Health Update

12 years ago

I haven't been on here lately. I've been sleeping a lot and when I'm awake I have a hard time concentrating. Weird feeling.

The good news is I've finished all my treatments. I had 8 chemos and 64 radiation treatments. The radiation was in smaller doses twice a day. In six weeks I go back to both radiation and oncology and also see the ENT doctor again. So far everything looks really good. My last treatment was this morning at my usual 8:45. When I got there the machine was broken. All it takes is a power surge or outing and it's out of commission. So I got sent home. They called around 11 and I went right in. After my treatment when they sat me up from the table, I heard this loud music. It sounded familiar and I realized it was "Pomp and Circumstances". All the techs came in and there were hugs all around. They threw a graduation for me. I'm sort of/kind of going to miss those kind people. I got to keep my mask which is a rather hideous neon green image of my face and neck which they use instead of tattooing that area. That mask will always be a reminder to me. Doctor told me I should start feeling better in a week and see much improvement after two weeks. I sure hope that means eating solid food. I'm starving!

Harry is still in the hospital. They are letting him come home tomorrow. Good thing too, because heÃ¯Â¿Â½s getting cranky. They thought it was cellulitis (hi, Georgysmom) that was causing the swelling under his jaw, but now they arenÃ¯Â¿Â½t sure. They did 2 biopsies in that area. They did a complete CT scan from his brain to everything else below because something is wrong someplace. TheyÃ¯Â¿Â½re waiting for test results. I don't think the news is going to be good, but we'll take it as it comes--one day at a time.

I'm probably going to have my hands full for a few days but I'll be checking up on you all from time to time.

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Comments (54)

gadgets
12 years ago
I'm so glad to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time and energy to update us. I hope and pray you get nothing but good news from here on out, for both you and Harry.

Shirley
joyfulguy
12 years ago
Hope you're feeling better every day ... and soon able to eat what you choose.

Good wishes for Harry and hopes that the skills of the medical folks are at their highest pitch when they're carrying through the diagnosis ... and treatment.

Good thoughts and hopes going your way ... and prayers offered on your behalf.

ole joyful
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sweet_betsy No AL Z7
12 years ago
So good to see you here. Just wanted to wish you and Harry the best of everything.
Kathsgrdn
12 years ago
Glad you are done with the treatments. Hoping that nothing serious is going on with Harry. Sending big hugs and good thoughts and prayers your way.
stacey_mb
12 years ago
Thank you for the update, Patti. Congratulations on your "graduation" and may you soon be eating your favorite foods. And wishing the best for Harry and his health.
sheilajoyce_gw
12 years ago
How wonderful. Congratulations on your graduation. Now you can start planning some cooking projects for the foods you have missed. The miracles of modern medicine are awesome.
suzieque
12 years ago
So good to hear from you. Thanks for the update! You're doing great; I hope you feel better soon.
Terri_PacNW
12 years ago
Glad you graduated!
Hope they figure Harry's issue out quick!
satine_gw
12 years ago
Patti, so glad to see you posting again. I think you have handled your situation with such strength and you are an inspiration to anyone going through a difficult time. I send wishes for good results for Harry and continued progress for you.
Satine
nanny98
12 years ago
Glad things are going well. Keep rested and we will keep sending those good, healing thoughts to help you and Harry along the way. You have been missed! (((((Patti)))))((((((Harry)))))
pam_25f
12 years ago
Oh Patti-you are amazing. Let's anticipate what you will choose when you can eat solid foods again. Is there anyone to help you and Harry for a few days? Don't do anything unnecessary, save your strength.
lindaohnowga
12 years ago
So glad to see this update and learn that you are doing better each day. Prayers continue for you and for Harry too.
jeaninwa
12 years ago
Was very glad to see a post from you Patti. You are truly an amazing woman, full of strength and grace.

I will be going to chemo with my sister this next week. I fly out on Saturday, and her treatment is Thursday. I'm glad I'll be able to be there in person to hold her hand through at least one treatment.

Sending good thoughts for your dear husband as well.

You are an inspiration to many
User
12 years ago
((((((((Patti)))))))))))
Glad to hear your done and improving.
I hope things get better for both of you. I didn't know Harry was sick too.
lydia1959
12 years ago
Yay! Glad to hear you are through with the treatments! Now to get Harry home and feeling better too.
Georgysmom
12 years ago
Oh, Patti, I'm so glad I came on again today. I was sitting here thinking of you and wondering how you and Harry were doing. I was going to do a shout out but now I don't have to. Perhaps it was mental telepathy. I've been so worried. News for you sounds so great. A graduate amongst us! Now, I sure hope Harry starts feeling better. I was so lucky with the cellulitis thing. Thank God I have friends who knew about it and encouraged me to go to the doctor. I really didn't have the severe pain others experience, just swelling and itching. I was stung on Thursday and started medication on Friday. I'm glad that's not what Harry has but sure hope they get a diagnosis soon. Take care and thank you so much for the up date on you. It's such a relief to hear the treatments are over with and you'll be eating solids real soon and everything looks good. Phew!!! We miss you !!!!!!
kayjones
12 years ago
I'm sending hugs and prayers for you and Harry.
Jasdip
12 years ago
Oh Patti,
I want to just jump thru the screen and give you the biggest hug!!
You're such a darned trooper, so positive, and giving.
Make sure you get your rest, as you have to care for Harry as well. I hope what he has isn't too serious.

