Happy Wednesday!
I hope you are all having a great day!
Girls Trip
My day started bright and early this morning. I'm currently on a plane, heading to Tampa, Florida to spend some time with my sweet pregnant friend. She is flying in to meet me from Detroit, Michigan (we can't wait to tan our pale legs)! This is basically the last week or so that she would be allowed to fly, so we are calling this her Baby-Moon. it's truly a girls trip since she is pregnant with a girl too! I can't wait!
Waiting for Results
I wanted to take a minute to let you know that Nurse Carol did call me back on Monday. Unfortunately, she was calling to tell me that Dr. O'Donnell had not had a chance to view my scans. She did tell me that the report did identify the Seroma in my leg. She told me that Dr. O'Donnell most likely will want to examine my leg next week, before they tell me anything.
I hopeful that the scans will show that the Cancer has been fully removed from my knee area!
Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to write to me and check-up to see how I'm doing!
Love you all!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
MRI follow-up scan of right leg.
Happy Monday!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Baby Shower Fun
Baby Shower Fun
On Saturday, I was able to help throw a baby shower for two highly-deserving parents. Baby showers are SO much fun! It is a time to celebrate before the baby arrives and you can feel the anticipation in the air! I can tell that this baby is already so loved!!
MRI
Last week I had the follow-up scan on my right leg. The last time I had an MRI on my right leg was last October - when Dr. O'Donnell ordered it. Since then, I have had surgery, and radiation! I have been waiting for this scan for a long time!
Wednesday morning, my Mom showed up at my house to drive me to my appointment. I really don't like the the small, confined MRI 'tube' that I lay in for 1 1/2 hours. Dr. O'Donnell prescribed me Valium to relax me. This is why my Mom or my husband will drive me to my appointment. I must say that I always look forward to my scan days because my Mom is with me (I think this part of her plan)!!
We got there early and I filled out more paperwork - hey, I'm getting pretty efficient at filling out paperwork! I was called back to the MRI room, where I changed into my sweatpants and top that I brought with me. It's important that what you wear into the scan has no metal on it. The MRI machine uses magnetic resonance to create the images. Having metal in a magnetic machine would not be good.
About 75% through the scan or about 1-hour into the appointment, the technician will stop the machine to administer an IV with Gadolinium. The Gadolinium is a rare earth metal. After it has been injected into the blood stream, the technician will start more scans and finish out the session. At this point, I essentially I have metal in my veins, this will produce a contrast image where my blood vessels appear to 'glow' on the remaining MRI images. This 'glowing' effect is helpful for Doctors to be able to diagnose Cancer using the MRI images - partly because Cancer needs nourishment in order for it to grow. The nourishment is provided through blood vessels. So when a tumor is advancing and is being nourished it will typically glow bright on the contrast images due to all of the blood flow... make sense?
You can read more about Gadolinium HERE.
Conversation with MRI Technician
When the technician came in to administer the IV - the conversation went like this...
Technician: (not making eye contact) "Soooo when is your follow-up appointment with your doctor?"
Me: "On May 6th."
Me: Oh, you must be asking because of the Seroma in my knee area..?
Technician: (silence)
Me: "Did you see that pocket of fluid in my leg?"
Technician: (making eye contact) "Ummmm, yeaaa, just a little bit." (quickly looked back down)
Of course I'm totally reading into everything - I mean who wouldn't!? I wish she never said anything! It freaks me out because she had been watching the scan images as they appear in the outside room. Typically, they know a LOT more than they will ever be allowed say - they see these images all day long!
Images and Reports
When the scan was complete, I always wait around afterward to request a copy of my images. I take the images and I've compiled them into "My Cancer Binder". IT has all my records - I mean everything! This is helpful because if I ever needed to get a second opinion, I have them all in one place. It is also helpful to get a copy of the images because I've learned that it takes an extremely long time for them to upload the images to my Oncology Surgeon. When I get the images - I immediately overnight them to my Surgeon. Dr. O'Donnell is very thorough - regardless of what a radiologist's report says - he will not tell me ANYTHING until he sees those images for himself!
