Well, cancer treatments are done, and cryo-ablation is scheduled for next week. Do it is one down; one to go here in Pennsylvania. Last week I got my first Zometa infusion. I do not feel I had any side effects at all. I did have some bruising at the IV site due to my blood thinners. My next infusion is in March. I have a follow up with the Radiation Oncologist tomorrow, then no cancer doctors until December!! It feels like that is all I have seen in the past 6 months since this all began in March.
Next up–Cardiac Cryo-Ablation
I have confirmed with my electrophysiology office that my procedure has been approved for 9/21. I wanted to make sure instead of hearing about a problem at the last minute like last time! After a slew of appointments last week and this week, I will have a relatively quiet time until next Thursday. On that day, I will get to spend most of the day in the hospital. Apparently, I will have to lay flat on my back for 4-5 hours after the procedure.. If you know someone who has had a cardiac catheterization, this is basically the same principle. I just have to lay longer due to the blood thinners. I am more dreading THAT than the actual procedure. My back hurts like HELL when I have to lay flat for any length of time.
Well, it seems that my medical saga is winding down–at least THIS chapter of it! I am thankful and grateful for all of the people who have helped care for me! My family (of course), friends and neighbors, coworkers, even people I barely know–everyone has been so supportive and kind. Most of all, everyone on all of the medical teams that I have come into contact with have been amazing! I’ve dealt with four hospitals, five specialists, plus a SLEW of ancillary staff. There have also been outpatient facilities where I got my ultrasounds and physical therapy. All of these places and people have made this journey a bit smoother.
Beaver Wine Festival
We did take a brief sojourn from medical things this past weekend. We attended the Beaver Wine Festival in Beaver, PA. My daughter’s boyfriend bought us tickets a while ago, and I am glad I went. We got to sample MANY different wines, mostly from places that are small and local. I bought a bottle of white wine, a fifth of homemade vodka, and a wine slushy bag. This is a whole bottle of wine in a bag that you put in the freezer.
Ray bought several bottles of wine and a delicious creamy limoncello that is a perfect after dinner drink. We were very responsible and got an Uber both ways! We had dinner at a newer restaurant right on the river called The Standard. The view was absolutely stunning. The food was passable and the drinks were strong. I got a bulk slushy cocktail, but Kendyl and Ray both got mixed drinks and commented on this. The environment was VERY loud, though, and it was hard to hear each other. It was nice to get out and do something other than go to the store or for a medical appointment.
Up Next!
So, now that the medical saga is settling down, I plan to start posting about past trips! There are many to choose from. I never finished my review of our pre-pandemic trip to Salem. I also went to Dallas for a conference, and NYC to see Seth, both just before everything closed down. In fact, I was in NYC until March 2, 2020, and everything shut down a week later! Since travel ramped back up I have had a few trips. I have been to Florida to see cousins twice, NYC to see Seth and attend Hamilton.
Travel has also included Colorado for a conference, and a river cruise in Portugal! In addition, I had a few road trips. One to the hills of WV to relax. We also went to Cherry Springs, PA to try and stargaze. Sadly, there was never a clear night. Most recently to Cleveland, Ohio with a side trip to see a cousin and my half-sisters who live nearby. So I have a plethora of trips to choose from! I might start with NYC since I have some amazing pictures from both trips. Or write about the amazing time we had in Portugal!
What would you all like to read about?? I’m happy to write about any of the places I’ve been! Maybe I will even pull out my old blog posts and write about some of the places in more detail. I would focus more on the places rather than just what I did with whom! I realize my writing needs a bit more color!
Requests more than welcome!