Latest news on that:
Uncle J - the aneurysms are repaired but he isn't doing well. He has very serious heart problems (quadruple bypass, blood pressure is wonky, lungs bad etc etc) and the doctors felt, at the time the aneurysms were diagnosed, that surgery was higher risk. But things got bad enough that surgery became less of a risk. The surgery went well, recovery has not. As of last night the drs. have given him a paralytic and are using a ventilator and a balloon pump to keep his heart and lungs going. They are keeping him like this for a while until they think his heart and lungs have rested enough to function minimally. Also, they are giving him anti-coagulants to increase the chances his heart will be able to pump. (yes, anti-coagulants 48 hours after major surgery is not good, this is considered "last resort measures") As of this morning, there has been no change so he is still not doing well. The best hope they can give us is that at least he's not getting worse.
Aunt Ro - hospice is saying 6-8 weeks. Her husband is saying not even that long. The cancer has spread pretty much everywhere and she is in near constant pain. Aggressive forms of breast cancer are just that, really aggressive. Not much else to say since not much has changed. Just getting worse.
For those who have sent good thoughts and prayers, thank you so very much.
Showing posts with label sick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sick. Show all posts
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
More time, dammit!
I need more hours in the day. I'm working 10 - 12 hour days, 6 days a week and still can't get everything done. AAAAHHH!!
Exhausted doesn't even begin to cover the state I'm in. I'm so tired I'm loopy and so wound up I can't sleep.
Yes, the store has been sold. The new owners took over last week. No, we are not completely rid of the schizoid former BL. I am setting up the new POS system, not getting call backs from tech support (lazy bastard assholes in AZ), handling customers, running errands and pretty much all the rest of it. The upside - new owners are MOST appreciative, incredibly nice and generous people. They brought me a coffee pot, have bought my meals, pay me on time, reimburse me when I use my money for store stuff and so forth. I hear "thank you" and "you are so wonderful" all day long. I'd forgotten how great it is to work with real decent human beings. I'm not even going to talk about all the shit the former BL has pulled in the last week. We aren't moving to the new location until after Christmas (whew!) and I've been asked my opinion on layouts, stock and pretty much everything else.
Skye's surgery is Nov 5th. Found another knot on her belly. All pre-op test results were good. She is fine and we are fairly optimistic.
Went to that wedding, had fun, saw my niece and nephew and some good friends, got my leg humped by Bonehead, kissed Big D and came home.
Took some pics I'll eventually get around to posting on flickr.
Trying to survive massive allergy/sinus attack caused by taking pictures of fall flowers.
I've made Halloween goodie bags for my babies and now I'm going to bed.
I'm still not married, still haven't set another date, still haven't gotten an oil change and missed garbage pickup this week. And I haven't even looked at the mail or bills or email or blogs or pretty much anything that wasn't work related or dire emergency. Amazing that with all of this I'm still usually in a good mood and enjoying the insanity. Yes, I really really really like my new bosses.
Exhausted doesn't even begin to cover the state I'm in. I'm so tired I'm loopy and so wound up I can't sleep.
Yes, the store has been sold. The new owners took over last week. No, we are not completely rid of the schizoid former BL. I am setting up the new POS system, not getting call backs from tech support (lazy bastard assholes in AZ), handling customers, running errands and pretty much all the rest of it. The upside - new owners are MOST appreciative, incredibly nice and generous people. They brought me a coffee pot, have bought my meals, pay me on time, reimburse me when I use my money for store stuff and so forth. I hear "thank you" and "you are so wonderful" all day long. I'd forgotten how great it is to work with real decent human beings. I'm not even going to talk about all the shit the former BL has pulled in the last week. We aren't moving to the new location until after Christmas (whew!) and I've been asked my opinion on layouts, stock and pretty much everything else.
Skye's surgery is Nov 5th. Found another knot on her belly. All pre-op test results were good. She is fine and we are fairly optimistic.
Went to that wedding, had fun, saw my niece and nephew and some good friends, got my leg humped by Bonehead, kissed Big D and came home.
Took some pics I'll eventually get around to posting on flickr.
Trying to survive massive allergy/sinus attack caused by taking pictures of fall flowers.
I've made Halloween goodie bags for my babies and now I'm going to bed.
