tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58829211312138396502024-02-20T10:57:39.252-05:00Dorothy's diary updatesDorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comBlogger371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-67462217836405250452012-06-06T11:11:00.002-04:002012-06-06T11:13:49.989-04:00now posting on new blog site....Just wanted to 'remind' you that I am now blogging on this new blog address.....I don't know when they will actually 'stop' this older version....<br /><br />here is the web address: <a href="http://updateondorothy2.blogspot.com/">http://updateondorothy2.blogspot.com/</a>Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-52030235724751789802012-05-26T21:48:00.003-04:002012-05-26T22:07:34.414-04:00Saturday, May 26, 2012...I didn't expect THIS!Well I was trying to log onto my Blog site…but for some reason it kept kicking me off and kept saying there was an ‘error’….I even tried to begin a brand new one…but talk about confusing!!! So here I will begin my journey of: Friday, May 25, 2012.…I didn’t expect this….<br /><br /><em>looks like I was finally able to get on...but it says that they are starting a 'new' blogger and that's the one I can't log onto....this maybe one of the last blogs postings. IF you are reading this and want to continue reading my blogs...please email me directly and I will forward my journal updates directly to you....I know it maybe hard or even disturbing to read my blogs all the time...that's why I created this blog - so you can log onto it at any time at your own convenience...I know for myself I get tired of hearing some stories.<br /></em><br />We, Paul and I, left our house at 8:00 am to get the train from Dover into the city. With it being a holiday weekend and my last doctor appointment at 2:45 I figured we’d get caught in traffic if we went to the Secaucus train station. On our way to Dover - still having plenty of time to catch the ‘express’ train…Paul decided to go to Morristown Convent Station (which turned out to be good…they have a bathroom inside the station)…we got the express train that took us about 50 minutes to get to Penn Station…then we ran to the subway that took us to Lexington Ave…then one more train that took us closer to the hospital (where all the appointments were scheduled for) -- Man oh man…the running…the steps….the walking…boy am I out of shape! If I enjoyed going to the city, I’d go more often and that would be my exercise!!!<br /><br />We, finally, arrived at the hospital about 11:30 am…We also left early enough because Paul had a callback casting call in Midtown (another train for him). Paul left me at the elevators…I went up to the 11th floor and signed in for my MRI (my appt. was for 12:30) and told them I’d wait…during that time I received a call from the nurse at Dr. Brown’s office asking me to go to my 1:30 blood drawing before my MRI so the doctor would have the results that same day….took the elevator down to the 3rd floor - as the receptionist at the MRI desk said it would be on that floor…couldn’t find it, asked another nurse and she said to go to the 4th floor…back up the elevator…I saw Dr. Brown in the waiting room and she didn’t recognize me (why would she…she only saw me once to talk then the surgery). I introduced myself and said that I’d see her later…It took me all of 15 minutes if that long then back up to the 11th floor…waited about 1 minute then I was called in…took off my bra and put on a gown (over my clothes) and they prepped me…a needle for the contrast…then into the room….They scanned me to make sure there were no magnets on or in me and then I laid on the table…They must scan children as they had a TinkerBell sticker and butterfly and a few other decals on the front of the scanner. Put ear plugs in (which I had a problem with my left ear…seemed like it didn’t muffle the sound enough…but ended up being fine)….This machine is so loud! Even with the ear plugs in…and holding my breath!!! Talk about it being hard….when you have to hold your breath for at least 30 seconds….Once I thought I was going to loose it….I thought I was going to pass out…I ended up letting the extra air out…thought they’d have to start all over…but I think it was just enough time! Now I know for a fact…take a deep breath in…let some out and then hold it….that was is much easier!!! Then I had to wait 4 minutes…they rolled the table out of the scanner and I was able to put my arms down at my side…I was totally uncomfortable!! One more breath holding and then I was done! I was out of there by 12:30. I texted Paul to let him know where I would be waiting for him….I ended up going to the gift shop then down to the lobby to wait. It was about 1:30 when he came and I was starving. I was able to eat or drink before we left the house…but then I’d have to use the bathroom more….so I starved myself. We walked the whole block and across the street to Lenny’s sandwich shop…Bought myself a sandwich for $10.00 and only ate half. Paul said he had grabbed a sandwich on the way to me…not knowing that we had plenty of time. Back to the hospital for my 2:45 appt with Dr. Brown. Of course we were so early that we had to wait. She actually took us pretty much on time….so now the story continues.<br /><br />Paul and I were praying that we’d hear good news…When Dr. Brown came in - she gave us the thumbs up…Paul and I were relieved!!! And even said it….she signed some paperwork. Said my blood work looks great…my CEA is down from 42 to 10 (that's a tumor marker and normal is 0 - 5)...and then I asked her for the written report on the scan…She thought it was too early for them to have it in the computer but checked anyway…as she scrolled down and saw the report…she said, in a sad tone - there are two new lesions….WE were devastated!!! I kind of stopped hearing her when she said this…it turns out that the two lesions are in different areas. One is by the colon and the other is by my right side…she said she couldn’t ablate the colon one and I should make an appt. with Dr. Allen (the surgeon that did the liver resection)…I think she said it was due to the machine that she uses and not being able to get to that site or maybe it was because it was so close to the colon…She suggested that I immediately make an appt. for this coming week. I asked her if we could try a ‘telephone consult’….after I told her we had one before…she said she’d email him and give him all the details and thought it might work…as she was looking at me…she saw that I looked fine and the scans is what he needed to see as well as the written report. Now I have to call Dr. Allen’s office on Tuesday or Wednesday to see what is next.<br /><br />As Paul and I left…besides both of us being in a cloud…I was saying that I didn’t want to do anything!!! Definitely no more chemo…and I really don’t want to be cut open as I was before - enough surgeries! How much anesthesia can a body handle? Paul is besides himself but holding everything in! Before leaving the building I used the bathroom and cried! My face was red and puffy when I got out. Quietly we walked the street to get to the subway…then I said…we’ll see what Dr. Allen suggests…maybe he can do a lapascopic surgery or maybe I would get a colonoscopy and they could cut it out from there (which the more I think about it…that would definitely perforate the colon, so that wouldn’t be an option)…but these lesions are still small.