Had a fantastic time in St. Louis!
And though I had an appointment in Springfield (with my plastic surgeon) on Wednesday.... I gave the nurse a call on our way home. Telling her I still had redness, but it was no worse & no better & asking if they'd like to see me today, since we'd be coming right by. She said yes. So we stopped there and just as I'd expected, she wants to get the tissue expanders out and put the implants in. I'd prepared myself for this and think it's the right move too. Obviously something is causing irritation and hopefully this will take care of it. After some discussion with she and her nurse, they pulled up a calendar and asked if I would be available tomorrow afternoon.
Yeah, that's right. Tuesday, August 2nd. And I said yep!
Mark talked to his boss afterwards and is taking me down there at noon tomorrow. I would expect surgery to be sometime between 1 and 2:00. It is an outpatient procedure.
Will let you know how it went afterwards. Thanks for all good thoughts and prayers!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
quick update ~
Wednesday -
Infectious Disease was not in any hurry to get back to me (but hey - I figure if they're not worried, why should I be?) But finally got a call this morning and they said as long as I took all of my Zyvox (which I did) then that should have taken care of it; therefor he's not so sure it's an infection. He suggested I contact my plastic surgeon and see what she thinks in regards to the tissue expander.
In the meantime, I had realized I still had some prescription antibiotic (Clindamycin) left over, from before the Zyvox (that they switched me off of) so I asked the nurse about taking that. She said it sure wouldn't hurt anything - so I've gone back on that.
The plastic surgeons nurse asked some details about how it looked and took the "let's wait and see" attitude. Fine by me : ) She did say though, that if it rapidly deteriorates, to call them right away and they will remove the tissue expanders to put the implants in. We are thinking (hoping) that it is the tissue expander itself which is causing me problems. Tissue expanders are hard and have more of a "frame" or edge to them than implants do. The redness always occurs on that 'corner' where my skin was thin & where she feared it may end up poking through (which thankfully it never did).
So there's the update and plan. Though I'd thought I would wait until October for the surgery to switch them out, it now appears as if I'll do so sooner rather than later. That's fine too. As long as I can keep them I don't care : )
Will keep you posted as to any changes ~
Infectious Disease was not in any hurry to get back to me (but hey - I figure if they're not worried, why should I be?) But finally got a call this morning and they said as long as I took all of my Zyvox (which I did) then that should have taken care of it; therefor he's not so sure it's an infection. He suggested I contact my plastic surgeon and see what she thinks in regards to the tissue expander.
In the meantime, I had realized I still had some prescription antibiotic (Clindamycin) left over, from before the Zyvox (that they switched me off of) so I asked the nurse about taking that. She said it sure wouldn't hurt anything - so I've gone back on that.
The plastic surgeons nurse asked some details about how it looked and took the "let's wait and see" attitude. Fine by me : ) She did say though, that if it rapidly deteriorates, to call them right away and they will remove the tissue expanders to put the implants in. We are thinking (hoping) that it is the tissue expander itself which is causing me problems. Tissue expanders are hard and have more of a "frame" or edge to them than implants do. The redness always occurs on that 'corner' where my skin was thin & where she feared it may end up poking through (which thankfully it never did).
So there's the update and plan. Though I'd thought I would wait until October for the surgery to switch them out, it now appears as if I'll do so sooner rather than later. That's fine too. As long as I can keep them I don't care : )
Will keep you posted as to any changes ~
redness returns : (
My antibiotic ended last Wednesday. This Monday evening, I noticed redness where it had been (infected) before. Ugh! I called infectious disease yesterday morning, to see if they'd prescribe another antibiotic - or more of what I was on before.
I will NOT be admitted to the hospital at this time, as Mark and I have a four day weekend in St. Louis coming up - which includes a Cubs/Cards game on Sunday : )
A nurse returned my call yesterday afternoon, asking for more specifics and saying she'd check with the doctor & get back to me. I'm a bit upset that I've still not gotten that call back : (
Will keep ya posted ~
I will NOT be admitted to the hospital at this time, as Mark and I have a four day weekend in St. Louis coming up - which includes a Cubs/Cards game on Sunday : )
A nurse returned my call yesterday afternoon, asking for more specifics and saying she'd check with the doctor & get back to me. I'm a bit upset that I've still not gotten that call back : (
Will keep ya posted ~
Friday, July 22, 2011
is anyone still watching?
