The summer is just zipping by. As of late we've been in a rather hot and humid spell with some respite from time to time, but no real (significant) rainfall. This is disconcerting and just makes everyone very leery of what type of Fall and Winter we will be having. In the interim, I'm enjoying the weather - when and wherever it's conducive for fun and relaxation.
I ventured back to my blogs published last year at this time and found that my last chemo was administered on August 11th. The subsequent entries chronicled the effects of this and much like other blog entries, time has softened the memories. I completely forgot about my hiccuping episodes. I still find the recuperative powers of the human body to be amazing. I'm still battling with some the long term effects of the chemo, but I'm hopeful these too will dissipate and become vague memories...someday
Last Friday, I had another post-op check-in with Dr. Song. My eyes and brain are getting used to my new lens. The floaters may still be there, but I'm not noticing them. I'm still having some residual halo effect in certain types of overhead lighting situations. Dr. Song said that it's possible that there is some condensation between the lens and the 'capsule'. [I recall reading that this sometimes occurs.] He wants to monitor this and if it worsens then he indicated that there's a 'quick' procedure with the laser to correct this.
As I have each time I'm at his office, I was given a complete eye examination. My left (non-procedure) eye is 20/20 and my right (with new lens) is 20/20 for distance but not as good for close up. I recall his saying that this would happen. But luckily for me, my left eye is still good enough for reading so there's no issue. However, as the cataract grows in my left eye, I will need reading glasses. Dr. Song mentioned that when the time comes for cataract surgery on the left eye, a new lens can be inserted, but it would be for close up. The brain takes these images and makes them work. Something he called 'mono vision'.
I was provided with a prescription for reading glasses, but he mentioned that I may want to try some over the counter 'cheaters' since the magnification was about 2%. I have an appointment with my regular ophthalmologist in September, so I'll see how that turns out. Dr. Song wants to see me next May.
More to come.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Mid-July check-in
No medical news to report. It's vacation mode where ever you look. Prior to these last few days, the weather has been gorgeous: Not too hot and not humid. Well in true New England form, we are now dealing with tropical humidity - but no rain. This is concerning.
I've been re-reading my blogs from last year at this time. Those memories are still fresh in my mind, but I'm so glad they are all behind me. Last summer, I was content (well forced) to remain inside while I did my four sessions of chemo. This summer, I'm making an effort to get out and enjoy - when situations arise or of my own making. It's mind boggling to think that it's already the middle of July and the virtual middle of summer. Time goes so fast.
Just a few updates on my condition and dealings with side effects;
More to come.
I've been re-reading my blogs from last year at this time. Those memories are still fresh in my mind, but I'm so glad they are all behind me. Last summer, I was content (well forced) to remain inside while I did my four sessions of chemo. This summer, I'm making an effort to get out and enjoy - when situations arise or of my own making. It's mind boggling to think that it's already the middle of July and the virtual middle of summer. Time goes so fast.
Just a few updates on my condition and dealings with side effects;
- Neuropathy - I'm still dealing with that weirdness in my finger and thumb. Sometimes it appears to dissipate, but comes back again. There's no pain, but there's a strange sensation when I play guitar. I've joined a card group (we play 45's on Mondays) and I noticed a real problem with shuffling and dealing the cards. I've been having so many mis-deals due to giving too many cards that it was suggested that I deal one card at a time. So far so good, but the shuffling is still a challenge. I still have neuropathy on the balls of my feet and it appears to be spreading to my big toe. This doesn't prevent my standing or ability to take my daily walks. But it does feel weird when my feet are under the sheets and I can't feel the material.
- Charlie Horse(s) - I'm still plagued with these horrendous muscle spasms despite my walking some 20-25 miles a week. I'm always trying to vary my sitting, standing and walking periods hoping this will help. Bananas seem to ripen too fast (or not fast enough), so I'm leaning more to dark green vegetables.Last week I had a spasm in my back and had to lie on the floor. Not sure if that was related. Like everything I'll have to monitor.
- Cataract - I'm finally adjusting to my new lens. As the doctor said, the brain is adjusting. So my vision seems to be fine. I am still seeing some anomalies when it gets dark, but my brains seems to be getting used to those too. I have noticed that my new lens (which is great for distance) is not that great for reading. Luckily, my left eye is still good, so I may wait until reading is more difficult before getting cheaters or real reading glasses.
