Freedom Reborn

In a summer plagued by bad news, this is the worst so far.

My cat, known around here as Glitch Cat, had been a bit lethargic lately.  Last night, she was throwing up water a lot.  I took her to the emergency room and discovered she has a tumor on her spleen.

I am getting a second opinion tomorrow morning to find out what the options are.  Her kidneys and liver are good, and she's in good shape for an older cat, but if the tumor has spread there's little to be done. 

So all I ask is you keep her in your thoughts.

Thanks.

From one cat lover to another, I am sad to hear of this and hope the best. You mentioned that she is an older cat. If the worse turns out to be true, remember that you gave her a good life and will help her meet her end in dignity and mercy. If only we could do that for our human loved ones.

Sending my best thoughts, feelings, and hopes to both of you.

I'm sorry GG, we in the Grey household know how tough that can be.  We hope for the best for you an Glitch Cat.  We'll keep y'all in our prayers.  What Captain Morgan said is true.  It means a lot to have given an animal a good home, one way or another.  However, here's hoping that there is time yet to enjoy her company!

The tumor is inoperable.

I kind of expected as much, but part of me wanted to be wrong and that there would be something that could be done. 

The vet says she only has a few weeks left. 

She seems to be doing well - she's been acting like her old self since we got back.  The vet gave me a few things to help with her digestion and to keep her from getting dehydrated, but for now, it's a waiting game.  If she takes a turn for the worse, then we'll know.

There was a lot of crying involved.  And still is as I write this.  She's been with me for about 15 years and while I don't want her to suffer, I don't want to lose her either.  Sometimes seeing her at the door when I get home is the only good thing about the day.  She's been sweet and loving and playful and sometimes inadvertently funny and never seemed to completely grow out of kittenishness. 

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. 

I 'm so sorry for the news GG

I have sat here staring at my monitor for the last few minutes trying to think of what to say.

Glitchy you have undoubtfully provided Glitch Cat with a loving home. I am sorry to hear the vets diagnosis, and my prayers are with you and Glitch Cat.

Really sorry to hear this GG, my prayers go out to you both.

I'm really sorry to hear that, GG. I know how a pet can be more than just a pet, it's a companion and a friend.

My niece and nephew had to put their dog to sleep recently. She had a nerve disorder and only would have been in intense pain. She got to the point that when she walked, she could barely raise her head. It was too painful to watch, let alone for her to endure. It's the right thing to do and just know you're giving your companion the kind of compassion that most people barely feel or share. I am truly sorry.

I feel for ya, GG.  When my 17 year old passed last November (no, I *didn't* post about it, because....-->), I was a complete wreck.  If I remember right, it was a pretty fast downward spiral.  She went from her normal self (still stand-offish, barely beginning to tolerate my wife after almost 6 years) to not quite being able to make the jumps she used to, to not being able to walk very well, to not walking or standing at all, all within a month.  When I came home one day not long after that point, she hadn't left the bed all day, and when I picked her up, she was like a wet rag.  That's when I knew it was close.  I stayed with her that evening, and she was gone before bedtime.  I took the next day off work, and just stayed in bed, mostly.  I broke down again when I picked up her ashes from the Humane Society.  I still miss her, and it still gets to me at times when I think about her.  Some might think it's probably just my imagination, but I would almost swear that I felt her presence jump up onto the bed with me those first few nights, like she normally would.  The feeling of loss has definitely diminished, but it's not gone.  She was a special part of my life that I'll never get back, but I'll always remember.

*chokes up a little*   :(

I'm having a hard time finding words to say, or I guess type in this case, to bring you a little bit of comfort. I've been in a similar situation, I lost the first pet that truly bonded to me a few years ago to cancer (hell, the thread's probably in the archives somewhere). It just sucks. There's no medication that can make it better, there's nothing you could have done to keep it from happening, it's just random chance taking something you love away from you.

Dealing with death, regardless of whether it's a pet or a real human attachment, isn't easy. Sometimes it still hurts years down the line. But the only thing I can suggest is that you make her last days as comfortable as you can, and then when you're ready, find another pet to share that love with.  You can't bring them back, you can't replace them, but at least you'll have someone waiting for you to come home every day.

It's sad to hear about your cat Glitch Girl. I think the only thing you can do is just try to cherish the memories you two had together and try to make her last remaining days with you as happy,memorable and comfortable as possible. Praying that when the time does come, it would at least be a painless/peaceful one.

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. I went though a similar thing with mine recently.

I don't know what to say, except for how sorry I am for you and Glitch Cat. Losing a pet/friend is always tough.

I'm sorry to hear about your cat.

I've had to give up two of them for different reasons, and while it isn't quite as traumatic as a death I can still relate to a feeling of loss. 

I hope you will be able to enjoy whatever time you have left with her, and that you'll be able to say good-bye.

From one cat lover to another many good thoughts and prayers. 

Very sad to hear about your kitty, GG...This fellow cat-parent's thoughts are with you.

Dana

 :(

Sorry to hear about Glitch Cat, GG. Having lost a lovable feline furball in '08, I know just what you mean about having that reliable little companion who is happy to see you come home and would happily spend the afternoon letting you tease her with a bit of yarn.

At least GC seems a little more comfortable now. Enjoy the gift of her company while you can.

Very sad to read this Glitchie.  I'm more of a dog than a cat man, but the principal is the same and losing a pet is always very upsetting.  All I can do really is wish you all the best, and echo Stumpy's words to make the best of the time remaining.  I will say though that, in time, it'll only be the good things that you remember.

Rest in Peace Rogue: aka Glitch Cat.

She started taking a turn for the worse thursday night.  I went home during my lunch on Friday and she wasn't in her usually sleeping spots, but under one of my shelves.  When she came out, she threw up bile, and that's when I called the vet.

It was surprisingly fast and peaceful.  The vet was very kind and he did the final treatment while she was in her favorite bed which I brought with us and let me brush her with her favorite brush as he administered the drug.  She just kind of stopped.  I'm having her cremated with one of her favorite toys, and will probably scatter the ashes under the window she liked to sit in and watch the world go by.

Thank you all for your prayers and kind thoughts.  She was with me for fifteen years.  I named her Rogue after the character class (nerd that I am) because she was clever and a bit sneaky and often got herself in trouble exploring things, not to mention her markings were like a black masked cowl with the cape draped over one paw.   She was very much a Jellicle cat, if you've ever read the poem by T.S. Elliot, and though I don't think I ever heard her caterwaul she did have the sweetest chirpy-purring noise she would make as a greeting.

In truth, this has been a terrible summer - months of car repair problems that still aren't resolved, bad reactions to medication that lead to depression until I bottomed out with suicidal feelings before I realized what was happening, work problems, a pay cut,  the new medication making my hair fall out, and then this.

I already miss her - there's that empty spot on the couch where her bed and her used to be nor the sound her at the door when I'm on the computer trying to type and she wants attention.  But oddly enough, it's a bit of a relief to know that she's not going to suffer, that when the end did come, it wasn't a lingering thing.

She was a good cat.

Awwww... Rogue  :(

Sorry to hear this Glitch.  My condolences. 

-RTT

I'm so sorry about your cat, Glitch.

My wife and I have been there.  Condolences from both of us for Rogue.

:( *hugs*

I'm so sorry to hear that, Glitch. Its a terrible feeling losing a pet that was close to you. :(

I hope your summer and year improves, and I hope you can continue to find support here and elsewhere.

i'm sorry about your loss glitch girl, i know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet

I'm very sorry GG.  The Grey's certainly understand, having lost our very special cat.  In the case of our boy, Ron, it gave me a good deal of comfort to reflect on the fact that he had a very sad and frustrating experience before the last few years he spent with us.  We were able to give him a great life, and of course he enriched ours in turn.  That made it somewhat easier to bear.  Our prayers are with you as you deal with her loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with you GG, losing a pet is never easy.

I'm very sorry GG. :-( I would be very lonely without my special cat in my life as well. My prayers are with you as you deal with her loss.

- CQ

Sorry to hear about your cat along with your other woes. As a cat owner myself I can definitely sympathize.

Sorry to read about this *hugs tight*

My best wishes to you, GG. Loss is part of life as are trials, triumphs, laughter and tears. Be well...

Best of wishes to you, GG and cat. I know how heart-breaking it is to lose a loyal companion, and I pray for the best. :(

I'm so sorry that you are going through such a terrible time, but I am glad that you have fond memories to hang onto.  Also that you realized what the medication was doing to you... We don't want to lose you, my friend!

I've struggled with depression my whole life and I've been through dark times like that.  Even some medication-caused ones.  But knowing that there are people who care about me and that life is precious brought me through them.  I can honestly say that the good times were more than worth the other times that weren't.

I pray God will send you comfort, help, and strength.  If it were possible to sit and mourn with you, I would.

Thank you everyone for all the kind words and prayers.

Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to need them even more.

Summer has not been kind.  It seems like it's throwing everything bad at me that it can.

And now, there's a lump. 

Or more specifically, a "mass".  I've had it scanned, and I'm supposed to go back on the 25th for a biopsy.  At this point, it is unlikely to be a cyst and the rate it appeared, I doubt it's going to be benign and it scares me.   

I don't know what else to say.  I will keep you all posted.

Please keep us posted GG. This is when of those times when I don't know how to respond, but you'll definitely be kept in my thoughts and prayers.

I wish you the best and some peace in these trying times.

Our prayers are with you.

All the best warm and good thoughts.  My prayers are with you. 

I don't know what to say Glitch Girl.  But it's times like these, that i believe that thinking  positive would be more beneficial to your health. Don't give up hope and believe in prayers.
I will be hoping and praying that things will turn out ok for you.

That's awful.  I'm sending up prayers right now.

I pray that the doctors will correctly diagnose this mass and that they'll come up with the treatment that will work best for you.  I pray that your caregivers will be compassionate as well as professional and skilled.

I've got to assume that you have a bunch of RL (non-online) friends who can be your support system and help you through this time.  Maybe a church "family"?  I pray that God puts you on their hearts and gives them what they need to support you.

I pray that God will keep reminding us all to think of you and pray for you, especially when you need them most.  I pray that you will find unexpected acts of kindness and that you will be surprised with joy.

I pray that you come through this stronger and happier than before.  May God bless you with his grace and love at this time and always.

Words fail me, but you are in my thoughts as well.

I...don't know what to say. I can only hope for the best, Glitch.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, GG. Hope everything turns out okay and you can look forward to better things to come.

- CQ

Oh, Glitch. I really hope that no further bad news comes out of this. You've been in my thoughts since you first felt stressed and I'll hope with all my might that things turn out ok.

You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers, GG.   

Thanks for all the good thoughts.  I wish I had better news...

The biopsy was Tuesday.  It did not go smoothly.  The first sample they took was very painful and they had to use additional numbing agent for the remaining four samples.  One of the technicians remarked that that much pain may indicate a malignant tumor.

Turns out she was right.  It is malignant; however it is small and it hasn't spread and we have caught it early.  I don't know what my options are at present - those are to be discussed next week at some point, appointment pending, but the doctors have told me my outlook is positive.

I have to admit, it still scares me.  Wish I had more details to report, but that's all I know.

Again, thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers.

