TERRI’S SISTERHOOD OF THE SOON TO BE TRAVELING TA TA’S UPDATE

TERRI’S SISTERHOOD OF THE SOON TO BE TRAVELING TA TA’S and YA YA'S UPDATE

January through June 2013 Archive

Last Updated: 08/13/2013 07:27 PM

Done in reverse chronicle order. New entries on top, older on the bottom.

Ok, so what is that saying? The disclaimer about if you have heart problems, squeamish, get motion sickness, etc., don't look? Well that applies now LOL. First let me tell you the story.

I had said that if I needed chemo again I was going to shave the sides of my head and do a mohawk and dye it pink since it would fall out anyway LOL! Well, I decided since Bill wouldn't let me tattoo my entire chest and abdomen with a big flamingo to cover my tattoos I would do something else. So that explains the following :-)

it's on the top and sides-I would do a little less next time. The back is my natural gray. Oh, and yes, it's permanent-has to grow out.

I don't plan on pooping on my oncologist's lawn (that would get me in a ward someplace) but I do plan on holding her down and dying her hair pink LOL.

I'm not sure I'll keep it all the time. Because of the sun and having to wear a swim-cap on my head to swim so it doesn't fade or turn colors it's not an easy color to keep (and I thought my "natural red hair" back in the day was hard to keep in Florida!) It depends on how much touching up it needs. I might just do it for October (Breast Cancer Awareness month).

I get lots of looks (good and bad) and I'm staying out of Walmart's because I don't want to become one of those Walmart picture people (at least my butt crack isn't hanging out-I hope) . If anyone asks (and yes, a lot do, both men and women) I tell them it's to remind women of a certain age that if they are due for mammogram, get it done. I get so much encouragement and always a story (mother, grandmother, sister who has it or has passed) and I've made lots of friends (many from Moffitt-shout out to Janet and Bill). Hi to Laura also (Leukemia ribbon is orange-I dare you LOL).

The good news is that everything came back negative! So no more mets other than the tumor in my right thigh, which the radiation that I had a few months ago seems to have placed it at bay. This does not mean the cancer is gone, it just means it hasn't settled anywhere else for now. I go back in 4 months (with tests about a week before) and see where we are then. If there are no more mets at that point, we can do 6 month check ups. As my doctor puts it, I'm an enigma since breast cancer to the thigh muscle is rare.

I still go every month to get the hormone shot in my butt, but that is a small price to pay and seems to be working!

As a side note, Tropical Storm Andrea dumped much rain on us and a few small tornados south of us (not by your house Carol, relax :-). We have lake front property for another day or two (for those of you who don't know, we live near a huge field/conservation area that fills with water with even some minor thunderstorms). It confuses the water fowl (they start fishing in it), but otherwise looks quite nice.

5/16/2013 (FYI-I just posted yesterday so if you haven't checked in 24 hours, read the 5/15 post first):

Why can't I just be normal? Even my genes are quirky LOL! My genetic testing came back today. The two main genes that cause breast cancer (BRCA 1 and 2) are negative. So what does this mean? Well, with my large family cancer history the genetic counselors know there is another gene causing cancer in my family. Okay, so pay attention LOL. Your body has about 22 million or so genes that can go haywire. When you have one of these genes and conditions are right, they "go bad" and multiply. The two most prominent genes that cause breast cancer are the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Since I was negative for these, they can still look for others.

The next step is to get my insurance to pre-authorize more (expensive) testing. If that is approved, they will do a genetic panel looking for another 30 other types of genes (both breast and colon cancer). The actual testing time once they get the sample is 3 months (think DNA and 30 different genes to compare)-it's time consuming. Now for the big part-they can come back negative, positive or indeterminate. There is also a larger rate of errors looking at this panel. Now 30 more types of genes are just a drop in the bucket of the 22 million you have, but it's all that science can check at this point in time. It's a start. It depends on our out of pocket cost whether I will go further with testing. If my insurance just covers the testing with a payment of the copay, it's a no brainer and then I will proceed. Otherwise, time will tell.

