Good news!

After I got my CT in March - 7 1/2 months ago, I never went in for a follow-up. I guess I figured they would call me if anything was wrong. I told a friend that and they gave me a lecture saying "Not so!".

Okay. Okay! When I scheduled this CT, I asked for March's results just in case there was a surprise in store for me and they gave them to me (they were good btw).

Today, I called in and asked when I would receive my results from last week's scan. She said, "when you have your follow-up."

Really? You can't hold my results hostage - can you? I mean, I paid for the scan... or I will. (And that is pretty much what I told her).

I got a call about an hour later. She said, "Dr. Cohn wanted to let you know that the results of your scan are good, but he still wants you to come in so he can discuss them with you."

Nice. I'll take that.

And I did schedule a follow-up appointment too...

I don't think you should be able to call that a Berry Smoothie...

Ugh.... My laptop died. It was about five years old, so I guess it was time. Anyhow, I thought I would try to make up for some updates that I would have made if it wouldn't have...

Let's see. Where do I start?

New Doctor
At the end of July I met my new Oncologist. Dr. Cohn with the RMCC. So far, so good. I didn't think the receptionist was especially remarkable - but the nurse that took me back for my vitals was really nice. I wish I could remember her name. She was very personable. A PA came in and talked over my history with me and I was extremely impressed when Dr. Cohn came in later on and it was obvious that the PA related information that I had just given to her and that Dr. Cohn had listened. It reminded me of that telephone game you played when you were a kid and you whisper something to your neighbor down the line and at the end the message has nothing to do with what it started out as. Except this time it actually came out the same way I told it in the beginning. It sounds like Dr. Cohn wants me to come in every 4 months for a CT scan and also recommended some genetic gene testing.

New Insurance
That all would have been peachy keen with me but before I went in for my CT scan I got a letter from my new insurance company (Anthem) saying that I was not approved due to my pre-existing condition and that I needed to provide a certificate of creditable coverage (CCC). You know, this is the one condition that I made sure I would be good to go on before I quit Sun. I wasn't going to make the move if it would mean that I would lose my healthcare coverage. I was assured that I wouldn't because I had coverage with Kaiser for such an extended period of time, I wasn't supposed to have to go throught he wait period. Well, by the time I got a response on the CCC stating that I was approved - something that I finally had to fax, call on and remain on the phone until the fax was reviewed and my status was changed - it had already been two months gone by. This really makes me pretty angry. I feel like I should be reimbursed for two months worth of insurance that I was not able to use! Yeah, I guess I could wish in one hand and...

CT Scan
So since things finally cleared up, I was able to reschedule my CT scan. Friday 9/25 I had to go back in for bloodwork since so much time had passed, but I saw that intake nurse again and again she was super nice. I didn't see Dr. Cohn. Just the lab and the scheduler to pick up the Berry flavored ReadyCat super yummy prep drink (that is sarcasm for any of you who have never had the pleasure). My CT scan was in the LoveHeals mobile unit. It's a semi-trailer that visits several sites in the metro area for people needing CT or PET scans. Also a very cool crew.

Genetic Testing
On November 16th, I will be going in for a genetic counseling review. Because of my unusual age of diagnosis and the fact that three out of my four siblings have had polyps found, Dr C thought it would be a good idea. Actually, my mom finally went in for her colonoscopy and they also found 2 benign polyps in her. Still trying to get dad in there. I will also be seeing Dr C after/during that appointment to review the results of my scan. I know that's a long time in between, but I am sure if they see anything concerning, they will contact me sooner.

Peeps & Prayers

Jeanine...
My last day of chemo will have been one year ago on October 8th-10th. Do you remember that big ol' end of chemo party I had to celebrate? Well, I remember how ready I was to celebrate. My friend Jeanine had her end of chemo party last night. I was so happy to be able to celebrate with her! She had six rounds of chemo for her recently diagnosed breast cancer. Jeanine is looking great, still has the most positive attitude ever and is getting ready for surgery, which she is happy so say will be a lumpectomy instead of a masectomy. After that, she is anticipating 30 days of radiation. Go Jeanine! In the words of your beautiful sister - You kicked chemo's ass! Keep up the fight!