We'll keep sending the good vibes your way.  Hang in there.

I wish so much that you had received other news GG, but, while no-one wants to hear such a result, it does sound like you've got a pretty darn good outlook.  With cancer, catching it early is just absolutely huge.  When you catch it early your body can fight it much more effectively.  Keep up your spirits and stay hopeful!  We'll keep you in our prayers.

Obviously, you'd rather have dodged the bullet entirely, but, as others are saying, cancer caught early is very treatable and carries great odds for a positive outcome. Thanks for the update and know that our heartfelt best wishes are with you.

I'll echo the others. Hoping for the best GG.

I'm glad this was caught early GG. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers.

I can't blame you for being scared GG. But detecting it in its early stages is a very good sign. Be strong and don't lose faith.

Early detection is key. It looks like you caught it just right.

For whatever strength and prayers you need, count me in.

I'm so sorry to hear of your recent troubles, Mea.  Glitch Cat was an FR personality, it's sad to all of us who remember the shenanigans she caused.

As to your own difficulties, I don't know what to say but keep strong and positive.  Life is coming down hard on you now, but you can break through it.  You're an awesome and caring woman.  I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and pushing giant bags of hope your way.
-Mike

The family & I have you in our thoughts. Just stay positive. After all you are a super-hero. You can totally defeat this baddie. :mjb:

More prayers on the way...  May Medicine cure the body and Faith comfort the soul.  May all your needs be met.

Thanks again everyone.  I will continue to post updates here.

Today I met with the doctor about my treatment options.   It was also right after I picked up Rogue's (aka: Glitch Cat) ashes, so needless to say I was not in the best of moods, and waiting two hours in a small examination room didn't help.  Thankfully, the news I eventually got was better - there will be an operation (a lumpondectomy) followed by about six weeks of radiation treatment, which, in theory, should take care of it.  The initial prognosis is good, though there is still an MRI that needs to be done and surgeons to talk to.  A lot of "hurry up and wait" which makes one weary. 

I greatly appreciate all the prayers and well wishes from all of you.  They have really helped despite the distance.

Stay strong and know that you have a lot of friends here that are keeping you in our prayers. Thanks for the update Glitch.

*hugs*

lots of 'em

Its great to read some positive news, Glitch. I know a few folk who have had less than a little fun in a similar situation, but hearing that the doctors have a positive outlook so far is really great.

As has been said already, early detection is the key, and its great to hear that the prognosis is good.  Stay strong and stay positive; you're in our thoughts and we're sending our very best wishes to you Glitchie. 

Nothing but the best for you GG!  Stay positive!

I'm a big animal and cat lover. Sorry to hear this. Best of everything and strength in dealing with this to you and yours.

Update:

I have spent more time at the clinic than I ever care to, but now we have a surgery day scheduled - specifically the 16th.  I have to be there by 6:15 am (ack) and it is outpatient, so at least when I'm conscious again, I'll be at home. 

Today was, among other things, an MRI.  It felt like something out of a 70's sci-fi movie.  Big white tube thing and lots of weird electronic noises.  If it were a sci-fi movie though, it would have been extremely boring, since the procedure involved lying there while it scanned for 15-20 minutes.  I think I almost fell asleep. 

I took a dry run out to where I'll be having radiation treatment - it's only 10 minutes from work so I can do it during lunch. I'd prefer to do it after work since it's supposed to leave you tired, but they close to early for that. 

ADDENDUM:
I got a call this morning about the MRI.  There are three suspicious spots (not yet masses) that they want to check out.  It may be nothing (God, I hope they're nothing), but I still need to go in for an additional ultrasound before surgery.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Again, thanks for all the kind thoughts.  They have been a huge help.

Fingers crossed, best of wishes to you GG.

I've had four MRIs over the years for MS - LOUD suckers, aren't they?  I always have a hard time keeping still in those.  With the sci-fi feel of it all, my imagination always gets going and I end up giggling.  Haven't had to restart one, but the technicians always have to remind me to keep still.  It's good to hear they're keeping on top of it with the callback.  Stinks to have *another* visit, but it's also a positive that they're not leaving things at 'probably nothing'.

I'm wishing you all the best.

Surgery's off.

Turns out there is another lump on the other side which will need to be biopsied, but after the last one, it looks like I'm going to need a tranquilizer since the last one has left me very tense and this time they have to go in in a very sensitive area.  Surgery looks like it may possibly be the week of Halloween but  not certain yet.

Wow, just catching up GG. You can add my best thoughts as well. In the Clasic words of Commander Targert.... "Never give up, never Surender..."

:direwolf

Best of wishes, GG.

Well, here's hoping the next examination will provide good results, at least in context, but it's certainly better for them to figure this out now rather than after surgery.  You're still in our prayers!

Second Biopsy was yesterday.  It went MUCH better thanks to a lot of factors. 

One of those factors was some little white pills the doctor prescribed to me.  See, after the last biopsy, I was...tense.  Very VERY tense.   My surgeon recommended I take something to relax and gave me two tiny white pills and instructions to take one 45 minutes beforehand and the second if the first wasn't working, and basically make sure someone else was driving.

In truth, I had no idea what exactly these pills would do to me - the definition of "calm" can cover a lot of territory.  Nevertheless, I make the arrangements.

The time arrives, I take my pill, get picked up at home by family, and head to the clinic.  1:00 hits (my appointment time) and I'm not feeling that different.  So I take the second pill and wait to be called in.

The doctor running the biopsy this time is a different person and she's much more personable and appears to be more experienced than the previous (the prior one was done by someone under the supervision of the doctor who was giving instructions.  At the time, I felt like her intern homework, even though she wasn't an intern, but you get the idea).  She used a lot more numbing agent this time, but they also took more samples, none of which I felt this time (whew!) though there was a bit more bleeding.  Through it all, I was alert and calm, though not overly mellow, which I kinda expected after the doctor told me if I'd taken four of those aforementioned pills, they'd have to carry me out. 

Eventually I get dressed again, and we head out of the hospital (it's about a quarter to 4), and THAT'S when I start feeling the pills.

By the time I get home, I'm starting to nod off.  I have enough presence of mind to make myself a quick frozen dinner for lunch/dinner, eat it, and lie down for a bit... which turns out to be two hours. 

Results are due around thursday.  Until them, we're back to the waiting game.

Again, thanks for all the kind thoughts and messages.  I know I haven't answered all of them personally, and a few got lost in my blackhole of an email box as of late, but I greatly appreciate them all. 

Good to hear it went so smoothly!

That's great new GG.  Stay positive

Thanks everyone.

More news.  The spots are malignant, there's talk of mastectomy but no one will tell me anything until Monday when I talk to the doctor.  It took major berating over the phone just to get confirmation that the surgery would not be Wednesday as originally discussed.]

I hate being left hanging like this.  Again.  Why tell me something like this and then make me wait DAYS for a resolution?  What THE HELL?!?!!

I am so tired of this.  Of  the waiting, of the bad news, of this damned year.

That's terrible!  I understand they're terrified of lawsuits, but if they'd just take five minutes to TALK to people, they could spare their patients so much grief, and avoid so much resentment and ugliness at the same time.  I'm so sorry GG.  We're still praying.

Meh... As someone in the medical field, I can tell you that it's not even about lawsuits, it's about breaking the law. As a lab employee, I am not allowed to discuss their results with them at all. It doesn't matter if it is over the phone, in person, whatever. Doing so is a breach of federally mandated doctor-patient confidentiality laws such as HIPAA and ACTA. That information MUST be relayed either through the patient's doctor or their nurse.

Yes, I totally agree that it's asinine. It would take me all of two seconds to look a result up, and it saves me from upsetting patients who just want to know what's going on.

Quote from: Tomato on October 27, 2012, 06:23:02 PM
Meh... As someone in the medical field, I can tell you that it's not even about lawsuits, it's about breaking the law. As a lab employee, I am not allowed to discuss their results with them at all. It doesn't matter if it is over the phone, in person, whatever. Doing so is a breach of federally mandated doctor-patient confidentiality laws such as HIPAA and ACTA. That information MUST be relayed either through the patient's doctor or their nurse.

Yes, I totally agree that it's asinine. It would take me all of two seconds to look a result up, and it saves me from upsetting patients who just want to know what's going on.

I was actually talking about the doctors themselves, 'Mato, but thanks, that's illuminating. 

Hang on in there, Glitch. I can't even begin to imagine the stress of all this, but we're all here to support in whatever way we can.

Thanks once again everyone.

Short version is all I can manage right now.  Yesterday had talk with doctor.  They sent in a chaplain first and I let them know exactly how I felt them sending in a chaplain before telling me what the current situation was. 

The spoke with doctor. Right side is not viable for a lumpectomy, it's going to have to be a mastectomy, which is now recommended for the left. Reconstruction is recommended.  6-8 weeks recovery time.

I'm sorry to hear that gg. If there's anything we can do, anything, let us know.

We're all praying for you Glitch, and like Tomato said, whatever you need, let us know.

[Rant][Salty Language]

Spoiler

Oh for the love of God!  Who's the ignorant frell that called down the karma dren-storm on GG?  It was obviously someone that couldn't find their arse with both hands, let alone call in coordinates.  We need to find this dren-bag & mete out some justice.  Ferret legging is too good for the sod.  I'm thinking something along the lines of a large hammer, an anvil, and certain bits of the reproductive system in between the two.  A LOT! 

[/Salty Language][/Rant]

This ..........*waves arms frantically*............should not be.  There is no way this should happen.  You are the nicest person on the board, hands down.  Mikey is a grumpy ogre compared to you.  And he smells, too!  There is no way that this balances out on any scale.  This has exceeded my capacity to effectively comfort.  Someone get robinka into a cloning chamber, STAT!  If you can blame all of this on someone and want them mangled, just say the word.  I know people.  People that know many farmers' rock piles that *never* get moved, and have the heavy equipment to "adjust" them.  One has access to a mortuary furnace.  I'm just sayin'.

Seriously, if you need *anything*, just ask.

Ok, first of all, sending in a chaplain before the doctors even spoke to you?  :doh: I never could understand how highly educated people can be so stupid. If it was me I probably would have been arrested for assault. Anyway, a good friend of mine had a double mastectomy a few years ago and her insurance paid for her breast reconstruction. I have to admit they looked fantastic, better than what nature gave her. She saw that as a silver lining. Anyway, as usual, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Actually, the reason they have to do that is...


Wait, no, that is stupid as heck. You don't ever do that to  patient, ever. Even if you're telling the patient that he/she is dying (which wasn't the case here) you talk to them about the situation FIRST, then as if she would like to talk to a chaplain. They don't know her religious domination,  she could be a satanist for all they know. Even if they lucked into the right denomination, until she knows what is going on, there's nothing for her to discuss with a chaplain.

GG, I am so sorry to hear about this and I know it seems like it's just getting worse and worse for you.

Sounds like your Doctor's "bedside manner" leaves something to be desired.  You'd think a chaplain would know better, though, wouldn't you?

They're both men, amiright?

(I freely admit my gender can be emotionally clueless sometimes...)

Please let us know, in general, what your needs are.  I'd like to be able to pray for those specifically.

