Since June 23rd, 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014

Fill 'er up!

  • Appointment with M at Dr. R's office and treatment room
When I call to make an appointment with Dr. R, the nurse tells me that Dr. R is booked but she can book me with her NP, M. The nurse promises me that she'll make sure Dr. R actually comes to my appointment too. But she doesn't. Instead, I meet solely with M, who seems perfectly nice and capable. She suggests that I go to the treatment room for more fluids. While I'm in the treatment room, one of the nurses talks to me about a patch they have for nausea. They offer me a sample patch and I figure, why not, maybe it'll help. (It does.)

Sunday, July 27, 2014

What goes down, must come up

  • ER
I can't keep anything down. Not the nausea meds, not water, not food. I call the after-hours exchange for Dr. R and the doctor that calls me back recommends that I head to the ER. He notifies them that I am on my way. In the ER, they pump me full of fluids and run some tests. The blood work shows that my white blood cell count is low (this becomes a regular thing for me) and the urine test shows that I have a urinary tract infection. The doctor adds an antibiotic to my IV and gives me my first ever shot of Neupogen (it won't be my last). After about 3 hours, I am back at home with instructions to call Dr. R's office in the morning.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

#1

  • Appointment with Dr. R and treatment day #1

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

I'm hot. I'm cold. I'm hot. I'm cold.

  • Appointment with Dr. S
There are hormonal consequences to having a total hysterectomy at 38 and I met with Dr. S today to talk through them. The outcome is that I'll start on the lowest dose and hopefully I'll get some relief to the hot flashes/cold sweats. Hello surgically induced menopause!

More super

  • Super port implanted at the hospital with Dr. G
This procedure is relatively minor and I go home within an hour or so of being finished. I am now a card carrying member of the super port club.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Fotos del amor

Today we met our wedding photographer at Forest Park to take our engagement pictures. The funny thing is that we had to cancel them in April when it snowed and now today it is the hottest day of the year. I think that means good luck, like rain on your wedding day. Or something. Regardless, we love our pictures and our photographer. My make-up is a little much for me but I sweat half of it off rather quickly. Perfect!



Thursday, July 10, 2014

The plan

  • Appointment with Dr. R, first at her office

Monday, July 7, 2014

Mermaid tattoos

  • Colonoscopy at the hospital with Dr. G
Only a week removed from my hospital stay and my diagnosis, during this trip to the hospital I find it a little hard to control my emotions. In the prep area, I'm lined up next to 5-10 other people all getting ready for the same good time. I hear nurses and doctors asking all the same questions as they pop in and out of various curtains. And goodness, the woman next to me is really craving pancakes. Having been separated from Hector and the waiting room for at least 30 minutes or so, I can't stop my tears. The nurse asks if I'd like to have Hector come back and sit with me. Um, YES please.

Eventually it's my turn and I'm rolled down to a small room where Dr. G is waiting for me. She tells me again about the process and how she'll tattoo with a mermaid any tumor that she finds, so that we'll be able to track it after I get started with my chemo. The mermaid by the way, turns out to be a little white lie! She asks me if everybody loves Hector as much as she does, and I agree. As they start the drug to put me under, she says "dream of Brad Pitt!" to which I respond "I'll dream of Hector!" and a second later I'm out.


The paper with the results (pictures!) is hard to look at but not unexpected. There is a tumor in my colon. Considering the major surgery that I just had... last week... removing the tumor isn't the right option for me right now. Instead I will meet with Dr. R and discuss starting chemo as soon as my body is recovered.