YESTERDAY, NOV. 8TH Kenny and I traveled to Tampa for the whole day for follow-up appts. with all three of my doctors. First, we saw Dr. Wright, my oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists. After settling into the familiar waiting area, I felt a surprising rush of emotion flood over me. I teared up, felt short of breath, and wanted to dart to the restroom to break down in private., although I reeled it back in and buried myself in a magazine quickly. While this was, I'm sure, a normal reaction, I felt so silly as I looked around at the many others in the heat of battle as I was several months ago. My tears should be tears of joy and they are. Best news of all was that my bloodwork came back clear. PRAISE THE LORD!
Seeing Dr. Wright was like seeing family again. He once again took lots of time with us as I asked his opinion on my long list of daily supplements, as well as letting him feel and put my mind at ease about a questionable hard bump on my chest wall (just a rib, by the way!) We also discussed and I decided to leave my port in indefinitely for now for easier access of my veins. I'm trying REALLY hard NOT to allow my arms to be needle-stuck if at all possible due to risk of lymphedema.
He was so glad to see I was doing so well, as he asked me a series of questions. "Are you experiencing this symptom...no; how about this...no; and what about this...no. How's the neuropathy...better and I don't notice it so much anymore. How about the hot flashes....WELL YES...but living with that too. If that's the worst, then I can deal with that."
SECOND APPT. of the day was with my surgical oncologist, Dr. Cox's resident. He began..."Sometimes at this stage, patients experience extreme fatigue, are you suffering with that...no; its usually attributed to phycological depression rather than physical...are you dealing with that....no." PTL. I've certainly had those periods, but I'm grateful to be beyond that right now.
THIRD APPT. was to see my plastic surgeon. He took a double-take when he entered the room as well and was so happy to see us both doing good. We discussed some "final touches" to my reconstruction, and let me just say...God has a sense of humor. That's all I'm going to say on that one!
Thankful that I've had such a faithful, loving and supportive partner through this entire year
as well as two wonderful sons who have loved me through it and made me laugh!
Praising the Lord with you for Gods day to day healing. You are a wonderful example of what faith in our heavenly Father can do. As I have said before you are a special child of God and I love and admire you so much. Thank you for helping me stay strong in faith and body. Dona
ReplyDeleteDina, I am just over the moon so greatful that your checkups went very well. You are such an amazing person and friend. I pray for your continued health and friendship. God has amazing ways of bringing people closer to each other and with that, I am greatful that we have gotten back in touch with each other. I hate the way that it happened, but I strive to look for the good in bad things. You are my inspiration and I am thankful for our friendship. May God continue to keep you healthy. Love always, Karen.
ReplyDeleteDina, I am just over the moon so greatful that your checkups went very well. You are such an amazing person and friend. I pray for your continued health and friendship. God has amazing ways of bringing people closer to each other and with that, I am greatful that we have gotten back in touch with each other. I hate the way that it happened, but I strive to look for the good in bad things. You are my inspiration and I am thankful for our friendship. May God continue to keep you healthy. Love always, Karen.
ReplyDeleteDina, I am just over the moon so greatful that your checkups went very well. You are such an amazing person and friend. I pray for your continued health and friendship. God has amazing ways of bringing people closer to each other and with that, I am greatful that we have gotten back in touch with each other. I hate the way that it happened, but I strive to look for the good in bad things. You are my inspiration and I am thankful for our friendship. May God continue to keep you healthy. Love always, Karen.
ReplyDeleteDina, I am just over the moon so greatful that your checkups went very well. You are such an amazing person and friend. I pray for your continued health and friendship. God has amazing ways of bringing people closer to each other and with that, I am greatful that we have gotten back in touch with each other. I hate the way that it happened, but I strive to look for the good in bad things. You are my inspiration and I am thankful for our friendship. May God continue to keep you healthy. Love always, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little behind times, I know (LOL)..but just watched that video from your sister-in-law and it made me cry!...Tears of extreme sadness for all you and your beautiful family have had to go thru, followed by tears of joy and gratefulness of all He's brought you all thru to this point! You look beautiful and healthy (as always!),but most of all, your 'heart'..your spirit...is healthy. You all are still worshipping and praising God, when it could have been so human and so easy to have just let yourselves get bitter and angry instead. What a testimony! And no...you WILL NOT be defeated, in Jesus' name! -Love ya'll, Connie
ReplyDelete