Will insurance cover most of this?  How bad will deductables and co-pays be for you?  Do you have disability insurance that will get you through?  Will you be able to take care of yourself during your recovery or will you have/need help?  Will you be able to work from home during the last part of your recovery?  Is your employer supportive of you?

Is there anything we can do to help keep your spirits up and help you get through this?

Actually they were both women, but that doesn't make it much better.

My office does not offer limited disability - I do have a guarantee that I'll still have a job, but while I'm out, money is not good.  There are some relief services I can apply for, but there won't be much that way either.  So far, details of recovery haven't been discussed much. 

Sidenote: the car wouldn't start this morning and my home is internetless until Saturday noon (and has been since thurs).  I am starting to look forward to Mayan doomsday. [sigh]

Minor update: Car battery replaced so car is back and internet is finally fixed.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on November 02, 2012, 02:01:32 PM
Sidenote: the car wouldn't start this morning and my home is internetless until Saturday noon (and has been since thurs).  I am starting to look forward to Mayan doomsday. [sigh]

Minor update: Car battery replaced so car is back and internet is finally fixed.

Had car trouble myself this morning... I can relate. :)

As to the rest, please, please keep us posted.  I think I can safely speak for the rest of the Community and say that we care a lot about what happens to you and if there's anything we can do to help, or to cheer you up, or even just let you vent about what's going on, please let us know.

PS. Mayan doomsday is overrated.  Not even in the top five apocalyptic events.

1. The Great Tribulation
2. Nuclear Armageddon
3. Global Warming
4. Skynet/Robocalypse
5. Ragnarok

See?  The Mayan Doomsday is not even on the radar.  Even Ragnarok is about to get edged out by a Zombie Apocalypse.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on November 02, 2012, 02:01:32 PMActually they were both women, but that doesn't make it much better.

I guess not. The downside to gender equality.  :wacko:

Thanks for keeping us updated. Know that you remain in our positive thoughts and best wishes.

Been a while since I posted, but here's a small update of sorts.

Most of the last few weeks have involved talking to doctors about the surgery, like picking what form of reconstruction I'm going to have.  I've made my decision to use my own body tissue as opposed to implants (which have to be maintained/changed every 11 years).  Unfortunately, it is also the one that recovers the longest recovery time.  I've already made arrangements to stay with family at least for the first few weeks until I'm well enough to go back home.  The biggest thing though is not being able to lift over 5 lbs for about 8 weeks (because the tissue they're using is from my abdomen).  That may not sound like much until you really think about it: laundry, grocery shopping, simple things like that suddenly become a challenge.  After being one's own for quite a while, this is going to be a major adjustment.

Surgery has not been scheduled yet, but should be in the next 2-3 weeks.

Again, I want to thank everyone for their support.  It has been a tremendous help.

Sidenote: Thanks to the books I bring for the waiting room, I discovered my plastic surgeon is a Pratchett fan.

Other things I've learned since this all started:

- If you want to get the nurse's attention after being stuck in one of the examining rooms for a long time, open the door and just leave it open.  You'd be amazed how effective this is.

- If you leave the clinic after the parking deck is closed, you don't have to pay.  Only happened once so far, but good to know.

I'm glad you are able to stay with family during this time, it's a great support system. Thanks for keeping us posted, we're all praying for you.

On a side note, you're getting a free tummy tuck, so by next summer you will have fantastic abs.   :thumbup:

Trying to put a smile on your face GG

Actually Jay, I'm not sure I'll even HAVE abs after this.   Something to ask the plastic surgeon next time we talk.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that his name is (I kid you not), "Doctor Fix".

Oh come'on  you gotta be pulling our legs...ok maybe his last name is Fix, but is his first name really Doctor?
Doctor Doctor Fix?  I don't buy that.   



LOL!  Keep the updates coming.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/Reepicheep/getafix.jpg)

It could be worst GG, his name could be Doctor Horrible.

Or Doctor Doom...he might just decide to implant some type of terrible weapon of mass destruction while operation on you....though, on second thought, maybe that wouldn't be so bad...

Seriously though, we'll be praying for this surgery and for your recovery! 

You're a Pratchett fan, eh?  I've never read any of his stuff.  What all of his would you recommend?  I know there are like forty books in his Discworld series; have you actually read all of them?

GG, it's good you can stay with family for part of your recovery. Being in an already-functioning household will be a load off your mind as far as things you need to do.

BTW, when I was a kid, my aunt had a cardiologist named Doctor Die. Yup.  :blink:

Reep: Getafix!  I love Asterix! 

Stumpy: Wow. Not exactly a confidence builder is it.

Benton: This is going to take a while to answer, I'll start a new thread (http://freedomreborn.net/forums/index.php?topic=55927.msg756830) in media to answer your question.

Minor update, mostly for the sheer "facepalm" aspect of it.

I got a robocall from the hospital that they want to talk to me ASAP about something (not sure what, but it's probably scheduling my surgery) and that I need to call back during business hours, Mon-Fri 7-5.

The call comes in at 6:30 pm on a Friday.

[sigh]

 Well, I finally have a date.

December 12th.

Before that, I'll have a few more labs, tests, and talks.  Then a few days in the hospital, followed by a week or two with family before coming back to my house for further recovery.

On that note, looks like I won't be wrestling the Christmas tree in and out of the attic this year, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I wish you nothing but the best of luck with this GG. We'll be praying for you when the time comes.

Thoughts and prayers are with you Glitch.

 I really admire how you are handling this. I know this is difficult, I've had two loved ones go through it. You are amazing and I hope the surgery and the recovery go well.

I know I say this a lot, but thanks again for all the kind words.  The outpouring of well wishes and so on from you guys and others has been an enormous help in getting through this. 

Holy Cow Glitch, you've had one heck of a row to hoe these past few months.  I'm very sorry for the loss of your feline companion and your medical challenges.  It sounds like you're handling it with the same aplomb and equinamity that you've always shown around here, which is not at all surprising.  As with others, you have my best wishes and prayers.  Redneck jarhead episcopalian prayers have an...unusual rhythm to them, but I think the transmission was a good one.

Word of caution on your Glitch aura; please keep it in check, I sort of half chuckle/half shudder to think of the havok you could cause around all of that expensive, delicate, precise medical equipment.

Alright now I feel horrible.  I've been avoiding this topic because I thought it was all about the cat.  While I love cats and feel sorry for the poor thing, I didn't see the point in keeping up on a long drawn out topic about it and wasn't sure why it's kept on this long.

They I finally look in on it and find this going on.

So I'll give you my apologies and join the chorus of well wishers.  There doesn't seem to be anything I can actually do (I HATE that feeling) but I will certainly send my prayers and well wishes your way for a speedy and thorough recovery.

I know it can be intimidating have the date for the surgery set, GG, but I bet it's also a relief having a small piece of the uncertainty cleared away.  I know I always feel better when I can start making plans in instances like this.  Stay strong!

So today was tests and labs and LOTS of talking.  I arrived around 7 am and didn't get done until 1:30 in the afternoon.  Add to that that there was a CT scan in there, which meant no eating or drinking  from the previous night until after made this a VERY  long day.  When I did finally get home (got lunch on the way, wolfed it down before I was even halfway home), I promptly fell asleep for an hour.

Random thoughts:

• The CT scan had no surprises as I feared, so we're good to go.
  
• The scan itself was more ST:TNG than 70's sci-fi (like the MRI)  It was basically a huge white ring/donut with a mobile slab and it talked to you, telling you when to hold your breath and when to release. 
  
• The anesthesiologist had the comfiest chair of everyone I talked to, it was an actual easy chair.
  
• Even with insurance, the hospital stay is still $250 A DAY [faints]
  
• Luckily I did get approved for some financial aid, which sadly only would cover two-thirds of the minimum hospital stay.  Insurance is SUCH a racket.
  
• I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Alan Dean Foster's Mad Amos anthology, which I dug up out of my bookshelf for waiting room reading.
  
• I have had some kind of dealing with every floor of the clinic (including the basement) except for the 4th floor, which is primarily cardiology, so I'm not entirely upset about that.
  

Cat: It's okay.  I probably should have changed the subject line months ago, but back when I added the  "and me", I was hoping that the tests would be negative.  When they weren't, I never actually got around to fixing it. 

Glad to hear that your insurance and financial aid are helping you out. That's definitely a plus side here. I'm also glad to see that you're staying so positive during this time.

Thoughts and prayers are staying with you Glitch.

I have to second AA's response - it's awesome how open and sharing you are.  From my experience, it lessens the enormity of medical fears.  You seem to be handling it well.  I have a friend on facebook who just this past year went through breast cancer/double mastectomy.  She had some challenges in recovery, but pushed through it and is now is feeling healthy in the final stages of the cosmetic replacements.  I hope you continue to share with us for however long it gives you comfort/want to.  I'll be continuing to think about you and wear your shirt.  And if you decide those nipple hoses would help and you want them back, lemme know.   :mikeb7

I just found out about this today.

I wish you all the best with this, Glitch Girl. It won't be easy, but the honesty, openness and sense of humour you've displayed in this thread are all positive signs.

The answer to getting the insurance to pay everything is a direct visit to their front doors with a loaded shotgun! Oh wait...that's the best way to get me to do something..nevermind!  :D

Lots of luck and such...would say I'd pray for you but seeing as my religion disdains praying, I'll just wish you luck!

Quote from: MikeB7 on December 10, 2012, 04:55:33 AM
And if you decide those nipple hoses would help and you want them back, lemme know.   :mikeb7

*Snort!*

Seriously, I am glad you continue to share with us Glitchy. I know I speak for everyone on the board when I say we hate that you are going through this, but we are glad we can at least be here for you. Mike is right, an outlet to express your fears and anxieties is helpful during these times. We have not stopped praying for you, and we all love you very much.... (my girls have turned me into a big softy, so seriously I have put on like fifteen pounds).

All right folks, today was pre-op, which was long and tedious, but now it's done.  Tomorrow morning, I have to be at the hospital by 5:00 am (ack), so this will be my last post until after surgery. 

Commence nervousness. 

I will try to post again as soon as I am able, probably from my phone and hospital bed, so until them, thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

Best of luck for tomorrow Glitch, my prayers are with you.

I hope everything goes smoothly today. Good thoughts heading your way...

Best wishes, Glitch. My thoughts are with you!

My thoughts are with you, too. I know you'll face this like the super hero you are.

Best of luck.

I'm sorry I haven't been around and didn't find out about this until tonight. Mea, please know my thoughts are with you and I am sure you will come out on top of this.You are the heart of this community and the strongest of us all. Best wishes!

Mowgli

I'm pretty sure this goes without saying, but if you need someone to face stab people for you, I'm at your immediate disposal for dispensing stabbity death.

Short update...
Surgery took 12 hours but went smoothly.  Am in my hospital room now.  Recovery is going good,except morphine and I do not go well together.  More later,but letting y'all know i'm alive.

Hooray, Glitchy! Glad to hear things went well.

Wishing you all the best!

Glad your surgury went well Glitch. Here's to a smooth and successful recovery.

Good stuff GG, glad to hear you're very much in the fight. 

Thanks for checking in!  Try to get some rest, GG

Quote from: Kommando on December 13, 2012, 07:37:21 PM
Good to hear things went well and um... demand better drugs!