- Chemo Brain - Still dealing with the occasional grasping of the right word or trying to recall certain information. For example, I came across a picture of some co-workers at a regional meeting. Picture was taken in 1994. I could name everyone, but I had trouble remembering the last names of two. Luckily one name came to me within a few hours, but the other alluded me for a few days. It wasn't until I was telling someone about this lapse when all of a sudden the name came to me. I know for most people, they may not even remember most of the names, not to mention the last names, but for me - it's a big deal. I'm fortunate that these are minor lapses and not important things like, finding my way home or various account passwords. Not THAT would be concerning.
More to come.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Summer Solstice Scoop
Happy Summer!
As my literary alliteration suggests, I had a 6 month follow-up with Dr. Pare, my vascular surgeon who has been monitoring my Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm (Triple A). I have to be honest, I was a bit nervous and anxious to hear the results of today's ultrasound.
It was very busy in the office, but I hardly waited 5 minutes before being called. I was instructed to follow the medical professional to an all too familiar room with the ultrasound 'thing'. I was told, "Dr. Pare will be right with you."
Shortly after, Dr. Pare arrived and greeted me with an handshake and an inquiry on 'how I was doing'. I had mentioned that since our last visit, I had had cataract surgery. He asked how that went, and I responded, "It went well." Apparently my multiple reconstruction surgeries seemed to be missing from my report, but as I lay down, he noticed my "Cesarean scars" and asked, "What happened here?" I then brought him up to speed.
Dr. Pare 'fired up' the ultrasound and began 'looking around'. Each time he stopped to spend more time in an area I was waiting for a verbal queue or tell-tale utterance that would indicate an unwanted report. It seemed to last an eternity. Finally, he said, "I have good news. No change. Let's take another look in December. Have a great summer."
Fantastic news!
As my literary alliteration suggests, I had a 6 month follow-up with Dr. Pare, my vascular surgeon who has been monitoring my Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm (Triple A). I have to be honest, I was a bit nervous and anxious to hear the results of today's ultrasound.
It was very busy in the office, but I hardly waited 5 minutes before being called. I was instructed to follow the medical professional to an all too familiar room with the ultrasound 'thing'. I was told, "Dr. Pare will be right with you."
Shortly after, Dr. Pare arrived and greeted me with an handshake and an inquiry on 'how I was doing'. I had mentioned that since our last visit, I had had cataract surgery. He asked how that went, and I responded, "It went well." Apparently my multiple reconstruction surgeries seemed to be missing from my report, but as I lay down, he noticed my "Cesarean scars" and asked, "What happened here?" I then brought him up to speed.
Dr. Pare 'fired up' the ultrasound and began 'looking around'. Each time he stopped to spend more time in an area I was waiting for a verbal queue or tell-tale utterance that would indicate an unwanted report. It seemed to last an eternity. Finally, he said, "I have good news. No change. Let's take another look in December. Have a great summer."
Fantastic news!
Friday, June 10, 2016
Follow-up with Dr. Song and other sundries
Still chilly in New England, but happily - no snow.
I had my Shingles shot last Friday and like most inoculations I get, I ended up getting the 'possible' side effects. Besides the soreness of the injection site, I was experiencing a general BLAH-si-ness and my energy level has been low. By Monday, I felt like I had the flu and slept almost 12 hours. After the needed rest, I began to feel a bit better, although my appetite has also been adversely affected.
Possibly from the extended sleeping cycle on Monday, I woke up [wide awake] at 2 AM on Wednesday morning. After some unsuccessful fighting to go back to sleep, I got up and watched TV until sunrise. By then I was up for the day. I've had disruptive sleep patterns all week. So I also assumed that this deprivation was also the cause of the sudden appearance of floaters and visual anomalies in my right eye (the eye on which I had surgery).
My eye drop regimen ended Thursday, so I was thinking that the 'withdrawal' might have something to do with it. I was more aware of my floaters and could see some 'light' in my temporal region - even with my eye closed. As the week progressed the 'light' was less pronounced, but the floaters persisted as well as some aching.
Arriving in Waltham today for my follow-up, I spilled my guts about my recent turn of events regarding my eye. [Sometimes I feel like I'm being overly sensitive, but I do want to go on record.] This reporting just triggered a barrage of testing. I was there almost two and a half hours. By the time I saw Dr. Song and his review of the test results, he then gave me additional tests. He did say that the lens position was 'good' and he did not see anything out of the ordinary. He did say I definitely had floaters.
I had asked if these go away. Dr Song said, "Floaters are a result of condensation in the aqueous 'jelly'. The floaters are fairly common and the brain learns to ignore them. However, if they worsen, it could cause a retinal tear." [Lovely]. He couldn't really explain the cracks of light I could see but said, " If you get a burst of bright light, you'll need to come in."For the interim, he wants me to monitor and return in two months. [Nothing is ever easy.]
