Had my first '6 month' cysto today. And the doc said my bladder looked clear! (Of course, the cytology results won't be in till next week).
I'm so relieved! No signs of active cancer. And I don't have to do this again for another 6 months.
The CT scan, done a couple of weeks prior, was normal also. (There was a problem with my mammogram, but not in the breast where I had the cancer; it will also have to be repeated in six months.)
I was really nervous; I hadn't gone six months between 'checks' since the diagnosis on 9/10/01 (yes, I awoke in the middle of the night, post surgical in the hospital, with tubes going to strange places doing odd things, to the first of the CNN coverage of the attack).
The first year, there were two more surgeries. The second year, chemo and another surgery. Then we did every 3 months for a year. Then every 4 months for a year. This was my first 6 month stretch.
Tonight, I'm a little achey and sore. And on an antibiotic for 5 days. And it feels so very good...
Friday, April 29, 2005
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Out!
One of us went out today! And it wasn't a planned outing.
In between rain storms, the weather has been nice. Today was one of those nice days. So, before I sat down at the computer to work on a manuscript, I opened up the patio door, and the bedroom window.
Lucy & Ethel like to sit on a dresser top in the bedroom, where they are up close and personal to nature.
I got to work. Got deeply involved in work. I heard, but didn't pay any attention to a loud crash I heard. Lucy & Ethel often, during mid-day, run through the apartment, taking turns chasing each other with reckless abandonment, knocking all kinds of things to the floor.
Still deep into writing, Ethel started 'bugging' me. She didn't get up on my lap, obscuring the keyboard, like she usually does. She just kept winding around the base of my wheelchair, mewing pitifully.
I finally noticed her. I finally noticed that there was just ONE cat pestering me. I went looking for Lucy.
I saw the bent window screen as soon as I went into the bedroom. The large square screen was totally folded in half, kitty corner, so to speak, from top left corner to bottom right corner. This left a very large area of the bedroom, open to the outside.
My stomach immediately clenched in a knot. I grabbed Ethel, put her in the 'safe room' (the bathroom - which contains all the kitty necessities), closed the door firmly and went in search of Ethel.
All the while, beating myself up for not paying attention to the crash, as I figured, Ethel had probably been outside for at least an hour!
I went out to the sidewalk, making noise with the 'treats' container. I went up and down the sidewalk. There was no sign of her. I expanded to the neighboring buildings, behind the neighboring buildings. No Ethel!
Making one more pass around my own building, I spotted her. She was sitting under the bush, in the dirt, RIGHT UNDER THE WINDOW SHE'D FALLEN FROM. Now I got a really sick feeling. Was she hurt??? She must be! What cat would just sit in one place for over an hour???
Staying on the sidewalk because the grass was still really mushy from all the recent rains, and my wheelchair would have sunk right in and I would have been stuck! So we were separated by about 3 yards of grass. I called to her.
She came right out to me (why she hadn't before is beyond me). But after taking just a couple of steps (I was SO happy that she was moving, walking!) towards me, she was knee deep in dewy grass. Well, she would have none of that! She had never seen grass close up, let alone walked in it! Ethel retreated to the bare ground beneath the bush. We were at a standstill.
Luckily, I live in a HUGE apartment complex, and sure enough, after only a few minutes, a delivery man arrived with something for someone. He was kind enough to go behind the bushes, grab a placid Lucy, and deposit her in my lap.
I don't know which of us was happier to be securely back inside the 'den'. I checked Lucy over carefully, she didn't seem to be hurt. I let the complaining Ethel out of the bathroom. I put a call in to have the screen repaired. I closed the manuscript I'd been working on, and we all curled up for a much needed nap!
In between rain storms, the weather has been nice. Today was one of those nice days. So, before I sat down at the computer to work on a manuscript, I opened up the patio door, and the bedroom window.
Lucy & Ethel like to sit on a dresser top in the bedroom, where they are up close and personal to nature.
I got to work. Got deeply involved in work. I heard, but didn't pay any attention to a loud crash I heard. Lucy & Ethel often, during mid-day, run through the apartment, taking turns chasing each other with reckless abandonment, knocking all kinds of things to the floor.
Still deep into writing, Ethel started 'bugging' me. She didn't get up on my lap, obscuring the keyboard, like she usually does. She just kept winding around the base of my wheelchair, mewing pitifully.
I finally noticed her. I finally noticed that there was just ONE cat pestering me. I went looking for Lucy.
I saw the bent window screen as soon as I went into the bedroom. The large square screen was totally folded in half, kitty corner, so to speak, from top left corner to bottom right corner. This left a very large area of the bedroom, open to the outside.
