After hearing of newfoundlogic's loss, I feel very bad even posting about my own experiences right now, but I wanted to keep you guys in the loop on what's going on with me.
I had a terrible time with this round of chemo, I've been very sick and the fatigue has been terrible, Wes said last night he tried to wake me and was on the verge of taking me to the hospital because I was not responding.
Well, yesterday I told the nurses how bad I felt and that my port didn't feel right, so they injected some saline and I had some burning from it. That precipitated a trip down to radiology in the hospital where they injected some dye and checked my port. Turns out it's occluded, and will most likely have to be replaced, which is another surgical procedure.
Don't know when it's going to happen, we're waiting for the surgeon to call us. At any rate, I'm very down and depressed because I feel so bad and it just seems like nothing is going right. I broke down and cried in the chemo room and all the other patients were so good to me I cried even more. One of them said "Honey, you fall down we pick you up, that's what we do for each other here."
I hate being so dependent on other people, I couldn't even drive myself home from the hospital yesterday. They gave me something for the nausea and I was dizzy and sleepy and knew it wasn't safe for me to drive so Wes had to cancel the job he was working on and come get me, then arrange to get my van picked up later. Losing my independence, not even being able to drive myself somewhere is very frustrating.
I'm trying hard to hold on to the positives, especially in the wake of hearing the news about newfoundlogic. I know I have it so much better than so many people, but it's still so hard right now.
Thanks for (once again) letting me whine.
[ January 31, 2006, 01:33 PM: Message edited by: Belle ]
Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
Thanks for sharing. I was thinking about you earlier and sorry to hear it's so hard right now. I don't normally do hugs but . . .(((Belle)))
Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
Sorry Belle. Praying for you!!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Can I ask you some questions, Belle?
How many more rounds of Chemo are they going to have you go through? Is there an end-date you can look forward to?
If they thought they got it all through the first surgery, then what are your options about foregoing chemo altogether? I mean, if at this stage this is just preventative, could it be put off until you are feeling stronger again?
I'm still praying for you, and for your family. I sure hope you get to feeling better and stronger.
Farmgirl
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
(((hugs))) I will pray for you, too. I'm sorry. I hope things look up soon.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
(I posted a response to this, I swear I did! *sigh* I guess it's time to try sleep again.)
Belle, I'm sorry you're going through this. It sucks. I'll pray for you, too.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*hugs*
AJ
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
((Belle)) I wish that all of the wonderful non-chemo cancer treatments I keep reading are on the horizon would hurry up and become available to you.
I'm glad that you have such supportive people around you, Belle. I know that you'd be there for one of them if they were hurting, and I'm glad they're there for you, even if you aren't completely comfortable with it.
And I know that it doesn't fix things to hear this, but this will pass. You're going through something pretty horrible right now, but you will emerge on the other side of this, and this will be nothing but an awful memory.
Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :
Belle, dear, we'll be praying for you. (((Belle)))
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
*tissue* *hug*
I'm sorry...
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
(((Belle)))
I'm sorry you have to go through with this. Don't ever feel like you're whining; everyone here is thinking about you and wishing you well.
*hugs*
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Farmgirl, those are all good questions. This was my fourth treatment round, I'm supposed to have 12. Yes, it's somewhat preventative in my case, but the doctor really thinks I need to complete the chemo because my cancer was stage 2B, just shy of being stage 3 - stage 3 being lymph node involvement. My cancer had penetrated all the way through the bowel wall, which is a sign of a more advanced cancer. Frankly, it's unusual for there to even be a stage 2B colon cancer, most of the time when it penetrates the wall it's already spread.
So, chemo is important because of the staging. The chemo I'm going through is supposed to cut my recurrence risk in half, and considering my age, we need to do all we can to prevent recurrence if possible. Colon cancer has a pretty high recurrence rate, and a pretty high fatality rate as well.
I need to make it through all 12 treatments. I will do it, it will be hard but I'll make it. I just have days like today that I feel really, really low. It will get better.