Errrr... I'm pretty sure morphine is the strongest painkiller in the medical profession. You don't really go up from something that dangerous.

DIFFERENT drugs maybe, but not better drugs.

Hooray! Glad things went well, GG. Hope they don't have to keep you in for too long. Thanks for the quick update. :)

BTW, Tomato: I think Kommando said "better", not "stronger".  ;)

I'm very glad to hear that the surgery went well, GG.  Start healing up and get lots and lots of rest!

Good to hear GG!

Glad to hear everything went well. Thanks for letting us know, and keep us posted.

BTW, anyone have any idea when  I entered my original email address and password, it brought up the Ronin account for me instead of my Mowgli account? Confused....  :huh:

Great to hear!  Just rest and get stronger.

Never allow me to type things while I'm at work. It never goes well.

I wish you nothing but luck GG. Recover 100%, ok? Don't go running around fighting crime at 90% or something.

Glad and relieved that surgery went well.  The important thing now is rest and heal.

Feel better soon.

Good healing and speedy recovery!

Quote from: Tomato on December 14, 2012, 06:41:31 AM
I wish you nothing but luck GG. Recover 100%, ok? Don't go running around fighting crime at 90% or something.

Absolutely, make sure to go through the ENTIRE training montage first!

Good news! I wish you a quick and complete recovery, GG.

Went t mom's yesterday.  Recovery has slowed,but continues.   Got a lot more training montage to go

i havent commented on this because truthfully. i wouldn't know what to say.

GG i know we never really spoke much, but all i can i'm extremely happy the recovery is going great and you have my best hopes and thoughts that it ends well.

Good to hear the surgery went well! We are stilly praying through your recovery. Tell your real family that your crazy family requested they take good care of you and that they feed you lots of icecream.

Quote from: BentonGrey on December 14, 2012, 04:33:17 PM

Quote from: Tomato on December 14, 2012, 06:41:31 AM
I wish you nothing but luck GG. Recover 100%, ok? Don't go running around fighting crime at 90% or something.

Absolutely, make sure to go through the ENTIRE training montage first!

Ahh...forget what Benton says...you can fastforward through the training montage...all it does is pad out the movie and waste valuable character building time.

No, you can't skip the training montages, they always have the best music.  :D

Hope that you recover fast and completely.

By the time I post this,it willhae been exactly 1 week since the surgery ended.  I can barly believe it. 

Recovery goes faster than expected (no more drains, YES!) And I am sure it is because I have some of the greatest friends both off and online.  I wanted to let y'all know I have no doubt in your role in my recovery.  I know it's been occasionally sappy and I sound like a broken record (damns,. I need a new metaphor) saying this, but again,thank you all so much for your humor,encouragement, prayers and so much more.  This is proof that no matter how dark the days that there is always a light.

not if you keep glitching out the bloody light bulbs there won't be!  Do you have any idea how much each one of these doggone eco-friendly squiggly freakin' little bulbs costs?!?

Glad to hear that you're marching smartly along GG.  Wishing you the best, Gren.

Glad to hear that your recovery is going so well Glitch, hope you are able to have a wonderful holiday season. Take care of yourself.

Good job, Glitch. Great to hear things are looking well.

I hope the near future proves less intense!

Yay, to a speedy recovery!

We know you still have healing to do, and I'm sure you're not pain-free,

but we're very happy that you're in good spirits and on the road to recovery.

Being surrounded by your family and being cancer-free sounds like a good Christmas to me.

(Ooh, that sort of rhymed... sorry, feeling a bit ADD today...)

Oh, and bonus, no Mayan apocalypse in sight :)

Get better sooner and Merry Christmas!

Thanks for the update GG, its great to hear such good news.  Here's wishing you all the best with your recovery!  :thumbup:

So, GG pmed me earlier today, and I wanted to let everyone know that all the care package arrived safely. She wasn't sure if she could post here or if it was a secret or something, which it obviously isn't anymore.

That said, I did want to give a very public shout out to a few members of the community for their help getting it together.

To Panther Gunn, for taking charge on the poster. He was a huge help with nagging the members of FR to giving as many signatures as possible, and in printing it in time to ship to GG.

To loosecollector, not only for allowing me to make a last minute change to my order, but also making sure the order was finished prior to thanksgiving (which is when we'd originally planned to send the package)

To Bluebard and thalaw for not only giving me additional cards and stuff to send, but also following up on it and making sure it got to me ok

And most of all, to GG, for being one of the best damn admins on this board.

Wow...

Seriously, just... wow.

You guys are amazing.

Many years ago, I wandered into the Freedom Force forums and found the first gaming community I felt comfortable in.  That board may be long gone, but the community is still one of the best I've ever encountered.  You guys, along with my local RL friends have turned what could have been a very depressing holiday season into a fondly memorable one. 

My Little Glitch Pony will be getting a spot on my work desk when I get back to work.  I think it looks awesome.  The little jacket and mask are prefect.

The Glitch Girl is going to stay at home because a) I am going to hunt down a display case for it, I have the perfect shelf space for it and b) I don't want to risk losing the "Glitch Aura" spark which is a great touch.  I want a pair of those boots in RL.  ;)

I took pictures of both, but since all I had was my phone and no real good place for lighting and so forth, so it's not the best picture.  More planning would do them more justice.  Now we get to see if I can link directly from G+ photosharing to here.  Fingers crossed...
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VXfUTnYLj3Y/UNyqq_4ajtI/AAAAAAAAAOU/UuPQex3hGC8/s703/2012-12-27_14-05-37_313.jpg)

The poster with all the signatures is being flattened under some books even as I type so that it will be easier to frame once I'm more mobile (right now, being tethered to an oxygen machine seems to be the only thing holding me back) and can get to Micheal's.   I tried taking a picture of it too, but all my shots came out too blurry.  :(  Considered that one owed for the near future.

Both cards shall be put to goods use.  I don't know what I'm going to get at GameStop yet, but I'm sure I'll find something.  :)

So anyway, Thank you all so much.  The amount of planning and plotting to put this off is pretty darn impressive, and I feel honored that you'd all do that for me.  Y'all are going to make me tear up again, but that's not such a bad thing.

Best wishes on the coming year, if this is any indication, we're off to a good start. 

And once again, thank you. 

And, wow!

Quote from: Glitch Girl on December 28, 2012, 12:58:43 AM
The poster with all the signatures is being flattened under some books even as I type so that it will be easier to frame once I'm more mobile (right now, being tethered to an oxygen machine seems to be the only thing holding me back) and can get to Micheal's.   I tried taking a picture of it too, but all my shots came out too blurry.  :(  Considered that one owed for the near future.

To save you some hassle, here's a link to a preview of the poster.  The actual image I uploaded was readable, but it looks like Imageshack shrunk it a bit, so the signatures aren't as easy to read.  I'll gladly send the image to whoever can get it hosted better (probably Tomato) for better readability.

http://imageshack.us/a/img547/452/poster1n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/a/img547/452/poster1n.jpg)

Quote from: Glitch Girl on December 28, 2012, 12:58:43 AMY'all are going to make me tear up again, but that's not such a bad thing.

heh, got her to say "y'all".   :lol: :thumbup:

Anyone who didn't use Helvetica makes me sick.

Huh. Could have sworn I uploaded a copy already, but I guess not. If you'll email me either the full resolution or the decent quality thumbnail, I'll muck with it and get it uploaded for everyone.

I'm glad the gifts go to there safely!  It was truly a pleasure being a part of it.

I'm trying to figure this out... what is that eating Glitch's hand?

It's a little accessory that comes with some of the dcuc figures (most often flash ones, but I think it was originally for superman red/blue) it's like a little spark of lightning. For the record, loosecollector came up with that idea themselves, it was a total surprise to me as well.

Quote from: Reepicheep on December 29, 2012, 12:18:21 AM
Anyone who didn't use Helvetica makes me sick.

You are such a font ho, Reep!  Pimping out you Helvetica!

Quote from: Deaths Jester on December 31, 2012, 04:07:45 PM

Quote from: Reepicheep on December 29, 2012, 12:18:21 AM
Anyone who didn't use Helvetica makes me sick.

You are such a font ho, Reep!  Pimping out you Helvetica!

Presentation, yo.

I hand wrote mine, beach. Ef yo font.

Poster uploaded. 50% resolution (http://i.imgur.com/3o3vQ.jpg)

Quote from: Tomato on January 03, 2013, 08:10:09 AM
I hand wrote mine, beach. Ef yo font.

Poster uploaded. 50% resolution (http://i.imgur.com/3o3vQ.jpg)

Woulda wrote mine but alas my mouse wanted to be a ho and not work perfectly.  Bloody ho mouse!

Quote from: Deaths Jester on December 31, 2012, 04:07:45 PM
You are such a font ho, Reep!  Pimping out you Helvetica!

Quote from: Deaths Jester on January 04, 2013, 04:07:40 PM
Woulda wrote mine but alas my mouse wanted to be a ho and not work perfectly.  Bloody ho mouse!

Christmas is over, fool.

Dj is free to keep Christmas in his heart... or lungs... or whatever internal organs he has... for however long he wishes to.

Quote from: Reepicheep on January 04, 2013, 06:06:49 PM

Quote from: Deaths Jester on December 31, 2012, 04:07:45 PM
You are such a font ho, Reep!  Pimping out you Helvetica!

Quote from: Deaths Jester on January 04, 2013, 04:07:40 PM
Woulda wrote mine but alas my mouse wanted to be a ho and not work perfectly.  Bloody ho mouse!

Christmas is over, fool.

Don't say it one more time or Santa will come out of the mirror and stab ya with a candycane!

Quote from: Tomato on January 04, 2013, 11:13:10 PM
Dj is free to keep Christmas in his heart... or lungs... or whatever internal organs he has... for however long he wishes to.

I keep it where my liver used to be!!!

Quote from: BWPS on January 05, 2013, 12:04:58 PM

Quote from: Reepicheep on January 04, 2013, 06:06:49 PM

Quote from: Deaths Jester on December 31, 2012, 04:07:45 PM
You are such a font ho, Reep!  Pimping out you Helvetica!

Quote from: Deaths Jester on January 04, 2013, 04:07:40 PM
Woulda wrote mine but alas my mouse wanted to be a ho and not work perfectly.  Bloody ho mouse!

Christmas is over, fool.

Don't say it one more time or Santa will come out of the mirror and stab ya with a candycane!

HO!!!  ARGHHHH!!!  *is stabbed in the hand with a candy cane by Kkhohoho*  Hey, that's not nice Santa!

[carefully sidesteps the font "debate"]

I thought I posted an update here, but I guess I didn't, so here goes...

On the 3rd I saw both my doctors.  The good new: no more oxygen, which means no more tether which means I can go back to my house!  The bad news, there may be chemo in the future, but as of today, no one's called me about it so who knows.  My plastic surgeon has scheduled me for April to finish reconstruction as there was more skin removed on one side than originally anticipated due to the tumor being closer to the surface than expected.  It's outpatient surgery so should be much MUCH quicker.

On the fourth I moved back home and started trying to get my normal routines back, which meant I tried a half day of work that monday.  I thought it went pretty well.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday I could barely get out of bed.  Basically I eventually lurched into the living room, left my boss a voice mail, and collapsed on the sofa for a few hours.

