December 17, 2007

Let me wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year 2008.

As I've said to some of my friends a long time ago, I was looking forward to 2008 thinking all of this cancer recovery would be well over. As of December 21, the wound vacuum will be coming off for good. I have had it since Sept. 7th - a mere 3-1/2 months. The wound is closing up about a 1/2 centimeter a week (about 1/4 to 1/8"). I'm trying to get my heel down slowly and lay my foot flat on the ground. After the vacuum is taken off, I might be able to put some weight on it. I'll still have to have some physical therapy to get walking again.

The CT scan that I had two weeks ago was clear. This will be the base scan for future scans that I have to undergo every three months. Soon I'll have an MRI for the same purpose. The oncologist did say that my chances of getting cancer in another part of my body from this incident is very, very slim. That was good to hear.

Good news! Since summer, I have dropped 35 pounds. Not being able to walk or jump up to get those snacks, ice cream not tasting right along with chocolate, is doing me good. When eating meals, my appetite was not great and I ate smaller proportions. I'm trying to get used to the smaller proportions to keep the weight off, but the doctors say my appetite will come back. NO NO NO.

Bad news! Remember when I said how fast my hair came in when they took me off chemo to get ready for surgery, well, this time it's not coming in as fast. Several people have told me (including my hairdresser) that your hair grows slower in the winter months. All I have now after a month is stubble. Hopefully by spring I can toss the wig.

My childhood friend, Ellen, took me shopping at the Cherry Hill Mall last Friday. What I couldn't order online, I was able to get in two hours. Sometimes you just have to see in person some things you want to get. I still have to get some stocking stuffers, but the presents are all wrapped. At least I can do that sitting down!

My next appointment with the surgeon is January 8th. So I'll being talking to you next year. Thank you to my friends and relatives who have read this blog and remind me when I get behind. It is your support and prayers that have kept me going throughout this long ordeal. God Bless.