My church has a sign up sheet for people who will take me back and forth to chemo, so I guess I'll take advantage of that and let them drive me.
Through it all I'm trying to hold onto the fact that it could be much, much worse. I do have family support, church support, good friends, people I can vent to like you guys, excellent insurance, and a pretty good prognosis. I need to be focusing on those things, and not on the negatives.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Thanks for that post. That makes things more clear, and it is obvious that you can remind yourself that this will be worth it in the long run.
Please do take advantage of church help and others. That is what church, community and friendship is all about. I know you have done things for others in the past, now it is their chance to serve, and your turn to receive. That is the cycle of good will.
I know when my kids were very very young and I had just been thrust into the role of a single parent, I hated taking any kind of charity or help from others or from church. But then one kind lady said to me, "This is your time to receive -- your time to serve will come later when your children are older"
And she was right, and I have. I have never forgotten the kindness, and I realize it is my turn to pass it along with service now.
Let them help you. It helps them grow, as well.
(((Belle)))
Farmgirl
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
(((Belle)))
I can't tell you how much I admire your strength.
Pix
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
((Belle))
I'm sorry you have to go through more surgery.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
*hugs*
I was just talking with somebody who remarked about how sometimes you keep facing the same sorts of situations until you learn how to deal with them. It got me to thinking about some of the things I have the hardest time dealing with, and how... well anyway, I'll just tell you what somebody told me once.
"Why is it okay for YOU to help those in need, to offer prayer and comfort to people in pain but it's NOT okay for people to help you when you need it? Either you don't think you're worthy or you think the Helper is somehow morally superior to the Helpee, because the helpee isn't strong or stubborn enough to help themselves. Both idears are stupid, and you ain't stupid." ---From a loving but no-nonsense relative (slightly paraphrased).
We love you, baby. Let people show their caring for you, and accept it as graciously as you are able. You'll need more before it's over. Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
(((Belle)))
Lean on us and others, we all want to help you.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
""Why is it okay for YOU to help those in need, to offer prayer and comfort to people in pain but it's NOT okay for people to help you when you need it? Either you don't think you're worthy or you think the Helper is somehow morally superior to the Helpee, because the helpee isn't strong or stubborn enough to help themselves. Both idears are stupid, and you ain't stupid." ---From a loving but no-nonsense relative (slightly paraphrased)."
Banna, I miss grandma's letters! Any new ones?
Belle, whichever of Banna's relatives said this is right on the money.
I remember reading something about Yankees(not the NY Yankees, Icarus), who will halp their neighbors, but abhor even the idea of asking for help.
It is OK to need. Let people love you!
Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :
Belle, if it makes you feel even the slightest bit better, complain away. You've earned it, and I think we're all ears.
(((Belle)))
Speedy remission and recovery.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((Belle))) Best wishes for a successful surgery and a cancer free future.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Farmgirl is like the wise sage on the mountain. Well said.
(((Belle))) Lean dearheart. Lean all you want to. I think of you often and pray for you too. I know you're going to get through this.
Posted by Lagomorph (Member # 9101) on :
Belle, Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. The news of Newfoundlogic's death has made me worry more about you and wonder more how you are doing.
I know its hard to loose your independence. Try to remember that independence is only an illusion any way. We are all interdependent. At some times in our lives we are able to give more to others than we take in return. But at some points in our lives every single one of us needs to take more than we give. This is part of being human. Its part of God's plan. Its how we learn to truly love one another. The part you are playing right now is every bit as the part you play when you are the one giving.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Sorry about the confusion, that last post was from me.
Posted by ctm (Member # 6525) on :
"Be cognizant of your own limitations, and accept them. And don't be afraid to ask for help, because you will need it at times."
My brother said that to me when I was in the middle of my divorce ordeal, closely followed by my foot surgery ordeal.
I was amazed at the help people offered, and further amazed at how it actuallly deepened my friendships with them.
