When I called my surgeon's office about my swollen leg, they gave me a referral to the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, this great place down by B-J Hospital that actually has a lymphedema clinic! The clinic is staffed by physical therapists who know everything there is to know about preventing -- and treating -- lymphedema! Who knew?
So I went in for a consultation on Wednesday, saw a therapist who took measurements of both my legs, and prescribed a treatment plan. I've got six appointments already -- twice a week for three weeks. She'll show me how to exercise and massage my bum leg, and how to wrap it tightly, which should make the swelling go down.
She explained to me how the massage is intended to work the "lymph" upward, toward my underarm lymph nodes, which will disperse it in the usual manner. Wow. The stuff I'm learning.
Anyway, I should be back to normal (was I ever?) in a few weeks. Hallelujah! And with all my new knowledge about preventing lymphedema, I may never have to worry about this again! (Yes, in my eyes, the glass is ALWAYS half-full!)
Until next time ...
P
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A walkin' fool
Yes. That's me. Took part in the 12th Annual Cancer Survivorship Walk Saturday at Creve Coeur Park, along with my sister/nurse/maid/saint. Money raised benefited the Wellness Community, a great St. Louis organization that provides FREE resources to cancer patients and their families -- things like information, exercise and yoga classes, healthy cooking classes, support groups.
Anyway, there were two available walks: one mile and three miles. So, of course, I had to be a show-off and walk SIX MILES! Well, it was a gorgeous day -- sunny, maybe a little hot (but what the heck!) -- and part of the walk was right along the lake, with sailboats and kayaks and even a few white egrets looking for lunch. Ahh, it was nice.
So, of course, when we finished one-and-a-half miles, the road went on ahead, so we did, too! We finally stopped when we came to the Lakehouse Restaurant, with a deck that overlooks the water, so we stopped to rest and enjoy a strawberry smoothie. Ahh, that also was nice.
But then -- because the road ahead was flooded and we couldn't make the "circle," which would have been shorter -- we had to walk back the way we came. We figure we walked for at least two hours, not counting the resting part. And we probably walked at a rate of one mile every 20 minutes. So, 120 minutes equals 6 miles. At least.
By the time we got back to the car, we were really, really hot and really, really tired. And our "dogs were barkin'," if you know what I mean. In fact, the thousands of people who were there for the cancer walk when we started were all gone. So were their cars. We were rather late. Oh well.
So now my bum leg, the one that's missing a mess of lymph nodes, is swollen again. Lymphedema. Not too bad, but more than it was before. So, I'm going to get some brand-new, tight, compression stockings; elevate, elevate, elevate; do some massage; and hope it all works out. I'll probably call the doc tomorrow, too, in case he wants me to see someone about it.
But, hey, I'm still here. And I'm not just sitting around playing tiddly winks. But I might do that tomorrow ...
Until next time ...
P
Anyway, there were two available walks: one mile and three miles. So, of course, I had to be a show-off and walk SIX MILES! Well, it was a gorgeous day -- sunny, maybe a little hot (but what the heck!) -- and part of the walk was right along the lake, with sailboats and kayaks and even a few white egrets looking for lunch. Ahh, it was nice.
So, of course, when we finished one-and-a-half miles, the road went on ahead, so we did, too! We finally stopped when we came to the Lakehouse Restaurant, with a deck that overlooks the water, so we stopped to rest and enjoy a strawberry smoothie. Ahh, that also was nice.
But then -- because the road ahead was flooded and we couldn't make the "circle," which would have been shorter -- we had to walk back the way we came. We figure we walked for at least two hours, not counting the resting part. And we probably walked at a rate of one mile every 20 minutes. So, 120 minutes equals 6 miles. At least.
By the time we got back to the car, we were really, really hot and really, really tired. And our "dogs were barkin'," if you know what I mean. In fact, the thousands of people who were there for the cancer walk when we started were all gone. So were their cars. We were rather late. Oh well.
So now my bum leg, the one that's missing a mess of lymph nodes, is swollen again. Lymphedema. Not too bad, but more than it was before. So, I'm going to get some brand-new, tight, compression stockings; elevate, elevate, elevate; do some massage; and hope it all works out. I'll probably call the doc tomorrow, too, in case he wants me to see someone about it.
But, hey, I'm still here. And I'm not just sitting around playing tiddly winks. But I might do that tomorrow ...
Until next time ...
P
Monday, May 3, 2010
Another blessing
So, I'm happy to report that the CEA (cancer) blood test of last Thursday is COMPLETELY NORMAL at 1.2 (anything under 3 is considered OK). And, also found out that the one I had a month ago -- when I saw Dr. K on March 24 -- also was 1.2! I'm ecstatic once again!