The rest of the week went much better.  I did half days every other day (Wed & Fri) and they went much better.  This week, half day every day, and with any luck, I'll be back up to full days in no time.

I'm also trying to start my walks again.  Usually during my lunch, I'd walk between 1.5 and 2 miles (usually outdoors, weather permitting).  Unfortunately, as of Friday, I could barely do 1/3 of a mile indoors without getting winded.  I guess surgery will do that too you.

Everything else continues somewhat more positive.  The 5 lb weight limit is the biggest PITA because getting groceries or laundry inside takes no less than 5 trips each.  And "Pouring rain" into that equation, and... well, let's say it's not fun. 

Despite that, I have had a chance to game with my friends at long last, have talked with neighbors, and otherwise have been getting on with things. Scabs are flaking away along the sutures, and things look like they're going to heal with minimal scarring.   February is going to be the magic date when the limitations on things like sleeping on my side and having a nice hot soak bath and lifting over 5 lbs all lift.  I cannot wait.

Glad to hear that things are improving Glitch. Best wishes towards your full recovery.

Minimal scarring?!?!?!  Blast it!!  Girls with scars are sooo hot!!  :P

I've been away for a while, so I apologize that I just now found out about this  :(

I am sorry to hear about Glitch Cat. I lost a kitty in a similar fashion about 4 years back.  (wow, has it been that long?)

And I am sorry to hear of your own medical trials, though you seem to be on the other end of it, getting your health back, for which I am pleased.

Keep up the good fight, and don't Glitch the medical machinery.

I'm glad to hear you're feeling a bit better, I wish you the best of health and a very swift recovery...And again, you have my sincerest condolences on the loss of Rogue/Glitch Cat.

Hugs,

Dana

Probably the last update for a while, mostly because there's not much more TO update.

Still haven't heard back about the chemo.  I'm hoping they decided against it and just forgot to tell me.

Most of the scabs are gone, though there is one small spot that's a little off (I'll spare you the details, as probably only DJ would want to read them).  Depending on how this weekend goes I may have to check with the doctor about it just to be safe.

That gift card that y'all sent has turned into "Ni No Kuni" which is probably the best therapy there is.  It is ADORABLE, and it looks and sounds gorgeous and it gobs of fun to play so far.

When not playing, I've been getting back to work.  Hopefully this week will be full days every day, which is actually better than before the surgery when my hours were cut.  In other words, life is returning to normalcy.  And who knows, maybe this February I'll look into getting a new furry companion.

I know I've said it a lot, but again, thanks for all the support and prayers and good thoughts and everything.  I am nowhere near the dark place I was last year and you all were part of getting me out of that. 

GG, that is excellent news! Getting back to work is a good benchmark of progress. It's awesome that things seem to be returning to a state of near-normalcy and you may even be up for another kitty soon. :)

(It's worth double-checking on the chemo. Far better to be sure that you don't need it than to find you were supposed to be scheduled for it and some communication errors delayed the process.)

Quote from: Glitch Girl on February 02, 2013, 04:22:15 PM

Most of the scabs are gone, though there is one small spot that's a little off (I'll spare you the details, as probably only DJ would want to read them).  Depending on how this weekend goes I may have to check with the doctor about it just to be safe.

Ohhh...slightly off spot?!?!?!  SEXY!!!!  MMMM-Yeah!  :thumbup:

I'm glad that you were able to stay so upbeat during this whole ordeal, it show a great strength in your character. And I agree with stumpy, definitely double check on the chemo, better safe than sorry.

Yay!

Great news GG, glad to hear it!

Thanks everyone.

To those worrying about me not taking the chemo thing seriously, I do plan to call the doctor today and followup on that.  I wanted to a) finish the official healing period first and b) have a few days of normalcy before starting that potential hassle. 

I did make it through a week fulltime and got to do lots of normal things again, like carrying my laundry basket and having a nice loooooong hot bath which was glorious. :D 

Great to hear!

...err, to read. I'm not reading out loud, promised.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on February 11, 2013, 02:23:03 PM
Thanks everyone.

To those worrying about me not taking the chemo thing seriously, I do plan to call the doctor today and followup on that.  I wanted to a) finish the official healing period first and b) have a few days of normalcy before starting that potential hassle. 

I did make it through a week fulltime and got to do lots of normal things again, like carrying my laundry basket and having a nice loooooong hot bath which was glorious. :D

*Shows up with a spounge and a towel*

Did someone say bath time?  I could soooooo use one!

Quote from: Deaths Jester on February 15, 2013, 04:12:48 PM
*Shows up with a spounge and a towel*

Did someone say bath time?  I could soooooo use one!

{Shows up with peroxide and a Brillo pad}

Sure, c'mere, DJ...

On second thought, forget it... you'd enjoy it too much.

[posted on G+ - didn't feel like writing it out again ]
So...  I went to see the doctor last week.  To find out about chemotherapy, something that was not in the plan, despite my repeated asking, until apparently AFTER I finished surgery.

I am told it is a mild dose, and only three treatments that are primarily precautionary, yet I'm still going to lose all my hair.

Those of you who've know me, know I have a thing about my hair - I've worn it long for a very long time and consider it part of my identity in a way.   Some of you also know that I had some scares a while back due to some mess-ups in my thyroid supplement and have been trying to grow back what was lost.

I am extremely frustrated now.  Every time I think this whole damn mess is over, it's not.  First it was the original diagnosis, then it was a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, then that got cancelled and upgraded to a double mastectomy but no radiation and no real followup, and now this (which also means no cat adoption for another three months since there may be side effects).

After talking to a few people who have dealt with cancer, I am thinking I need a second opinion - there seems to be some general agreement that there's something off about what I've been told.  And while I am extremely pleased with my plastic surgeon, I am less than enamored by my surgeon and oncologist.

So that's the latest update.

2012, the year that keeps on giving crap. 

I will put it this way... as someone in the medical profession, I will tell you that some doctors will do more in the name of "just in case" than they should, often to the detriment of the patient. I often joke with my patients (I draw blood, in case I hadn't mentioned it) that if doctors had to have blood drawn for every 50 patients they have stuck, we'd cut down the amount of sticks ordered by half.

I don't want to discourage you from doing something if you need it, but don't let a doctor bully you into something if you don't feel it's necessary. Get a second opinion from someone who doesn't stand to profit from additional therapy, someone whose advice you value, and make your own decision.

With everything that I've been watching my sister-in-law going through medically , I definitely think that a second opinion is worth the look, especially if you're uncomfortable with something.

I hope it all works out for you... last year was a little rough in that both my sister and a super close friend got cancer (breast and hodgkins respectively) and between the two I got to see pretty much all the side effects. Also my brother in Law had cancer two... testicular. All three are fine, and have been getting nothing but clean scans since then.

In other words Chemo sucks, but life after usually involves one great milestone after another.

Sorry, GG. Surely that isn't the news you want to hear, about both the necessity of chemo and its side effects. Losing your hair isn't fun, and it's often particularly hard on women. If you have to, though, know that the people who care about you would rather have you than your hair any day of the week.

Obviously, no one is going to discourage you getting a second opinion. If you have doubts about the competence of your doctors, then find some you trust. This is your life on the line, some confidence in the people helping you keep it isn't too much to ask.

I agree with getting a second opinion...maybe even alternative treatments that are more holistic.  Truly sorry to see you're having such a terrible time.  Will keep up the prayers.

I go for the second opinion as well...something about the constant changes seems off and a bit disconcerting.  Seems almost like he thinks you might be xsomeone else each time he sees you..weird.

Sorry to hear you're going through this Glitch. Sounds like getting a second opinion might be a good idea.

Well, I think everyone has offered you good advice already GG, but let me echo Stumpy.  If you do face chemo, remember the folks who care about you, and that their love and respect isn't affected by your appearance.  I hope you won't face that challenge, but if you do, I know you'll come through it well.  You remain in our prayers.

Hey GG,
Sorry to hear about what you are going through.  Wanted to share a couple of things that might give a little hope you to you.

1) My friend Cassie went through much if not all of what you are currently going through last year as well.  She not only did the chemo and dealt with the hair loss but once her hair started growing back (and it will grow back) she went back to her job sans the wing she had been initially wearing.  Get this, she's gotten a lot of compliments from the guys where she works.

2) This other girl, Erin, is a former roommate to my friend Valerie.  (Valerie use to be the guitarist for The Cruxshadows, as I know you are DragonCon goer.)  Erin as been dealing with cancer as well for almost two years now.  She has been keeping a blog to help people dealing with cancer and cancer survivors that might be worth a read. if you want the link, let me know.

If you are up against chemo as part of your treatment, and I hope you are not, just know that you are not alone in it.    I'm going to see Cassie this weekend and will see if she minds you dropping her a line if you'd like me to.   And well, you know there are people here who adore, admire, and respect you.  You are and always will be a beloved pilar of the FR community.  We are all here for you even if we are not always so vocal. 

Cheers. 

I so wish this was the kind of thing where family and friends could take a portion of the illness and "share the damage" across the board to spare the suffering person from bearing so much.  Unfortunately, we can't.  I do wish you best, and can only echo the sentiment of others on this thread.  "Hang the hair, we care about you WAY more than the hair.  It'll grow back.  Do whatever it takes to get better.  Win."

I'm still waiting for GG to tell me about these scars..cause I'm interested...very, very interested!  Specially seeing as I now know she has long hair too.....hatcha!!!

Not any more DJ.  Read on...

So... since I last posted, I cancelled my first Chemo appointment in order to get more information.  I was feeling seriously blindsided by this whole thing and really needed just... more information  before I plunged in.

I have learned that I'm currently in one of the best cancer treatment centers in the region which is a comfort, though it meant getting a full diagnosis second opinion would require air travel in order to get something comparable.  I did talk to another oncologist out of state who was familiar with my current oncologist, and between him, several people who've been through chemo, and some online research I finally agreed that this is probably the best route. 

And then I got my hair cut.

It was sudden, and it was hard.  My hair used to reach past my shoulders quite a ways, though it has thinned in the last year or so due to a variety of factors (a big one being stress, go fig).  Now, it reaches the base of my skull and it feels... weird.  I've had long hair since I was about 9, and to suddenly not is going to take some getting used to.

Currently, it sorta looks like Trekker's (http://trekkercomic.com/) hair, but with more at the base and a bit more 2010's than 80's. 

There's a new appointment with the oncologist on the 26th.  I suspect more talking.  I've got some new questions, and maybe we'll get this started before I lose my nerve again.

My cousin had to have chemotherapy, and she just said "Heck with it", and had her head shaved. Her husband was in Afghanatan, and apparently some other wives on base had decided to "go bald" or something in support of their spouses. She just kinda fit right in.

Not to mention the half-dozen or so women I see on a regular basis that have shaved heads...

...or my daughter's friend who had chemo, lost her hair, and when HER husband got back from deployment, he liked it... I mean really LIKED it...

Mostly just saying have courage, take care, hope and pray for the best (we can join you on that one),and keep a positive attitude.