Huge hugs!!!!!
alisande
12 years ago
That's wonderful news, Patti. I love that the crew gave you a graduation. It'll be a relief to you when the brain fog lifts!

Hoping for a good outcome of Harry's tests.
socks
12 years ago
I'm so happy to hear your good news and sincerely wish you a return to good health after all you have been through. Take good care of yourself.
petaloid
12 years ago
Whew! That's great! All the best for your continued recovery, and my best to Harry too.
donna37
12 years ago
Wonderful news.
ont_gal
12 years ago
Oh what wonderful news Patti!

Super big hugs to you and major prayers for Harry!!

Continue feeling better :)
User
12 years ago
I'm glad it's over for you and hope you feel better each day. Also good thoughts and wishes to your hubby...
Granlan_TX
12 years ago
A good update and those kind of graduations are just the best!

Keeping those special thoughts going for you and Harry.
sandiefl
12 years ago
So glad to hear that you are through with your treatments. Prayers that things just get better and better for you. Keeping you and Harry in my prayers.
chisue
12 years ago
We've missed you and missed you! Glad 'the worst' is over. Now don't over-do and set yourself back. Hope to hear Harry's condition is treatable -- or better yet, nothing that needs treating.
sjerin
12 years ago
Congratulations on your graduation! Your health workers sound very sweet, but I'm really glad you don't get/have to see them anymore. We're all holding good thoughts and saying prayers for Harry.
matti5
12 years ago
Thank you for checking in with us Patti. Glad to hear you are done with the treatments. I'm praying for good news for Harry as well. Get some rest! Hugs to you!
Pieonear
12 years ago
Rest up and heal soon. Hugs
jannie
12 years ago
I think it's great that you are done,done done. Rest up, eat good and before you know it you'll be 100 percent.
patti43
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you all so much. I brought Harry home yesterday and he is very weak and confused. He has slept almost the whole time he's been home but was up and down a lot in the night. He broke the strap on his C-PAP at some point. A PT will be coming to show him exercises to do to help get his strength back. I think I'll join in as I'm pretty weak myself. Still no word back on his status, but I read his discharge papers and it doesn't look good. I ask for your best thoughts and prayers for my dear Harry. They surely worked quite well for me :-) For now, it's one day at a time (as I keep telling myself).
grandmamary_ga
12 years ago
Wishing you both the best. Glad to hear that your treatments are over. Now to get Harry well and on the road to recovery. Congratulations on your graduation.
Mary
jayokie
12 years ago
I don't get to read the boards very often so wasn't aware of your illness. I'm SO glad to read good news......the graduation was very thoughtful of the techs. Praying, too, your DH will have good news. Please don't rush when you begin to regain your strength --- take it slow so recovery will be just that!
gadgets
12 years ago
Patti: I'm glad you took the time to let us know what's happening now. You have my prayers for both you and Harry.

Shirley
Marilyn Sue
12 years ago
Prayers Patti for you both, keep up your spirits.

Sue
cheryl_ok
12 years ago
Good thoughts and prayers for Harry and for your full recovery Patti.
Great that you are both home!
marie_ndcal
12 years ago
Sending prayers to you and your family for healing and strength for complete healing.
Marie.
pam_25f
12 years ago
Hello Patti, thank you for letting us know about you and Harry. You are both in my prayers.
pammyfay
12 years ago
Patti -- maybe you can put the mask on to give your trick-or-treaters a little scare! (I'm sorry -- but today's Halloweens are so sterile nowadays -- they ring the bell, open their bags for candy and are outta there!)

Pls tell Harry that your friends here are hoping the docs figure out exactly what'll put him on the road to recovery. Give him a hug for us, too!
Georgysmom
12 years ago
((((Harry and Patti))) Sending prayers that the doctors figure out just what is wrong with Harry and how to treat him. Most importantly, you cannot take care of Harry if you don't take care of yourself. So please, please take care of yourself!
gazania_gw
12 years ago
Patti, hope by now that the feeling better that the doc promised you is well under way.

Wishing the same for Harry. Tough time for you both, I know. Hang in there and please take care of yourself.
clubm
12 years ago
Sending good thoughts. Keep your chin up!!
chisue
12 years ago
Might you ask for some in-home help? Do it now, before you are BOTH sorry. Resources at the hospital...or ask the PT.
sjerin
12 years ago
I'm so sorry life is rough right now, Patti, and will continue to pray for your Harry. Yes, please get some help if at all possible, before you exhaust yourself.
kittiemom
12 years ago
So glad to hear that you're done with your treatments & will hopefully be feeling much better soon. Hope Harry is soon better too.
susanjf_gw
12 years ago
I still have my chemo graduation certificate on the door...love what the techs and nursing staff do...

congrats!
FlamingO in AR
12 years ago
Yay, Patti!!! Congrats on your graduation and I really hope you start feeling a lot better soon, just not having to go in once or twice a day ought to be great for your rest and stamina! I hope Harry is feeling better soon, too, and that the 2 of you have a great upcoming fall and winter season! Thanks for the update and it's wonderful to see you!
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
Healthy healing thoughts headed your way, I hope both of you start to improve and continue on a healing path.
Take care of YOU!
angelaid
12 years ago
Thanks for bringing this back up. I missed it. So, so glad you are done with treatments. Keeping you and Harry in my prayers.

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