If you still check in here to see what's going on in my life.... leave me a message so I can feel the love : )
Just seems like every time I come back to update, I'm apologizing for it having been so long. I was never a blogger before this journey of mine - and it was obviously started to keep people up to date (in my own words) as to how things were going. I feel so fortunate and blessed that things have gone so well! And my lack of updates is simply that there is little to report (as far as my breast cancer journey goes) though I am out and about and living a FUN-filled life!
Most recently I enjoyed having Brittany here for a long weekend visit! She rode back to IL with her bff Mallory and her baby Kale; I picked Britt up at Sabrina's on Friday afternoon and our first stop was the house we lived in for twenty years. We'd talked of stopping by numerous times, as we'd seen them doing all sorts of work on it, so on the spur of the moment, we did. The couple who lives there were incredibly cordial and welcomed us in..... they've done some fantastic remodeling and it really is nice! Britt's eyes welled up as she stood in the doorway of her old room and looked at the changes. As we left, Britt said "that was the perfect way to start her visit!"
After dropping her bags off here at home and taking the dogs out, we headed to Leroy to spend the evening with Mark. Britt had not been to his house before, but loved it, saying it reminded her a lot of grandpa Bob's. It is an old two-story farm type home (though it's in town) with a lot of beautiful wood work - it's comfy! After checking out the house & extra large garage (aka Mark's man-cave which holds numerous collectables & interesting vehicles) we headed to Bloomington for Monical's pizza, and went bowling afterwards.
After a couple of games (which Mark won & Britt came in second - ugh!) we went into the bar area where karaoke was well under way. Though Brittany has a great voice, we could not convince her to join in : ) but it was great people-watching time! She and Mark did play a game or two of pool & I do believe she won those.
Saturday was tattoo day! I'd decided a long while back, that I wanted a pink ribbon tattoo & that's what I got on my right wrist. Believing wholeheartedly that I'd not have survived the whole ordeal without my faith.... I also got a cross on my left wrist. As the first picture indicates - they hurt a LOT (on the wrist) but I love them. I also added 'Sanibel' under the seashell on the back of my neck, have wanted to do that for a long time as well & got to do it in my own handwriting : )
Mark had an older tattoo lightened, and had his pink ribbon (that he got last year) made even more pink. He also added the text (one of my favorite quotes) 'Big C-Christ little c-cancer' above and below the ribbon. Brittany got the pink ribbon / Hope tattoo on her wrist (that she got a year ago) repaired (he did a beautiful job!) And she got a scripture and some flourishes on her foot - really pretty - but she said that one hurt a lot!
That evening Mark fixed rib eye's on the grill and we had his kids over for dinner with Britt. Numerous yummy side dishes, lots of laughs and good conversations around the dinner table.... then we decided to go play pool again : ) Well ok, I don't play but I like to watch - LOL. It was a great day, lots of fun!
On Sunday Britt and I hung around home awhile and then went to the Leroy pool to get some sun. She went for dinner at her dads that evening then headed home early Monday afternoon. It is fun sharing life with Brittany as a responsible / mature / young adult now! Much different than the roles we used to have - and much more enjoyable for both of us I believe!
Monday I had a follow-up appointment with Infectious Disease and they said everything looked good. My antibiotics were done on Wednesday (of this week) and he said I'd not need any more. I saw my plastic surgeons nurse after that, and we discussed the timing of my next surgery, which will be to switch out the tissue expanders for silicone implants. Though the ID doctor said it would be safe to do so in early August, I've decided to wait at least a couple of months. Being summer (and that I like to be out and about / riding the motorcycle, boating, swimming, sunning, etc.) and knowing I'll have drains afterwards.... I'm probably going to wait until October. Besides that, the plastic surgeon and I believe it would be best to let them "sit" awhile, to be sure all infection is long gone, before going in & messing with them / possibly stirring up trouble again.