Would it surprise you if I told you that I called my surgeon 5 times the next day (last Thursday), and I overnighted the images. I called the imaging center on Friday morning and they told me that they already sent the report to Dr. O'Donnell. I then verified that the overnighted images were signed for before, I called Nurse Carol 3 times on Friday. She called me back a few different times to tell me that the images were received and they should be uploaded on Monday but, that they still didn't have the report. She told me that she would have Dr. O'Donnell review the images on Monday and they would tell me what they think.
Long Weekend
Typically, it is a really GOOD thing when you consider the weekend 'long'. Well let me tell you, not when you are waiting for MRI results!! The funny thing is, I have been waiting 3 months after radiation to get this scan done in the first place... whats a couple more days? I guess it is just that there are a few people out there in the world that already know the results - and not one of them is ME! lol
Please pray that I find out something on Monday - good or bad!! I can deal with the facts, its the not knowing that eats at you. Please pray for my patience in God's timing.
We got there early and I filled out more paperwork - hey, I'm getting pretty efficient at filling out paperwork! I was called back to the MRI room, where I changed into my sweatpants and top that I brought with me. It's important that what you wear into the scan has no metal on it. The MRI machine uses magnetic resonance to create the images. Having metal in a magnetic machine would not be good.
About 75% through the scan or about 1-hour into the appointment, the technician will stop the machine to administer an IV with Gadolinium. The Gadolinium is a rare earth metal. After it has been injected into the blood stream, the technician will start more scans and finish out the session. At this point, I essentially I have metal in my veins, this will produce a contrast image where my blood vessels appear to 'glow' on the remaining MRI images. This 'glowing' effect is helpful for Doctors to be able to diagnose Cancer using the MRI images - partly because Cancer needs nourishment in order for it to grow. The nourishment is provided through blood vessels. So when a tumor is advancing and is being nourished it will typically glow bright on the contrast images due to all of the blood flow... make sense?
You can read more about Gadolinium HERE.
Conversation with MRI Technician
When the technician came in to administer the IV - the conversation went like this...
Technician: (not making eye contact) "Soooo when is your follow-up appointment with your doctor?"
Me: "On May 6th."
Me: Oh, you must be asking because of the Seroma in my knee area..?
Technician: (silence)
Me: "Did you see that pocket of fluid in my leg?"
Technician: (making eye contact) "Ummmm, yeaaa, just a little bit." (quickly looked back down)
Of course I'm totally reading into everything - I mean who wouldn't!? I wish she never said anything! It freaks me out because she had been watching the scan images as they appear in the outside room. Typically, they know a LOT more than they will ever be allowed say - they see these images all day long!
Images and Reports
When the scan was complete, I always wait around afterward to request a copy of my images. I take the images and I've compiled them into "My Cancer Binder". IT has all my records - I mean everything! This is helpful because if I ever needed to get a second opinion, I have them all in one place. It is also helpful to get a copy of the images because I've learned that it takes an extremely long time for them to upload the images to my Oncology Surgeon. When I get the images - I immediately overnight them to my Surgeon. Dr. O'Donnell is very thorough - regardless of what a radiologist's report says - he will not tell me ANYTHING until he sees those images for himself!
Would it surprise you if I told you that I called my surgeon 5 times the next day (last Thursday), and I overnighted the images. I called the imaging center on Friday morning and they told me that they already sent the report to Dr. O'Donnell. I then verified that the overnighted images were signed for before, I called Nurse Carol 3 times on Friday. She called me back a few different times to tell me that the images were received and they should be uploaded on Monday but, that they still didn't have the report. She told me that she would have Dr. O'Donnell review the images on Monday and they would tell me what they think.
Long Weekend
Typically, it is a really GOOD thing when you consider the weekend 'long'. Well let me tell you, not when you are waiting for MRI results!! The funny thing is, I have been waiting 3 months after radiation to get this scan done in the first place... whats a couple more days? I guess it is just that there are a few people out there in the world that already know the results - and not one of them is ME! lol
Please pray that I find out something on Monday - good or bad!! I can deal with the facts, its the not knowing that eats at you. Please pray for my patience in God's timing.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Emergency Room Scare
Happy Monday!
