I have felt great the past 5 days.  I have had more energy and my appetite has been a lot better.  I gained a pound this week (need to gain about 10 more).  I even cooked dinner last night and tonight.  Cooking two nights in a row is good for me.  And we finally had some fried okra tonight.  Thomas got it at Sprout's and it was delicious.

I saw Dr. Walker today.  The labs I had done on Tuesday were all NORMAL....which I think is a first for me.  My protein level was even higher than normal.  YAY!  Dr. W is also pleased with the way my wound is healing.  And, she does not think there is another pocket of fluid near my incision.  I hope she is right!  I'm starting physical therapy tomorrow for my neck.  And, I will do chemo on Friday as scheduled!

It's "back to school" time and my co-workers went back to work on Monday.  I love my job and I'd rather be at school working than sitting at home.  But, I have to be sure I'm completely healed and strong enough before I go back.

That's about it other than my eyelashes are growing back in and my hair is growing too.  Sometimes it's the little things that thrill me!

Well, the past week has been interesting.  Last Tuesday I had labs done.  Dr. Walker called me Wednesday and said my lipase enzyme levels were way up.  Mine are usually 90-100 and they had jumped up to 900.  That enzyme is usually associated with the pancreas so she thought I might have pancreatitis.  She told me to re-do the labs on Thursday.

When I woke up Thursday I was nauseous (threw up twice), very light-headed and my abdomen was really bloated.  Actually, I had been light-headed/dizzy the past week.  I also felt like there was another "pocket" of fluid near my incision.  So I called the office and filled them in on all of this and asked if I could have a nurse look at my incision when  I came in for labs.  They told me to just stop by desk when I was there.  So, I did.  At first they were gonna have me come back later that afternoon because they were so busy.  Then before I knew it, they took me back to a room and Dr. Walker herself came over (from surgery) to examine me.  She first decided that my wound would drain better if the opening was bigger so she proceeded to take a little lidocaine (not near enough) and a scalpel and "open it up a little"!  She was really puzzled about my symptoms so she asked if she could put me in the hospital for a few days so we could figure out what was going on.  So, we went straight to hospital and checked in.  They did a CT scan, gave me fluids and antibiotics.  I got out Friday evening about 8:30 p.m.  Oh, and my lipase level had dropped down to 600.

Dr. Walker said they didn't find anything "bad" on the scan.  She said it looked like I might have an abscess in my lower abdomen but after examining me, she ruled that out.  She did say there appeared to be a little fluid above my current incision wound and I definitely agree with that.  She had considered putting a wound vac on me but the wound care specialists who came to evaluate me didn't think it was necessary.  Yeah!!!!  I'm very thankful for that!

So, Saturday I woke up, sat on the side of my bed and was not dizzy or light-headed at all.  I felt GREAT......like a totally different person.  It was crazy.  I felt great all day and even went to El Reno that evening for a family get-together.  Then Sunday, I felt good again.  I got to go to church for the first time in probably 6 weeks.  Emma and I made cupcakes in the afternoon.  And again today, I felt really good.  I'll go in tomorrow for labs and then I'll see Dr. Walker on Wednesday.  I'm hoping blood work is good so I can resume with chemo (since I missed the one on Friday).

Last Friday was my first chemo treatment since my surgery.  It went great and I actually felt better afterwards than I had since my surgery.  It has to be the steroids that I take before my treatment that gives me that extra burst of energy.

My incision wound is getting better but not quite healed yet.  Hopefully it won't be too much longer that we have to deal with the daily ritual of caring for it.  And, Saturday night was my last stomach shot for preventing blood clots!  I am so glad that's over with!!

Now that I have been released to drive (thank you!!!!), it makes the days much less boring.  I love being able to get out and go run errands or go to Sonic when I want.  Today I got out and drove to my nail salon for nails and a pedi.....first time in over a month.  I was so excited and got there about 10 minutes early, walked in and did not see my nail girl, Jessica.  Turns out my appointment is tomorrow so I'll be going back after I do lab work.

Good news.....my hair is growing back pretty fast.  Bad news....I just lost all of my eyelashes in the past week or two.  I tried the false eyelash route one day but it's almost more trouble than it's worth.

That's all the news for now.  Eight more chemo treatments and then hopefully I'll be feeling more like my old self.

Cathy

No journey would be complete without some twists and turns along the way.  I've had a few of my own this past week.  First, I had an issue with my incision (I'll save the details for those of you who might be squeamish).  A home health nurse came out for a few days to take care of it.  On the 4th day she came, she taught Abby how to care for my wound.  Abby has been doing it daily and is doing a good job.  And, since Thomas and Emma are going to be in South Padre this weekend, Abby had to learn how to do my stomach injections that I get every night (to prevent blood clots).  I just call her Nurse Abby nowadays!

I spent Saturday from about 6:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. in the ER.  About 11:00 Saturday morning my neck started hurting while I was sitting up in bed.  It got worse and worse.  By 5:00 p.m., I could not move my head at all and was in excruciating pain.  After a few calls to the doctor on call, Abby took me to the ER.  They did lab work, a CT scan and a lumbar puncture (to check for a brain bleed and meningitis).  All of the tests came back with good results (prayers answered).  They sent me home with muscle relaxers.  The first few days were very painful but my neck is getting better every day.  I had no idea that muscle spasms could cause debilitating pain like that.  I am supposed to start physical therapy soon for my neck and that should help too.

My next round of chemo was supposed to start tomorrow.  But Dr. Walker decided to wait a week until I feel better.  I am still so thankful that I was referred to her in the first place.  She is the best doctor....so compassionate and caring.  She always gives me a hug or a pat on the leg or foot.  I am thankful for her.

My next doctor appointment is Thursday and chemo should start Friday if my lab work is good....fingers crossed!

Later, Cathy

test

Here are some pics from yesterday's blog!

Well, today was my 12th day post-surgery.  I think I'm doing really well, all things considered.  I'm still having some abdominal pain from the surgery/healing but that's to be expected.  I'm getting a little stronger each day.

I was really dreading the hospital stay at OU Medical Center, but it was the best hospital experience I've ever had.  The nurses took such good care of me....I mean they went above and beyond.  Everyone there from the doctors down to the housekeeping staff were so professional.  I was very impressed with their compassion and consideration.  The bed was comfortable, the room was very quiet when the door was shut and I rested very well while there.  The nurses would even tty to do my night-time meds and vital signs at the same time so they wouldn't have to wake me more than necessary.

Dr. Walker felt good about the surgery.  There were a few spots she could not remove because of their location but hopefully the next rounds of chemo will take care of those.  I'm not sure when I start chemo again.  I go see Dr. Walker next Tuesday.

I had several visitors during the week and got some beautiful flowers/gifts.  I also got to spend time with a comfort dog, I think his name was Riley.  Three of my girlfriends from Marlow came to see me but, of course, I forgot to get a picture with them.  Thanks Teresa, Becky and Susan for going out of your way to visit me!

We had a good 4th yesterday (I mean despite the big Kevin Durant decision).  Thomas drove his jeep again in the neighborhood parade and Emma and Kylie threw candy to the spectators.  It lasted about 5 minutes!  Great parade!  lol. Mom, dad, and Candice came over and we had a huge sandwich spread prepared by Abby.  Good times!

I will try to add pictures tomorrow.  My computer is being difficult!  Once again, thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers coming my way.

Love, Cathy