Needle Biopsy Results & HBO

This week we received the needle biopsy results of my left pectoralis muscle – positive for melanoma. This was devastating for about 24 hours and then we got ourselves back into fighting mode. We met with my oncologist yesterday, and the decision was made to wait until after my next PET scan. Because this met is so deep within the muscle, it would be like having a lumpectomy if it was to be removed surgically and would involve a hospital stay. It’s possible to have radiation, and that doctor is also being consulted along with two surgeons by my oncologist. We’re waiting to see if it’s an isolated tumor or if more pop up in the next three months. This way, we’d do the surgery once and get them all. It seems like a logical decision. In the meantime, I’ve already received a call that my radiation doc wants to schedule a consult.

My oncologist also made changes to my prescriptions to help me manage the pain which hasn’t lessened. I now have an extended release drug, something to help my left knee, and am continuing with all of the short-term drugs I’ve been on. Hoping something works!

I had a different experience in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) session today. It was my 9th “dive” and as soon as the nurse turned on the pressure I realized that I couldn’t pop my left ear. The pressure was building and I was beginning to feel pain. I tried everything to pop it with no luck. The nurse reversed the pressure and got me out of the chamber as quickly as possible. The doctor was there to check my ear and he announced it as a “T1”. He said there was redness and even a little blood. I had to be sent home with instructions to pick up some Afrin and use it at bedtime. I also have to take it along to treatment tomorrow. I had some congestion last night, but my ears felt fine this morning. Now, my left ear is still closed. If I can’t resolve this, I’ll need to get tubes in my ears. Sigh.

Over the weekend I had to switch to using Dakins (bleach solution) in the dressing because the pseudomonas was back in my wound. Tuesday morning I learned that Dakins kills granular tissue! Last night I stopped the Dakins and went back to using the Mesault (sodium chloride). I’m hoping my dressing change tonight shows that it was the right move. Two steps forward, three back!

Since I’m running out of insurance-covered physical therapy sessions, today was my last session for my left knee. It’s still giving me problems (patellar tendonitis), so I’m going to request a referral to an orthopedic doctor who might be able to recommend a different brace that works better with my knee but still helps with foot drop.

In happy news, Bill and I were able to pull off our daughter’s nursing graduation party! Of course, Bill did 99% of the preparations outside and inside and I did the planning. Our daughter-in-law and my mother were HUGE helps in the kitchen making delicious food and keeping the kitchen in tip top shape! We couldn’t have done it without the extra help!! Our daughter’s friend, Courtney, did the decorations which made it look like a party. Our youngest son brought along his amazing mac and cheese and was part-time grill master. Our oldest son helped get the grill back on the deck, made grocery runs, picked up my parents, kept an eye on the kiddos, and helped behind-the-scenes. Our son-in-law was an amazing lifeguard. I still ended up being on my feet too much, but it was worth it for a really happy, celebratory day!!

First 2015 Update

As I reread my last post from 2014 I didn’t know if I wanted to laugh or cry. How quickly things can change! The first weekend of January I came down with both a stomach virus and a respiratory virus. The latter quickly turned into pneumonia which had me spending the majority of my time on the sofa. After two visits to the doctor and given two different antibiotics, I was still feeling horrible – no energy or motivation, no appetite, dehydrated, and still feeling as though I had been run over by two trucks. I was trying to work, but that was just making it worse. I actually had to cancel my appointment with the integrative medicine doctor because I felt too sick. Too sick to go to the doctor, sheesh.

On January 27th I had my PET/CT scan and oncology appointment. The bloodwork showed a severe adrenal gland imbalance due to the Yervoy treatments, which was causing my “hit by a truck” feeling. Well, that explained the bulk of January! After just a few doses of hydrocortisone, I was feeling more like myself – finally! All month everyone, including me, was wondering why I wasn’t able to bounce back from the viruses/pneumonia, and all it ended up taking was the right medication. I only wish that the dots could have been connected two weeks earlier. January was a bust!

The scan results were alright. The oncologist was more pleased than me – I’m like that sometimes. My lung tumor was smaller and showed less activity. Since I still have the IL2 and Yervoy treatments’ drugs working in me, we’re going to wait and watch. If the tumor doesn’t go away completely, radiation will be used to zap it out of there. There was not much change in my right shin (same size and activity), and the tumor in my right thigh was light gray (as opposed to active black). The decision was made to remove the two tumors in my leg, so an appointment was made with the surgeon. I was able to point to the tumor in my shin, but no one could feel the tumor in my thigh. Since I wasn’t onboard for a large excision with a guess on the location of the thigh tumor, everyone agreed to wait and see till the next scan. Surgery was scheduled for removal of the shin tumor, knowing that a skin graft would be needed.

While all of my leg tumors had previously been removed via local anesthesia, I wimped out this time and opted for general anesthesia. I just needed to let go of the stress and get a nice nap out of it. The tumor was removed last Friday, but the skin graft was postponed. To be sure that the surgeon got all of the melanoma, the tissue was sent to pathology and the stain test takes 48 hours. In the meantime, I have a temporary gamma graft which still leaves a big hole in my shin. I had to remove the dressing on Sunday. Taking the two wraps off was easy enough, but the gauze stack felt as though it was glued on. That removal took a lot of sweat, but I got it off – totally unprepared for the site’s appearance. Yuck! It’s painful – burning – and I have difficulty walking. The surgeon’s nurse has been very responsive to my inquiries and has helped to figure out pain management. I’m taking extra strength Tylenol alternating with ibuprofen every 3 hours which seems to help take the edge off. The next surgery is scheduled for this Friday with the hopes that the surgeon can finish up with a skin graft.

Since I’m finally out of sick leave, I’m very grateful to have a job that I can do from home temporarily. I felt so far behind from January’s absences, that being able to get caught up certainly relieves some stress. Also relieving stress is my hubby who stays on top of the laundry and dishes, and is expanding his cooking skills. He is so attentive to any need I have and has me spoiled beyond belief. We both miss seeing our grandchildren terribly, so we have the best motivation to get beyond this as quickly as possible, and as healthy as possible. Can’t lie – thoughts of retirement happen a lot more often!

January was a bust; February is looking like a bust too. Come on March! It won’t take much to outshine the first two months of 2015! As always, your prayers, good thoughts/vibes, and pixie dust are so VERY appreciated! Cancer sucks!!!