The ice has thawed

On Friday, April 9th, I had an appointment with my Cardiologist, Dr. Ewer. After reviewing my file, checking my heart and my jugular veins, I got the "ok" to stop taking the heart medicine! I was very excited since it is possible my chronic cough I have had since November could be a side effect of this med. (Actually, Dr. Z, my primary doctor told me that just a few weeks ago. And two weeks later after stopping the med, I'm still coughing). Anyway, Dr. Ewer ordered one final echocardiogram to make sure there wasn't any additional damage done to my heart during the last year of chemo when I had the adjunct therapy.

Today, Friday the 23rd, I had my very last echocardiogram. Yeah me! Dr. Ewer, hasn't called me yet with the results, but I am sure I have passed the test. In the beginning of this cancer adventure, when I failed my MUGA heart tests in Nuclear Medicine (remember I called it "The Glow Farm"?) and Dr W., my oncologist, sent me off to Heart and Vascular, Scott made the smart comment that it was to "Make sure I actually had a heart and that it wasn't all made of ice" (Yes, we are still happily married!) To prove to him that I do in fact have a heart and the ice in my heart has thawed, I have another fine picture of this 'warm' heart hanging on the refrigerator. I really love it when you get a tech that will break the rules for you and give you pictures of your insides! Too bad I couldn't get one of my brain when I had that MRI. That picture would have been very cool.

Tuesday, April 20th, I had my first appointment with my new OBGYN Dr. Lick. (Yep - that's his name!) Dr. Jay is really kind of a hottie. Nice eyes. I am grateful Dr. Z. referred me over to him. Dr. Jay didn't really have a clue either on how to solve my problems so we are taking it one remedy at a time. If the first medicine doesn't work, we'll try something else until we find a solution. The somewhat unsettling part of the appointment was when he said he was going to consult with his specialist doctor friend in Saint Louis and consult with GYN Oncology. Unexpectedly, he took a pap smear. So everybody needs to have positive thoughts! I am hoping that no news is good news. I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Jay in three weeks. I am hoping the medicine he gave me will work.

While at the hospital today for my heart test, I had to stop by the Oncology Lab and get what I affectionately call a "Flush and Fill". My IV port has to be flushed out every three weeks to prevent any blockage/blood clots from formng. It takes less than 5 minutes to access the port, make sure you get a good blood draw, then flush it. No big deal. It takes longer to disinfect the port area than the actual procedure.

I have had three hair cuts now and I am saddened to report that my beautiful head of cancer curls is gone. I really liked my curly hair. I still have a little wave but that's it. However, my hair has been lightening up and has changed into a much nicer color than when it first started to grow! I'm sure the Summer sun will almost make me a blonde again though those days are gone too. I am still in the process of growing my hair out long and that can be challenging. I was use to wearing my hair very short and spiky. It's a new look for me and none of us know if we like it yet. The whole house is contemplating my looks.
Who knows, I might shave it all off if I get too hot this summer!

It's a Good Friday

Today, Good Friday, I had my very last chemo treatment. I added them up, and I had somewhere around 72 or so dosages - 52 of them being adjunctive therapy, not to mention the 33 treatments of radiation, 3 MUGA Scans and 3 echo grams for my heart (I'm still on heart meds since the chemo can damage the heart and I did flunk earlier heart tests, numerous CT scans for bones, lungs, pelvis, abdomen and chest, MRI's for the brain and chest, countless blood tests, physical therapy sessions, even one trip to the psych ward (which I felt was a total waste of time and money), 3 acupuncture treatments and two surgeries with one more to go.

WOW! What an adventure it has been. We're still not done, though. I have an appointment with my Cardiologist on Friday April 9th. I am hoping my last echocardiogram showed enough improvement in my heart function where I can get off the meds. I have found out that the cough I have had since forever, is a side effect of the medicine I'm taking. In June, I have another follow-up mammogram to check up on the two spots they found in December. Once I get the news that they are no big deal, I'll have surgery #3 and get my IV port taken out. My guess this will be somewhere around Independence Day!! In August I have another follow-up CT scan for the spot they found on my lung. After that, I'm done. I'll still see the various doctors for the next five years and I'll still have to take meds for the next five years. A small price to pay to keep the cancer away!

I saw my primary physician last week and found out I fractured three ribs while in North Carolina for Susan's service (Cancer Fight). I fell 8-10 feet off a zip line and landed flat on my back. I did shake it off and successfully zipped on the zip line! It was really fun and I'd do it again. Scott and I are thinking about putting one up at our lake home! Dr. Z also referred me to gynecology to deal with other problems that the cancer treatment caused and she doesn't know what to do about them.

I found out that my friend Joan died in January. She had been battling pancreatic cancer for a year. Cancer really does suck.

So...though it still sounds like they is still alot for me to go through, the worst part is over. It's a Good Friday.

Sunday is Easter. We're headed to the lake house to sit and relax and enjoy each other.