Most days I get up and have 5 or so hours to write, piddle, pay bills, read, and get ready for my clinic visit ummm flight to denver. This morning I have to get going pronto because I have my repeat Chest CT this morning at 8am while my clinic appt isn't until 12 noon. If you remember, the CT scan is my 1 week followup from the one taken when this pneumonia was first diagnosed. They have to see if the size of the pneumonia infection ball has shrunken or not. If it hasn't, then I will have to undergo a surgery to get a piece of lung tissue. They need to know the right treatment course for the infection that is there. They tried earlier in the week to take a piece of lung with the bronchcoscopy tube. But they only managed to get a little piece, and it didn't tell them anything about the indentity of the infection.
So I am looking at today with some nervous energy. I know that I have been getting better and better each day with the new treatments they put me on (thus the ball should be smaller), but I am nervous that the result will not be in my favor. I really don't want to have another surgery right now. I especially do not want one that removes a chunk of my lung. I've seen too many lung collapses and scary complications; these don't always go "smoothly." And I don't know what your take is, but I'd say my luck is not at its highest these past few months.
But hey it will be what it is. We'll deal with whatever comes. I know that.
Numbers looked great in clinic yesterday: white cell count 7300, HgB 9.8, plt's 389, 000
Shannon, did you get off your booty (your term not mine) and exercise? I did; I walked the neighborhood for 45 mins. See you really don't have an excuse...
The bluebirds were everywhere last night. Just gorgeous jutting in and out of the field behind our house.
And we had a great visit with Miriam and Alex who brought us bread from our new Weaver St market and the most beautiful pottery piece heart that Alex's Mom made. Thanks to all of you.
4 comments:
Hi Theresa: It's Ronie checking in. I just got back from a mostly flat, warmish bike ride along the Chattahoochee. If I wait until 11:00 or so, which I usually do, it's a wee too warm for my Bay area blood! I hope the scan this a.m. shows a good result. In my "layperson's" take on it, the fact that your energy is so much better sounds like a real positive! Take care and I'm tightening my seatbelt with you for the flight ahead! love, Ronie
Just a comment about the photo for today. It was taken almost exactly two years ago the summer after Teresa's breast cancer treatment. To celebrate the end of that chemo episode(hence the Sinead O'Conner look) we went on a trip to Cape Cod and rented this cute cottage in Provincetown, MA owned by two women who were friends of friends in Asheville. Even though we had not ever met them directly, they graciously offered us a discount on the cottage during prime vacation season after hearing about Teresa. We had a very relaxing, fun, healing time there (hence the smile). We're looking forward to our next trip to the beach, even if it's only for a day.
Yes, I did get off my booty, even after a 10 hour shift and hiked a 2 mile section of the mtn-sea trail. I spent the time meditating on the correct course of action if a psychopath-Deliverance-type character crossed my path, alternating with what to do if a bear should appear(I struggled with poking it's eyes or an upward palm thrust to the nose while my other arm was being mangled in it's sharp teeth), with my peaceful reverie being broken by a call from the hospital on a hold and call pelvic ultrasound I had ordered. I struggle with this whole communing with nature!
Actually, after about a mile I relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed the complete silence of the mountains.
Sorry about the CT---wish I could see it. Have they confirmed fungal origin?
Off to a BCMS board meeting and a girl scout council meeting to plan my "Playin It Safe" day for teen girls and their moms. You know me, STD queen.
sh
Shannon-I'm glad you got out. I sure don't want you mauled by bears or other menacing creatures though.
Yes I am confused by the CT too. I'm going to curbside a pal who is a pulmonary doc. What is the timeframe for resolution of a CT anyway? And no, they have not confirmed the fungal etiology.-taf
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