Before I get into the update, I wanted to share two very sweet things. My brother and I have been talking a lot about the Snoopy Snow Cone machine. He was confident I had one as a child but I did not. Guess who has one now.....
Additionally, my mom wrapped my Valentine's gift in a bag that my Nana gave her for one of her last gifts. It is now part of the decorations. We miss my Nana everyday!
This was an interesting trip. Originally, everything was scheduled for one day, which is challenging for me. Then when they wanted to explore the heart, Wednesday began filling up. I ended up in all four buildings on Wednesday.
I was exhausted. On the way to check in, I was walking behind an elderly man. We were walking at about the same speed but then I was close to him. I got up a little energy and passed him but then I was out of breath. I wasn't sure that him nor I would make it to the check in desk...LOL! We both made it and I sat down to catch my breath. They did the echocardiogram.
Earlier in the week, I received an email about getting a COVID test. My doctor said if there was no appointment in my portal, I didn't have to have a test. On the way to Jacksonville, I got a phone call telling me that they added an appointment to my portal. So after the echo, I decided to see if they could get me in for the COVID test so I did not have to come back a few hours later. They got me in so now I have 14 COVID tests under my belt....well I guess, up my nose.
We checked into the hotel. They were kind enough to give us a room right next to the elevator. That was very helpful.
We headed back to Mayo for my EKG. I went into the building and they have dividers set up like a Disney ride line. Up and down, down and up, then up and down again. No one was in line so I thought for a second, can I make it under the ropes. I decided that I might be able to get under but was not confident I could get back up so I walked the line and got through the desk. Up to the second floor for my test. I went to the wrong check in desk but fortunately the correct one was only 50 feet away. I got checked in and then went to waiting room number three. The cardio tech did my EKG and then asked me, "Are you going to see anyone else today?" I told her, "I was headed for blood work but no doctor appointment. Why?" She said, "She felt she needed to call a doctor because my heart rate was elevated." I asked, "How high?" It was 138. I told her "Oh that is normal for me right now." It is funny to my mom and I that the techs all seem concerned but others do not.
Then I headed for my blood work. It was uneventful, which is the way I like those to go. Then we headed back to the hotel. The weather was not fantastic and since we ate a late lunch, we decided to eat room service. They make the most amazing carrot cake....we got real food too.
The next morning we met with my doctor. Not much to report this time. We are all eager to see the scans in a month to see how well the treatment is working. At this point, my oncologist cardiologist has not weighted in on my test results so we wait. Given that my breathing is becoming more labored, the coughing is increasing, and I cannot make it down the building hallway without taking a break, we asked for an order for a walker with a chair. We felt this is the next step before a wheelchair. I look forward to things getting better and returning to normal life!
With five hours until treatment, we asked the hotel for a late check out so we were able to go back to the room and wait. This was so much better then hanging out in the lobby. As we were packing up to leave, I got shocked by the plug. I was in so much pain. I have never been shocked that bad before.
We headed back for treatment. It went well. They started a new protocol so the nurses were having to figure out new math. It got a little concerning at one one point but they figured it all out. The nurse was super sweet because she let us stay at the end. During treatment, we were watching the funeral service for a young mom I know who lost her battle with cancer. It was a beautiful service but very sad. Cancer is such a terrible disease. I know that we have made a lot of progress but not nearly enough. Taking my treatment picture always makes my mom and I have lots of conversations. She hates my phone so there typically ends up being a few pictures. These were both too funny not to post.
On the way home, we were delayed by bad traffic in downtown Jax due to an accident and then rain, rain, rain. It was terrible. It would be nice to have one of these trips without rain. We got home around 8:30 p.m. We were both so tired. It was a long two days!
I took the anti nausea meds starting when we got home. I have not had any dizziness after this treatment. I think the meds helped. I also wonder if my body was more used to the meds this time then last time. Whatever the reason, I am so happy. I rested all weekend. I feel like no matter how much I rest, I am still tired. I am happy to be feeling better than I did the last time I got the two drug treatment.
I thought long and hard about what to give up this year for Lent and I have decided that I am giving up cancer!
For tonight . . . I'm just sayin' XOXO
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