My Buddies

My Buddies
Hanging out at Forest Park with Heather & Christina

Friday, August 19, 2011

Hello again...

Well, you know the saying, "No news is good news." That's exactly how I feel right now. This past Wednesday, I challenged myself to a full day of activity: computer training class, CPR renewal class, appointment with Dr. Mutch, and adjunct faculty training class. I was completely exhausted after all this activity, but it also signified my readiness to return back to work. Dr. Mutch was reluctant to release me back to clinical work due to the risk of developing a hernia and amount of lifting that I may have to perform. Pragmatically, sure I could return back to clinical work and ask for help for when assisting patients out of bed to the bathroom, etc; however knowing that I would likely not ask for help...it's just better to stay away from the clinical setting another 2 months. The last thing I need is a hernia repair. He did allow me to return back to Maryville since lifting books would be acceptable and just take things slow. Good thing the first week of returning will be filled with meetings all day- all week. This past week was also a joyful time for me. My 2 great friends Heather & Christina from San Jose State left their babies to come spend time with me. During their visit I took them around town: the Arch, Forest Park, and a few wineries, too. The best part of their visit was having them around and catching up on each other lives. All 3 of us agreed, that whenever we see each other it "feels like home."
So yeah, I feel really good overall. I can now do easy housekeeping stuff and even attempted to vacuum one room (then I rested and never returned to vacuuming). I am also taking advantage of my limited appetite by eating more fresh vegetables and fruits. Figured this diagnosis could benefit from the fresh stuff, rather than the overprocessed stuff.
As for my sis...Monica has also returned back to work. She, too was fortunate with the early diagnosis. Her treatment will entail taking a special medication that will not allow the microscopic cancer cells to multiply. The drawback to the medication will essentially start her menopause (just like me) - no chemo or radiation is slated for her either! My parents are now recovering from the back and forth trips between Dallas and St Louis last month. They have been a tremendous help to our recovery and a constant source of support.
So my postings here will likely go to a hiatus mode since my health is quite good. I will just need checkups with my gyneocological oncologist every 6 months to ensure I remain cancer free.
Thanks again for all your support and positive well wishes!
Love,
Robyn

Monday, August 1, 2011

Trying to stay busy...Post-Op Recovery Week #4

Everyone,
Being a 'busy body' has it's pitfalls...I am having trouble staying home and keeping myself busy. Last week, I spent most of the week driving Jessica to and from camp at the St. Louis Zoo. This week I headed back to work (well, not physically - but on the computer) preparing for next semester which begins later this month.
Jessica will return back to school mid August as a 5th grader, and with Dr. Mutch's clearance I hope to return to Maryville on the 22nd. When I return, the first week will be spent sitting down, which will help me ease into the semester. To be completely honest, not too sure if I can last being home past the 22nd... with Jessica returning back to school on the 16th, not too sure what I would do each day at home. I have already organized the closets...and really you can only organize so much in the house. I feel more productive at work than at home.
My good college buddies (from San Jose State), Christina and Heather will be flying in for visit to check in on me. Hopefully, by then I will be well enough to take them wine tasting and maybe Grant's Farm (petting zoo/park owned by Anheuser Busch family).
Physiologically, I feel a pull and tug every now and then...but largely due to the combination of being inactive and the internal healing that continues to happen inside my abdomen. I still look 3 months pregnant with a pudgy belly. This 'look' will gradually decrease with improved abdominal strength.
With the recent discovery that no further chemo/radiation will be required, the next 5 years will be spent monitoring for any reoccurance of cancer and will need to focus on maintaining my health. My sister is gradually improving as well. She has occasional bouts with fatigue that she manages with rest and naps. Her final oncology report is still pending, so we are all waiting anxiously what her next stage of treatment will be.
Again, thank you for all your positive thoughts and prayers. Words cannot describe how I thankful I am to have such positive friends and family. Even though I live far, you are near to my heart... (sob, sob...)
Always,
Robyn

Thursday, July 28, 2011

On the road again...

This past week, I feel tremendously better (compared to last week). I can easily drive and tolerate sitting for long periods of time now the stitches are out. My appetite is slowly improving, but still not in the mood for fish or heavily salted foods...I think this one has to do with the fact the first thing I could eat was a super-salty beef broth (liquid diet), which was far from yummy. Still hoping to return to work, since this busy-body (me) needs to get hopping mid August.
My sister is doing well as she recovers from the major Disney trip last week. She is waiting to hear final pathology reports from her radical mastectomy and you can bet I'm nagging her to do her shoulder exercises!
Love ya!
Robyn