We met Meena for coffee. She's the lady who a year ago went through exactly what I'm about to, and she had offered to Dr. Basche that if she knew of any one who may benefit from her experience, she'd be happy to talk to them. Well that offer came the same day as one of my appointments with Dr. Basche, so I couldn't ignore the coincidence. Meena is my same age, has kids about our kids' age, works in Castle Rock, eats very healthy, doesn't smoke, and too was totally surprised by her diagnosis. We compared our chemo and radiation experiences, and she explained what I could expect with upcoming surgery, dealing with the temporary illiostomy bag, dietary restrictions, and the follow-up chemo (which may need to be the drip where they put a port in my chest and I go in every other week for 4 months). Meena's an amazing lady, who today is doing very well, and I thank her for being so candid, caring and giving of her time to meet with me.
A lot of things will be determined after our next appointment with Dr. Brown, the surgeon, which is next Wednesday, Oct. 22. That exam will tell if and how much the tumor has shrunk, and when the surgery will be. As I'm being told, baby steps, take every thing a day at a time. Right now my pain, which is mainly in my stomach, is being managed by Tylenol with Codeine 3 times a day, and an afternoon nap.
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3 comments:
Hey, Debbie and Doug: Lisle and I were at BAH last night and learned about your journey. Thanks so much for putting up the blog and allowing those of us who care for you to be part of your life without having to "bother" you through calls, etc. Debbie, you are one of the strongest, most determined women I've ever met, so I KNOW the outcome will be positive. You'll be in our prayers and I know your surgery will be difficult, but you will prevail. Love, Carole M
Debbie,
Keep remembering that "one day at a time" thing....you are doing great. Here's a joke we just received - hope you laugh too:
"NEVER QUESTION a DRUNK"
I was shopping at the local supermarket where I selected:
A half-gallon of 2% milk,
A carton of eggs,
A quart of orange juice,
A head of romaine lettuce,
A 2 lb. can of coffee, and
A 1 lb. package of bacon.
As I was unloading my items on the conveyor belt to check
out, a drunk standing behind me watched as I placed the items in front
of the cashier.
While the cashier was ringing up the purchases, the drunk
calmly stated, 'You must be single.'
I was a bit startled by this proclamation, but I was
intrigued by the derelict's intuition, since I was
indeed single I looked at the six items on
the belt and saw nothing particularly unusual about my
selections that could have tipped off the
drunk to my marital status.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I said: 'Well, you
know what, you' re absolutely right.
But how on earth did you know that?'
The drunk replied, 'Cause you're ugly.'
K&J Brady
Debbie,
I too just learned about your health challenge and couldn't agree more with what Carole said.
It would be my pleasure to bring dinner (or for that matter anything you feel like eating)your way. Do not hesitate to call on me! You, Doug and both of your girls will be in our prayers.
Love,
Sharon Kollmar
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