My stomach immediately clenched in a knot. I grabbed Ethel, put her in the 'safe room' (the bathroom - which contains all the kitty necessities), closed the door firmly and went in search of Ethel.
All the while, beating myself up for not paying attention to the crash, as I figured, Ethel had probably been outside for at least an hour!
I went out to the sidewalk, making noise with the 'treats' container. I went up and down the sidewalk. There was no sign of her. I expanded to the neighboring buildings, behind the neighboring buildings. No Ethel!
Making one more pass around my own building, I spotted her. She was sitting under the bush, in the dirt, RIGHT UNDER THE WINDOW SHE'D FALLEN FROM. Now I got a really sick feeling. Was she hurt??? She must be! What cat would just sit in one place for over an hour???
Staying on the sidewalk because the grass was still really mushy from all the recent rains, and my wheelchair would have sunk right in and I would have been stuck! So we were separated by about 3 yards of grass. I called to her.
She came right out to me (why she hadn't before is beyond me). But after taking just a couple of steps (I was SO happy that she was moving, walking!) towards me, she was knee deep in dewy grass. Well, she would have none of that! She had never seen grass close up, let alone walked in it! Ethel retreated to the bare ground beneath the bush. We were at a standstill.
Luckily, I live in a HUGE apartment complex, and sure enough, after only a few minutes, a delivery man arrived with something for someone. He was kind enough to go behind the bushes, grab a placid Lucy, and deposit her in my lap.
I don't know which of us was happier to be securely back inside the 'den'. I checked Lucy over carefully, she didn't seem to be hurt. I let the complaining Ethel out of the bathroom. I put a call in to have the screen repaired. I closed the manuscript I'd been working on, and we all curled up for a much needed nap!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Ides of March
Julius Caesar was assassinated on this date in 44 BC, after being warned by a soothsayer, Beware the Ides of March. Or so Shakespeare made famous in his play JULIUS CEASAR.
In times past, it was also a day to settle debts. Rather ominous and dreary connotations.
But, this is my favorite day of the entire year!
Some enjoy the tastes and aromas of Thanksgiving, leaves changing colors, and Jack Frost at the windows.
Other people prefer Christmas, and the gifts, family gatherings, and snow.
Still others look forward to the religious aspects of Easter and bunnies and colored eggs and new hats.
For me, it's the Ides of March, has been since I was old enough to realize what it signified for me. March 15th - Winter is almost over, Spring is REALLY on the horizon. And, Summer will soon follow. These are my seasons, sun, heat, long days, growing things, picnics, and baseball.
Today was picture perfect; the middle of the day was unusually warm and sunny. The air was still and full of fragrance from newly blooming plants (All that rain!). The sky was cloudless and azure blue. Silence prevailed.
I sat in the sun, alone. I could actually feel summer sneaking up behind me. I remembered other March 15th's, was glad to be alive, and cogitated on all these things.
In times past, it was also a day to settle debts. Rather ominous and dreary connotations.
But, this is my favorite day of the entire year!
Some enjoy the tastes and aromas of Thanksgiving, leaves changing colors, and Jack Frost at the windows.
Other people prefer Christmas, and the gifts, family gatherings, and snow.
Still others look forward to the religious aspects of Easter and bunnies and colored eggs and new hats.
For me, it's the Ides of March, has been since I was old enough to realize what it signified for me. March 15th - Winter is almost over, Spring is REALLY on the horizon. And, Summer will soon follow. These are my seasons, sun, heat, long days, growing things, picnics, and baseball.
Today was picture perfect; the middle of the day was unusually warm and sunny. The air was still and full of fragrance from newly blooming plants (All that rain!). The sky was cloudless and azure blue. Silence prevailed.
I sat in the sun, alone. I could actually feel summer sneaking up behind me. I remembered other March 15th's, was glad to be alive, and cogitated on all these things.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
I think I hate docs!
Just found out a couple of hours ago that Mammo's done a month ago showed a 'pinkie fingernail' size 'something' in lt. breast (prior cancer was in right - but have had several biopsies in lt.). They are gonna compare w/old films from UCSD, if they can get 'em, but still another biopsy is probably in my soon future.
I realize it's prob just a cyst (though I've never had one); I just don't want to go through it! (Isn't it someone else's turn?)
And even this will not be simple, as it should be. I will have to seriously think about changing surgeons; The one hospital my surgeon is affiliated with no longer does the 'wire placing' stuff in their radiology (talk about discrimination towards women!). You have to go to a free standing facility two miles away, (fasting), have this done, travel to two miles to the hospital and be admitted for the cutting. I don't think so...