Cindy Kay...
One more friend diagnosed with breast cancer. I know that she had surgery already and from what I understand, she should have already begun radiation. I haven't had a chance to talk to her, but I know that she has faith, friends and family - which is the true miracle cocktail to fight this nasty beast. Sending you my love Cindy Kay.

Taylor...
My little cousin Tay who I have talked about a lot on this blog has come to another crossroad in her cancer journey. Taylor is now 13 years old. She's been battling this disease for 2 years now. Unimaginable, but real. She had been doing so much better, on a clinical trial treatment receiving chemo for 5 days on alternate weeks. Discussion was going on about the possibility of getting the medication in an oral form. Her hair was growing back and she was feeling back to normal - even ready to maybe play some sports. She was receiving scans every 8 weeks to mark her results. Recently Taylor found out that her tumor growth had surpassed what was allowed by the clinical trial (this was her second plan of treatment) and that she would no longer be able to participate. I know, I can't imagine. I saw Tay and her family at the Miracle Party this year and she appropriately was dressed as a super hero. Tay has begun radiation - I think she'll have 35 consecutive days of treatment (minus the weekends). She still has her fighting attitude and she is always in my thoughts and prayers.

And, Life In General...
Things are going really well for me. I am really liking my new job. Love the people I work with. I am shocked at how much my son has grown over the summer. He thinks he's 5' 5", but I am having a hard time believing it. I am 5' 2" and think he might be as tall as me, but mostly - people are telling me I am out of my mind and to deal with it. My baby is growing up. He's doing awesome in school. Reading like crazy (they're doing a reading challenge and he's docked about 5,000 pages) and will be going to Washington DC for their school trip in May. I'll be going to Oregon next week for a friend's wedding and am very much looking forward to that.

Well, it's been nice catching up with anyone who still checks this site out ;)

Hope you're well.

Ohhhhhh.... You mean, how am I dooooooing.

It's kind of funny, I started a new job last week and have come across a lot of people asking me "How are you doing?" I answer - you know, the way you answer that question. "I'm doing great. How have you been?" To which they respond, "So everything is going okay?"

Ohhhhhh.... You mean, how am I dooooooing.

I guess I'm doing so well I forget that you might be referring to my C-stats. Or maybe it's just cause it's not a question I get everyday anymore. My peeps (the people I hang out with) know that I am doing good. Have had good check-ups. Still in remission. No more side effects. All that jazz. So, I don't mean to sound like an idiot. I didn't forget that I have cancer. I just am not thinking about it all the time :)

Annnnnnyway - there was a reason I was posting on this blog. Two things.

1. New job. New insurance. New doctor. Had to move away from Kaiser. Bummer. I was really really bumbed to find out that my insurance cut off at midnight on my last day at Sun. Grrr... I thought it would go through the end of the month (only 'cause that's the way it was at RTD). If I had known different, I probably would not have worked the first two weeks of July! Grrr... Good thing is that Dr Azar made a referal for me and the 1st choice doctor is accepting new patients. I'm all set to meet him on July 30th. Or 31st. I can't remember. But anyway, that is cancer-related and therefore, Umm,-that-wasn't-the-diagnosis-you-originally-gave-me blog worthy.
2. Chemo hair. Grrr... I didn't lose all of my hair and most people couldn't even tell that I lost much at all while I was going through chemotherapy. But I did lose alot of hair and I think it's growing back and doing it's own thing! I am hoping that the issue is just the new growth is at an awkward length and it's just a little (lot) unmanageable. I am hoping that once it all grows out and evens up it will be better. I am hoping that these spastic cowlicks aren't forever. I spend a good hour trying to blow dry it straight and then get frustrated and put it into a ponytail. In an effort to save me the hour (and a lot of frustration) - I've been skipping the blow dry and opting just to go straight for the ponytail - appearing to be really, just lazy. I know. I shouldn't complain. This isn't complaint-worthy at all. But, I think it's cancer-related also - so it was something to write about. It does make me greatful that I don't have anything really worth complaining about though.
   