Doing okay. Getting into the pool almost every day it's nice outside. Still can't swim/doggie paddle-nothing. I stay in the shallow end unless I'm in an inner tube (I do leg lifts in the deep end along with other exercises, but need the inner tube to stay afloat). It's not that I weigh a lot LOL (after all, I lost some weight)-and not that the rod they put in my leg weighs a ton, it's because I can't kick well to keep myself up. I'm in no danger of drowning, it just hurts to kick to the side. I have to use 2 arms and 1 leg to get me there instead of all four appendages. I can kick with the other leg, but it's painful. I was never a good swimmer. I was able to get about, but there was no form! Just thrashing LOL! Unfortunately, this did not improve after surgery! There is no grace in the pool during these sessions LOL!

I have upped my physical therapy in the pool and use a noodle for some more resistance to the leg exercises. I'm not sure if it's working but I'm trying to get more mobility with less pain. I let the doctor know that sometimes my leg (knee or hip, can't tell) feels like it's going to go out on me and she knows what I mean because she just had knee surgery herself. I have to keep trying to strengthen the quad muscle in my thigh. I also have to elevate my leg a lot to keep fluid from building up. It's not as bad as it was right after the surgery but still swells and by the end of the day it feels heavy and tired. To add insult to injury, it's now hot again in Florida so my lymphadema arm is acting up too. Along with my arm compression sleeve on my left arm which-other than sleep-is always there, I sometimes have to go outside in a compression leg stocking on my right leg. I must look like someone who was in a train wreck! Oh well, you do what you gotta do.

Kaylie must know that I'm feeling better when walking because she's back to throwing herself and her toys into the back of my legs when I'm walking. Anyone who has visited has witnessed her trying to take either Bill or I out. I guess she figures if she can get one of us on the floor we're fair game and she can keep us down there (think Gulliver's Travels). At least for me because my leg doesn't allow me to get up easily.

I am able to take longer rides in the car before whining-I'm up to about an hour or so now. I can drive myself very local (within 5 miles) and never with pain meds in me. I'm afraid it would slow my reaction time with the meds and the fact that the right leg is a driving leg. If I feel pain I may hesitate on braking, etc.

Oh, I did see my oncologist and I also went for genetic testing. They are looking for the BRCA 1 or 2 gene. If you've heard in the news, Angelina Jolie had preventive mastectomies done! I commend her on this choice! I think that her mother died young of breast cancer (in her 50's) and she was tested and was BRCA 1 positive. She is still undergoing reconstruction. I see enough doctors. Didn't want to add a plastic surgeon to the list too LOL! Well, anyway, since we have no children it's not that they needed to know, but other members of my family may benefit from this knowledge. I should get the results soon. It might also open up the possibility for a clinical trial for me further down the line.

My next routine bone scan, CT scan, blood work, etc are scheduled for June 3. I'll see my oncologist for the results on June 6. They are not expecting any new metastases. It will show if the radiation helped with the leg tumor. I have to believe it did-I am feeling less pain than when I started radiation but I don't know if it worked enough to keep the leg tumor at bay.

I'll keep you posted! Oh, and Bill and I celebrated our 32th anniversary on May 10! He's my strength and soul mate! Seems like it was just yesterday when we got married (okay, maybe not ;-)

Doing well! Made it into the pool today! It rained quite a bit the last few days and I was unable to get into it due to the weather and then with all the rain, the water got cold again. I was in it up to my waist because it's still cold, but was able to do my physical therapy in the pool so maybe the water will give me more resistance and help more with my recovery. I'm also hoping the cold water helps with a little sciatica pain I've been getting lately. Seems if I favor the leg, the back suffers. It's always something LOL!

Kaylie's got a new pen pal LOL! His name is Ollie Czipo and he's a soft coated Wheaten terrier.

All is well. A little more pain and some more swelling but I've been overdoing it lately. I'll be sitting on my butt the next few days and see if that makes a difference. The temperature outside has been running in the 90's. We might be into the pool by the weekend! I'm hoping that will help my leg. I am assuming the cold water will help with my swelling and/or pain and the extra movement will help with physical therapy. My appetite is staying the same and so is my weight which at this point is a good thing. ttyl!

