Thursday, June 14, 2012
4th PET Scan & recommendations
Thursday, June 7, 2012, I had a 4th PET Scan. Dr. Richard Brenner, the surgeon who removed my gall bladder and biliary tube & bag, and Dr. Nassar Khan, my oncologist, each recommended this following seeing the photographs taken during the surgery. Monday, June 11, 2012, I went to Dr. Khan to get the results of the PET. He verbally reported to me that I was experiencing activity in my lungs and liver. He recommended I have an appointment with a radiologist, Dr. Alan Drooz. It is now set for Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Both Dr. Brenner and Dr. Khan had expressed that they did not see an immenent problem. Not being one to sit around and wonder what problems I am experiencing, I made the suggested appointment. THEN, I read the printout of the PET Scan which the receptionist handed me as I left the office. It plainly states in 2 places "the lungs are clear." I have spent the past 2 days questioning people as to what kind of problem this indicates. I understand the radiologist will check this next Wednesday but I am puzzled NOW.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Gall Bladder & Biliary tube & bag RESOLVED
Tuesday May 22, 2012, after waiting 25 months my gall bladder & biliary tube & bag were removed. It is a great relief! Now I don't have to cover the biliary with a plastic zip lock bag & use an elastic band to hold it in place. The first shower I took after the installation was aided by a male nurse. He used Saran Wrap to wrap my abdomen / back area with multiple layers of tangled wrap. It didn't keep anything dry! Then being afraid of scalding me, he used only COLD water. I quickly announced I'd had enough and just reach me some towels & take me back to my room. I resorted to sponge baths the rest of the time in that facility!! When I got home, I designed the bag ensemble. It worked considerably better. I must admit I took lots of sponge baths as well. I have cleansing cloths for my private areas so sponge bathing works well. Whenever I'd be hospitalized I'd request a zip lock bag and the aides were amazed how well they worked.
The gall bladder removal and biliary tube 7 bag went smoothly. The doctor was able to do it labaroscopically in less than an hour! When the surgeon talked to Hampton he said I was remarkable and that I'd go home shortly. All along he'd recommended that I plan to spend a night due to my various ailments. When he talked to me, he said you'll be going home soon. I asked if I didn't need care and he said "No." Fortunately I do not have pain. I took pain medicine on schedule so as to not let pain get ahead of me. I've learned that is the very best way to resolve pain issues.
Three weeks Hampton & I spent a week in the Shenandoah Valley. It was very relaxing. We enjoyed a nice visit with Wes & Bettie Trindal. After a wonderful lunch at Sal's in Edinburg we watched the movie "The Conspirators" at Trindal's home. It is the movie made about the trial of Mary Surratt. She's the only woman hung in the USA. Bettie Trindal has written a biography of Mary Surratt. She gave an author presentation at Chantilly Regional Library back when I was president of Friends of the library.
We came home for six days then travelled to Virginia Beach. There we visited & enjoyed dinner with school friends of Hampton's who live there. Technically one could say Hampton & Sue went through school together--1st through college! He took a break in college so she graduated ahead of him. We also spent time with friends from Charlotte Hall, Md. They're at Virginia Beach the same week as we're there, yearly. They're having A G E problems as well. We could see improvement since last year. We celebrated his birthday with cake one afternoon while there!
My various physicians have recommended we travel whenever we can. They encouraged us to take these trips before settling in to have repair work completed. It does help one have a better attitude if you've had relaxation prior to working on your list of health issues. Someday I plan to go back to the urologist to address a bladder problem which I had in Oct, 2009. I had testing done to make sure it could be done. Pills were recommended but they do not help my problem so SOMEDAY I hope to have bladder repair work done.
I truly appreciate the prayers offered aroung the world in my behalf! I've been studying Priscilla Shirer's Bible Study on Knowing and Doing the will of God. I also recommend "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns from World Vision.
May God Bless each of us as we continue our Christian lives!!! My recovery will take a while longer!
