Kudos to Local Docs!

I've often heard people say things like, "I would never go to a doctor around here..." I'm not judging. If you are more comfortable going to a specialist in a bigger area, go for it. But I have to give a shout out to all the docs, nurses, aids, volunteers, and receptionists that have helped me through my ordeal. I've had both of my surgeries and all of my treatments right here in Bristol, VA/TN, and I have no complaints.

I was NEVER sick before all of this drama started so I was really scared about being a patient and having to rely so much on other people. I've had nothing but great experiences at the Bristol hospital, the Nicewonder Cancer Center, and Blue Ridge Medical Specialists. They treat me like a family member and I always feel like I'm heard, never dismissed. Most importantly, I'm getting better! :o) God gets top billing for that, but I know that He's blessed every staff member that has been in contact with me. God knew that I would need lots of support to get through this and how scared I was to go from totally healthy to health crisis overnight.

I think it's critical to have a good relationship with the people that are treating you. And the road goes both ways. Just because I have cancer doesn't mean I have a license act however I want. That may happen in the movies, but I've learned that cancer in real life doesn't involve violins playing or having an epiphany every day, haha. Being kind and positive goes a long way with people and I think it's better for my health too.

I started chemo again today and my doctor's office is going through some transitioning right now. So, they sent me across the street to the Nicewonder Cancer Center for my treatment. It was soooooo nice. They have private little cubical areas with snacks, your own TV, comfy chairs, and lots of other things. I think a patient must have designed it because it was perfect. My dad went with me and he was impressed too. To all of my local buddies, I truly hope you never have to go through anything like this. But if you do, feel free to ask me questions about my experiences with the local docs. I'll tell you anything you want to know. :o)

Here We Go Again

Well, next week, I'm going back to chemo. I'm not too upset about it though. My latest scan was actually good. No new growth and my bone mets are stable. However, my tumor marker number keeps shooting up. About 4 months ago, it was 70 something, then the next month, it jumped to 90 something, then the next month, it jumped to 240 something! Thankfully, this month, it only increased by 3 points, so that's good. Also, a high tumor marker doesn't mean new growth, just like a lower tumor marker doesn't mean "no tumors." For example, I still had multiple liver lesions in March 2010, yet my tumor marker fell to 41 (38 is considered "normal" if "normal" even exists anymore haha). So, in a nutshell, tumor marker only tells part of the story. My oncologist told me that going back to chemo for a few months should not be considered a set back or bad news. He just wants us to stay ahead of the disease. I'm all for it as long as it works!

As far as hair goes, I'm a little ticked about losing what few eyelashes that have grown back. The blond hair on my arms and face has grown back over the past few months - I never realized I had that much, so I won't mind losing that hair again! My head hair is only about a half inch long, so I won't miss it much. It's really dark though. I was kinda looking forward to seeing what it was going to look like. Oh well, hopefully in a few months, I can stop chemo again and start growing it all back again! Wearing a wig has really spoiled me anyway. When I finally do have my own hair again, I’ll have to get up early to style it. With the wig, I just wash it the night before and put in the wig stand. Then in the morning, I just pull it on. It takes a whole minute! I love that!!