Wow, I can only wish you all the best with this Glitchie.  It certainly looks like you're doing all the right things and I'm glad to hear you're at such a good treatment centre.  I know this is anything but easy but remember we're all rooting for you.

Ohhh....Trekker hair is sexy too....but yet you still won't say squat about the scar...*pouts*  Haven't I been good enough?  :P

Well, at the least, you are at a top-notch cancer center, so these folks "should" know what their doing (emphasis on should...don't get me started on the medical trade).  And to give you something good to think about, not all folks who have chemo lose their hair and you could just be one of those lucky ones!!!  Pulling for you, GG!!!  And if you need to borrow some nerves, I've got a whole bag full of them somewhere that I'm not using that you can have!!!

Be careful of accepting second hand nerves from DJ, GG, you never know where they've been!

I know this has got to be tough, but the guys have good points.  After all, short hair can be really nice on a lady.  The important thing is definitely that you're in a good area and it seems like you are getting good care.  That is tremendously important.  This part may be tough, and  while there may be a lot more that is difficult ahead, we have no doubt but that you can do it!  As DG said, we're all pulling and praying for you!

Quote from: BentonGrey on March 14, 2013, 03:31:34 PM
Be careful of accepting second hand nerves from DJ, GG, you never know where they've been!

Hye their perfecctly fine, unused nerves!  Geexz...waht is it with everyone thinking I live in a gutter.

Well, I've got an aunt who recently underwent chemotherarpy and she seems to be doing ok. Actually more than ok from what i've heard. ( I believe she's also taking some special Chinese medicine as supplements though.)  There's also this one client of ours at work, who had gone thru the exact same thing a few years ago. She too seems to be doing pretty well.

Having trekker's hair doesn't sound all that bad. Especially if you're one of those Star Trek fans i suppose. But i know it must be really tough having to deal with all of this (cancer) and I admire your courage through it all. Praying for you during this difficult time. Stay strong and try to think positive. Being in one of the best facilities is definitely a plus.

Outcast: Trekker is a web comic/comic book character.  There's a link if you're curious.

Update: Went to the doctor yesterday.  Chemo starts monday.  Between this and money issues, life is not good.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on March 27, 2013, 01:11:20 PM
Outcast: Trekker is a web comic/comic book character.  There's a link if you're curious.

Update: Went to the doctor yesterday.  Chemo starts monday.  Between this and money issues, life is not good.

You got money issues too?  Welcome to the ever growing club of "We be Broke-Arse Superfolks".  With your membership you receive no actually useful objects or such, just a crappy little card that says, "I'll perform super-deeds for food."  Other than that, you become a member of perhaps the largest growing group of superheroes to grace Freedom Reborn.  Welcome.

All kidding aside, sound rough, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask either myself or one of the other many FR members, luv.

So.. April First was ironically Chemotherapy day 1, complete with a surprise...

I got there about 11:15.  Before every treatment, they take a blood sample to check your baselines just to be safe.  When they were about to take it, they asked me if I had a "port".  I have heard mention of a port once before, but never actually knew what one was except that I didn't have one so I said "no".  Blo9od was taken, time to trek off to the next waiting area.

At about noon I'm ushered back into the infusion area  ie: treatment.  It's a room full of cheap recliners with IV's set up next to them. This is because chemotherapy takes a long time.  More on that in a moment though, first we have to address ports again...

A port, I learn, is a device that's implanted in the patient in order for easy delivery of drugs and easy removal of blood samples.  Many cancer patients have them because of all the needles involved.  I did not have one (though there is something apropo of Glitch Girl having an installed port), which surprised the nurse.  There's immediate talk that I'm going to need one, that it's outpatient surgery, can be done today, maybe start treatment soon, wait what?!?!?! 

This is ALL news to me.  And it is not good news.  I explain that so far NONE of my doctors have mentioned this, that one of them probably should have and how much is THIS going to cost me this time? 

And I thought I was stressed going in. 

The nurse calls my oncologist, and after a brief discussion, learns that he did not recommend a port because I'm a) only getting four treatments total, and b) the treatments are of the mild variety, so a port was unnecessary.  This, thankfully is a relief.

After everything is sorted out, I get the overview of what the drugs I'm getting do, what are the side effects, and what's involved.  The possibly good news is that instead of total hair loss, I may (MAY) only have hair thinning.  Again, this is the mild stuff (well for chemo that is), but everyone is different, so it's still iffy.  Otherwise, it's mostly stuff like fatigue, lessened cold tolerance (like I had much to begin with), lower immunity, potential nausea, and some potentially dangerous side effects to look out for like fever, bruising, swelling, etc.

And then I finally get the IV.  Treatment lasts about 2 and a half hours, so I don't get out of there until 4.  While I'm treated, I talk to the nurse (who's actually quite friendly and we end up talking about pets a lot), and read ("The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul" was this visit's random book snatched from my shelf).  There's a TV in there, but it's daytime viewing and I can't get myself interested in it.  There are also snacks, and I end up munching on some Doritos and a Snickers bar and some water (there was soda too, but I didn't feel like it).  As you can see, such healthy snacks :)

For the most part I could only use one arm.  This wasn't because of any pain or discomfort, it's just that it seemed like whenever I moved the arm with the IV in it, I'd start alarm thing on it beeping.  I wasn't trying to move it much to begin with (needles creep me out) but even using it to turn pages seemed to be enough to set it off, so after a while I just said "heck with it" and got good at turning pages one handed.

I seemed to be take the treatment well.  Right now, I'm still a little tired, and my throat is kinda sore, but nothing major so far.  In three weeks I should be seeing some more side effects start to appear, but until then, it's mostly a just wait and see game.  In truth, except for the port scare, it went much better than I expected.

3 more treatments to go, one every 3 weeks.  Wish me luck.

Well done, Glitchy. I'm glad it went somewhat smoothly, but sounds like a tough old day all the same. I hope things are ok in weeks to come!

Thanks for the update, sounds like you're handling it well!  I hope you continue to feel well dealing the treatments.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on March 27, 2013, 01:11:20 PM
Outcast: Trekker is a web comic/comic book character.  There's a link if you're curious.

Oops!   :doh: :banghead: Well, i checked the link and i personally don't think that kind of "trekker hair" is bad at all. I think some girls prefer that kind of boyish haircut look. Heck, even models would sometime wear them.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on March 27, 2013, 01:11:20 PM
Update: Between this and money issues, life is not good.

Sorry to hear about your money issues though. :(

I can only imagine how scary all this can be for you. I wish there was really some other way to get rid of these kinds of cancer. Something else besides chemotherapy that is. Some natural way, like eating some healthy food and such.

Well, I'm glad that you were able to get through your first chemotherapy treatment with little side effects. I do hope this luck continues all the way till your 4th and last treatment. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Good Luck.

Gonna send a prayer for you as well.

Oh, and i think it wouldn't hurt to try eating more healthy food/snacks too.

I'm so glad you're sharing this with all of us.  It really is very brave of you GG and very educational for all of us guys.  I'm surprised a hosptial for cancer woulnd't have things like seaweed, kale, and grapes (lots of grapes)...In herbal medicine these things are supposed to reverse cancer and they are healthy snacks so it couldn't hurt.

Yeah, ports are something I see all the time as a phlebotomist... They're godsends for people undergoing serious treatments who have blood taken multiple times a day, who have constant need of ivs, that sort of thing. That said, it's not the sort of thing I'd recommend for patients in your situation... ports are typically inserted in a vein in the neck/collarbone area. Now in all fairness, it's not as painful as it sounds, and it's a more convenient area than an iv in your arm typically is, but it's still not something I would recommend for a few routine visits.

See GG, I told you it was all nerves and such before starting into chemo...I've seen that happen to a lot of folks but once their into chemo their not so bothered by it.  Here's hoping that other than feeling tired and a sore throat you don't get any side effects but if you do, we'll serve chicken soup to you!   :thumbup:

Quote from: Deaths Jester on April 05, 2013, 03:08:12 PMwe'll serve chicken soup to you! 

Coming from you, DJ, I'm not entirely certain about the "chicken" part of that sentence.   :ooh

Rooting for ya, Glitch!

Stay strong, and most of all, stay positive :D

Quote from: Panther_Gunn on April 05, 2013, 07:04:38 PM

Quote from: Deaths Jester on April 05, 2013, 03:08:12 PMwe'll serve chicken soup to you! 

Coming from you, DJ, I'm not entirely certain about the "chicken" part of that sentence.   :ooh

It was chicken once!

Quote from: Deaths Jester on April 08, 2013, 05:22:27 PM

Quote from: Panther_Gunn on April 05, 2013, 07:04:38 PM

Quote from: Deaths Jester on April 05, 2013, 03:08:12 PMwe'll serve chicken soup to you! 

Coming from you, DJ, I'm not entirely certain about the "chicken" part of that sentence.   :ooh

It was chicken once!

In which incarnation?

panther, chicken brains are still technically chicken meat.

Quote from: Tomato on April 09, 2013, 02:33:32 AM
panther, chicken brains are still technically chicken meat.

Even though the only thing smaller than chicken brains is Nightdragon's spannage, that's still a whole lotta chickens just to make one bowl of soup.

Honestly, I'd never eat ANYTHING Jester cooked for my own gastrointestinal safety.  :)

Well... it started monday, and continues.  Specifically shedding hair like no tomorrow.  Just running my fingers through it removes clumps.  It's not just my scalp, but pretty much all over except maybe my eyelashes (even my brows seem a little thinner) and I expect them to think as well.  Currently, there is a cloud of it in the garbage by my desk just like there was one yesterday.  It is very disconcerting.  I have no idea when it's going to stop.

I am wearing a hat to work, an old ball cap I got at at NYC's Natural History Museum.  I still have quite a bit of hair left on my scalp, but who knows how long that will last.   Since I last wrote, I have manage to procure a wig should I need one thanks to a very nice christian wig shop I happened upon completely by accident.  God does work in mysterious ways, but I am thankful none the less.

And I am now officially 40 with no plans nor real desire to celebrate.  I think I'll just put it off until next year.

Happy Birthday Glitch. I know you may not feel like celebrating, but it may be a good idea to do it anyway. Positive energy and all that.

Try to have a great day Glitch, take care of yourself.

Instead of a birthday party, I suggest holding a wake, for your dearly departed youth, with perhaps a marathon watching of Black Adder.  'tis the proper age for dark humor.  And then follow it up with Red Dwarf, just to balance it all out with some silly.

Happy Birthday, GG!  :balloons:

I second CB in suggesting you do something special for yourself to celebrate the occasion, be it spending time with friends, doing something offbeat or planning a getaway weekend. (Mind you, I didn't follow this advice when I turned 40. Hopefully I'll do better on the next decade change.)

Happy Birthday GG!  Sometimes no celebration is the best celebration of all...hahaha

Happy belated birthday, GG. Sorry this hasn't been your best one, but we are all glad that you will be here for more. Many (and much happier) returns!  :)

Yeah, I know it may not feel good on your end, but we're definately happy you made it through another year... And hey, it's hard to go down from here, right?

Quote from: Glitch Girl on April 17, 2013, 05:58:03 PM
And I am now officially 40 with no plans nor real desire to celebrate.  I think I'll just put it off until next year.