I'll continue to keep you in my prayers. Don't worry about whining. Yes, things could be worse, but they could be better, and as a wise friend once said, misery isn't a contest.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Oh honey! You know what I hate most about life? Sometimes it really stinks. But, G'd willing, it will get better. The stinking parts are rough, though. You deserve a treat.
Want a popsicle?
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Belle, you're not whining. You have every reason to be screaming and moaning and I think you're being remarakably restrained and brave. Losing your independence is awful - I found that out when I was on bedrest. Try to remember that this won't be forever, even though it probably feels like that now.
I think you need some shoe therapy.
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Dear Belle, Please cling to life as hard as you can, I wouldn't bear another loss in our Hatrack family. I'll pray for you as hard as I can, please, please keep your will to live burning.
AoD
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
(((Belle)))
Hang in there, sweetie. Let others help -- they need to as much as you need it.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
((Belle)) I wish that was a real hug!
Don't forget, as so many others have already posted, that there will be a time when it's your time to pick someone up. Let people help you - remember, they're doing it because they LOVE you.
You're in my thoughts.
space opera
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Hang in there, Belle, we are rooting for you.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
(((Belle)))
Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :
(((Belle))) I wish you a safe and quick recovery.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
(((((Belle)))))
Keep finding the positives!
Posted by JennaDean (Member # 8816) on :
I keep reading your story, and wanting to say something encouraging, but everyone else says it all so well and I can never think of anything good to say. But I've always thought that saying nothing much was better than saying nothing at all. So, here I am.
I'm thinking about you and praying and "rooting" for you, too. (((Belle)))
Posted by Beanny (Member # 7109) on :
Ouch! I haven't got much to say, but as many of my family members had cancer (it runs in the genes...), I have two piences of advice:
A) Think positive! The doctors gave my grandma a few months, and she held on pretty fine for several years.
B) It's a fact, that when you're sick in the winter you get all sad and depressed, much more than in other seasons. Which is why, whenever you feel that you're just sick of fighting, say to yourself: "ah, it's beacuse of the weather, get a grip of yourself and keep on!"
I'm crossing my fingers for you.
Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
((((Belle))))
Hang in there.
Posted by accio (Member # 3040) on :
Bell,
You know we are always here to listen to you. Vent all you want. You won the half of the battle already with your positive attitude. (((hugs))
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
(((Belle)))
Beanny's right, think positive! The same thing happened with my grandmother, in that she lived for years longer than the doctors gave her.
Take comfort in the people around you. They want to help, and they need yours as well. You may think of yourself as needy, but really you're helping them by letting them help you. Cancer makes everyone feel powerless, not just the people who have it. Family and friends want to do something, they want something they can fight, and in lieu of that, they want to do everything they can to help the person directly battling it. Let them help, for your sake, and for theirs. Against cancer, you can never have too many soldiers on the battlefield.
(that's probably stuff you already know, but other than a hug and wellwishing, it's all I have to offer. I pray (which I rarely do) you'll recover as quickly as possible, and that this will soon be but a distant memory for you)
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Belle, I feel for you. I haven't posted much in your threads because I'm having a hard time dealing with issues my mom is having now. (The doctors are tossing around the word "lymphoma" but haven't gone so far as to offer a diagnosis yet.) newfoundlogic's news has me a little shaken, too, because of that.
Anyway, I want to add my voice to the chorus. Please get better and don't feel bad that you need support right now. You've given it yourself when you've been able and will surely be giving it for years to come after all this. (((Belle)))
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
I had a dream about you last night, Belle (well you looked like Farmgirl actually, but I knew it was you). Both of us had to have surgery and we were on the same floor. You came out of it cancer-free. I just thought I'd share that with you.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote:(well you looked like Farmgirl actually, but I knew it was you).
(poor Belle! And as if she didn't already have it bad enough!)
