Well, I just had my six-month check-up on Friday. Dr. Sardi gave me a clean bill of health and said not to worry (unless I want too) for the next six months. So I'm scheduled for the next check-up in September, when I'll have more blood work and another CT scan. Dr. Sardi and his staff say I'm doing well. I complained about my hands and the rib pain. I guess time is going to be the issue here. It will either get better or it won't. But in the big picture, a little hand pain and rib pain isn't a big deal--not when I think back to the early days of recovery... I've certainly come a long way.
On a VERY pleasant note, Mike and I walked down to Lexington Market after my check-up. He promised me we would back in November, and I wasn't disappointed. The Faidley crabcake was awesome. It was a pleasant day and it was nice to be out and about it B-more. I recommend the crabcake it if you've never had one, or haven't had one in a long time.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
So It's Been Three Weeks
Wow. Time flies when you are having fun. I can't believe I've been back to work for three weeks already. I'm happy to say that all is going well. The students have been great. My second and fourth mods had a cultural day on Friday and mods 1 and 5 will have culture day tomorrow. I think the experience was great. We learned about other cultures and got to eat some really good food!
As I said, things are going well. I was pretty tired the first week and would go to bed almost as soon as I got home. I've gotten stronger and I am surprised at how energetic I feel at school... almost normal.
I'm still trying to fit in exercise by walking on the treadmill or doing some short yoga sessions. Today we walked about three miles and yesterday we actually did some hills. I was huffing and puffing, but I made it. It is definitely good to push it.
I can't believe I still have rib pain... though it's not as bad and it comes and goes... but its still there. Doctors and other patients told me it would take a long time to clear up. My biggest complaint right now is my hands. They've actually gotten worse since I went back to work. Perhaps because I'm using them more? I sleep with braces on. That helps a bit. The hardest thing is writing and I still drop things. Since I don't have much strength in my hands it's hard to do a manicure/pedicure. So I thought I should treat myself. I stopped by a local nail shop this week and was pleasantly surprised that the hand massage helped my hands (especially the left). For about a day, my left hand felt normal. So this is a good excuse to go back for more! Which I will in a week or so. I'm also thinking of trying acupuncture... but I need to do some more research first.
We go to Baltimore on Friday for a check up, so I'll let you know how it goes.
Enjoy the warm weather. Wasn't today great?
As I said, things are going well. I was pretty tired the first week and would go to bed almost as soon as I got home. I've gotten stronger and I am surprised at how energetic I feel at school... almost normal.
I'm still trying to fit in exercise by walking on the treadmill or doing some short yoga sessions. Today we walked about three miles and yesterday we actually did some hills. I was huffing and puffing, but I made it. It is definitely good to push it.
I can't believe I still have rib pain... though it's not as bad and it comes and goes... but its still there. Doctors and other patients told me it would take a long time to clear up. My biggest complaint right now is my hands. They've actually gotten worse since I went back to work. Perhaps because I'm using them more? I sleep with braces on. That helps a bit. The hardest thing is writing and I still drop things. Since I don't have much strength in my hands it's hard to do a manicure/pedicure. So I thought I should treat myself. I stopped by a local nail shop this week and was pleasantly surprised that the hand massage helped my hands (especially the left). For about a day, my left hand felt normal. So this is a good excuse to go back for more! Which I will in a week or so. I'm also thinking of trying acupuncture... but I need to do some more research first.
We go to Baltimore on Friday for a check up, so I'll let you know how it goes.
Enjoy the warm weather. Wasn't today great?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
First Week Successful
Here's a quick report to let you know that I completed my first week back to work. It was only a four day week and I was/am very tired. But couldn't have asked for better students and everything went well.
More later.
More later.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Back to Work
On October 24, 2008, I said goodbye to my classes and co-workers and embarked on this journey--cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC),or as it is more fondly known mother-of-all-surgeries. A lot of the past few months is a blur. Fortunately, I have made good progress. On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, I will return to work full time. I think I'm ready, but I'm still nervous about it... will I have the stamina? I guess I won't know that until Tuesday. I am excited about seeing my students and co-workers again and will definitely do a posting to let every one know how it goes.
Also, some good news: I got my first tumor marker report since the surgery and the numbers are well with-in normal range. I'm still waiting to hear about the CT-scan. This is the nerve-racking part, as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer can attest. I think the important thing is to keep a positive outlook and live every day to the fullest. I certainly am not perfect and find myself slipping sometimes, but when I remind myself that many folks have it a lot worse than I do, it is easy to "pick myself up" and get back on track.
I am certainly going to miss my best-bud when I go back to work next week. Mike and I have been together almost non-stop since surgery and I think we'll both have withdrawal symptoms!
I must go. I have to fix a few more "good" dinners. These will be in short supply when the work schedule kicks in.
Also, some good news: I got my first tumor marker report since the surgery and the numbers are well with-in normal range. I'm still waiting to hear about the CT-scan. This is the nerve-racking part, as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer can attest. I think the important thing is to keep a positive outlook and live every day to the fullest. I certainly am not perfect and find myself slipping sometimes, but when I remind myself that many folks have it a lot worse than I do, it is easy to "pick myself up" and get back on track.
