The Inspiration

Giant Underpants!

I found a uterine cancer online support group and have been checking in for hints for the hospital stay and afterward. They have been very helpful and have given me hints such as, get some giant underwear at least two sizes bigger than you normally wear and watch out for wicked attacks of gas pain. Also, take earplugs and a facial mask to the hospital so you can get some sleep. I am heeding their warnings and preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.

PAT Tests

The big ordeal right now is going through the series of examinations and tests to get ready for the surgery. I finished the last of them today (I hope) and should not have to be poked by a needle again until I arrive in pre-op.

I have already experienced the joy of arguing on the phone with the insurance company and then a doctor's billing office. My insurance is claiming that one of my doctors is "out of plan" and he is not, so that issue is not yet resolved. We are lucky we have insurance, but my Canadian relatives are marvelling at the whole issue of having to argue about health coverage. Jerry keeps saying we could move and end the problem.

I have found what I already was true - you are your only reliable advocate so you better stay on top of the situation.

Carmel Corn

There was a recent incident with macadamia nut carmel corn and a tooth which now involves a new crown. Seems that everything is deciding to go at the same time - much like an old car.

A World of Colors

Everyone is familiar with the Pink and Red ribbons
"Who does not want to wear the ribbon?!?!"
It seems that all the illnesses have their own color and it is a rainbow of sickness out there. Turns out that Uterine cancer is peach, hence the background color on this blog. There is one sad footnote to my recent introduction to the color spectre of cancer - colorectal has chosen brown to represent them.

The Diagnosis

I have to thank my GP Dr. Bloom for sticking with me and insisting that I have my yearly pap test and an ultrasound, and then recommending I see a gynocologist when the ultrasound looked odd. The gynochologist Dr. Janicki found a polyp right away and sceduled a d&c (which I wanted to back out of) and from there it was discovered I had grade 1 (stage undetermined) Uterine cancer. The complete hysterectomy is scheduled for May 3rd. After that, pathology will determine the extent of the stage, however my gynocological oncologist is very optimistic that it will be all the treatment I will need. Her name is Dr. Zanotti and she is affiliated with the University Hospital System in Cleveland. the surgery will take place at the MacDonald Women's Hospital

My Mom will be in town for about a week to make sure Jerry and Conner don't run wild while I am in the hospital.