Most people count down to things. I count up, as in days since Radiationland.
I was determined not to write another post until I had some improvement in how I felt. You know, maybe til I was able to swallow WATER without the help of a Lidocaine pre-wash. Radiation ended November 27, the day before Thanksgiving. You may remember that. I’ll never forget it. I set myself back quite a bit, revisiting Bugs Bunny Eyes, etc, trying the Fentanyl patch to kill pain. I do have to admit, I could eat pain-free. It’s just that nothing stayed down. It took a good 18 hours or more for that crap to work its way out of my system.
Here are the drugs I take every day. Marty says it looks like the counter of an old lady. Sigh.
The problem was, now I still couldn’t eat or drink. It just hurt too much. And, just as Dr. Kokeny prophesied, it got worse after treatment ended. How does THAT happen? About a week after radiation ended, I emailed the doc and Tony, the nurse, to ask WTF, but in a much nicer way. Dr. K said in some people, it takes weeks… WEEKS… for the pain to start going away. This is not the 7-10 days I was originally promised. I felt like the victim of a bait-and-switch scam. I solemnly told Tony that if that’s the case, I’m retiring from the program. He said he bet I’d feel better over the weekend. Have I mentioned how much I love nurses?
Because I started to feel better on day 10, which was over the weekend. I am now on my 5th bottle of Lidocaine chaser. And as much as I hate to do it, I pop half a Percocet every night, or I wouldn’t be able to sleep. BUT, I ate solid food for the first time in more than three weeks Saturday, some of it without Lidocaine pre-wash or chasers. (Food tastes pretty good when your mouth isn’t numb!) I can now drink pretty much anything without any prescription help at all.
With this amazing and very welcome development, I am starting back on some sort of lame training regimen. I didn’t do much of anything for many days in a row, because I don’t think I was even taking in 1,000 calories a day. I didn’t want to waste those calories on, say riding a bike in place. It’s not that I wasn’t getting hungry. It’s that the pain-to-hunger ratio made eating not worth it. I actually never stopped swimming. But last Friday, I added actual structure to the workout, which I felt in all my gluteuses: Maximus, Minimus, Minneapolis, all of them the next day. Saturday, I got on skis for a bit and had to take a break halfway down Pay Day run. That’s never happened before. Interesting. It’s going to be a longish road back. But I’m so glad to be ON the road, and not lying in the ditch beside it anymore that you will not hear me complain (much).
Then, there’s the silver lining of silver linings: I lost a lot of weight while in Radiationland, which is not a good look. In fact, I don’t like being this scrawny at all. I plan to put back on about 10 pounds starting now. Going in to Holiday Season. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? That’s amazing timing, for once. On top of that, my pals, Angie and Stu, are planning Thanksgiving for Christmas dinner since I missed the Big Feast this year. Pass the egg nog. And another slice of pumpkin pie. In fact, pass everything down this way.
A Sun Dog. Just because I like it.
Wendy, I am starting radiation on Thursday. I had the opportunity to relocate to Provo, Utah and was so excited, until I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had my surgery a few weeks ago. I am under the care of MD Anderson. My fear now is if I move sometime next year, or after, I will not be under their direct care anymore, but under Huntsman. My fear is not having the same top notch care. MD Anderson is rated #1, and I am not familiar with Huntsman. I see you are being cared for by Huntsman. Your thoughts, since you too are from Orlando, where I currently live. Any input from anyone would help.
Sandy
This was a concern for me, too, only having been cared for by cancer docs at Florida Hospital (and ORMC, briefly). I made the change gradually, truthfully. I flew back to Orlando for tests, etc. for about 4 years. But Huntsman was the place that detected this last cancer during my MRI and my care has been top notch. They are responsive and smart. I’ve had a positive experience. Best to you.
Hi Wendy, We miss you here in Orlando. Have watched you for over 20 yrs. I am so glad you are feeling better. Just wanted you to know we all love you here in Florida.
Wendy,
You Rock! I’ve had my own health scares, double bypass in late May, but nothing like the one you have endured. My silver lining has been that I love competitive swimming again. Going to a meet in Charlotte next month and several in Florida in the 1st quarter of 2014. We miss you here in Central Florida but enjoy the blog. Keep the faith as I know you will. You are truly an inspiration to so many.
Hang in there Wendy. I believe in gods mighty power to heal, to give strength, and to hold us close when we are hurting. Take a deepbreathand feel his arms around you and hear his comforting words, I’m here. Every thing will be alright. I won’t leave you.
God bless you. You can win this fight again. Know we are all lifting you up in prayer because we love you.
Wendy
I have followed you for years since you were at Channel 2 with Marty Stebbins, and the Growing
Bolder Team. Have been a silent prayer warrior as you have gone through these horrendous health issues and so admire the positive approach that you always take. Just want you to know that you have many cheerleaders and prayer partners back here in Orlando that you just don’t even know about. We want to help be that “Wind beneath your Wings” so you can soar up that mountain that you plan to climb and Marc will be tryjing to keep up with you.
You go Girl.
Bernie Moro
Our Vital Earth Inc.
Natures Solution LLC
Thank you Wendy. I feel more confident if I do choose to relocate to Provo, knowing Huntsman has been a positive experience for you. I am praying for your improved health and strength each day.
Sandy