On a different front, I'm sad to report that my (unexplained) neuropathy in my forefinger and thumb has returned. Gladly it doesn't interfere with ability to play guitar or keyboards, but it is difficult picking up small things, coins, loose coffee bean, etc. and buttoning certain types of buttons becomes almost impossible to do. I've learned to let my right hand do that before putting on that type of garment. You do what you have to do.
More to come!
[By the way - tomorrow marks my one year anniversary of Chemo One]
I had my Shingles shot last Friday and like most inoculations I get, I ended up getting the 'possible' side effects. Besides the soreness of the injection site, I was experiencing a general BLAH-si-ness and my energy level has been low. By Monday, I felt like I had the flu and slept almost 12 hours. After the needed rest, I began to feel a bit better, although my appetite has also been adversely affected.
Possibly from the extended sleeping cycle on Monday, I woke up [wide awake] at 2 AM on Wednesday morning. After some unsuccessful fighting to go back to sleep, I got up and watched TV until sunrise. By then I was up for the day. I've had disruptive sleep patterns all week. So I also assumed that this deprivation was also the cause of the sudden appearance of floaters and visual anomalies in my right eye (the eye on which I had surgery).
My eye drop regimen ended Thursday, so I was thinking that the 'withdrawal' might have something to do with it. I was more aware of my floaters and could see some 'light' in my temporal region - even with my eye closed. As the week progressed the 'light' was less pronounced, but the floaters persisted as well as some aching.
Arriving in Waltham today for my follow-up, I spilled my guts about my recent turn of events regarding my eye. [Sometimes I feel like I'm being overly sensitive, but I do want to go on record.] This reporting just triggered a barrage of testing. I was there almost two and a half hours. By the time I saw Dr. Song and his review of the test results, he then gave me additional tests. He did say that the lens position was 'good' and he did not see anything out of the ordinary. He did say I definitely had floaters.
I had asked if these go away. Dr Song said, "Floaters are a result of condensation in the aqueous 'jelly'. The floaters are fairly common and the brain learns to ignore them. However, if they worsen, it could cause a retinal tear." [Lovely]. He couldn't really explain the cracks of light I could see but said, " If you get a burst of bright light, you'll need to come in."For the interim, he wants me to monitor and return in two months. [Nothing is ever easy.]
On a different front, I'm sad to report that my (unexplained) neuropathy in my forefinger and thumb has returned. Gladly it doesn't interfere with ability to play guitar or keyboards, but it is difficult picking up small things, coins, loose coffee bean, etc. and buttoning certain types of buttons becomes almost impossible to do. I've learned to let my right hand do that before putting on that type of garment. You do what you have to do.
More to come!
[By the way - tomorrow marks my one year anniversary of Chemo One]
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
"June is bustin' out all over"
By golly it's June. And Mother Nature did not disappoint as she served up a splendiferous day to mark the first day of this month. As I flipped the calendar page I could see many doctor appointments scheduled. These check-ins and follow-ups also serve as vivid reminders of what I had undergone last year. Looking back, by this time last year I had already been under the knife three times and was about to begin my regimen of chemotherapy. Looking ahead, it's all behind me and I survived!
I've reached the clean-up and stabilization phase.
In the interim, I'm enjoying life, retirement and music. I'm happy to report that the lingering (non-explained) neuropathy in my forefinger and thumb has almost completely dissipated. I'm still feeling (not feeling) the neuropathy in the balls of both feet. But as I reported earlier, it does not impede my ability to walk or stand. I do experience chemo brain, still. It happens at the oddest times and it's very disconcerting to me. Luckily it's sporadic and for the most part just when trying to find the right word or remember some piece of information, like someone's name. But for the most part my memory is in tact. I suppose my feet of clay are showing (LOL).
More to come!
I've reached the clean-up and stabilization phase.
- Cataract surgery was successful and (hopefully) I just have one more follow-up with Dr. Song.
- Dr. Gruber administered a spray of liquid nitrogen to treat a pre-cancerous area of my ear lobe and I have a follow-up scheduled for this month.
- In a visit with Dr. Chatson today, he indicated that things were coming along nicely and wants to see me in December.
- Also visited Dr. Mehta who 'felt me up' for possible cancerous lumps and found none. I will also be seeing him in December. He filled my Tamoxifen prescription for another year and instructed me to perform self examinations for lumps.