I hope your having a great day!
I had to go to the Emergency Room last Tuesday, April 15th.
My husband posted something on Facebook about us being in the ER, so I created this post to keep you all in the loop! Thank you for all of the calls and prayers!!
Physical Therapy
I hope your having a great day!
I had to go to the Emergency Room last Tuesday, April 15th.
My husband posted something on Facebook about us being in the ER, so I created this post to keep you all in the loop! Thank you for all of the calls and prayers!!
Physical Therapy
At Physical Therapy, I told my Therapist that I've been having a TON of calf stiffness and tightness. My Physical Therapist, Elisa told me that when I was done with my exercises for the day that she would spend some time rubbing my scar tissue. I know that she didn't use the word 'rub' - it was a much fancier word but, this is basically what she did.
Once my exercises were done (along with some new ones she decided to throw in there), Elisa had me lay on the table, tummy down. She used a cream that is reminiscent to icy/hot and started rubbing the area. She remarked about how tan the area still is from the Radiation. Then, she sort of honed-in on one area. It was very tender to the touch. Elisa told me that "I have some very interesting tissue in my leg." I told her that a couple of weeks ago, I felt something in there too. I told her because of this, that I was really reluctant to scheduling my follow-up scan! She told me that the tissue wasn't there before and that it doesn't feel like muscle or fat tissue. She told me that it felt like a 'sack'. She called over the other Therapist that was there at the time, his name is John. She had John rub the area. It wasn't long before John stopped and backed away from the table. He said, "Due to your history and what I'm feeling in your leg. I'm going to request that Therapy cease for the day and that you leave and go call you Doctor." (so scary) Thank GOD they are so thorough!
I called my Oncology Surgeon, Dr. O'Donnell, and Nurse Carol returned my phone call with in 2 minutes! I told her what the Therapist said and she told me that I needed to go to the ER to get a ultrasound to rule out a blood clot, ASAP. Nurse Carol told me that it might also be a Seroma, but that it is uncommon. She also told me that she would move-up the scheduling of my follow-up scans so that they can see it sooner.
Emergency Room
That night my husband took me to the ER and within the hour, my Mom showed-up! I would have to say that the ER is probably the best place for people watching!! My name was called and I was brought to a back room for my ultrasound. Here is a picture of me with the Ultrasound Technician.
Good News - they DID rule out a blood clot!! They told me that what I have is called a "Wound Seroma". You can read about it HERE.
The Seroma is about 3cm x 5cm. Nurse Carol told me that I might be able to get it drained since it is causing pain. I really hope that they do drain it! The stiffness and tightening of my calf muscle is similiar to when I had the tumor in my calf muscle - It really creeps me out!!
I have my follow-up MRI scan on my leg scheduled for this Wednesday, April 23rd. I will know more in the next couple of weeks!
Please pray that the Seroma doesn't grow any bigger! Pray that the MRI and Chest x-rays come out clear!
On this day and everyday, I am very THANKFUL for the support and love from friends and family.
Thanks for Reading!
Emergency Room
That night my husband took me to the ER and within the hour, my Mom showed-up! I would have to say that the ER is probably the best place for people watching!! My name was called and I was brought to a back room for my ultrasound. Here is a picture of me with the Ultrasound Technician.
Good News - they DID rule out a blood clot!! They told me that what I have is called a "Wound Seroma". You can read about it HERE.
The Seroma is about 3cm x 5cm. Nurse Carol told me that I might be able to get it drained since it is causing pain. I really hope that they do drain it! The stiffness and tightening of my calf muscle is similiar to when I had the tumor in my calf muscle - It really creeps me out!!
I have my follow-up MRI scan on my leg scheduled for this Wednesday, April 23rd. I will know more in the next couple of weeks!
Please pray that the Seroma doesn't grow any bigger! Pray that the MRI and Chest x-rays come out clear!
On this day and everyday, I am very THANKFUL for the support and love from friends and family.
Thanks for Reading!
Radiation Oncology, Follow-up appointment
It's April, ALREADY!!?
Where has the time gone?
