Wow, the last day of June.
The is a substantial age difference between my husband and I. I met him when I was 20. In the beginning of our relationship I remember him telling me, "The older you get, the faster the time goes." Being so young, I tended to roll my eyes. Now I know, he was so right. We are halfway through 2012, and I am still writing 2011 on things. Mind-blowing.
The post-op went well. The staples came out, and my incision feels so much better! I found out that I had 8 staples in my belly-button! No wonder it was pinchy! Now the incision itches like crazy, and I can scratch it without worrying about pulling out metal.
I still have no pathology news. The specialist's nurse called yesterday, and the results are not back yet. They will call me when they are. I am glad I don't have to wait until July 11th (my follow-up).
Yesterday was a good day. After the post-op, we visited some coworkers at a company picnic. It was nice to be outside on a beautiful, sunny day, and it was nice to see my coworkers. I am fortunate to work with a fantastic group of caring people. We stayed about half an hour, I didn't want to over-do it.
After that, my best friend came over and brought us homemade cherry jam and super-crusty/chewy/wonderful sourdough bread. The jam is made from cherries picked from the tree in their backyard. It is the most wonderful jam on the planet, I can eat it out of the jar with a spoon. When I can have fiber, I will be doing so!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!! Maybe just a taste... >:-)
Then, for dinner, I had a hamburger patty and mashed potatoes. It tasted so good, I may as well have been eating at The Porthouse (a wonderful steakhouse in Little Canada). One step closer to a real meal!
So, that was my Friday. Today should be quiet, which is ok. It might be a good day to put the patio umbrella up, hang out on the balcony and watch critters all day.
Enjoy your weekend! Please be safe, and mind your pets in the heat.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Food is my friend again!
No nausea yesterday! Woo hoo! Thank you, anti-nausea meds!
I ate more yesterday than I have in a week and a half. I had mashed potatoes, watermelon, graham crackers, and plain buttered pasta! Still in small amounts, but everything was so tasty! I still have the food fear thing going on...my "Friday cheeseburger" may have to wait. I was CRAVING pizza so bad last night, but the hub reminded me not to push it. He's right. The pizza will be there when I am ready.
Yesterday was also the first day I didn't have to nap!
Today, I get my staples out and have a generic post-surgery follow-up. I may have new info from this visit, but I have my doubts. My specialist post-op is scheduled for July 11.
Happy Friday to all. Enjoy it, and be safe!
I ate more yesterday than I have in a week and a half. I had mashed potatoes, watermelon, graham crackers, and plain buttered pasta! Still in small amounts, but everything was so tasty! I still have the food fear thing going on...my "Friday cheeseburger" may have to wait. I was CRAVING pizza so bad last night, but the hub reminded me not to push it. He's right. The pizza will be there when I am ready.
Yesterday was also the first day I didn't have to nap!
Today, I get my staples out and have a generic post-surgery follow-up. I may have new info from this visit, but I have my doubts. My specialist post-op is scheduled for July 11.
Happy Friday to all. Enjoy it, and be safe!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
One Week Post-op
One week ago, I was sweating bullets right now. I had my last drink of water at 9am, and was getting ready to take a shower with special soap, worried about not being able to wear deodorant. Priorities.
I was nauseated most of yesterday, not wanting to eat or drink anything but water. I spoke with the nurse, and she said this is pretty normal for having been through a major surgery. She prescribed anti-nausea meds, and they finally kicked in at around 7pm. I was craving mashed potatoes. The wonderful hubby whipped up a batch for me, and ohhhhhhh, so tasty! I think my electrolytes are taking a hit (which would also cause nausea)...sending the hub to the store for Gatorade and Ensure today. Nutrition is essential to healing.
The pain is subsiding everyday. I am still on pain meds, but wake up less sore every morning (when the meds have worn off). The staples come out tomorrow. YAY!!
One thing I have forgotten to mention in this whole ordeal is that I donated my tumor to research. Being in the medical research field, I feel very strongly about this. If people don't donate tissue, we can't find answers. Please consider doing the same if you find yourself in the same boat as me. It feels good.
I was nauseated most of yesterday, not wanting to eat or drink anything but water. I spoke with the nurse, and she said this is pretty normal for having been through a major surgery. She prescribed anti-nausea meds, and they finally kicked in at around 7pm. I was craving mashed potatoes. The wonderful hubby whipped up a batch for me, and ohhhhhhh, so tasty! I think my electrolytes are taking a hit (which would also cause nausea)...sending the hub to the store for Gatorade and Ensure today. Nutrition is essential to healing.
