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!