I'm still not married, still haven't set another date, still haven't gotten an oil change and missed garbage pickup this week. And I haven't even looked at the mail or bills or email or blogs or pretty much anything that wasn't work related or dire emergency. Amazing that with all of this I'm still usually in a good mood and enjoying the insanity. Yes, I really really really like my new bosses.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
adenocarci -WHAT?
If you are one of those people who responds with "It's just a frickin' dog!" please go the hell away now. Really. Just go away. Cuz it's not just a dog, it's my dog. My 11 year old, incredibly cute, sweet as all get-out, been around longer than 2 husbands, dog.
Last summer I noticed Skye had a knot on her belly, right by a nipple. About the size of the tip of my thumb. Took her to the vet, had it removed and sent it off to LSU Vet School to be tested. Biopsy results: Benign tumor, completely contained within sample. Whew!
But it gave me the horrors so I kept an eye on things (honestly, I think the dog got more tit checks than I've ever given myself).
This August, two little pea-sized knots popped up, neither in the same place as the big one from last year. Back to the vet we go. Skye was not thrilled about the extra visit even if it did mean crunchy treats from Dr. Lisa. Doc was a bit concerned since the benign tumor, if it recurs, comes back in the same spot. We scheduled another surgery, which was a bit nerve wrecking considering Skye's age. She did fine other than expected soreness from 2 incisions. Sent those off to LSU and waited for biopsy results. And waited. And then got smacked by Gustav. And waited some more.
Finally, finally got results today. Dr. Lisa called me at work to give me the results. Adenocarcinoma. At least I think that's what she said. I went deaf right after she said malignant. Shit. She gave me the complete name and I can't remember it. Whatever the $50 name is, it's breast cancer.
The good (??) part is that the tumors were "completely contained within the samples submitted" according to the report. Also, this type is considered a Grade 1 malignancy (I guess that's the correct phrasing). Which means that it may come back but it's not a super aggressive and quick spreading type. Going into heat seems to be causing them. So my options are:
A)keep checking constantly to see if any more tumors pop up. Hope they don't and if they do, have them removed. In other words, surgery once a year probably. And hope that the cancer doesn't decide to set up shop anywhere else. Umm, no I don't think so. Not much of an option at all in my mind.
Or
B)have Skye spayed immediately and as soon as possible. This seems like the best idea. The only concerns I have are her age and having this surgery so close to the last. She's 11 and I've been warned that anaesthesia is pretty risky at her age. As is any surgery that involves opening the body cavity. (The tumors were just below the skin, so the removals were surface incisions)
I'm going to see Dr. Lisa tomorrow to talk things over and schedule the surgery. I'd rather chance the anaesthesia than cancer if it were me, so I'm making the same choice for Skye. I'm pretty worried about my girl though. I've already bawled all over a couple of friends (thanks y'all) and T and putting it on here too. Some people may decide I'm overreacting, getting this upset about a dog's health problems. I really couldn't care less. It's helped me calm down which keeps Skye from getting to wound up. And that's really all I care about.
Update: I stopped in to talk with Dr. Lisa today (Friday). Definitely getting Skye spayed. I'd already decided that and Doc said not only did she think it was the best thing but the pathologist who did the biopsy told her it was the smartest thing to do. There's a good chance spaying Skye will prevent any more tumors from forming/growing/spreading into other areas. BUT. Skye is over 11 years old and this is major surgery anyway. So Doc wants to do a whole set of blood tests and an EKG before we schedule the surgery. Once she gets all the results, we pick a day for the surgery. I have to talk to BL and new BL to make sure I can take a day off in about a week or so for the pre-op stuff. That's gonna be fun, since I'm not quite sure who I'll be working for next week. Doesn't really matter much, I'm taking the day off no matter what.
I used to work for Dr. Lisa so that has really helped the whole situation. She's straight up with me, doesn't try to soften things and quite willing to explain anything. She's fairly optimistic about the whole thing and I know her really well, so I trust her. Plus Skye likes her so that's one less thing to worry about.
Last summer I noticed Skye had a knot on her belly, right by a nipple. About the size of the tip of my thumb. Took her to the vet, had it removed and sent it off to LSU Vet School to be tested. Biopsy results: Benign tumor, completely contained within sample. Whew!
