It's been a week since surgery and I am finally feeling back to my 'ole self. I don't know what that was that threw me in the bed, but it wasn't nice. I go see my dear doctor, Lytle Brown, tomorrow to see what the next step is. My incision is healing well, although I still have a lot of tenderness and discomfort in my upper chest. I think it's whats to be expected. I'm anxious to find out just what the pathology report said, when I will start radiation, when I will see the oncologist, and what the plan will be if I don't take tamoxifen. I plan to go back to work on Friday and I'm looking forward to it. I love being at home, but I miss the babies, my friends and the $$$$. I have gotten lots of cards, beautiful flowers, phone calls, visits and hugs. I thank each and everyone of you! This experience, if that is what you want to call it, makes me ever so grateful and is a very humbling feeling. For cancer to be such an ugly word it sure can make a person see life as a true gift and make each day a blessing. I wake up each day now with renewed hope for each precious moment and count ALL my blessings !!!
Rick come over to see me this weekend, as his first outing. He is walking with a walker, but getting stonger everyday. Right now he is going three times a week to outpatient rehab and continues to keep a positive attitude. Thanks for all of you who have sent get well wishes, cards, etc to him. He needs to stay focused and remain positive. Continue to keep him in your prayers.
I LOVE YOU ALL !
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
What hit me???
At the time of my last blog I was feeling great and within a few hours I started feeling achy all over and chilling like I have never done before. To make it short, I think I have had a some virus/flu. I am now starting to feel better, although I have no energy. Imagine that,.. me with no energy. Isabella saw me lying around and said, "Annie, are you feeling OK"? She is not in the know of what is going on. She is very sensitive to a lot of things right now and we felt the word "cancer" didn't need to upset her at this time. My surgical incision is a little tender and very bruised, but I think it is healing as it should. I sit here thinking of all the things I could be doing instead of sitting here, and then I have to remind myself of how very, very lucky I am that my cancer is treatable, and that I have a lot of living to do !!
Rick started rehab at Baptist West yesterday. He is progressing and is keeping a positive attitude. His daughter Megan works at a doctors office out there and after his rehab he made a surprise visit to see her, by walking in the door, which she had not seen him walk since his surgery. Praise be to our loving GOD ! >>>Thanks for the flowers Meg-a-lina!
I go back to the doctor next Thursday 26th. I will find out the plan for the next step of this journey I am on. I hope to work on the 25th and 27th. Radiation should start in 2-3 weeks, once my incision has healed. I am so very grateful for all the wonderful friends I have, and thank you for all your love.
Rick started rehab at Baptist West yesterday. He is progressing and is keeping a positive attitude. His daughter Megan works at a doctors office out there and after his rehab he made a surprise visit to see her, by walking in the door, which she had not seen him walk since his surgery. Praise be to our loving GOD ! >>>Thanks for the flowers Meg-a-lina!
I go back to the doctor next Thursday 26th. I will find out the plan for the next step of this journey I am on. I hope to work on the 25th and 27th. Radiation should start in 2-3 weeks, once my incision has healed. I am so very grateful for all the wonderful friends I have, and thank you for all your love.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Boog-a-booo is gone!
Yesterday was a day to celebrate and everything went smoothly. I had to go to the Breast center at 7:45am to have a wire placed in the "spot" so the surgeon new exactly where to take out tissue. Then we went over to Park West and I went straight to surgery. The first case of the morning was cancelled, so that took me early. I told them I had one problem with having the surgery early. All my prayer buddies were going to be praying at 10:00, not 9:00. They got a good laugh out of that. Everyone single person went above and beyond to treat me as if I was the only one there. Everyone introduced themselves, and made me feel completely at ease. I knew two of the nurses there that had previously worked at Children's. Anesthesia doctors were very, very kind and listened to me when I told them how violently ill I get from being put to sleep. They gave me a special drug and I had "NO" nausea. Thanks be to GOD !!!! Jim made all my phone calls to update everyone following the procedure, and by 1:00 I was home and feeling great. I slept off and on most of the day. Today I rejoice that "it" is out and I can move forward to radiation in a few weeks. I am achy all over today, which could be part my fibromyalgia kicking my rear end, and the other part my recovery from surgery. I thank GOD for taking care of me and being with my surgeon Dr. Lytle Brown. He is such a loving and caring man.
I thank each and everyone of you for your prayers and for all the cards and phone calls. Thanks to my buddy, Lauri Brites for the beautiful flowers today. I love you!!
Rick went home from the hospital yesterday and is doing so much better. He thought he would have to sleep down stairs, but Vickie says he made it upstairs and was able to sleep in his own bed last night. He is fighting this full steam ahead with a positive attitude. He will be going to therapy at Baptist West for a while. He is still having short term memory difficulties but is improving. Continue to pray for his recovery and that hopefully he will be able to return to work.
