I have a text book cervix... and other fun ditties

In the midst of all this cancer stuff, I had to go in for my annual obgyn exam. My PA, Christie, asked me if I would allow a student from George Fox University to sit in on this exam. So, I told her that if this gal wanted to see me in all my exposed glory, then she deserved what she got.

As Christie was getting a sample from my cervix, she called the student over.

"Have you ever seen a cervix?"
"No, I haven't."
"Colleen, can she take a look?"
"Sure she can."
"Ok, this is what the cervix looks like."
"Wow, its just like the text book."
"Yes, it is. It's a text book cervix."

And so, another chapter in my life is written. Much like my nephew, Kevin, I have a text book cervix.

Tag, I'm it too!

Post the rules on your blog

*Write six random things about yourself
*Tag six-ish people at the end of your post
*Let each person know he/she has been tagged
*Let the tagger know when your entry is up

Six Random Things About Myself
1. I like to tape peoples cell phones shut and then call them
2. I've owned two motorcycles
3. I've danced on the Vegas stage show of "Nudes on Ice"
4. I'm nude under my clothes
5. I used to play the trumpet for fun
6. I can imagine seeing my sister Lori flapping in a west coast storm like a wind sock because she chose to wear overalls

I tag Channi, Kathy, mommy, Lori, Barb, and Gloria and whoever else feels like doing this tag.

Butt Shots it is! No Chemo

I can't believe that I just did a whole column about my latest updates and then closed the browser window without saving! :( So, now I have to rest, make some puzzle, eat a piece of sugar-free german chocolate cake and start over again. I'll think I'll work on the easy part, leaving all the green vegitation for mom.

In short for now, no chemo, but will get monthly sandostatin shots for about a year. Carcinoid primary site may be surgically removed, we'll know more on 10/28/08 about that. I'll have this for the rest of my life, which is expected to be a long and fruitful one. The shots will make the carcinoids go inert, making them stable.

Later!

My Bossie Sister Lori and Auntie Susan....

...are making me update the blog when all I want is to luxuriate under my cat, who would be keeping me conveniently warm. But he'll be still there, whereas my auntie and sister will also be there, but won't be bugging me. So...

The Octreotide scan of last week was kind of funny. I had to lay on my back with my hands and arms folded above my head for up to 2.5 hours. Knowing that it would be difficult for me to hold that position, the good looking med tech (named Brent) asked me if I'd like him to wrap tape around my wrists together, to help keep them in place. I've had enough scans and have had to "hold a position" without help to know that I really needed the help. After all, how can I take a nap and hold my position? So, he wrapped tape around my wrists, when they were placed above my head. I also have a warm blanket covering me, which was very nice.

Brent was adjusting my position under the scanner, which I was laying under, when he said "can you show me your crotch area?" He needed to know where it was as a reference for the botton of the scan placement. Obliging him (not ogling him), I moved my bound hands down in the direction of my "crotch area", but couldn't reach over my tummy's summit, so I had to sit up (such as it was) to get over the tummy summit. All the while I was thinking, I can't wait to blog about how he wound my wrists up together and then asked me to show him my "crotch area" over my warm blankie. Task accomplished! And then I did nap, and it was A-OK. I went back the next day for an additional few scans and then I was done.

I had my second radiation treatment today, which went well. It took me 45 minutes to drive to and from the hospital (which is only 10 minutes away from where I work) and only 5 minutes to do the treatment. Go figure.

I'll continue these scans until October 20 (Monday), going in every morning. On this coming Friday, Mom and I will find out about the primary cancer site treatment. I believe I'll be getting chemo for about 6 months, based on the scenario where it isn't a carcinoid. When I was getting my Octreoscans, I could see the image forming and there wasn't a carcinoid in it. It will only show a carcinoid, not a small cell carcinoma.

I've been getting regular calls from Providence Cancer Care staff to check in on my well-being and to see if I have questions or need anything. Also, I will be getting an appointment soon with a nutritionist, who will go over my special needs diet during the chemo treatment (taking my diabetes into account).

Well, I need to retire to the couch to watch a movie. :)

I'm a tattoo'd hoochie-momma!!!

Today, I started radiation and my arm hurts. I'm not sure why. They had to give me three small pin sized tattoos around the spot that is being radiated. You would hardly be able to tell them apart from my old people dots. The procedure was painless, but my skin is slightly sore, like a sun burn and my arm just hurts, like I've been using it all day. So, this entry will be short tonight.

This coming Friday, mom and I will be going to see Dr. Patil to get the rest of the diagnosis and treatment. I'll write a lot more maybe tomorrow...

I'm going to sit now and be very quiet.