Wednesday is the date for my 6 month check-up. This is where they draw the blood, analyze it for certain levels of a certain something in the blood, and the results tell my doctor that there's a low level, indicating the cancer has not returned, or a high level, where the doctor says we need to find where the cancer is.
For a few months, I was able to put it behind and not think about it. I just tried to eat right, exercise, meditate, and get plenty of sleep. I felt good, and even could forget for a while that they found cancer in me just a few months ago.
Now I have a slight paranoia of the blood test on Wednesday morning. What will it tell? Will it be like the colonoscopy at the end of last July? I felt fine, confident that all is well and I would be home in a few hours - only to wake up in the "happy" drug induced state to hear my husband arranging to have a third of my colon removed. And because of the "happy drugs" they administer for the procedure, I had no time to develop fear.
Now I have this overwhelming apprehension about the results of Wednesday's test. Now I understand that things can be wrong even though I feel all right.
I beg everyone to get regular physicals, and schedule all tests recommended for your age. My cancer was found early, and although I'm a little nervous about Wednesday - I know my original cancer was found still in an early stage and in all probability my blood test will come back fine.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A wonderful evening
What a wonderful evening it's been. Temperatures in the 40's. Just the right number to take Pugs Magoo for a long walk, although it is a little muddy here in the area that was flooded.
With another hour of daylight, we were able to come upon another person in the neighborhood who has moved back in. There are still only a few of us, but all are a welcome sight. The fellowship seems to still be there when we see those who are back home.
Pugs and I look forward to many more evening walks as spring approaches, and hopefully will be welcoming back more neighbors.
With another hour of daylight, we were able to come upon another person in the neighborhood who has moved back in. There are still only a few of us, but all are a welcome sight. The fellowship seems to still be there when we see those who are back home.
Pugs and I look forward to many more evening walks as spring approaches, and hopefully will be welcoming back more neighbors.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Is rebuilding finally over???
The house is so close to being done. Wood trim and countertop are the major things left to do. As my son said the other night - it's like a brand new house.
Maybe that's a problem, too.
What we've accomplished in the past 8 months is unbelievable to me at times. But it came with a cost. Since we had to gut the entire 1st floor, we redesigned the layout of our obsolete kitchen. While I love my new kitchen, sometimes I miss the past one, even though it was inefficient. I remember the times Steve and I would run into each other in the old kitchen when we tried to work together on a special meal. I remember how we eventually were able to choreograph our movements to avoid such collisions. Those little "mishaps" broght many laughs and made the cooking process enjoyable. I hope we didn't improve the kitchen so much that we don't occasionally bump into each other.
It's true as I look around the first level of our house that it is truly like a new house. I just have to make this new house as great of a "home" as the old one was.
And here's to the year 2009 and with the grace of God, no floods.
Peace.
Maybe that's a problem, too.
What we've accomplished in the past 8 months is unbelievable to me at times. But it came with a cost. Since we had to gut the entire 1st floor, we redesigned the layout of our obsolete kitchen. While I love my new kitchen, sometimes I miss the past one, even though it was inefficient. I remember the times Steve and I would run into each other in the old kitchen when we tried to work together on a special meal. I remember how we eventually were able to choreograph our movements to avoid such collisions. Those little "mishaps" broght many laughs and made the cooking process enjoyable. I hope we didn't improve the kitchen so much that we don't occasionally bump into each other.
It's true as I look around the first level of our house that it is truly like a new house. I just have to make this new house as great of a "home" as the old one was.
And here's to the year 2009 and with the grace of God, no floods.
Peace.
Friday, October 17, 2008
It's Friday!!!
It's Friday! I've been working towards this day all week!
I have a furnace that works, and not a moment too soon.
As of yesterday, I have a kitchen sink. Last night we ate dinner on real plates, and I felt the Lord smiling down on me as I washed dishes in my kitchen, which is starting to resemble a real kitchen.
And I have a cold Guiness waiting for me when I get home tonight.
Life is good!
I have a furnace that works, and not a moment too soon.
