the 411. I've been doing pretty well, at least I think so. I'm "running" again and will do a 5k tomorrow. My hair is growing, although the hair on my legs is very slow growing and now my underarm hair is pretty much non existant. I will not complain, unless this is a sign of something bad. I'm hoping it's just a benefit of chemo. There are benefits to chemo, right?
Monday is my first follow up CT scan. Here's to hoping they can get the IV in on the first shot and my scan comes back clean. I'm not necessarily worried, but I am pretty anxious. It's like living my life in 3 months increments, and if this comes back clean, I'll feel ok for another 3 months, unless some other symptom comes up.
Yesterday, the hubby and I went to a LLS symposium, kind of an overview by docs on different topics. Hearing about the new research and medicine is promising and it also makes me grateful for how "easy" my experience was/is as compared to some of the other people there. Here's to hoping it continues to go smoothly!
Monday is my first follow up CT scan. Here's to hoping they can get the IV in on the first shot and my scan comes back clean. I'm not necessarily worried, but I am pretty anxious. It's like living my life in 3 months increments, and if this comes back clean, I'll feel ok for another 3 months, unless some other symptom comes up.
Yesterday, the hubby and I went to a LLS symposium, kind of an overview by docs on different topics. Hearing about the new research and medicine is promising and it also makes me grateful for how "easy" my experience was/is as compared to some of the other people there. Here's to hoping it continues to go smoothly!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Stay away 101!
Rememeber a few posts ago how Dr. Shorty mentioned if I have a fever of 101 or higher I need to call her...I'm getting dangerously close. It seems something is going around and it caught up to the husband and me. He got it first and I've been dealing with it since Wednesday evening. My fever has gone up and down and today it's pretty close to 101. I'm chugging orange juice, taking meds, and hoping for the best.
It's funny, but before I got cancer, I had taken 1 1/2 sick days in about 4 1/2 years at work, and in the first three years of work, I took none. My immune system rocked (and I tend to get sick on weekends or holidays, lucky me) but I've heard chemo can reek havoc on your immune system. I hope that's not the case.
It's weird being home from work on a sick day. At least I'm not laying in bed trying not to throw up from chemo.
House update: We're almost done! We just need to put shevles in closets, trim around windows, and add some decorations. :)
It's funny, but before I got cancer, I had taken 1 1/2 sick days in about 4 1/2 years at work, and in the first three years of work, I took none. My immune system rocked (and I tend to get sick on weekends or holidays, lucky me) but I've heard chemo can reek havoc on your immune system. I hope that's not the case.
It's weird being home from work on a sick day. At least I'm not laying in bed trying not to throw up from chemo.
House update: We're almost done! We just need to put shevles in closets, trim around windows, and add some decorations. :)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Hello! Just a quick update for those who still check this. I'm doing well and feeling good. I have been going to the gym and trying to get back my endurance. Nothing like some time on the treadmill! We've been so busy with the house and it's so close to being finished. It's very exciting to have a bedroom upstairs with a closet! (too bad all my clothes won't fit...:P) And I turned 30. joy. :)
I'm a little behind the times on this, but I just saw today that Deanna Dewberry from Channel 8 news just discovered she has breast cancer. She's being pretty public with her battle and even has a revealing and interesting blog. I read it at work and it got me a little teary, bringing me back to my experience. Turns out she's had cancer three times now! the first time was Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, then a type of luekemia, and now breast cancer. I must admit it made me sad on a lot of levels,the most selfish one being that I feared it could happen to me. I've read that there may be a connection between chemo for HL later causing leukemia. I hope and pray that doesn't happen to me.
I told the husband I've noticed I've been thinking about cancer and such a lot more lately in the last few days. Can't explain why,but I'm trying to stay positive and have no reason to worry right now!
I'm a little behind the times on this, but I just saw today that Deanna Dewberry from Channel 8 news just discovered she has breast cancer. She's being pretty public with her battle and even has a revealing and interesting blog. I read it at work and it got me a little teary, bringing me back to my experience. Turns out she's had cancer three times now! the first time was Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, then a type of luekemia, and now breast cancer. I must admit it made me sad on a lot of levels,the most selfish one being that I feared it could happen to me. I've read that there may be a connection between chemo for HL later causing leukemia. I hope and pray that doesn't happen to me.
I told the husband I've noticed I've been thinking about cancer and such a lot more lately in the last few days. Can't explain why,but I'm trying to stay positive and have no reason to worry right now!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
bye bye mort
Today Mort and I parted ways for hopefully ever. I don't want him to be that guy I can't let go of and have an on again/off again relationship.
I wasn't very nervous going in, more anxious. The nurse got my IV started in one stick, so she's my new BFF. i talked about asking to keep mort or seeing him, but after meeting with the doc, who is a very straightforward guy who seemed to not know what humor is, i decided against asking.
