The Cancer saga (was:Good thoughts to Glitch Cat and me)

[Glitch Girl]

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.

[Cyber Burn]

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.

[JeyNyce]

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

Trying to put a smile on your face GG

[Glitch Girl]

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".

[thalaw2]

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.

[Reepicheep]

[JeyNyce]

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

[BentonGrey]

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?

[stumpy]

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. 

[Glitch Girl]

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 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]

[Glitch Girl]

 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.

[Tomato]

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

[Cyber Burn]

Thoughts and prayers are with you Glitch.

[AfghanAnt]

 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.

[Glitch Girl]

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. 

[Grendal_71]

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.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

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.

[BentonGrey]

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!

[Glitch Girl]

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. 

[Cyber Burn]

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.

[MikeB7]

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.   

[DrMike2000]

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.

[Deaths Jester]

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! 

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!

[XStream]

And if you decide those nipple hoses would help and you want them back, lemme know.   

*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).

[Glitch Girl]

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.

[Cyber Burn]

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

[stumpy]

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

[Reepicheep]

Best wishes, Glitch. My thoughts are with you!

[Alaric]

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

Best of luck.

[Ronin]

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