Prayerfully,
Barbara
The gall bladder removal and biliary tube 7 bag went smoothly. The doctor was able to do it labaroscopically in less than an hour! When the surgeon talked to Hampton he said I was remarkable and that I'd go home shortly. All along he'd recommended that I plan to spend a night due to my various ailments. When he talked to me, he said you'll be going home soon. I asked if I didn't need care and he said "No." Fortunately I do not have pain. I took pain medicine on schedule so as to not let pain get ahead of me. I've learned that is the very best way to resolve pain issues.
Three weeks Hampton & I spent a week in the Shenandoah Valley. It was very relaxing. We enjoyed a nice visit with Wes & Bettie Trindal. After a wonderful lunch at Sal's in Edinburg we watched the movie "The Conspirators" at Trindal's home. It is the movie made about the trial of Mary Surratt. She's the only woman hung in the USA. Bettie Trindal has written a biography of Mary Surratt. She gave an author presentation at Chantilly Regional Library back when I was president of Friends of the library.
We came home for six days then travelled to Virginia Beach. There we visited & enjoyed dinner with school friends of Hampton's who live there. Technically one could say Hampton & Sue went through school together--1st through college! He took a break in college so she graduated ahead of him. We also spent time with friends from Charlotte Hall, Md. They're at Virginia Beach the same week as we're there, yearly. They're having A G E problems as well. We could see improvement since last year. We celebrated his birthday with cake one afternoon while there!
My various physicians have recommended we travel whenever we can. They encouraged us to take these trips before settling in to have repair work completed. It does help one have a better attitude if you've had relaxation prior to working on your list of health issues. Someday I plan to go back to the urologist to address a bladder problem which I had in Oct, 2009. I had testing done to make sure it could be done. Pills were recommended but they do not help my problem so SOMEDAY I hope to have bladder repair work done.
I truly appreciate the prayers offered aroung the world in my behalf! I've been studying Priscilla Shirer's Bible Study on Knowing and Doing the will of God. I also recommend "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns from World Vision.
May God Bless each of us as we continue our Christian lives!!! My recovery will take a while longer!
Prayerfully,
Barbara
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
"You're an amazing woman," Dr. Brent Ain
Tuesday, May 8, 2012, I went to see my orthopedist. (Dr. Brent Ain) The first thing he told me was "You're an amazing woman." I am doing well with my "new knee." I still wear a brace & use a walker. This prevents my knee from buckling causing me to fall. I am to return to him in August. I told him that I talked to a woman who recently had her 4th knee replacement. Actually after the second they're referred to as revisions. I said she had a hinged knee. He said, "you have a hinged knee so next time you talk about your knee, know what you're talking about." He then said "don't you think I'd use the best thing available for you?" I've been going to him for 12 years so we're very comfortable with our relationship!
After that appointment, I went for my pre-op for my gall bladder surgery and removal of my biliary tube & bag. I had blood work and an ekg. I'll hear from this on Thursday. My surgery is scheduled for May 22.
Hampton & I have a short trip before the surgery. Medical personnel insist you travel & do things of INTEREST whenever you can. This is for mental health which they work on beyond your physical health.
We had enough Baptists at Fair Oaks Hospital to have a Baptist Meeting. The Andy Goulds & the Bob McClures were both sighted during our time there! Hope they got good reports also!
Last week we enjoyed time in the Shenandoah Valley. We visited with the Trindals. Mary Elizabeth Trindal (Bettie) wrote a non-fiction book on Mary Surratt. She was the only woman ever hung in the USA. Bettie was one of the many interesting authors I had visit Chantilly Regional Library during my tenure in Friends of the Library. She's in her 80's & still as sharp as ever. We watched the movie "The Conspirator" which is based on Mary Surratt's trial.
I'm still working on my PHD (Projects Half Done). In particular I want some of my rolled paper bead necklaces & bracelets to sell for some Mission Projects.
FYI I got my hair cut SHORT after letting it G R O W when I didn't loose it during my chemo treatments.
