#47 1 YEAR CT SCAN FOR CANCER

RESULTS of 1 year CT scan showed lungs stable.

2 spots on liver found and followed by PET scan and biopsy of liver. All tests negative for cancer.  NEXT CT scan in 3 months.  

Check up with general practitioner and blood tests results. All good. Still doing good with controlling diabetes with diet.

Eye doctor visit - all good. I'm to call if I get any new floaters. Did not do vision machine test because it is not covered by medicare or medicaid insurance! Need to save $ so in a year I can have that tested and get new glasses (also not covered) if needed.

# 46 KNEE REPLACEMENT PHASE 4

AROUND MID OCTOBER I GOT DISCOURAGED AND WASN'T DOING MY EXERCISES VERY MUCH. BUT A SOBO HIKER NAMED MAGIC KNEES RE-INSPIRED ME. HE HAD BOTH KNEES REPLACED AND WAS DETERMINED TO HIKE THE TRAIL.  HE SAID HE WORKED VERY HARD TO MAKE THAT POSSIBLE. WHILE HE WAS HERE HE BUGGED ME TO DO MY EXERCISES AND SO I DID AND HAVE GOTTEN BACK INTO MY REGIMEN.

HE HAD TO GO HOME AND TAKE A BREAK BECAUSE OF SHIN SPLINTS. I HOPE HE'S ABLE TO GET BACK ON THE TRAIL SOON.

THANK YOU MAGIC KNEES

ON  OCT 5 I SAW DR POLACHEK AND HE PRESCRIBED A NEW SHORT TERM MED THAT HE SAID WOULD CALM THE EXTREME PAIN I WAS STILL HAVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY KNEE, BELOW THE KNEE CAP, AND THE BACK OF MY LEG ABOVE THE KNEE. HE ALSO PRESCRIBED TRAMADOL FOR PAIN, WHICH I WAS ON BEFORE THE KNEE REPLACEMENT.

SO TODAY I WAS THINKING WHAT CAN I KEEP IN MIND TO KEEP ME INSPIRED AND I REMEMBER WHEN NIKKI ASKED ME ON THE FIRST DAY OF OUTPATIENT THERAPY WHAT MY GOALS ARE CONCERNING MY KNEES AND I SAID ABLE TO HIKE AGAIN AND BEING ABLE TO GET IN AND OUT OF KAYAK BETTER.

 

 

# 45 KNEE REPLACEMENT PHASE 3 OUTPATIENT THERAPY AUG 23 TO OCT 1

BIG THANK YOU TO MY OUTPATIENT THERAPISTS SUPERVISOR NIKKI, NOELLE, JILL, AND ANGIE. AND GOOD LUCK TO NOELLE IN HER FUTURE VENTURES. HER LAST DAY WAS SHORTLY BEFORE MY THERAPY ENDED. I APPLAUD HER PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, AND SKILLS WHILE WORKING WITH ME. SHE ALWAYS TOOK THE TIME TO LISTEN AND EXPLAIN THINGS TO ME.

MORE EXERCISES ADDED TO REGIMEN AND NOTES

WED., AUG 23 -TIP FROM NIKKI - TO RELIEVE PAIN WHILE SLEEPING PLACE PILLOW BETWEEN LEGS. MEASUREMENTS - BEND 106, STRETCH 10

AUG 24 - TOLD NOELLE THAT I WALKED A MILE. SHE AND THE OTHER THERAPISTS WERE AGHAST! SHE SAID THAT'S TOO MUCH RIGHT NOW. THEY WANT QUALITY NOT QUANTITY! SHE REMINDED ME THAT I NEED TO MAKE SURE EVERY STEP IS HEEL-TOE. 

 BICYCLE NOTES: 

DATE     RESISTANCE     TIME     DISTANCE

8/28                  1                 7 MIN           1 MILE

8/29                  2                 7 MIN           .7 MILE

8/31                  1                 5 MIN           .5 MILE

8/31 TO 9/3 - PAIN 7

TUES., SEP 5 NOTES - ADDED 1 LB WEIGHT TO ANKLES. NOELLE SAYS STRETCH IS FLAT. SHE RECOMMENDED I INCREASE OR CHANGE PAIN MED TO CONTROL PAIN BETTER. LABEL SAID 1 OR 2 TABLET EVERY 4 - 6 HOURS. I WAS TAKING 1 PERCOSET EVERY 6 HOURS. I CHANGED IT TO 1 1/2. NOELLE SAYS MY RANGE OF MOTION IS GREAT AND PAIN AND SWELLING IS NORMAL. 