As of yesterday, I have a kitchen sink. Last night we ate dinner on real plates, and I felt the Lord smiling down on me as I washed dishes in my kitchen, which is starting to resemble a real kitchen.
And I have a cold Guiness waiting for me when I get home tonight.
Life is good!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Civility - or Lack Of
This summer has been a lesson of the best of times/the worst of times. No, I'm not going to reread the The Tale of Two Cities. But this summer has brought out the best and worst of behaviors.
Our furnace was installed today - a big milestone in our rebuilding - and not a moment too soon. I was talking to the gentleman who was providing us with the luxury of heat, and he was telling me that he, too, was tired of the flood damage and the time it takes to rebuild even though his home had remained dry. He told me stories of arriving to install furnaces only to be verbally attacked by stressed-out homeowners. When trying to empathize with one homeowner, he was asked if his house was flooded. When he responded that no, he was fortunate, the homeowner told him that he had no idea what it was like.
Of course he doesn't. But this is a young man working his trade for long hours in dismal locations. He's seeing the devastation for many hours and for many weeks. He is feeling the stress of long hours and lack of quality time with his family. It reminds me of the earlier days this summer when it was the victims vs. the gawkers.
Many of the those living in the flooded areas were offended by people driving by, watching them put their life's possessions on the curb to be hauled away. Were the victims too sensitive? In many cases, yes. Do I understand their feelings? Of course. I had people stop and take my picture. Did this act make the person taking the picture heartless? Of course not.
As my supervisor said to me, many of those driving through the neighborhoods were only trying to get a sense of the impact of the flood. Many realize that they cannot comprehend the sense of loss but are struggling to find words to comfort; ways to help; ways to make a difference.
The tremendous amount of acts of kindness can never be forgotten. Many of the so-called gawkers have done so much - by generosity of donations of money and material items, and their efforts in helping us clean (muck) out our homes.
May God bless all of you who gave so much to help those of us in need. Please know there are many who have not been able to progress in the healing stage right now. Keep those folks in your prayers.
Good night.
Our furnace was installed today - a big milestone in our rebuilding - and not a moment too soon. I was talking to the gentleman who was providing us with the luxury of heat, and he was telling me that he, too, was tired of the flood damage and the time it takes to rebuild even though his home had remained dry. He told me stories of arriving to install furnaces only to be verbally attacked by stressed-out homeowners. When trying to empathize with one homeowner, he was asked if his house was flooded. When he responded that no, he was fortunate, the homeowner told him that he had no idea what it was like.
Of course he doesn't. But this is a young man working his trade for long hours in dismal locations. He's seeing the devastation for many hours and for many weeks. He is feeling the stress of long hours and lack of quality time with his family. It reminds me of the earlier days this summer when it was the victims vs. the gawkers.
Many of the those living in the flooded areas were offended by people driving by, watching them put their life's possessions on the curb to be hauled away. Were the victims too sensitive? In many cases, yes. Do I understand their feelings? Of course. I had people stop and take my picture. Did this act make the person taking the picture heartless? Of course not.
As my supervisor said to me, many of those driving through the neighborhoods were only trying to get a sense of the impact of the flood. Many realize that they cannot comprehend the sense of loss but are struggling to find words to comfort; ways to help; ways to make a difference.
The tremendous amount of acts of kindness can never be forgotten. Many of the so-called gawkers have done so much - by generosity of donations of money and material items, and their efforts in helping us clean (muck) out our homes.
May God bless all of you who gave so much to help those of us in need. Please know there are many who have not been able to progress in the healing stage right now. Keep those folks in your prayers.
Good night.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Good-bye summer
What a relief that fall is finally here. After the past year, especially this summer, the dying foliage somehow gives me hope for change.
Winter brought my husband's seizures; spring brought a few minor problems that can only be called a little bad luck.
But summer!
On June 10, I went for my annual "wellness" visit to my internist. That usual dreaded pap smear and scheduling of my mammogram. Being 50, I wasn't really surprised to hear those dreaded words - "Can I talk you into getting a colonoscopy out of the way this year?" Being the agreeable person that I am, I agreed.