So that's my update for this week. If anyone is interested in me doing so, I will try to keep up with this a little better than I have been. I appreciate any interest in my blog and my journey in general. I enjoy sharing my experiences with others - I always have - that's just who I am! Have yourself a great weekend..... I know I plan to : )
Just seems like every time I come back to update, I'm apologizing for it having been so long. I was never a blogger before this journey of mine - and it was obviously started to keep people up to date (in my own words) as to how things were going. I feel so fortunate and blessed that things have gone so well! And my lack of updates is simply that there is little to report (as far as my breast cancer journey goes) though I am out and about and living a FUN-filled life!
Most recently I enjoyed having Brittany here for a long weekend visit! She rode back to IL with her bff Mallory and her baby Kale; I picked Britt up at Sabrina's on Friday afternoon and our first stop was the house we lived in for twenty years. We'd talked of stopping by numerous times, as we'd seen them doing all sorts of work on it, so on the spur of the moment, we did. The couple who lives there were incredibly cordial and welcomed us in..... they've done some fantastic remodeling and it really is nice! Britt's eyes welled up as she stood in the doorway of her old room and looked at the changes. As we left, Britt said "that was the perfect way to start her visit!"
After dropping her bags off here at home and taking the dogs out, we headed to Leroy to spend the evening with Mark. Britt had not been to his house before, but loved it, saying it reminded her a lot of grandpa Bob's. It is an old two-story farm type home (though it's in town) with a lot of beautiful wood work - it's comfy! After checking out the house & extra large garage (aka Mark's man-cave which holds numerous collectables & interesting vehicles) we headed to Bloomington for Monical's pizza, and went bowling afterwards.
After a couple of games (which Mark won & Britt came in second - ugh!) we went into the bar area where karaoke was well under way. Though Brittany has a great voice, we could not convince her to join in : ) but it was great people-watching time! She and Mark did play a game or two of pool & I do believe she won those.
Saturday was tattoo day! I'd decided a long while back, that I wanted a pink ribbon tattoo & that's what I got on my right wrist. Believing wholeheartedly that I'd not have survived the whole ordeal without my faith.... I also got a cross on my left wrist. As the first picture indicates - they hurt a LOT (on the wrist) but I love them. I also added 'Sanibel' under the seashell on the back of my neck, have wanted to do that for a long time as well & got to do it in my own handwriting : )
Mark had an older tattoo lightened, and had his pink ribbon (that he got last year) made even more pink. He also added the text (one of my favorite quotes) 'Big C-Christ little c-cancer' above and below the ribbon. Brittany got the pink ribbon / Hope tattoo on her wrist (that she got a year ago) repaired (he did a beautiful job!) And she got a scripture and some flourishes on her foot - really pretty - but she said that one hurt a lot!
That evening Mark fixed rib eye's on the grill and we had his kids over for dinner with Britt. Numerous yummy side dishes, lots of laughs and good conversations around the dinner table.... then we decided to go play pool again : ) Well ok, I don't play but I like to watch - LOL. It was a great day, lots of fun!
On Sunday Britt and I hung around home awhile and then went to the Leroy pool to get some sun. She went for dinner at her dads that evening then headed home early Monday afternoon. It is fun sharing life with Brittany as a responsible / mature / young adult now! Much different than the roles we used to have - and much more enjoyable for both of us I believe!
Monday I had a follow-up appointment with Infectious Disease and they said everything looked good. My antibiotics were done on Wednesday (of this week) and he said I'd not need any more. I saw my plastic surgeons nurse after that, and we discussed the timing of my next surgery, which will be to switch out the tissue expanders for silicone implants. Though the ID doctor said it would be safe to do so in early August, I've decided to wait at least a couple of months. Being summer (and that I like to be out and about / riding the motorcycle, boating, swimming, sunning, etc.) and knowing I'll have drains afterwards.... I'm probably going to wait until October. Besides that, the plastic surgeon and I believe it would be best to let them "sit" awhile, to be sure all infection is long gone, before going in & messing with them / possibly stirring up trouble again.
So that's my update for this week. If anyone is interested in me doing so, I will try to keep up with this a little better than I have been. I appreciate any interest in my blog and my journey in general. I enjoy sharing my experiences with others - I always have - that's just who I am! Have yourself a great weekend..... I know I plan to : )
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
and - I'm home!
Yaaaay! It's about time! Whew ~ so glad to have been released this afternoon. And SO thankful to still have both tissue expanders!
