Nothing New

The January visit to have my scan went fine.  The doctor said I didn't need to be scanned anymore unless I feel something in my chest or brain (ha!  Like I would notice!)  Anyhow, he spoke of new studies and insurance coverage.  I am not really comfortable with this.  I still wish I had annuals coming.  However, I can probably get a scan if I want one by "feeling symptoms" of something!

January 22, 2013 - Free and Clear

My scan was just fine.  Now, I go back on July 23rd.  For another scan.  If that one is clear, then I move to annual scans!

I go to my dermatologist next week.

Will keep you posted!

Peace,

Greta

Jan. 15th 2013 PET-CT scan

I am sitting here in the curtained off room where you prep somewhat privately for the scan.  I've had my IV of something (dye) and am drinking my barium cocktail.  To prepare for this, I fasted for 6 hours.  Really, last food was at 5:00 yesterday and last beverage at 9:30!  My sugars measured 98, which I think is a little high for a fasting value.  Another prep consideration is clothing.  If I find an outfit without any metal in it, I don't have to change for the scan.  This is a little difficult because I go straight to work afterwards.  So here I am no snaps buckles zippers or hooks. My earrings are in my laptop case.

Next, I go into the scan room where I lay down placing my head in a preformed holder (a hard foam), then get covered with a thin blanket, and get strapped down bat the chest, legs, and feet.  The key is to remain still for the 35 minutes it takes to scan.  The one scan type is PET.  I believe this is the one that looks for highly active cells. The cancer cells metabolize sugar (the drink I had) faster than normal cells.  These will show up as hot spots, if they are there. The CT scan maps out my body so they can pinpoint exactly where the hot spots are.  I get results next Tuesday.

When I leave, I decide if I am so hungry or am desperate for coffee.  Then I either get something or wait and raid the work fridge.  I think I will wait because we have some awesome leftovers from a luncheon yesterday.

I will post again next Tuesday.

Peace,

Greta

Results are in...

PET-CT scan - all clear
Bloodwork - returned to normal range except for lymphocites.

I had a great visit with my doctor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP).  I "donated" my unused meds and needles so they can be used to get someone started, or help someone who didn't place their order on time.  My doctor moved me to a scan every six months because the cancer was not deep, and only three lymph nodes were microscopically effected.  He is confident that a move to six months will be fine.  It certainly is fine with me!  It is strange: going from 5 to 7 appointments a week (in the beginning) to one every six months.  Strange, but I'll take it!

A few minor downsides:  My left leg is still numb from the knee to the groin on the top left to inner thigh.  This will not go away.  I started tremoring two months ago and decided to mention it.  If the tremors get worse in the next month, I need to call HUP and set up an appointment with a neurologist.   The doctor said my body has been through quite a shock, and that includes the nervous system.  But, the treatments may have unmasked some underlying problem (Traz has intentional tremor, and my father shook quite a bit - we always thought he was nervous!)  My hair is still pretty thin, but my comb over from the back is working fine.  I love food again.  So, I have gained back 5 pounds of the 10 I lost.

So, it is back to "greta-mode"  trying to cut down my meal portions, and exercising daily (when possible).  I still only work 3 days a week, but have notified my management team that I am available for more hours on Tues and Thurs.  Speaking of work.... they had a nice luncheon for me to celebrate my completion of treatments, and my manager bought me flowers.  They are a great group of people!

I will try to update next month, after I decide about how the tremors are going.

Peace,

Greta

Done!

It hasn't really hit me yet.  It probably will tomorrow because I don't have to do my shot tonight.

My final tribute is to my workplace.   I am a contractor (work for ICON) at PECO.  I have been so "lucky" that they held my position open for me last year.  I was out from July to October.  Then, they let me return on a 3 day work schedule.  The fact that I have such an understanding boss, and a niche here at PECO worked great with my illness.  I could still be a contributor.   If they needed someone full time, I would not have a job.  So, it is great - how things worked out.   I plan to work 3 day weeks until my blood levels return to normal (no sense in jumping right back in, right?)

My next posting will not be until after my doctor's appointment on July 24th.  Between now and then, I am just going to be working out daily and trying to get my strength/endurance back.

Peace,

Greta

Last injection tonight!

I am having a hard time thinking about being "done".  It probably won't hit me until Sunday or Monday (which is the time I usually start to dread my next shot.)  One more tonight.   I already threw out my container that I use to hold my meds in the refridge.  It was a cute container that said "Hang in There" and came from my brother Steig.   I probably could have kept it and used it, but it was just too good of a feeling throwing it out!  Done!   Saturday, I will rearrange a few drawers and clear off my vanity countertop.  Out with the syringes and needles and bandaids and alcohol swabs.

This posting will pay tribute to my family.   Julia called me almost daily when I first was diagnosed.  Lori called just as frequently.  My mother called occasionally and seemed like she was careful about what she said.  What do you say to someone just diagnosed with Cancer?  Dave and Pat called more frequently to see how I was doing.  Jeff stayed in touch through texting and e-mail.  His wife Kathy is now undergoing Cancer treatments.  My brother Kurt called with his wife Gwen (she was also getting over some cancer treatments and surgery).  Karen e-mailed some support and advice.  Lee called occasionally to say "Hey Gret, what's up."  So, thanks to my family for staying in touch!

I almost forgot about the cousins!  So many to thank.  Aunt Dot, Cousin Kris, Cousin Karen, Cousin Maria, Kathy Holderman ....  the hard thing about this is that you leave people out.  Please everyone, just know that your calls and cards were great.

Peace,

Greta

2 Injections to go!

I did an injection Monday night.  Tuesday morning I had a PET CT scan, and Tuesday afternoon I slept.  When I got up I was so achey and depressed.  As my end date gets closer, I get impatient.  The results of my PET SCAN will be discussed by phone (if bad news) or at my next appointment in July (17th or 24th).

Well, I can't end this blogging without mentioning Scooby.  He is such a buddy.  When I had my surgery, he laid right next to my feet.  When I rested in my bedroom, he follows me up and lays at the doorway.  Then, I get up and move to the couch downstairs, and he follows me and lays by the couch.   When I watch the squirrels play, and chipmunks scamper, and the birds at my feeder, he is outside watching with me.  We even have a rabbit family that comes to the base of the feeder and Scooby doesn't even flinch (too old to run!)   I am not sure how much a dog can sense things, but sometimes I think he was saying "It'll be all right." 

Peace,

Greta