Oh, the things that give a cause for joy – I no longer have a fifteen inch line of staples marching up my stomach. Hooray!
Karl and I made the longest trip in our history of driving to Chicago. Leaving South Bend at 1:30PM to allow more than enough time to travel 100 miles or so and be at Dr. Lurain's office for a 5:00PM appointment. But by the time we parked and got to the office it was 4:50PM – just in time. Heavy traffic and a 45 minute stop-and-barely-go stretch for bridge repair really ate up the time.
But we made it and Dr. Lurain had mostly good things to tell me. Everything is healing as it should, and he was very pleased at that. I do have a mild infection at the bottom of the incision so am now taking an antibiotic. It should clear up soon.
Other good news is that I'll do all the chemotherapy in South Bend with Dr. Bilal Ansari whom I know and like very much. Dr. Lurain set up the plan of which drugs and the timing, and Dr. Ansari will decide when I start. I'll talk to him on Monday to determine the first session and then they will be at three week intervals. The regimen is six sessions in all.
On a lighter note, we decided to wait out the worst of the rush hour by having dinner. We ate fish and chips at a fun place called the Elephant and Castle where Karl discovered all the British beers he loved on his many trips to the UK. So we'll be returning and staying overnight sometime in the future.
Please remember that I still need more of the wonderful support you've given up until now. So stick with me – I won't like losing my hair.
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Although this site started as a health update, there's more to Margaret's updates than that. This blog is to share inspirations and insights with my family and friends.
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5 comments:
Hi Margaret,
So glad to hear that you are feeling better and have shed your staples! While staples do make for an incision that heals well, patients often are a little disconcerted by the appearance of something on thier own bodies that looks like it might have been purchased at office depot!
While I have only recently been forwarded your blog, I have been praying for your daily. It seems that you have already been through and over many a hurdle, and as is typical of you, seem ready to face any challenge that comes your way.
You can count me among your growing cadre of prayer buddies of all faiths!
I would be delighted to be of any assistance for things like meals or errands, and while I know you have a huge group of very close friends who I suspect have already been helping, I would certainly welcome a chance to help you as well. It was not that long ago that I was blessed with help myself, and would be delighted to "pay it forward" as it were.
I know you are in good hands at Northwestern and here with the folks at Michiana Hemotology Oncology...and I also know that you have so many of the intangibles that make facing such a diagnosis easier. You are strong, resilient, a can do person with humor, resolve and grace to handle whatever comes your way.
Hugs,
Michele DeStefano
Hi Margaret.
Though both Duke and I have had you in our thoughts and prayers the last few weeks, I finally feel compelled to write you on this blog. BTW, I had never seen a blog before yours!
As you know, I've had a little experience in the "losing your hair department". It's not fun and very disconcerting when it falls out in clumps. It doesn't necessarily happen right away but when you see it start falling out, go to you hairdresser ASAP and get it cut really short. That way, it's not as bad to deal with. Also, you might lose your eyebrows and eyelashes. A good thing though is no more shaving legs and armpits!
The reason I'm writing is that I still have my 3 wigs. Want to be a blond or a redhead? You're welcome to borrow them until you get your own or as a change of pace if you tire of yours. Actually, I advise you to go get a wig soon, before you need it. That way, there'll be no lag in the way you look. Also, go get a light, comfortable turban. You'd be surprised how cold you can get at night with no hair on the top of your head!
Give me a call at the lake if you have any questions. Meantime, keep up with the great recovery you're making. You'll continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through chemo.
Hugs to you,
Andy
Hi Margaret,
I'm so glad you and Karl keep us up to date on your progress. Thank you for being so upbeat and positive - you are an amazing woman. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. When you feel like venturing out, come and see our fancy new offices. If we still share the same hairdresser, I know she has been wanting to give me a supershort cut for years. You may find it tres chic. And then it will grow back in that much faster. If it works for you, I may try it too. Take good care of yourself - allow a little laziness that I have never seen you indulge in otherwise.--Rose
Hello Margaret,
You and Karl are amazing with your energy and spirit. Thank you for letting all know about your recent appointment. Such good positive news.
I hope you know (an earlier message to you apparently did not come thru) that so many of your friends are praying for you, especially Sister Basil Anthony and the wonderful Sisters.
I am happy at a moments's notice to help you in any way possible. I can easily stop on my way to and from SMC. Marcia has my name and many others on her list for meals.
Pls tell Karl his grass continues to look stellar, despite the heat!
many hugs,
Mary Lou
Margaret,
We are so glad to hear your good report from Friday. Dennis and I really missed you and Karl on Sunday. You have been cheering Dennis on for the last seven years and now it's our turn to return the favor. I have a very large family and you have been on our collective prayer list for weeks! (includes several convents too boot!)
Please have Marcia let me know if we can do anything to be of assistance - large or small.
Thank you for keeping us up to date on your progress.
Cathy Andres
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