12th Floor - Oncology... did ya miss me?

I had my 6 month (from end of chemo) check-up today.

While I was waiting, I saw the head nurse Julie head over to the elevators. I had wondered if she was there because I wanted to stop in and say 'hi' to her, so I went over and asked her if she remembered me. She had to take a look, but then said "Oh yeah! Your hair is longer and you have glasses! You look great, how are you..." and gave me a big hug. Her elevator came and went and she stayed and talked to me for a bit... saying it was good to see me back and doing so well. It's not always the case with some of her patients. I could only imagine how hard that would be. She gave me another hug before she said goodbye.

I don't miss chemo, but it was very strange being there all the time for six months and then all of a sudden - not. I felt like I was surrounded by some very compassionate people who really cared about me, and it kind of didn't make sense to just remove myself from that. I know, that probably doesn't make sense as I write it... in my head it does.

Dr Azar said I am doing great and that my test results were all good. The biopsy from the mass found in my exam came out benign. CT scan, clear. Oh yeah, I forgot to do my bloodwork lab. Oops. I did stop by and do that before I left and she'll let me know if there is anything to be concerned about.

I asked her a couple of questions -

• What would be a call for gene testing? Two out of my three brothers had polyps during their colonoscopies and I think my sister did too. She is noting it and I guess there is a wait but I might be called in July or August to fill out paperwork for that to see if I qualify (not sure if that's the right word) for the testing.
  

• Since I was told that I would be considered "cured" if the cancer doesn't metastasize in five years, is that from my surgery date or my end of chemo date? She asked me "Why, are you planning a party?" "Heck Yeah!!" But really, I just want to know. She said that it would be from my surgery date. And it's likely that if it will, it will probably happen within three years. It's very unlikely that it would happen after 5 years. The thing is, (she told me very frankly) - it could happen. I could also get "new" cancer.
  

• What would be the word to describe me in terms of cancer? She said, "I really hate to use the term cancer-free. You're never going to be able to donate blood. You're never going to be able to stop having colonoscopies. This is always something you are going to have to keep in check. You're in remission. We hope we killed all of those bad cells with the chemo, that's why we were so aggressive, but we just don't know yet. And if you have that mindset (cancer-free/cured), and it does metastasize - you'll be pretty pissed thinking you were cancer-free." Honestly, I can deal with the term remission. And honestly, I don't care what you call me right now, if it comes back - I think I'll be pissed.
  

• Will I ever have a PET scan? I have heard this term in regard to cancer a lot and have also been asked. My prep for this appointment was a colonoscopy and a CT Scan. To tell you the truth, I don't know the difference between a CT, a PET or an MRI. I trust that Dr. Azar is recommending the tests that she thinks will best suit my health needs. She said that she doesn't think that a PET scan is necessarily better, but it gets a lot of talk up in cancer circles. Each scan will detect masses, which is the point. As far as we know, all of the cancer was removed during surgery and since there was no evidence of it affecting any other organs, and there was nothing on my scan from last month - there is no change.... no growth. So as of right now, no PET scans. And the clinical trial I am on will cover the cost of my CT scans every 6 months.

What else? She told me that I should have my next CT in 6 months for my next checkup. And she assured me that I can call her or Tracey (my clinical trial nurse) anytime if I had any questions. She was happy with how I'm doing so far. So am I.

The prep IS worse than the procedure...

So guess what I did today? I had my first colonoscopy...

I can honestly say what they say is true - "the prep is worse than the procedure". And it will probably surprise you to know, what I mean by that - is drinking almost a gallon of a salty-lemonade tasting drink was the worst!

I went in at 8am and was getting ready with the assistance of my nurse, Anne. She talked to me about her young cousin who is dealing with cancer. She said that she liked seeing a patient like me who has dealt with it and is in such good spirits. I had to look around and see if she was talking about someone else, cause I didn't think I was in that good of a mood. In fact, I felt pretty grumpy - after not eating for a day and a half!

