Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Bronchoscopy

Well today was the day of the bronchoscopy. Trying to discover what the "thing" is in my lung. Arrived at STPH about 7:20 AM. Finished paperwork with admitting and was in the elevator headed up by 7:30 AM. Everything went fast...in room right away. Weight on admittance was 130.2 pounds. Lightest so far even with giant Saucony's on.

Was growing a little worried this morning before leaving home but Pastor called at the perfect time and prayed with me over phone. Calm result. Nothing like communicating with God when worry sets in. I'd been saying prayers myself all yesterday and this morning but there is something special when a friend can pray for me. Thanks Rev. Thank God

Anyway, everyone very nice at hospital and took such good care of me. IV (which I dread) was painless thanks to Martha. Taken to procedure room early (before scheduled 9 AM time) by Nurse Debbie. Really don't like to wait around! Believe worse part was breathing treatment to numb throat...weird inhaling meds and could feel throat "going away". Saw the doctor come in (thank God for him) and that's all I remember (thank God for sedation). I believe I was back home around 10:30 AM and promptly undressed and crawled back into bed for a nap. Woke again around 12:30 PM, took some sips of water and decided throat had recovered and I could probably eat something. Finally had 1/2 sandwich (tuna) around 1:30 PM and feel more back to normal.

Waiting to hear from doctor. Want to talk to him myself...he did tell hubby everything went well and, I think, he sent specimens for lab work. I'll know more when I can ask him my usual thousand questions. As I said before, thank God for my doctor.

Friend is having foot operation today also. Have not been able to get in touch to see how she's doing. Left message on phones...hope someone can call later. Her recovery will be lots longer than mine has been...foot on pillows and such.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Still Here

It's been awhile since I posted on the blog. I've been trying to get over the breathing problems and coughing. Will see pulmonologist today for function tests. Hope something is found so I can treat and get going full steam again.

Also trying to get neck back into pre-pain condition. Had MRI on 6-19. Saw ortho dr. yesterday and was told no glaring serious problems. Will see PT next week to try and get on program to relieve pain, stablize neck, increase flexibility and strengthen. I'm ready to get on with painfree life.

Still (or rather back) to working out as before trip out west. Last official weight (at doctor's) was 133.1. That's with shoes and such. I've weighed myself on home scale right out of shower and it shows 130. I'm very happy with my success and hope to continue, with God's help, keeping the weight off. Weight is probably this low because I don't have any muscles. Need to pump up the weights at the gym. Before now, and still, trying to keep pain away from my hips and legs as well as shoulder and neck.

Said goodbye to friend on 6-19. Robin Childs passed away on 6-12 after long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She is my second really tough friend to beat this disease through death. Robin once told me that death can be the healing from pain and disease. She told me this as we remembered my friend, Mary, who had been praying for healing. I believe what Robin said...trust in God and He will deliver you. Robin has been delivered to God's family in heaven having finished His purpose for her on earth. Remember Robin's faith in Jesus Christ, her faith in friends and family, and her purpose for living those gifts in full view of those around her. Believe me...there is a party going on in heaven right now with smiles all around. What a joyful thought.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Back home after long trip out west. On our way to Meteor Crater in Arizona we ran into sand storm blowing across I-40. Unbelieveable! Don't know how Jim kept the rig on the road. Had some small damage to the awning but able to continue trip. I-40 shut down for one night so we camped in Flying J. Managed to inhale LOTS of sand and developed some breathing problems which remained for the entire trip. Still having cough but saw doctor yesterday. Weight 133.8.

Enjoyed seeing the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Capitol Reef NP, Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Monument Valley, Hovenweep NM, and Mesa Verde NP.

Trip ended on very sad note. My niece, Maggie Brown (18) was killed in a car accident in Indianapolis IN. Leaving Mesa Verde on our way to Santa Fe, NM, we got the news. Cancelled rest of plans and headed straight to mom's in Palestine, TX. Flew to Indianapolis on Monday, 5-25 to attend funeral next day. Still cannot believe.