Cheese Update

Hello Sisters:

Well, today I had a renal stent inserted in my right kidney. I have a little blockage in my left but doesn’t warrant a stent. Surgery very easy but stent continues to be a little painful but not unbearable.  They Narced me up after surgery but I am not currently on pain pills. The prescribed some of that medication for irritable bladder. Seems to be working on the bladder spasms. I only have pain when urinating and regular urges to urinate but bearable pain. If only I could sit on the toilet all the time! I am anticipating this will improve. I’m going to Florida on Feb 22 so I hope it’s better. 

The urologist still doesn’t know what’s causing this. Could be radiation damage or could be cancer. It’s a watch and wait situation. Meanwhile I’m hoping the Megace is still working.Good news is there’s no kidney damage. So on to schedule the Prolia infusion and try to solve the migraine issue. I don’t care for my current neurologist and it’s taken til April 2 for me to get an appointment with a Penn neurologist. Unfortunately I’ve gained 10 pounds on the Megace and I can’t say I wonder why!

Meanwhile I’m doing fairly well. Taking in an occasional movie with my Movie Pass, celebrating my son’s 26th birthday watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl (Fly Eagles Fly) and planning our next trip to Florida. I’m pretty deconditioned again so much f it ever warms up I’ll have to start walking again. Trying to enjoy every day. My next CT and Renal Scan will be the end of April. Trying to enjoy a joyous life until then. You are all in my prayers every night. 

Susan

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Comments

  • saltycandy13
    saltycandy13 Member Posts: 167 Member
    Migraines!

    Hi Susan, I suffer from Migraines too.  Are you using Imitrex?  I use that and they had me on Vicodin for a while but I got off of it.  I now use extra strength tylenol for the headaches and cold compresses.  I did try BOTOX.  Didn't work.    I have to see my neurologist too March 12.  He mentioned giving me marijuana pills!  I am adverse to that sort of drug.  Really don't believe in marijuana.  I doubt I will try that.

    As far as the urination thing, maybe bring a magazine to the bathroom.  I've had bouts of over active bladder and it's a pain you know where.

    I will keep you in my prayer list and pray it is not cancer!  Keep your spirits up for your trip.  Now, that sounds great.  I think that will make you happy.  Until then, you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I have quite a list of people.

    God bless!

    Karen

  • MugsBugs
    MugsBugs Member Posts: 111 Member
    Cheese - sorry you are going through this!

    I am sorry you have to go through this!  Go to Florida and have a good time. I am praying that the kidney issues are a result of the radiation.  Radiation is hard on the body.  Go Eagles -wasn’t that amazing!  I am a Redskins fan but have family in Philly so I am really happy they won!

    Take care of yourself!

    Betty

  • Northwoodsgirl
    Northwoodsgirl Member Posts: 571
    edited February 2018 #4
    CheeseQueen57

    Glad to hear the stent is bearable. Sounds like time in Florida is something to look forward to. Glad you and your son enjoyed watching the Super Bowl. I live in Minneapolis suburb and from what I can tell the Super Bowl went off quite well. I‘ll keep you in my prayers that your kidney issues are NOT cancer. You are like me ....one day at a time we live with joy and thankfulness. ((Hug))

    Lori

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member

    Migraines!

    Hi Susan, I suffer from Migraines too.  Are you using Imitrex?  I use that and they had me on Vicodin for a while but I got off of it.  I now use extra strength tylenol for the headaches and cold compresses.  I did try BOTOX.  Didn't work.    I have to see my neurologist too March 12.  He mentioned giving me marijuana pills!  I am adverse to that sort of drug.  Really don't believe in marijuana.  I doubt I will try that.

    As far as the urination thing, maybe bring a magazine to the bathroom.  I've had bouts of over active bladder and it's a pain you know where.

    I will keep you in my prayer list and pray it is not cancer!  Keep your spirits up for your trip.  Now, that sounds great.  I think that will make you happy.  Until then, you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I have quite a list of people.

    God bless!

    Karen

    Thank you Karen

    imitrix is out of the question because of my afib and previous stroke. Unfortunately because of my now numerous comorbidities the migraines are hard to treat. I just got my medical marijuana card in PA unfortunately the dispensaries haven’t opened yet and I’m not averse to trying it. I know many people that have been helped and had run out of traditional treatment options. When you’re in pain you’ll try anything. 

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,353 Member
    edited February 2018 #6
    Susan, thank you for the

    Susan, thank you for the update.  I am sorry to hear everything you are having to go through, and even though you have to wait, I applaud you for getting a new neurologist if you are not happy with your current one.  We are putting our life in thier hands and we have to like them.  

    As for football, I am a Steelers fan, but I am glad your Eagles beat the Patriots!

  • saltycandy13
    saltycandy13 Member Posts: 167 Member
    Cheese

    We have a marijuana dispensary right here where I live in Rochester, NY.  Would that in some way help?

    My doctor did tell me that he has patients that it does work for and gets rid of the headaches, but I've been very reluctant to try it.

    I saw a show the other night about medical marijuana and it sort of scared me.  They mentioned "carcinogens."  How do they get that out of the pills?  I'm not well versed on this!

    Karen

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,677 Member
    edited February 2018 #8
    Hi, Susan

    Appreciate the update. You have been on such a roller coaster since your diagnosis. I cringe at the description of the stents. Hope you can try the medical marijuana and it brings you some relief. From what I read, it has a lot fewer side effects than other drugs we deal with.  Good luck. 