<br />Now, going through my mind is - can this cause a bowel obstruction??? Sure, one more thing to worry about.<br /><br />We ran for the subway and got the train right away…then the next subway…and the same thing…running down steps and then up steps and this dumb escalator that you have to lean either forward to backward because there is such a large incline! And we had to run for the subway again! We were too early for the ‘express’ train from Penn to Convent Station so we waited in this area where they had lots of seats and fans. We waited about 15 minutes then went for the train at a decent pace! I also wanted to get a pretzel...but I lost my appetite at that point. We got on the train and waited about another 10 minutes…of course we were on one that had a crying baby!!! To top things off…this ‘express’ train ended up crawling along - due to another train ahead of us that had trouble…We finally got to Convent Station at 6:45!!! Paul had plans to go down the shore with Bre (to her mom’s boyfriends shore house). He drove to her house and then I left to come home. After driving about 5 minutes I noticed Paul left his cell phone in my car…Well, this young man would have been devastated if he didn’t have it on him for several minutes!!! So, I drove back to Bre’s house and handed her the phone. Paul was already in the shower…I’m sure he ‘relieved’ himself with the shower water falling on him….I finally got home at 7:30.<br /><br />What a long day and so depressing. Charlie didn’t come with me because of work and thinking that I’d still be disease free - as we all thought. Of course the two weeks prior to this appointment everything was going through my mind….Charlie was devastated when he was finally able to reach me via cell (when we were on the train coming home)…not getting anyone to answer the first several times he called put him in panic mode.<br /><br />Sam came home from work about 10:15...she was talking on her cell phone about a young girl at work…Charlie went up to her and told her to talk to me. She was fine as we were talking…then about an hour later I came up to my computer and she came in and started crying…<br /><br />This is what kills me…my kids! I know how much you need your mother! I know Sam needs me - just to be here…whenever she wants to talk or cry or yell at me - she knows where I am…Paul needs me too…again, just to be here…to do his laundry, fix his bed, buy food for him…and Nicholas too…even with him being on his own - to loose another important person whom he loves so much….that poor kid has lost so many people that he has loved and still loves…I’m sure it would be a difficult thing for him to make a life long commitment with a woman.<br /><br />And now a new journey begins...the waiting game again in process...The weirdest thing is that I feel this calmness....like I've been caught in a dream...Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-44981174791483234492012-05-20T23:52:00.001-04:002012-05-20T23:52:44.237-04:00updated hair!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6j1eHUoiaw/T7m8CmNTnPI/AAAAAAAAHTY/O0zo9XcpRjU/s1600/DSC02864.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6j1eHUoiaw/T7m8CmNTnPI/AAAAAAAAHTY/O0zo9XcpRjU/s320/DSC02864.JPG" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a> Charlie and I at Logan's Christening Celebration.<br />
Sunday, May 20, 2012 - Elks Lodge, Bridgewater<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-31223331714445567802012-05-14T20:11:00.000-04:002012-05-14T20:11:55.826-04:00Monday, May 14thOur house is officially off the market....until late fall - early winter. Charlie is having too much fun buying plants that need loving care from Lowe's!<br />
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Sam drove from USC, alone, and arrived in time for dinner on the 6th. The boys were here - so that was my Mother's Day! Nicholas is in San Francisco for work - so he wasn't here yesterday. The kids made dinner and Charlie had worked until 5. It was a very pleasant day!<br />
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We had our mailbox stolen, again...this is the 3rd time!!! We're the only one on this block that has been vandalized!<br />
This has been happening for about a year now. The first incident was the door to our mailbox along with the door flag was taken...then the clock inside the shed and the 5 x 7 US flag on the outside of the shed....we put a new clock and flag...and that was taken! Then I put a paper plate clock and another flag....they too were gone! In the meantime we had the blue emergency house number and noticed that was gone too! Oh yes, the mailbox was taken - the whole thing -- during that time. Then we put another paper plate clock and a much smaller flag that were taken....Now, sometime between late Friday to early Saturday - this last mailbox was taken.....Sam and I were going shopping and noticed it was gone, so we stopped at Lowe's and picked up another and hopefully our last mailbox. The mailman hung a plastic bag with our mail on the nail that was still there. They took the post that the mailbox was screwed onto. Today Charlie noticed that there was a container with used oil in the shed....whomever is doing this must have a car. When they took the mailbox along with the wooden shelf - that's pretty heavy and then for them to 'drop off' the used oil....I just can't wait to catch them! Charlie filled out a report at the State Police this morning...we now have a camera and being that a stolen mailbox is a federal offense....they will prosecute!!! I can't imagine what whomever is stealing our stuff is thinking - to see another mailbox and flag....hmmmm.<br />
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I'm feeling great...keeping busy all day too. I have my energy level back and love every minute of it! Too bad I have a tendency to keep munching during the day...the weight keeps piling on! And everytime I say I will not eat 'stuff' during the day - I do! It's my fault...I buy it all!<br />
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My hair is growing back but the top is still falling out...my hairstyle looks a little like a mans comb over! I'd love to cut it all to the same length but I'm too vain to do that! It's still too short - about 1/2 inch all over.<br />
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Have to have a molar pulled....boy oh boy, my Mom was 96 and just had one tooth that was an implant and that's because it was a front tooth! I've had two other teeth removed and now this one!<br />