Farmgirl
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
quote: I broke down and cried in the chemo room and all the other patients were so good to me I cried even more. One of them said "Honey, you fall down we pick you up, that's what we do for each other here."
She's got the right idea. I'm glad you don't have to go through this alone. (((((Belle and family and friends and church and people at the hospital and everyone else who helps her out in any way)))))
Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :
Belle:
You shouldn't have felt hesitant about posting because of Steven. I only hope you get the same hope and ideas that Steven got from this forum. I know that you were one of those who encouraged him and we are in your debt.
This forum was part of his support system that enable him to have a positive attitude throughout his ordeal. Your struggle will be long and difficult but you will beat your disease. I see you have to undergo a lot of treatments but it will be worth it. Not only is your situation very cureable but with your positive mental attitude, and support of family, friends, and church members your ultimate cure is a definite.
Don't be influenced a bit in your outlook by Steven's death. When diagnosed he was stage 4 in a rare cancer with very few survivors. Even then he became cancer-free and it didn't kill him.
The only thing I ask is that you and whoever is around you vigorously monitor your symptoms when your counts are low. On the thread I started Wed I summarized what killed Steven, which you may want to look at, when you are able.
Our best wishes.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thank you Newfoundlogic's Dad, that was very sweet of you. Once again, I want to reiterate my sadness at your loss.
The surgeon called, and we are going back in on Tuesday to remove the old port and put in a new one.
Right now I'm fighting pain, just intense, excruciating pain. The nurses theorized that the meds that were supposed to go into my veins backed up in to the tissues in my chest and it's hurting until it all gets absorbed. It's really, really bad, I'm on prescription pain meds and still not able to escape from it.
On top of that, Abigail has strep throat and I had to take her to the doctor today, the pediatrician was more concerned about me than her, I think. He's a good guy, we've known him forever, and he made me promise to go home and sleep and let my mom and husband do all the caretaking of the little sick one.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
(((Belle))) don't feel bad about talking about your troubles.
I used to work at a port manufacturer. What type do you have, or do you know?
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Best of luck with this most recent hurdle. You are in my prayers.
quote:He's a good guy, we've known him forever, and he made me promise to go home and sleep and let my mom and husband do all the caretaking of the little sick one.
I second this advice. Hope you can get the healing rest you need.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
(((Belle)))
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
First: (((Belle)))
Second: Elizabeth, that wasn't my grandmother, it was Olivet's relation.
I have gotten a few doozies from Grandma, but I'm coping better and not getting as upset, and overall they've gotten milder. She's going a bit downhill physically, which means she's not feeling well enough to write as many letters, which in its own way is kinda sad.
AJ
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
I'll be thinking about you harder Tuesday, Belle. *hugs*
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
((Belle))
I hope your pain gets better.
And please, do look after yourself. I know you are - but do so doubly much. 'Kay?
My best wishes are with you. *hugs*
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
I'm thinking about you Belle. *hugs*
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Thoughts and prayers for you Belle.
((Belle))
Posted by Scythrop (Member # 5731) on :
Thinking of you Belle. Hope everything goes fine.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Well the hits just keep on coming - got a letter today from the university telling me my application for an exception to academic policy was denied. That means they won't let me have a medical withdrawal so I just failed the three classes I was taking, which put me on academic probation. Yeah, I'm in a real good mood.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
What?!
That's absurd. Your university clearly has some serious issues.
*hugs*
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Oh dear, Belle. There has to be some way around that!
Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :
Belle,its not a possible final result so don't worry. Needless to say I handled this for my son. Three initial thoughts/suggestions: 1) this may have come from a low level person-from my experience they have to be approved by a committee, 2) they may feel they need more extensive medical documentation (your oncologist needs to include a short (2 sentence) summary that you have a severe colon cancer, which will require extensive chemo, surgery, and radiation, because of which you will be medically unable to engage in any academic activites for blank to blank months, and 3) have someone else-spouse, friend, relative, etc handle this for you. You may be dealing with someone who is thinking if she can handle this then she can handle school. When someone else deals with the school on your behalf it helps get the message- you are to sick to handle/be bothered with things.
