April 20, 2006
Bummer…
I guess I’ll keep my day job since I don’t seem to have the ability of properly reading x-rays and scans. Actually that’s not completely accurate. The side of the bladder that I could see during my cystogram last week did not have any leaks. However, the other side that was out of my line of vision did still have a leak. It’s a small one, but because the bladder isn’t healed completely I had to keep the catheter. Dr. Karian was very glad to see me and said, “I could have called you with this news rather than make you come in, but I wanted to see how you were doing in person.” He knew about the leg injury but was surprised when he saw the brace and crutches and I told him that I couldn’t walk without both – he also thought I had lost a bit too much weight and told me I needed to eat more! Although I was disappointed in having to keep this ball and chain, I understand the reasons and don’t want to push things too quickly and end up with more problems down the road. The current train of thought is that my bladder is taking longer to heal than a “normal” bladder because of the previous surgeries and more likely the radiation in 2001. Dr. Karian doesn’t seem to think that it won’t heal and I’m scheduled for another cystogram and follow up appointment next Thursday. At least this time I know what to expect from the cystogram and I won’t have the pre-appointment jitters because it’s not a painful or uncomfortable test.
The good news is that I am beginning to get out a bit more. Over the weekend we drove out to Lexington and walked around the town, watching some fife and drum corps prepare for Patriot’s Day. I did some shopping and got some ice cream. Sunday we had a delicious Easter dinner with friends. It was an exhausting weekend, but a good one. After my appointment at Mt. Auburn, I decided I wanted a sandwich from Darwin’s, which is down the street from the hospital. I did manage to walk from the hospital to Harvard Square which was a real accomplishment. I was tired afterwards, but energized as well. Today my mother in law came up from Rhode Island and too my mom and me to Burlington Mall. It was another exhausting but invigorating day – shopping seems to make me feel better.
My physical therapist continues to be impressed with my progress and strength. I have had some pain issues in my ankle which he seems to think is the nerves waking up and trying to figure out what it is they are supposed to be doing. I have had to cut back on certain exercises because they trigger this pain, but we are hoping this is just a temporary problem. I am walking more around the house with only one crutch, but I definitely don’t have the strength or confidence to try this outside the house. Fortunately we have enough clutter around the house that if I were to lose my balance or have my knee buckle there would be something close by for me to grab on to. Who knew that all these bookcases would come in handy for something other than holding books?
Hi Jean
I visited with MaryAlyce the other eday and she was going to cqll you after I left to see how the tests were. I never did call her back to find out so am glad for the updated blog. Sorry for the delay in removing the catheter but all is healing even though slowly so that is good.
I know your Dad has gone home but your Mom is staying for a while so that is good company when Pat is at work. Also glad to hear you have been getting out aa that does cheer up the mind especially with these beautiful days and so much in bloom. Keep eating that ice cream and walking around. Love to you and Pat.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn at April 21, 2006 08:05 AMHi jean
yeah its a bummer but hopefull all will mend its
self including your leg.. just dont give up hope
and keep at it....
Love Danny and jewel
Hi Jean,
I am glad to hear that you had a nice Easter. I am sorry to hear that your bladder isn't healed yet, but that is great news that you are walking more, and that your nerves are waking up!
Love,
Kate S
Hey Jean.
I forget to mention in my last post, theres a
powder sold in GNC or any health food store called weight gainer.. mix it with milk and
ice cream.
it will work, give at a try...
Later,
Love Danny
Jean,
Thank you for letting us know how you're doing. I'm glad to see you're making progess each day. You have a spirit that will not be defeated.
All the best,
Howie
Posted by: Howie Sholkin at April 21, 2006 01:37 PMwell the good news is they did not ask you to join the fife and drum corps...ok, ok, not good. and you have the ball and chain for another week. darn that bladder anyway!!! but the ice cream thing sounds just super. glad you had a great easter and the shopping also is soo good for the soul.!!!hang in there. sounds like your leg is coming right along. zertog auntie s
Posted by: auntie sandy at April 21, 2006 03:32 PMDear Jean and Pat,
Oh gosh, I just wrote you a long note here and pressed something by mistake and it went away!!!!I have a love/hate relationship with my computer.I'm glad to read your blog as often as I can. Missed my computer in Medfield but I was too busy with David but I love him! He's adorable--just ask his Godmother, Marianne. Sent a surprise to you in the mail the other day and the postmaster said you should get it today(Fri.) It's our favorite game! I hope you love it as much as I and my friends do!!! Glad to hear you're doing better. You do so well to get out and get around Lexington, Burlington Mall, etc. Keep enjoying the good weather. Love, Anne and Richard
Hi Jean! I'd say your walk from the hospital to Harvard Square was quite an accomplishment indeed - my armpits are sore just thinking about it. Good to hear you are progressing so well. Perhaps you would be up for a visit from your cousin from Milton in the not so distant future? Please give your mom a hug for me - I was going thru some old family pictures when I was in Albany at Easter and ran across several of her. Love, Gabrielle
Posted by: Gabrielle Sullivan at April 22, 2006 07:35 AMThis is the first time that I e-mailed you. I cant type. Very happy to hear that you are feeling better. You have a great heart and inner strength that most people dont have. Patty and I pray for you each day that you will be blest and have a miracle recovery. We love you very much and we know you will perserevere. Love and prayers Joe & Patty
Posted by: joe at April 25, 2006 05:29 PM