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That's my update. I go for my MRI in NYC on the 25th of this month...I will post my results then. I am praying and being positive that I am still disease free!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-28182648436564578592012-05-03T17:06:00.001-04:002012-05-03T17:06:53.619-04:00Thursday, May 3, 2012<br />
Seems like there is always something to write about. <br />
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I've had this 'gap', 'hole', or something to that effect on my gum (in my mouth)...last tooth which is capped and had a root canal done years ago....now I find out that there is a cavity in the tooth...but way down, just below the point where the roots of the teeth join....meaning:::::: tooth extraction!!! I can't believe my luck....guess with all the chemo and having 'dry mouth' - this is a major cause.<br />
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I put off going to the dentist since I originally saw this a few months ago...but I began getting worried - thinking that I was getting an infection....I don't feel any pain because it doesn't have the roots/nerves...which is a good thing too...or it would have gotten an infection.<br />
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I have an appointment to 'consult' with the dentist that will extract this molar next week and then - an appointment to pull it will be next.<br />
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Never ending doctor appointments!!!<br />
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Other than that - I'm feeling great! Have my energy back and had a busy week since Friday. Wedding, cooking, company, shopping, cooking and now dentist....for the exception of this last thing - they were all enjoyable....<br />
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Life.........Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-66174653358546967092012-04-21T09:28:00.001-04:002012-04-21T09:28:07.230-04:00Saturday, April 21stI don't know if this is going to work....there is a 'new format' and as much as I think I'm good with technology....I'm not....oh how I dislike changes on the internet!!! Well, here goes...<br />
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Just figured I'd post that everything is fine and dandy here at the Marra house...I'm feeling really well!<br />
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Charlie was home Wednesday and Thursday and he was doing 'his' yard work. He had his gas leaf blower out and I decided to have him start it so I could clean the bottom of our driveway. That backpack is pretty heavy! but I did it! All those stone and grit are now moved to each side of the driveway. I haven't done this for two years! (since I had the port in)....Charlie had done it last year...but not to say he didn't do a good job......but......I did better! LOL<br />
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Our outdoor rocking chair was desperately in need of stain or a paint job. Charlie chose stain...I sanded and stained it and it looks better...but I still think it needs paint...the old yellowish stain is kind of still there even though I thought I sanded it enough. <br />
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Charlie was working yesterday and I met him to pick out our plants for the planters. They had a great deal on herbs...I didn't know that they actually have a 'steva' plant! One of the woman that was working there told me to pick off a leave and chew it....WOW, it was real sugar!!! and it lasted a long time in my mouth! So, we bought it! There were a few other herbs that I haven't seen which we got too....now to remember that I actually have to walk to the back yard to pick them...I think we even got a lemon mint....guess I'll be making a lot of iced tea!!!<br />
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That's about it....I enjoy keeping myself busy now that I have my energy back...I'm back to work too! If you need me....I'm here......Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-31979896516606699162012-04-09T10:04:00.003-04:002012-04-09T10:15:24.610-04:00Monday, April 9thWhat a great Easter! This was one of the first 'major' holidays that I did not have chemo! I was able to enjoy my entire meal (along with seconds) without having to leave the table not feeling well. What a joy that was!<br /><br />Samantha was finishing her last day at the Augusta Nationals, so we missed her at our table. This is the first year she hasn't been home for her birthday or several holiday's....too far to drive for just a few days. She'll be back home next month...actually less than a month. She's looking forward to coming home - not necessarily to see us...but her girlfriends!!! I'm sure we won't see her too often....too be young again!<br /><br />I'm feeling really well! The port removal incision is getting better everyday. It never really bothered me - not enough to take Tylenol, but I knew it was there. The ablation -- it's like it was never done. I did end up with a bit of a stiff neck yesterday (did A LOT) and the nurse had said that sometimes this ablation pain radiates...so maybe that is what it was from.<br /><br />When I mentioned to Charlie that my port was bothering me - he reminded me that I had 5 internal stitches....I didn't remember that one! I know and feel it's healing!<br /><br />I did get Charlie's cold - but not as bad as he had it. He's still coughing and I just sound congested. OR maybe it's from my spring time allergies......<br /><br />Hope you all enjoyed your Easter! and have lots of food left over so you don't have to cook - for at least one night!<br /><br />Thank YOU again and again...for being part of my life and receiving all the prayers and encouragement from you. Words can never really express what I am feeling for all of you.Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-6185210435201841502012-04-05T22:21:00.002-04:002012-04-05T22:25:27.161-04:00oops forgot to add this...Thursday, April 5thFunny when you come out of the anesthsia you kind of forget things....Charlie just told me that the room I was in - was the recovery room. They didn't let them in until I woke up...which I don't remember until I actually saw them....hmmm.<br /><br />Dr. Allen (the surgeon that did the liver resection) came into the room to say 'hello'. Which was really nice of him to do that...especially since he didn't do this ablation - but he did recommend me to Dr. Brown.<br /><br />I think my blog is now up to date!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-23118497918573292832012-04-05T16:09:00.003-04:002012-04-05T16:45:10.049-04:00Holy Thursday, April 5, 2012<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wa</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hoo</span>!!! I am now DISEASE FREE!!! and pray that I stay this way!