Lastly, I don't care how great you feel(and I read you don't feel great at all), please let the people willing to help you help you.
Sorry to rant but it upsets me that you should be disturbed by things like this. Please email me directly if we can help on something like this.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Belle - that really sucks and is totally unfair!
This is where you call in the troops to rally around and get the needed documentation and take it up with the administration.
*grrrr* at the admin folks
*hugs* for Belle
Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :
Belle, I hope and pray your port surgery goes well on Tuesday.
Another way to approach your academic problems is with your professors individually. Depending on the university, professors have considerable power and can change grades to incomplete or whatever on their own, bypassing the administration.
Also, your professors could be advocates on your side vs the administration if you convince them of the severity of your illness. I think nfl's Dad makes a good point: when others advocate your position, it highlights the fact that you are sick and concentrating on getting better.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I actually talked to each professor, and they were each aware of what was going on and very supportive. Unfortunately, university policy required them to submit incompletes as my grades, and those incompletes were converted to F's.
I still have two months remaining to have those changed over to W's for withdrawal, but it's now in the hands of the Academic Policy department, not the professors. My husband thinks they were just too darn lazy to go through all the paperwork I submitted as documentation for my condition and want me to send something much simpler like a letter from the doctor saying "Hey, she has cancer and was too sick to continue the term." He may be right, I wanted to make sure they had all the information so I sent hospital bills to document the dates of surgery and the pathology report to confirm the diagnosis and a long narrative of exactly what took place and what conversations I had with doctors and with professors. Maybe a simple letter from my doc would have been enough. At any rate, I know my oncologists' office will send the letter if I ask them, so next time I'm in there I'll talk to them about it. We'll see what happens.
I have to be at the hospital at five am, and I talked with the anesthesiology department today so they could get my pre-op interview done. Same exact questions they asked me two months ago, and nothing has changed, but they have to do it new every time. I'm not allowed to take any medication and I told her my nausea was really bad early in the morning and she said that they would give me something at the hospital. Then she said "I normally give everyone a speech about what to expect but looking at your medical history, you've been a guest of ours so often you probably have it down pat."
That's pretty sad, if you think about it.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
(((Belle))) I will send you good vibes tomorrow and keep you in my prayers.
Have you seen Wit with Emma Thompson? There's a scene where she's asked to give her medical history for the second time and she's rather confused because she already did it. Anyway, she goes through it all again.
By the middle of the movie she knows enough to simply give her name (and then the spelling) followed by her Dr.'s last name (and the spelling) before the nurse even asks. What you said just reminded me of that. *sympathy*
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I need to go to bed but I don't want to. Nerves, I guess.
I just hope they can get a vein, every time I go to this hospital they have trouble either drawing blood or starting an IV. The nurses at my oncologist's office said my veins can't be felt, you have to just go on sight, but they usually don't have trouble. Thing is, at this hospital if one person can't stick you they go get someone else, when I'd just as soon the person tried again. So it seems to take forever to get my IV started. And of course, they can't give me the good ole anti-anxiety meds through my IV until they get it started. They are very nice though, they inject some lidocaine under the skin so you don't feel the deep stick which is considerate.
'Course when you've been stuck as many times as I have it seems an unnecessary luxury, but I guess some folks who are really uptight about getting IV's started appreciate it.
Now I know I've got some nerve issues 'cause I'm rambling about IV's on an internet board at 10:00 pm when I have to be at the hospital in seven hours. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I'm praying for you, Belle. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thank you kq. I just told Wes I was nervous about them getting an IV started and he said "If they'd just leave everything in the room, I'll do it."
I can imagine a nurse coming in to start the IV and saying "Oh, did someone else already do it?"
"Yeah, it was the IV fairy."