In March, I had a follow-up in March with my Radiation Oncologist.
Dr. Sharon Dutton had moved her office to Shingle Springs, so my follow-up appointment was there. I really enjoyed having a change of scenery. It was almost symbolic of this change in my journey!
After about a 2-hour wait (Sharon is busy, busy), I was escorted to my room.
In there the Nurse took my vitals and gave me a robe. She told me to undress from the waist UP. Then she said, "So, How are the 'girls' doing (and looked at my chest)?" My face turned red. Ummmm...? I realized almost instantly that she must have thought I was a Breast Cancer patient!! lol I politely told her that I had Cancer in my right leg! Her face turned red. (Everyone's faces are turning red today!)I went on to tell her that my leg was doing just fine.
After about 5 minutes, Dr. Dutton walked in and I instantly felt a warm feeling of relief - a familiar face!! She is the best and I am so happy that she is my Radiation Oncologist.
She wanted to know how I was doing. How was the radiation burn?
I immediately showed her how good my leg and scar are looking!! She inspected my leg and agreed - it is looking GREAT! She told me that the 'freckles' that I see are the hair follicles that are still 'irritated'. She pointed out that my skin is still tanned from the radiation rays and that it should continue to fade with time. She told me that over all, its looking great.
Isn't it looking GREAT!?
Radiation will cause the tissue to stiffen around the joint. This has been a concern of Dr. Dutton's from the beginning. She wanted to make sure that I will still be able to go up and down stairs. She wanted to know how my knee is moving? I explained that it is really stiff. I explained that I started Physical Therapy and that with time and lots of movement the stiffness will be manageable!
At the end Dr. Dutton told me that I have inspired her in so many ways and that she is so relieved to see that I'm doing well. Dr. Dutton scheduled my next follow-up for 6 months out (in September).
Overall, this was a GREAT appointment! Just one step-closer to being cancer free!
Whats next for me... At the end of this month, I have another MRI of my right leg as well as x-rays on my chest. I have a follow-up appointment on May 6th at UCSF! At this appointment I will hopefully find out if I am in remission!! Boohya!
Please pray that Cancer has entirely been removed from my body and that Cancer is only a one-time occurrence!
After about a 2-hour wait (Sharon is busy, busy), I was escorted to my room.
In there the Nurse took my vitals and gave me a robe. She told me to undress from the waist UP. Then she said, "So, How are the 'girls' doing (and looked at my chest)?" My face turned red. Ummmm...? I realized almost instantly that she must have thought I was a Breast Cancer patient!! lol I politely told her that I had Cancer in my right leg! Her face turned red. (Everyone's faces are turning red today!)I went on to tell her that my leg was doing just fine.
After about 5 minutes, Dr. Dutton walked in and I instantly felt a warm feeling of relief - a familiar face!! She is the best and I am so happy that she is my Radiation Oncologist.
She wanted to know how I was doing. How was the radiation burn?
I immediately showed her how good my leg and scar are looking!! She inspected my leg and agreed - it is looking GREAT! She told me that the 'freckles' that I see are the hair follicles that are still 'irritated'. She pointed out that my skin is still tanned from the radiation rays and that it should continue to fade with time. She told me that over all, its looking great.
Isn't it looking GREAT!?
Radiation will cause the tissue to stiffen around the joint. This has been a concern of Dr. Dutton's from the beginning. She wanted to make sure that I will still be able to go up and down stairs. She wanted to know how my knee is moving? I explained that it is really stiff. I explained that I started Physical Therapy and that with time and lots of movement the stiffness will be manageable!
At the end Dr. Dutton told me that I have inspired her in so many ways and that she is so relieved to see that I'm doing well. Dr. Dutton scheduled my next follow-up for 6 months out (in September).
Overall, this was a GREAT appointment! Just one step-closer to being cancer free!
Whats next for me... At the end of this month, I have another MRI of my right leg as well as x-rays on my chest. I have a follow-up appointment on May 6th at UCSF! At this appointment I will hopefully find out if I am in remission!! Boohya!
Please pray that Cancer has entirely been removed from my body and that Cancer is only a one-time occurrence!
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