The pain is subsiding everyday. I am still on pain meds, but wake up less sore every morning (when the meds have worn off). The staples come out tomorrow. YAY!!
One thing I have forgotten to mention in this whole ordeal is that I donated my tumor to research. Being in the medical research field, I feel very strongly about this. If people don't donate tissue, we can't find answers. Please consider doing the same if you find yourself in the same boat as me. It feels good.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Almost a week since the surgery
A week ago, I was counting down the hours until my surgery. Never did I think that a week later, I would be back home. Wow.
Things are going well. Everything is still "working" correctly ("working" meaning the pipes have no blockages or leaks), which is the main concern right now. The staples are coming out on Friday. This is good, because they are getting ITCHY!!! Itchy=healing. I can't complain.
Eating solid food is proving to be a challenge. The gas problem is subsiding, but I am tending to get nauseated when I try to eat anything solid. Last night, we went to Target and I was able to walk the whole parameter of the store. It took everything out of me, but I did it! We bought some Ritz crackers there, and they tasted soooo good. Too good. I ate 1/2 a sleeve of them, and oh boy. Not good. I was really nauseated. I never threw up, thank God, but it was close. Lesson learned. I'm doing liquids today. It's going to be a slow work-up to being able to eat somewhat normal again. I have to have patience.
My V-8 fruit smoothie is tasting very good this morning!
Things are going well. Everything is still "working" correctly ("working" meaning the pipes have no blockages or leaks), which is the main concern right now. The staples are coming out on Friday. This is good, because they are getting ITCHY!!! Itchy=healing. I can't complain.
Eating solid food is proving to be a challenge. The gas problem is subsiding, but I am tending to get nauseated when I try to eat anything solid. Last night, we went to Target and I was able to walk the whole parameter of the store. It took everything out of me, but I did it! We bought some Ritz crackers there, and they tasted soooo good. Too good. I ate 1/2 a sleeve of them, and oh boy. Not good. I was really nauseated. I never threw up, thank God, but it was close. Lesson learned. I'm doing liquids today. It's going to be a slow work-up to being able to eat somewhat normal again. I have to have patience.
My V-8 fruit smoothie is tasting very good this morning!
Monday, June 25, 2012
I'm Home!
Finally...home sweet home.
The surgery went well. We got off to a late start on Thursday, due to an added procedure. They had to put a stent in my ureter (the tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder). The surgeon wanted this done because the swollen lymph nodes were very close to it, and she wanted to be able to "feel" it so it didn't get damaged. It was to be inserted and removed before I woke up. This set the surgery back 2 hours.
While we were waiting, I met the surgeon who was to remove my gall bladder. I had not met with her prior to the day, being I have several people very close to me who have had the procedure done and I really didn't have any questions about it. The surgeon was very explicit about risks, etc., and voiced concern that we didn't have a smoking gun that was showing the gall bladder was bad. I had scheduled the test that she suggested would give us the smoking gun just prior to the discovery of my tumor, but it was cancelled for obvious reasons. She almost convinced me to not have it removed. I stuck to my guns, keeping in mind the pain I was having and my family history.
I was wheeled into the OR at 3pm, and remember nothing until 9:50pm when they brought me to my room. It was hard to breathe, because my core muscles had been so traumatized, and I felt like my bladder was going to EXPLODE! It turned out they (accidentally?) left the stent in, and it was irritating the nerve that tells you your bladder is full. Oh, it was so uncomfortable.
My parents left shortly after I was settled in, Ron left about an hour later. By that time, they were getting my pain under control. By 2am, they had me standing up. It wasn't fun getting up the first time, but I listened to the nurses instructions on how to get up without using my core muscles, and we did it! After that, they put the air stockings on to keep clots from forming. I found myself drifting to sleep, thinking the dogs were at my feet (the stockings felt like them snuggling up to me). This was a very comforting feeling, and I felt my spirit start to come back. Puppy power!
Friday morning, they finally realized the stent wasn't supposed to be there, so they removed it along with the catheter. Ohhhhhhh....so much better! And, holy crap that stent was long! It was a fine straw-like device, about 2 feet long. No wonder it was uncomfortable!!! I was getting up and walking ok, and this made me have to walk. I was also given an upgrade to my diet, clear liquids. Water tasted so good.