Have a prescription for ten days of antibiotics. Will go see my plastic surgeon for follow up next week. In the meantime, I intend to have a fun, fantastic, 4th of July weekend with friends!
Thanks for the prayers and well wishes sent out for me ~ they are really & truly, greatly appreciated!
Have a prescription for ten days of antibiotics. Will go see my plastic surgeon for follow up next week. In the meantime, I intend to have a fun, fantastic, 4th of July weekend with friends!
Thanks for the prayers and well wishes sent out for me ~ they are really & truly, greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
still here....
Yep, still in the hospital, but still improving : )
They drained 30 cc's of fluid off this morning, but said it was clear and looked good.
Infectious disease doctor just came in to tell me the sample (neither Fridays, or todays) has grown anything worrisome.... just coagulase (a common) bacterial skin infection. As far as he's concerned I can go home tomorrow, on oral antibiotics. Now, let's just hope the plastic surgeon will be in agreement and I'll ditch this place!
It's not all that bad; just boring after this long! Miss my boy, my beau, and my dogs!
They drained 30 cc's of fluid off this morning, but said it was clear and looked good.
Infectious disease doctor just came in to tell me the sample (neither Fridays, or todays) has grown anything worrisome.... just coagulase (a common) bacterial skin infection. As far as he's concerned I can go home tomorrow, on oral antibiotics. Now, let's just hope the plastic surgeon will be in agreement and I'll ditch this place!
It's not all that bad; just boring after this long! Miss my boy, my beau, and my dogs!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
way, way behind in writing!
Sorry for the delay :(
Mostly good stuff's been going on & keeping me busy, although I did experience a minor setback yesterday. I've been having my "fills" (aka expansion) once a week.... Well day before yesterday, my plastic surgeon was really inspecting the redness that was left behind from having had the infection in May. She rubbed on it with her thumb but thought it looked ok. Unfortunately it got a brighter red and started spreading that afternoon & evening :(
I am assuming the infection was laying dormant and she just irritated it / stirred things up and it reacted angrily. So when I called them to report this yesterday morning, they asked me to come down to Springfield and go to the ER - not that this was an emergency, but most likely the quickest way to have me seen and admitted. So that's what I did, I got here around 2 p.m., was finally taken up to a room around 5 and started on IV antibiotics.
They outline the redness, to see if it dissipates or expands, and it seems to be getting a bit smaller in size. It is not as bright red as it had been either - which is good news! The doctor with infectious disease just came in and told me he's guessing another day or two on the IV, then they'll probably be able to send me home on oral antibiotics.
Whew!
My fear was, that they would need to remove the tissue expander, leave it out.... and let me heal for a few months without anything. That would be very discouraging. I've come this far, am nearly done, and don't want something like that to delay things. So hopes and prayers would be appreciated, that the infection responds well to the antibiotics & that the TE can stay put - thank you!
Mostly good stuff's been going on & keeping me busy, although I did experience a minor setback yesterday. I've been having my "fills" (aka expansion) once a week.... Well day before yesterday, my plastic surgeon was really inspecting the redness that was left behind from having had the infection in May. She rubbed on it with her thumb but thought it looked ok. Unfortunately it got a brighter red and started spreading that afternoon & evening :(
I am assuming the infection was laying dormant and she just irritated it / stirred things up and it reacted angrily. So when I called them to report this yesterday morning, they asked me to come down to Springfield and go to the ER - not that this was an emergency, but most likely the quickest way to have me seen and admitted. So that's what I did, I got here around 2 p.m., was finally taken up to a room around 5 and started on IV antibiotics.
They outline the redness, to see if it dissipates or expands, and it seems to be getting a bit smaller in size. It is not as bright red as it had been either - which is good news! The doctor with infectious disease just came in and told me he's guessing another day or two on the IV, then they'll probably be able to send me home on oral antibiotics.
Whew!
My fear was, that they would need to remove the tissue expander, leave it out.... and let me heal for a few months without anything. That would be very discouraging. I've come this far, am nearly done, and don't want something like that to delay things. So hopes and prayers would be appreciated, that the infection responds well to the antibiotics & that the TE can stay put - thank you!
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