But it gave me the horrors so I kept an eye on things (honestly, I think the dog got more tit checks than I've ever given myself).
This August, two little pea-sized knots popped up, neither in the same place as the big one from last year. Back to the vet we go. Skye was not thrilled about the extra visit even if it did mean crunchy treats from Dr. Lisa. Doc was a bit concerned since the benign tumor, if it recurs, comes back in the same spot. We scheduled another surgery, which was a bit nerve wrecking considering Skye's age. She did fine other than expected soreness from 2 incisions. Sent those off to LSU and waited for biopsy results. And waited. And then got smacked by Gustav. And waited some more.
Finally, finally got results today. Dr. Lisa called me at work to give me the results. Adenocarcinoma. At least I think that's what she said. I went deaf right after she said malignant. Shit. She gave me the complete name and I can't remember it. Whatever the $50 name is, it's breast cancer.
The good (??) part is that the tumors were "completely contained within the samples submitted" according to the report. Also, this type is considered a Grade 1 malignancy (I guess that's the correct phrasing). Which means that it may come back but it's not a super aggressive and quick spreading type. Going into heat seems to be causing them. So my options are:
A)keep checking constantly to see if any more tumors pop up. Hope they don't and if they do, have them removed. In other words, surgery once a year probably. And hope that the cancer doesn't decide to set up shop anywhere else. Umm, no I don't think so. Not much of an option at all in my mind.
Or
B)have Skye spayed immediately and as soon as possible. This seems like the best idea. The only concerns I have are her age and having this surgery so close to the last. She's 11 and I've been warned that anaesthesia is pretty risky at her age. As is any surgery that involves opening the body cavity. (The tumors were just below the skin, so the removals were surface incisions)
I'm going to see Dr. Lisa tomorrow to talk things over and schedule the surgery. I'd rather chance the anaesthesia than cancer if it were me, so I'm making the same choice for Skye. I'm pretty worried about my girl though. I've already bawled all over a couple of friends (thanks y'all) and T and putting it on here too. Some people may decide I'm overreacting, getting this upset about a dog's health problems. I really couldn't care less. It's helped me calm down which keeps Skye from getting to wound up. And that's really all I care about.
Update: I stopped in to talk with Dr. Lisa today (Friday). Definitely getting Skye spayed. I'd already decided that and Doc said not only did she think it was the best thing but the pathologist who did the biopsy told her it was the smartest thing to do. There's a good chance spaying Skye will prevent any more tumors from forming/growing/spreading into other areas. BUT. Skye is over 11 years old and this is major surgery anyway. So Doc wants to do a whole set of blood tests and an EKG before we schedule the surgery. Once she gets all the results, we pick a day for the surgery. I have to talk to BL and new BL to make sure I can take a day off in about a week or so for the pre-op stuff. That's gonna be fun, since I'm not quite sure who I'll be working for next week. Doesn't really matter much, I'm taking the day off no matter what.
I used to work for Dr. Lisa so that has really helped the whole situation. She's straight up with me, doesn't try to soften things and quite willing to explain anything. She's fairly optimistic about the whole thing and I know her really well, so I trust her. Plus Skye likes her so that's one less thing to worry about.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
All I want for Christmas...
Is a new hobby for T. Pyromania is no longer an option.
About 10 days before Thanksgiving, T tore his rotator cuff. We found out today the surgery won't be until the end of January. Followed by 6 weeks of immobilization and then therapy. He's going to be home for 2 or 3 more months.
Saturday I came home from work to see the driveway on fire. T decided he didn't like grass growing in the driveway, but instead of cutting it, he thought it would be better to burn it. So he raked all of the leaves and pine straw in the yard into neat piles on either side of the driveway, doused them and lit up. When I pulled up, he was standing between two lines of flames, grinning. I asked how the hell I was supposed to park my car and he says "Just drive through it." At least he was enjoying himself.
T works on pipelines, so most of the year he is on the road. Out of the last 12 months, he's been home maybe 30 days. I love seeing him, but after 48 hours of not working he is bored and looking for something to do. Somehow that ends up being whatever is going to inconvenience or upset me the most. Usually, it involves dousing something and setting it on fire. The patio, a stump which smoldered for a month, old papers he didn't think I needed and now the driveway. You name it, he's probably torched it.