<br /><br />Charlie, Paul and I drove into the city on Wednesday morning at 9:15 am...hit lots of traffic going over the George Washington Bridge. Paul was driving and checking his 'google map driving directions'...and we did take a wrong turn...but realized it right away. Charlie was sitting in the back seat and at one light we all jumped out of the car and switched places! Charlie drove while Paul read him the street names and gave him all the directions. Charlie and I got out in front of the hospital and Paul went to park the car. We arrived 2 minutes early!!! We waited about 10 minutes in the waiting room (out patient) and there were lots of people having same day surgery!!! I'm sure it was all cancer related...so sad to see this many people but then again - having same day surgery is probably a good thing.<br /><br />They prepped me which took about another 55 minutes...then they 'wheeled' me into the operating room (I walked for my liver surgery, into the operating room). I was able to keep my eye glasses on!! Amazing how things really look! There was a CT scan machine that I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">layed</span> on the table, they put blankets on me and wrapped my arms next to my body (just with the sheet). Then they took off my glasses and I was 'out'! Don't remember anything else! I don't even remember being in recovery....or maybe I wasn't...I remember waking up in the same room that they prepped me in with Charlie and Paul at my bed side. I woke easy and the only pain I had was my neck! I needed a hot pad - I did take some morphine - but only needed it twice, it was a low dose. I asked why the neck pain and the nurse said it was probably when they put my head to my right should to take the port a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">cath</span> out.<br /><br />They wanted me to stay overnight - only because of the 'long' drive home. I guess when I had mentioned to the surgeon how long it took to get into the city and home that he figured I'd better stay....guess I really laid it on him!!! and it backfired on me!!!<br /><br />They had these - what I call, compression booties. They feel so good! It's a 'thing' that goes over your whole calf (not your feet), with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">velcro</span> and it is electric and keeps pumping and massaging your calves - one at a time. The only problem with that is -- having to go to the bathroom!! You have to be 'unhooked'!!!! Getting IV made me have to pee every hour!!! When I finally got up to my 'real' room (about 9 pm)...I was up and about at 4 and the guys left at 6....I used the 'call button' to have a nurse come in...which didn't happen soon enough...so I took them off and went...but by the time I got back (which wasn't long) these booties were blown up with air. I pressed them enough to get them back on and then the alarm went off - saying it wasn't working...then the nurse came in!!! I would have peed in my bed --- it took her so long to get there!!! So, I got the great idea that the next time I had to go --- take one off and wrap it like it was still around my leg but a little tighter --- did it to both -- and it worked! When I got back into bed while one was filling up with the air - I put the other on and visa <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">versa</span>! What a great brain I have!!! (sometimes it works really well).<br /><br />I was able to eat something while I was still in the out patient room. As hungry as I was, I couldn't eat too much. When I got to my room I asked for a little snack and she came back with a few crackers and cranberry juice...that hit the spot!<br /><br />Hospital stay is not pleasant! I have an alarm clock here - that lights up the entire room at night - just like a night light - I cover it up so it's dark in the room! I hate light at night!!! and all the hospital room have lights on!!! I had the TV on unit after midnight and felt badly for my room mate - even though I had the channel changer with the volume coming out of it...you can still see the flickering of light from the TV...but she fell asleep about 9:30 and there was no way I could sleep then! And as it was, I still had to keep getting up at night - every hour! and finally got up at 6:20 am. Once the alarm for the booties went off and I had to 'call' the nurse to fix it....she gets all upset and says that I have to keep still! yea right! I was laying on my back at the time with my legs straight! Before that I was on my side with my legs at that angle....I couldn't believe she kind of yelled at me for not sleeping 'her' way! the worst part of it, I was in a deep sleep and the dumb alarm woke me...then I couldn't fall asleep for a while....<br /><br />The nurses changed shifts at 7am...did their rounds and this one girl - I guess was going to another floor or something - she introduced me to my nurse....went through some stuff and said she'd get me a menu....never did! and this was at 6:45 --- I finally got a menu at 8:30 and when I called it in - they said it would take about an hour! I was starving!!! <br /><br />I finally got my food about 9:45 = scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, peach yogurt, cranberry juice and tea. I ate the whole thing!!! I had to bring the menu home...they have such great choices! The nurse said that a 'Top Chef' was there...not sure how long they stay...but he make his own menu.<br /><br />Paul and Charlie got home after 9 pm - leaving NYC about 6:30 pm....Paul had a casting call in NY today (Thursday) that he was able to go from 10 to 2 pm....so, before he picked me up - he went....I waited in my room until 12:30 then went to the lobby and Paul 'finally' got there at 1:15...at least it was a beautiful day to wait outside! and this is the time that I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">greatful</span> for technology! with having cell phones!!! We were able to keep in touch with how much longer he'd be instead of me just wondering and waiting!<br /><br />We went to lunch - in NJ - figured by the time we got home and have to prepare something to eat...it was easier to stop.<br /><br />Now, I'm suppose to go back to the city in 6 weeks for an MRI, lab test and visit with Dr. Brown (who did the surgery) to make sure nothing grew and nothing grew back.<br /><br />She wrote in her report that it was all taken out. When she spoke with me - just seeing the MRI, she wasn't sure if she'd have enough 'play' to get it...but it worked out that it was easy and had no problems with my lungs or bleeding.<br /><br />That's about it....Thank YOU all!!! for your support, positive thoughts and prayers! <br /><br />Now, it's payback...I think God has His agenda....that I should get together with an oncologist or nurse and speak to people that have colon cancer and how staying positive, going to different doctors for possible surgeries, and having faith may work in their favor....<br /><br />Unless...YOU can think of something else that He may want me to do..........Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-41661904695090345222012-03-29T17:23:00.002-04:002012-03-29T17:30:19.159-04:00Thursday, March 29thToday Paul and I went into the city to have my pre-admission testing done.