The doc kept asking if I was in remission and such, which started to make me nervous that he thought I was getting my port out too soon. The way in which he asked made it sound like, are you sure, you just finished chemo, maybe it's not a good idea. But I figured I was already hooked up and I didn't want the day to be a waste. Besides my oncologist told me to go ahead and get it out. Booya!
I don't remember this part, so it's hearsay from my father and husband. The nurse said as she was wheeling me out of surgery to recovery, that I kept talking about mort and how I was breaking up with him. Can I just say how awesome am I that in an uncoherent state I was able to articulate my relationship with mort. :P
After my husband left to go to work (which I don't remember), I started to feel ill, so my dad took me home. I laid down for a while and then felt ok. So, hopefully all I'll be left with now of this whole cancer experience is this scar, which looks pretty gnarly right now.
I wasn't very nervous going in, more anxious. The nurse got my IV started in one stick, so she's my new BFF. i talked about asking to keep mort or seeing him, but after meeting with the doc, who is a very straightforward guy who seemed to not know what humor is, i decided against asking.
The doc kept asking if I was in remission and such, which started to make me nervous that he thought I was getting my port out too soon. The way in which he asked made it sound like, are you sure, you just finished chemo, maybe it's not a good idea. But I figured I was already hooked up and I didn't want the day to be a waste. Besides my oncologist told me to go ahead and get it out. Booya!
I don't remember this part, so it's hearsay from my father and husband. The nurse said as she was wheeling me out of surgery to recovery, that I kept talking about mort and how I was breaking up with him. Can I just say how awesome am I that in an uncoherent state I was able to articulate my relationship with mort. :P
After my husband left to go to work (which I don't remember), I started to feel ill, so my dad took me home. I laid down for a while and then felt ok. So, hopefully all I'll be left with now of this whole cancer experience is this scar, which looks pretty gnarly right now.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
In the clear
I went to Dr. Proctor today and everything is OK now on my earlier issue. This means I'm in the clear for meds and docs for a while! I'll be happy to not have to lug around my "booty bag" for my meds as Dr. Proctor referred to it.
My hair is growing back quite well, however, i've noticed hair in places where I didn't before. We all have hair on our face, necks, etc, but I never used to be able to see mine. Now in certain light, I can see the hairs on my face. It's like little peach fuzz! UGH. The husband assures me you don't notice it unless you are up in my grill, but still.
I have to renew my driver's license this month, and i'm debating whether to wear the wig or just go with how my hair looks now.
I've started working out again and I'm happy. No endurance really yet, but my goal is to run the Big Ten 5k in March. It will really take me full circle, as I ran that right before I was diagnosed this year. I'm hoping working out again will help keep my weight in check. It was the highest it's ever been today at the doctor's office. I'm going to blame my winter boots. When I weighed myself at the gym the day before, the number was lower and what I was at before I got sick. Maybe the gym's scale is kinder. :P
My hair is growing back quite well, however, i've noticed hair in places where I didn't before. We all have hair on our face, necks, etc, but I never used to be able to see mine. Now in certain light, I can see the hairs on my face. It's like little peach fuzz! UGH. The husband assures me you don't notice it unless you are up in my grill, but still.
I have to renew my driver's license this month, and i'm debating whether to wear the wig or just go with how my hair looks now.
I've started working out again and I'm happy. No endurance really yet, but my goal is to run the Big Ten 5k in March. It will really take me full circle, as I ran that right before I was diagnosed this year. I'm hoping working out again will help keep my weight in check. It was the highest it's ever been today at the doctor's office. I'm going to blame my winter boots. When I weighed myself at the gym the day before, the number was lower and what I was at before I got sick. Maybe the gym's scale is kinder. :P
Monday, December 13, 2010
Officially leaving the Thunderdome
Today, I am officially in remission.
It's awesome.
My PET scan came back well and now I go forward with getting Mort out Dec. 23. I have my next CT scan in March.
It's weird. I am very relieved, but it is kind of scary to know now I just wait and hope nothing comes back. My goal is to just live in the moment and try not to worry much between scans. It's a good goal.
So, this means my posts to this will most likely become even more infrequent as I no longer have cancer!
Thank you everyone for your prayers, support, well wishes and anything else you did for us. It was with your help I was able to get through this. I am very grateful. What a wonderful Christmas present. I thought it was odd how I was diagnosed at Easter and got the all clear at Christmas. :)
Love you all!
It's awesome.
My PET scan came back well and now I go forward with getting Mort out Dec. 23. I have my next CT scan in March.
It's weird. I am very relieved, but it is kind of scary to know now I just wait and hope nothing comes back. My goal is to just live in the moment and try not to worry much between scans. It's a good goal.
So, this means my posts to this will most likely become even more infrequent as I no longer have cancer!