The surgeon visited me that day and said the surgery went well. Everything was done by laparoscopy. The tumor came out easier than she had anticipated, as there was no adhesion to my abdominal cavity (she had anticipated some). She said my gall bladder was "sticky" when they removed it, so there was definitely something going on with it. Thank God I stuck to my guns and had it removed. She was very pleased with my progress.
I had my first shower on Saturday, and got to see the "damage" for the first time. I have five 1/2" incisions and one 5" one that runs vertically down the center of my abdomen (this is the hole the tumor was pulled through). It ain't pretty.
My biggest accomplishment on Saturday was having a bowel movement. This was the indicator that everything was working again. My diet was bumped up to "full liquids"...soups, puddings, etc.
And then the gas started...good ol' flatulence. A very good sign in the colo-rectal world...but ouchie in my world.
Sunday, I was put on a "low fiber" diet. Real food! I had mashed potatoes and crappy mac-n-cheese. The potatoes tasted great, but I also discovered that solid food creates more gas. Food fear is my friend again...temporarily.
I was given the green light to leave the hospital Sunday, but I didn't feel confident enough and decided to stay one more day. Ron brought me outside for the first time that day, and I burst into tears when the sun hit my face. It was my realization that this hurdle is cleared. It feels so good to say that.
We left the hospital at about 9am this morning. I have been a sobbing mess...happy tears, mind you. The dogs were happy to see me, and I was so happy to see them. It feels so good to sleep in my own bed, to use my own shower, to not have to tell anybody I peed.
As for pain, it is being managed well. I wear this "gramma girdle" that supports my core, and it helps a lot. My inside incisions will continue to heal, and the gas pain will subside.
Game plan: cheeseburger by Friday! :-)
The surgery went well. We got off to a late start on Thursday, due to an added procedure. They had to put a stent in my ureter (the tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder). The surgeon wanted this done because the swollen lymph nodes were very close to it, and she wanted to be able to "feel" it so it didn't get damaged. It was to be inserted and removed before I woke up. This set the surgery back 2 hours.
While we were waiting, I met the surgeon who was to remove my gall bladder. I had not met with her prior to the day, being I have several people very close to me who have had the procedure done and I really didn't have any questions about it. The surgeon was very explicit about risks, etc., and voiced concern that we didn't have a smoking gun that was showing the gall bladder was bad. I had scheduled the test that she suggested would give us the smoking gun just prior to the discovery of my tumor, but it was cancelled for obvious reasons. She almost convinced me to not have it removed. I stuck to my guns, keeping in mind the pain I was having and my family history.
I was wheeled into the OR at 3pm, and remember nothing until 9:50pm when they brought me to my room. It was hard to breathe, because my core muscles had been so traumatized, and I felt like my bladder was going to EXPLODE! It turned out they (accidentally?) left the stent in, and it was irritating the nerve that tells you your bladder is full. Oh, it was so uncomfortable.
My parents left shortly after I was settled in, Ron left about an hour later. By that time, they were getting my pain under control. By 2am, they had me standing up. It wasn't fun getting up the first time, but I listened to the nurses instructions on how to get up without using my core muscles, and we did it! After that, they put the air stockings on to keep clots from forming. I found myself drifting to sleep, thinking the dogs were at my feet (the stockings felt like them snuggling up to me). This was a very comforting feeling, and I felt my spirit start to come back. Puppy power!
Friday morning, they finally realized the stent wasn't supposed to be there, so they removed it along with the catheter. Ohhhhhhh....so much better! And, holy crap that stent was long! It was a fine straw-like device, about 2 feet long. No wonder it was uncomfortable!!! I was getting up and walking ok, and this made me have to walk. I was also given an upgrade to my diet, clear liquids. Water tasted so good.
The surgeon visited me that day and said the surgery went well. Everything was done by laparoscopy. The tumor came out easier than she had anticipated, as there was no adhesion to my abdominal cavity (she had anticipated some). She said my gall bladder was "sticky" when they removed it, so there was definitely something going on with it. Thank God I stuck to my guns and had it removed. She was very pleased with my progress.
I had my first shower on Saturday, and got to see the "damage" for the first time. I have five 1/2" incisions and one 5" one that runs vertically down the center of my abdomen (this is the hole the tumor was pulled through). It ain't pretty.
My biggest accomplishment on Saturday was having a bowel movement. This was the indicator that everything was working again. My diet was bumped up to "full liquids"...soups, puddings, etc.
And then the gas started...good ol' flatulence. A very good sign in the colo-rectal world...but ouchie in my world.
