Sorry for the late update but things have been hectic and I've been out of town. I had a CT scan on April 9 showing STABLE. It's funny where before I would have been frustrated with the word stable in regards to anything else; it actually has become a favorite word in my world. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to hear improved, but stable will work.
Same old BS when going for the CT scan. You would think that after three years and many, many scans that they would get things right especially at a world class hospital. But no I still had to argue with the tech who insisted that my orders state I needed to take the oral contrast. It wouldn't be so bad but I have made a habit of checking the day before to make sure the orders are correct only to walk in at 6:45AM and be told the opposite. I have to give the tech credit though in this case, after telling him to scan down the order and look at the notes he did come back to me with a printed copy to show me that indeed it said NO ORAL CONTRAST, Seems the Radiologist can't read. But lets focus on the results - STABLE. That's what gets me through.
Wednesday was a doctor appointment and chemo. After a while you can tell when something is going on and as usual my radar was working. First saw the Fellow who asked a bunch of questions (why isn't all this in the computer so they stop asking the same questions every three weeks??? It's not like it's been a year since I was last seen). I got a lecture on my non-healthy eating habits. You would think she would understand that after working 9+ hours a day I just don't feel like cooking when I get home. Then the nurse came in and I could usually read her like a book. I knew something was brewing. Sure enough my doctor came in and said she couldn't give me any more chemo until I saw a Pulmonary Specialist because my lungs showed having opacities (cloudiness). I almost hit the roof thinking that I have been sitting and waiting all this time only to be told I wouldn't have a treatment. Luckily she clarified and said I could have the treatment that day but no more until she (covered her butt) talked to a Lung Specialist. So of course the next open appointment with a spcialist is May 8 at 8:00AM (three weeks later). Problem is that I have chemo that day at 2:30 and there was no way I'm going to be at the hospital at 8AM and wait around until 2:30 for chemo. I usually don't get out of chemo until 6PM so that's 10 hours of sitting around. Supposedly they are trying to get the appointment for an earlier date but I have half a mind to start calling on my own to see if anything is available. They have over 15 Pulmonary Specialist. You would think one would be available! You could see my frustration! I really believe part of the problem is that most of my doctors patients are on disability and have all the free time in the world. They forget that those who work really need to be at work and not sitting at a hospital wasting time! Well, hopefully we can get this resolved in the next few days.
Through all of this I still have managed to keep my blood pressure in check:
Otherwise I feel great except for a slight head cold and cough. I just can't wait for the warmer weather so I'm not so cold all the time.
I'll try to update you all in a more timely manner. Until then keep a smile and your face and a positive attitude!
Wearing my waterproof dancin' shoes!
Keep on Dancin"