Thank you everyone for your prayers, support, well wishes and anything else you did for us. It was with your help I was able to get through this. I am very grateful. What a wonderful Christmas present. I thought it was odd how I was diagnosed at Easter and got the all clear at Christmas. :)
Love you all!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Support group established
Yesterday I went up to the Indy LLS headquarters for a new young adult blood cancer support group. There were 11 of us there and three other guys had/have HL. One guy had it twice and is in remission, one guy has been in remission for a year, and the other guy is on his fourth round of treatment.
I felt like crying a couple times hearing the guy talk about how hard it is to go through chemo and how much it sucks. It's so strange because while it's only been barely 2 months since I had chemo last, it feels like it was forever ago. I can't believe that this summer I had cancer. Now I think I understand what the people I spoke with said when I was first diagnosed - they couldn't remember a lot of details about their treatment/feelings and said it goes by so fast. It really kind of does.
I'm looking forward to this group because it's an interesting mix of people and I may actually be one of the older ones in it. The youngest is a 19-year-old with Luekemia.
Small world notes - the program manager for LLS is the daughter of an attorney and married to one. We talked briefly about it. And, the guy who has been in remission for a year - he and his wife live in Fountain Square.
I went to the gym tonight for the first time since the day I discovered the lump on my neck. It was weird being back there because again, it almost felt like I hadn't been gone 8 months. (It did once I got on the treadmill and felt tired walking after 30 minutes). Baby steps. I hope to get back into shape so I can run the 5k in bloomington in April. I ran the mini there in 07. I have no desire to do that right now, but I'd like to do the 5k. Plus, I believe it benefits scholarships for students who had cancer! Anyone want to join me? Send me an e-mail.
I missed the early signup deadline for the Indy mini 5k, so I'm debating whether to go ahead and sign up anyway.
Here's a house update: The upstairs is really close to finished!! We have dry wall, carpets, paint, and tile on the bathroom floor. Our next step is to stain the doors and trim and get those in, get a bar in the bedroom closet, and we can move upstairs! Hopefully before the end of the year, but our motivation seems to be lacking right now...haha. Who wants to stain in a cold garage? I don't! But I must and thank goodness for space heaters.
All in all, I'm doing well. I'm need to take some pictures of myself right now so I can remember how I looked. My hair is growing, but not fast or thick enough for me, and my eyebrows are back. But they came back lighter. It's very strange. No one but me thinks they look weird. I need to shape them now as they look like two fuzzy blondish catepillars are sitting on my face. I've worked one shift at my seasonal job and have another tomorrow. It's so tempting to be surrounded by all those clothes. I need to be strong and save money as we've got an upstairs to pay for now! :)
I felt like crying a couple times hearing the guy talk about how hard it is to go through chemo and how much it sucks. It's so strange because while it's only been barely 2 months since I had chemo last, it feels like it was forever ago. I can't believe that this summer I had cancer. Now I think I understand what the people I spoke with said when I was first diagnosed - they couldn't remember a lot of details about their treatment/feelings and said it goes by so fast. It really kind of does.
I'm looking forward to this group because it's an interesting mix of people and I may actually be one of the older ones in it. The youngest is a 19-year-old with Luekemia.
Small world notes - the program manager for LLS is the daughter of an attorney and married to one. We talked briefly about it. And, the guy who has been in remission for a year - he and his wife live in Fountain Square.
I went to the gym tonight for the first time since the day I discovered the lump on my neck. It was weird being back there because again, it almost felt like I hadn't been gone 8 months. (It did once I got on the treadmill and felt tired walking after 30 minutes). Baby steps. I hope to get back into shape so I can run the 5k in bloomington in April. I ran the mini there in 07. I have no desire to do that right now, but I'd like to do the 5k. Plus, I believe it benefits scholarships for students who had cancer! Anyone want to join me? Send me an e-mail.
I missed the early signup deadline for the Indy mini 5k, so I'm debating whether to go ahead and sign up anyway.
Here's a house update: The upstairs is really close to finished!! We have dry wall, carpets, paint, and tile on the bathroom floor. Our next step is to stain the doors and trim and get those in, get a bar in the bedroom closet, and we can move upstairs! Hopefully before the end of the year, but our motivation seems to be lacking right now...haha. Who wants to stain in a cold garage? I don't! But I must and thank goodness for space heaters.
All in all, I'm doing well. I'm need to take some pictures of myself right now so I can remember how I looked. My hair is growing, but not fast or thick enough for me, and my eyebrows are back. But they came back lighter. It's very strange. No one but me thinks they look weird. I need to shape them now as they look like two fuzzy blondish catepillars are sitting on my face. I've worked one shift at my seasonal job and have another tomorrow. It's so tempting to be surrounded by all those clothes. I need to be strong and save money as we've got an upstairs to pay for now! :)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Quick update
Hello to anyone out there still checking this blog. Sorry for the long time between posts, but I simply forget to post right now. The hubby and I have been busy renovating the house, the holiday season is upon us, as is IU basketball, and now I've taken a seasonal job.