Sunday, I was put on a "low fiber" diet. Real food! I had mashed potatoes and crappy mac-n-cheese. The potatoes tasted great, but I also discovered that solid food creates more gas. Food fear is my friend again...temporarily.
I was given the green light to leave the hospital Sunday, but I didn't feel confident enough and decided to stay one more day. Ron brought me outside for the first time that day, and I burst into tears when the sun hit my face. It was my realization that this hurdle is cleared. It feels so good to say that.
We left the hospital at about 9am this morning. I have been a sobbing mess...happy tears, mind you. The dogs were happy to see me, and I was so happy to see them. It feels so good to sleep in my own bed, to use my own shower, to not have to tell anybody I peed.
As for pain, it is being managed well. I wear this "gramma girdle" that supports my core, and it helps a lot. My inside incisions will continue to heal, and the gas pain will subside.
Game plan: cheeseburger by Friday! :-)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Today is the day...
Today is the day my huge hurdle is cleared, and my recovery begins!
We have to check in at the hospital at 11am. My procedure starts at 1pm. They are estimating it will take 5 1/2 hrs to complete. In a little more than 12 hrs, it will be done.
I made it through the "no eating" day, although I was begging the hubby for a cheeseburger at the end. It's one thing to go through a day of no eating, knowing you will be able to have food the next day (after your procedure is done). It was so different yesterday, not knowing when I was going to have solid food again. Such a strange concept for a foodie like me.
I also noticed how much food advertising there is...everywhere! I should have counted the number of McDonald's commercials I saw on TV.
I have everything caught up at the house...laundry, cleaning, etc. ...as best I can. I have yet to pack my overnight bag for when I am able to shower at the hospital. After that, I will have to spend as much time with the puppies as possible. I am going to miss them sooooooo much. What am I going to do without puppies to keep me warm in bed?
Speaking of puppies, I wonder how Maverick will act when I get home. For those who aren't familiar with him, he's our 4 1/2 yr. old miniature pinscher. He is the epidomy of snuggle-butt, and knows his momma has something wrong with her tummy. When I am laying down, he insists on laying across my lower right abdomen. He amazes me. I wonder if he will know it's gone when I get back home.
Ok, I have to sign off. Again, thanks to all who are praying for me. It means so much and it gives me strength. We are going to get through this.
This is me, Ronda, signing off for however long it takes to get back online.
It's time to kick ass.
We have to check in at the hospital at 11am. My procedure starts at 1pm. They are estimating it will take 5 1/2 hrs to complete. In a little more than 12 hrs, it will be done.
I made it through the "no eating" day, although I was begging the hubby for a cheeseburger at the end. It's one thing to go through a day of no eating, knowing you will be able to have food the next day (after your procedure is done). It was so different yesterday, not knowing when I was going to have solid food again. Such a strange concept for a foodie like me.
I also noticed how much food advertising there is...everywhere! I should have counted the number of McDonald's commercials I saw on TV.
I have everything caught up at the house...laundry, cleaning, etc. ...as best I can. I have yet to pack my overnight bag for when I am able to shower at the hospital. After that, I will have to spend as much time with the puppies as possible. I am going to miss them sooooooo much. What am I going to do without puppies to keep me warm in bed?
Speaking of puppies, I wonder how Maverick will act when I get home. For those who aren't familiar with him, he's our 4 1/2 yr. old miniature pinscher. He is the epidomy of snuggle-butt, and knows his momma has something wrong with her tummy. When I am laying down, he insists on laying across my lower right abdomen. He amazes me. I wonder if he will know it's gone when I get back home.
Ok, I have to sign off. Again, thanks to all who are praying for me. It means so much and it gives me strength. We are going to get through this.
This is me, Ronda, signing off for however long it takes to get back online.
It's time to kick ass.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
One Day!
I will admit it, I couldn't sleep last night. I was exhausted all day, because I ate like a pig and paid for it, but still couldn't get my brain to shut off last night. I've never had surgery before, and the fear of the unknown is the most powerful fear there is. I am praying a lot, asking for God to guide my surgeons' hands and to give me courage and strength.
The colon surgeon called last night, making sure I didn't have any unanswered questions. In all this chaos, I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful team of people caring for me.
I am also fortunate to have such a supportive family and group of friends and coworkers who have reached out and offered encouragement, a helping hand, a hug. Even virtual ones, from those who are far away. It is so appreciated.
Today, I am on the "Clear Fluid" routine...water, juice, broth, jello. Nothing after midnight.
30 hours and counting!
