December 6 Appointment
I couldn't think of anything original to title this blog...so there you go.
My visit to the doc went just fine yesterday. Kristi took me down there a little early so that MAYBE the 27.29 test results would be ready by the time I got called in to see the doctor. The 27.29 is a protein in my blood that has historically risen/dropped as my cancer has become more/less active. If it is on the rise, I pretty much know what's in store for me. If it drops, we celebrate.
As luck would have it, I got called into his office EARLY (how often does that happen??) so the results were not in.
He had a fellow tagging along that day, so I got to explain my (cancer) life story for the millionth time. The way it works is the nurse calls you back, takes your vitals, and then goes over a big list of questions. Then the fellow comes in and acts like the doctor, only the fellow knows nothing about you or your history, so they ask LOTS of questions. This time I finally asked the difference between a fellow, an intern, and a resident (you can tell I don't watch those kinds of dramas on t.v.). She explained that after 4 years of med school, you do 3-7 years of residency (the first year of residency you are an intern). Then if you want to become a specialist, you become a fellow and follow someone like Dr. T. around. I asked her when she started making some money and she laughed and asked "What's that?"
Because she was so personable and understanding, I fully answered her questions. I usually give the tag-alongs fairly short and to the point answers. Then they go out and confer with the doctor. Only when my doctor comes in do I open up and spill everything because I figure it has been a big waste of my time until he shows up.
He was most concerned about my palsy. Faron and I both noticed it last Thursday. I could feel it when I was brushing my teeth and he noticed it when I smiled. I had Bell's Palsy the spring of my sophomore year of college. The entire left side of my face quit working and my left eye drooped. It isn't that your face is numb - the muscles just don't work due to a nerve issue, but you can feel that they aren't working. Very weird sensation. Terri and Hillary (college buddies) would do all kinds of stupid things to make me laugh because I looked so funny. I was their entertainment until it went away.
Anyway, I just figured that's what it was, but Doctor T. said no - he noticed it on my last visit 5 weeks ago. I feel like it has gotten much better than it was last Thursday, but it is clearly worse that it was 5 weeks ago if I hadn't noticed it.
So....we are going to do another brain scan Dec. 16 to check the nerves leading to my left eye and the left side of my face for any signs of cancer. With all this testing, I fully expect to be glowing in the dark soon. Call me Rudolph.
I have another CT scan scheduled for the first week of January and will see the Doc after that (unless something shows up on the brain scan). I have no idea how much longer I will be on this chemo. The side effects are not good and the neuropathy (nerve damage) I am having could be permanent. I can no longer feel the tips of my fingers. I haven't felt my feet in weeks.
If the CT scan comes back showing my tumors are shrinking, he's going to have a hard time talking me into quitting - no matter what.
Oh, yeah, I haven't mentioned the physical therapy thing. Remember that the neurologist referred me to physical therapy to help with the falling (due in part to the neuropathy)? I went the first day and the therapist had me do all kinds of strength and balance and endurance tests to get a baseline. Then she said she wanted me to come in THREE TIMES A WEEK for therapy. I told her I was thinking maybe ONE day - maybe. She insisted on two days and I said OK. Then I went home and thought about my mental health and called back and canceled all my appointments. I just could not wrap my mind around driving down there more than I am now.
Besides, I can't imagine what they could possibly do to help me. I am clearly helping them with my insurance money! When I told Dr. T. what I did he said "Good for you!"
SO now you are up to date.
I hope you all enjoy the holidays and remember the REASON for the SEASON. It certainly gives me Peace!
Love, Kelli
My visit to the doc went just fine yesterday. Kristi took me down there a little early so that MAYBE the 27.29 test results would be ready by the time I got called in to see the doctor. The 27.29 is a protein in my blood that has historically risen/dropped as my cancer has become more/less active. If it is on the rise, I pretty much know what's in store for me. If it drops, we celebrate.
As luck would have it, I got called into his office EARLY (how often does that happen??) so the results were not in.
He had a fellow tagging along that day, so I got to explain my (cancer) life story for the millionth time. The way it works is the nurse calls you back, takes your vitals, and then goes over a big list of questions. Then the fellow comes in and acts like the doctor, only the fellow knows nothing about you or your history, so they ask LOTS of questions. This time I finally asked the difference between a fellow, an intern, and a resident (you can tell I don't watch those kinds of dramas on t.v.). She explained that after 4 years of med school, you do 3-7 years of residency (the first year of residency you are an intern). Then if you want to become a specialist, you become a fellow and follow someone like Dr. T. around. I asked her when she started making some money and she laughed and asked "What's that?"
Because she was so personable and understanding, I fully answered her questions. I usually give the tag-alongs fairly short and to the point answers. Then they go out and confer with the doctor. Only when my doctor comes in do I open up and spill everything because I figure it has been a big waste of my time until he shows up.
He was most concerned about my palsy. Faron and I both noticed it last Thursday. I could feel it when I was brushing my teeth and he noticed it when I smiled. I had Bell's Palsy the spring of my sophomore year of college. The entire left side of my face quit working and my left eye drooped. It isn't that your face is numb - the muscles just don't work due to a nerve issue, but you can feel that they aren't working. Very weird sensation. Terri and Hillary (college buddies) would do all kinds of stupid things to make me laugh because I looked so funny. I was their entertainment until it went away.
Anyway, I just figured that's what it was, but Doctor T. said no - he noticed it on my last visit 5 weeks ago. I feel like it has gotten much better than it was last Thursday, but it is clearly worse that it was 5 weeks ago if I hadn't noticed it.
So....we are going to do another brain scan Dec. 16 to check the nerves leading to my left eye and the left side of my face for any signs of cancer. With all this testing, I fully expect to be glowing in the dark soon. Call me Rudolph.
I have another CT scan scheduled for the first week of January and will see the Doc after that (unless something shows up on the brain scan). I have no idea how much longer I will be on this chemo. The side effects are not good and the neuropathy (nerve damage) I am having could be permanent. I can no longer feel the tips of my fingers. I haven't felt my feet in weeks.
If the CT scan comes back showing my tumors are shrinking, he's going to have a hard time talking me into quitting - no matter what.
Oh, yeah, I haven't mentioned the physical therapy thing. Remember that the neurologist referred me to physical therapy to help with the falling (due in part to the neuropathy)? I went the first day and the therapist had me do all kinds of strength and balance and endurance tests to get a baseline. Then she said she wanted me to come in THREE TIMES A WEEK for therapy. I told her I was thinking maybe ONE day - maybe. She insisted on two days and I said OK. Then I went home and thought about my mental health and called back and canceled all my appointments. I just could not wrap my mind around driving down there more than I am now.
Besides, I can't imagine what they could possibly do to help me. I am clearly helping them with my insurance money! When I told Dr. T. what I did he said "Good for you!"
SO now you are up to date.
I hope you all enjoy the holidays and remember the REASON for the SEASON. It certainly gives me Peace!
Love, Kelli
posted by Kelli @ 1:43 PM
1 Comments:
At 5:18 PM,
Deana said…
Kelli,
Just been reading and catching up. It sounds like it's been a long rough road over the years. I am so sorry that you are going through this. However, your spirit and attitude are amazing. I should not be surprised! Keep the blog updated so that we know what's going on and I'll be seeing you on fb.
Love,
Deana
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