I thank each and everyone of you for your prayers and for all the cards and phone calls. Thanks to my buddy, Lauri Brites for the beautiful flowers today. I love you!!
Rick went home from the hospital yesterday and is doing so much better. He thought he would have to sleep down stairs, but Vickie says he made it upstairs and was able to sleep in his own bed last night. He is fighting this full steam ahead with a positive attitude. He will be going to therapy at Baptist West for a while. He is still having short term memory difficulties but is improving. Continue to pray for his recovery and that hopefully he will be able to return to work.
Monday, February 16, 2009
What a GREAT vacation!!!! Surgery is Tomorrow.
It seems like much longer than a week since I updated my blog. I went to Key West with 3 of my girlfriends for a MUCH needed vacation. We absolutely had a blast !!! It's been quiet some time since I have laughed as hard as I did in one weeks time. We had great food, the sun was out with temperatures over 80 all week, did some shopping, saw some shows, and walked our legs off. We stayed in one of those old homes that has been renovated into a Bed & Breakfast. It was a really nice place, with a full buffet breakfast every morning. I haven't weighed since I got home, and don't think I should.
I stayed at Rachel's last night when I got home because Jim was sick with a virus that he got from other family members. I came home today and LYSOL sprayed everything. Now Rachel is feeling like she is getting it. I hope and pray I can avoid it.
I had to go this morning to Park West Hospital for all the pre-op stuff. (labs, x-ray, EKG, and paper work). They insisted that I had to take off all my jewelry, but I have one ring that won't come off. They said they would have to cut it off. This ring was my Grandmother Kennedy's that I have worn since 1977 & I have not been able to take it off since 2000 when I injured that finger. They tried to tell me the reason was that I may be getting a lot of IV fluids and my hands could swell. SORRY,,,,, not good enough for me. I've had two surgery's with it on, and it will stay on tomorrow. My fear tomorrow is that every time I am put to sleep for surgery I wake up violently sick. I talked to them about that today and they said they would give me medication to help with it. I have been told that before.... I guess only time will tell.
Now for the update on Rick... While I was gone this past week I talked to Rick several times and each time I could tell that he sounded better. Yesterday was Rick and Vickie's 23rd wedding anniversery and he got a pass to leave, come home for a visit and to go out to eat. He will be coming home tomorrow. He is very excited about coming home, after being in the hospital for 4 weeks. He will be going back to rehab 3 times a week, then it will decrease to 2 times, then once a week, until he is fully recovered. He still has to use a walker, or cane to walk, but says he is getting stronger every day. I didn't go to see him today for fear of giving him the "virus" that is learching on my house.
Thanks for all the cards, phone calls, good wishes and prayers that have continued to come my way. I treasure each and everyone of you !
I stayed at Rachel's last night when I got home because Jim was sick with a virus that he got from other family members. I came home today and LYSOL sprayed everything. Now Rachel is feeling like she is getting it. I hope and pray I can avoid it.
I had to go this morning to Park West Hospital for all the pre-op stuff. (labs, x-ray, EKG, and paper work). They insisted that I had to take off all my jewelry, but I have one ring that won't come off. They said they would have to cut it off. This ring was my Grandmother Kennedy's that I have worn since 1977 & I have not been able to take it off since 2000 when I injured that finger. They tried to tell me the reason was that I may be getting a lot of IV fluids and my hands could swell. SORRY,,,,, not good enough for me. I've had two surgery's with it on, and it will stay on tomorrow. My fear tomorrow is that every time I am put to sleep for surgery I wake up violently sick. I talked to them about that today and they said they would give me medication to help with it. I have been told that before.... I guess only time will tell.
Now for the update on Rick... While I was gone this past week I talked to Rick several times and each time I could tell that he sounded better. Yesterday was Rick and Vickie's 23rd wedding anniversery and he got a pass to leave, come home for a visit and to go out to eat. He will be coming home tomorrow. He is very excited about coming home, after being in the hospital for 4 weeks. He will be going back to rehab 3 times a week, then it will decrease to 2 times, then once a week, until he is fully recovered. He still has to use a walker, or cane to walk, but says he is getting stronger every day. I didn't go to see him today for fear of giving him the "virus" that is learching on my house.
Thanks for all the cards, phone calls, good wishes and prayers that have continued to come my way. I treasure each and everyone of you !
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Quick update !
Nothing new with me .... except I have leaving for a week vacation with the girls and it can't come fast enough. It will be great to get away. I am not afraid of what I am facing and know that with all the prayers out there that my back in covered. Or maybe I should say "my front". Oh well, which ever, I am covered.
