Today's visit included an ultrasound and follow-up with the doctor. I was the first patient of the day and the attendant was feeling the effects of the time change too. The clock in the lab had not been changed and I was thanked for bringing it to her attention. After my lying on the table and pulling away my shirt and lowering my pants, I was happy to have 'warm' goop applied to my abdomen. I've had previous ultra sounds where I was shocked by that 'cold' feeling. Pleasantly surprised today.
While attendant did her thing, I was watching the monitor and I believe I saw the Lock Ness monster...or maybe not. I was deprived of caffeine and I was very zombie-like. But she was capturing many images and making notations on each. I was happy to hear that she said she would review the results at the conclusion.
After a spell, the continuous pressure began to bother me, but gladly she said we were finished. She wiped me up and asked that I sit up to review the pictures. I'm glad she explained things because it all looked like a mess to me. The good news is that the graft has not moved and there was no leakage. Blood was flowing normally too. [I guess despite the lack of coffee.]
From my online chart:
"Duplex ultrasonography of the patient's endovascular aneurysm repair was performed in our vascular laboratory today. They were unable to visualize the proximal fixation zone, however the aneurysm continued to measure 5.6 cm in diameter with no residual flow seen in the aneurysm sac and no obvious evidence of endoleak. These images were personally reviewed."
When I met with Dr. Schanzer he reiterated the fact that the graft was stable with no leakage. He did say that the aneurysm (sac size) has not grown and is not being supplied with blood (thus no leakage). I asked how long it would take for the sack to get smaller. He said, 'Everyone is different. Some have the sac retract over time, others have scar tissue that keeps the sac the same size. But your sac has not grown and there is no supply of blood. The repair was a success and the threat of 'burst' has been eliminated. However, it is something you will need to have monitored for the rest of your life. I'll have you scheduled for a follow-up in March, then each year after.'
I did have a question about one of the findings listed from my CT Scan. The report indicated that I had a Hiatus Hernia. He indicated that this is not within the expertise of a vascular surgeon, but if I had not symptoms: pain; heartburn; back pain; and/or vomiting, then I shouldn't be concerned. This basically what Dr. Rees said. I'll let sleeping dogs lie.
Continuing Side Effects
I'm still learning to deal with the long term effects of chemotherapy. Sometimes I'm unsure if it's that or my aging...or both. But I continue to soldier on despite this.- Neuropathy - Luckily I'm still able to walk daily. It doesn't appear that this condition has worsened, but I must be extremely careful of my footing and must ensure that I have protection for my feet. I had a blister develop on my big toe, but I never felt it. I was wearing 'the wrong kind of socks' that day and the weave caused too much friction. Just another thing to be mindful of. I can still stand on my toes and heals. [The Page family will understand this.] I'm still having that weird issue with my thumb and forefinger. I try the best I can to work around this. Sometimes, just changing to another guitar helps. Other times, I just need a break. Like I said - odd.
- Light-headed-ness - Between the hypertension meds and the Tamoxifen I have to be extremely careful standing up after sitting for an extended period. Although I've had a few close calls, I haven't 'blacked-out', but I have seen stars. Just another thing to be aware of.
- Raspy/Hoarse throat - Although I've stopped Atorvastatin because of this unwelcome side effect, Tamoxifen also has this listed as a possible side effect. There are certain notes in my range that I have to approach differently for the correct pitch to come out. This does keep me playing the piano and doing vocal exercises. So there's an up side.
- Charlie Horse - I guess it's the new normal. I have them just about every night. The good news is I can tell when it's beginning so I can move my legs into a position which prevents or lessens the spasm. I'm becoming an expert. I rarely have to jump out of bed and stand. I'm able to maneuver to a position while being horizontal. Still not fun.
- Hot Flashes - Ya, they are still here, but not as numerous.
More to come!