Good idea!  Forget 40!  Next year, you can do what my wife did... start counting backward from 40 :)

(Oh, and PG... bad idea.  Traditionally morbidity is celebrated at 50, not 40.  Which makes counting backwards from 40 a really, really good idea.)

Personally, I have a hard time remembering I'm 46... so there is an upside to memory loss and having poor math skills! :D

Seriously, I'd like to echo what 'Mato said... We're all very happy you're a year older and we expect to wish you a happy birthday next year, too.

Thanks everyone.  On the birthday front, last night was "game night" - ie: the night I play video games with friends or occasionally watch movies instead, we alternate houses - and I was present with cake, ice cream, and this beauty [link]  (http://ii.wbshop.com/fcgi-bin/iipsrv.fcgi?FIF=/images/warnerbros//source/warnerbros/smfypbank_1.tif&wid=3000&cvt=jpeg).  I have dubbed him Super Ham and he's already devoured some loose change.  :)

Quote from: Glitch Girl on April 17, 2013, 05:58:03 PM
Honestly, I'd never eat ANYTHING Jester cooked for my own gastrointestinal safety.  :)

Nobody ever wants to eat anything I cook even though I am a pretty good cook...:(

Beware the pig, just cause he looks like a superhero you have to remember, he still wallows in mud.  Nothing ever good happens from things that wallow in mud...believe me I know.

Happy B-day, GG...sorry it was late but hey, at least I got around to it.  :P

Quote from: Glitch Girl on April 19, 2013, 02:15:28 PM
Thanks everyone.  On the birthday front, last night was "game night" - ie: the night I play video games with friends or occasionally watch movies instead, we alternate houses - and I was present with cake, ice cream, and this beauty [link]  (http://ii.wbshop.com/fcgi-bin/iipsrv.fcgi?FIF=/images/warnerbros//source/warnerbros/smfypbank_1.tif&wid=3000&cvt=jpeg).  I have dubbed him Super Ham and he's already devoured some loose change.  :)

Game night...with actual other people in the same room/place...that's awesome!  I havent' had that for quite a long time.  I glad you got something to celebrate your b-day.  I'm a bit toxicated....but I imagnie that when I'm old and gray nursing homes will have to have computer networks for gaming....for our generation.

I vaugely remember 40...

Enjoy each new birthday, anyway. It will annoy your enemies (and some of your friends) to no end.

Sorry to hear about your hair GG. Hope things improve for you.

[edited to add] oh and I laughed when I saw that Superman piggy bank. It's too cute by far.

Continued well-wishes to you there Glitchie, as well as belated birthday wishes. 
I do rather like the look of Super Ham I have to say  :thumbup:

Ohh, sorry I missed the birthday!  I'm glad to hear that it was a happy one, GG, especially considering the circumstances.  That's really cool, about the Christian wig shop. 

Super Ham is awesome!

Seeing as I missed you b-day GG, I thought about getting you a belated b-day stripper but for some reason he wouldn't take my money...so no stripper...sorry....at least I tried.   :D

[ponders DJ's concept of a "stripper"]

[stops]

Ho-kaaaaaay, enough of that brain-scarirng image.

I've been bad about updating as of late.  My latest treatment was last monday and I haven't really felt like writing about it.  It went about as to be expected.  It was dull, and my nurse wasn't as social this time (couldn't be helped, she was swamped with work) so I read a lot.  Brought some of my own snacks this time, but still dipped into the Snickers bars.  I can't remember where I found out that the reason for all the junk food was because many cancer patients are trying to put on weight, but it was a bit of a revelation.  I left feeling kinda tired but mostly okay.

Next day was another story.

I got up late so I was rushing to get to work on time.  In my rush, I forgot to pack my thermometer. and though I was cold, the temperature had dropped overnight so I figured that was why.  Once at work, things deteriorated - I couldn't stop shivering and was starting to ache.  At lunch I went home, checked my temp and discovered I was walking around with a 100.3 degree fever.  Two phone calls followed: one to work to say I wasn't coming back that day and one to the nurse because of symptoms that are filed under "contact nurse immediately".  Fluids, Tylenol, and rest were prescribed, and if the fever lingered or went up, call back immediately. 

Thankfully, neither happened.  Wednesday was spent mostly asleep with occasional breaks for fluids and the fever broke around 2. 

Since then, things have been meh.  My mouth once again feels like it's been scalded and there's a certain "bleah" quality to everything I taste.  Energy level's been in the "meh" range as well.  Hair loss has slowed I guess, probably because about 4/5s of it is gone off my scalp.  What's left is very thin, which means I don't go out without hat for anything. 

It wasn't all bad though.  My best friend sent me some birthday presents, which included a shirt as shown here (http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/f2ce/) and a knifeblock and knife set in black called "The Ex" (http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/86dd/) which I suspect DJ will never let me hear the end of.   The picture is a bit deceptive: this thing is HUGE, a little over a foot tall on the counter.  To give you an idea of scale, the center most knife is a full sized chef's knife.   

Two more treatments to go... 

Dang. Sorry you're not feeling better GG.

That knife set....yikes, that's some dark humor right there.

Well, if you gotta wear a hat...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/119558588/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-convertible?

Might as well be fun to wear.

I'm glad you had some bright spots in the midst of all that GG.  That knifeblock is amazing!  It's described as "cathartic," and that seems apt.   :)

Also, BB, that is awesome.

The knife thing is scary...very scary.  Is that legal?  lol.  Oddly, it's always what I imagined would happened to me if an "ex" got ever got mad and came after me....good thing I always treat the ladies with respect, cuz I'm thalaw and that's what I do.

Sorry the treatments have had those side-effects, GG. I don't know what it's like, but I've had family tell me about some of those symptoms, particularly on the taste of food (I particularly recall, "I know I'm supposed to eat, but everything tastes like sand"). I'm glad the worst of it has abated somewhat.

That knife set is pretty awesome! It'll probably be the source of an interesting conversation or two, or at least a meaningful pause as the next significant other realizes what it is. ;-)

Love that TMNT hat, BB.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on May 01, 2013, 04:28:44 PM
[ponders DJ's concept of a "stripper"]

[stops]

Ho-kaaaaaay, enough of that brain-scarirng image.

It was a real stripper, not one of those "other" types of strippers...why does everyone think so naughty things about me?

Quote
I've been bad about updating as of late.  My latest treatment was last monday and I haven't really felt like writing about it.  It went about as to be expected.  It was dull, and my nurse wasn't as social this time (couldn't be helped, she was swamped with work) so I read a lot.  Brought some of my own snacks this time, but still dipped into the Snickers bars.  I can't remember where I found out that the reason for all the junk food was because many cancer patients are trying to put on weight, but it was a bit of a revelation.  I left feeling kinda tired but mostly okay.

From what I know about chemo, most of the patients are trying to put on the weight because the treatments put so much drain on their body that they loss tons of weight which in the condition that they are in isn't good - when the fat is gone the body starts to devour the muscle masses which isn't needed at all.

Quote
Next day was another story.

I got up late so I was rushing to get to work on time.  In my rush, I forgot to pack my thermometer. and though I was cold, the temperature had dropped overnight so I figured that was why.  Once at work, things deteriorated - I couldn't stop shivering and was starting to ache.  At lunch I went home, checked my temp and discovered I was walking around with a 100.3 degree fever.  Two phone calls followed: one to work to say I wasn't coming back that day and one to the nurse because of symptoms that are filed under "contact nurse immediately".  Fluids, Tylenol, and rest were prescribed, and if the fever lingered or went up, call back immediately. 

Thankfully, neither happened.  Wednesday was spent mostly asleep with occasional breaks for fluids and the fever broke around 2. 

Since then, things have been meh.  My mouth once again feels like it's been scalded and there's a certain "bleah" quality to everything I taste.  Energy level's been in the "meh" range as well.  Hair loss has slowed I guess, probably because about 4/5s of it is gone off my scalp.  What's left is very thin, which means I don't go out without hat for anything. 

Sounds like you're body reacted unhappily to the last treatment, possibly caught a cold during the extremely reduced immunity situation during the treatment.  You are in a spot that is filled with viruses after all - hospital/clinic.  Sucks that you had to go through it though.  As for the hair....Well, at least it's easier to wash your hair?!?!?!  You never have to worry about hat hair?!?!?!  Yeah, I'm really trying here.

Quote
It wasn't all bad though.  My best friend sent me some birthday presents, which included a shirt as shown here (http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/f2ce/) and a knifeblock and knife set in black called "The Ex" (http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/86dd/) which I suspect DJ will never let me hear the end of.   The picture is a bit deceptive: this thing is HUGE, a little over a foot tall on the counter.  To give you an idea of scale, the center most knife is a full sized chef's knife.   

You are so right about "The Ex"...I HAVE TO HAVE ONE OF THOSE!!!  You must send it my way or something....it's sooooo perfect!!  Just as long as you never do that to me, then I'm safe.  At least there isn't a crotch knife...heh...that would be so..um....yeah....

Hats iz goot! Just ask any Jagermonster.

Hey, Glitch Girl. Glad to hear you're doing relatively well. I feel bad about abandoning the Forums just when you need all the moral support you can get- but, then, you seem to be getting plenty of that, anyway (including some from me a while back, of course). I hope things get better. And a late Happy Birthday to you, as well.

I'm in awe of your ability to post in such good spirits, given everything. You're a phenomenal person.

I'm glad you have friends to help you deal with all of this- both in person, and here.

I'd like to end with some clever, lighthearted, witty remark, but I'm afraid I'm tired and somewhat socially out of practice these days, and I can't think of anything that wouldn't feel forced. I wish you all the best, and I'm thinking about you.

Be well.

Hey GG,

It's been a while since I was in the forum.  I just found out about your condition. 
I'm sure you're going through some tough times right now and I pray that it will get better.

Tomorrow is my last scheduled treatment.  I seriously hope this means that things are almost over.

I didn't mention much about the previous treatment because mostly it was like the previous two: I was in a different area, but the long sit-and-wait part was basically the same (this time, my book was "The Day of the Jackal" by Frederick Forsyth - I am ever amazed on how LUCKY the police were in this whole investigation).  The next day, another fever, but since I was expecting it this time, it wasn't as bad, and I slept it off pretty quickly. 

Post treatment was mostly unremarkable as well. There was a little more tiredness and I needed the nausea pills a bit more, but mostly things were okay.  The biggest difference was a far more pronounced affect on my tastebuds: for about a week, everything had a "yuck" taste to it and flavors were (and still are) less pronounced.  I had a Twix bar at one point and it tasted slightly like sand.  The worst part was going out of town and being offered raw honey, locally grown strawberries, and other such goodies and not being able to really enjoy them.  (it wasn't a total loss: some locally made Cajun sausage was spicy enough to get through the yuck, and tasted just wonderful so I got a pack, even had one today and it tasted even better, mmm).  Thankfully, the "yuck" did fade eventually, though I'm not looking forward to it's probably return. 

I still have hair.  Not much (I look like Gollum is my stylist) but there's still enough to stick out from beneath a hat.  My hat of choice sort of looks like this [Link] (http://img1.findgift.com/Graphics/Gifts/250/828/PR_287828.jpg).  It's comfy and I've gotten a few compliments on it so far.  I have dubbed it my Survivor Cap, and intend to keep it long after this whole business is over with.