LEG RAISES WITH TOE TURNED OUT ADDED TO HELP GOING DOWN STEPS.

RAISE ON TIP TOE EXERCISE NOTES - 9/4 TO 9/7 ABLE TO DO 10 WITH NO HANDS; 9/8 17 WITH NO HANDS; 9/9-9/10 ALL 20 WITH NO HANDS.

FRIDAY, SEPT 8 NOTES - INCREASED ANKLE WEIGHT TO 1 1/2 LBS.  

MON., SEPT 1 - STRAIGHTENING PUSH PAIN 10. I WAS TOLD THAT ICING HELPS NOT ONLY THE SWELLING BUT ALSO THE PAIN.

WED., SEP 13 - ANGIE DID EVALUATION. BEND 115, STRETCH 3. 1ST DAY SWELLING 4 CM CIRCUMFERENCE; TODAY 2 CM. RESULTS BEING SENT TO DR POLACHEK. 

BICYCLE NOTES: 

DATE     RESISTANCE     TIME     DISTANCE

9/5                     2                 7 MIN          .9 MILE

9/7                     2                 8 MIN         1 MILE

9/8                     2                 8 MIN         1.1 MILE

9/11                   2                 8 MIN         .9 MILE

9/13                   2                 10 MIN       1.2 MILE

9/15                   3                 10 MIN       1.4 MILE

PAIN MEDICATION - SEPT 21 - DR POLACHEK SAID PRESCRIBING LAST PERCOSET. I SHOULD START WEANING OFF OF THEM. DECREASED FROM 1 1/2 TO 1 EVERY 4 HOURS. SEPT 24 DECREASED MEDS FROM EVERY 4 HOURS TO EVERY 6 HOURS. 

BICYCLE NOTES: 

DATE     RESISTANCE     TIME     DISTANCE

9/19                  3                 10 MIN          1.9 MILE

9/21                  3                 10 MIN          1.9 MILE

9/26                  3                 10 MIN          2.2 MILE

9/28                  3                 10 MIN          2 MIN

 

#44 - KNEE REPLACEMENT PHASE 2 HOME THERAPY AUG 11 TO AUG 21

I WAS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 11. THE HOME THERAPIST CAME ON SATURDAY. 

A BIG THANK YOU TO MY NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND WHO HELPED ME ADJUST MY COUCH SO i COULD GET OUT OF IT! SHE ALSO HELPED WITH PADDING ON MY BED FRAME.

 

 

 A BIG THANK YOU TO THERAPIST DEB FOR NOT ONLY GUIDING ME THROUGH PHASE 1 OF THERAPY BUT ALSO BEING MY CONNECTION TO MY DOCTOR AND GETTING ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS. SHE GOT CLARIFICATION AND CHANGES PRESCRIBED TO MY PAIN MEDS. THAT HELPED MAKE DOING THE EXERCISES MORE TOLERABLE.  I HAVE A PICTURE OF HER SOMEWHERE! MUST BE IN THE WRONG FOLDER!

• GOALS SET BY DEB WERE BEND 100, STRETCH 5.  

• SAT, AUG 12 - 72,18; 

• MON., AUG 14 100,15; 

• WED., AUG 16 - 103, 13 (NOTE - ICE AND ELEVATE 1 HOUR, 3X DAY); 

• FRI., AUG 18 - 105, 12 (NOTE - GRADUATED FROM WALKER TO CANE); 

• MON., AUG 21 - 110,10, (NOTE - STAPLES REMOVED, HOME THERAPY DISCHARGE TO OUTPATIENT THERAPY.

