New doctor, new trip

So, today I want to mention two things:

* I'm seeing a new doctor Wednesday instead of my main surgeon. It seems that when you're six months past your surgery, they switch you to a different doctor, a sort of "maintenance" guy (even though he's a well-known surgeon, too). This new guy, Dr. K, is in his 60s and so I'm thinking he does more of these "maintenance" things now instead of surgeries, but he's "up there," as far as world-class skill and knowledge. So, while at first I was disappointed to not be seeing my usual doc, I'm now thinking it doesn't hurt to have more brains on my side. So I'll let you know what I think after I've met with him on Wednesday.

* I've got another "getaway" planned for mid-October, thanks to my Psycho Sister! Remember how she bought that adorable villa in Venice, Fla., last February? Well, her daughter and a couple of friends want to visit Florida and stay at the house -- and since Linda and her husband had to "close it up" when they returned home in May, she sort of has to go to open it back up (take down the hurricane shutters, etc.) for her guests. And, since she has to go, she asked if I wanted to go, too, and we all know what the answer to that was! So I'm looking forward to my second trip to the villa -- and a lot of laughs with the girls!

So, hurray for new doctors and impending vacations! Life can be so great!

Until next time ...

P

P.S. Yes, the fingers and toes are STILL numb-ish, but not as much. They are getting better, but it's a darn slow process ...

Still doing fine

So, here we are, SEVEN-AND-A-HALF WEEKS post-chemo, and things are fine. I've got a cat stretched out on the shelf right above my keyboard (prior to me taking this photo, she was watching a squirrel through the window), and it's been a fun (although rainy) weekend, lunching with the "First Friday" girls, hanging out with my Psycho Sister (I came THISCLOSE to beating her in ping-pong!), and, finally, having a nice visit with my parents.

And now it's time for the "I work full time so I have to clean and grocery-shop on weekends" routine, so what am I doing on the computer?

Anyway, I'm feeling fine, but still have the numb/tingly fingers and toes, but they ARE getting better, slowly, so there is light at the end of the tunnel ...

Until next time ...
P

Six weeks post-chemo

I was reminded by my Psycho Sister that I haven't updated the blog lately, sheesh, you would have thought I'd committed a crime or something ... So, here goes ...

It's going on six weeks since my last chemo and I've gotta say, I don't miss it at all! That really hit home for me today because I used my lunch hour to stop by Siteman West County (where I got the chemo) to get my port "flushed," which you have to do every 4 to 6 weeks so it doesn't get clogged. It was sorta nice to park in a "patient" spot close to the door, even though I wasn't exactly getting treatment, and stroll inside with a more carefree attitude than before.

Flushing doesn't really take much time -- less than a minute, I'd say -- plus a minute or two in prep time, so it went fast. But still, it jolted me a bit when the needle went in -- yikes! I'm not used to that anymore! But I'd much rather go in for a flush than a three-hour-plus treatment, so who's complaining?

Anyway, the fingers and toes are still numb and tingly, but they do feel a teensy bit better with each passing post-chemo week, so I know this is only temporary and I can handle it.

In addition to walking two or more miles a day, I've also started working out on a stationary bike several times a week. I'm trying to get my bum left leg -- where they took out all the lymph nodes -- back to normal, and thought maybe it would help to work some other muscles. And, even though it's only been a week or so, I think it is helping.

So, that's about it, as far as how I'm doing. Thanks for checking on me!

Until next time,
P

A month out ...

OK, so it's been a full FOUR WEEKS since my last chemo treatment, and the numb/tingling toes and fingers seem a little better (emphasis on little). But the bad chemo taste in my mouth is GONE, hallelujah, so life is getting better for sure!

I've got an appointment with my main surgeon at the end of this month, so we'll see what he has to say then.

In the meantime, I'll probably update this site only once a week or so, so thanks for checking on me, and I'll see you next time ...

P

Good advice ...

So the other day I e-mailed Dr. W-G to see if I should be avoiding certain foods while I'm recuperating from my yearlong cancer treatment. Her answer:

"The best thing for you is Vitamin D, exercise, and Eastern diet."

So I e-mailed again for details, and it seems that the 1,400 IUs of Vitamin D that I'm taking daily now is sufficient (400 IUs is the recommended daily allowance), since I'm not "deficient" in that particular vitamin, and the "Eastern diet" is basically the Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruits and vegies (at least seven servings a day), whole wheat, olive oil, and no major junk food. (And a glass of red wine is OK! Antioxidants!) Plus, I'm trying to get 15 minutes of sunlight every day or two -- even MORE Vitamin D!

I'm still walking my two miles -- sometimes more, sometimes less -- but I'm thinking of branching out to some additional exercise, now that I'm off the chemo.

It seems to me that this recommendation might be good for everyone, not just cancer patients, so do with it what you will ...

Until next time ...
P

What a week!

OK, so I've made it through this "bear of a week," and now I can get back to regular living (is there such a thing?) ...

Let's see, Sunday was a get-together with childhood girlfriends (we missed you Kathy!); then Wednesday we moved Dylan into his out-of-town college dorm; then Friday was Hannah's 21st birthday, and she insisted on having her celebration at a bar (but it was a cool/fun/crowded bar, so at least she has good taste!). Hannah shows off her birthday outfit in photo at right.

So we reserved some tables on the patio outside, and it was a beautiful night, but I think we adults were outnumbered by "twenty-somethings" by about 5 to 1! But she (and her parents) lived through it, in spite of EVERYONE wanting to "buy her a shot," sheesh, so I feel like I can finally relax, now that it's over ...

Speaking of Hannah, she had her first follow-up scan since her surgery and everything is A-OK in the brain department (it probably helped that her scan was BEFORE her party!) So, thank God and hooray!

And, re: Dylan's big move to college, he showed up back at home THREE DAYS after moving into his dorm! It seems his girlfriend (who has a car at her school, which is right next to Dyl's school but is starting its classes a little later) came home this weekend, so, of course, Dylan rode along! But I had just baked some peanut-butter cookies (his favorite), so he came home to freshly-baked cookies and surprised us!

Ah well, he's gone back now ... Both kids' classes start tomorrow -- yay! -- so things should settle down. Should ...

Re: me, I've STILL got the numb fingers and toes, but it's OK, I'm feeling pretty good otherwise and don't miss chemo -- or "Fanny" -- at all!

Thanks for checking on me!

Until next time ...
P

Dropsy

Yeah, so I had my last chemo treatment a week ago, but my fingers are worse than ever, as far as the numbness and tingling go. The oncologist DID say that effects are at their worst about a week or so after treatment, so I guess I was warned.

But this is crazy -- I keep dropping things and knocking over things, sometimes spilling drinks all over (like yesterday!), and tonight I was trying to open a bag of cat food and man, it was hard to do! (But I did it.)

But things will get better, I'm sure, it will just take time (sigh) ... Probably about a month or so (ALL-CAP SIGH) ... But, hey, I've come this far so I'll make it!

So, thanks for checking on me. And thanks for listening ....

Until next time ...
P