Thanks, friends and family, for your prayers and concern, and thank you, God, for your continued blessings in my life!
It's always a thrill to hear a good-health report, and another reminder of all I should be grateful for. Life isn't just good, it's damn wonderful!
Until next time ...
P
Thanks, friends and family, for your prayers and concern, and thank you, God, for your continued blessings in my life!
It's always a thrill to hear a good-health report, and another reminder of all I should be grateful for. Life isn't just good, it's damn wonderful!
Until next time ...
P
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The plan
So, saw the oncologist, Dr. W-G, on Thursday, who said my bloodwork was good (except I forgot to call on Friday to find out about the CEA -- cancer -- test, so hoping to do that on Monday). She'd like to see me again in July, and do a CT scan then to make sure all is well.
That's the plan. It sounds good to me.
This past week I had some slight lymphedema (swelling) in my left leg -- the one that had most of its lymph nodes removed in January 2009. I think I brought it on when I stayed up 'til 2 a.m. Monday night finishing a story for our newspaper -- I was so engrossed in work, I neglected to elevate my leg at all that whole time! So, now I know -- don't do that anymore.
Anyway, after a few days -- and nights -- of "babying" it (mucho elevating, no long walks), this morning it seems pretty much back to normal.
I'm feeling fine (although still a bit of numbness in the toes from the chemo) and looking forward to warmer weather and good times! I've got a work trip to D.C. next week, and our family will be spending a week on the beach in June. Life is good.
Until next time ...
P
That's the plan. It sounds good to me.
This past week I had some slight lymphedema (swelling) in my left leg -- the one that had most of its lymph nodes removed in January 2009. I think I brought it on when I stayed up 'til 2 a.m. Monday night finishing a story for our newspaper -- I was so engrossed in work, I neglected to elevate my leg at all that whole time! So, now I know -- don't do that anymore.
Anyway, after a few days -- and nights -- of "babying" it (mucho elevating, no long walks), this morning it seems pretty much back to normal.
I'm feeling fine (although still a bit of numbness in the toes from the chemo) and looking forward to warmer weather and good times! I've got a work trip to D.C. next week, and our family will be spending a week on the beach in June. Life is good.
Until next time ...
P
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Doin' fine
OK, so it has been a MONTH since I last blogged, sheesh ... But if you REALLY want to know what's going on with me, Facebook is the place to be! That's where I post brief "status" info, photos, etc., almost on a daily basis, so the old blog is getting pushed to the side ...
Anyway, I guess I'm not ready to give it up entirely yet, since I'm still seeing doctors pretty regularly, so I'll give it a few more shots.
I'm doing fine, really well, actually, and I've got an appointment with my oncologist next Thursday -- just a check-up -- but I haven't seen her for about six months so I'm looking forward to it! You know, you see these doctors every couple of weeks for a year, they become like friends, so it's always nice to catch up with them!
But I'll post after that appointment, and we'll see after that.
Hannah's doing fine, too, and everyone else in the family, so we're truly blessed in 2010! Hope you are, too!
Until next time ...
P
Anyway, I guess I'm not ready to give it up entirely yet, since I'm still seeing doctors pretty regularly, so I'll give it a few more shots.
I'm doing fine, really well, actually, and I've got an appointment with my oncologist next Thursday -- just a check-up -- but I haven't seen her for about six months so I'm looking forward to it! You know, you see these doctors every couple of weeks for a year, they become like friends, so it's always nice to catch up with them!
But I'll post after that appointment, and we'll see after that.
Hannah's doing fine, too, and everyone else in the family, so we're truly blessed in 2010! Hope you are, too!
Until next time ...
P
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Check-up
Today I had an appointment with my "maintenance" guy, Dr. K, who checked me over and said all is well. They took some blood for a CEA (cancer blood test) but I won't find out the results for a day or two. And, he wants to see me again in three months, sheesh. Apparently these doctors are not ready to set me free, which is a blessing, I'm sure.
Anyway, you know how they say five years is sort of the yardstick for knowing that you've beat the cancer? Well, I asked Dr. K "from what point do you start counting?" He said, "your surgery date." So, friends, since my surgery was Jan. 5, 2009, I've got a little more than a year behind me already! Time sure flies when you're having fun!
Until next time ...
P
Anyway, you know how they say five years is sort of the yardstick for knowing that you've beat the cancer? Well, I asked Dr. K "from what point do you start counting?" He said, "your surgery date." So, friends, since my surgery was Jan. 5, 2009, I've got a little more than a year behind me already! Time sure flies when you're having fun!
Until next time ...
