1 year check-up - Good results!

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I had my one-year MRI and a spot mammogram, and results were good! The mammogram said "Probably benign", which they expect after surgery, and there were no changes since 6 months ago. And the MRI showed no issues. So I remain in the status of "No evidence of Disease" and am thrilled. My feet and hands look and feel good again, which is exciting! My fingerprints are back and I'm delighted to be able to open my own jars and bottles! My main remaining symptoms are inability to focus and accomplish complicated tasks, low endurance, low arm strength, and lower breathing ability. They mostly don't bother me much and are all improving. Frank came back from a FIRST Robotics convention and tested positive for Covid a couple days later, and although we'd stayed apart since he got home, I tested positive the next day. We isolated a lot, but didn't have terrible symptoms. Mostly sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, and fever for a couple of days. I'm thankful th...
2 comments

Doing pretty well

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I did pretty well with the first treatment. I was mostly just tired and feeling off. I’ve been trying to describe what I mean by that, but it’s not a sensation I can recall. Not dizzy, nauseous, headache, confused. Maybe light-headed is closest? I’ve been wondering whether it is a sensation of motion-sickness, so I bought a device for my wrist to try that’s supposed to help that.

The on-body medication dispenser was interesting. I was talking on the phone with some of my Texas family members (sister, brother, dad, and partners) who I had gone on a walk with. I heard a slight ticking from the device and wondered if it was doing something. I couldn’t feel anything, and the ticking was very soft. After about 30 minutes, it beeped, and Frank said the indicator showed that it was empty. I had sort of been expecting that it would startle me when it deployed, but I could have slept through it!

I’ve been tracking my weight so I can catch if things need adjusting, and it has been all over the place. It shot up 5 pounds and down 7 pounds. I will try to eat enough in the next week that it stabilizes, I guess. I’m sure some of the changes were due to drinking lots of water. So far, I haven’t been hungry, but have been eating.

I’ve gone for a short walk outside every day, with a family member or friend, either in person or on the phone. It has helped get me out there when I otherwise would have wanted to stay on the couch! Last night I timed my water drinking so I quit earlier, hoping to get a better night’s rest, and that helped a lot - I slept 9 hours, only getting up once. So I felt pretty good this morning. But that prompted me to overdo it on my walk, and I completely ran out of energy on the way back. Frank helped me get a snack when I got inside, and I took a nap, and soon felt much better. I plan to stay closer to home on future walks!

The kids and their partners are coming home for Christmas today and tomorrow, so we’re looking forward to seeing all of them. I plan to just enjoy them for the next week!

My next treatment is planned for Dec 29th.

Comments

  1. RuthDecember 21, 2021 at 5:48 PM

    It’s tough to find that balance between keeping active and over doing it! Better to err on the cautious side I would think! Enjoy the time with the girls - the best medicine of all! Love you! Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  2. DebbieDecember 21, 2021 at 11:37 PM

    Sounds like you are keeping busy and keeping track of things. Good job Kathy! Miss seeing you on Ridge. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. God Bless you and have a wonderful Christmas with the family. Love, Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  3. GaryDecember 24, 2021 at 7:50 PM

    Kathy, wishing you courage, stamina, and curiosity as you make this unexpected journey. May you feel the blessings of support from Frank, Suzi, Jenny, your extended family and friends. Thank you for sharing your experience and feelings with such grace.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amy TravisDecember 30, 2021 at 11:47 AM

    So glad to hear you are doing well, Kathy. Thinking of you every day!!

    - Amy

    ReplyDelete

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