Beginning Radiation

I begin Radiation this coming Tuesday, Sept. 20th. I met with the radiologist oncologist this week. They made a form and simulation that I will be in during the treatment. I will go 5 days a week for 5.5 weeks. So I should be all done the end of October. I am going to St. Joe's Hospital in Ann Arbor. The treatment will take 15 to 20 minutes. I am getting closer to the finish line.

Catching up

Michigan has had such a change in weather the past week. Last Sat. The temp was in the 90's today 9/8 it was in the 60's...... Feels like fall is really here. I am taking several walks a day to get stronger. I have not had much of an appetite and have lost about 25 pounds since beginning treatment. My slacks just drape and fall off, I think it means a shopping trip.

I see the radiologist on Monday, they will measure and mark my body and work on a simulation. I should start 7.5 weeks of radiation 5 days a week the last week of September.
My high school class reunion is Oct 1st so I am hoping to make it to see a lot of friends that are coming.

I hope that the readers of this blog have had a good summer and are ready for fall football, apple picking and the beautiful fall colors. Martha

Home a week

I have been home a week today..... slowly getting more strength. I saw the surgeon today. He extended the days on the antibiotic because he is going to be out of town over Labor Day weekend and wants to make sure he is in town when I go off the antibiotic. He mentioned that the infection could just be surpressed so if it returns he will need to surgically remove the mesh that could be harboring infection. I sure hope that that is not the case and the infection is gone.

I will meet my new oncologist on Monday. Dr. Krauss, went to U of M as head of Oncology so I have a new doctor in their practice. I haven't see her since my surgery so I am eager to see what she has to say since my pathology report was good after surgery. I am still looking at radiation the end of September if all goes well with the infection. I sure hope it is cleared up.

More next week. Martha

Coming Home today

August 18th
The doctors are releasing me today....Hallelujah !
I will be on oral medication and check in with the doctor if the situation changes.
I am so excited to get home.
Thanks for all your prayers, visits, phone calls,etc. Family, friends and lots of prayers will get me thru.

Still in hospital

It appears that I will be in the hospital a few more days. One of the cultures showed staph so my meds are being changed. Up until now, the rash has remained the same, red and angry. Fortunately, I feel O.K., no fever, no appetite, trying to find ways to occupy myself. Joe is here every day and many friends too. Kay Walper has kept me calm as well of all of you that have emailed or called.

Complications

I had my last drain removed last Wed. On Thursday I developed a bright red rash. Today I am back in the hospital with an IV antibiotic.... Staf infection and cellulitis. I will be here about 3 days. The summer is passing me by, next summer will be different.

Feeling stronger

I visited the doctor this week...6 drains were removed, one remains. That one should be removed on Wednesday. I receive a Herceptin infusion on Tuesday then back to Ann Arbor on Wednesday for the drain removal. Every day is a better day. I am healing by sleeping a lot of the time.Every day this week there have been visitors which I enjoy seeing family and friends, it provides for stimulation and conversations about current events in others lives.
I am probably watching too much television, The debt crisis and stock market instability make for nervous thoughts. I have a good book that I hope to get back to tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for the encouraging thoughts and prayers...I hope to be fully recovered soon and ready to be out and about soon. Love, Martha