I was alert enough through the procedure to see some of the work the doctor was doing. And afterwards he showed me the results. Good news is, there were no new polyps found. However, there was a growth that he thinks might have been a scar buildup from the reconnection of the colon when they removed the portion that included the original tumor. Hope that makes sense... The growth will be sent to pathology and I will update when I get the results.

As of now, my next step will be to get a CT Scan in March. And then I will have an appointment with Dr Azar to discuss all the results.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention... Nurse Anne came in and said, "I don't usually do this, but I want to give you a hug" and she said she wished me well. She also said that she was glad that I was her first patient. It was a great way to set the mood of the day. How nice is that... :)

What? Now? Right now? I'm not even laying down.

Let's see... where to start? It's actually not that interesting.

I do have to correct myself - it was a "mole" I went and had checked out (4 of them), not a birthmark... but birthmark sounds better to me. Like it's not my fault, I was born that way. Even though, I wasn't born that way, the moles just came on their own accord, I guess it's still not my fault... what?

My appointment was easy breezy lemon squeezy. It was scheduled for 2:15pm. I checked in at 2pm like a good girl. Took my time going up, grabbed a seat and started to read my book. Boom! They were ready to see me. It only took a few minutes for the doctor to come in so really, everything started right on time. I showed him the marks and he looked at them all, stopping at the one on my stomach and saying "yeah, we better remove that one".

I said "okay". And he left the room for a minute. I thought to go and get the nurse to schedule an appointment or something - but noooo. He came back in with her, advised her what to enter into my records while he jotted the area with alcohol. Then he said, "I'm just gonna give you a shot to numb the area..." (what? now? right now? I'm not even laying down.) "You'll feel a little sting, and that will be the worst of it. And then I will take this razor blade and scrape it off." (WHAT?!?! You'll what?! Can I have a blindfold at least?)

But he was right. I turned my head to look at the nurse while he did what he needed to do. Before I knew it, she was applying antibiotic and a bandage and I was ready to go. He said they will send it in for testing and they'll get back to me with the results - but he's not worried too much about it. So I guess, neither am I.

I didn't stop by Oncology. I thought about it... but really didn't know who in particular I would be going to see. If I had a bag of candy with me that I could have dropped off, that would have been different. Maybe next time.

First follow-up...

Tomorrow I have my first follow-up appointment since I've completed my chemotherapy...

I received a call from Kaiser about a referral. She asked me if I wanted to schedule the appointment. "Sure. What's it for?" I had forgot I was supposed to go in for a blood draw shortly after my chemo ended. My magnesium or something was low. I never went in. But this call wasn't for that, it just reminded me of that. The referral was for dermatology. Dr Azar thinks I should get some of my birthmarks checked out. I had actually been advised of that once before and I guess I blew it off. This time, I decided not to.

So, tomorrow I will go back to the medical center and get things checked out. Maybe I will stop by and say "Hi" to the Oncology peeps. It's been a while... Do you think they'll remember me? I wonder if the hospital smell will bother me as much as it had back in October...

I also have my first colonoscopy scheduled. Yay. I'm so excited. (In case you can't read it, that was sarcasm). I'm a bit nervous about it, but (or should I say - butt) I guess that's normal. I'll be getting that puppy done on February 5th. In anticipation of getting spectacular results, I am planning a celebration weekend. Yay! (That was real excitement :)

Thought I would mention, I've started a new blog. It is not nearly as factual as this one. No blood counts. No medical termonology. I decided I would keep this one more about the "big C" and the other one is about fun stuff. Mostly eating, cooking and other stuff I do for kicks. Anyway, if you get bored and want to check it out - it's posted at http://wholelottahappy.blogspot.com/.

Cheers!

Minor complications... Ouch! That hurts!