My hair is growing! My eyebrows look pretty funny but they are starting to come in well. The hair on my head is good too. I've actually gone out without a hat or wig a couple of times now. It's almost to the point where it looks like I just cut my hair REALLY short. I'm going to have to get back into a routine of shaving my legs...or maybe not. It's winter now, right? :P
Saw Dr. Proctor. Have a minor issue that hopefully some medicine will treat. I'll see her again next month and if the medicine didn't work, then I get to try something else.
Overall, I'm doing OK. I hope to continue to do so and then my PET scan comes back clean so Mort and I can part ways!
My hair is growing! My eyebrows look pretty funny but they are starting to come in well. The hair on my head is good too. I've actually gone out without a hat or wig a couple of times now. It's almost to the point where it looks like I just cut my hair REALLY short. I'm going to have to get back into a routine of shaving my legs...or maybe not. It's winter now, right? :P
Saw Dr. Proctor. Have a minor issue that hopefully some medicine will treat. I'll see her again next month and if the medicine didn't work, then I get to try something else.
Overall, I'm doing OK. I hope to continue to do so and then my PET scan comes back clean so Mort and I can part ways!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
After 12 rounds, the winner is...
ME! Got the good news today from Dr. Shorty that it appears I'm cancer free. Look at me, I'm so superstitious that I don't want to come out and say that I am cancer free, but all signs point in that direction. The CT came back AWESOME and now I need to get set up for a PET scan in about 6-8 weeks. Mort and I will part ways this year since I've already racked up mondo insurance. You've been a dear, Mort, making blood draws almost effortless.
But it's not all sunshines and rainbows - I have to see another doctor for my alleged hemroid/fissure. FUN. And, I have to be careful about infections - FOR LIFE. So kids, if you have a fever, STAY AWAY FROM ME. Over 101 degree temp and I got to call Dr. Shorty. She said it's a quirk of those with HL, that our immune systems are slightly different. The debate is whether we are born with this quirk and thus predisposed to HL or if HL causes this quirk. My doc thinks it's the born with it theory. But, what it means for me is I'll still have to be careful when I get sick and avoid you sickos out there. :)
Other than that, I am good to go. Now I've got to figure out when to schedule this port to come out.
I am officially out of the Thunderome. But that doesn't mean this blog is dead, per se. I'll still update it when necessary and maybe with random non-cancer items (like how much fun home renovations are).
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. You've been awesome, but not as awesome as me, because I beat cancer. ;)
But it's not all sunshines and rainbows - I have to see another doctor for my alleged hemroid/fissure. FUN. And, I have to be careful about infections - FOR LIFE. So kids, if you have a fever, STAY AWAY FROM ME. Over 101 degree temp and I got to call Dr. Shorty. She said it's a quirk of those with HL, that our immune systems are slightly different. The debate is whether we are born with this quirk and thus predisposed to HL or if HL causes this quirk. My doc thinks it's the born with it theory. But, what it means for me is I'll still have to be careful when I get sick and avoid you sickos out there. :)
Other than that, I am good to go. Now I've got to figure out when to schedule this port to come out.
I am officially out of the Thunderome. But that doesn't mean this blog is dead, per se. I'll still update it when necessary and maybe with random non-cancer items (like how much fun home renovations are).
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. You've been awesome, but not as awesome as me, because I beat cancer. ;)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Cold
I'm not sure if chemo messes with your body temperature, but I am always cold now. Well, not always, but more than usual. The fact I lack hair doesn't help. I find myself wearing a winter hat around the house, and it's not even that chilly inside. I've actually turned on a space heater today while I work. I just thought of the idea, wish I had a few hours ago. I have on a sweater, hoodie, with the hood up and a scarf. And I'm inside a house that is 67 degress. It's going to be a long winter. :P
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Scantastic
I called the doc's office today for the results of my scan and she said they were good results. However, my appointment was pushed back until next Tuesday so I won't know for sure until then if I need any more chemo or what my next steps are. So for now, good news. :)
I'm going to give everyone a tip I hope they don't have to use: If you ever find yourself needing a port, ask the doc if you can get a power port. I don't know why they are called power port, but all I know is you can have dyes and other things injected into the port. I can't with my regular ol' port. If you have bad veins you'll find this handy. Had a little trouble getting a needle in me yesterday and it's those days I wish Mort had special powers.
I'm going to give everyone a tip I hope they don't have to use: If you ever find yourself needing a port, ask the doc if you can get a power port. I don't know why they are called power port, but all I know is you can have dyes and other things injected into the port. I can't with my regular ol' port. If you have bad veins you'll find this handy. Had a little trouble getting a needle in me yesterday and it's those days I wish Mort had special powers.
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