My latest PET Scan shows NO CANCER IN MY BODY. Thanks be to God!!!
After that appointment, I went for my pre-op for my gall bladder surgery and removal of my biliary tube & bag. I had blood work and an ekg. I'll hear from this on Thursday. My surgery is scheduled for May 22.
Hampton & I have a short trip before the surgery. Medical personnel insist you travel & do things of INTEREST whenever you can. This is for mental health which they work on beyond your physical health.
We had enough Baptists at Fair Oaks Hospital to have a Baptist Meeting. The Andy Goulds & the Bob McClures were both sighted during our time there! Hope they got good reports also!
Last week we enjoyed time in the Shenandoah Valley. We visited with the Trindals. Mary Elizabeth Trindal (Bettie) wrote a non-fiction book on Mary Surratt. She was the only woman ever hung in the USA. Bettie was one of the many interesting authors I had visit Chantilly Regional Library during my tenure in Friends of the Library. She's in her 80's & still as sharp as ever. We watched the movie "The Conspirator" which is based on Mary Surratt's trial.
I'm still working on my PHD (Projects Half Done). In particular I want some of my rolled paper bead necklaces & bracelets to sell for some Mission Projects.
FYI I got my hair cut SHORT after letting it G R O W when I didn't loose it during my chemo treatments.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Blogging is FUN
Amazing title for someone has slowed down in her blogging! do have good intentions--just don't follow through very quickly!
I am taking care of myself by wearing my brace on my right leg to keep it from buckling, causing my falls. I go back to the orthopedist May 5 to have it checked. I learned about a different kind of replacement at an anniversary party Saturday. It is especially for ligament problems. I'm not ready to have my knee reopened any time soon.
First I'm planning to have my gallbladder removed May 22. This will also lead to removal of my biliary tube & bag. Hopefully it can be laproscopic but that is questionable. Then following recovery from those items I'll move on to bladder repair, which began in 2009 (before cancer intervened).
As you can read, I have a lengthy repair list. I can thankfully say my appetite is great so my gallbladder isn't causing pain, just inconvenience. I don't have PAIN currently anywhere in my body. That's a great feeling. Inconvenience seems like I'm impatient but 2 yrs is a long endurance test. April 28 is my second anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. According to my latest PET scan, I remain CANCER FREE. God has granted me a miracle.
Hampton & I are taking a couple Virginia trips before my upcoming repair work. Figured we'd better do them before I go back into recovering from various things!!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Isaiah 4:6
Prayerfully,
Barbara
I am taking care of myself by wearing my brace on my right leg to keep it from buckling, causing my falls. I go back to the orthopedist May 5 to have it checked. I learned about a different kind of replacement at an anniversary party Saturday. It is especially for ligament problems. I'm not ready to have my knee reopened any time soon.
First I'm planning to have my gallbladder removed May 22. This will also lead to removal of my biliary tube & bag. Hopefully it can be laproscopic but that is questionable. Then following recovery from those items I'll move on to bladder repair, which began in 2009 (before cancer intervened).
As you can read, I have a lengthy repair list. I can thankfully say my appetite is great so my gallbladder isn't causing pain, just inconvenience. I don't have PAIN currently anywhere in my body. That's a great feeling. Inconvenience seems like I'm impatient but 2 yrs is a long endurance test. April 28 is my second anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. According to my latest PET scan, I remain CANCER FREE. God has granted me a miracle.
Hampton & I are taking a couple Virginia trips before my upcoming repair work. Figured we'd better do them before I go back into recovering from various things!!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Isaiah 4:6
Prayerfully,
Barbara
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter Post
I've been unable to get onto my blog to POST. Sorry!