The colon surgeon called last night, making sure I didn't have any unanswered questions. In all this chaos, I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful team of people caring for me.
I am also fortunate to have such a supportive family and group of friends and coworkers who have reached out and offered encouragement, a helping hand, a hug. Even virtual ones, from those who are far away. It is so appreciated.
Today, I am on the "Clear Fluid" routine...water, juice, broth, jello. Nothing after midnight.
30 hours and counting!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Two Days - "The Last Supper"
Day after tomorrow!
Today is my last day of solid food. I don't know when I will be able to eat solid food again. Hopefully, a week after the surgery? It's strange for me to think about. This whole "food fear" thing has been weird to me...being a member of the "Clean Plate Club" and all...eating has NEVER been a problem for me.
Thankfully, I don't have to do a "colon prep". For those of you who don't know what a colon prep is, I can explain.
Generally a colon prep is done before a colonoscopy. It is done to clean out your colon and enable the doctor to see the walls of your colon and find polyps. The day before your procedure, you are on a clear liquid diet. Broths, juices, jello, but nothing with red or blue coloring and limited orange. Basically, your choices of anything flavored are limited to lemon or lime. >shudders<
You need to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy for the "fun stuff". This (for me) included a small bottle of pills, a 10 oz. bottle of magnesium citrate (labeled "The Sparkling Laxative"...oh fun.), and this jug that looks like something that belongs in the garage, filled with something green or pink, that you need to put in your car at regular intervals. The jug was so big, it wouldn't fit through the drive through slide out thingie...the pharmacist had to bring it out to my car. His send-off, "Have fun."
Nice.
On the day before the procedure (a.k.a. "Party day"), you take the pills at noon. The pills did nothing for me. Several people advised me to chill and flavor the stuff in the jug. "It makes it easier to drink if it's cold and flavored." My flavoring choice was Crystal Light Lemonade.
At 6pm, I was to start drinking the stuff in the jug. The instructions say to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes until gone. Ok, I can do this. I pour the liquid into a glass, and take a sip. Whoah. It tastes like lemon flavored crushed aspirin. Then, I look at the huge jug of it sitting on the counter. I have to drink all of that. This sucks!
I slammed the 8 ounces, and had to rinse my mouth out. "Fear Factor" was going through my head. If they can do...whatever...I can do this.
The "party" didn't start for about ninety minutes. An hour after it started, I was doing "#1 out of the #2 hole"...and I was about 2/3 the way through the jug of hell. I was getting cold, and starting to tear up at the thought of another glass. Finally, my body had enough, and I threw up at the last attempt. I couldn't do anymore. There was an inch of liquid left in the jug. I was exhausted...not from the pooping, from the fighting this vile, nasty, liquid from hell.
I had to visit the bathroom a couple more times, but was able to go to bed at around 10 pm. It took two hours to warm up, wearing scrubs, a robe, and under down blankets.
At 4:30 am the next morning, I had to do the "Sparkling Laxative". It was lemon, too. I had read that this stuff was just as nasty as the jug stuff, just in a different way. After the party with the jug, I had considered skipping this tasty treat. But, I wanted to say I followed the instructions, so I drank it. This was not nearly as bad as the jug. I could have drank this stuff all night! Very tart, acidic. Reminded me of a drink my grandma had on hand for mixed drinks called "Lemon Sour". Tolerable.
My procedure was at 10:30am, and you know the rest.
When people say getting a colonoscopy isn't as bad as the prep, this is what they are talking about! It is absolutely correct.
And, I don't have to do it for my surgery! Woo hoo! I guess when the first part of the colon is removed, a prep doesn't affect the risk for infection. I could have kissed the surgeon when she told me this. I have also been informed that there are several different choices for prep...I will definitely be researching this, as I will be having colonoscopies yearly as a follow-up to my surgery.
Today, I will be enjoying my last day of solid food. The day after tomorrow, I start my recovery. I can't wait!
Today is my last day of solid food. I don't know when I will be able to eat solid food again. Hopefully, a week after the surgery? It's strange for me to think about. This whole "food fear" thing has been weird to me...being a member of the "Clean Plate Club" and all...eating has NEVER been a problem for me.
Thankfully, I don't have to do a "colon prep". For those of you who don't know what a colon prep is, I can explain.