<br /><br />We left home at 8:30 am to go to Secaucus train station (hit a little traffic but not all that bad). We arrived at 160 E 53rd Street (Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) at 10:15 am and literally had to walk (outside) a few feet. <br /><br />I'm beginning to know my way around...but there is absolutely NO WAY that I'd do it alone!!!<br /><br />My appointment was scheduled for 10:45 but I only waited about 5 minutes. <br /><br />Had blood drawn, and a regular physical, blood pressure check and then an EKG and finally a chest x-ray. This took less than one (1) hour. In and out! The best way to go!!!<br /><br />We came home right after but stopped at a few store in NJ...we got in our door about 2:30.<br /><br />Charlie has a bad cold...we can't remember the last time he was sick! He felt so bad that he took yesterday and today off from work. Of course this is the worst possible time for him to get sick -- I can't catch his cold!!!! If I do, I may end up missing my surgery date!!! I just keep washing my hands!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-35877549913393841822012-03-24T11:47:00.003-04:002012-03-24T12:40:13.283-04:00Saturday, March 24thGood news! Had my MRI done yesterday and there is still the one (1) lesion....NO NEW LESIONS!!! That I am so very happy about!!! Last chemo was January 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>....so its a long time since.<br /><br />NOW, I go back for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-administration testing one day this coming week -- back to the city...no date set yet....(keep reading to find out why)<br /><br />THEN, I have my ablation done on Wednesday, April 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><br />Dr. Brown is thinking this could be done as an out patient. She is the intervention radiologist. Dr. Allen said I may stay as an overnight patient.<br /><br />Dr. Brown will take out my port too! and most likely at the same time.<br /><br />Of course with any surgery there are things that could possibly happen - lung collapse or bleeding...or infection (with the port being taken out) - which is more unlikely because it is being removed rather than being put in - your body would see it as a foreign object which may cause infection.<br /><br />I had blood work drawn on Monday, when I had my port flushed, and I was called by Dr. Allen's office --- not my oncologist who drew it -- told me that my potassium level is very low.....<br /><br />I had my potassium checked by my family physician when I needed my blood pressure med renewed and he said he'd call if there was a problem...never heard from him, so I figured all was well....so when I got the call from NYC they said it was 2.8 which was lower than the one in January...so I called my family physician to ask what my results were....they didn't have the paperwork --- I did get the bill and paid that....but no info!!! So, she called me back (as they do the blood work in the same building) and it comes back as 3.2....still a little lower than it should be.<br /><br />When I was doing this blood work at my family physician office they took two vials - one had the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">tournack (spell?)</span> on and they wanted it drawn without the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">tournack</span>....don't know why....but this last one at the oncologist office - they took from my port. I don't know why this is so low. I've been eating potatoes and yogurt with potassium in it...bananas are good but for some reason, I have a hard time eating them.....so now I have to go to the pharmacy and pick up a potassium <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">supplement</span> (or whatever it's called).<br /><br />Dr. Brown said if it's too low - they don't want to do surgery...so that's why I am waiting until the end of the week to go for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-admission testing.<br /><br />Charlie and Paul came with me to the city. Thank God Paul knows his way around. <br /><br />We had the MRI appointment set for 2 pm on 55<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> St. and then Dr. Brown has her office in the hospital on York Ave - which is about 15 city blocks away. This office for the MRI looked like a clinic...the looks didn't impress me at all! I waited and waited for over 2 hours. They took me in the room to change and get 'hooked up' to the IV for the contrast and then the nurse said the radiologist would be with me in about 3 or 4 minutes -- which turned out to be - at least - 20 minutes! No magazines to read...just sitting there. Finally got into the room and they wanted three (3) different contrasts....making this a full 60 minutes rather than 45 minutes....<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRI's</span> aren't bad...they are very loud - but they give you ear plugs. It's very chilly in there - that's when I'm happy that I still get some 'warm flashes'. You have to hold your breath for a few seconds...I think there were 4 that I held my breath for 8 seconds....the rest were 20 seconds and the most 30 seconds!!! That's hard!!! Take a deep breath, blow out a little and hold. That works the best for me. Doing the 'take a breath and hold'....is very hard! I think just letting some of the air out makes it easier.<br /><br />So, the MRI ran into 4:25 - and my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span> at the hospital was at 4...we called to say we were on our way. There was a shuttle that we could have taken but we would have had to wait another 15 minutes and there was traffic at that time...so we walked - 10 or 15 or maybe 20 city blocks...it wasn't all that bad. Paul was so hungry that we stopped in a grocery store and he bought a salad to hold him until dinner - heck, we were late already! Got to the office and only waited about 10 minutes and then we met Dr. Brown.<br /><br />After all that - we went to dinner....now, remember we got out of the hospital about 5:45 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">ish</span>....AND there are restaurants all over the place - one next to another and one just about every block....well, we walked, and walked and walked and walked some more!!!! Charlie had gone to an oyster bar with Nicholas that he was looking for...it turned out that it was at Grand Central Station --- way out of our way! So, we walked some more!!! Finally, yes, finally Charlie decided on a restaurant...it was so tiny I don't think they had a bathroom in there. They only had 6 tables and three were tables for 4. Food was good and expensive. We <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">finally</span> got out about 8 pm then went to the subway station then got the train back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Secaussus</span> and then we drove our hour ride back home.