Three weeks ago I sat down due to falling in my upstairs carpeted hallway. Since it was the second such event in 3 days I phoned my orthopedist on Monday and he said come first thing Tuesday morning as he was in surgery Monday. After Xrays he determined the ligaments in my right (new) knee were ruptured. This is due to my horrible staph infection. I'm wearing a brace to keep my knee from buckling and walking with a walker for more stability. It isn't what I wanted to happen but it is better than hopping with pain. I return to the dr May 8 and determine what to do next. It will probably lead to a permanent brace. I can live with this setback so we'll just see what's next.
Meanwhile, my cancer free diagnosis amazes many. I am experiencing a God given miracle. I feel better than I have in a couple years, even tho' my back & bottom are sore from the fall. Nothing BROKE so I use heat & rest for treatment. I can get around so that's good. My energy level isn't up to par yet.
Easter 1952 I was baptized into Christian Faith. As a means of celebrating I'm giving copies of "The Hole in the Gospel" by Richard Stearns. He is the CEO of World Vision. I hope people will be encouraged to share Christ by reading this book.
May 22 I am to have my gallbladder surgery. Then I'll be finished with the biliary tube after nearly 25 months! Obviously I have a priority list for fixing up my body.
May God be with you!
Barbara Hoge
Three weeks ago I sat down due to falling in my upstairs carpeted hallway. Since it was the second such event in 3 days I phoned my orthopedist on Monday and he said come first thing Tuesday morning as he was in surgery Monday. After Xrays he determined the ligaments in my right (new) knee were ruptured. This is due to my horrible staph infection. I'm wearing a brace to keep my knee from buckling and walking with a walker for more stability. It isn't what I wanted to happen but it is better than hopping with pain. I return to the dr May 8 and determine what to do next. It will probably lead to a permanent brace. I can live with this setback so we'll just see what's next.
Meanwhile, my cancer free diagnosis amazes many. I am experiencing a God given miracle. I feel better than I have in a couple years, even tho' my back & bottom are sore from the fall. Nothing BROKE so I use heat & rest for treatment. I can get around so that's good. My energy level isn't up to par yet.
Easter 1952 I was baptized into Christian Faith. As a means of celebrating I'm giving copies of "The Hole in the Gospel" by Richard Stearns. He is the CEO of World Vision. I hope people will be encouraged to share Christ by reading this book.
May 22 I am to have my gallbladder surgery. Then I'll be finished with the biliary tube after nearly 25 months! Obviously I have a priority list for fixing up my body.
May God be with you!
Barbara Hoge
Thursday, March 15, 2012
GREAT NEWS
Wed. March 14, 2012, I had a PET scan to show how my cancer is doing. Thursday, Mar. 15 I went to my oncologist to hear the report. "There is no sign of cancer in your body," said Dr. Nassar Kahn. I said that it's been a miracle. He replied that he'd had one other patient during his career with such a good report. Now I'm to see a surgeon next Thursday to check on removing my biliary bag & gallbladder.
Praise God from whom all blessing! Thanks for your continued prayers.
Praise God from whom all blessing! Thanks for your continued prayers.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
2 week renewal
Saturday, 2/18/2012, began my 2 weeks of renewal of my spirit. That day I met with the Quilters for Jesus (Q4J) with whom I'd experienced a mission trip to South Africa in 2/2009 along with The :Lowe Chicks (sisters who'd also taken a mission trip to South Africa). Nine ladies met in the Yowell home in Etlan, VA, for a reunion. Only 1 of our group was missing, due to a prior commitment. We took tea (as is said in SA) and enjoyed chatting with each other about our various activities in the 3 intervening years since our trips. Our hostesses (The Lowe Chicks) truly treated us royally! We caught up on various activities, (particularly Operation Christmas Child) , sponsored by Samaritan's Purse. Our on site missionary in SA (Cathy Lowe Burleson) now works at Samaritan's Purse in Boone, NC and she told about the shoe boxes that are presented to children around the world at Christmastime. 2011 saw over 8 million delivered!! Check out S P on the web and plan your personal participation in 2012. I've begun collectin items for mine already.