Also, starting this week I've been having what I believe are hot flashes.  Basically, this means that every few hours or so, my body feels like a heating element for a while, then goes back to normal.  During the day, it's a mild annoyance, but at night it's enough to usually wake me up to kick off the covers too cool off, only to wake up some time later to pull them back on to warm back up.  I do not know how related this is to the Chemo, but I plan to ask about it tomorrow. 

I'm not quite sure what happens after this treatment is over with.  I know the stuff stays in my body for about a month and then my body SHOULD start trying to get back to normal.  On the plus side, that means the hair on my head will start to come back.  On the down side, it means I'll have to shave my legs, something I haven't had to do since the first treatment.  Small price IMO.

And... that's about it. Wish me luck.

Good Luck, God Bless, Gesundheit, and a whole bag full of Four-Leaf Clovers.

Good luck GG. Glad it's almost over.

Because I'm a weirdo, I posted my reply over on G+....that and I wanted to be different..which I already am.  Oh, but forgot the normal weirdo response on G+...which is, of course your having hot flashes GG, it's cause ye smoking hot!!!  See, weirdo typing....kinda pervy actually.....hmmm...must have my weirdo-meter checked.

I'm glad that you're still able to stay positive throughout all of this, it really shows a strength and depth of character that I really admire.

Ha, as ever, thanks for the unique...quality you bring to the boards, DJ. :lol:

GG, it sounds like things are going along relatively well, and that you're keeping a good attitude to all of this.  That cap is really nice!  I'm sorry for the "yuck" bit of all this.  I know that the taste thing can really make a difficult situation worse.  I'm glad you've found something that cuts through it.  See if you can find some Cajun-style jambalaya, that ought to cut right through anything!

Hooray for reaching the end of this treatment!  We'll pray that this is all you'll need.

Glad to hear things are nearing the end GG. I hope the future is much brighter for you.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery & remission. :)

I posted on G+ yesterday, but wanted to say it's official...

My chemotherapy is over. 

I know I should feel excited, but on some subconscious level, I think I keep waiting for the proverbial other show to drop. Earlier I had to have surgery reschedule because they found another lump at last minute, then after surgery the surprise of chemo, so I think I've been burned once too often. 

Because of the type of cancer, I'm going to be on an estrogen blocker, which means menopause might be coming early by about 20 years.  I already have the signs, but the doctor says it's not a sure thing.  I am not sure how I feel about this: I never wanted to have kids so that's not an issue, I'm just not sure how I feel about it in general.

This also marks another milestone of sorts.  About a year ago, I took my car in to get it repaired, which was the start of a whole chain of bad events, most of which have been documented here.  Now, finances are better thanks to be practically being back to full time and getting the refinancing on my mortgage, I will probably be adopting another cat in September, and I can look forward to losing my "Hair by Gollum" look (BTW: there is still little wispy bits left, but I'm going to keep them for a while until new growth starts being visible) and my body settling into a new non-meh normal.  I still have some reconstruction to do, but it should be outpatient since most of it is done.  Finally, I have one more visit to the surgeon who removed the tumors.  I'm hoping it's uneventful.

I want to thank all of you for all your support and encouragement and advice and humor over all this time.  It has been a huge help, especially in some of the darkest times.  I can't thank you and everyone who supported me enough. 

I feel as though a huge sympathetic weight has been lifted off my mind to hear that. I can totally understand how you feel waiting for something else to go wrong, but this is really good news.

I have so much love and admiration for you and what you've been through, Glitch. I hope the sprint finish goes well for you.

Dub G,

I great admiration for you too.  Thank you so much for sharing this with us.  Keep up the good fight.

Glad to hear you're getting a clean(-ish) bill of health, GG.

I don't pretend to understand what you have and are going through. 

In regard to the menopause issue, the closest I can get was my decision to get "snipped".  I didn't want to do it.  I was afraid of it.  I felt I would be losing something intrinsic to my self.  But the alternatives were all bad -- my wife's epilepsy would never be under control as long as there was the potential for another pregancy and the hormone changes that come with it, and surgery for her would have been far more invasive.

The experience and the recovery were... highly unpleasant.  But now it's all good and I can't say that I regret it.  Given what you've already endured, my hope for you is that it will turn out "all good".

God Bless, and Peace Be Unto You.

I'm glad to hear the chemotherapy's over, and that your life seems to be coming together more. I hope your visit with your surgeon is, indeed, uneventful.

I'm very glad to hear you'll likely be getting another cat. Cats make everything better (well, unless they react badly when you move and cause continuing problems for several years afterwards, but that's my problem, not yours...).

I'm sure you're feeling very strange, and even scared. When things have settled a little, it might be a good time to find something outside of your work to focus on, maybe concentrate more on your writing or start a web comic or something. It might give you an outlet for your feelings, and even a renewed sense of purpose. You're an an incredibly talented person. Focusing some of that talent in a creative way, outside of your job, could help you deal with your new life.

Anyway, congratulations on your triumph.

After several miscues and setbacks like that, it's totally understandable to expect every silver lining to herald another cloud. But, it really does sound like good news. Not wanting to jinx it, I have to say congratulations that it looks like your bravery and steadfastness have gotten you through the worst of it.

I'm glad to hear the worst of it is over now. You mean a lot to everyone here, so if things got any worse... I'd be the first one on a plane to kill some people for you.

Hey...no more chemo, no more Gollum, and also having to start shaving your legs once more?!?!?!  Whoohooo!!!  And even the potential of an early menopause, which other than the side effects means you can get laid any time you want and not have to worry about that damn pregenancy issue too?!?!?!?!  Man, GG, your life just got sooo much better all of a sudden.  reconstruction, though??? Hmmm...I say leave it as is...scarring is so much sexier to me than a normal look...course that's me and as everyone around here keeps implying, I'm weird or something like such and shouldn't be listened to by anyone not in an insane asylum.  I really wonder who started that rumor so I can stab them multiple times in the foot with a dull, wooden, doweling rod.  Anyways, good to hear this current catastrophe is clearing up, luv, and hope things get better for you.

Well, I think the others have said quite a bit that is very good...and there's DJ, too.  Anyway, yes, cats DO make everything better!  That is certainly a good idea, as there is very little that can make you feel as good as fast as a warm ball of fur in your lap purring away.  I'm so happy to hear that things should be returning to normal.  I'll add my hope and our prayers to the wishes for an uneventful meeting.  'Mato is right, you mean a lot to all of us, so we'll always be pulling for you.

The others have expressed it better than I could (yes, that includes you, DJ ;) ), but this certainly looks like very good news. Cheers for your fortitude through all this.

Thanks everyone.  :)

Additional bit of good news, my hair is starting to grow back.  Fuzz has been detected on the scalp.  :)

Any sort of good news is an awesome thing to hear. I'm glad for you Glitch.

Yaaaay, GG!

Quote from: BentonGrey on June 29, 2013, 04:28:35 PM
Well, I think the others have said quite a bit that is very good...and there's DJ, too. 

Quote from: Epimethee on June 30, 2013, 07:03:12 AM
The others have expressed it better than I could (yes, that includes you, DJ ;) ....

Why is it that everyone seems to point out my posts as being...different from everyone else's?  What is so wrong with my posts?  Huh?  HUH?!?!?!?!  Don't make me slice you guys with a dull carrot for singling me out!!

Quote from: Glitch Girl on July 01, 2013, 04:56:49 PM
Thanks everyone.  :)

Additional bit of good news, my hair is starting to grow back.  Fuzz has been detected on the scalp.  :)

ACHAAAA!!!  Fuzz....hehehehehe....now I can rub my hands over your head and it will feel like a short haired cat?!?!?!  SWEET!!!!  :)

Quote from: Deaths Jester on July 02, 2013, 02:10:20 PM

Quote from: BentonGrey on June 29, 2013, 04:28:35 PM
Well, I think the others have said quite a bit that is very good...and there's DJ, too. 

Quote from: Epimethee on June 30, 2013, 07:03:12 AM
The others have expressed it better than I could (yes, that includes you, DJ ;) ....

Why is it that everyone seems to point out my posts as being...different from everyone else's?  What is so wrong with my posts?  Huh?  HUH?!?!?!?!  Don't make me slice you guys with a dull carrot for singling me out!!

I think you answered your own question...

Glad to hear you're doing a little better GG. Hope things stay alright for you in the near future. Be sure to let us know how you're doing.

Quote from: Reepicheep on July 03, 2013, 11:50:38 AM

Quote from: Deaths Jester on July 02, 2013, 02:10:20 PM

Quote from: BentonGrey on June 29, 2013, 04:28:35 PM
Well, I think the others have said quite a bit that is very good...and there's DJ, too. 

Quote from: Epimethee on June 30, 2013, 07:03:12 AM
The others have expressed it better than I could (yes, that includes you, DJ ;) ....

Why is it that everyone seems to point out my posts as being...different from everyone else's?  What is so wrong with my posts?  Huh?  HUH?!?!?!?!  Don't make me slice you guys with a dull carrot for singling me out!!

I think you answered your own question...

Where?!?!?!  I don't answer my own questions...hell, I have a hard time answering other people's questions!!!

Oh darlin.

I had no idea you were going through such a time. I seem to have checked in when you are thankfully coming out of it.  Im happy that the worst appears to be over.


(Hugz x 100)

Thanks BAD.  I hope you're right.

I have had an additional checkup since my last post, which, after a brief scare, turned out to be what is called "necrotic fat".  It sounds worse than it is (basically, a small amount of fatty tissue that got moved in the operation that didn't take hold, so it shriveled up) but dang, for a few days, I was VERY nervous.

My hair is now a little long for male army regulation hair, but still not long enough where I feel comfortable going out without a hat.  Who knows, maybe next month I'll have enough to see a stylist.  :)

Quote from: Glitch Girl on August 22, 2013, 01:31:28 PM
Thanks BAD.  I hope you're right.

I have had an additional checkup since my last post, which, after a brief scare, turned out to be what is called "necrotic fat".  It sounds worse than it is (basically, a small amount of fatty tissue that got moved in the operation that didn't take hold, so it shriveled up) but dang, for a few days, I was VERY nervous.

Mmmmm....necrotic fat...that's some of the best fat there is to eat!  Did you save it?  Please say you did...I've got a hankering for necrotic fat!  :P

Quote
My hair is now a little long for male army regulation hair, but still not long enough where I feel comfortable going out without a hat.  Who knows, maybe next month I'll have enough to see a stylist.  :)

Private, you need to have that hair cut by this afternoon or else you'll spend ten days in the brig for insubordination!  Actually, I bet you look really cute with it even though you're so uncomfortable with it.  I say go out and flaunt it without the hat!  GO!  GO!!!

Yeah, I aggree with DJ. Who knows, you might start a fad...

GG, I just spent the last half hour or so catching up on things for you (i.e. this thread).  I'm glad things have gone so well for you, considering, and congratulations on making it through everything.  I wish I had been around to offer some medical advice.  I know you're past the bulk of it but don't hesitate to shoot me a PM if something comes up.

That's good news, GG.  I'm sorry for your scare, but I'm glad it was JUST a scare!