Great news! I'm eating like a pig and got my appetite back. I'm not up to doing any professional food challenge or go on Man Versus Food Nation, but I no longer eat just a slice a pizza and take 2 hours to finish it. The lack of desire for food was probably a combination of the narcotics I was taking and the hormone shot I'm getting. They said the hormone shot would cause this for the first several shots (I'll be getting shot #3 this Thursday) and I'm probably past it.

In case you missed what I said above, I am no longer on narcotics! I'm not 100% pain free, but I no longer need round the clock pain relief just to be able to walk a few steps. I still use a walker or at least a cane. On Friday I took a short (and I mean short LOL) walk outside (from Down Pine to Thicket Crest on Crow Wing for those who know the neighborhood). Saturday we took a drive. I was able to sit in the car for about 30 minutes before I became too uncomfortable. Before, the 15 minute trip to Moffitt was excruciating. We rented a transport wheelchair for the month (lightweight and much more portable) and we went to Lakeland and walked 30 minutes around a street fair (Bill pushes me-the transport chair does not allow me to wheel myself, which is good news for Bill, I can't disappear and go look at something on my own LOL). This allows me to get to a few places which does not have scooters available (Walmart, Lowes, etc) and is much more exciting! It was the first time I was out for a day trip in I can't remember when! So much so that I am looking forward to a few events coming up. There is a community yard sale next weekend. The following weekend there is a blueberry festival in town. At least it gets us out of the house more! Have a good week!

We hope everyone had a pleasant Easter! We had a nice relaxing one. The Easter bunny didn't bring Kaylie any marshmallow peeps. Just rabbit droppings! Go figure! Actually, we have to admit, she's becoming a big girl (most days) and behaves herself.

I'm doing okay. Getting around a little more, albeit, still with walker. Occasionally in the house I walk without any support, but not sure if I should be yet so I stick to the walker. I can still feel some weakness in my knee and am afraid it will fail when I need it the most. I try not to push myself too much because I don't want to overdue and be set back again.

Lately, it's see how I feel in the morning and treat the symptoms as they are. Every day seems to be a different story. Sunday was leg swelling so the compression stocking (so attractive) went on and it was elevated much of the day. Yesterday it was nausea/fever day LOL. Drank flat coke, ate little and slept much of the time. Today, so far, I'm holding my own.

The weather down here is 79 º F. and sunny. I can't wait until I can get into the pool. I can do my exercises there instead. I wonder how swimming will work with the rod in my leg. Fact is, I'm not a great swimmer anyway LOL. Bill can throw me in the deep end and see if I sink like a rock or float like a lizard (yes, they do float-if they land right. But only for a while LOL)

Karen and Cassie were here for a few days. It was nice to have visitors and go out for a bit to different restaurants. It is difficult to eat out because I have a lot of pain when sitting in a chair/booth at restaurants (also in the car so we don't go far). We visited a tea room which was fun and my appetite, while it still needs improvement, seems better. I posted a picture of Kaylie among feet. I'm so glad my feet are the only feet not in the picture LOL! In order from left to right-Cassie's feet, Karen's feet, Kaylie's feet and Bill's feet.

So, nothing much to report on me. I'm doing my exercises and slowly progressing forward! Nothing bad with the new hormone shot so we should be clear there.

Since there is nothing to report on me, I'll give you an update on Kaylie. She had us up quite a bit last night. She chewed up a portion of her bed and in the frenzy, she must have swallowed some of the stuffing. I had her in another room in her exercise pen while a neighbor was over for a few minutes. I put her in her pen to keep her out of trouble (hah!). I guess she didn’t like being alone so she took it out on a bed. No big deal, this has happened before-it usually passes, but she gets a stomach ache. Well, it started with scratching herself at 3 AM. Bill gave her a Zyrtec. She’s still whining. Put her in bed-she’s probably cold. Nope. She wanted back down on the floor. Let her outside (which involves putting in the sliding door for the back along with turning on the lights, etc. The neighbors must always know when the lights are on at 3 AM, it's Kaylie tinkling because the Yavit's aren't up voluntarily that hour of the night, and certainly not outside LOL. Next-she’s probably hungry so we gave her a treat. She ate ½ bowl of dog food but still carried on. I rubbed her belly-it usually works for tummy-ache from the bug/toy part/lizard that she ate-nope, no relief last night. I ended up sitting on the couch with her while she slept on the recliner between my feet. For two hours. This morning, she ate her breakfast (again?) and finally poo’ed. All is right with the world. By the way, she’s giving us stink-eye-like what happened to my bed???? Who chewed my bed? She’s down to one more now and Daddy said he’s not buying her anymore.