I just got home from the Franklin Medical Center where my outpatient surgery was performed. I am feeling really tired and the area of the incision and my arms hurt a bit, but other than that - doing well.

So, you know how before you go into surgery the doctor comes in and discusses the possible complications... like you have a 1% chance of the such and such puncturing your lung. Or you have a 1% chance of the blah blah blah...

"In this procedure we will create an incision just below your left collar bone. We will push a wire down the vein towards your heart. That's where we want it to be. Then we will push a catheter piece over the wire and pull the wire out. There is, however, a small chance that the wire will go toward your other arm or your neck - in which case we will need to redo the procedure."

Guess what... My wire started out where it was supposed to be. The doctor said it "tickled my heart". He knew this from an EKG? readout. Anyway, I guess at some point, it flipped around and started up towards my neck. This wasn't discovered until after an X-Ray was taken, after I had a few animal crackers and a drink of gingerale. So that meant, not only did the procedure need to be corrected, it had to be done without anesthesia. Yay!

Haha. It wasn't really that bad. They numbed the area a bit and since the incision had already been made, I just had to deal with the discomfort and pressure of the wire being taken out and reinserted. I'm not gonna lie, it hurt. But I was able to get through it just fine. The whole surgery team was sooooo nice and joked with me, which was just what I needed.

So, here I am at home, ready to pass out - but of course, not before I blog. I'm off for a nap.... sweet dreams.

Noticing the "good stuff" -
[x] Jello pudding pops
[x] My funny anesthesiologist, Dr Natalie Conrad
[x] Imperial Dragon Chinese Restaurant

And the not-so-technical part...

Feelings...
I know yesterday's blog update was pretty technical. Scheduled. Informative. I guess I forgot to put some feeling into it, so I thought I would add it today - cause man, I got a lot of feeling...

Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, I found myself staring up at the paint in the ceiling and thinking, or wondering - I don't know about what. I guess I was trying to figure out how I felt. Scared, nervous, sad? And none of those emotions stood out. I was excited. I wanted to go to my appointment and find out what the next step was going to be. I mean, I'm going to beat this, so we might as well get started right?

At the doctor's office...
When my name was called, the six of us stood up and headed back. We met up with Dr Azar in the hallway and she said "whoa, who's the patient?" So I told her I was and she asked if everyone was coming back and suggested maybe they wait a bit longer in the waiting room, while I had my exam and she got my history, 'cause she was going to ask me about my whole life... Mondo couldn't get back to the waiting room fast enough!

But it wasn't all that. A really quick exam and a few questions. When everyone came back in, she started out really technical - naming off medication combinations and I was like what? But she was funny, and let me take in what she was saying, circling back when my eyes got that dazed look, to repeat and clarify. She was patient when I asked a question and even when someone else in the room asked the same question again. And she didn't make me feel rushed at all. I couldn't say that she did considering it was over three hours. I feel good about her and so did my family - and Sheila, but I guess you're part of the family whether you like it or not :o)

Mondo...
So now I am going to head off on a tangent and write about Mondo... you know, me and my Mondo. My niece Phia loves Mondo. One time I hugged him and looked at her and told her "this is my Mondo" and she (2 years old) goes "Myyyyyy Mondo!" and Karen (her mom) goes, "Phia, one day you will learn, that's Tia Tommy's Mondo".

We stopped off for lunch before we headed out to the appointment and he wasn't talking much. I know he didn't feel well 'cause he has a sty in his eye - I should write music - and he has not been getting much sleep. He has been so sleep deprived, he even slept in that day and missed work! Yikes!

Anyway, I thought of my bible study the night before and the subject of The Five Love Languages. Words. Gifts. Service. Quality Time. Physical Touch. And part of our discussion was, How do you feel loved? Do people love in one language? Some might, but I can't determine one when I think of my brother (or any of my family).

I think of everything he has done for me - pretty much always, but especially since I've been sick. You know his back went out right before I went into the hospital and then he was barely feeling better, but he was ALWAYS there for me. And I am not knocking anyone else, because so many people have been here for me and I love you all for it. But, he was the first person I called when I found out I had cancer, he was the only one I wanted there with me until I could catch my breath about it. 'Cause he's not just my brother, he is my friend.