I am tired of docs! Contrary to popular belief, neither docs nor surgeries are on my list of hobbies. And these damn surgeons & their procedures are getting so rigid! It's their way or no way. Where are my 'druthers' as a person?
Needing a wheelchair, not having transportation, family, cat sitters, $$$, etc. makes the logistics of all these 'little medical' things stressful and difficult beyond belief.
Add to this the fact that I'm not a happy camper when separated from my ciggies, BY FORCE, under these type of extremely stressful situations, I tend to get a 'little' bitchy. And the docs and nurses and other staff, just don't get it...
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I realize it's prob just a cyst (though I've never had one); I just don't want to go through it! (Isn't it someone else's turn?)
And even this will not be simple, as it should be. I will have to seriously think about changing surgeons; The one hospital my surgeon is affiliated with no longer does the 'wire placing' stuff in their radiology (talk about discrimination towards women!). You have to go to a free standing facility two miles away, (fasting), have this done, travel to two miles to the hospital and be admitted for the cutting. I don't think so...
I am tired of docs! Contrary to popular belief, neither docs nor surgeries are on my list of hobbies. And these damn surgeons & their procedures are getting so rigid! It's their way or no way. Where are my 'druthers' as a person?
Needing a wheelchair, not having transportation, family, cat sitters, $$$, etc. makes the logistics of all these 'little medical' things stressful and difficult beyond belief.
Add to this the fact that I'm not a happy camper when separated from my ciggies, BY FORCE, under these type of extremely stressful situations, I tend to get a 'little' bitchy. And the docs and nurses and other staff, just don't get it...
HERE TO DONATE!
Friday, March 04, 2005
High on the Hog!
I love the first week or two after the SS check is deposited in my account! Boy, I just live high on the hog (which means you are able to eat ham instead of hocks!).
Last night I got the munchies while watching TV, wandered into the kitchen and actually FOUND something that tasted good AND was suitable for a diabetic. A far too infrequent happening.
I 'pigged' out on two cold baked chicken pieces, a bowl of diet gelatin, and a big glass of cold milk.
Usually I get to choose between a Bologna sandwich, toast and jam, or Little Debbies.
It's really nice having leftover meats and fresh gelatin in the kitchen. Wish it would happen more often.
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Last night I got the munchies while watching TV, wandered into the kitchen and actually FOUND something that tasted good AND was suitable for a diabetic. A far too infrequent happening.
I 'pigged' out on two cold baked chicken pieces, a bowl of diet gelatin, and a big glass of cold milk.
Usually I get to choose between a Bologna sandwich, toast and jam, or Little Debbies.
It's really nice having leftover meats and fresh gelatin in the kitchen. Wish it would happen more often.
HERE TO DONATE!
Saturday, February 26, 2005
2nd Spay Update!
Ethel has been 'out' of estrus for almost 2 weeks now, and seems absolutely fine. No signs of any other physical problems, like cystitis or other infection.
I have cancelled the 2nd spay till she goes into heat again:
-Everyone tells me surgery would have more chance of success.
-And I am reluctant to 'hand' her over to the same person that erred in the first place.
-AND have been unable to locate the vet who did the initial surgery with the CA. License Board.
I am seeking:
-Referrals to qualified licensed vets who could do this procedure in the SD city area.
-Referrals to agencies that could pay for same.
If anyone has any ideas, please leave a comment!
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HERE TO DONATE!
I have cancelled the 2nd spay till she goes into heat again:
-Everyone tells me surgery would have more chance of success.
-And I am reluctant to 'hand' her over to the same person that erred in the first place.
-AND have been unable to locate the vet who did the initial surgery with the CA. License Board.
I am seeking:
-Referrals to qualified licensed vets who could do this procedure in the SD city area.
-Referrals to agencies that could pay for same.
If anyone has any ideas, please leave a comment!
HERE TO DONATE!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Ethel needs surgery, again!
The past week has been more than a little interesting, a week that’s required much ingenuity and patience on my part!
One of my 10 month old kittens, Ethel, started crying. No matter what I tried, food, play, petting, she’d start crying again almost immediately. Even though she was also eating, drinking, playing just fine, I quickly became frantic. I checked her from her black whiskers to the tip of her tail repeatedly, thinking she was ill or has somehow injured herself. I found nothing...
Now, she HAS done this a couple of times before, weeks apart, but mildly, just off and on, a few hours at a time really, and it only lasted a couple of days at most. Though each time it happened, it did seem to last longer, and get worse. I could never find a reason for it.
This time though, after a couple of days, the crying turned to frequent loud yowls! I was beside myself. I wondered if I should have the Vet see her, etc.