I am certainly going to miss my best-bud when I go back to work next week. Mike and I have been together almost non-stop since surgery and I think we'll both have withdrawal symptoms!
I must go. I have to fix a few more "good" dinners. These will be in short supply when the work schedule kicks in.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Missed a Week
I can't believe I missed a week of posting. That puts me at fourteen weeks. While I can't say that I feel normal, I do feel stronger. Good thing, because I'll be going back to work full time on 2/17. Yep, it is fast approaching. I'm happy and scared at the same time. To strengthen myself for the "long" school days which require a lot of time on your feet, I have started exercising and walking on the treadmill. Well, here's how far I've gotten on the treadmill so far: 2 laps, which equals about 1/2 mile. And I was huffing and puffing. Yes, I do have a long way to go. Yoga is better. Except for positions that require you to be flat on your stomach I am doing pretty well. Three months of inactivity have caused a lot of stiffness and soreness, Hopefully, the exercise will serve two purposes: stamina and flexibility.
I had my baseline CT scan and tumor markers taken on 1/22. I haven't heard the report yet, though I have called Dr. Sardi's office several times. No news is good news, but as you can imagine, you can really feel anxious while waiting for these results.
I will continue to update this blog periodically as events unfold, but I think a weekly post isn't necessary at this time. I think going back to work will keep me pretty busy too. If you want to contact me, I have previously posted my e-mail, but I'll put it up again: dilyloprathotmaildotcom
I am disappointed that no one tried my Winter Minestrone! I was hoping to have a future in food blogs! Well, you don't know what you are missing!
One last thing today, Carrie will be participating in a triathlon this summer. She told me that she would like to try to raise funds for PMP. I'll let her give more details, but I thought I would mention it because it is for an important cause. Not a lot of research funds go to PMP because it is so rare.
I had my baseline CT scan and tumor markers taken on 1/22. I haven't heard the report yet, though I have called Dr. Sardi's office several times. No news is good news, but as you can imagine, you can really feel anxious while waiting for these results.
I will continue to update this blog periodically as events unfold, but I think a weekly post isn't necessary at this time. I think going back to work will keep me pretty busy too. If you want to contact me, I have previously posted my e-mail, but I'll put it up again: dilyloprathotmaildotcom
I am disappointed that no one tried my Winter Minestrone! I was hoping to have a future in food blogs! Well, you don't know what you are missing!
One last thing today, Carrie will be participating in a triathlon this summer. She told me that she would like to try to raise funds for PMP. I'll let her give more details, but I thought I would mention it because it is for an important cause. Not a lot of research funds go to PMP because it is so rare.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Twelve Weeks
Greetings. I'm still progressing, but realizing that I'm not up-to-speed yet. Mike's knee surgery last week showed just how far I have to go to a complete recovery. I am happy to say that he is doing well and already resuming some of his activities. Mike isn't supposed to drive until he sees his doctor on Friday. Fortunately for me, he is already taking out the trash, emptying the litter boxes, and a lot of other things he's been doing all along. Those activities just about did me in last week. I thought I was doing pretty well when I started to cook again! I don't think I realized how much Mike did for me until I had to help him out for a few days. I asked him if I was that much of a pain! He just smiled.
Anyway, still seeing improvements. One of the neighbors told me that my color was finally coming back. That was a good sign to me. You know, you look at yourself and think, "I'm looking better." But when somebody confirms it, you know it's true.
As far as getting myself on a schedule last week I haven't been very successful. I know I only have a few weeks left before I go to work and I'm worried. I guess everything will fall in place.
I have been cooking quite a bit. I tried out my new oven by making some cookies. The convection part worked great on Snickerdoodles, but I found that using the traditional bake worked better for chocolate chips. I also have been making the most awesome soups. This weekend I made Winter Minestrone. It is packed with kale, one of my favorite veggies. I'm going to give you the recipe (modified a little) because it's so fantastic:
Anyway, still seeing improvements. One of the neighbors told me that my color was finally coming back. That was a good sign to me. You know, you look at yourself and think, "I'm looking better." But when somebody confirms it, you know it's true.
As far as getting myself on a schedule last week I haven't been very successful. I know I only have a few weeks left before I go to work and I'm worried. I guess everything will fall in place.
I have been cooking quite a bit. I tried out my new oven by making some cookies. The convection part worked great on Snickerdoodles, but I found that using the traditional bake worked better for chocolate chips. I also have been making the most awesome soups. This weekend I made Winter Minestrone. It is packed with kale, one of my favorite veggies. I'm going to give you the recipe (modified a little) because it's so fantastic:
Winter Minestrone
(Taken from Celebrating America's Relish Insert Jan. 2009)
(Taken from Celebrating America's Relish Insert Jan. 2009)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 red or white onion, chopped (I used red)
1 celery stalk, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
4 ounces finely chopped deli ham (I omitted)
3 cups water
3 cups low sodium chicken broth (I used veggie broth)
1 cup wheat berries, rinsed (I used barley)
1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional) (I didn't have, but I was going to grate cheese later)
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with basil (I just added a little basil to plain tomatoes)
1 lb. kale, chopped and large stems removed
Toasted pita breads
Heat oil in large Dutch oven. Add onions, celery, carrots, and ham. Saute 10 minutes. Add water, broth, wheat berries, cheese rind, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 30 minutes or until wheat berries (or barley) are tender. Stir in tomatoes and kale; cook until thoroughly heated. the longer the soup sits with the cheese rind, the stronger it gets. Serve with toasted pita bread.
