Finally - movement in the right direction!!!
My husband’s EGD and the biopsy results came back negative for cancer. But cancer cells are small little devils that can be missed in that sampling. So another test was ordered called Guardiant360 which is a liquid biopsy blood test for cancer DNA circulating in the blood. That test also came back negative!! All the news is very encouraging. He is officially in remission and scheduled for his first surveillance PET scan in September. Routine surveillance testing will be in his life for some time. Hopefully that will give us a jump on any further problems if they develop. He still has low blood counts but, at present, they want to just watch that problem.
This "win” for him is a window for me. Knee replacement - here I come. It has been scheduled for September 12! I am in the middle of many many to-dos in preparation for this surgery. Get clearance from my various specialists. (So far all my specialists say I am “good to go.” Thank God. I couldn’t take another delay.) Make home arrangements and transportation arrangements. Schedule PT appointments. While some reports indicate that this surgery recovery can long and difficult, just taking one positive step forward to fix this knee has lifted my spirits.
Meanwhile I am struggling with fatigue. And after more than a year of reduced activity and increasing pain not to mention the low blood counts I have had since my kidney surgery in 2023 - the whole of my life has taken a significant hit! I am forced to avoid walking for exercise as it does nothing but aggravate my knee. I even avoid extra steps in the house. And so much time spent on a walker has messed with my balance. If I focus on something intently while standing (like grapes in a grocery store - normal stuff) - I can find my self tilting left or right or backwards. I am aware of it fairly quickly and adjust but it is disturbing.
September 12th can’t get here fast enough. Physical therapy and I have a lot to correct post surgery.
7 comments:
Yay for your husband’s remission. Wonderful news! Now it is your turn, my friend. Just a few weeks to relief. Hang in there as you prepare for surgery and blessed relief.
Such encouraging reports on your husband's health! That's got to be a huge emotional load lifted for both of you. And now you can look forward to some relief, too; wonderful! There are lots of core exercises you can do seated; I'd look some up and get started right away. Having a strong core will improve your balance and reduce fall risk before and after surgery – essential!
Oh YAY!!! Good news all the way around!! I'm so happy that the news for your husband is all good and that you are on your way to your new knee!! I know what you mean - I tried riding the recumbent bike because I thought it would be easier on my knees and woke up to pain. So that's out. I've been able to walk more recently so that helps a great deal but my stamina is pretty low, as well. I think it could be next year for my new knees.
Yes, just a few weeks to go. I am eager to be on the other side of this.
I was given a very detailed book that provided a specific set of exercises to be done twice a day until surgery. And in addition I have added the exercises for my plantar fasciitis and for my back - and recently added for my abdomen. Believe me, the Mercy Hospital organization has provided printed and video materials of every single aspect from the point of scheduling until I complete PT. I am very impressed with their providers and their organization.
If I could go out for a walk, I would be so happy but it has been more than a year since I could do that. Taking a walk, climbing stairs and getting my balance back to normal are my 3 goals.
Such wonderful news. I came across your blog today and wanted to leave a comment. Warm greetings from a retired lady living in Montreal, Canada 😊 ❤️ 🇨🇦
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