Generally a colon prep is done before a colonoscopy. It is done to clean out your colon and enable the doctor to see the walls of your colon and find polyps. The day before your procedure, you are on a clear liquid diet. Broths, juices, jello, but nothing with red or blue coloring and limited orange. Basically, your choices of anything flavored are limited to lemon or lime. >shudders<
You need to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy for the "fun stuff". This (for me) included a small bottle of pills, a 10 oz. bottle of magnesium citrate (labeled "The Sparkling Laxative"...oh fun.), and this jug that looks like something that belongs in the garage, filled with something green or pink, that you need to put in your car at regular intervals. The jug was so big, it wouldn't fit through the drive through slide out thingie...the pharmacist had to bring it out to my car. His send-off, "Have fun."
Nice.
On the day before the procedure (a.k.a. "Party day"), you take the pills at noon. The pills did nothing for me. Several people advised me to chill and flavor the stuff in the jug. "It makes it easier to drink if it's cold and flavored." My flavoring choice was Crystal Light Lemonade.
At 6pm, I was to start drinking the stuff in the jug. The instructions say to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes until gone. Ok, I can do this. I pour the liquid into a glass, and take a sip. Whoah. It tastes like lemon flavored crushed aspirin. Then, I look at the huge jug of it sitting on the counter. I have to drink all of that. This sucks!
I slammed the 8 ounces, and had to rinse my mouth out. "Fear Factor" was going through my head. If they can do...whatever...I can do this.
The "party" didn't start for about ninety minutes. An hour after it started, I was doing "#1 out of the #2 hole"...and I was about 2/3 the way through the jug of hell. I was getting cold, and starting to tear up at the thought of another glass. Finally, my body had enough, and I threw up at the last attempt. I couldn't do anymore. There was an inch of liquid left in the jug. I was exhausted...not from the pooping, from the fighting this vile, nasty, liquid from hell.
I had to visit the bathroom a couple more times, but was able to go to bed at around 10 pm. It took two hours to warm up, wearing scrubs, a robe, and under down blankets.
At 4:30 am the next morning, I had to do the "Sparkling Laxative". It was lemon, too. I had read that this stuff was just as nasty as the jug stuff, just in a different way. After the party with the jug, I had considered skipping this tasty treat. But, I wanted to say I followed the instructions, so I drank it. This was not nearly as bad as the jug. I could have drank this stuff all night! Very tart, acidic. Reminded me of a drink my grandma had on hand for mixed drinks called "Lemon Sour". Tolerable.
My procedure was at 10:30am, and you know the rest.
When people say getting a colonoscopy isn't as bad as the prep, this is what they are talking about! It is absolutely correct.
And, I don't have to do it for my surgery! Woo hoo! I guess when the first part of the colon is removed, a prep doesn't affect the risk for infection. I could have kissed the surgeon when she told me this. I have also been informed that there are several different choices for prep...I will definitely be researching this, as I will be having colonoscopies yearly as a follow-up to my surgery.
Today, I will be enjoying my last day of solid food. The day after tomorrow, I start my recovery. I can't wait!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Four Days
First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!
Four days till my surgery. I am getting REALLY antsy to get it over with! I have had a rough couple of days...sleeping most of the day. The gall bladder pain hasn't changed, but I think I am getting less tolerant of it. I just feel soooo tired most days. I think it's because my body is trying to fix things. I have always had a very good immune system. I'm sure this is taking all of what it has...
Today, however, I am feeling better. I actually had some energy to go to the grocery store. It felt so good to get out of the house, enjoy the sunshine, do my thing...kinda. I am a bit of an "extreme couponer", and early Saturday and Sunday mornings are generally dedicated to hitting up several stores, grabbing deals and relishing in how much money I saved when I get home. This morning was nowhere close to the usual deal run, but it was a taste of normalcy. It felt good!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Four days till my surgery. I am getting REALLY antsy to get it over with! I have had a rough couple of days...sleeping most of the day. The gall bladder pain hasn't changed, but I think I am getting less tolerant of it. I just feel soooo tired most days. I think it's because my body is trying to fix things. I have always had a very good immune system. I'm sure this is taking all of what it has...
Today, however, I am feeling better. I actually had some energy to go to the grocery store. It felt so good to get out of the house, enjoy the sunshine, do my thing...kinda. I am a bit of an "extreme couponer", and early Saturday and Sunday mornings are generally dedicated to hitting up several stores, grabbing deals and relishing in how much money I saved when I get home. This morning was nowhere close to the usual deal run, but it was a taste of normalcy. It felt good!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
One Week
One week until this monster (the tumor) and it's little buddy (my gall bladder) are out of my body. It can't come soon enough. I am looking forward to a day when I can eat and not hurt. I understand this will not be an immediate result of the surgery, but at least I know a hurdle has been cleared.
