Guess it's been awhile....

For those who stop by regularly, sorry I haven't posted more. I guess I am in a foul mood about this whole cancer crap. I am so over it! I am starting to feel better, although there are still problems, which I won't go into. Just mentally I am sooooo sick of it!!

We have pretty much been on the go since school let out also. That really hasn't helped, as I didn't get a chance to take it easy and recoup. It also took longer to bounce back even a little this time as I didn't have the Nuelasta shot. I love John and the girls, but I do think if I had to do all my treatments with them home, I would go nuts! There are people that literally lay in bed for 3 days after chemo. Now, luckily I never needed to do that, but a little down time would be nice.

Had my ultra sound with the cardiologist on the 15th. Apparently she didn't tell me the last time (maybe b/c I was freaking out over the whole muga thing), but my heart is too big ( we all knew that right? ;) but I guess this is actually a serious problem) and the mitral valve is leaking. I believe I have the right valve. This is probably caused by chemo. The leak is considered to be moderate to severe. We just watch it for now. Unless I start getting symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or swelling. It could reverse itself. I hope so. Enough surgeries for one lifetime (between those done and those in the near future), I esp don't want open heart surgery. Not sure that would be required anyway.

We took the girls to the zoo a couple of weeks ago. Holy Cow!! Tons of cicadas!!! The noise was unbelievable. I am so glad we don't have them here!! So is Jenna, she didn't like them at all! They don't like sand--so we don't have to worry about them. It was a hot day, but we had a nice time. The new sting ray exhibit is pretty neat!

One thing that almost seems to be getting worse since chemo has ended is chemo brain. Not surprising, but chemo seems to effect short term memory. It wasn't bad for me for quite awhile, but now... I will be trying to think of something, and I know I should know it and it just won't come. Not til later anyway. It is frustrating. This is something that drs are finally taking seriously and checking into. It isn't a permanent condition, but it can last awhile.

The hot flashes are still terrible. After surgery I can start taking the Vit E again, hopefully that will help. Plus, the ladies on the list have talked about a chillow. It is a pillow that stays cool. They all swear by it. Says it helps with the hot flashes at night, so they don't wake up as much. I found one (new) on ebay--so I should have it this week sometime. I hope it helps!!

I have been getting the house ready for surgery Wednesday. Making sure we are stocked on all the necessities. I will be cleaning house and doing laundry tomorrow and Tuesday. I spent yesterday and this morning making one dish dinners that John can heat up. My mom is going to bring something over, and my SIL Ann may bring something too. It is nice to not have to worry about that. I will be in the hospital overnight, so I should be home sometime Thursday. Going off of last time, I figure Thursday and Friday I will be down (tired, sore, etc), but I am thinking (hoping) I should start feeling better after that. I am guessing Monday, I will still need to take it easy, but will be moving around pretty good. The plan is to get out and walk a little each day, even if the first couple of days is just down the driveway and back. I am hoping I don't have the drains this time. In the winter they were easier to hide. Now, not so easy. Maybe I will find my fanny pack and see if I can put them in there. I will have lifting restrictions again for 6-8 weeks. And I won't be able to lift by arms above my shoulders for that long-at least. But I figured out ways to do things last time.

No hair growth yet either!! Damn!! That I really can't wait for. My hair always used to grow fast, so I'm hoping it still will!

On the 15th my mom and dad came over to help me move the roses that were going to end up being under our new deck. Well, at least I thought they were going to help. They actually did everything, they wouldn't let me do anything. Kind of awkward for me to watch them do what I should be doing, but I appreciate it!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Well, I actually have the house to myself for a little bit here (very rare occurrence in the summer!), so I am going to enjoy the silence!!