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Whenever something got done overnight, my mom used to say that the "such-and-such fairy" did it. Like, if I got up early and did the dishes, "Oh, I see the dishes fairy came!"
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
That is awesome, Belle. Wish you could just have him do it.
*hugs*
We'll be thinking about you. Good luck.
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
IV fairy.
I've been praying for you daily, Belle, and you'll have extra good wishes coming your way tonight and tomorrow.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Bob and I will also be praying for you tomorrow.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
My prayers and thoughts will be with you, too, Belle. God bless you.
*hugs*
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
*hugs*
I'm lighting a candle in my home for you tomorrow morning and will be thinking of you.
space opera
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
You have been and will continue to be in our prayers, too, Belle.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I'll keep praying for you, Belle.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Thinking of you today. And by the time you read this, it will be all over and you'll be home again.
I once thought the IV fairy came to me in the night, and I looked under my pillow for a dollar. She HAD come too -- my search was in vein.
Posted by Nell Gwyn (Member # 8291) on :
*giggle* at Tante.
I'm thinking about you, Belle. *hugs*
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
I hope it is going smoothly.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I'm praying for you today, too, Belle.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
*hugs and prayers*
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
I hope it goes well. (((Belle)))
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
~~~~praying for Belle~~~~~~~
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
*sending good vibes and praying for you Belle* Let us know how it went as soon as you're up to it. Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
quote: still have two months remaining to have those changed over to W's for withdrawal, but it's now in the hands of the Academic Policy department, not the professors.
First, I hope everything went o.k. with your surgery, Belle.
Second, I would like to strongly encourage you or someone else you know to start personally walking this issue up the chain of command at your school. Almost every school has some kind of open door policy. Take advantage of it. Go to the president's office and try to talk to him personally. If he won't help you, go to his boss at the state level and talk to him. Look into legal options if you have to. Apply pressure. Be persistent. What have you got to lose? Three Fs would be devastating on almost any transcript and I can't see that you have any other choice but to make sure you get those Ws by hook or by crook.
It's outrageous that you're having to do this at your school with all that you are going through. It's ridiculous that they are not working with you. I sincerely wish you the best in getting everything resolved.
Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :
Thinking of you Belle!
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
The IV Fairy is, of course, a coleague of mine. She's always going on about how Tooth gets all the press, but I tell her people would just mis-spell her name as F-O-U-R anyway.
Thinking of you Belle,
Pix
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Hello everybody - I'm home. The prayers and well wishes were definitely felt, this went off almost without a hitch.
Pixiest, you must have kept the IV fairy busy somewhere else today, because she wasn't there. they tried to start one on my left hand and it didn't work and because my platelets are low the site bled copiously. However, the second attempt on the right hand worked like a charm.
I have no pain whatsoever on the left side, where the port was removed. The surgeon put a new one in the right side. We got there at five, and I was taken back to the OR at 6:15 and we were out the door around 10:00. Not bad at all.
I'm a little sore, but I have some pain meds to take. The local is still in effect, so I'm not feeling the brunt of the pain yet. But, I know what to expect and last time the recovery from this procedure was quick.
Praise God I did not get strep from any of the sickies in my family! How I avoided it, especially with my resistance low from the chemo, I don't know. But they're all on antibiotics and I appear to have escaped it so far.
My church family was praying for me and you guys were praying and sending good vibes and I know it helped me. I had no anxiety or fears about this proceudre at all, and the doctor said it couldn't have gone more smoothly. Hopefully this port will work well for a long time to come and we'll be able to finish chemo with it.
I love you guys - group hug.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Glad to hear all went well, Belle. Get some rest!!!!
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Best of luck with your recovery! Take care of yourself. You have my prayers, too, for what it's worth.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Hurray!
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
Welcome Home Belle!!!
Posted by JennaDean (Member # 8816) on :
Oh, I'm so glad it went smoothly. Hope you recover quickly. Welcome home!