- Towards the end of this month, I am also scheduled to see Dr. Pare to see the status of my Triple A (Aneurysm). It would be great to hear that there has been no change. But it is what it is.
In the interim, I'm enjoying life, retirement and music. I'm happy to report that the lingering (non-explained) neuropathy in my forefinger and thumb has almost completely dissipated. I'm still feeling (not feeling) the neuropathy in the balls of both feet. But as I reported earlier, it does not impede my ability to walk or stand. I do experience chemo brain, still. It happens at the oddest times and it's very disconcerting to me. Luckily it's sporadic and for the most part just when trying to find the right word or remember some piece of information, like someone's name. But for the most part my memory is in tact. I suppose my feet of clay are showing (LOL).
More to come!
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Follow-up with Dr. Song
I was happy to have had a later morning appointment for my second follow-up with Dr. Song at Mass Eye and Ear in Waltham. My drive was a piece of cake compared to my rush hour drive on Friday the 13th (of all days). However, traffic wasn't too heavy and was moving nicely. I made it in plenty of time to spare.
After checking in, I noticed many patients waiting. Figuring I had time to kill, I picked up a hard cover book of eye anomalies - very graphic. It had before and after pictures of everything from an eye sty to evisceration. I guess anything to show that 'you' don't have it so bad. Well it was my choice to look at it, but it really was kind of gross for a waiting room.
The technician, Steve called my name and I followed him into the first of three examination rooms. In the first he took some pictures of both eyes, gave me eye drops then waltzed me over to another room where more pictures/measurements were taken. Headed back to the first room, I was given a complete eye exam where I found that my new eye had 20/15 vision - wow. And even more surprising, my other eye had improved from 20/30 to 20/20. [The body has miraculous powers of recovery.] After being given drops for dilation, I was asked to return to the waiting room.
About 15 minutes later, I was called and was escorted to room number number two for more pictures and measurements. After completing this, I was once again told to return to the waiting room. By this time the crowd had thinned out. I had already been there more than an hour at this point. Shortly after, I was called to visit Dr. Song in room number three.
Dr. Song was reviewing my test results and updating my record. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked how I was doing and what was the status of my post-op side effects. Gladly, all had abated. He set up the mechanism that allowed him to see inside and around my eye. He was very pleased with the results. "Your eye is healing nicely", he said. "You can resume normal activities and discontinue the nightly eye guard." He added that I could discontinue one of the eye meds and reduce the prednisone. "I'll see you in three weeks", he said as he shook my hand.
I made sure to have a late morning appointment when I booked it with the receptionist.
Things were looking up - no pun intended. More to come.
After checking in, I noticed many patients waiting. Figuring I had time to kill, I picked up a hard cover book of eye anomalies - very graphic. It had before and after pictures of everything from an eye sty to evisceration. I guess anything to show that 'you' don't have it so bad. Well it was my choice to look at it, but it really was kind of gross for a waiting room.
The technician, Steve called my name and I followed him into the first of three examination rooms. In the first he took some pictures of both eyes, gave me eye drops then waltzed me over to another room where more pictures/measurements were taken. Headed back to the first room, I was given a complete eye exam where I found that my new eye had 20/15 vision - wow. And even more surprising, my other eye had improved from 20/30 to 20/20. [The body has miraculous powers of recovery.] After being given drops for dilation, I was asked to return to the waiting room.
About 15 minutes later, I was called and was escorted to room number number two for more pictures and measurements. After completing this, I was once again told to return to the waiting room. By this time the crowd had thinned out. I had already been there more than an hour at this point. Shortly after, I was called to visit Dr. Song in room number three.
Dr. Song was reviewing my test results and updating my record. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked how I was doing and what was the status of my post-op side effects. Gladly, all had abated. He set up the mechanism that allowed him to see inside and around my eye. He was very pleased with the results. "Your eye is healing nicely", he said. "You can resume normal activities and discontinue the nightly eye guard." He added that I could discontinue one of the eye meds and reduce the prednisone. "I'll see you in three weeks", he said as he shook my hand.
I made sure to have a late morning appointment when I booked it with the receptionist.
Things were looking up - no pun intended. More to come.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Cataract Surgery - Post-Op - Follow-up
For a 'side sleeper' as myself, being restricted from sleeping on one of my sides is not conducive to a good night's sleep. In addition, having an eye guard taped to my face made sleeping almost impossible.
At 4:30 AM the alarm went off. It was dark and I was disheartened when I tried to 'see' with my new lens. Nothing. My good eye now open, I could see, but nothing out of my other. As I got to more light, I could eventually see, but it was disconcerting to experience this first thing.