<br /><br />My feet are killing me...I think its because I have that numbness in my toes from the chemo - so there is a lot of pressure on my heals....it hurts when I walk! But I'll get over that. I just can't believe how much walking we did - to find a place to eat! I did NOT complain once about walking so much to find a place to eat! Good grief, I would have chosen four before Charlie finally decided!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-12611697636111963682012-03-20T09:03:00.000-04:002012-03-20T09:05:01.139-04:00info on Dr. Peter Allen - surgeonPeter J. Allen - Physician Profile<br /><br />I am a surgical oncologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with cancerous or precancerous conditions of the pancreas, liver, and stomach. My initial general surgical training was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by a surgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.<br />After my fellowship here in 2004, as part of my service to the U.S. Army, I served for a year as a surgeon on a small trauma team in Iraq called the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment Forward Surgical Team. During this time we provided acute trauma care to soldiers injured in combat, as well as surgical care to Iraqi patients in hospitals in Baghdad and surrounding villages. I was honored to receive the Combat Medical Badge in 2004 for providing surgical care during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom.<br />more…<br />Since returning to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, my particular interest and expertise has become managing patients with pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cysts. Pancreatic cysts are abnormal sac-like pockets of fluid that grow in the pancreas. These tumors may be benign or precancerous and typically require very careful monitoring over time.<br />When an operation is required, I try to incorporate minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) techniques as well as other therapies to help minimize my patients’ recovery time and discomfort following surgery. I see hundreds of patients a year with these complicated issues.<br />One of the reasons that I have been committed to Memorial Sloan-Kettering for so much of my career is that I can see what a difference our expertise — as well as our universal focus on compassionate care — can make in the lives of our patients. Our surgery team is composed of national leaders in all areas of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and our group currently performs 800 to 1,000 pancreatic, liver, and stomach operations a year.<br />If you or a loved one has cancer of the pancreas, liver, or stomach, you may already know that multiple approaches – surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy – to treatment are often needed. I see our patients benefit in so many ways from our tightly coordinated team approach to care that begins at initial diagnosis and carries on throughout treatment.<br />I currently lead the pancreatic research efforts within our Department of Surgery. One of the primary goals of this program is to develop more-accurate nonsurgical methods for diagnosing pancreatic cysts. These methods should help guide doctors in deciding which patients should have an operation and which can effectively be monitored through imaging.<br />In addition, I currently lead or participate in clinical trials that are evaluating novel methods of diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer, as well as methods for decreasing the risks of surgery. Patients participating in these trials are able to receive these cutting-edge therapies before they are accessible nationally.<br />I am board certified in surgery and lecture nationally and internationally on the topic of pancreatic malignancies. These educational efforts are directed toward other practicing surgeons as well as our own trainees. I enjoy teaching and mentoring the next generation of surgeons and was thrilled to receive the 2007 Teacher of the Year Award, selected by fellows from Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Department of Surgery.Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-85864640804542487132012-03-20T09:02:00.000-04:002012-03-20T09:03:20.982-04:00info on Dr. Brown, intervention radiologist that preforms ablationKaren T. Brown - Physician Profile<br /><br />I have been a practicing interventional radiologist for 24 years. As an interventional radiologist, I use imaging guidance to perform in a “minimally invasive” manner procedures that might otherwise be performed surgically. There is no need for general anesthesia, no incision, and only a short recovery time.<br />I am known locally and nationally for my expertise in image-guided biopsy, an outpatient procedure that allows for rapid diagnosis of a tumor and then initiation of treatment. Virtually any tumor within the chest, abdomen, or pelvis can be biopsied safely with a needle using imaging guidance, thus avoiding general anesthesia and complications associated with traditional surgical biopsy. This is often a patient’s first experience with an interventional radiologist.<br />more…<br />I am also recognized for expertise in both the diagnosis and minimally invasive management of primary and secondary liver tumors, with emphasis on hepatocellular cancer (hepatoma) and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. To this end, I work very closely with a team of hepatobiliary surgeons, gastrointestinal oncologists, and gastroenterologists in order to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Cancer within the liver can be treated using embolization, in which the blood supply to a tumor (or tumors) within the liver is “shut off.” Since 1992, I have worked to refine this technique, and I have published data supporting this method of treatment. I am the Primary Investigator on an NIH funded trial comparing results of embolization with particles alone to embolization performed with particles loaded with chemotherapy.<br />Thermal ablative techniques (such as radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation) can also be used to treat tumors, not only within the liver but also within the lung, kidney, and bone. These techniques involve inserting a needle-like “probe” into a tumor using imaging guidance. The “probe” then heats or freezes the tumor, resulting in thermal-mediated tumor cell death. The object of this type of procedure is to kill the tumor while preserving the surrounding normal tissue.<br />Although I have published papers, spoken nationally, and taught courses on these topics, caring for patients is still my primary focus. I have been chosen one of New York’s Top Doctors on six occaisions since 2003. My goal each day is not only to perform procedures safely, efficiently, and with technical expertise, but also to provide the best experience possible for our patients.Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-46645032107016209952012-03-15T12:26:00.002-04:002012-03-15T12:33:52.373-04:00Thursday, March 15thGot a call from Carol, Dr. Allen's nurse, and she said that she set up an appointment for a CT scan and then an office visit with Dr. Brown - an intervention radiologist - that I believe would be doing the ablation.