Recipe says it makes 16 cups.
Per 2 cup serving: 260 calories, 3g fat, 10 mg chol (with the ham); 12 g prot. 47g carbs, 6f fiber, 880 mg sodium
That's the recipe, as is, from the flier. I didn't add cheese (I forgot), or ham. The flavor was so intense the ham and cheese were not missed. The pita bread was great to dip, but any bread would work. I also had to add more broth after it sat over night.
That's my cooking tip for the week. I hope some one tries it and tells me they love it as much as I do.
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 red or white onion, chopped (I used red)
1 celery stalk, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
4 ounces finely chopped deli ham (I omitted)
3 cups water
3 cups low sodium chicken broth (I used veggie broth)
1 cup wheat berries, rinsed (I used barley)
1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional) (I didn't have, but I was going to grate cheese later)
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with basil (I just added a little basil to plain tomatoes)
1 lb. kale, chopped and large stems removed
Toasted pita breads
Heat oil in large Dutch oven. Add onions, celery, carrots, and ham. Saute 10 minutes. Add water, broth, wheat berries, cheese rind, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 30 minutes or until wheat berries (or barley) are tender. Stir in tomatoes and kale; cook until thoroughly heated. the longer the soup sits with the cheese rind, the stronger it gets. Serve with toasted pita bread.
Recipe says it makes 16 cups.
Per 2 cup serving: 260 calories, 3g fat, 10 mg chol (with the ham); 12 g prot. 47g carbs, 6f fiber, 880 mg sodium
That's the recipe, as is, from the flier. I didn't add cheese (I forgot), or ham. The flavor was so intense the ham and cheese were not missed. The pita bread was great to dip, but any bread would work. I also had to add more broth after it sat over night.
That's my cooking tip for the week. I hope some one tries it and tells me they love it as much as I do.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Week Eleven
The report this week is good. I'm still improving and feeling a little stronger every day. On Friday, 1/9, I had a procedure performed at Mercy to remove the IVC filter that was installed to prevent blood clots from reaching my lungs after surgery. This is a persistent problem that Dr. Sardi has addressed by requiring his patients to have the IVC filter placed prior to surgery. He says it has prevented a lot of problems after surgery. IVC stands for inferior vena cava. It's the vein that brings the blood supply from your legs to your heart. Here is a website to help explain: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/dc/tp/ivcftr.jsp
The removal went smoothly. Removing the IVC filter takes longer than putting it in. Something like 30 minutes to put it in and 40 to 50 minutes to take it out. Then you have to lie still for an hour to make sure the vein doesn't bleed. My filter looked similar to the one on this link: http://members.tripod.com/Daryl_D/08079906.html
I'm not a person who likes to dwell on things medical. I do feel better though, if I understand the procedure I'm having. I don't like to be surprised by what is going to happen to me. I think it makes for better recovery if you aren't thrown for a loop. That's one reason I include these little links.
I'm beginning to prepare for returning to work in February. At this point I am looking at part-time for a short period. It is a little scary to contemplate. I know I need to put myself back on a schedule. And even though I know I need rest, I feel guilty for just getting up whenever I feel like it. That's not good prep for work!
So here's my goal for this week: Get myself on a schedule. I also get to repay Mike for taking care of me, as he has his knee surgery Thursday. It is supposed to be out-patient and he should back in business with-in days. I'll let you know.
Try to stay warm... the weather forecast for the weekend is COLD.
The removal went smoothly. Removing the IVC filter takes longer than putting it in. Something like 30 minutes to put it in and 40 to 50 minutes to take it out. Then you have to lie still for an hour to make sure the vein doesn't bleed. My filter looked similar to the one on this link: http://members.tripod.com/Daryl_D/08079906.html
I'm not a person who likes to dwell on things medical. I do feel better though, if I understand the procedure I'm having. I don't like to be surprised by what is going to happen to me. I think it makes for better recovery if you aren't thrown for a loop. That's one reason I include these little links.
I'm beginning to prepare for returning to work in February. At this point I am looking at part-time for a short period. It is a little scary to contemplate. I know I need to put myself back on a schedule. And even though I know I need rest, I feel guilty for just getting up whenever I feel like it. That's not good prep for work!
So here's my goal for this week: Get myself on a schedule. I also get to repay Mike for taking care of me, as he has his knee surgery Thursday. It is supposed to be out-patient and he should back in business with-in days. I'll let you know.
Try to stay warm... the weather forecast for the weekend is COLD.
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