Close call

As you can see from the date of my last post, I was not able to post immediately after the port procedure.  I went in for this procedure that was to take approx 45 min to an hour.  Things seemed to be going well, I was able to eat a few bites of a sandwhich, and thought that I would be  leaving for home around 2:OO pm.  I picked up a grape, and then looked at Bob, and said, I have to lay down, I feel sick.  And with that comment, I was out.  My heart when into an irregular pattern, respiration failure followed ,and a code was called in the hospital to get to radiaology. People don't usually code in the radiology dept.  I don't remember much, just a feeling of being here, but not able to communicate and see those around me.  I know my poor husband was subjected to all that was going on. He had to walk away at one point, He thougth I was gone. He remained cool, calm and collected, able to answer any questions the Dr.s were asking him.  After a blunt hit to  the center of my chest and shocking my heart into a normal rhythm, the Dr. in charge reversed the drugs with 6 shots of Narcan, and established a normal airway. I was transferred to the ICU to be obseverd throughout the night. I remained pretty much out of it for the remainder of the night. It has been established that I am extremely allergic to most narcotics, and some drugs used for anesthesia.  I think I will have the paramedics follow me to the first Chemo appoint, lol.  Don't want to take any chances!!!  So, as ususal, I never do anything the easy way, and I love to keep the nurse's on their toes. Thank you for the many prayers that went up that day.  I know the Lord was probably a bit tired of hearing about Marie Drinkhouse, He said, "Fine ya'll, you can keep her for a while.  Love ya,

Port

Well, here I go again, heading off to Scottsdale Shea for my 3rd procedure.  This process is starting to feel all to familiar.  I will be having a port-a-cath device installed this morning to help with the administration of Chemo.  My left are is not able to be used any more, and I did not want to take the chance of having my right arm harmed by the effects of the chemo. Dr. Meng strongly suggested having the port installed.  It will also help to spare many needle sticks in the near future. I'm scheduled for 11:30. They tell me it takes approx 45 min to an hour.  If all goes well and the anesthesia doesn't reek havoic on my body, I should be home around 2:30-3:00  I feeling a little tired, but I am calm and at peace with this whole situation, (make sure you remind me of this when my hair falls out!!)  ha  While it can be a daunting process, I realize the end result will yield a cancer free diagnosis, and like I said before, maybe 20 lbs lighter and a new hair style.  I'll let you know how I am this evening. Till then.................

Abby's herbs

Savoring the moment

What does one do when your feeling fine for now, but realize that will change in the near future?  You savor the moment.  My new found hobby is cooking like Paula Deen, (not hard considering my southern roots, just more butter!) and scrapbooking every little detail of this journey.  Abby and I went to Lowes today and bought fresh herbs to make a little garden.  Everything really does taste better with fresh ingredients.  I'm told that you loose some of your taste while on chemo, but hopefully that is temporary. At least I can make things tasty for everyone else.  I'm having a good day today, not really thinking about what's ahead.  My mood changes often, but I try not to let my situation get me down, its just that hair loss thing!!  What a bummer.  I am on a crusade to make hats fashionable once again.  As long as the package looks good on the outside, it hides what your feeling on the inside.  That's what I'm shootin for.

Chemo survival basket

The Wingo family surprised me today with a CHEMO SURVIVAL BASKET!!  I was incredibly touched by the thought, effort and generosity that went into making this gift so special and unique.  Coming from a cancer survivor, Sharon knew first hand exactly what I could use. This gift has all the items that I could possibly need to brave the next few months.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by friends, and family,at a time when I need shoulders to lean on, ears to listen and arms to hold. God bless the Wingo's

Chemo bound!

If there is one word that I have spent a great deal of time researching lately, it's ONCOTYPE DX.  I knew when Dr. Quiet (radiation oncologist) wanted me to see Dr. Meng (medication oncologist) that probably meant the possibility of chemo.  However, I went into that appointment thinking my number was a 15, when the results were placed in my hand, thanks to my reasearh, I knew that the number 25  I recieved, would guarentee my spot on the recliner!!!  I wasn't quite prepared for the news mentally.  I know it has to be down to reduce the reaccurance rate, but is any women happy about loosing her hair?  I have been growing it out for the past 3 years and it now reaches the middle of my back!  It truly is as thick as a horses mane! lol lol  Not only that, but I have the habit of twirling my hair, which I have done since birth.  How do I break that habit now?  I don't think twirling a wig will have the same calming effect.  I plan on shopping for a wig next week before chemo even begins.  That way I can hopefully have something that resembles my own style.  Or think about this, I could do a different hairstyle everday.  Blonde, brunette, red head, long, short or in between!  The choices are endless,  and nothing to shampoo, curl, or flat iron.  I knew if I wrote long enough, I would fine a silver linning somewhere.  I think I found it!!!  Love to all.

Radiation Day...

Or so I thought!  I had an appointment yesterday with the radiation oncologist.  I was prepared to start the process of radiation.  They had me scheduled for a CT.  Dr. Quiet asked me if I had received word from my blood test, mainly the Oncotye DX?  I told her that the report was at the medical oncologist office, but I had to wait until next week to hear the news.   She called over to the office and was told that my Oncotype number was 15.  That means that while I am considered a lower risk of it returning, its still a risk.  I'm considered in the "gray area"  With that news, she wanted me to discuss chemotherapy with the medical oncologist.  I am trying not to think of all that entails, but at the same time, tryting to talk myself into it.  I am not at peace with the fact that all of the cancer is gone.  My brother died at the age of 42 from lung cancer, which began on the chest wall.  Mine is close to the chest wall as well.  I would rather have a 100% guarentee that I am free and clear, than to always be guessing, what if?  I'll update the information next week when I hear from Dr. Meng.  My next appointment is April 6th