HERE'S THE EXERCISES FROM FRIDAY AUGUST 11 TO MONDAY AUGUST 21. THE MOST PAINFUL WAS WHEN DEB PUSHED DOWN ON EITHER SIDE OF KNEE TO STRAIGHTEN. THAT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES! 

FRIENDS TOLD ME IT WAS GOING TO BE PAINFUL. THAT WAS AN UNDERSTATEMENT! BUT I KNEW THE KNEE REPLACEMENT WOULD ONLY BE SUCCESSFUL IF I DID THE EXERCISES.

 

 

#43 - KNEE REPLACEMENT PHASE 1 THE OPERATION

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STAFF WHO TOOK SUCH GREAT CARE OF ME. I GOT SOME PICS BEFORE I WAS TOLD I CAN'T TAKE PICTURES. THIS WING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL WAS AWESOME. BEST CARE EVER RECEIVED AT THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Add caption

 

THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE GRAPHIC. BE WARNED. THEY KEPT ME IN HOSPITAL FOR 6 DAYS INSTEAD OF 3 IN HOSPITAL AND 3 IN REHAB FACILITY BECAUSE MY HEART RATE WAS VERY LOW.

 SOME THERAPY STARTED AT HOSPITAL. WHEN THEY SENT ME HOME THE NURSES AND THERAPISTS SAID I WAS DOING GREAT!

# 42 PREPARING FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT AUG 7

Back in June I joined the Perry County Recreation Pool in Duncannon. I grew up a competitor swimmer but haven't been in a pool to swim laps for quite a few years (except for an occasional lap swim in a pool while on vacation). First Day there I swam 8 laps. I believe the pool is 25 yards long. The second day I swam a quarter of a mile and did 15 minutes of leg aerobics. I increased to a half a mile. AND My knees felt so much better after being back in the pool. Will miss it terribly. Earliest I might be able to get back in pool is after stitches removed on August 21. 

 I also took hikers there for a break from the heat. We had a great time.

I am a bit nervous about the knee replacement tomorrow, August 7. I have worked hard to get everything done before I go - getting 2 weeks worth of chores done in a week!  Almost done! 

I will need help for awhile after I get home because I won't be able to drive for 6 - 8 weeks. UGH! I will be messaging my friends who have offered to help through facebook in a group message about when and what I need help with.

I expect to be in hospital for 6 days: 3 days Holy Spirit for operation, 3 days rehab since I live alone.   

Hopefully my recovery won't be too bad. I am scared because of the stories I have been told about the pain! If anyone wants to stop in and visit or check up on me it would be greatly appreciated because I can't drive for 6 - 8 weeks.

# 41 LOSING WEIGHT IS A GOOD THING

IN JUNE AND JULY I HAD THREE APPOINTMENTS WITH MY GENERAL PRACTITIONER. Dr. Bibosa retired. I now have Dr Mario Abad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reasons for appointments were feeling faint to almost passing out frequently, severe pain in back, and regular check up with blood tests. 

Several blood pressure checks at other doctor appointments were low as was the blood pressure check with Dr Abad on June 29 - 101/62. Dr Abad changed my blood pressure medicine to a lower dose - 5 mg. 

He had me do several things with my arms to determine what was causing the severe back pain. He said that it is muscle but could be related to the kidney. Piss test showed blood in my urine so he ordered an ultrasound. He also prescribed a pain med for my back pain to take as needed. The ultra sound showed no problems. I have taken the pain med only twice and used my massage chair. The pain in my back is rare now. 

   As a result of the blood tests he also took me off of Metformin for diabetes stating that I am controlling it with my diet.  Follow up appointment with the doctor to check my blood pressure found it a little high - 148/68. But doctor did not change medication. July 13 Test Results (losing weight has helped my health):

P.S. Received Senior Citizen Rent Rebate check. Used some of it to get diabetic test strips and needles and new blood pressure cuff so I can keep an eye on those two things!

 

# 40 - CATCHING UP 9 MONTH CT SCAN

MAY 26, 2017 CT SCAN RESULTS OKAY. 

NEXT CT SCAN SEPTEMBER 25, 2017.

# 39 CARDIOLOGIST UPDATE

On March 3, 2017 stress test was done. I'm good. Thank you to the staff. They made it very nonstressful during the long procedure.