I visited with Rick this afternoon. They are working him hard in therapy and he does feel some progress. He is walking with a walker to maintain his balance and to support him. He know that this is going to take a while and I can see the frustration in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He says that he's bored in the evenings and is having some trouble sleeping. I'm sure that don't want to sedate him too much at this point. He is in C484 at St. Marys and is allowed visitors from 4-8pm.
I will update you as soon as I get back, on the 15th, and then it's time for surgery for me.
Thanks again to all of you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do get your emails and don't have time to answer everyone.....Thanks.... and thanks for all the cards! What would we do without our friends and family ????
I visited with Rick this afternoon. They are working him hard in therapy and he does feel some progress. He is walking with a walker to maintain his balance and to support him. He know that this is going to take a while and I can see the frustration in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He says that he's bored in the evenings and is having some trouble sleeping. I'm sure that don't want to sedate him too much at this point. He is in C484 at St. Marys and is allowed visitors from 4-8pm.
I will update you as soon as I get back, on the 15th, and then it's time for surgery for me.
Thanks again to all of you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do get your emails and don't have time to answer everyone.....Thanks.... and thanks for all the cards! What would we do without our friends and family ????
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Quick Update with good news!
Today Rick was moved to St. Marys Hospital Rehab unit. He was very appreciative of the care and nurses at UT, but was ready to move "one step up the ladder" toward going home. He will now have therapy at least twice daily and therapy to improve is cognitive (thinking) skills. His short term memory needs a little touching up. The neurosurgeon says that the latest CT scan shows that the fluid is moving like it should in his head. This is certainly a step forward and we all are excited about his improvement. He feels the prayers and knows the he will heal in God's own time. We are happy that Dr. Wooten, (our family doctor from Dad's office) will be close by now. He thanks all of you for your love and support. Keep him close to your heart!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Taking it ONE DAY AT A TIME !!!!!!
SNOW !!!!! Can you believe it.... in Knoxville ! I worked yesterday and it was really pretty watching it cover the ground. On the way home from work I saw snowman after snowman, and kids sledding on hills. So many have never experienced that. It made me smile.Isabella had a blast !
Rick is improving everyday. He walked about 30 feet this morning. Every step he takes is a step forward and toward moving out the door. It is going to take some time to get his strength back. He has a bladder infection, which is being treated with antibiotics, which has caused sores in his mouth. Eating has been sort of difficult. They have started him on coumidin.
I haven't really swallowed this "cancer" thing. It's a strange feeling to have something that "I can't feel" and it doesn't hurt or get in the way of my daily activities. My fibromyalgia is something that hurts and bothers me everyday, but it isn't going to kill me. I know that I am going to be fine, and that I am sooooo blessed that I caught this devil early. My cancer is estrogen and progesterone receptor positive, which means that tamoxifin would be recommended. It blocks the effects of estrogen on breast tissue, but allows estrogen-like effects to occur in other parts of the body. The treatment is 5 years of oral tamoxifen, to reduce the risk of developing metastatic breast cancer. WELL.... there's one little problem, you aren't suppose to take it if you've had a blood clot, and I had one in 2002 after I tore my hamstring. My doctor said he is "thinking on it", and we will discuss it after my surgery and they have a look at the pathology report, and talk with the oncologist. For now... I can't make myself crazy worrying about it. I'm going on vacation to Key West with the girls on Sunday & I'm going to try & have a week of not thinking about all of this. I have gotten so many sweet cards and notes in the mail and thanks to all of you that are lifting me up !!
Rick is improving everyday. He walked about 30 feet this morning. Every step he takes is a step forward and toward moving out the door. It is going to take some time to get his strength back. He has a bladder infection, which is being treated with antibiotics, which has caused sores in his mouth. Eating has been sort of difficult. They have started him on coumidin.
I haven't really swallowed this "cancer" thing. It's a strange feeling to have something that "I can't feel" and it doesn't hurt or get in the way of my daily activities. My fibromyalgia is something that hurts and bothers me everyday, but it isn't going to kill me. I know that I am going to be fine, and that I am sooooo blessed that I caught this devil early. My cancer is estrogen and progesterone receptor positive, which means that tamoxifin would be recommended. It blocks the effects of estrogen on breast tissue, but allows estrogen-like effects to occur in other parts of the body. The treatment is 5 years of oral tamoxifen, to reduce the risk of developing metastatic breast cancer. WELL.... there's one little problem, you aren't suppose to take it if you've had a blood clot, and I had one in 2002 after I tore my hamstring. My doctor said he is "thinking on it", and we will discuss it after my surgery and they have a look at the pathology report, and talk with the oncologist. For now... I can't make myself crazy worrying about it. I'm going on vacation to Key West with the girls on Sunday & I'm going to try & have a week of not thinking about all of this. I have gotten so many sweet cards and notes in the mail and thanks to all of you that are lifting me up !!
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