Yesterday, I called the surgeon (Dr. E.) who was to take out my gallbladder and thanked her for saving my life. She was the one who put on the brakes and wanted to dig a little deeper. She listened to my symptoms, and knew something wasn't right. Her orders are what found the tumor. Perhaps a different surgeon would have just removed my gall bladder and been done with me. When the sludge was found in my gall bladder, I was scheduled for a consult with a different surgeon. Because it was a week away, and I was in pain, I pushed to get the consult moved up. Dr. E. had a cancellation that got me in sooner. I think the Man upstairs had something to do with this. I am so grateful.
Speaking of gratitude, I have so many wonderful and caring people around me. My wonderful, caring husband has been so reassuring and helpful in this whole ordeal. Family, friends, neighbors, coworkers...so many have reached out to help. I am so grateful...so, so grateful.
Time to couch it for a bit. Thanks for reading, and please remember to appreciate today.
Yesterday, I called the surgeon (Dr. E.) who was to take out my gallbladder and thanked her for saving my life. She was the one who put on the brakes and wanted to dig a little deeper. She listened to my symptoms, and knew something wasn't right. Her orders are what found the tumor. Perhaps a different surgeon would have just removed my gall bladder and been done with me. When the sludge was found in my gall bladder, I was scheduled for a consult with a different surgeon. Because it was a week away, and I was in pain, I pushed to get the consult moved up. Dr. E. had a cancellation that got me in sooner. I think the Man upstairs had something to do with this. I am so grateful.
Speaking of gratitude, I have so many wonderful and caring people around me. My wonderful, caring husband has been so reassuring and helpful in this whole ordeal. Family, friends, neighbors, coworkers...so many have reached out to help. I am so grateful...so, so grateful.
Time to couch it for a bit. Thanks for reading, and please remember to appreciate today.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The date is set for June 21. I don't know where, yet. They called while I was sleeping, and I forgot to ask. They are sending out an info packet with everything I need to know. We should be receiving it tomorrow.
Update: It will be at the U of M hospital at 11:30.
Another update: The time got moved to 1pm. The procedure should take 5 1/2 hrs.
Update: It will be at the U of M hospital at 11:30.
Another update: The time got moved to 1pm. The procedure should take 5 1/2 hrs.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
So this is my blog. NEVER did I think I would do this. Now, I want to so I can help others who are in the same place as me. Helping others (animal or human) is what makes my heart feel best. It's what I feel I was put on this earth to do.
Originally I had planned on doing this on Facebook, but now realize there may be some who don't want it shoved in their face. I respect that. Cancer is scary.
Here is my story, as originally posted on Facebook:
...which brings us to today.
I think my head is in a good place. I am very grateful for the doctors finding this monster in my body, and very confident they will give me the best care possible. I have been doing a lot of "perspective checking", and finding so many things that I have fretted about that really aren't important anymore. I am finding good in small things...a pretty blue sky, a tasty smoothie, the joy the dogs give me with their entertaining ways. So many people have reached out to help...family, friends, and coworkers. It makes my heart warm.
With the peace, has come a "readying". Knowing I am heading into battle, I am gathering all the inner power I have. I am praying a lot for strength and courage. God is answering these prayers, as I don't feel fear right now. I feel a sense of acceptance and peace...the calm before the storm.
I have posted this picture on my Facebook page a couple of times. Never before have I believed in it so strongly:
That's it for now.
Originally I had planned on doing this on Facebook, but now realize there may be some who don't want it shoved in their face. I respect that. Cancer is scary.
Here is my story, as originally posted on Facebook:
On Sunday, April 22, I started having abdominal cramping. I didn't think much of it, thought maybe I had eaten something bad. That night, the cramps had gotten so bad I couldn't sleep. I felt exactly the way I felt about 20 years ago, when I contracted a case of Giardia (a stomach parasite). I figured it would just resolve itself.
About 3 weeks later, I felt so sick and nauseated, I went to urgent care. The doctor was not convinced I had Giardia, because I could not identify a source. I had not been drinking out of a stream or lake, no camping or swimming. He ran a simple blood test that identified a slightly raised white count and a slightly raised Eosinophil count (an indicator of an allergy or parasite). I was given an antibiotic, and sent on my way.
The antibiotic seemed to make me feel better, and I was pain free for 2 days. The pain returned shortly after my last dose of antibiotic, so I assumed I should have been put on a longer course...that we didn't kill all the bugs.