P
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Keeping cancer away
Today's lesson, boys and girls, is all about eating healthy. More specifically, eating in such a way that you are less likely to get cancer. Really important for some of us who've been down that road and don't want to repeat the experience.
(Oh, and I also posted a couple more pictures from my "spring break"!)
So, I feel compelled to share these tips from Dr. Karen Collins, nutrition adviser for the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. They're not complicated and make a lot of sense, and I've been follo
wing most of them without too much trouble. Eating like this -- combined with physical activity and weight control -- could prevent a third of all cancers, Collins says.
Here are some components of the so-called "protective diet":
* Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can, because they provide thousands of phytochemicals, which include antioxidants that seem to protect and repair our DNA. Some antioxidants even affect cancer cells, controlling how they grow or spread. And, the fruits and vegies don't have to be organic -- almost all (99 percent) of conventionally grown produce that even have pesticide residue (many don't have any) are considered safe to eat.
* There is a link between red meat and cancer, and even if you buy lean red meat, the risk is still there. The good news is, you don't have to give it up completely -- eating up to 18 oz. of red meat a week seems to be safe. There's an even stronger link, though, between processed meat (salted, cured, smoked, or treated with preservatives), so limit the bacon, sausage, pepperoni, bratwurst, bologna, salami, etc., as much as possible.
* Lots of salt also is risky, so keep it under 2,400 mg. a day (eating fewer processed or "boxed" foods is a big help). And, alcohol can increase the risk of several cancers, so the rule is no more than one drink a day for women, and no more than two for men.
* Fewer sweets. With the protective diet, you'll get most of your "dessert" from fruit, but an occasional cookie or piece of cake or chocolate or bowl of icecream is OK. (I'm trying, I'm trying ...)
* As far as drinks, water is the absolute best thing. And s
ome tea and coffee are OK. But definitely nix the soda and other sugary drinks, and limit the fruit juice.
* Here's an easy way to picture a healthy, protective diet: Every time you eat, make sure two-thirds of your plate is made up of plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. The remaining one-third (or less) can be animal foods -- lean poultry, seafood, limited red meat.
Dr. Collins says it's now apparent that physical activity is vital in lowering cancer risk, as is maintaining a healthy weight. That means 30 to 60 minutes a day of moderate activity (brisk walking works!), and if you eat just 200 fewer calories a day, you'll lose weight!
Gee, typing all this has made me sort of hungry! Think I'll have an apple ...
Until next time ...
P
(Oh, and I also posted a couple more pictures from my "spring break"!)
So, I feel compelled to share these tips from Dr. Karen Collins, nutrition adviser for the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. They're not complicated and make a lot of sense, and I've been follo
wing most of them without too much trouble. Eating like this -- combined with physical activity and weight control -- could prevent a third of all cancers, Collins says.Here are some components of the so-called "protective diet":
* Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can, because they provide thousands of phytochemicals, which include antioxidants that seem to protect and repair our DNA. Some antioxidants even affect cancer cells, controlling how they grow or spread. And, the fruits and vegies don't have to be organic -- almost all (99 percent) of conventionally grown produce that even have pesticide residue (many don't have any) are considered safe to eat.
* There is a link between red meat and cancer, and even if you buy lean red meat, the risk is still there. The good news is, you don't have to give it up completely -- eating up to 18 oz. of red meat a week seems to be safe. There's an even stronger link, though, between processed meat (salted, cured, smoked, or treated with preservatives), so limit the bacon, sausage, pepperoni, bratwurst, bologna, salami, etc., as much as possible.
* Lots of salt also is risky, so keep it under 2,400 mg. a day (eating fewer processed or "boxed" foods is a big help). And, alcohol can increase the risk of several cancers, so the rule is no more than one drink a day for women, and no more than two for men.
* Fewer sweets. With the protective diet, you'll get most of your "dessert" from fruit, but an occasional cookie or piece of cake or chocolate or bowl of icecream is OK. (I'm trying, I'm trying ...)
* As far as drinks, water is the absolute best thing. And s
ome tea and coffee are OK. But definitely nix the soda and other sugary drinks, and limit the fruit juice.* Here's an easy way to picture a healthy, protective diet: Every time you eat, make sure two-thirds of your plate is made up of plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. The remaining one-third (or less) can be animal foods -- lean poultry, seafood, limited red meat.
Dr. Collins says it's now apparent that physical activity is vital in lowering cancer risk, as is maintaining a healthy weight. That means 30 to 60 minutes a day of moderate activity (brisk walking works!), and if you eat just 200 fewer calories a day, you'll lose weight!
Gee, typing all this has made me sort of hungry! Think I'll have an apple ...
Until next time ...
P
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