Okay, let's see if I can update everyone without confusing you and myself LOL. First, I'm doing better. Pain is much more tolerable. Mouth sores are better and eating better. I'm still using walker though, but did start doing my physical therapy to strengthen my legs that they showed me during my home PT so that should kick in and help soon. I'm even able to stay awake and not so much in a stupor from the pain and medications so everything is on the upswing.

I saw my oncologist yesterday. The plan right now is to start a new injectable hormone, which I got for the first time yesterday. Side effects: Massive hot flashes (yeah, sure it sounds good to you in NJ, but live it down here in Florida LOL!), nausea (jeez, is there anything that doesn't cause nausea?) and hoarseness (didn't I just know there would be a mouth/throat symptom there somewhere?). We stopped the Aromasin and Afinitor. Mostly from side effects and trying to figure out which is the culprit (Afinitor was blamed on much of them, but without one, the other really doesn't help me so it's a wash). I got the shot yesterday and I don't feel anything except some queasiness, which may just be because I'm on my 2000th Boost right now and they are getting harder and harder to get down!

My oncologist is starting just one med at a time. She feels between the two meds, just coming off surgery, having radiation-the poop all hit the fan at once. The funny part was until that one weekend, I was just fine! It was a sudden change with the fever, pain, mouth sores, rash, inability to eat (which caused dehydration-I was watching for this and thought I was drinking enough) that caused my body to just not tolerate anything. Add the radiation to it and it was a no win situation.

So new plan. I started new hormone. I see Dr. again in May. She will order labs and bone scans, etc then and we'll see if the tumor responded to any of what we've done. If not, we need another plan. If so, we continue on what we are doing. I shouldn't have any major problems with this new hormone. She's never had to take anyone off this because of side effects.

Have a good weekend! I hope to LOL! Oh, lets put in a puppy picture-everybody all together say "ahhhh, ohhhh"!

FYI-this was taken in Lakeland Forida Fall 2012 (haven't had many trips with the dog since then). The swan (yes, it's real) and her are trying to figure each other out. The swan saw dogs before, but this could have been the first little one with a dress she met LOL. This was Kaylie's first swan. There isn't a lot of things that intimates her, but she wanted in my arms and not down on the ground. I guess to her he was kind of scary. Bill is behind the camera (saying "don't touch it Ter") It's what he does LOL!

Hey, it's me LOL! I'm doing much better. Rash is healed except for few remaining scars. I still have a temperature but it's not has high. Mouth sores are almost gone. I ate pasta the other night (and not just spagettios LOL). I wish I could say my appetite is better but I'll take what I can get right now. The leg pain is "eh". I am planning on taking the med I have for breakthrough pain in a few minutes before my planned exercise hoping I can get through more of the exercises. I am no way back to where I was, which frustrates me. After the surgery and physical therapy, I was at a place where I could walk the house leaning onto furniture or using a cane. Short trips out, I could use a cane. I was even able to drive and drove myself for radiation the first two weeks. Then everything bottomed out and you know the rest of that chapter LOL.

Okay, next steps. Since I failed the Amarosin and Afinitor they are not looking to start those again. I'm fine with that. I was too sick to have a life on that stuff.

They are starting a new infusion treatment for hormones on me on Thursday. We forgot to get the name of it. I'll know that soon enough. Side effects are nausea and hoarseness. This begins with a starter dose of 1 infusion every two weeks for 3 treatments, then one infusion a month. I better be able to eat LOL! Terri no eat, Terri no happy camper LOL! And no, Boost shakes don't count as food in my book. I have been craving a steak LOL! Salad. Pasta, oh, and stuffed cabbage, of all things. My cravings are so bad they change by the minute.

Thanks for checking in with me. Going to throw the ball for the dog until she's done with me.