<br /><br />I mentioned to Carol that I had a reaction to the last CT scan - way back in April of last year...my heart rate went very fast and my blood pressure was a little high and that was after taking the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span> (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">prednisone</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">benedryl</span>). She said she'd check with Dr. Allen to see if we could do a different scan....<br /><br />She called back and said that it was okay to do an MRI....so one is scheduled for Friday, March 23rd at 2 pm and then an office visit with Dr. Brown at 4 pm....both in different buildings in NYC.<br /><br />Of course this is a Friday and late in the day. After making sure that Paul would be around, I told him that we should plan on staying in the city until at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">least</span> 7 pm - to avoid traffic.<br /><br />Charlie was upset that I didn't make an appointment when he was off work...the only problem was that I don't have his schedule for the following week. I just told him today that he can't do much while I have the MRI in the early afternoon and he's working until 2...so maybe he could take the train from Dover to the city and meet us at the hospital where Dr. Brown's office is...he's thinking about it...he may just ask to have the day off....he is off today, so we'll know more tomorrow.<br /><br />Now to pray that this weather continues...all I need is a snow storm next week! AND that this last lesion is the same size - or maybe smaller -- and the ablation can take place soon....and most of all - that this would leave me disease free. All this - and it is in God's Hands. What will be is His will.Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-60995615876411291952012-03-09T15:33:00.002-05:002012-03-09T15:39:30.803-05:00Friday, March 9thJust received a call from surgeon Dr. Allen. He said after reviewing the CD scans with the radiologist that this lesion CAN be ablated....they feel that this maybe the same one that was ablated the first time. This is why in the last conversation with Dr. Allen that he suggested NOT doing the ablation...but if this was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">originally</span> ablated he feels that this will do it's job and kill it completely.<br /><br />Ablation would be done as an overnight stay - just to make sure there were no problems.<br /><br />I also asked that I am not going to do any more chemo and if they can also take out the port-a-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">cath</span>...he said 'most likely, yes, but it would be done the following day' which is usually done as an outpatient anyway.<br /><br />He will let me know, after conferring with his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">colleagues</span>, when this will take place...most likely within the next month.<br /><br />This is very good news. I had originally wanted this ablation rather than full surgery....<br /><br />Other than all that - I'm feeling really good!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-74602745244784597872012-03-01T16:49:00.002-05:002012-03-01T16:56:13.915-05:00Thursday, March 1stI heard from Dr. Allen (surgeon in NY) and he said that he doesn't think ablation would do it's job....kill the lesion completely. He's suggesting doing surgery again....full cut....and a 4 day stay in the hospital....BUT before he actually commits to that, he will have a technician look at the MRI (which I thought was recent...but was back in October - the PET scan was in January).<br /><br />He will call me next week to let me know. He also said that the radiation thing...wouldn't be something that I should consider....which makes me happy....<br /><br />BUT, now to think of doing a full surgery - again?!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">hmmm</span>, this is going to be a hard decision. I'm feeling right now that I'm sure I'd have to do another MRI and if another lesion is found - then I know what I'd do....if the same one is there and about the same size...then I'd definitely go for the surgery....I also told him that I do NOT want any more chemo. He said he understands.<br /><br />Other than that....I feel great!!! Still loosing hairs...but that's the least of my worries. <br /><br />I mentioned the 'hair thing' to Paul and he said it would probably take about 3 months to get the chemo out of me...and wouldn't you know it --- that's what I tell customers when they want a perm...after any surgery, they should wait three months!!! duh, you think I'd listen to my own words of wisdom!!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>...okay, you can chuckle at that one too!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-74503482762888046102012-02-23T23:59:00.002-05:002012-02-24T00:02:06.372-05:00Friday, Feb. 24thI just checked my email for a reply from Dr. Allen...he is on vacation this week and will be back on Monday....they did receive my scans and once he reviews them I will get a phone call.<br /><br />Guess he was really busy before he went away - unless he was away for two weeks.<br /><br />Everything else if fine here!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-26610894996674832312012-02-22T10:51:00.002-05:002012-02-22T10:59:51.943-05:00Wednesday, Feb. 22 - Ash WednesdayJust got off the phone with a nurse from blue cross/blue shield...she calls about every 6 weeks just to see how I'm doing....told her I wasn't going to do any more chemo...so she said that 'I graduated'! During our conversation she mentioned that a woman - Louise L. Hay - is a cancer survivor and she writes a daily comment - very positive. She also has a book - which I just got off the site and can't remember the name of it...I think it's 'Healing the Body'....but the nurse says it's a very positive outlook - so if you know anyone that needs a 'pick me up'....go to Ms. Hay's web site.<br /><br />Been feeling fine...I still haven't heard anything from Dr. Allen - I just sent an email...and I will follow up with it via phone if I don't hear from him...I'll do that on Friday....<br /><br />I'm still thinking very highly about cancelling the appointment with the oncologist regarding the radioactive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">micropheres</span>. If you're interested in what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wikipedia</span> says about this...check it out. Just type in: Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">SIRT</span>)...then you can say that -- I think you're right in not doing this.......maybe.....<br /><br />Charlie went back to work today - after being off for two days. It feels like Monday now...I have to keep remembering that it's already Wednesday!