Mondo's "words" of love often come in the form of sarcasm. He cracks me up! And I love that. But I remember one time he sent me a text that said "Thinking about and love you sis", which wasn't funny at all, but still awesome. Gifts? I don't know if you know this about Mondo, but he doesn't buy gifts for set occasions, like birthdays or whatever. He prefers to give gifts with meaning. Like if he knows you like fish and you always wear slippers and you're always cold - he will actually look for a pair of fuzzy warm slippers with fish on them. And even better if there is no reason in the world to give them to you other than he thinks you might like them. One time I was home and I was sick, but I'm not sure he new that. He comes in and has a potted tulip plant. I love tulips! I knew he had just visited with our friend Lindy and I asked him "Oh, did Lindy send those?" He goes "No! I did!" and I said "Oh, Tulips are my favorite!" And he goes "I know!" - like how could I not know that he knew that. It was no accident that he just stopped by to bring me my favorite flowers.

Physical? One word. Hugs. I think we all need them. Thank God I never have had a shortage of them. Mondo spoke at my nieces funeral and I remember him talking about "hugs" and how he learned a lesson in "hugs" from my nieces. That no matter how tiny you were, and how big of a person you were hugging, give them with all your might. I'm going to look for the wording of what he said 'cause it's worth noting. So maybe if you got this far, you will check back. [insert] But even if you don't, if you've ever had a hug from Mondo - and if you have ever met Mondo, you surely have - you know what I mean.

Service & Quality Time? Mondo babysat me this past week when my mom and dad had to go out of town. He turned his schedule upside down to drive me anywhere I needed, or wanted to go. And just kept me good company in general. Then when my parents got home and he found out I drove myself somewhere, he told my dad that he better take care of me. He said "Tommy likes to go to bed about midnight, so make sure that it's warm in here for her. And she needs new water at 4:30am - so don't forget. She can't have stale water." HAHAHAHA! That was hillarious! But the truth is, if I wanted water at 4:30am - I bet he would bring it to me.

Give it to me straight Doc...

Okay, Okay, Okay. Here's the big update. I wasn't trying to hold out on info - the doctor's appointment that started at 1:30pm lasted until 4:00pm! Yikes!

That being said, there was a lot of information. I had even bought a digital voice recorder so that I could re-listen to the conversation. Unfortunately, I didn't press the record button. That was truly disappointing. But Sheila was there and she took notes and we went out for ice cream afterwards to come up with a brief breakdown.

Here we go....

First decision - To chemo or not to chemo? No brainer right? I am going to have chemotherapy treatment. We ended the visit with the numbers, but I am going to note them here at the beginning because this is where I think they fit in.

My Final Pathologic Diagnosis reported at least AJCC Tumor Stage Grouping IIIB.
With this staging, percentages are

- without treatment, 64% cured within 5 years.
- with treatment, 85% cured within 5 years.

So one big answer is, my cancer is curable! yay! Point issued! However, there is a chance of new cancer, so I will continue to have checkups FOR-EV-ER to check for polyps. yay! ok, not really "yay", but you know...

Second decision - Participate in a Clinical Trial or not? If I had to choose right now, the answer would be yeah. But I have until Monday to decide, so.... nope, chances are still that I will say yeah. The deal is, if I decide to participate in the study, I would then be placed in a random drawing to decide which side of the study I would be on. One side would be treated 'standard' with the standard recommended chemo. Second side would be treated with the standard chemo plus another drug called Cetuximab. It's a 50/50 chance that I will end up on either side.

FYI -
Title of Clinical Trial: A Randomized Phase III Trial of Oxaliplatin (OXAL) Plus 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) / Leucovorin (LV) With or Without Cetuximab (C225) After Curative Resection for Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer (N0147).
Shorthand: FOLFOX with C225 or FOLFOX without C225. much easier...
Note: "FOLFOX" is the short term for a standard treatment (with a combination of the 3 drugs oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil).