Things are still basically the same, although with mild improvements in most areas. The rashes are still there, but starting to dry up and no new ones starting. The temp is still up, but not in 101-103 range like earlier in the week. Her appetite is better, but is still have problems with the mouth sores, so it is still difficult to eat and problematic figuring out what to try. She still has pain in her leg, it varies from day to day. The thigh muscle is rock hard and sensitive to the touch, like a really bad muscle cramp. As always, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Remember, if there's no update, things are status quo.

I ended up taking Terri back to Moffitt’s version of an ER last night. She was running a high fever and the pain was continuing. Fortunately, they didn’t feel it necessary to admit her. Her labs and X-rays came back fine. She seems to be doing better today, but still a lot of pain. We had to push her last radiation treatment from Friday to Monday and also need to follow up with her Oncologist. They switched her from Percocet to a time released pain killer on Thursday, but the doctor last night gave her Oxycodone (Percocet w/o Tylenol) for breakthrough pain. Stay tuned for more updates. -Bill

Terri's not really feeling up to getting on the computer, so I'm updating for her. She's checking her emails on her Kindle, but not really responding just now. She'll get back to everyone when she's feeling a little better. 2 more treatments left and she's having a lot more pain. We see the Radiation Oncologist tomorrow, so hopefully he can tell us what's going on.

I have more swelling and pain in the leg but that is again, expected. I have 5 more treatments to go and then it usually gets a little worse before it gets better if I recall correctly. I'm doing my regular exercises to strengthen the muscle in my legs. The physical therapist did try to increase my resistance (those rubber band things) but my leg was too sore to work up to those just yet. I hope to resume them after I finish radiation and after the leg, hip, knee, muscle heals some. I am doing more walking so that is always a plus. I'm still with the walker for the most part. I've been given the go ahead to use the cane, but around the house. Occasionally I have a split second where the leg feels it might give out on me. It's probably due to muscle fatigue and I have to work on those exercises.

Nothing major with the new med (yet, it's been less than a week). Some headaches, sore throat (but no sores-which may take a few weeks to a month to develop), some major fatigue but I think it's okay. At least no allergic reaction. I have to drink lots of water-it can cause kidney damage-which keeps me running to the bathroom-boy, it's always something LOL! I can deal with it though!

I hope everyone is doing well! I'm hanging in and my attitude is great (but my body isn't always willing to do much of anything LOL).

I'm doing fine. My leg in the area of the radiation is swelling some and it is a little more painful, but that is to be expected. Eight more treatments to go!

I also start on a new medication that can cause bad allergic reactions and nasty side effects. The allergic reaction is like a bee-sting-problems with face or tongue swelling and trouble breathing. I don't expect problems with that. It's the side effects that I'm worried about LOL. Mostly blisters in the mouth, throat, esophagus (milkshakes mmm mmm mmm!). It's so nasty I'm not supposed to touch a pill if it has broken and must wash my hands thoroughly after taking the pill. This may resolve after a few months of treatment-but it is the most recurrent side effect listed. I really want to persevere through the side effects because this medication is the first line of defense for my treatment and nothing else will work as well. It has just been approved for metastatic breast cancer from the FDA last year and has given good results. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I guess I jumped the gun walking with a cane. I started to get more pain in my back and especially the leg that had surgery-by the hip. I had bad nerve pain immediately after surgery for about 24 hours that the doctors had trouble controlling at first. It's nowhere near as bad as it was, but bad enough for me to jump each time it twinges. I spoke with my physical therapist and it's "Less cane, more walker" and more Percocet when needed. I was told not to let the pain get bad since it's harder to control then. I'm trying to get by with just Tylenol so I can still drive (I can't drive on other pain meds)-but I was told to take the damn meds and ease the pain LOL. This also allows me to do my exercises without being in pain.

I've been to radiation every day this week, a 4-5 hour stress test, the cardiologist, pulmonologist, and physical therapist came twice this week. I'm tired LOL! Pulmonologist says get the CPAP machine (for obstructive sleep apnea), which I should hear from the delivery company soon. Cardiologist wants an echo if I can't get the records from Moffitt (I will soo get those records). Otherwise okay. FYI-we'll have to fit Kaylie with CPAP too. Bill has one and now me. She snores and snorts at night too.