<br /><br />Charlie's brother and family were here for a short visit on Monday. It was great seeing them. Being that it was the day before I do my food shopping - we ended up ordering Pizza and two sub sandwiches. Charlie's Dad was in the hospital for a large cyst on his kidney. They drained it and he should be home now.Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-75168905431264816232012-02-17T09:56:00.002-05:002012-02-17T10:00:27.664-05:00Friday, February 17thI think I spoke too soon! The lighting must have been really bad yesterday!!! I noticed that there were still 'plenty' of hairs in the tub drain when I was ready to take my shower this morning! and still hairs on my pillow case....Oh well....<br /><br />I know women that loose their hair to chemo - loose it all at one time...this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dribs</span> and drabs is the 'killer'!! <br /><br />BUT, I'm sure 'new' hair will begin growing...like I said - I do have hair growing on my upper lip!!! and a few on my eyebrows.....<br /><br />Sorry for complaining!<br /><br />I felt so good - about the hair loss thing yesterday - that I baked brownies, made chicken noodle soup, made Charlie turkey wings in the crock pot and made myself pork chops with homemade stuffing.....NOW, I get to eat the brownies!!!! comfort food!!! weight gain!!!! all that good stuff!Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-30951873022745745932012-02-16T23:58:00.002-05:002012-02-17T00:01:43.947-05:00Thursday, February 16thMy mustache hair is growing in!!! Now that's a good thing! I can't believe I'm saying that! I didn't notice any hair on my pillow case this morning and the shower had only about 4 hairs in the drain and when I blew my hair dry there was only a strand or two.....seven (7) weeks!!!! after stopping chemo that, I think, my hair has stopped falling out. I even saw a few eyebrow hairs!!! I can't believe that I'm excited about this!!!!<br /><br />Still haven't heard from Dr. Allen...guess he has to meet with a technician to read the scans....every time the phone rings in the afternoon - my heart skips a beat...Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-7938240657704249432012-02-10T17:14:00.002-05:002012-02-10T17:19:26.288-05:00Friday, February 10thI called Dr. Allen's office yesterday and the nurse/receptionist asked that I send him the CD of my recent scans. I had picked up one the other day...but forgot the other...so I had to run down to Sparta today. I asked if we could do a 'telephone consultation' rather than me having to travel there just to talk to him. I also asked 'his' opinion on this radioactive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">microspheres</span>. I enclosed a letter with the scans and also included two papers regarding this 'other' procedure.<br /><br />Today I received a call from Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wagman</span> from St. Barnabas and we scheduled an appointment for a consultation - that will take 1 1/2 hours...hmmm.....I will bring the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">CD's</span> with me. That <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span>. is scheduled for Wed., Feb. 29<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. It's totally amazing that these doctors make you wait so long for appointments!!! Not that I'm in a rush or anything....<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span><br /><br />So, the next step is on.....consulting with two (2) doctors - again.....Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-53327889247335631672012-02-08T17:47:00.006-05:002012-02-08T17:52:50.249-05:00Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012Met with Dr. May today. She would like me to do another 3 cycles of chemo = 2 treatments per cycle = another 3 months. I told her 'NO'....but I did give her info on the radioactive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">microsphere</span> and she called the oncologist at St. Barnabas but had to leave a message. Dr. May wants me to call her and Dr. Allen (Sloan Kettering) to see if there is anything 'they' can do to get rid of this (hopefully) last lesion.<br /><br />I will call tomorrow (Thursday) being that it is too late now.<br /><br />That's the update! <br /><br />I'm happy that I stood my ground on 'no chemo'...Dr. May suggested that I do something....being that the lesion is still there and only in my liver and because I'm still young.<br /><br />She did understand how I felt about being a prisoner in my own home for the six days right after chemo....Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-29326958904400221932012-02-08T17:47:00.003-05:002012-02-08T17:47:39.919-05:00Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-66557426809385698302012-02-08T17:47:00.001-05:002012-02-08T17:47:32.598-05:00Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882921131213839650.post-61158966373889760332012-01-31T12:05:00.003-05:002012-01-31T12:15:53.035-05:00...great gifts for chemo patients....If you know anyone that is beginning treatment or has been on treatment, I have found the following items being of great help:<br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>baking soda - to use as mouthwash and/or toothpaste --- helps with mouth sores.</li><br /><li>BIOTENE - a commercial product for 'dry mouth' they have assorted items...toothpaste and mouth wash are great...a little expensive but they are very soothing and comforting when brushing your teeth rather than using regular toothpaste.</li><br /><li>Neutrogena soap/hand cream.</li><br /><li>Dial soap - helps keep the moisture in your skin.</li><br /><li>Luberderm Lotion, </li><br /><li>Aquaphor healing ointment - advanced therapy,</li><br /><li>Udderly Smooth - udder cream,</li><br /><li>A&D first aid ointment.</li><br /><li>Roux fanci full coloring styling mousse....for thinning hair...it stains the hair and scalp.</li><br /><li>Eye shadow...for thinning eyebrows! yes, just add a little to the brush and stroke it onto your eye brows and blend in with your fingertip. An eyebrow pencil works but seems to be a bit too harsh or too hard to blend.</li><br /><li>Vaseline for your eyelashes...but sometimes they will just fall out anyway.</li><br /><li>if your finger tips get numb it's hard to use dental floss so using an electric water pick works great!</li></ul><br /><p>These are products that I have found to be very useful....depending on the actual treatment that they use on you...some work, some are a little helpful, some don't work at all.</p><br /><p>I know when I had cracked skin around my fingernails...nothing seemed to help...and I had very dry skin (mostly on my arms and back) and the Luberderm was the most helpful...but not completely.</p><br /><p>You'll also find that the products that are for 'general' use sometimes don't help when your getting any type of chemo.</p><br /><p>Make sure the patient always consults with their oncologist before using any of the products I suggested.</p>Dorothy Marra's diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10756953238735991104noreply@blogger.com