Monday, 2/20/2012, Hampton and I went to The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. There we celebrated Tribute to the Virginias with Sarah, Kirk, Kyle, & Kory Beene, David Hoge, Alice Lowe, and Shelby Harrison (2 ladies from our church). We had a delightful time. We also went to Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, WV, where we attended a Timbering Lecture with accompanying banjo music. It was a new experience for us and actually quite enjoyable.
Wednesday, 2/22/2012, Our group departed Greenbrier. I accompanied David to Charleston, WV, where I spent a week. There I visited with long time friends! I taught several of them to make rolled paper beads. We made necklaces & bracelets from the beads. I learned to make them back in 1993 from a former missionary to Mexico City. Jennifer & I made them & sold enough to send a nurse on a mission trip in 1994. The lady who taught me to make them called them "Baptist Prayer Beads". I shared meals with friends and learned that First Baptist Church, South Charleston, is going on a summer mission trip to Arizona, to help the Hopi Indians.
Thursday, 3/1/2012, David brought me home. David, Jennifer, & Sarah hosted a 75th birthday party for Hampton on 3/3 at Ox Hill Baptist Church. It was a very nice party which over 90 friends celebrated with us. Our kids put on a nice spread for their Dad This explains why I was sent home with David..
Thus ended my 2 week period of renewal! 3/5/2012 was my day to return to my oncologist to see how I was doing. When he first saw me he commented on how well I looked. He asked me how I felt and I replied that God has provided me a miracle. He agreed and commented that my blood work was excellent. That was certainly a first for me in that facility. Now I'm scheduled for a PET Scan 3/14 to see what is happening inside my body. If all goes well with it, I'll see a surgeon on 3/22 to see about removal of my biliary tube and drain along with my gall bladder. It'll be nice to get more functional! Dr. Kahn asked about my appetite. When I replied ravenous, he laughed & said "Great".
Now I need to catch up on housecleaning which I have neglected for a couple years!
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my miracle & EATING.
Thanks for your prayers! God hears & answers!!
Barbara
.
Monday, 2/20/2012, Hampton and I went to The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. There we celebrated Tribute to the Virginias with Sarah, Kirk, Kyle, & Kory Beene, David Hoge, Alice Lowe, and Shelby Harrison (2 ladies from our church). We had a delightful time. We also went to Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, WV, where we attended a Timbering Lecture with accompanying banjo music. It was a new experience for us and actually quite enjoyable.
Wednesday, 2/22/2012, Our group departed Greenbrier. I accompanied David to Charleston, WV, where I spent a week. There I visited with long time friends! I taught several of them to make rolled paper beads. We made necklaces & bracelets from the beads. I learned to make them back in 1993 from a former missionary to Mexico City. Jennifer & I made them & sold enough to send a nurse on a mission trip in 1994. The lady who taught me to make them called them "Baptist Prayer Beads". I shared meals with friends and learned that First Baptist Church, South Charleston, is going on a summer mission trip to Arizona, to help the Hopi Indians.
Thursday, 3/1/2012, David brought me home. David, Jennifer, & Sarah hosted a 75th birthday party for Hampton on 3/3 at Ox Hill Baptist Church. It was a very nice party which over 90 friends celebrated with us. Our kids put on a nice spread for their Dad This explains why I was sent home with David..
Thus ended my 2 week period of renewal! 3/5/2012 was my day to return to my oncologist to see how I was doing. When he first saw me he commented on how well I looked. He asked me how I felt and I replied that God has provided me a miracle. He agreed and commented that my blood work was excellent. That was certainly a first for me in that facility. Now I'm scheduled for a PET Scan 3/14 to see what is happening inside my body. If all goes well with it, I'll see a surgeon on 3/22 to see about removal of my biliary tube and drain along with my gall bladder. It'll be nice to get more functional! Dr. Kahn asked about my appetite. When I replied ravenous, he laughed & said "Great".
Now I need to catch up on housecleaning which I have neglected for a couple years!
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my miracle & EATING.
Thanks for your prayers! God hears & answers!!
Barbara
.
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