However, the morning after the actual yowls started, it finally clicked in my head. (Took long enough!) As I was going from the bedroom to the coffee pot, Ethel lay down on the carpet in front of my wheelchair. And she wouldn’t move; and I mean, SHE WOULDN’T MOVE, no amount of gently pushing and prodding with my house slippered foot, would move her!
Ethel stretched, rolled, and acted generally cute and seductive. Then she scrunched herself down, assuming the ‘kitty’ position, leaving no doubt as to what she wanted! Finally, it dawned on me. Even though she’d been spayed 6 months ago, poor Ethel was in Heat! I was stunned. How could this be?
I called the Vet I use because he makes (at a very high fee) ‘house calls’. He wanted no part of it; said I needed to go back to the Veterinarian that had done the original surgery. The problem with this was, they were spayed at a low cost clinic. I’d never actually known the name of the Veterinarian. And, I hadn't taken them there, because it was too far; a volunteer had. To make matters worse, because of my recent Hard Drive Failure, I’d lost many of my ‘newer’ phone numbers and email addresses.
So, with Ethel YOWLING pitifully in the background, Lucy pacing around in a confused manner, and me pulling my hair out; I got on the internet. I was able to find a web site for the sponsoring agency of the clinic where they'd had the surgery and email them. I was also able to email a man who works with feral cats in our area, having conversed with him once before, when I was looking for kittens to adopt, thinking he’d have names and numbers. Yes! The very next morning, he called me with the info I needed.
I immediately left messages on several voice mails. While I was waiting for replies, I went back to the net, to the newsgroups, where I got a tremendous amount of help and information, even from Vets! If you have access to newsgroups, you might want to check out: rec.pets.cats.health+behav . The threads regarding Ethel are obvious.
Some of the ‘comments’ I got there:
1)“The cat in question certainly has ovarian remnant syndrome. Although, some ovarian tissue can be present even on a ligament that holds the ovary to the body wall, such thing is extremely rare, in my and my colleague's experience.
The operation may be unrewarding since you may not see a nice ovary (compared to usual spay) when you open the cat, and the cat may still go in heat after the operation. Although not a real solution, the vet may remove the uterus, if it was let behind in first operation.”
2)"Its called 'ovarian remnant syndrome' and its usually caused by sloppy surgical technique - leaving part or all of an ovary or from dropping of some ovarian tissue into the peritoneal cavity - which could revascularize and start functioning again at any time - which looks like what probably happened. I hope they plan to check her serum estrogen level before they start cutting!
3)“…do you think it is fair for the vet to charge the OP again for this procedure since it was her fault?
Charge her again? They'd be lucky if she doesn't sue them! There may be limitations on "damages to pets", but not for her mental anguish caused by their negligence. She's worried sick - and rightly so.
If it happened to my cat, I wouldn't let the same vet near my cat. In fact, I'd insist on a board certified surgeon because surgery to remove ovarian remnants requires a bit more surgical skill. The first vet couldn't get it right the first time -- I damn sure wouldn't give him/her the chance to screw it up again. I don't give vets or parachute packers’ second chances.
4)"I did notice, however, that some of the vets who remove only ovaries have higher incidence of recurrent heat.”
5)"Unfortunately, there are a few vets - just a few - who consider shelter animals "just a shelter cat/dog" - 'second rate' animals and don't give them same quality of care as an owned pet. People with that attitude don't last very long around my 'house'.
Sadly, I also got many comments to the effect that 'If you don't have the financial resources to care for pets, you shouldn' have them."
Well, I can’t afford, nor can I physically get to another Vet (And as she was already spayed, I shouldn’t HAVE too!). And this Vet is part of a spay or neuter clinic; they do not have the abilities, resources or funds to do the suggested blood work. Unbelievably, this spay and neuter ‘clinic’ is even insisting I sign a ‘waiver’ before this second surgery!
To top it off; Ethel is STILL fighting the viral infection she was born with; her immune system still is not up to par. AND she didn’t react well to the anesthetic the first time around. I’ve been told that this 2nd surgery is much more complex and that Ethel might not make it through…
On the 'up' side; she is young, otherwise healthy, and an 'upbeat' cat. (My little 'clown')
I’m STILL waiting to hear from the Vet or the Vet Tech that works in that clinic. Ethel is scheduled for her 2nd spay at the end of this month FREE of charge. Though this may be put off till she goes into Heat again; they want to 'see' her in this condition, and surgery might be easier to perform.
Ethel is now back to normal. But what a week! It stormed all week, so I couldn't even get out of the apartment in my wheelchair (can't get 'em wet!). Have you ever been locked in an apartment for a week with a cat in Heat?
To say that I’m worried (and concerned about ALL the animals that get spayed or neutered there), is putting it mildly.
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