Oh, and to add insult to injury, I am sitting in another Dr. office tomorrow. Kaylie needs her shots so she goes Saturday LOL!

I went to the oncologist the other day. I am doing okay and they have several different routes to treat me. First, I do not have bone cancer (yet). I have breast metastases in my leg. Since the breast cancer was in my node at the time of diagnosis in 2009, it floated around to find a good spot to sit and grow. It decided that my thigh muscle looked good. Yes, I still needed the rod placed in my thigh-the tumor was actually deforming the bone there and it could cause it to break without the rod. It is rare for breast cancer to go to the thigh. My oncologist said that in 16 years of treating cancer patients, this is only the second time she saw breast cancer go to the thigh. Lucky me?!

They will try two different hormones (with some nasty side effects) and then check my blood work in a few weeks. If that goes okay, they will check a CT in a few months to see if there is another recurrence anywhere else in my body. If I cannot tolerate the side effects or my blood count is bad, they do have a few alternate ideas for me. Radiation (which starts Tuesday) should help relieve some of the pain in my thigh and shrink the tumor. I hope this works well! Please keep your fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, I am doing my physical therapy like a good trooper and getting stronger every day. I also went for my sleep study and although I have sleep apnea, I do not have abnormal heart rhythms at night with the CPAP mask, so that is good.

Karen, (my niece) who has been my caretaker for the past several weeks, left today to go back to Pittsburgh and we all miss her already! Kaylie said to tell Karen she misses her walks! Thanks Karen for all your help! See ya soon!

Doing well except for every doctor's appointment I get two more to go to LOL! Until the end of the month, I have 23 medical related appointments!

I also feel like I am forgetting something LOL! I'm sure it's written down on a piece of paper or appointment card somewhere around here.

There were three visits today. One for an x-ray of my leg to see how the pins are, another for the surgeon and another for radiation simulation (where they tattoo you and make a mold of your legs to keep your leg straight for radiation). They want to be sure they hit the right area. The x-ray of my leg was surreal! One long rod in my thigh, 3 screws by my knee and 4 by my hip! The swelling is coming down as is the pain, but much of the pain is at night while I try to lay down. I have some pain sitting/walking too but it is much better than right after the surgery.

My (new) cardiologist is doing a stress test and getting reports on my heart issues from Moffitt and will combine everything and then decide on a diagnosis. I think he is leaning towards the heart issues revolving around surgery, anesthesia etc for causing the high pulse rate when I laid down. Hopefully, he's right about that.

I'm still doing well. Resting and working on my exercises. Gaining some strength back. I have pain, not as bad, and it tends to hurt more after exercises but I'm doing them without pushing myself (therapists orders-this is not feel the burn LOL). Karen is here and she has been a great help. Cooking, cleaning and taking care of both Kaylie and I. Unfortunately although the weather is nice, I haven't been able to walk much outside. I can't seem to find a happy medium with how far to walk and allow myself the stamina to get back without pain LOL. Soo, I pace inside and out back by the pool. I can't get in too much trouble when I can't go far LOL.

This week I have PT (physical therapist) and cardiologist appointment on Monday. On Tuesday I go for x-ray, see surgeon who did the leg surgery and go to radiation oncology for simulation for radiation, which should start in a few weeks. Wednesday I think it will be PT again. Thursday is my regular oncologist's appointment. I'm so tired just thinking about it all LOL! Like I said before, if you don't see a posting on this site, there is just nothing new to report. I'm not on the computer much right now.

I'm doing okay. I just wanted to post that if there was no change since my last post I wouldn't be updating the website daily, etc. It seems my schedule has been taken over by physical therapy, doctor's appointments, time in lymph sleeve, pulmonary and leg exercises, phone calls (doctors, therapists, schedulers, insurance). I swear coming home after a hospital stay is more stressful than being in the hospital LOL!

