Indeed a full day! Karen and I met with the surgeon who did the pleuradesis last month that relieved me of the fluid that had accumulated. Because of hospital error in not giving me his x-ray order, I went for a chest x-ray… next door to my chemo treatment fortunately. Then my treatment that includes a saline flush, two vials of blood (to check my numbers) before proceeding with the chemo, a combo of Dexadron and Aloxi to prevent nausea for 72 hours, and then the big guns Alimta and Carboplatin – which gave me ruddy cheeks as usual this evening! (This info is for those of you requesting details.)
The results. My vitals are all good, oxygen even at 98%. Blood work was fine also as it has been each time. In the morning, in answer to my question, the surgeon said there were two possible reasons for shortness of breath: 1) fluid has come back from the cancer and may need to be drained, 2) the cancer is blocking air passages. He feels that I am doing extremely well, look well, and appear to tolerate the chemo extremely well to be at #3 with no problems. He could not explain the excruciating lung pain I had except to say that I did not do anything to cause it or to do damage; if anything, it would cause the talc to adhere tighter.
My dear friend Susan took me to the chemo and we spent most of the time knitting … or I should say rewinding her ball of yarn that the dog had romped through (!) and then helping with some knitting renewal time while I worked on my afghan squares of a good 35 years! Karen had packed me a lunch so I was in pure comfort with all the above chemicals dripping into my mediport…
totally unaware of any of it. For those of you who haven’t been exposed to chemo (as I hadn’t) here is the photo Susan took of my leisurely three hours in a recliner, never even needing to recline today! Lunch and knitting and chit-chat. Please don’t cease your prayers because I look so good!!
Just before I left for dinner I spoke with the surgeon who had just read today’s x-ray. These are his words: “I couldn’t be more pleased!” “Beautiful!” “No fluid – zero!” “It is definitely better than when you were discharged in the hospital.” Very encouraging words, wouldn’t you say?? He then added that the shortness of breath might also come from scar tissue or from the talc contacting nerves in that area… which should gradually go away. And he adds that the only ‘fix’ is really through the chemo. He closed by saying “You are blessed.” I thanked him and agreed ……
So this evening after having eaten a good Tuesday spaghetti dinner and Italian wedding cake, I am grateful – for my appetite, for some extra peace of mind, and a wee bit less discomfort – which I intend to focus on through my reading, prayers, and reminders of all the surrounding love.
Ann's Hummingbird
Ann, such amazing and wonderful news. Hugs! to the doctors, too!
You are indeed blessed, Ann! I thank God for your amazing progress and spirit!! Love, Maureen Jenkins
And with the hair-do you look 40 yrs old —sweet!
Oh, Ann what wonderful news! Your report made me happy tonight after a long day!
Wow! I am so excited reading this wonderful news! Oxygen at 98% is pretty wonderful, and the surgeon’s comments are the icing on the cake! Can’t you just imagine how you made his day! So often they find other kinds of results! Keep it up. Can’t wait to see you in person, but the picture was great too.
Ann dear,
So glad to hear the good reports from the x-ray, doc, etc. And you do look great sitting and knitting as you get your chemo cocktail! And of course I won’t stop praying for you. Praying for you reminds me of when we were first getting to know each other the year we were prayer partners at Shalem. (Is that called a match made in heaven?!)
Much love including hugs,
Kit
Indeed, you are a blessed and loved one! And the glow of that lovely blouse intensifies the good news!
you are blessed. and you are a blessing. and this news is another blessing.
blessings on blessings on blessings.
blessings,
a
Lady, u r looking good! Glad 2 hear that u have had some good reports, and r breathing better. The doctors sound positive, so that’s great! Let the meds do their work… My grandson, Steven (Gary’s son) has been her for the last week, so that has been very special for me. We went to the Music Cafe to the open mic night, and he sang/played the guitar a lot. Tonight we went to Karaoke… music, music, “music sooths the savage beast.” I’m better too, so hopefully u ‘n I are on the path to better days all around. May u have a peaceful night and God bless, Jan xo
Dearest Ann,
I’m with the doctor, “I couldn’t be more pleased!” Way to go!! The prayers are being answered. The chemo is doing its work. All is well.
Continuing prayers – and always love.
Allison
Wonderful words from all your medical support team….and from those blessed to know you! Your doc is right – you are blessed, as we are blessed to have you in our lives!
The church leadership is working through a devotion this month on miracles…I’m claiming one for you!!!
Continued love and prayers:)
I am so happy for you; you look marvelous. I thought once chemo took hold you would be feeling better.
Dear Aunt Ann,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all these blogs. It really helps me feel like I am keeping aware of what’s going on for you. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. So happy to hear that you are tolerating chemo so well. Love, Kay
Dear Ann,
I am still in Provence, still praying for you, and reading your hummingbird notes. Thank you for this gift to me. All my love.
oh Ann this is great news, I’m so glad things are going better. Totally still praying!
This is definitely some wonderful news to wake up to. Perhaps it will be a good day after all. Bless you.
Glad to hear the encouraging news. Prayers keep coming your way.
Chris
So glad to hear of your great news! May God be praised.
Loving the encouraging news. Thanks for sharing through good and bad. Sending love and prayers, Leah
Dearest Ann,
How good to get such positive news. May it stay on this trajectory of continued good news for much healing.
Surrounding you with caring thoughts and loving prayers,
Regina