It’s been 52 days since my cystectomy surgery on December 6. It’s been 181 days since my first chemotherapy infusion and it’s been 217 days since I got the devastating news of the bladder malignancy.
But you know what?
It’s been ZERO days since the surgeon put me on a “followup” type schedule of regular cat scans and blood work over the next 5 years!! Yup, today he said I was all good (in 2 weeks) to water walk at the Aquatic Center and drive again. (And do any other activity as I felt like as long as I didn’t lift more than 12 lbs.) YIPPEE 🙌 👏 🙌
The latest news on the infection is also good. It’s gone! But then there’s the back issue: it’s not bad news but not as good as the others. I got a steroid shot in my lumbar and sacral area for severe contusions there last week. There was also evidence of a healed hairline fracture-could have been with this or not 🙄). Doc said it’s related to being 7 hrs on the robotic surgery table. So if you have a doc who wants to do that for you, be sure and take an air mattress or foam or something! (Just kidding). The injection has been great, but I’m continuing to have issues now across my shoulder and neck. I expect the Pain Management doc will be able to fix that too next week.
So that’s all the news from here in frigid Missouri/Kansas. Pictures this time are a terrific happy gift I received from dear neighbors (Vickie and Dave) and me walking outside. I’m going to try to ditch the walker soon, but I still need the seat as an emergency “crutch” if my back flares up while walking.
This will be the last update for a while, but maybe I’ll post a picture or two as I resume my activities. I’m actually thinking about sewing/quilting again! That should tell you how much better I am.
Love to all of you for sticking with me through all these days of angst, fear, blue days, and pain and learning new things. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me, sent me notes, cards, surprise gifts (Wendy in CA!), neighbors who sat with me, fed me, called me, FaceTimed me, played Scrabble with me, and made me laugh! I love you-all my angels!
Sharon
“Friends are angels who lift us up when our own wings have trouble remembering how to fly.” Rashida Rowe
