What's Up Doc?!

I'm going to see my oncologist tomorrow. He's going to do a PET scan (which stands for Positron Emission Tomography, Pamela!!) and blood work.  I was going to explain exactly how the PET scan works. However, I decided against that and instead I copied and pasted "how the procedure works" from a website.  So keep on reading!

How the procedure works.....

Before the examination begins, a radioactive substance is produced in a machine called a cyclotron and attached, or tagged, to a natural body compound, most commonly glucose, but sometimes water or ammonia. Once this substance is administered to the patient, the radioactivity localizes in the appropriate areas of the body and is detected by the PET scanner.

Different colors or degrees of brightness on a PET image represent different levels of tissue or organ function. For example, because healthy tissue uses glucose for energy, it accumulates some of the tagged glucose, which will show up on the PET images. However, cancerous tissue, which uses more glucose than normal tissue, will accumulate more of the substance and appear brighter than normal tissue on the PET images.

Does that make sense??

I can't lie.  I am a little nervous.  I guess that's because I feel really good right now...and I don't want any bad news.  Of course, I'm usually glass half full.  I'm also realistic.

Time to tuck in.  I love y'all!!

 

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

 

 

The Latest News

On Saturday, I sat on the floor in a circle with a handful of little girls. All of which, were reciting to uphold the Girl Scout promise.  Each girl was enthusiastic and unique.  I couldn't help but sit there and wonder what the world holds for each of them.  I am eager for our next meeting.  I imagine I'll learn many lessons from these girls.  I can only hope that both Julie and I make some kind of difference in their lives too.

I saw the "new boy" again Saturday night. His name is Brian. He's a sucker for romantic flicks.  Ya got to love that.  He compliments me frequently.  I love that too. He has a dog named Chappy that seems to be fond of me also. So far so good. I can't complain.  :) He is leaving for Alabama tomorrow. So, I may see him again tonight.

My tummy has been great.  Except for last night.  I'm not exactly sure what the issue was. Mom thinks maybe it was Dad's corn soup.  Apparently, corn doesn't digest so easily and my tummy knew that!!!  I took my medicine as soon as I felt sick...and well the only down side to that is that it takes me an entire day to recover from the effects of it. Small price to pay so I'm not tossing my cookies all night!!

I'll be making an appointment with my oncologist this week. I need to have a blood draw and PET scan before he turns me over to another doctor. I'm not very excited about it....and really wish he would keep me as a patient. Yes, I'm pouting about it!

I may actually have a new "client" to see soon. (Y'all forgot I actually have a part time job, didn't you??) YEAH!! He lives in Seneca, which isn't too far from here.  Coincidentally, his daughter is breaking ground in Fair Play some time this week.  That's where Mom and Dad are building too.

The weather has been cold here...and we had our first ice storm.  It shut most of the schools down and many other places as well.  It made me laugh.  It was really nothing compared to what Maryland gets.  Of course, my new friend reminded that South Carolina isn't equipped for snow or ice storms the way Maryland is.  I understand that completely. It's still comical watching everyone panic about it!

I'm going to make some hot tea now.  I'm freezing!!!!!!!

I love y'all!

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

 

The Dating Scene

No laughing. I went out on a terrific, fun date Sunday night. Normally, I wouldn't sit and journal this to the "public".  However, I am because dating doesn't come so easy when you have a deck of cards like mine!  Now, I am saying all of this in good humor.  I don't want a pity party, seriously!!  But God knows something your blind date doesn't want to hear is...."well I have cancer". Initially, I struggled with how to tell guys I have cancer...at what point to tell them.  I decided the only fair way, is to share my "saga" up front.  That way, if the guy wants to take off running in the beginning...he can.  I must tell you though, so far so good.  He didn't lace up his Nike's.  He didn't look at me like I was crazy when I said I lived with my parents. He did ask me if there was a chance I could get really sick and die soon.  I told him there was a chance that could happen much sooner than later. Of course, as the words are coming out of mouth I'm thinking to myself...scratch a second date. His reply was great!!!  Telling me he could get hit in his truck at the blink of an eye and die tomorrow too.  Yes, yes exactly!  Fabulous response!  I can't ask for more than that!

I'm off to bed.  Notice the time.  It's early for me!!  I love y'all!!

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 explaining the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

People change.

Someday,

the light will shine like sun through my skin.

And just before my eyes close,

someone will ask...

In your life,

what have you done?

And though there are many moments

I will think of.

In the end,

I will be proudest to say

I was the other half of us.  ~

 

 

Pamela said that to me the other night when we were on the phone. "People change". (after a conversation I prompted.)  I keep repeating it in my head. Sure, I know that’s true. Unrealistically however,  I'd like some warning so I know it’s happening. Life isn’t quite that practical though or predicatable. Yes, I realize I'm being vague.  I am also well aware some of you may understand!!  :)

My weekend was fabulous.  Tonight (Sunday) especially. 

The weather has been perfect for breathing!! 

My tummy feels good!!

Thank God for another day.

I love y'all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiration from one of my favorites.

for a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin- real life. but there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. at last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. this perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. happiness is the way. so treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.  happiness is a journey not a destination.....   {souza}

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Random Thoughts ~

(I wrote this much earlier today and for some reason it never posted!!!!!!!)

It is chilly and the wind is blowing. I keep making hot tea hoping to feel warmer. Mom laughs at me. She says it used to be I always wanted a fan on because I was hot. Now I’m usually cold. "Must be the cancer" she says. Must be. Ha ha.

My mother started school today at Clemson. She is going to be a Master Gardener. For all of you that know her, you really aren't surprised by this. I asked her if she wanted me to pack her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. She declined. I asked her who was carrying her books to school. My father with a very serious look on his face says to me "that’s why I’m driving her there". Oh they were too cute. You'll be glad to know she not only survived her first day...she LOVED it!

My oncologist has decided to practice only surgical oncology now. He promised me he wouldn't just throw me to the lions. But "give" me to another doctor who could handle me just as well. I can’t say I am not disappointed. Back to the basics again.

My sister sent me an email yesterday that made me cry. It was only about six sentences long. Six incredibly meaningful loving sentences. It’s funny because immediately when I began typing back to her I had to gain my composure to stop my tears. When I spoke to her later in the evening, we laughed as we both said we would file the emails under "never read again". I miss her.

Starting next Saturday, I'll be helping with my friend Julie’s girl scout troop. I am extremely excited about it. I love children. As if you didn't know!! Julie has a daughter named Ashley. Ashley is a true miracle child. No doubt in my mind our paths were meant to cross!

I’m feeling amazingly blessed by my family and friends. I cannot tell each of you enough how much I appreciate you coming here to read and support and love me.

Please continue to say prayers for Nathan and his family too. They have some big decisions to make regarding his cancer. Besides that, Nathan would like to see some snow soon!

 

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

 

Simplest Pleasures ~

The rain has stopped. The sun is shinning. It is just a beautiful day!!  I've opened the windows and can feel the breeze coming through my room a few different ways.  It's delightful! I'm listening to music and singing and I can't help but smile.  My foot doesn't feel so bad. My stomach is happy.  Life is great.

 

PS ~ If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!