I ended up at the doctor 10 days after my first visit. This was a different doctor, and she also was not convinced of the Giardia diagnosis. She wanted to run fecal tests to check for parasites, but thought the symptoms I was experiencing were indicative of a gallbladder attack. She ordered an ultrasound. Upon returning home and talking to my mom, I find out that every female on her side of the family, except her, has had to have theirs removed. The next day, I was too sick and exhausted to go to work.
The ultrasound of my gall bladder showed a slight amount of sludge and dialated bile ducts. I was referred to a surgeon to discuss whether it was to come out. I felt relief that we had found the problem.
Upon meeting with the surgeon on May 23, she asked me questions about my symptoms...where the pain was, when it happens, etc. My pain runs across the top of my abdomen, just under my diaphragm, and down the right side. She shows me the ultrasound pictures, shows me all the attributes that tell her my gall bladder is healthy. The fact that I have pain going down the right side is causing her concern. She orders a CT scan of my abdomen, and would like to do a HIDA scan (a "functionality" test of the gall bladder) next.
After this appointment, I was very frustrated. I felt like I was the new "cash cow" for the health care system. I was still waiting on results for the fecal tests, and now I am being told I need a CT scan. I thought of postponing the CT scan until I got the results of the fecal tests. l was not convinced that Giardia was not my problem. I scheduled the CT scan with the intention of cancelling once I got my positive fecal sample result. It has to be bugs.
No results from the fecal samples on May 24, so I hesitantly submitted to the CT scan. I have called the clinic so many times, I don't even have to tell them my name. Finally, on the 25th, I receive the call that the fecal samples were all negative. No bugs, no Giardia.
After a crying and sobbing breakdown on the phone with a clinic nurse (poor woman), panicking because I was going to have to tolerate this pain through the Memorial Day weekend, I was given pain meds. They seemed to make eating easier and allowed me to sleep through the night.
I didn't receive results from my CT scan until the following Weds. morning. My gall bladder had been ruled out. I have inflammation in my colon. The surgeon wants a closer look, and wants me to have a colonoscopy. Initially they scheduled me for a week out,which would have been today. With some pushing, I was able to get it done last Friday.
During the colonoscopy, a large cancerous tumor was found. I also have enlarged lymph nodes adjacent to the tumor site. I will be having surgery to remove the cancerous portion of my colon, and the enlarged lymph nodes. Once this is done, they will be able to "stage" the cancer and determine the need for chemo. I am having the surgery done by a colo-rectal specialist at the U of M, who I have yet to meet with. My appointment with her is this Friday, and I assume I will have a surgery date after this appointment.
I am not a big fan of pity, but I do welcome prayers. If you would like to join me in this fight, please take a seat ringside. Cheer me on, and tell me to get my ass back up when I get knocked down. I have never fought an opponent this big, but am praying for a swift victory.
And, please, listen to your body, and be your own advocate. I felt like an ass calling and calling for test results, and everytime an appointment was made for me I did what I could to get it moved up. Had I of not done this, the cancer would have still been eating away at my body, unfound until today.
So, for now, that's all I have. I will update when I have news.
I am going to win this fight.
...and the update:
UPDATE (6/7/2012):
Met with the specialist today. It went well, and we are confident and comfortable with her. My gall bladder is coming out, too. The specialist will not be able to do surgery next week, so it will most likely be the following week. A different surgeon will be taking the gall bladder out, so we need to work around their schedule as well.
The mass is a little bigger than my fist, and she thinks is has been there for over a year. The gall bladder acting up was what led to it's discovery. I am very lucky.
I will be in the hospital for 5-14 days, depending on when my system starts working again. The recovery is about a month if things go as planned.
I wont have a surgery date until at least Monday. I will post it when I get it.
I think my head is in a good place. I am very grateful for the doctors finding this monster in my body, and very confident they will give me the best care possible. I have been doing a lot of "perspective checking", and finding so many things that I have fretted about that really aren't important anymore. I am finding good in small things...a pretty blue sky, a tasty smoothie, the joy the dogs give me with their entertaining ways. So many people have reached out to help...family, friends, and coworkers. It makes my heart warm.
With the peace, has come a "readying". Knowing I am heading into battle, I am gathering all the inner power I have. I am praying a lot for strength and courage. God is answering these prayers, as I don't feel fear right now. I feel a sense of acceptance and peace...the calm before the storm.
I have posted this picture on my Facebook page a couple of times. Never before have I believed in it so strongly:
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