On June 11 we evacuated our home, expecting to be back in couple of days. Our house isn't in the 100-year floodplain. The most we would get is maybe a backed up drain. Two days later, safe at my brother's house, we're watching a river patrol boat go by our house.
June 25 was my appointment with the doctor who would perform the colonoscopy. June 25 was also the first day we were able to get into our neighborhood to see our house for the first time. . The nurse asked me if we were affected by the flood, and I told her that after this appointment we would be going to inspect our house. She offered to delay the test date until things were a little better. My response was that I already felt like I'd been kicked in the butt - might as well get reamed. My test was scheduled for July 31.
Please bear with me. This is my first blog, and I will make this entry brief. More details of summer's events will follow. They're still fresh in my mind, and I'm hoping to get some of my emotions in check by writing about them.
Ok, back to the colonoscopy.
July 30 was my prep day, and anyone who has undergone this test knows what is involved. Fast all day, then drinking a gallon of that horrible liquid that the pharmacy gives you to clean out your bowels for the next day festivity.
A night of constant trips to the bathroom. Up early in the morning to go to the hospital, looking forward to going home afterward and eating! There was no indication that anything was wrong. I was a 51-year-old healthy woman.
Long story short - I flunked the test. Still under the influence of the happy drugs they give you before a colonoscopy I could faintly make out my husband talking to the doctor about scheduling surgery - I could be operated on at 1:30 that afternoon or we could return in 4 days. I remember my husband telling the doctor to schedule now. "Don't make her go through the weekend worrying about it and don't make her go through the prep again. She's already prepped; let's go with it." 12 inches of my colon was removed.
As I said before, this is just my start at blogging. My prognosis is good. We're rebuilding our house. Things just might fall into place...now that fall is finally here.
While this is a bumpy start, I plan on reflecting on each of the past events; and focusing on my future. Enough said for now.
Good night.
Winter brought my husband's seizures; spring brought a few minor problems that can only be called a little bad luck.
But summer!
On June 10, I went for my annual "wellness" visit to my internist. That usual dreaded pap smear and scheduling of my mammogram. Being 50, I wasn't really surprised to hear those dreaded words - "Can I talk you into getting a colonoscopy out of the way this year?" Being the agreeable person that I am, I agreed.
On June 11 we evacuated our home, expecting to be back in couple of days. Our house isn't in the 100-year floodplain. The most we would get is maybe a backed up drain. Two days later, safe at my brother's house, we're watching a river patrol boat go by our house.
June 25 was my appointment with the doctor who would perform the colonoscopy. June 25 was also the first day we were able to get into our neighborhood to see our house for the first time. . The nurse asked me if we were affected by the flood, and I told her that after this appointment we would be going to inspect our house. She offered to delay the test date until things were a little better. My response was that I already felt like I'd been kicked in the butt - might as well get reamed. My test was scheduled for July 31.
Please bear with me. This is my first blog, and I will make this entry brief. More details of summer's events will follow. They're still fresh in my mind, and I'm hoping to get some of my emotions in check by writing about them.
Ok, back to the colonoscopy.
July 30 was my prep day, and anyone who has undergone this test knows what is involved. Fast all day, then drinking a gallon of that horrible liquid that the pharmacy gives you to clean out your bowels for the next day festivity.
A night of constant trips to the bathroom. Up early in the morning to go to the hospital, looking forward to going home afterward and eating! There was no indication that anything was wrong. I was a 51-year-old healthy woman.
Long story short - I flunked the test. Still under the influence of the happy drugs they give you before a colonoscopy I could faintly make out my husband talking to the doctor about scheduling surgery - I could be operated on at 1:30 that afternoon or we could return in 4 days. I remember my husband telling the doctor to schedule now. "Don't make her go through the weekend worrying about it and don't make her go through the prep again. She's already prepped; let's go with it." 12 inches of my colon was removed.
As I said before, this is just my start at blogging. My prognosis is good. We're rebuilding our house. Things just might fall into place...now that fall is finally here.
While this is a bumpy start, I plan on reflecting on each of the past events; and focusing on my future. Enough said for now.
Good night.
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