Day 354

It was my birthday today. I also had an appointment with my oncologist this afternoon. I know. A fun way to spend your birthday, right?

Since Chuck is out of hours at work my dad took me over to see Dr. Hughes. I spent the morning at mom’s napping and eating cookies. (Entenmann’s Madelines) It was good to see my nurse Pat and Dr. Hughes. I genuinely like everyone over there in Radiation Oncology department, which made the idea of having an appointment with my oncologist on my birthday less crappy.

Thankfully there was good news to be had all around. She is happy with how my head is healing, I passed all my neurological tests, she says I’m doing well and I don’t have to be back to see her for 2 whole months. Yay! In even better news I don’t need to have any scans before my appointment in February. I asked her about how often I’ll have to be monitored and checked now that the October scans showed no evidence of tumor. She said maybe every 4 months or so. We will talk more about this and she’ll decide if I need an MRI to establish a baseline (there will be changes from this last surgery) at my appointment in February.

Before I go back to see Dr. Hughes in February I have to make an appointment and see Dr. Bussey, who is my neurosurgeon. Dr. Hughes said that she, Dr. Matthews and Dr. Bussey are all part of my team and each plays their own role so I’ll have to see him too. *pout* I was hoping to never see him again. Don’t get me wrong, he’s brilliant and he saved my life and I’d recommend him to anyone who needed a neurosurgeon but let’s just say he’s not exactly warm and fuzzy. He scares me. *shiver* I think I’ll hold off on making this appointment until after Christmas. I can live without knowing whether or not he thinks I need an MRI before I see him. I’m developing a serious fear of IVs and needles now that people seem to be unable to find a vein to use. (my bruises have bruises)

I also have to start walking, 20 minutes each day per Dr. Hughes’ orders. Anyone want to be my walking buddy?

All in all it was a good birthday. I’m cancer free, my head is healing well, I don’t have to be back to see Dr. Hughes until February and the hubs treated me to take out spaghetti from the Olive Garden, he also brought me home carrot cake cupcakes from Brown Betty (my favorite) and the kitties gave me the nicest birthday card, I spent the day with mom and dad, and I had more than 30 birthday messages on Facebook today. I’m alive, well, cancer free and on the mend. You can’t ask for more than that. I am indeed blessed beyond measure. Thanks so much for stopping by. I love you all.

With Much Love & Great Affection,

~ Carol Anne