Last night, he complained that my books and papers were scattered all over the house and offered to help me organize them. I'm praying I don't go home to a bonfire tonight.
He really, really needs a new hobby. One that is not going to aggravate the shoulder injury, but doesn't require him to sit still and be quiet. Any suggestions are welcome.
Or contributions to my legal defense fund.
About 10 days before Thanksgiving, T tore his rotator cuff. We found out today the surgery won't be until the end of January. Followed by 6 weeks of immobilization and then therapy. He's going to be home for 2 or 3 more months.
Saturday I came home from work to see the driveway on fire. T decided he didn't like grass growing in the driveway, but instead of cutting it, he thought it would be better to burn it. So he raked all of the leaves and pine straw in the yard into neat piles on either side of the driveway, doused them and lit up. When I pulled up, he was standing between two lines of flames, grinning. I asked how the hell I was supposed to park my car and he says "Just drive through it." At least he was enjoying himself.
T works on pipelines, so most of the year he is on the road. Out of the last 12 months, he's been home maybe 30 days. I love seeing him, but after 48 hours of not working he is bored and looking for something to do. Somehow that ends up being whatever is going to inconvenience or upset me the most. Usually, it involves dousing something and setting it on fire. The patio, a stump which smoldered for a month, old papers he didn't think I needed and now the driveway. You name it, he's probably torched it.
Last night, he complained that my books and papers were scattered all over the house and offered to help me organize them. I'm praying I don't go home to a bonfire tonight.
He really, really needs a new hobby. One that is not going to aggravate the shoulder injury, but doesn't require him to sit still and be quiet. Any suggestions are welcome.
Or contributions to my legal defense fund.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
I'm whining
I am, to be honest, unbearable when I don't feel well. Depending on how rough I feel, my attitude ranges from whiny all the way to homicidal. So don't bother reading any further unless whiny doesn't bother you much. Because today, I was pitifully whiny.
Here's why:
See the area marked "Maxillary"? Normally, that would be open, as in sinus cavity. Unless, of course, you've had so many sinus infections that it is scarred almost completely shut. Like me. Allergies and sinus problems are pretty common on both sides of my family. What that means for me is year-round misery, punctuated by episodes of severe pain and lots of doctor visits. I usually end up with a severe respiratory infection at least twice a year. Guess what time of year it is?
I woke up about 2 a.m. today with my head pounding so hard I had to doze sitting up. Yes, I took something. As a matter of fact, I took lots of something. The only thing the medicine helped me do was sleep through all my alarms so I was late for work. At this point, the pain has subsided a bit. Now it just feels like someone punched me in the eye, beat the inside of my head with a baseball bat and finished up by scrubbing the area behind my cheek and eye with steel wool. Believe me, that is an improvement. So, I will be calling my doctor to make an appointment, even though she and I both know exactly what's wrong, and I know word-for-word what she will tell me. Just as long as she writes a prescription, I am willing to listen to the lecture.
For the moment, however, I am going to go spend another 40 minutes under a hot shower, steaming my head open. And then find something to distract me until it's time for more pills.
Here's why:
See the area marked "Maxillary"? Normally, that would be open, as in sinus cavity. Unless, of course, you've had so many sinus infections that it is scarred almost completely shut. Like me. Allergies and sinus problems are pretty common on both sides of my family. What that means for me is year-round misery, punctuated by episodes of severe pain and lots of doctor visits. I usually end up with a severe respiratory infection at least twice a year. Guess what time of year it is?
I woke up about 2 a.m. today with my head pounding so hard I had to doze sitting up. Yes, I took something. As a matter of fact, I took lots of something. The only thing the medicine helped me do was sleep through all my alarms so I was late for work. At this point, the pain has subsided a bit. Now it just feels like someone punched me in the eye, beat the inside of my head with a baseball bat and finished up by scrubbing the area behind my cheek and eye with steel wool. Believe me, that is an improvement. So, I will be calling my doctor to make an appointment, even though she and I both know exactly what's wrong, and I know word-for-word what she will tell me. Just as long as she writes a prescription, I am willing to listen to the lecture.
For the moment, however, I am going to go spend another 40 minutes under a hot shower, steaming my head open. And then find something to distract me until it's time for more pills.
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