FOLLOW UP VISIT ON APRIL 3, 2017. RELEASED FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT.

#38 OVERDUE THANK YOU

Over due Thank You to my Grandson, Dalton. This winter when I had leg issues and trouble climbing step ladder and keeping balance he temporarily fixed my ceiling in my office so my heat wouldn't escape. He also finished my insulation in the bathroom wall to outside. THANK YOU, Dalton for help keeping me warm.

# 37 - 6 MO.CT SCAN, RADIATION FOLLOW UP

On March 1, I visited my Chemo doctor and my Radiation doctor. Dr Veytsman said my lungs sound good and she doesn't see anything bad on my CT scan (results below). Dr Weksberg and I talked about my memory issues from the brain radiation and he prescribed Memantine. 

 

# 36 SO, HOW AM I FEELING?

IT'S BEEN A LONG HAUL SINCE MY FIRST SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED IN JUNE 2015.

Currently, I am getting stronger every day. I am sleeping a lot less so fatigue is not much of an issue anymore. My blood tests show improvement.  

My vitals have been good at all my visits - BP steady at 100/60, fasting blood glucose 91. My last mammogram was normal.

I still have some issues with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting on occasion since my gall bladder removal. Doctor Carmen said I will learn in time what not to eat. So far I discovered I cannot eat processed tomato products and citrus fruits.

I am eating better (no high cholesterol food) and less per sitting because I fill up quick since the gall bladder removal. I miss bacon! I weighed 197 while going through chemo. I now weigh 155. Yahoo! My goal is my high school weight of 135!

Funny story to tell: Since I am losing so much weight my clothes are too big. I was walking from one room to the other at Tubbys  and my pants fell down to my ankles. Luckily I had tights on underneath!

My hair is growing back. Should be long enough to spike soon! Still penciling my eyebrows on though.

 

Since I lost my hair from treatments I made a boat load of my THC's by TAM (Thinking Hiker Caps by TrailAngelMary - crochet hats with brims) to keep me warm over the winter I also made matching cowls for each hat. I am now working on hats with cowls to sell at Trail Days. I have changed the pattern I found on line 2 years ago to make it better. Every hat has wire in the brim so it can be shaped and cord lock on yarn at base of hat so it can be loosened or tightened. 

How difficult has it been? Challenging at times but a good positive attitude can make all the difference. And thank all of you for all the prayers. I believe in the power of prayer. 

SO, how am I feeling?  Better every day!!

"Cancer is very invasive and destructive to your body. After you have finished your treatment, then, your body wants to go to war with yourself trying to reconstruct all the damage caused by radiation. It's a very long process.
Please, in honor of someone who died, or is fighting cancer, or even had cancer, say a prayer."

To all those who are fighting... I am with you always

# 35 3 MONTH VISIT WITH WOMEN'S CANCER DOCTOR

HAVE YOU HAD A RECENT PAP SMEAR? IT'S TIME!

OCTOBER 26, 2014 DR WILLIS, PAP SMEAR

 Colposcopy performed on Feb 4, 2017.

 Dr Willis said "NOTHING SCARY THERE"

# 34 LEG UPDATE, CARDIOLOGIST

11/14/16 I visited my cardiologist office. Doppler was done on both legs. 
In the follow-up with Dr Dave' on 12/2/16 he said there is 100% blockage in my right leg and 85% in my left leg. He said it got worse because of the radiation.   No wonder I lost my balance a lot and couldn't walk a block without calf muscle pain!

Procedure was scheduled for right leg for 12/19/16.  

My daughter Tina with me

Procedure was scheduled for left leg for 2/1/17. So, to date 3 procedures have been done on my legs. This procedure included removing blood clots. I developed a hematoma in recovery which they took care of but they had to keep me overnight. In other words I leaked! (A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels.)  Big lump at site of incision and LARGE area of black and blue too! Here's the contraption they put on to press the hematoma down.

THE RESULT - I CAN WALK AGAIN! PAIN IN CALF MUSCLES GONE!

Next up - stress test. 

Thank you to the staff. Here are pictures of some of the staff.