The Big C

In 2013, I was treated with chemotherapy for the non-Hodgkins lymphoma I had. I say had because so far it has not come back. The cancer, I was told is the kind that is treatable, probably not curable. The last PET scan I had was in 2013, and I was cancer-free.

Within two weeks of chemotherapy, I started to lose my hair. My husband and Randy had shaved their heads on purpose due to male pattern baldness. We thought the photo above would make a nice photo. I pull it out once in a while.

Randy did, however, besides the male pattern balding have cancer in 2023. He has recovered from the cancer. He continues to get some kind of monthly treatment for the cancer he no longer has. It is precautionary I'm told.

Every time I have a cancer appointment of any kind, be it labs or scans or seeing the oncologist, I get nervous. They said it is treatable. I believe that is what I have been doing since it started back in 2012. I have been learning whatever I can to not get it back.

As of my last appointment, my labs, and scan looked good. To have a PET scan, however, the insurance asks for a couple of possible signs for needing this scan. I have had occasional night sweats. Primarily around my neck. Not the night sweats of soaking pj's like my sister, who died from leukemia.

Nevertheless, it is a sign of concern. And I have some labs that have been concerning at times. It will be good to hear that there is nothing showing up and I can go on my way without worry until the next time.

Having had cancer 12 years ago now, I have too much experience with appointments with the oncologist. And even though I have enjoyed my oncology visits, I would be okay with never seeing oncology again.

When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, it took awhile to diagnose the cancer, and then the particular type of cancer I had. I was first diagnosed and treated for bronchitis, then pneumonia twice, then I was referred to an ovarian cancer oncologist, who wanted to refer me to a pancreatic cancer oncologist that same day.

The pancreatic cancer doctor said he wanted a biopsy first, and finally, it was determined it was non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

By the time I was diagnosed, I was sitting up to sleep as I couldn't breathe when lying down. After the first PET scan I had and the bone marrow test I had I ended up in the hospital as I passed out from not being able to breathe when lying down and due to the relaxation medication I was given for the bone marrow biopsy.

When I told the doctor who was performing the biopsy that I was sensitive to medications and that I was sleeping sitting up because I couldn't breathe when lying down she said I would be fine.

In the hospital room, I had a respiratory code.

My memory of the first PET scan is not a good one. The one after the chemotherapy was better. I don't look forward to my test today. It is later in the day and I just had breakfast and now won't eat until after the scan. It won't hurt me to not eat until dinner time, and to only drink water today I tell myself.

Because it is a cancer appointment, my cancer psychologist recommended wearing my cancer clothing to these appointments only. I have a couple of Dr. Suess Sweatshirts that I can wear to this appointment today as it is cold outside and inside in some places, with snow on the ground.

Dr. Suess: his cat in the hat

I DO NOT

LIKE CANCER

HERE OR

THERE

I DO NOT LIKE

CANCER

ANYWHERE

~~~~

And today these are my feelings exactly! I welcome any prayers!