Pros:

- Medication has already been FDA approved for treatment of recurring instances of colon cancer.
- It is not an experimental drug.
- Dr Azar seems to recommend it.

Cons:

- Side effects, especially a rash on face, chest and back. They were extremely clear that it would be almost a guarantee that I would experience some sort of reaction like this. So be prepared, I may be a pizza face for the rest of the year. Please be kind.
- Instead of getting treatment once every two weeks for six months, I would get treatment once a week for six months plus an extra week.
- Double copays. Does it really matter at this point?

What else about chemotherapy?

• I will be going back to the Franklin Offices on Monday to take a chemo class.
  
• Treatments will occur for 6 months starting May 1st.
• First week will be 4-6 hours, second week will be 2 hours and then weeks continue alternating. Second week will only be if I am chosen to be on that part of the clinical trial.
  
• The surgery department will contact me within the next week to schedule a visit to have a "port" attached right under my collar bone. This will be a permanent fixture for the entire time I am receiving chemotherapy and will enable me to have my IV's hooked up to it on my visits. The doctor told me that I shouldn't experience any of the pain I did with my IV's in the hospital.
  
• This port will also connect to a pump that I will be able to wear around (not sure how often) to receive part of my treatments. I am told the pump is about the size of a banana. Hmmm- a little lunch-box sized banana? A Chiquita sized banana? Or a big 'ol plantain sized banana?? Reminds me of when the doctor said the tumor was about the size of a bar of soap, yeah - a hotel bar of soap.
  
• It is unlikely that I will lose my hair, although it will thin out.
• It is likely to induce menopause.
• Symptoms are likely to get worse as treatment continues, but they should go away once I complete it.
• May be extremely tired
• Will have painful reactions to cold (food, drinks, weather - anything cold). Ugh...this sux to me!
• And many other side effects that I didn't write down... :o) ooops. I'll get more info in my chemo class. I plan to turn the recorder on this time!

Okay friends. I know this is a lot of information, but really - it's the condensed version. I am looking forward to seeing Sheila's notes on the meeting and to taking the chemo class.

How do I feel now?
I have to admit, I was blown away by the 6 month time-frame. I don't know why I was thinking somewhere more around the line of 6 weeks. But all in all, I am still really optimistic. And thank you so much for your continued support. I know it has everything to do with it.

Also - special thanks to my mom and dad, my sister Ruth, Mondo & Sheila W for sticking through the whole appointment! Love ya.

And another appointment...

Dr Azar's office called and said that they have sent an order for Labs and Chest X-Rays. Friday, April 11th. I will complete these at the Lakewood KP as a "walk in" and my follow-up visits will be with her at the Franklin Clinic.

Oncology Appt Set

Have an appointment to meet my oncologist, Dr Azar.

Scheduled for Wednesday, April 16th. I was told the appointment would last an hour.

Here we go!

Next Step

I got a call from Dr Vaughn's office today. That was fast. They've scheduled me to remove my staples on April 8th. Didn't say anything about the oncologist referral, and I didn't ask.

Did he say "possibility of cancer"?

Thursday, March 20th was supposed to be my last full day of work before I was going to take a couple of vacation days and then go out on short term disability for the surgery. On Wednesday, March 19th - in the evening, my abdominal pain came back - with a vengeance. I didn't know how I was going to make it to work, but there were a few things I had to get done. Ugh.

Right away, I edited my vacation response for email and recorded my voicemail. I closed up open issues and I think just in time. I had to leave. I was in tears. Called Dr Vaughn's office, who immediately sent another prescription for some more antibiotics. Had Mario walk me out to my car and managed to drive myself to Kaiser to pick up new meds. Went home and spent the rest of the day and the next vacation day in bed.