I'm home! Finally. The final answer (sort of) is that while the EKG may resemble a possible blood clot in the lungs, a CT scan did not confirm this. I was also diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Just another diagnosis to add to the mix. First and foremost, if I have chest pain, shortness of breath, left arm numbness or tingling take a baby aspirin and call 911 (the blood clot moved). Otherwise everything is the same LOL. Oh, I do have obstructive sleep apnea, which I knew since last January but never got around to getting titrated for the mask, etc. My back and leg problems never really allowed me to follow up with this. Now that has to be done ASAP as it puts pressure on the heart and lungs. I do have physical therapy for my leg three times a week starting tomorrow. I also have enough doctor's visits to keep a full time secretary busy for the next few weeks. I'll try to keep everyone updated as best I can.

They've decided to keep Terri another night. They're planning on doing an echo-cardiogram and Doppler ultrasound. She's doing much better from a pain standpoint and doesn't seem to be having any more shortness of breath or tightness. Hopefully, they find nothing and she comes home tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Minor setback... Had to take Terri to Moffitt's version of the ER early this morning. She was having some shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. They did a CT to rule out pulmonary embolism, that came back negative. They did an EKG and saw some minor changes from the pre-op EKG, so they decided that they want to admit her overnight for observation. She was resting comfortably when I left to come home for some sleep and a shower. Our niece Karen should be here soon, so we'll both go to visit later on.

Terri is home! Her pain is much better managed now and they released her early the afternoon. Still hurting, but moving around OK. Some challenges, but all in all, visually a major improvement over yesterday.

Terri is still having a lot of pain. Could be the combination of arthritis in the hip and the surgery, but she suffers frequent spasms. For the most part, if she can find a comfortable position, she's OK until she moves. Too much movement and the spasms take time to subside. The Percocet helps, but they had to add the IV pain meds too. She was resting OK when I left around 5:30. Hoping she has a better night and we'll have to see how her pain is tomorrow before they try to send her home. More updates tomorrow.

Terri had a rough night, understandably. I'll be going to see her early this afternoon. They've changed her from IV pain meds to Percocet. PT was in and had her walking this morning. Very painful and she couldn't go far. I'll update again later this evening when I get home.

After getting Terri settled in her room, I just got home around 8PM. She's in a lot of pain, but hopefully she'll get enough relief from the pain meds and will sleep through the night. Even though she's hurting, she's in good spirits and still pretty tired from the anesthesia. More updates tomorrow. Thank you all for the warm wishes and prayers.

The surgeon just came out to let me know that the surgery went well. He's very encouraged that this will set her up for successful treatment with the radiation.

She'll probably be coming home on Friday, but maybe even tomorrow depending on how she does with physical therapy. Stay tuned for more updates.

Terri's surgery got a later start. They finally took her back around 1:30 pm or so. The surgeon said it'll be about 1 - 1½ hours, then another 1 - 2 hours in recovery. I'll post another update once she's in here room.

My surgery has been moved to 12:45 pm tomorrow. I sort of expected a change, just wasn't sure when. I have to be there at 9:45 am. Since I am no longer first, I also expect that it will not start at 12:45 pm LOL. So with that being said, by the 2-2½ hours of surgery, recovery and getting into a room, etc I wouldn't expect an update from Bill until well into the late afternoon, early evening. Thanks for all the well wishes. Talk to you soon!

Boy, never thought I'd need to open this site again LOL! I did leave the title alone-turns out my Ta Ta's are still "traveling", they just moved to my leg :-)

Well, as most of you know, I'm having surgery on my leg on Wednesday, 1/23/2013. They will not be removing the tumor, just strengthening my leg with a metal rod (yes, this will mean being tortured and scanned at the airports). Because of the cancer in my femur (large thigh bone), it is no longer a strong bone, but more with holes in it-think swiss cheese. The point of the surgery is to keep it from giving way and fracturing completely. The surgery is about 2 hours long, not counting prep and time in recovery.

Right now the scheduled time is 7:30 am but they can move me about according to which cases the doctors want to do first. Bill will post something once he gets me settled into a room.

After I've recovered from my surgery, they should be able to start radiation to the leg in 2-3 weeks. That will shrink the tumor and should reduce some of the pain too. There will be two weeks of radiation (10 doses) and they tell me it won't be at bad as it was to the chest wall.

I guess that covers everything for now. I'll be in the hospital for 2-3 days and will post something myself once I am out of my drug stupor! Type to everyone soon! Love and kisses!