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member

    Cheese

    We have a marijuana dispensary right here where I live in Rochester, NY.  Would that in some way help?

    My doctor did tell me that he has patients that it does work for and gets rid of the headaches, but I've been very reluctant to try it.

    I saw a show the other night about medical marijuana and it sort of scared me.  They mentioned "carcinogens."  How do they get that out of the pills?  I'm not well versed on this!

    Karen

    Medical marijuana

    i have to do more research but figured I’d be ready if I need it. I’m sure my oncologist won’t think much of it. She’s very conservative but she might surprise me. My PCP did.  From what I read, most states aren’t honoring cards from other states right now but DC is working on a system to do that. Too bad my son will soon be moving out of that area but by that time PA should be up and running. My doctor was recommending oil. 

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,353 Member
    edited February 2018 #10

    Medical marijuana

    i have to do more research but figured I’d be ready if I need it. I’m sure my oncologist won’t think much of it. She’s very conservative but she might surprise me. My PCP did.  From what I read, most states aren’t honoring cards from other states right now but DC is working on a system to do that. Too bad my son will soon be moving out of that area but by that time PA should be up and running. My doctor was recommending oil. 

    do you mean CBD oil?  That is

    do you mean CBD oil?  That is more readily available in states that do not allow marijuana.  

  • evolo58
    evolo58 Member Posts: 293 Member
    Hope everything turns out OK.

    Hope everything turns out OK.

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member

    do you mean CBD oil?  That is

    do you mean CBD oil?  That is more readily available in states that do not allow marijuana.  

    CBD

    Don’t really know. PA has approved medical marijuana. They just don’t have their dispensaries up and running yet. Should be by March. 

  • saltycandy13
    saltycandy13 Member Posts: 167 Member
    edited February 2018 #13
    ugh

    I think getting this stuff is not going to be easy.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions wants to do away with all of it.  But then I hear it can be state mandated.  Our governor here, is very supportive of it.  My husband has been trying to get it for his spinal stenosis but hasn't had much luck.

    There are a group of Neurologists in Buffalo NY where I go and they write scripts for the pills.  It's at the Dent Institute in Amherst NY. right outside the city.

    Karen

  • derMaus
    derMaus Member Posts: 558 Member
    Thanks for the update, Susan.

    Thanks for the update, Susan. I've been wondering how you're doing so I appreciate your letting us know. It's really amazing what we can put our bodies through - BEFORE you even get to the cancer part - and they keep going, somehow, but they sure aren't happy. I have no experience with migranes, but I've had one or two brutal hormone-related headaches, complete with nausea, and that was enough to convince me I didn't want any more. I can't imagine dealing with such a thing on a regular basis, and admire your strength in dealing with that AND the kidney stent. Please keep us updates; you are in my thoughts and prayers. Best always, B

  • barnyardgal
    barnyardgal Member Posts: 272 Member
    edited February 2018 #15
    Thank you for the update.

    Thank you for the update. Praying for you and hope you have a great time in Florida.

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    Cheese, 

    Cheese, 

    Thanks for taking the time to update us. I hope you find relief very soon. The weather here in Florida is wonderful right now. I know you will enjoy your trip.

    Stay strong sweet lady.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • MAbound
    MAbound Member Posts: 1,168 Member
    Way to go!

    Susan, I keep looking at this thread all day and just can't seem to find the right words to say how sorry I am that you have to keep going through one thing after another. It's so unfair...but I really admire how you keep plugging away at each new thing and still manage to make future plans and find ways to keep enjoying life in between it all. Way to go! If we have to live with cancer, that's the way to do it!

  • ckdgedmom
    ckdgedmom Member Posts: 166 Member
    I am so sorry

    Susan I am so sorry you are going through this...you are a Wonder Woman to me!

    I'm behind on posts because I have spent the last 2 weeks locked in a theater with high school kids doing Legally Blonde...I have missed you ladies but sad when I see a fellow warrior going through something...

    sending love and healing vibes...

  • EZLiving66
    EZLiving66 Member Posts: 1,482 Member
    I am so sorry you have to go

    I am so sorry you have to go through this but you amaze me with your stamina. The Florida weather has been beautiful and it's supposed to stay that way. Are you going to be on the gulf coast??  If so,  I'm here!! Come and visit or we could meet?? 

    Thinking of you!

    Love, 

    Eldri 

  • MoeKay
    MoeKay Member Posts: 476 Member
    Florida Sun will be just what your bones need

    Hi Susan,

    Sorry to hear about your need for the kidney stent.  You are one tough cookie, that's for sure.  I admire your determination not to let any of this crap interfere with your life any more than it absolutely has to.  That Vitamin D from the Florida sun will work wonders on your bones.  Hope you get some relief ASAP from those lousy migraines!!

    Have a wonderful trip!

    Maureen

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    Status

    Fortunately the migraines have let up but I’m not going to kid you, this stent is hell. I thought I was going to die this morning from the pain. I’m on Flomax and something to reduce the urgency but I guess it takes a while to kick in. Bladder spasms are like labor pains. Yuk. All you want to do is sit on the toilet. I had to resort to taking Tramedol this morning. I’m doing ok now but I hate taking that, but I guess sometimes it’s necessary. The doctor’s office called me this morning and pretty much said this is to be expected and should get better. I feel like Job. 

    I‘m determined to get this under control for Florida next week.