Dr Vaughn called me on Friday, March 21st to see how I was doing. This is how I remember the conversation, it is definitely not word for word.
Me: A little better. It seems like the meds are working pretty fast.
Dr V: I got your results from the (Pre-Op Procedure) and there is an abnormality. If you were older, I would be concerned of the possibility of cancer. The technician would like for you to come in for an Endoscopy, but I don't think I want to put anything into your body right now to risk a (lesion?). I don't want to risk the infection. I recommend we stay on schedule with the surgery.
Me: Sounds good to me. Did he say "possibility of cancer"?

Pre-Op Consults

Pre-Op Consult with Verhonda

The first nurse who did my intake was funny. She spoke with a really animated voice, like an exaggerated airline stewardess. Or like a mom in a 1950's tv program. She was sooooo nice! They both asked me basic questions like my medical history, current medications and stuff like that. I found out that day that I couldn't have energy drinks prior to my surgery. Darn! I just bought a case of Monster! I also found out that I wouldn't be able to eat 48hrs prior to the surgery, which meant Easter Sunday. Biscuits! Everything else was basic.


Pre-Op Consult with Dr Vaughn

Me: My tummy is feeling okay. Had some recurring pain on Friday, but only three "episodes" that lasted about a minute each. Today is my last day of antibiotics.
Dr V: Well, you might have to get back on antibiotics if the infection comes back. If you start getting the pains again, call me right away. Your (Pre-Op Procedure) will get me some detailed x-rays of your abdomen and we will know where the diverticulitis is the worst. That's the portion that we will remove. The surgery will consist of tiny incisions around your belly button and up here (across my rib cage) and then a larger incision about (holding his fingers apart about 4 inches) below your belly button.
Me: Sounds fun. No, I don't have any questions

Actually, I hope it doesn't sound like I don't, 'cause I like Dr Vaughn. He seems like a nice guy. He speaks softly and to the point. And he makes things pretty easy to understand.

Surgery (and other misc appointments) Scheduled!

Dr Vaughn's office called right away to schedule me for surgery.

Tosh: April 2nd is open.
Me: Yikes! Darren's birthday party is supposed to be April 5th and there is a Mammoth game on April 3rd! Can we do it the week after?
Tosh: No, Dr Vaughn wants you in as soon as possible, no later than the first part of April and we don't have any openings in March.
Me: Well, I guess I have to. April 2nd.
Tosh: I will keep and eye on the schedule and talk to Dr Vaughn. If we can get you in sooner, we will.
Me: Thanks Tosh! I would really appreciate that.

Next day... I receive a voicemail.
Tosh: Tommy, we have an opening on March. I will schedule you for March 25th. Give us a call.
Me: Yay! Wait, that's two days after Easter. Ah, Yay!

Other appointments:
March 11th, 3pm: Pre-Op Consultation
March 11th, 4pn: Pre-Op w/Dr Vaughn
March 17th: Pre-Op procedure (I'll spare you the details, but I couldn't eat that weekend!)


Publish Post

History

September 2007: Stomach ache and other symptoms. Told not to worry about it at my age.

Week of January 20th, 2008: Abdominal pains. Feel like contractions. Doctor's appointment set for 1/25.

January 23rd, 2008: Abdominal pains cease after three days. Cancel appointment scheduled for 1/25 and reschedule with my own Primary Care Physician (PCP) for 2/15.

February 15th, 2008: Keep appointment. Still haven't had recurrence of pain in abdomen. Discuss history with PCP. She writes me a referral to GI at the Franklin Clinic and for a Fasting Blood Work. Not urgent to complete as the pain is gone.

February 26th, 2008: Start to feel abdominal pain in the evening.

February 27th, 2008: Abdominal pain severity increases. Still feels like contractions - lasting for a few minutes, causing me to double over in pain. Cannot walk or stand through pain. Occur every hour or so. Call Kaiser after-hours for referral. After waiting for several minutes to speak to a nurse, get disconnected. Frustrated, do not call back.

February 28th, 2008: Call Kaiser during business hours. Speak to OB nurse for over an hour when finally told I would be referred back to my PCP in Family Practice. Told I would receive a call back. Never did, that afternoon or evening at least.