After instilling my regimen of eye drops, I had some badly needed coffee, but had to resort to reading an ePaper on my phone since my news carrier didn't arrive until sunrise. I was able to read using both eyes, but my new lens was still a bit blurry. However, even that was better than looking through (or trying to see through) my cataract.
My ride arrived around 6:30 and we trekked into Waltham. Being Friday the 13th, I was leery of route 128. Murphy's Law prevailed and a truck had careened off the road on the opposite side and all the rubber-necking caused Southbound traffic to stall for a good number of miles. [I don't miss the commute - AT ALL.]
We finally made it by 7:55 and was the first patient to arrive. A technician, Ellen called me into the examination room. She checked my vision and proclaimed that I had eagle vision - 20/20. Wow!!! I was able to whip through all the lines on the chart except the very last. [I believe she said that if I did see that, I would be 20/10.]
I had asked about my inability to see in the dark and a sporadic 'halo effect'. Ellen indicated that some of the meds used on me caused my pupil to be restricted, thus reducing the amount of light to the retina. [I did check later and found this to be true when I looked at both eyes.] As for the halo, she said that it goes away after time and as the eye heals.
I was discharged to the waiting room until Dr. Song called me in. He looked at my eye through his machine and seemed very pleased with the results. I asked him to confirm (or deny) that I had sutures. He chuckled and said, "No sutures." I told him that I couldn't tell what was going on, but my imagination was running rampant. After a very big smile, he said, "You did very well and your cooperation made it easier." [How could I not cooperate? I'll take the praise when I can.]
I have a follow-up next week, but he said that I still have restrictions for a week: I have to wear the eye guard at night; no sleeping on my right side (bummer); no lifting anything over 10 pounds; and no bending below my waist.
When I had asked about the halo effect, he indicated that it goes away as the lens becomes seated. He did say that in about 5% of the procedures, the lens moves and another surgery is necessary. [This was disconcerting especially since 3% of all breast cancers are in males. So I'm not a fan of those types of percentages.]
We decided to take a different route home and in true Friday the 13th form, traffic was terrible and it took more than an hour to get home. [Yup, don't miss the commute.]
More to come.
At 4:30 AM the alarm went off. It was dark and I was disheartened when I tried to 'see' with my new lens. Nothing. My good eye now open, I could see, but nothing out of my other. As I got to more light, I could eventually see, but it was disconcerting to experience this first thing.
After instilling my regimen of eye drops, I had some badly needed coffee, but had to resort to reading an ePaper on my phone since my news carrier didn't arrive until sunrise. I was able to read using both eyes, but my new lens was still a bit blurry. However, even that was better than looking through (or trying to see through) my cataract.
My ride arrived around 6:30 and we trekked into Waltham. Being Friday the 13th, I was leery of route 128. Murphy's Law prevailed and a truck had careened off the road on the opposite side and all the rubber-necking caused Southbound traffic to stall for a good number of miles. [I don't miss the commute - AT ALL.]
We finally made it by 7:55 and was the first patient to arrive. A technician, Ellen called me into the examination room. She checked my vision and proclaimed that I had eagle vision - 20/20. Wow!!! I was able to whip through all the lines on the chart except the very last. [I believe she said that if I did see that, I would be 20/10.]
I had asked about my inability to see in the dark and a sporadic 'halo effect'. Ellen indicated that some of the meds used on me caused my pupil to be restricted, thus reducing the amount of light to the retina. [I did check later and found this to be true when I looked at both eyes.] As for the halo, she said that it goes away after time and as the eye heals.
I was discharged to the waiting room until Dr. Song called me in. He looked at my eye through his machine and seemed very pleased with the results. I asked him to confirm (or deny) that I had sutures. He chuckled and said, "No sutures." I told him that I couldn't tell what was going on, but my imagination was running rampant. After a very big smile, he said, "You did very well and your cooperation made it easier." [How could I not cooperate? I'll take the praise when I can.]
I have a follow-up next week, but he said that I still have restrictions for a week: I have to wear the eye guard at night; no sleeping on my right side (bummer); no lifting anything over 10 pounds; and no bending below my waist.
When I had asked about the halo effect, he indicated that it goes away as the lens becomes seated. He did say that in about 5% of the procedures, the lens moves and another surgery is necessary. [This was disconcerting especially since 3% of all breast cancers are in males. So I'm not a fan of those types of percentages.]
We decided to take a different route home and in true Friday the 13th form, traffic was terrible and it took more than an hour to get home. [Yup, don't miss the commute.]
More to come.
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