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I'm glad you're home and it went well. Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Wonderful. Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Belle, I'm so glad it went okay. I was thinking of you all day.
*hug*
Sorry you have to deal with that crap from the school. If they don't reverse their decision, I'll curse 'em for you. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I intend to make the school decision a moot point by finishing my novel and getting it published, reaching bestseller status so that I won't have time to go to school - I'll be too busy writing more books.
Yes, I'm high on pain killers. Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
You go, Belle! Glad to hear the surgery went smoothly. Hope you rest well tonight.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Glad you're home. How long 'til you take the new port for a test drive?
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Monday I go back to chemo.
I'm off to bed. In a slightly drugged state I have just now completed the full outline of my novel, and will begin fleshing out the first draft tomorrow. I feel pretty good - the sucker's plotted, the characters are so fully developed I swear I should be charging them rent, and I've never been so excited about a project. Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Yay for Belle, a good surgery, and her book!!
space opera
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I've been thinking about you all day, Belle. I'm glad the surgery went well (as well as can be expected at least). I'm a hard stick, too and it isn't fun (I developed "junkie arm" when I was on the mag). The first couple of times you think, "This isn't so bad, I can take this easily." The third and fourth times you think, "I really wish they'd hurry up with this." Then, when they stick you through a giant bruise, you think, "I am so @#%*& tired of this." I am wincing in sympathy for you.
I am furious, however, about the school situation. They are required to accomodate you, by law, and they should not be making you jump through hoops to get the accomodation you are entitled to. Aside from that, they should just help you out of basic human decency.
Congrats on the novel - I can't wait for my advanced copy. Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
quote: the characters are so fully developed I swear I should be charging them rent
You go, girl!
I'm glad the day went smoothly.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I'm slowly trying to recover some strength, but slowly is the operative word.
Seems I did not escape the strep bacteria that plauged my kids - in fact, as of right now, six out of the seven people in our household are on antibiotics for strep infections. Yes, including me. But everyone is getting better faster than me. I guess because my blood counts are depleted from the chemo.
I've been weaker and sicker than I ever remember being in my life - it's been about the worst episode of illness I can ever remember. Everything from high fever and chills to a terrible sore throat and coughing fits that did nothing good for the incisions on my chest.
I might be turning the corner today. I actually decided to get up, come down here and check my email (40 messages!) and wash my hair. That's a good sign I think.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Tsk tsk tsk! Poor honey! Probably the 7th person in your house should also be on antibiotics, because even if not sick, is most likely carrying the germs and will reinfect the lot of you. And, if you have a family dog, the dog should be on antibiotics. Seriously. Dogs carry strep, but don't get the sore throat and sick feeling. They colonize their rectums with the strep, and can be a source of infection for the rest of the family.
I also prescribe liberal amounts of chicken soup for you all.
Feel better, sweetie!
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
quote:In a slightly drugged state I have just now completed the full outline of my novel, and will begin fleshing out the first draft tomorrow. I feel pretty good - the sucker's plotted, the characters are so fully developed I swear I should be charging them rent, and I've never been so excited about a project.
This sounds fantastic! I'm so excited for you!
quote:I've been weaker and sicker than I ever remember being in my life - it's been about the worst episode of illness I can ever remember.
This sounds horrible. I'll pray for a quick recovery for you. I'm sorry you have to go through this.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
tante, the 7th person had strep several weeks before the rest of us and was treated with antibiotics and she has no symptoms whatsoever. Do you think she still needs to be on them again? 'Cause, I mean, I'm sure if I called they'd just prescribe them, considering how many of us are sick but I don't want to put an 8 year old on antibiotics if she doesn't need it.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Belle, I hope you all recover from your illness, and that you recover from your surgery very soon.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Was she retested after the course of antibiotics? More than once, I've had to have 3 courses of antibiotics before the strep test came back negative. It's possible she's the carrier. It might be worth taking her in for a strep test to make sure it's completely out of her system.
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Sorry Belle. Praying for you!!
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